Hey,
It’s an odd one today. I’m almost finished with my Bonneville epic. It’s a tough one, but I should have it launched tomorrow or Saturday. I get so anxious to keep the content flying that I launch before our official copy editor rolls through the text. No matter how many times I read my copy, he still finds numerous typos.
There’s a writer’s rule: You can’t edit your own copy. I find if I can walk away from it for a couple of days, then re-read it aloud, I catch lots of glaring errors, but there’s that anxious-to-share secenario again. I could tell you some cryptic writing stories, but that’s the tech side of stories, sorta back stage.
To my feeble way of thinking, there are two major aspects to writing: The base story line and writing style. You can be the best writer in the world, but if you don’t have a dazzling story to tell, all your fine prose don’t mean shit. On the other hand you may have the story of the century in your mind, but if you can’t craft it, it loses a tremendous amount of impact. But still the leg-wettin’ story is the base and most important.
So let’s see what the news holds for us:
CANNONBALL ROLLING ACROSS THE COUNTRY– Murdo, Sturgis and Sheridan, Wyo., will serve as pit stops for the cross-country Motorcycle Cannonball 2012 Endurance Race that started Friday in Newburgh, N.Y., the home of Motorcyclepedia Museum.
The 3,956-mile marathon has a total of 16 stages and is scheduled to end Sept. 23 in San Francisco. The more than 70 riders and their vintage motorcycles will make stops in Wellsboro, Pa., Sandusky, Ohio, Milwaukee, and in Anamosa and Spirit Lake, Iowa, before stopping Wednesday night in Murdo.
According to race’s website, the ride to Murdo is 326 miles, making it the longest stage of the cross-country race.
On Thursday, the motorcyclists go to Sturgis, where they will take their only one-day break in the race before starting Stage 8 on Saturday, which goes to Sheridan, Wyo., before continuing to Idaho, Oregon and finishing in northern California.
Matt Olson is the only South Dakotan registered as a participant in the race. According to motorcyclecannonball.com, he is riding a 1928 Harley-Davidson JD. Motorcycles built after 1929 are not eligible to win the race.
Hells Angels’ RAW deal– Sydney, Australia–The Hells Angels outsourced the shooting and bashing of rival gang members to a feeder group calling itself RAW, bikie sources have said.
Last Saturday, a Rebels bikie associate was shot and three other men were seriously hurt when a group of balaclava-clad men armed with bats and a gun stormed their gang’s clubhouse in Huskisson on the south coast.
Bikie sources have told The Sun-Herald newspaper that the attacking group, known locally as Red And White, or RAW, and has links to the Hells Angels, who rely on the men to disrupt the Rebels’ illegal activities.
”They are a gang of about 30 blokes and the Hells Angels use them because if they tried to push in there themselves there would be a serious blue on,” a source said. ”They don’t ride bikes or are that organised but do the Hells Angels’ dirty work in the area.”
Shoalhaven police confirmed the existence of the RAW group but said the NSW State Crime Command’s Gangs Squad had taken over the investigation into the shooting.
The Gangs Squad Superintendent, Arthur Katsogiannis, declined to comment on theories behind the latest bikie attack.
”We are concerned there could be retribution for this incident and we are appealing to anyone who may have information to assist police,” he said.
Superintendent Katsogiannis said police investigations ”had hit a brick wall” because of Rebels gang members refusing to talk to them.
”It is difficult to investigate when people don’t co-operate with police,” he said.
While details remain sketchy, police confirmed a 27-year-old was shot in the leg, a 39-year-old was left with serious head injuries, fractured ribs and a fractured hand, and a 37-year-old sustained severe head injuries. The men went to Shoalhaven Hospital on Saturday night with a fourth man arriving later with head and back injuries.
On Tuesday, a Seven Hills tattoo parlour, Confederate Ink, which has links to the Rebels, was set on fire.
Police sources said there was no connection between the two attacks.
MARY LOU DRAG RACING REPORT–Numidia – Dream Chaser Racin’ Qualifies
Dream Chaser Racin’, Janette Thornley continues to make the program and earn points in the AHDRA Championship Series in the Hawaya Racing/Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson Pro Drag class.
After qualifying 4th in a tight Pro Drag field at Numidia Raceway for the Liberty Nitro Nationals Presented by Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson, Thornely had one of her personal worse reaction times in the first round against Rich Vreeland.
“It’s like I woke up and he was gone. The guys worked so hard to put a great ride under my butt. I’ll be practicing on the tree and be ready for Rockingham. I’m not sure how this will affect my points, but we’re still planning on a Top 3 finish at season’s end.”
Janette Thornley is owner and operator of her nitro burning, carbureted, 121 ci Pro Dragster and Dream Chaser Racin’. Thank you to the local sponsors from Oregon: Northwest Propane, Premier Propane and Betty Lou’s Inc. Thank you to all my ongoing sponsors: Autolite Sparkplugs, LAT Racing Oils. Special thanks to Ray and Jean Price; Lowry Callahan of Quality Refrigeration Company, and Buddy Foss and Doug Atkinson for your time; and to the Ray Price Race Team – Tommy Grimes, Justin Heinle, Jeremy Hoy, and Mark Morgan for all you do; And to my supporters, Bill Hendren, Mark Lavine, Dalton Matthews, and Freddie Robbins. Sponsors always welcome!
Contact Dream Chaser Racin’ at dreamchaserracin@yahoo.com
BIKE CLUB CONFRONTATION SHUTS REDMOND RALLY DOWN– Clash between Mongols, Hells Angels prompts police move. By Barney Lerten Joe
McNaughton said police had “received information that acts of potential violence” were expected at the second annual rally, which was well into its second day and had attracted hundreds of motorcyclists from around the region for a variety of concerts, events and activities focused on the themes of remembering those lost in 9/11 and celebrating American freedom.
And while things had been fairly peaceful, for the most part, Redmond police also said there had been two arrests, one in an incident Friday night – a reported dispute involving a knife – that led to a La Pine man’s arrest, and another arrest early Saturday after a Keizer man allegedly fired a gun at the fairgrounds.
Around 5 p.m. Saturday, McNaughton said, the large Mongols group approached the Hells Angels members already at the event – the club had a booth there – and “demanded the Hells Angels group leave immediately.”
“Witnesses reported the Mongols group threatened violence if the Hells Angels group was not gone within 15 minutes,” McNaughton said. “Witnesses reported weapons were brandished.”
Word of that confrontation prompted police and sheriff’s deputies to enter the fairgrounds and stand by while the Hells Angels group packed up and left.
However, “witnesses reported the Hells Angels group intended to return with more people to settle the dispute,” McNaughton said in a news release issued late Saturday night.
At that point, sheriff’s deputies and police contacted fairgrounds Director Dan Despotpulos “and strongly recommended the event be closed in order to protect public safety,” McNaughton said.
“The fair director agreed the safety of citizens was our highest priority and closed the event,” with the assistance of Redmond officers, sheriff’s deputies, Bend police and Oregon State Police, the captain said.
