Hey,
This is another early-in-the-year show weekend with Easyriders shows, Ultimate Builder Shows, Major Hawaiian Show coming, and the Grand National Roadster Show right here. The Colorado Motorcycle Expo is this weekend. The Donnie Smith Show was last weekend, and more shows are coming.
This year the Columbus Easyriders show falls on the same weekend as the Cincy V-Twin dealer show, but the dealer show on the 7-9 of February is the weekend after the Superbowl. That was a damn good move.
Just about the time I feel Freedom is lost in this country I heard Washington is going to allow lane splitting. There is hope.
It’s a big year for us, and the 5-Ball Racing team. We are making headway with the frame in Houston. And Andrew and Bob Kay are making the 5-Ball Racing line of apparel rock. Let’s hit the news.
The Thursday News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source and Easyriders Events
HOLY FLAMES— I just got Best Paint at Wide Open Bike Show in Kansas City Sunday (130 bikes).
Didn’t see that coming. Would love to see my build on Bikernet Trikes.
–John Talbot
AUSTRALIAN ATTACK ON BIKERS–Three months into the campaign by the Queensland government against outlaw motorcycle gangs, some meaningful analysis of the effectiveness and justification for the unprecedented measures is possible.
On the statistics and anecdotes that have emerged, it appears likely there will be no smoking gun to indicate success at the end of this campaign. There will be no major evidence that bikie gangs are the epicentre of organized crime in Australia. Yes, they play a part, but not an overwhelming one.
Arrest figures
But of the 817 charges, only 28 – or 3.4% – can be considered “organised crime” type charges such as drug trafficking and extortion.
Given the over-policing of bikies, one could also reasonably expect that these figures would be inflated to some degree. The figures rest on all the offenders being conveniently termed “participants of a criminal organization”. The police will not supply figures for the actual arrests of members – nor the grey and fuzzy “associate arrests” – instead grouping them into a homogeneous category.
If we were to consider just members, I suspect the arrest and charge figures would be drastically reduced.
Illicit drugs
The offences laid against bikies account for just 0.8% of total drug supply offences in Queensland. For trafficking in dangerous drugs they account for 5% of offences. For production of dangerous drugs they accounted for only 1.3% of total offences.
Production by Queensland drug laboratories has been exploding for the last five years, yet we never heard that the bikies were the criminal masterminds behind it. Australian Crime Commission (ACC) data indicates that from 2010-11 to 2011-12, Queensland drug laboratory production increased 29%, and Queensland labs accounted for 81% of the national increase in this same period.
Police have indicated that some 193 amphetamine labs had been located in the last six months in Queensland. Unfortunately, the media were not told how many of these busts resulted in the arrest of any bikies.
Charge stats
Included in the December update on Operation Resolute was a short note that six offenders had been charged under the anti-bikie laws. These laws provide for mandatory 25-year prison sentences for bikie gang members for a wide range of charges.
Of the 384 arrested, only 1.5% of offenders were charged under the anti-bikie laws. This is despite the authorities saying that all 384 people arrested were participants in criminal gangs.
The explanation is simple. First, the vast majority of offences involved were of such a minor nature that they are not covered by the anti-bikie laws. Second, the people arrested were acting as individuals: they did not commit their offences as part of some criminal conspiracy for the benefit of the organization.
It is easy to claim someone is a participant in arrest figures and media releases. It is not so easy to do this when subject to the scrutiny of the criminal courts, where actual evidence is required to be proven to requisite standards. In a number of instances, claims of bikie gang membership evaporated when the courts required proof.
Involvement in organized crime.
Claims have also been made that bikies are responsible for over two-thirds of organized crime profits in Australia (around A$10 billion). We have not seen any credible evidence or methodology to support this.
Of concern is that such claims are being attributed to organisations such as the Australian Crime Commission. A search of the ACC website, however, finds no such data. In fact, its bikie profile series specifically states:
In the first two months of Operation Resolute police have recovered only around $200,000 worth of drugs. Divide that figure by all of the “participants” arrested and they would have earned an average of $260 per month – hardly what high rollers are made of.
Impact on freedom of association
The legislation included the introduction of consorting or association laws, which prevented two or more bikie gang members from gathering in public.
The two most prominent cases where this law has been enforced are the arrests of five men having a quiet beer in a suburban pub and another five offenders buying icecreams during a family holiday on the Gold Coast.
This is hardly the backroom, nefarious criminal consorting that the laws were put in place to prevent. It simply is not in the spirit of the legislation, and has been a public relations disaster for the government.
The strategic direction of the campaign has begun to go badly off the rails. With tradesmen now in the sights of law enforcement over links with bikie gangs, the government has moved the war from fringe occupations – such as tattoo parlours – to mainstream society. This move has raised the ire of trade unions, and they do have the money to fund a legal challenge.
The government has taken the “war on bikies” too far and alerted a complacent wider community to the impact on basic civil liberties. The “us and them” (the bikies) dichotomy has changed to a more encompassing view of who can be affected by the laws.
The other obvious issue is that if you remove all lawful occupations for bikies there is little alternative but for them to undertake a life of crime. Rehabilitation does not feature in the current war. The public perception of the war has not been helped by police telling people who they can and cannot be friends with:
The purpose of the legislation is to target criminal activity, not police social interactions.
Resourcing problems
All of these arrests have involved substantial planning and policing resources. The public therefore have the right to ask if the police would be better employed actually targeting criminal enterprise rather than people enjoying beers and icecream.
Bikies undoubtedly commit crime. Unfortunately, in this current climate, if you attempt to explain why the current approach is wrong you are simply labelled a bikie supporter. For most commentators nothing is further from the truth.
The crime committed by bikie gangs would be better combated by using crime management techniques that target actual crime rather than the current set of association laws, which merely target the person and to a large extent miss the criminal activity. The results are not positive. A change in investigative and policing strategy is needed.
–from the Conversation
EASYRIDERS HOT SHOT BIKE SHOW IN CHARLOTTE THIS WEEKEND--The Easyriders 2014 Bike Show Tour is rolling into Charlotte, NC on January 25, 2014 at the Charlotte Convention Center. Witness hundreds of the planets hottest bikes on display as competitors compete for 59 total awards, cash, and the chance to have their bike featured in one of our magazines.
Meet Mark Boone “Bobby” from the #1 hit TV show Sons Of Anarchy signing autographs and taking pictures with guests. Other special celebrity guests include Michael & Angie from TV’s “Full Throttle Saloon”.
Meet the world’s top bike builders including Bagger Nation’s own Paul Yaffee. Dave Mann “Originals” will be on display as well as prints available for purchase.
Other show features include the Purrfect Angelz from “America’s Got Talent” performing live, Easyriders Roadware Fashion Shows, live music, and more. For complete event details, interested vendors please go to:
http://www.easyridersevents.com/bikeshow2014/promo/charlotte.html
CUSTOM 2014 INDIAN CHIEF VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE AUCTION RAISES $30,000 FOR THE BENEFIT OF MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES–In partnership with Jack Daniel’s, proceeds from sale of customized the ‘No. 7’ serial number of first model year of the newest generation Indian Chief will help send military personnel home for the 2014 holiday season
MEDINA, Minn. — January 20, 2014 — Indian Motorcycle®, America’s first motorcycle company, today announced that its one-of-a-kind custom 2014 Chief Vintage motorcycle, created in support of the “Operation Ride Home” program for the benefit of U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families, sold on the auction block on Sunday, January 19. This unique motorcycle, featuring the lowest publically available 2014 VIN number, was sold at auction for $30,000 by Barrett-Jackson, the world’s greatest collector car auctions, in Scottsdale, AZ and the full auction price has been donated through Jack Daniel’s Whisky and Indian Motorcycle to the Armed Services YMCA program Operation Ride Home. The winning bidder was George Munsterman and wife Mary Brinckerhoff of New York. MSRP for a stock 2014 Indian Chief Vintage is $20,999, indicating the generosity of the winning bidder, who jumped an additional $4000 as bidding slowed to secure the motorcycle for his collection.
For 2014, the first model year for the new Indian Chief under Polaris Industries’ brand stewardship, the first 1901 units off the assembly line were specially badged with commemorative serial numbers in honor of the company’s founding in 1901. In partnership with Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the ‘No. 7’ serial number off the line, a Red Indian Chief Vintage model, was customized by Klocks Werks of Mitchell South Dakota with just the right touches to create a truly unique motorcycle. Hand-laid pin striping, painted Jack Daniel’s logos and Operation Ride Home logo and a customized seat combine to create a unique and collectible custom motorcycle.
“Operation Ride Home” is a partnership program between Jack Daniel Distillery and the Armed Services YMCA designed to help service members and military families travel to their homes across the country this holiday season. All proceeds from the auction of the custom Indian Chief Vintage bike have been donated by Indian Motorcycle to the Operation Ride Home program. The program assisted 836 individuals for the 2013 holiday season.