The move also scrubbed a closing-night concert by the classic rock group Foghat.
“The two motorcycle clubs, Hells Angels and Mongols, have a history of very violent encounters,” McNaughton said. “It is the intent of the officials involved to assure our citizens’ safety, and this is always the top priority in any decision of this nature.”
According to a story early last year in the L.A. Weekly, “A blood feud between the Mongol Nation Motorcycle Club and the Hells Angels has not abated since ‘Operation Black Rain’ in 2008, in which 1,000 local cops, feds and deputized Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms agents arrested 60 members of the Mongol MC in five states.”
Aaron Myhra, the event organizer, said Sunday, “We are extremely disappointed. We’re heartfelt sorry for people who did not get a chance to finish this event. The event was going great.”
He said he was going to speak to legal counsel before making a more formal statement in coming days.
–Wrench
Bikernet Research Specialists
Harold Pinchbeck has been selected to produce superior branded watches for Brough. The resulting Pinchbeck Brough Superior watches successfully reflect the brand values of the prestigious motorcycles, which are favoured by connoisseurs and gents alike.
One of the most famous marques in motorcycling, Nottingham’s Brough Superior was founded in 1919 and is now undergoing a renaissance under the ownership of enthusiast and entrepreneur, Mark Upham. Hand-built to fastidious standards, Brough Superior models are dubbed “the Rolls-Royce of motor cycles”. In the past, they were the choice of T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), who owned seven in succession and who died from injuries sustained when riding one. The flagship SS100 motorcycle, costing $250,000 (approximately £152,250), is produced to order.
Last year there was a move to resurrect Brough motorcycles, but the web site has not been updated in some time. We will let you know if we hear anything.
WHEN ONE RALLY DIES ANOTHER TAKES OVER–For the first time I know of, a town has taken over a motorcycle rally. The city of Cottonwood, AZ (where the Burnout was held a few times) has taken over the Thunder Valley Rally, a major local event previously organized by Cliff Castle Casino and associates.
I think this us unprecedented. The rally takes over the entire run of Main Street and surrounding areas, maybe the birth of a new Sturgis. Thought this was interesting and worth a story, combining rally coverage with how and why the city became a rally organizer. The rally is this weekend. What do you think, sir?
–Josh
BIKERNET Arizona Editor and Tarantula Guardian
52 VINCENT BLACK SHADOW SONG BY DEL MCCOURY and RICHARD THOMPSON— Lyrics to 1952 Vincent Black Lightning :
A girl could feel special on any such like”
Says James to Red Molly “My hat’s off to you
It’s a Vincent Black Lightning, 1952.
And I’ve seen you at the corners and cafes it seems
Red hair and black leather, my favourite colour scheme”
And he pulled her on behind and down to Boxhill they did ride
Oh says James to Red Molly “Here’s a ring for your right hand
But I’ll tell you in earnest I’m a dangerous man.
For I’ve fought with the law since I was seventeen,
I robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine.
Now I’m 21 years, I might make 22
And I don’t mind dying, but for the love of you.
And if fate should break my stride
Then I’ll give you my Vincent to ride”
“Come down, come down, Red Molly” called Sergeant McRae
“For they’ve taken young James Adie for armed robbery.
Shotgun blast hit his chest, left nothing inside.
Oh come down, Red Molly to his dying bedside”
When she came to the hospital, there wasn’t much left
He was running out of road, he was running out of breath
But he smiled to see her cry
He said “I’ll give you my Vincent to ride”
Says James “In my opinion, there’s nothing in this world
Beats a 52 Vincent and a red headed girl.
Now Nortons and Indians and Greeves won’t do,
Ah, they don’t have a soul like a Vincent 52″
Oh he reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys
Said “I’ve got no further use for these.
I see angels on Ariels in leather and chrome,
Swooping down from heaven to carry me home”
And he gave her one last kiss and died
And he gave her his Vincent to ride
We are working on a Girl of Bikernet feature around the above lyrics. What a classic. Here’s a start from Markus Cuff.
–Bandit
RE-PHASED YAMAHA 650 XS MOTORS BY HUGH’S HAND BUILT—I don’t know much about Yamaha XS motors, and recently someone told me both cylinders fire in the same sequence. They told me about Hugh’s Hand Built. They rephrase XS engines so the pistons alternate firing position, which would require new cams. Here’s a note from their web site.
So most folks know that we’ve had to turn away engine builds, we just have too many to do right now… That should change this fall/early winter…
But that brings up another valid concern when it comes to our favorite vintage Yamahas… We have had about 4-5 engines come in that have never been run, previously assembled at other “reputable” shops but they could never get them running. In desperation, customers have brought us these engines to “get right”…
Do your homework when you have a shop take in so much of your hard earned money…
http://hughshandbuilt.blogspot.com/
BIKERNET FEEDBURNER REMINDER—If you sign up for e-mail reminders you’ll be reminded about anything that pops up on any of our sites. You can glance at it, save it, follow the links, and toss it in the trash. No charge, and you can shut it off whenever you want.
Team HeadBlade/Capone Racing & Bammer Racing– Capone Racing, Team HeadBlade and Bammer Racing contine to gather Championship points at the Numidia Raceway for the Liberty Nitro Nationals Presented by Vreeland’s Harley-Davidson.
Capone Racing’s Frank Capone was runner up against point’s leader Keith Browne in the Rush Pro Gas class. Capone, “We knew coming in late in the season , that we’d be looking at the back of Browne Racing’s great big ol’ fender, but we’re very pleased with the team’s progress and the fact that we’re able to make the show and gather data for next season (when I hope that Keith will be looking at the back of our bike) is very important”
In the AHDRA Pro Mod class, Capone and Reno were number 1 and 2 at the day’s end, with Capone taking out his teammate Reno (what a buddy, huh, Shaun?). Reno, “This was a great field of Pro Mod’s, we only wish we could have taken Team HeadBlade to the winner’s circle, but it was a heck of a race.”
Capone and teams provided the Pro Mod/Pro Stock dinner, Saturday night. What a great bunch of guys and gals.
Bammer Racing’s Drums Brancaccio is the only nitro powered ride in the Capone/Headblade/Bammer pit area. Brancaccio said, “We had a pretty good wkend in the AHDRA Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel class, qualifying 5th in a close field. We ran Turner in the first round and his reaction time was only 2/10th’s of a second faster than mine, but it was enough on the big end to take the win and put us back in the trailer.”
Discouraged, NOT, say’s Bammer crew chief, Michael Hopkins, “Each time we come to the track, we learn more and more about this bike, we really needed a few more rounds of qualifying; but the rain gave us one round on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. Sure we would have like to have gone a couple more rounds but we’re ok and will be ready for Rockingham.”
As the AHDRA Screamin Eagle season comes to a close Capone, HeadBlade and Bammer hope to see you at Rockingham, Oct. 13th and 14th and the AHDRA Championship Finals at No Problem Dragway, Belle Rose, LA, Oct. 26-29th.