“For nearly 113 years the U.S. military has been an integral part of the legendary Indian Motorcycle brand, and many of this company’s proudest achievements revolved around our support of this country’s war efforts,” said Steve Menneto, vice president of motorcycles for Polaris. “It was a pleasure to partner with Jack Daniel’s and the Armed Forces YMCA in support of Operation Ride Home, and all of us at Polaris Industries and Indian Motorcycle are honored to donate the proceeds from the auction of this unique and symbolic motorcycle for the benefit of America’s military personnel and their families.”
THE ARMED SERVICES YMCA
The non-profit Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) provides no and low-cost programs to make military life easier for nearly 500,000 active-duty enlisted military and their families each year at 31 branches and affiliates nationwide. Innovative direct services are tailored to the needs of local military installations nationwide with the help of 13,000 volunteers in addition to community and military support.
The ASYMCA was rated in the top 2% of charities nationwide by Charity Navigator in 2012. Of the 1.2M Active Duty military stationed in the US, approximately 82% are located where the ASYMCA has a Branch or Affiliate nearby to help make military life easier. The ASYMCA does not receive government funding, and does not charge dues or membership fees for their programs. Your tax deductible donation (Tax ID #36-3274346) to the ASYMCA, a top-rated non-profit, will make a significant difference impact on the lives of enlisted service members and their families. Please visit asymca.org to learn more.
BIKERNET BUDDHIST TEMPLE MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE OF THE DAY–Many small doors open into large rooms.—Ming
BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS ALL ABOUT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE--Thursday night I gradually woke up stiff as a plank in hospital’s ICU, tubes up my nose and down my throat, wires monitoring every function and all around my head, hell of a pain over my left ear, and a gorgeous nurse hovering over me.
She looked at me deep and steady and I heard her slowly say, ‘You may not feel anything from the waist down.’
I managed to mumble in reply, ‘Can I feel your tits, then?’
–from Jim Waggaman
Irwindale Dragstrip Sets 2014 NHRA Summit Series Dates– It’s that time again for some great side-by-side Sunday, Sunday!!, Sunday!!! NHRA Drag racing again … And Ir-win-dale Dragggggg-Strip is where fans of fast times in straight lines will be finding it beginning Sunday, March 9!
The 2014 NHRA Summit Series is all set to stage its 2014 season with four fast divisions that range from trailered-in, purpose-built machines to everyday drivers, and include a very quick motorcycle class.
The first event of the 2014 season is set for March 9 and the “tuning” has already begun at Irwindale’s regular Thursday night test and tune sessions.
Series classes are divided by their potential performance and that’s determined by the racer’s “ET” (elapsed time) … Effectively the time that it takes the race car to make an eighth-mile (660-foot) run down the drag strip.
Summit Series racing at Irwindale is always close, and the times often need to go to the third digit (thousandths of second rather than hundredths) to determine a winner between two very quick machines.
Summit Series Class ET’s
Super Pro 5.50 – 7.49
Pro 5.75 -8.59
Sportsman 7.50 – 12.60
Pro Bike 5.50 – slower
Summit Sunday Drag Racing is one of those “OK … Don’t blink” sort of shows where side-by-side races stage, light off, and blast through the lights about as fast as it takes to say it!
Fans are always welcome at all Sunday Summit events. It’s a fast day at Irwindale with spectator gates and tech inspection lanes open at 8am, the official driver’s meeting at 10am, qualifications starting at 10:30am and final elimination runs going of f at about 1pm.
Adults are $10.00, kids under 12 are only $5.00 and parking (right in the Pits with the racers, by the way!) free.
Here’s the Irwindale Dragstrip NHRA Summit Series Dates for 2014:
Race #1 Sunday March 9
Race #2 Sunday April 13
Race #3 Sunday May 18
Race #4 Sunday June 8
Race #5 Sunday July 13
Race #6 Sunday August 10
As usual all dates are subject to change
We’ll see YOU at the Dragstrip …
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!--Road Testing River Road Chaps from Biker’s Choice
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11516
Going the extra 10 miles for sure, if they can hold up thru all that and still look so badass they are worth a look see.
–Lloyd
roadrunningfatboy@yahoo.com
LA
THIS JUST IN FROM QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA—Queensland Authorities are banning babies in the region. It’s a proven fact that some of them will become bikies.
–K. GAROO
GUN NUT REPORT FOR THURSDAY—
–from John Talbot
5-BALL RACING PANHEAD READY TO TACKLE THE GREAT VINTAGE RACE IN AUSTRALIA–Took the Pan for a 100 mile shakedown run the other day to make sure it was ready for the annual Great Race held here on 25th-26th January in the Snowy Mountains, Harley-Davidson v/s Indian.