Capone’s team consists of Mark Godin, Richard Murray, Craig Fisher, Lorne Buchanan and Katy Miller.
Capone Racing sponsors and friends supporting Capone’s record breaking season include: G&G Engineering, DAS Performance, L. Buchanan Co., Gannos Machine, Energy One Clutches, Vanson Leathers and all the staff at Capone Landscape.
Reno’s team includes his wife, Kim, and his crew chief, Ricky Stewart.
Special thanks to: HeadBlade, Inc., Hampton Roads Harley Davidson, Energy One Clutches, SA (Steve Allstaedt) Racing
Bammer Race Team consists of:
Larry “Drums” Brancaccio
Crew Chief: Michael Hopkins
Dickie Roberts
Joe Wysocki
Richard Murray
EUCLID-FIRST MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS SIGNS TO GO UP IN OHIO–
by Jennifer Lindgren
EUCLID — The first motorcycle warning signs in the state of Ohio went up here on Monday.
Four yellow signs, reading “Watch for Motorcycles,” were placed at the intersection of East 185th Street and Lakeshore Boulevard.
Allstate Insurance chose the intersection and donated the signs to the city.
It’s part of a nationwide campaign to increase awareness. Euclid Police say this intersection is not any more dangerous than any other in the city, but even small safety measures can help.
Motorcycle riders say the signs may turn heads, but it’s up to the driver — of the motorcycle and of the car — to be responsible and pay attention on the road.
John “Kiks” Kikol organizes tribute rides for police, firefighters and troops in Northeast Ohio. He’s seen many of his friends get hurt when a car driver isn’t paying attention.
“We can’t eat on a motorcycle. We can’t talk on a phone. There’s so many distractions that car drivers have,” Kikol said. Kikol says it would be beneficial if drivers looked twice before making a left turn, and gave motorcycles more space on the road.
“It’s the responsibility of the driver of the car and the driver of the motorcycle.
We have to take responsibility for what we do 100 percent of the time when we’re riding,” Kikol said.
He encourages drivers to take the advanced courses that many motorcyclists go through to increase their own safety.
–Rogue
HARLEY-DAVIDSON CALLS ON FANS TO UNLEASH THEIR OWN PERSONAL FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE– Motor Company Launches New Campaign on Sons of Anarchy Season Five Featuring Exclusive Video Content of SOA Cast, United by Independents and Hard Candy Custom.
Harley-Davidson today announces the launch of a second installment in its popular Dark Custom campaign called United By Independents.
The campaign, featuring Stereotypical Harley riders, was first developed on Harley-Davidson’s Facebook app “Fan Machine” by fan Harold Chase and was then cast on Twitter. The final 60-second spot, featuring 16 real Harley-Davidson riders and Twitter followers from around the world, makes its national advertising debut on the FX hit series Sons of Anarchy beginning with the Season Five premiere Sept. 11, 2012.
The United by Independents campaign runs through November 2012 and includes a promotion through Harley and SOA that gives fans an opportunity to express their individuality and defy stereotypes by customizing a new Street Bob motorcycle online with the H-D1 Bike Builder. This online tool now offers the most expressive paint sets, accessories and apparel than ever before with the addition of the all-new Hard Candy Custom series.
BY entering the promotion, one lucky winner will win a personally customized Harley-Davidson Street Bob motorcycle and a trip to Los Angeles to visit the set of Sons of Anarchy and hang out with cast members. The partnership with FX and SOA also includes exclusive online promotional videos from the creator of SOA, Kurt Sutter, along with key cast members who share their stories about what it means to ride, featuring their own personal customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
“United by Independents is as much a rally cry to discover your ultimate self-expression and personal freedom as it is a celebration of fans and riders that continue to defy stereotypes of what it means to be a Harley-Davidson enthusiast,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson Director of North American Marketing Operations. “The campaign is cast entirely through social media with real riders from across the globe and from all walks of life who are united by their shared passion for the brand and their love of riding.”
Earlier this year, Harley-Davidson asked its more than 4 million Facebook and Twitter fans to share how they defy stereotypes by posting their photos using the hashtag Stereotypical Harley. From the thousands of responses received, Harley-Davidson created the first installment of the United by Independents campaign, which debuted in February 2012 as part of the launch the Sportster Seventy-Two. The second installment that will launch Sept. 11 on SOA features the new H-D1 Street Bob and Hard Candy Custom but will also appear in partner properties like Marvel’s The Avengers DVD release and this fall’s FX premiere of The Ultimate Fighter along with other UFC properties. Both videos are available on Harley-Davidson’s Dark Custom website at www.darkcustom.com.
Also announced was the addition of the Street Bob to Harley-Davidson’s H-D1 Factory Customization program, allowing customers to build the Street Bob of their dreams and have it delivered right from the factory within a month. Hard Candy Custom and the new H-D1 Street Bob are featured in Season 5 of Sons of Anarchy. To learn more about the motorcycles, visit www.darkcustom.com.
To enter to win the Ultimate Sons of Anarchy Experience and access the exclusive video content, fans should visit www.h-d.com/SOA from Sept. 11 through Nov. 19, 2012, and tell Harley-Davidson which SOA actor they want to ride with, where they would go and what they would do. Then participants use the H-D1 Bike Builder to design their dream Street Bob. One winner will receive a grand prize including their customized Street Bob and a trip with a friend to Los Angeles to visit the set of Sons of Anarchy.
ARLEN NESS MOTORCYCLE TO BE FEATURED AT 2012 DEL MAR CELEBRATION OF THE MOTORCYCLE– The Del Mar Race Track Paddock, Del Mar, CA
Each year, it just gets more amazing!
2012 is set to impress the WORLD …
We are honored to announce that the legendary custom motorcycles of Arlen Ness will be on display at this year’s event. Some call him “the master” others “the pioneer.” Either way, he has reigned as the “king” of custom bike building. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience a bit of “Ness-talgia.”
World Class Judges from around the Globe to Judge the Celebration of the Motorcycle
As this year’s featured marquee is Vincent, we are very pleased to announce that renowned international motorcycle expert, Somer Hooker, will be serving in the role as Chief Judge alongside Honorary Chief Judge Ed Gilbertson. Among the other impressive names on our judges roster, many who are AMA Hall of Famers themselves, are Alan Girdler, Rob North, Don Emde, Scott Sylvester, Bill Silver, Gary Toomer, Jamie Bowman, Paul d’Orleans, Steve Ortiz, Dave Edwards, Tim Stafford and many more.
THE WORLD’S FIRST BOOK REVIEW IN SEGMENTS. “FOUR HOURS AT THE AIRPORT–50 pages so far,” said the Sheriff.
SHERIFFMEDIAGROUP SWEDEN
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
46-70 5678 666
You’ll have to hang on for more reports…–Bandit
JIMS NEW 2013 Catalog–The 2013 JIMS Catalog has arrived! This bad boy features 240 pages of American made tools and performance aftermarket components, all for use on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Loaded with tons of helpful information and our complete line up of Twin Cam Race Engines including the new 135”, Transmissions, EFI Intake Systems, Stroker Kits, and the brand new Forceflow Cylinder Head Coolers!