There are 138 bikes entered this year.
The web site is: http://www.great-race.com.au
Cheers
–Doc
QUOTES OF THE DAY FROM SIN WU–Even if you’re on the right track, you can still get run over if you just sit there.
Opportunity is missed by most because it’s dressed in overalls and looks like work.
–from Sin Wu
[page break]
BIKERNET STAFFER OF THE WEEK—Rogue, Florida News Desk Editor in Chief, Senior Tech Editor.
Born in 1937, started riding a BSA at 14 years of age off road and hill climbing. Well he actually snuck in a little street riding too before he actually got his license. He also had some Triumph motorcycles. Will be 76 years old in November.
He has ridden motorcycles every year since that time, even when in the Air Force overseas he had a Triumph 650. While in the military he became interested in photography and continued with it after returning to civilian life.
A few years after being honorably discharged from the Air Force and returning home to Fairfield Connecticut the city of Bridgeport banned motorcycles from the city parks. He and others rode through the park and got tickets so they could fight them in court. They became part of a group named Fairfield County Motorcycle Association and hired a local attorney Burt Weinstein.
Rogue and the some of the other riders brought up the fact they were veterans and had served their country to preserve freedom and since they paid taxes that were used to help pay for the park and it was one of their freedoms they would again fight to preserve this freedom. With the help of the American Motorcycle Association and the local Harley dealer they were eventually overturn the ban and motorcycles were again allowed in the parks.
Some of the people who were part of the FCMA got together after the ban was lifted and decided to start a motorcycle club. After numerous meetings the HUNS MC was formed. Rogue was a founding member, then secretary and ending up International President.
During the time he was president the Federal Government tried to Blackmail States into passing specific laws or lose Federal Highway Funds. One of those laws was the Mandatory Helmets for Motorcyclist. He, the HUNS and others joined together to fight that law. They lobbied legislators, had repeal bills introduced, got tickets so they could plead Not Guilty and Fight Them In Court.
He was involved in helping form Helmet Law Protests around the country and Connecticut was in the national news when motorcyclist rode the minimum speed limit on Connecticut’s Interstate Highways one Sunday.
Rogue was contacted by Lou Kimzey who was starting “Easyriders” magazine. He asked Rogue if he was interested for writing for them. Rogue told Lou he wasn’t a journalist to which Lou said “It is easier for me to teach you to be a journalist than it is to be a biker.”
Rogue said okay and became involved beginning with the second issue. Part of the agreement was to publish what was going on with the government and how it was affecting motorcyclist. Rogue is still a contributor to Easyriders and other Paisano Publications.
Rogue met Bandit aka Keith Ball and they worked to form ABATE. Easyriders was and still is a supporter of motorcycle rights. Rogue and Bandit have continued to be friends and work together to this day.
Rogue has worn many hats through the years and still does. You can find out more about him at his website www.bikerrogue.com
Fueling Super Scavenger Oil Pump for Twin Power:
Fueling SS Oil Pump Review
Text and Photo’s by Algie — Killing Machine Choppers
Upon opening the box I find this beautifully machined piece. I pull out a jeweler’s loupe and look real close and I have to tell you that this oil pump looks SWEET!!!
J&P Cycles’ Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show Minnesota. The Results Are In
Photos and Text by Jeffrey Najar
Rivera/Primo HedLED Headlight System
At Last, a Turn Signal System in Headlights for Custom Bikes
By Bandit, Ben Kudon, and Richard Kranzler with photos by Wrench
Our integral LED turn signals built into a series of stylish billet headlight buckets have become an industry phenomenon. They are popular with bikers and hot rod enthusiasts alike. The HeadLED Headlights are sanitary, cosmetically badass, and they work great!
NCOM Coast To Coast Biker News for January 2014–THE AIM/NCOM Motorcycle E-News Service
By Bill Bish, thanks to Richard Lester and NCOM, with photos from the Bob T. collection
NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
And From Bikernet Trikes we have the following:
CAPONE TRIKES
A picture is worth 1000 words
by Triking Viking
–Mistress Chris
Women’s Editor
Internet Content Coordinator
Bikernet.com
WIRE PLUS ANNOUNCES New Year’s “BLOW OUT” Pricing for Round Digital Speedos and Power Ports— Winfield, KS – Wire Plus is proud to support their customers with New Year’s “BLOW OUT” Pricing on their Round Digital Speedos and Power Ports…perfect way to begin the New Year! (Offer expires February 7, 2014)
Wire Plus digital instruments provide speedometer, tachometer, trip, odometer and all indicator light functions and new flat panel construction that measures 2.5″ round with all electronics onboard. (No external brain box) The unit features super bright display technology for true daylight readability with a light sensor for auto-dimming at night. Available in five colors (violet – blue – red – yellow – classic black) with electro-luminescent lighting to glow the selected color at night. Color and mounting applications are selected by part numbers. Available in show quality chrome or black anodized with various riser and T-bar mounting options.