This book even has a separate Tool section, containing over 500 tools designed for use on most H-D models. A handy device whether you are a professional mechanic, a racer, or just tooling around when you can! To receive your own JIMS 2013 catalog, please visit www.jimsusa.com, ask us on Facebook or call 805-482-6913.
DORON OFIR CASTING LAUNCHES THE NATIONAL SEARCH FOR THE CAST OF THE PREMIER SEASON OF TUG OF WAR– LOS ANGELES, CA (September 10, 2012) – Doron Ofir Casting, the legendary casting company, is teaming up with the master producers of Big Brother and throwing down the gauntlet.
This is the challenge you’ve been waiting for – an all-new competition adventure show with a huge six figure prize!
We are seeking the biggest personalities, the greatest storytellers, the most unlikely candidates and the fiercest competitors to put together the ultimate cast for the premier season of this incredible recreation/survival series!
“I’m looking to cast the perfect blend of archetypal personalities and offer the opportunity for a fantasy summer experience with the chance to win a prize that could change their lives forever”. – Doron Ofir, Executive Casting Director
The only requirements are you must be at least 21, hot, fun, competitive and ready to disappear to an idyllic location to participate in a series of mental, social, and physical challenges.
If you think you have what it takes to fit in, fight for victory and finish first, register now at www.tugofwarcasting.com
Get ready for the greatest nostalgic adventure and the best summer of your life!
KMA STATE PARTY THIS WEEKEND– Hope to see everyone at the State Party on the Lake this year. Great time this weekend at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in Jamestown, KY.
BIKERNET REPORTER EMBEDDED IN NEW ORLEANS–My best buddy and I tore his family home apart this past weekend following the storm surge of Hurricane Isaac two weeks ago which flooded the New Orleans Lake Ponchatrain North shore area
My friend’s house is 4 ft above the ground and the water level was 2 ft in the house during the storm.
What started with a moldy drywall removal turned into a full-blown interior demolition.
We initially pulled the molded drywall only to find infestation of termites from years gone by. That led to the decision to remove the ceiling drywall as we followed the termite and mold damage up.
We removed the interior dividing walls to open up the house plan and make the renovation more affordable.
Rough hewn studs and square nails were found in the wall construction, and a newspaper stuffings with 1937 dateline was found in the floor cracks which puts an historical perspective on the age of the property
We pulled the bathroom and all kitchen fixtures out, and gutted those areas, as they were wet and ruined.
Last we removed the top two layers of non-original flooring to allow the original floor to dry out
My buddy lost all his electric tools and construction items in the flood waters and that loss is uninsured as the exterior shed is not part of the home.
So we did all this in 3 days with two hammers, two pry bars, a ladder and an electric saw,an old toyota 4runner, a 5×8 home built trailer and a wheelbarrow hauled the removed debris to the local dump.
Just a couple of solid bro’s pulling together in another of life’s episodes.
Thank the lord for ibuprofen, ice, and cold tequila
–Anson Alexander
Officially Certified Bikernet Reporter in the field
TWO MAGAZINES DOWN—A good friend sold his sailing magazine Lattitudes and Attitudes last year. It recently folded, and we heard just the other day news about Iron Horse, not to be confused with the HORSE Back Street Choppers. Iron Horse just ceased publication earlier this week.
Birmingham police are investigating a shooting on Sept. 9, 2012 outside a motorcycle club at Avenue F and 17th Street–BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Two people were shot outside an Ensley motorcycle club early this morning, a Birmingham police officer said.
The shooting happened about 4 a.m. today at Avenue F and 17th Street in Ensley following a dispute, said Birmingham Police Sgt. Vincent Green. Police from the city’s West Precinct responded to the shooting.
Two people were taken to a hospital with what is believed to be non-life-threatening injuries, Green said.
No arrests have been made, but police were interviewing people, Green said. No other details of the shooting were available.
The area where the shooting happened is outside the Low Riders Motorcycle Club. Several men standing in front of the club this morning declined to comment on the shooting.
By Kent Faulk
–from Rogue
BREAKING FEDERAL NEWS!– Dr. Samir Ahmed has resigned from the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) motorcycle crash causation study citing “serious reservations about the value of the study.”
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation has learned that the chief engineer of the FHWA motorcycle crash causation study has removed himself from the project.
In an email sent on Tuesday, September 11 2012 by Ahmed he announced the following: “I am writing to let you know that I am no longer working on the motorcycle crash causation study. I have serious reservations about the value of study with the existing FHWA involvement. My expectations of the study are very low.”
Dr. Samir Ahmed, PhD, PE, was in charge of conduction and then evaluating the Federal motorcycle crash causation study for the FHWA.
The study was mandated by Congress in the SAFETEA-LU bill (PL 109-59). The study was supposed to collect data from 1200 crashes, however when the cost of the study more than doubled it became necessary to shrink the size of the project now the Feds are estimating that the number of crashes that will be investigated is down to less than 120. That’s just %10 percent of the original number.
The mandate directed the FHWA to work with the Oklahoma State University Transportation systems engineering school, a leading research center for all things transportation.
The MRF has had some serious questions about this study since its conception. The MRF did not lobby Congress to have the study mandated.
“It is no question that we need more information on why motorcycles crash, but with such limited resources in the motorcycle safety world we should be putting them toward proper motorcycle rider education and motorist awareness to prevent crashes.” Said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
The full results of the study should be out sometime next year.
The back story is this: This study was put through by Sen. Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma as a piece of pork. As the author, Sen. Inhofe could specify where the $5,000,000 was to be placed. He chose the “Oklahoma Transportation Institute” or some such at his Alma Mater, Oklahoma State University. When I started tracking it down just after the bill passed, it took me a month to find the “Institute”. That was because it didn’t actually exist. It was created out of whole cloth to catch the 5 mil. I finally learned that from the Dean of OSU’s School of Engineering after a zillion orbital referrals around the university. The dean apparently felt comfortable talking with a fellow engineer.
Doc Ski stayed with me right before a Kansas City board meeting so, using Doc Ski’s UNC professor status, we got Dr. Samir Ahmed to reluctantly agree to meet with us. Strange guy. He’s a civil engineer with road engineering experience and virtually no knowledge of traffic management or driver (let alone rider) psychology. Never been around a motorcycle and refused to go for a ride on a beautiful May day with Doc Ski, or even me with our combined 100 years of riding experience and two bikes parked outside.
He refused even to go look at the bikes. His main motivation was to be as famous as Dr. Hurt and had even flown to CA to meet with him. He laid out an incredibly complicated plan that was ridiculously over-ambitious. He complained about there only being $5M and that for the plan in his head to succeed, it would take at least double that. BTW, each of those 1200 accidents had 1800 individual data points to fill out along with 1,200 interviews of motorcyclists who didn’t crash at the locations with 800 datapoints each.
Then there was the squabble with OSU. OSU said, “give us the whole 5 mil and we’ll start.” Feds said, “show us a plan and some preliminary results and we’ll fund.” Mexican standoff.
This whole thing was a kluge from the start. It was doomed and I’m glad the MRF’s fingerprints weren’t on it. BTW, I had the timidity to ask Sen. Inhofe about it once. He got really snarky with me. He’s done a lot for motorcycle rights but this wasn’t one of his finest hours.
Now you know “the rest of the story.”
–John
MORE ON THE CANNONBALL 3,000 MILE RIDE–NEWBURGH – Some 77 riders from 15 countries left from the Motorcyclepedia Museum in the City of Newburgh Friday en route to San Francisco. What makes this ride unique is none of the motorcycles is newer than a 1929 model.
Ted Doering, the motorcycle museum director, said the riders came from among other locations, the US, Europe and South Africa.
“The run is to see the endurance of the older motorcycles and how well they prepared them because everything is old – 1929 and older; some of them might be as old as 1910 so they have some pretty delicate equipment that probably will face problems,” he said.
The riders range in age from 20 to 75.
–Rogue
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER FINDINGS–Are You Getting Enough Niacin? Vitamin B3, also known as niacin, plays many vital metabolic roles:
1.It lowers harmful cholesterol while raising good cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease.
2.It may reduce the incidence of asthma-induced wheezing.
3.It may be helpful in treating or preventing atherosclerosis, second heart attacks, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoarthritis.
Breads and cereals (fortified), chicken breast, tuna and veal are good dietary sources of niacin. Dr. Weil recommends taking 50 mg of B3 as niacinamide as part of a B-complex that contains a full spectrum of B vitamins, including thiamine, B12 and riboflavin.
–Dr. Weil
www.drweil.com
The official entry form for the 10th annual 2013 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building is now available online.
Being staged in Europe for the first time, at the all-new BIG BIKE EUROPE expo at Essen, Germany, on May 10th to 12th 2013, AMD is pleased to announce a series of competitor promotions and incentives being funded by confirmed European BIG BIKE EUROPE exhibitors such as Motorcycle Storehouse, Zodiac International, Parts Europe, MAG Europe, Paaschburg & Wunderlich and TTS Wheels.
‘Early Bird’ competitors can scoop a 200,00 euro saving as the first 50 bikes (plus concessions) to be entered for 2013 will be able to enter for free – register now and you will receive a 200,00 euro voucher to cover the standard AMD World Championship entry fee.
Second, all AMD World Championship Competitors can invite up to 25 of their employees, friends or customers to attend all three days of BIG BIKE EUROPE (the Trade/VIP Rider Day on Friday May 10th as well as the ‘public days’ on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th) free of charge! This is a special offer worth up to 300,00 euro for each visitor … 7.500,00 euro promotional value for each competitor.
All competitors also receive the AMD World Championship 2013 special edition ‘Competitor Logo’ for use in all their own advertising, marketing, print, website, and social media activity, in addition to a free of charge studio-grade photo-shoot set of pictures of their bike.
Full details of all these special opportunities and of the expo itself will be sent to competitors once they have registered. At this time, the BIG BIKE EUROPE show floor-plan has room to cater for approximately 100 bikes.
There will be five classes at the AMD World Championship in 2013 – the now traditional and highly acclaimed FreeStyle class from which the 10th annual World Champion Custom Bike Builder will be chosen, plus four further classes to recognise specific sectors of the custom motorcycle market.
An all new Retro/Modified Class will showcase customs based on engines manufactured before 1984; the Modified Harley-Davidson Class will feature stock frame geometry customs with engines (minimum stock cases) from 1984 and up; the Production Motorcycle Class will feature customs with Certificates of Conformity that are designed for multiple production; and an all-new Street Performance Class to showcase custom design and engineering work where the primary objective is to improve the performance and handling of streetable customs.
To enter, follow this link – www.amdchampionship.com/worldchamps
One final Competitor Benefit – there is a generous series of expo-booth discounts available for all qualifying exhibitors, including a permanent 10 percent ‘First Year Club’ discount that will be available to all 2013/1st annual BIG BIKE EUROPE exhibitors only.
Additionally, AMD World Championship competitors who wish to have a booth also receive a further 10 percent discount from the standard rates. Full expo details can be seen at: www.BigBikeEurope.com
THE BIKERNET WEEKLY TECH, SPECTRO MC DETAILING–Okay, when you ride them they get dirty, especially if it is from Florida to Sturgis and then a side trip to North Carolina. Add rain and other conditions and you got a real mess.
A total of 7319 miles, a change of oil at 5886.9 ( SPECTRO Oil of Course) and a quick wash or two before coming home to get a good cleaning. Damn there was dirt and crap everywhere.
I have been using Spectro XL-1 Motorcycle Wash and their Spray and Polish for some time now and thought it was time to share this information.
Yeah, I was surprised too, when I found out that SPECTRO the company that makes the oil I use also made a cleaner, polish and even a one-step detailer called Qwik Shot.
I have been using them long enough now that I can say I like them and the job they do and can suggest you give them a try.
For more information go to http://spectro-oils.com/
–Rogue
Officially certified Senior Bikernet Tech Editor and Emperor
BIKERNET READER COMMENT– Tail Gunner 34-Tooth Final Drive Pulley Install Tech.
Awsome article, thinking about doing this for some time now. I have a 2005 flstni deluxe w/ 5- speed. I need more top end. I now feel 100% confident in doing this.
Let me ask you something. What do you think about a smaller rear pulley, say a 68-tooth instead of the stock 70, along with the 34 front. Would my stock drive belt work? Is this too much? is there a 68-tooth rear sproket available. Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Yes, 68-tooth rear pulleys are available. It has less impact than the 34-tooth trans pulley. You might try the trans first, then if you want a taste more, change the rear pulley. Should be able to adjust the belt.–Wrench
BLUE COLLAR BOYS OPENS–The award-winning indy film “Blue Collar Boys” opens this Friday at the Laemmle NoHo 7 in North Hollywood, and the film’s star, Gabe Fazio, will be at the 7:45 show along with writer/director Mark Nistico and other cast members. Fazio is stopping in L.A. on his way home from the Toronto International Film Festival, where his new movie, “The Place Beyond the Pines,” starring Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper, premiered last week.
“Blue Collar Boys” runs 5 times daily at the Laemmle NoHo 7 from Sept 14 thru Sept. 20. Get tickets at http://laemmle.com
BIG WHEEL ALL GROWN UP – SS TRIKE ON A ROLL--The 9th Annual AMD Official World Championship for Custom Bike Building in Sturgis was a hit with enthusiasts heading into the Harley Pavilion on 3rd and Lazelle. One vehicle that stood out this big-boy trike that resembles the classic “Big Wheel” Chopper-style design that we all rode as a kid, which is sure to put a smile on your face no matter how old of a kid you are.