MSRP $399.99… New Year’s Blow Out Price: $299.99
Power your cell phone, heated vest, air compressor, cigarette lighter, GPS device or any electrical device up to 15 amps, anytime you ride with a Power Port. Get rid of dangling wires and connect a battery charger through the port when you’re not riding. You can actually maintain and charge your battery through this port.
All Power Ports can be installed in minutes by connecting two wires to your battery and attaching the unit directly on the horn bolt or to any other location with one bolt mounting. These small compact Power Ports are constructed from billet aluminum, have a built-in fuse and are manufactured in the USA.
With Power Ports from Wire Plus, you will always have immediate power right at your fingertips every time you ride …Anywhere. Available in show quality chrome or black anodized.
MSRP $99.99…New Year’s Blow Out Price: $79.99
For more information, call Wire Plus at (620) 221-2417 or check them out online at wire-plus.com or email them at sales@wire-plus.com.
–Rick Raus
THE COLORADO MOTORCYCLE EXPO (formerly known as the Colorado Motorcycle Show & Swap) returns to the National Western Complex in Denver on February 1st & 2nd, 2014.
The Expo features one of the largest motorcycle swap meets in the country, with over 800 booths. There is also a Custom Motorcycle show with about 125 bikes, a large motorcycle museum, and lots of live entertainment.
The Expo covers about 300,000 square feet of indoor space.
This is the motorcycle event of the year in the West and people come from hundreds of miles away.
You never know who you’ll see.
Last year, Happy from Sons of Anarchy showed up and wasn’t even scheduled.
Sonny Barger has also attended in years past. This year Danny the Count Koker from the History Channel’s Counting Cars series will be there with his band, Count’s 77. He will also be doing a meet and greet with fans.
On both Saturday and Sunday there’s a motorcycle stunt show with Hollywood stuntman, Monte Perlin and his Globe of Death. Also, on Saturday don’t miss the 2014 Miss CME Bikini Contest.
Show hours are 9am- 7pm on Saturday and 9am- 4pm on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for a one day pass and $20 for a weekend pass. All events and attractions are included in your ticket price.
For more information go to www.ColoradoMotorcycleExpo.com
NEW SHERIFF ON THE BLOCK—We are hooked up with a long time company Unbrako Fasteners. This company invented the socket-head or Allen fasteners design. They were an American company for 80 years, when they fell on hard times and sold all their tooling to Deepak Fasteners in India.
Deepak took Unbrako tooling to India and developed five 1-million square foot manufacturing facilities, and started cranking out quality stainless fasteners, grade 8 fasteners, anodized fasteners, construction level fasteners, even aerospace fasteners.
Then came the next challenge, returning to the United States. That’s where our neighbor, and one of the hardest working individuals I ever met, came into the picture, Gary Baines. Gary has been assigned the task of bringing the Unbrako line back to the United States.
Here’s the trick. Like many businesses here in the states, you must follow a particular protocol, and you can help. We want to know who you trust in the distribution chain. If you buy fasteners from a distributor, let the 5-Ball sales team know and we will contact them to make sure they are aware of the new Unbrako product line.
If you are unhappy with the fastener supplier and need a new connection, let us know and we will find you someone, or deliver direct. If you need a special fastener for any purpose, let us know. With a 60-day lead time, Unbrako can manufacture and deliver any fastener you need, with any thread configuration, any length, size, you name it. They can make it.
For more info you can call me or any of our Sales Staff:
Ray C. Wheeler (831) 594-7783
Gary K. Mraz (818) 625-6540
–Bandit
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER STUDY RESULTS–Bad News About Belly Fat–In spite of all those television ads, when men consider their declining quality of life as they get older, they might do well to blame their beer bellies, and not their testosterone levels.
In fact, results of a new study from Denmark show that the bigger the belly, the lower men’s quality of life. Researchers from Odense University Hospital asked 598 Danish men ages 60 to 74 about their enjoyment and activities of daily living using a questionnaire that measures general health, including ability to perform physical tasks, pain, vitality, social functioning and emotional and mental health.
The investigators also measured the men’s body fat, including their belly fat, and reported that 40 percent of study participants were obese. They also checked each man’s testosterone levels and found them only modestly associated with quality of life. Belly fat, also called visceral or intra-abdominal fat, is located deep in the abdomen surrounding internal organs. This is the type of fat tissue associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer and premature death.
My take? Losing weight can help reduce the risk of the serious health problems belly fat poses, improve quality of life and normalize testosterone levels. To find out whether you have too much belly fat, simply measure your waist. For most men, a waist 40 inches around or more is simply too large. The solution: a healthy weight-loss diet plus regular physical activity – including at least 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise such as walking briskly. Losing weight will cut down on intra-abdominal fat as well as the excess fat you can see. If you’re female, a waist measurement of 35 inches or more suggests that you need to take action.
–Dr. Weil
Drweil.com
MOTORCYCLE CLUB REACHES OUT TO TRAUMA VICTIMS–Longview — When 40-odd motorcycles roared into their front yard last summer, 6-year-old Bird Girl and 4-year-old Neverland Pirate could only watch in half-terrified amazement, clutching at their mother, Sunshine Rose.
But by the time the group of bikers left, several hours later, Neverland Pirate was cuddled in the lap of Darin “Bones” Hollis, listening to a story, while Bird Girl was tentatively interested in sitting on the massive bike seats.
Bird Girl, and her brother, Neverland Pirate, are among the hundreds of children in East Texas — and around the country — who benefit from a program called Bikers Against Child Abuse, or BACA.
Staff Report Houston Community Newspapers
MOTORCYCLE UNITS WITH THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE WITH GET NEW–County commissioners in mid-January approved $73,602 for the purchase of six new Harley-Davidson motorcycles from the Harley-Davidson dealership in The Woodlands, said MCSO media spokesperson Lt. Brady Fitzgerald.
“We usually turn in the old motorcycles when mileage gets high, and these are coming out of warranty,” said Fitzgerald.
The MCSO’s Conroe division will be receiving five of the new motorcycles in the coming weeks, with a newly contracted division in The Woodlands utilizing the sixth motorcycle for patrol.
Between the six new bikes and the older mileage MCSO cycles being traded-in, the county Sheriff’s Office will have a total of seven motorcycle units. Five will be assigned countywide, and two assigned to The Woodlands.
“We attempt to keep the motorcycle units under warranty,” Lt. Fitzgerald said. “This keeps the overall cost down on the maintenance of the motorcycles, thereby saving money.”
Motorcycle units are more maneuverable in many circumstances then a patrol car, Lt. Fitzgerald added, with motorcycles allowing officers easier ability to maneuver through traffic and large crowds, frequently able to reach emergency situations faster.
“When needed, motorcycle units are easier to conceal than patrol cars,” Lt. Fitzgerald said, “And considering the cost of fuel these days, Motorcycles can be considered budget friendly.”
–Rogue
BIKERNET 5-Ball RACING WHEELER REPORT
Adrenaline Junky List:
****Mojave Mile****To be announced****12,000 foot runway, one mile shutdown….
****Texas Mile****March 2014****
****El Mirage****5-17/18, 6-22, 7-13, 9-14, 10-19, 11/8-9****
****S C T A Speed Week****August 9-15, 2014****
****BUB Speed Trials****August 22-29****unofficial guesstimate****
****World Finals****Sept. 30—-October 3, 2014****
****E C T A Ohio Mile****5/3-4****6/7-8****7/12-13****9/27-28****
Show Times
Friday January 24, 2014 12:00 pm until 8:00 pm
Saturday January 25, 2014 10:00 am until 8:00 pm
Sunday January 26, 2014 10:00 am until 6:00 pm
Calling ALL Salt Addicts and Adrenalin seekers. Just might be as good exiting a perfectly good airplane in the quest of a 60 second free fall under a 7 cell parachute. 12,000 feet if my memory is working correctly, my last jump was in the summer of 1984 in Muskogee, Oklahoma during a sky diving tournament. Some 30 years later and the place to be this weekend in SoCal is the Century of Speed show in Pomona. Your Bikernet 5-Ball Racing Team will be there.
Our esteemed Bagger Editor, Richard Kranzler arrived at LAX Monday afternoon after a quick hop departing out of Portland, OR. Business has been non-stop since his boots hit the ground. First shop-stop was Marc Susman’s Classic Custom Rides in Anaheim to check on a set of Lyndall Racing Rotors.
The boss of Lyndall, Paul Kitrell dropped the rotors off a day or two earlier. Seems Richard’s Bagger Project was officially underway in the gathering-the-parts-dept., then change them out in less than week and haul ass to his secluded cottage in the deep green forest of Washington.