The SS Trike is designed to comfortably accommodate a variety of enthusiasts from 5′ to 6’2? tall in fewer than 5 minutes. Selecting two different seat heights and three different foot control locations is a snap and easy to do.
To see all the bikes at the AMD World Championship logo onto http://www.amdchampionship.com/results/2012-worlds-sturgis
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY SUMMER SCHOOL VOCABULARY LESSON–heliotrope HEE-lee-uh-trohp, noun:
1.A light tint of purple; reddish lavender.?2. Any hairy plant belonging to the genus Heliotropium, of the borage family, as H. arborescens, cultivated for its small, fragrant purple flowers.?3. Any of various other plants, as the valerian or the winter heliotrope.?4. Any plant that turns toward the sun.?5. Surveying. An arrangement of mirrors for reflecting sunlight from a distant point to an observation station.?6. Bloodstone.
But the heliotrope envelope with the feminine handwriting and the strange odor immediately suggested queries along lines of investigation which had never before entered her thoughts.
–George Gibbs, The Vagrant Duke
Blown by steady volumes of roaring wind, everyone’s hair is riffled and tangled and leaping in antic wisps, and the heliotrope robes bulk like tumors but flip up in sudden swoops.
–Edmund White, Forgetting Elena
Heliotrope literally meant “turn towards the sun” in Greek. Flowers that turned towards the sun became associated with this word.
[page break]
NEW MOTORCYCLE TEST AIMED AT IMPROVING SAFETY–When Jeff Myers of Tacoma took his motorcycle test five years ago, he passed it the first time. He’s failed the revamped test the state started giving Aug. 1 twice.
He hasn’t been told what caused him to lose the points needed to pass, but the only differences he’s noticed between the old and new tests are several turns instructors have asked him to make this time around. Washington state has had more than 60 fatal motorcycle accidents so far this year.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department responded to its fifth fatal motorcycle wreck this year late last month, when Gig Harbor’s Ty Barnes left the road in the 5000 block of Reid Drive Northwest on a right-hand curve, hit a large rock and flipped. The 23-year-old JBLM airman did not have a motorcycle endorsement, sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said at the time.
Such curves are being targeted in the state’s new test. A 2006 study done by the state’s Motorcycle Safety Taskforce began the work that led to the new test, state Department of Licensing spokesman Brad Benfield said.
The group found that about 60 percent of motorcycle fatalities in the state were at least partly the result of the driver erroneously leaving his or her lane – mistakes that are mostly curve-related, Benfield said.
The new test evaluates a driver’s ability to take curves at a proper speed without veering outside marked lines.
“It appears as though it’s not as easy a test as the other one,” Benfield said. “More people are having to take it more than once.” But he said it’s too early to pin down any specific trends with the new exam.
Washington is the first state to implement the test for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, a national organization that promotes rider safety through training and education.
“We’re basically serving as the pilot for this test that they plan to push out nationwide starting next spring,” Benfield said.
Puget Sound Safety is one of the companies administering the new exam at its locations in Tacoma and Olympia. The Department of Licensing transferred testing to the state’s motorcycle training schools, also as of Aug. 1.
“Those states along the coast, especially the West Coast where we have very mountainous, very curvy roads, we’re having issues navigating those corners,” Puget Sound Safety president Bret Tkacs said. “We still do basic skills like breaking, swerving, … but we also have a curve now, so we can at least go, ‘Can you stay between the lines?’?”He said it’s too soon to tell if the new exam is tougher.
“That’s still in debate,” Tkacs said. “It’s a brand new test. The jury is still out on all of that, as to whether it’s more difficult or not.”
Troyer said he plans to take the test at least one more time, but after that, he’ll consider selling his bike.
“If you can’t get a license for it, you can’t really ride it,” he said.
–Rogue
RUMOR HAS IT HARLEY-DAVIDSON LIQUID COOLED TWIN CAMS IN THE NEAR FUTURE—That’s the rumor, water cooled exhaust valve ports, with radiators in the leg guards—just for the EPA.
–Renegade
UNCLE MONKEY HIT AN AUCTION–With Snow White finished I’m looking for my next project build. This week the local auto insurance company has several bikes up for bid leaving me thinking. I spend late nights tossing and turning as my mind planned out each build, if I’m the successful bidder.
The first bike is an Evo Dyna. Dyna’s are cool and very popular now thanks to Sons of Anarchy, but the bike has a very ugly seat on it that looks like the owner took an electric knife to cut down the foam then covered haphazardly with a vinyl flame print and black gaffer tape. The bike appears to be an easy build – some forks and trees and some paint. The bike is hideous and with the above description of the owners handy work the bike is going to be in horrible shape even though it is low mileage.
The second bike is a 90 Anniversary ElectraGlide. While I’m looking to build a bagger the reserve price puts the bike out of range for a cheap building platform. I don’t like chopping and destroying Anniversary bikes as there are only so many and should be preserved. The exceptions to that rule are the hundredth anniversary bikes because they are all anniversary bikes.
The third option is a late model RoadGlide. It is lightly damaged but everything has some damage on it. Since most of the “plastic” will be ditched to build something new, I would be left with a good starting platform in a low mileage late model TwinCam. Unlike the other two bikes the reserve price on this one is reasonable enough for me to bid on it. Now, it is the waiting game to see if I’ll be the successful owner of a total loss RoadGlide.
Missus Monkey rolls her eyes and reminds me of the extensive list of projects already on the books for me to finish. Another bike is the last thing I need. I smile and assure her someone will bid higher than me and with Snow White already in the garage waiting for her new harness I won’t be putting us in the poor house building another bike. I can only hope…
-bad Uncle Monkey
We’ve been given an anonymous $10,000 challenge grant and if we raise $10,000, then we’ll get an additional $10,000. That would cover the cost for two months of getting the KJazz signal out to you. There’s nothing like a matching challenge to add some excitement and to give KJazz an important financial boost.
So why wait? When you donate now through Sunday to help us match this grant, you’ll be able to choose from some fantastic thank-you gifts, like tickets to KJazz’s Lee Ritenour exclusive CD release party at Saint Rocke on September 30th and a copy of his new CD Rhythm Sessions.
We’re also offering a pair of tickets to see legendary Doors guitarist, Robby Keriger’s Jazz Kitchen at St. Rocke on Sunday, October 14th. And, for a pledge of $120 or just $10 a month, you can get either the Jazz on the Latin Side or Nothin’ But the Blues mug and cap package.
KJazz is available from Long Beach State College, commercial free through your computer. Check it out. Listen to the Blues on Sundays and the latin jazz, it’s addicting.–Bandit
DALLAS COUNTY DEPUTY SUSPENED WITHOUT PAY– for seizing biker’s camera. The Dallas County Sheriff’s office issued a 38-day suspension today to Deputy James Westbrook after footage showed him seizing a camera from a motorcycle rider. The case received a large amount of media coverage in the days following the incident which took place over the Memorial Day weekend.
The majority of outspoken commentators freely acknowledge that they sympathize with the challenges that law enforcement personnel encounter; however, it was not justifiable for Westbrook to seize the camera that belonged to rider Chris Moore.
View slideshow: Dallas County deputy suspended without pay for seizing biker’s camera
The video has been viewed almost 500,000 times on YouTube at this link and Westbrook is on camera issuing this comment to Moore:
“The reason you’re being pulled over is because I’m gonna take your camera and we’re gonna use it as evidence of in the crimes that have been committed by other bikers.”
Legal experts state that Westbrook’s reason does not constitute probable cause to make a traffic stop nor is it illegal to wear a camera on a helmet.
Westbrook ended up arresting Moore and then trying to slam the door of the patrol car on the leg of the biker before taking him to jail. Moore was finally released and issued a ticket for an obstructed license plate.
Moore’s attorney, Hunter Biederman, is prepared to take the case to court even though an obstructed license plate is a small matter, it is more to address the principle of the situation in how Westbrook opted to handle himself.
Of further note is that eight of the 38 days of suspension are due to Westbrook leaving a drunk driver at the jail without booking him before going out on the call relating to motorcyclists riding on I-35.
Westbrook does have the right to appeal his suspension.
–from Rogue
THE DREW GATEWOOD REPORT– I’d thought I’d pass this along to a few of you I.
Jerry Branch was at the Black & White bar the night of the Legends gathering
(during the BUB meet in Wendover), but didn’t feel well enough to stay.
I thought you would enjoy an email I recently received. He gives a unique description of his career. The guy he talks about working part time for these days is Dan Gurney.
We should all pray to live to be 88, and be that active.
–Drew
Drew Gatewood
AMA/F.I.M. technical steward
Motorcycle Landspeed Racing
GEARS – Gatewood Engineering And Race Support
www.gearswebsite.com
www.bonnevillestories.com
HI DREW,
GOT YOUR E-MAIL AND THE VIDEO, THANKS FOR SENDING IT TO US. SORRY THAT JOHN AND I DID NOT STAY AT THE BLACK AND WHITE BAR IN WENDOVER, BUT 2 DAYS BEFORE WE LEFT FOR BONNEVILLE, I GOT SICK AS I HAVE BEEN IN 20 OR 30 YEARS.
STARTED TO CANCEL THE TRIP BUT JUST HAD TO GET OUT THERE. THAT NIGHT AT THE BAR, I WAS REALLY FELT BAD AND THE SMOKE WAS MAKING THING 10 TIMES WORSE. SO WE HAD TO SPLIT BACK TO THE HOTEL.
IT WAS AN ENJOYABLE TIME OUT ON THE SALT AND I LOVE TO TAKE PICTURES AND TALK TO THE DIFFERENT PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR BIKES AND THEIR SETUPS. I RETIRED 14 YEARS AGO AND HONESTLY HAVE VERY
LITTLE TO DO WITH MOTORCYCLES NOW. STILL LOVE THE THINGS, BUT AGE IS CATCHING UP WITH ME AND MY KIND.
I QUIT SCHOOL IN 1940 AND WENT INTO THE HARLEY SHOP, JOINED THE MARINES WHEN WORLD WAR 2 BROKE OUT, STAYED UNITL 1945 WHEN THE WAR ENDED , WENT BACK TO THE HARLEY SHOP, MOVED TO CALIFORNIA IN 1957, STARTED MY BUSINESS IN 1967
SOLD IT TO THE MIKUNI CORP. OF JAPAN IN 1998 AND HAVE TAKEN LIFE EASY SINCE THEN. HAD A FRIEND CALL ABOUT A YEAR OR SO AGO, WANTING TO KNOW IF I WOULD WORK FOR HIM PART TIME (DAN GURNEY). MOST ENJOYABLE TIME I HAVE EVER HAD IN THE MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS. DESIGN AND TEST ENGINES ALL DAY LONG WITH NO STRINGS ATTACHED. BEST EQUIPMENT AND PEOPLE TO WORK WITH IN THE COUNTRY. LOVE IT.
JOHN O’KEEFE, A LONGTIME EMPLOYEE OF MINE AND A FRIEND, BOUGHT BRANCH FLOWMETRICS FROM MIKUNI AND IT’S GOING STRONG IN LONG BEACH, NEXT TO BENNETT’S PERFORMANCE.
NEW BIKERNET READER COMMENT–2012 Honda Fury Road Test
It’s the sharpest looking Japanese factory custom I’ve seen. Clean design.
— Sam
TEXAS’ 85-MPH SPEED LIMIT COULD SPREAD– Experts say other states could push for higher speeds. By Larry Copeland USA TODAY
Texas’ new highest-in-the-nation speed limit — 85 mph on a 41-mile stretch of toll road between Austin and San Antonio — could mean other states will soon see higher limits, experts say.
The Texas Transportation Commission approved the new speed limit on Aug. 30; the first section of the toll road opens later this year. Rates will be set then, but they will be comparable to other central Texas toll roads. Tolls in central Texas average 20-30 cents per mile for a full-length trip, says Steve Pustelnyk, spokesman for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, which manages toll roads in the Austin area.
“There’s a bit of an ‘arms race’ with speed limits, so we fully expect other states to push to increase their limits,” says Jonathan Adkins, spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which represents the states’ highway-safety offices. Other states are most likely to hike speed limits on toll roads, says Joshua Schank, president and CEO of the non-partisan Eno Center for Transportation.
“That’s something we’re likely to see more of, because federal funding for free roads is drying up,” Schank says, meaning more states are turning to more toll roads. “When you do that, it gives you the opportunity to offer premium services on those roads. Higher speeds is one way of doing that.”
Schank notes that the transportation law passed by Congress in June significantly increases loans available to states to build toll roads. The top speed limit in 35 states is at least 70 mph, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Texas and Utah currently are the speed kings, with 80-mph speed limits. It isn’t clear just how fast drivers will actually zip between Austin and San Antonio.
“People tend to choose a speed at which they don’t think they’re likely to get a ticket, says Russ Rader, an Insurance Institute spokesman. “In most places, that’s 5 to 10 mph over the speed limit, but it’s hard to know when you get up to those extreme speeds what people are going to do.”
News that Texas plans an 85mph speed limit on the new toll road, which runs several miles east of Interstate 35, reignited national debate about speeding. “An 85-mph speed limit is alarming,” Adkins says. “Drivers will think they can go 90 or 95 and will be unlikely to survive a crash at that speed. Speeding continues to be the one area in highway safety where we aren’t making progress.”
WILD BAGGER AT AMD SHOW IN MILWAUKEE–Bikernet.com’s Bandit interviews Scott Maeyaert about INK at 2012 AMD Affiliate Show
“I want to be the first to do this” is the credo of all Custom Builders each time they start a new project. Dana Hallberg, the creative genius behind Deadline Customs, is always pushing the envelope with his designs.