This ’97 FLHC Standard might be the Deal of the Week from Lifestyle very clean. The clock was ticking. Next stop Lifestyle Cycles, less than two miles from Susman’s, where the Crew was standing by with the bagger on the lift. We unloaded the Samson true duals for the start of the four or five day mad-scramble.
Third stop was Rivera-Primo. We found Ben Kudon, explained our Bagger mission and picked up a cool Rivera HedLED headlight. Then we hauled ass through the afternoon traffic, destination Bennett’s Performance in Long Beach to drop off a set of composite rotors for a project Eric was completing.
Tuesday we were back at Lifestyle full of vim and vigor when the gates blew open. After Samsons True-Duals were installed and a minor ignition glitch Richard ended up at Bikernet Headquarters just in time to break out the tools and get busy.
Wednesday we rolled to Palmdale for a few more parts, a set of LA Choppers 14-inch Twin Peaks Bagger Bars and a full set of extended Barnett cables. Richard will tell the story once he winds down a notch or two. Jet lag and a new Bagger Build, what a combo. Non-stop action just after Dawn cracked, until the mid-night-hours.
24 Hours a day, stay tuned.
Haul Ass!
Ride for Your Life!
–Ray C Wheeler
Performance Editor
Bikernet.com
wheeler@bikernet.com
POLICE COLLECTING DRIVERS’ BLOOD AND SALIVA FOR SCIENCE— Drivers in Reading, Pennsylvania are objecting to a recent, recurring police practice of setting up roadblocks and then asking drivers to turn over blood and saliva samples as part of an ongoing study.
The study has federal funding, and was paid for by $8 million in taxpayer money. It is being conducted by a private research firm, but local police are providing logistical support. The flashing lights of police cars and blocked off roads give the appearance that participation in the study is mandatory, said Reading drivers.
Drivers in Texas and Alabama have already voiced their concerns.
–from Rogue
WILD MOTORCYCLE RIDERS CAUGHT ON CAMERA–LAS VEGAS — Several concerned drivers called the Nevada Highway Patrol on Sunday afraid an accident was about to happen. They reported that some motorcyclists were riding recklessly on the road.
One family was coming back from church and had their baby with them in the car. They say what they saw poses a downright danger, but an attorney representing motorcycle clubs says this is much ado about nothing.
Bobby wanted to come forward, but says he must remain anonymous.
“Standing on their bikes, standing on their handlebars, sitting backwards on the bikes,” Bobby said.
Another man is caught on camera doing what is known as a burn out.
“It is an extreme concern because when they’re spinning their wheels and they’re causing that much smoke, you literally can’t see the car in front of you,” Bobby said.
Bobby didn’t like what he saw one bit. “They were in all lanes. They were very intimidating,” he said.
Stubbs represents 43 motorcycle clubs.
“Honestly, I didn’t think the videos were much at all.” he said, “From what I saw, there were a couple of traffic infractions caught on video. They shouldn’t happen. You should obey the laws, but people blow things up and make a big deal out of very small things.“
Stubbs says drivers need to respect motorcyclists like they would any driver of a car.
“I think the culture right now has people afraid of motorcyclists,” he said.
NHP says troopers did respond to Blue Diamond Road after concerned drivers reported the motorcycles.
However, troopers did not observe any violations, and did not have probable cause to make a traffic stop.
–By Aaron Drawhorn, Reporter
–from Rogue
[page break]
NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET TAKES CENTER ICE AT X GAMES ASPEN–Dark Custom Bike Poised to Star at ESPN’s Flagship Action Sports Event
ASPEN, Colo. (Jan. 23, 2014) – The world’s hottest new motorcycle hits the ice today at X Games Aspen. Harley-Davidson – one of the newest X Games sponsors – is teaming with ESPN to feature motorcycle ice racing as an X Games Aspen exhibition sport. Following Harley-Davidson’s customer-centric approach, fans will help decide if the sport is extreme enough for future X Games winter events via social media.
Taking center ice for the exhibition is the all-new Harley-Davidson Street™ 750 – the first all-new motorcycle platform from the company in 13 years. The new motorcycle will be available in dealerships nationwide later this year.
“While the Street was designed to handle urban environments, its instant throttle response, lean chassis and super-low seat height make it perfect to ride anywhere,” said Dino Bernacchi, Director of North American Marketing Communications, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “We modified several Street motorcycles by adding steel screws to the tires and let the world’s best flat track racers tear up the ice at high speeds. We think fans will be captivated by the extreme attitude and beauty they’ll see on the ice.”