His latest build, INK, is a collaberation between Scott Maeyaert and Dana. It is the tattoo bike that has received so much attention. And each tattoo design has a story.
AUSTRALIAN SUNDAY PAPERS FEED INTO ANTI-BIKER HYSTERIA–The South Australian media is (mis?)reporting an Australian Crime Commission claim that a 6000 strong motorcycle club army is increasingly dominating Australia’s underworld – and the numbers are growing rapidly.
The bikers belong to 43 outlaw clubs which have stretched their ‘tentacles’ into every state and territory, opening 96 chapters from the outskirts of Darwin to Kingston, just below Hobart, the Australian Crime Commission allegedly told the Sunday Mail’s intrepid reporter Ken McGregor.
The paper goes on to say recruitment is in overdrive, especially in NSW and Victoria, as clubs fight each other to gain a foothold in ’emerging’ organized crime markets, which the commission ‘conservatively predicts’ are costing the economy $15 billion a year.
The commission claims that the clubs – which have traditionally fought each other unmercifully – are now increasingly working together to boost their illicit profits.
“Over time we have seen the ability for them to collaborate when they want to,” the executive director of the commission’s fusion target division, Karen Harfield, said.
“When they do collaborate with much smaller groups, when that does happen, you can’t differentiate one group from the other.”
“The ACC terms these groups outlaw motorcycle gangs not as a legal definition, but because of the gang members’ own view of themselves as operating outside the law.”
There are other motorcycle groups not deemed outlaw by the commission. While refusing to name any specific clubs, Mrs Harfield said the groups with interstate connections “clearly” created bigger problems for law enforcement.
The Rebels, which is said to have more than 2000 members across the country, remains Australia’s biggest – but international and interstate connections arguably make the Hells Angels the most wealthy.
The paper says that club members are increasingly integrating with ‘normal’ society, making it more difficult for authorities to distinguish the illegal behaviour from legitimate businesses.
Standover work, illegal firearms, extortion, prostitution and drug distribution are claimed to be the staple of the ‘biker industry’ but cyber crime is fast becoming a cash cow for the groups.
“You do not see all members patched in public, they are not always visible or like they are portrayed on television,” Mrs Harfield said.
“They come from a very broad spectrum of very diverse ethnic groups.” However, the threat of violence was never too far from the biker’s psyche, she said.
“The violence might not always be as obvious but it will be used to enforce territory, exact revenge or as a display of power,” she said.
The ACC claims that as bikie numbers rise, the traditional image of the bearded tough man continues to change.
‘Street toughs’, predominantly with Middle Eastern backgrounds, are now filling their ranks. Notorious, a now defunct street gang, reportedly had up to 200 members.
They were known as the “Nike bikies” because of their clean-shaven look.
Karen Harfield, is the Executive Director – Performance and Stakeholder Relations at the Australian Crime Commission.
SONS OF ANARCHY RECRUITS ONE OF US–Rusty is new character SONS of ANARCHY co-star “QUINN”, Samcro Nomads Prez….
Our 1st Red Carpet together!!
Video short from Maximotv.com
Be sure to watch Season 5 SONS of ANARCHY Sept. 11, 2012
Tuesdays @ 10pm on FX Channel
–K.O.
SHOP PARTY COMING—SPONSORED BY BIKERNET–I’m beyond excited to announce the next shop party.. which will be a 1 year anniversary party / halloween party as well!
it’s been a crazy year, and I thank each and every one of you for your support. We could NOT have done it without you.
For this event on Sat Oct 20th, we have a full night of festivities planned. including a Live DJ who is flying in from NYC to spin for us.
There will be a costume contest with trophies, over 1K in prizes to be raffled off, motorcycle parking on melrose, and of course FREE FOOD & DRINKS thanx to Jack Daniels and PBR.
INTERNATIONAL FILM & TELEVISION STAR, LORENZO LAMAS WILL HOST THE LORENZO LAMAS BIKE SHOW AT THE 2ND ANNUAL “BIKERS HELPING VETERANS” BENEFITING THE RESIDENTS OF THE NEW VETERANS HOME OF CALIFORNIA-WEST LA– Everyone is welcome! Ride In, Walk in or just Come in! Entertainers include Elmer Armstrong of the Platters, The Hot Flashes, Singer/Actress Rebecca Holden, Devorah Gottesman, Conspiracy Band and Lorenzo Lamas Bike Show
LOS ANGELES, CA — SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 — Organizers announced this week that international film and television star, Lorenzo Lamas will host the Lorenzo Lamas Bike Show at the 2nd Annual ‘Bikers Helping Veterans’ benefit ride scheduled for Sunday September 23, 2012, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hundreds of motorcycles will depart Barger Harley-Davidson, Canoga Park and Bartels’ Harley-Davidson, Marina Del Rey at 9:00 AM and end at thenew Veterans Home of California – West Los Angeles, 11500 Nimitz Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90049.
West Coast “Bikers Helping Veterans” Ride to benefit residents of the new Veterans Home of California-West Los Angeles will include a patriotic program, flag ceremony, music, BBQ, raffles, vendors & celebrities. This benefit is open to the public to honor and assist resident veterans at the new Veterans Home and to remember their service to their country. The Veterans Home of California is a beautiful long-term assisted living and skilled nursing facility for Veterans.
Guests expected are: Major General (Ret) Peter J. Gravett, CA Dept. Veterans Affairs, LA County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, LA City Councilman Dennis Zine, the Military Order of World Wars, retired officers, Veterans and the General Public. Entertainment includes: The Hot Flashes doing the Andrew Sisters routines, the Conspiracy Band, UCLA ROTC Color Guard, Singer-Songwriter Devorah Gottesman and singers Rebecca Holden and Elmer Armstrong from “The Platters”. A tax-deductable donation of $25 entry fee for ride-ins, or walk-ins will benefit the Veterans Home of California in West Los Angeles.
Additional information: bargerharley-davidson.com & www.bartelsharley.com
or contact Loretta Hanson, Committee Chairman, Barger Harley-Davidson – 818.999.3355 or email lfhanson4@gmail.com.
IT’S A WRAP—It’s damn hot in the shop and we’re waiting for the trash truck to rumble past, so I can open the shop roll-up door.
Lot’s of material headed your way including bike features from Milwaukee, Keanu Reeves bike built by Gard Hollinger. You will see their new bike building facility in the near future. It’s amazing.
I now have permission to run Art’s Street Glide road test with the help of Quick Throttle Magazine. Fortunately the magazine didn’t run all the shots with girls, so we can rock. I’m going to visit Kendon next week and bring you reports on their new products.
But first I’ll finish my Bonneville report and bring you more reports from the BDL factory. Check this new clutch lock-up tool. This one is still in the development phase. And I will bring you another build tech from our Bikernet/Cycle Source Sweeps build, and you could win this bike. Join the cantina before Las Vegas Bikefest and have a shot at a fantastic one-off custom build. See Ron Harris painted the masterpiece in the next tech.
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Ride Forever,
–Bandit