The Street 750 from Harley-Davidson features the all-new liquid-cooled Revolution X engine, designed to match the demands of stop-and-go traffic. The new engine is housed in a narrow and lean chassis built for agility, with a new suspension and a broad handlebar sweep that provides confidence and maneuverability when managing tight turns and fast moves. It also has a premium, minimalist style that serves as a blank canvas for riders to customize.
The exhibition race will feature Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Team rider Brad Baker, the reigning AMA Pro Grand National champion, AMA Pro star Jared Mees, winner of the 2012 AMA Pro Grand National Championship, and his wife and fellow AMA Pro flat track racer Nichole Mees.
“The attitude and capabilities of the Street were influenced by thousands of young adults in cities around the world,” added Bernacchi. “So while we think ice racing is hardcore, it’s only fitting that Harley-Davidson is having extreme sports fans around the world help decide the X Games fate of the sport.”
For more information about the Harley-Davidson Street™ 750 visit www.h-d.com/street.
–Jen Hoyer
ACCIDENT AT ’14 GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW--Folks, please, always make sure that your throttle is free and doesn’t stick. Not that we wanted this to be the first post for the 2014 Grand National Roadster Show, but one of the contenders was approaching the viewing area to be judged when his throttle stuck, running over GNRS judging chairman Vic Cunnyngham, resulting in serious, though not life-threatening injuries. And the roadster is in bad shape.
ALWAYS make sure that your linkage is free of hangups and interruptions or this can happen to you.
Update 5:48 PM: Vic has had X-rays and has no broken bones, and is breathing fine, according to GNRS promoter John Buck. He was airlifted out of the Fairplex as a precaution. It goes without saying we wish Vic well.
— Written by: Thom Taylor, Hot Rod
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK—Couldn’t get much info, but it’s a 2004 Road King Classis for $15,995.
CASTING DIRECTOR LOOKING FOR THE NEXT STARS–My name is Scott Goldstein and I am a Casting Director for production company behind the hit car show Top Gear. I am writing you because we are currently casting a brand news series and we are searching for outgoing, fun loving car enthusiasts!
The shows name is “Mud, Sweat and Gears” and it will give car enthusiasts an ultimate one of a kind experience to modify and race a car that they design. We are looking for teams of two who will work alongside one another in order create and drive their kick ass car!
Attached is a flyer with all the shows casting information. We are doing interviews now, and are set to begin filming in the next two months. If any of your clubs members are interested they must respond to the information asked for in the flyer ASAP. The great thing is we are interviewing potential teams via Skype. Thus not posing a huge inconvenience to anyone who would like to audition.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at anytime.
–Scott Goldstein
Casting Director
BBC Worldwide
O: 323-785-8789
E: scott.goldstein@bbcaproduction.com
DEAL OF THE WEEK-–
Trailer for ‘30s Car or Truck $1350 in Lancaster, Ca.
Call john 661-943-1862
j38j39@yahoo.com
— Stormin’ Norman Fletcher
THIS JUST IN FROM THE BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER— Meditation and Spirituality May Protect Against Depression.
Regular meditation, as well as other spiritual or religious practices, has been shown to help shield against depression. New research from Columbia University’s Spirituality Mind Body Institute suggests that these activities may have the effect of thickening the brain’s cortex.
A study involving 103 adults, some of whom had a family history that put them at risk of depression, found that participants who placed a high value on religion or spirituality had thicker cortices as seen on brain MRIs. The researchers noted that the thickened brain regions seen in this study are the same cortical areas shown to thin in earlier studies of people at high risk of depression.
The team wrote that while more study is needed, these new results suggest that spirituality or religion may protect against major depression by thickening the brain cortex and counteracting the cortical thinning that normally occurs with major depression.
EPA Proposed Ethanol Rule Comment Period—
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering altering the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to lower the amount of ethanol produced in 2014. The proposed drop in ethanol production is a result of the Obama administration acknowledging that the biofuel law, RFS, is not working as well as expected. The proposal would require almost three billion gallons less be sold at market in 2014.
The higher blends, such as E15, have not been tested on motorcycles, and the extent of the damage is just beginning to be realized by those who have used the blend. Of particular concern to motorcyclists is that many manufactures are voiding warranties in cases where E15 is used in the motorcycle and causing damage.
Demand for the higher blends of ethanol, such as E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol to 85 percent traditional fuel, has been lower than expected. This shrinking of the marketplace has the EPA rethinking the future of biofuels.
Link: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0479
ABATE wants county to ease restrictions on off-road vehicles–ABATE officials are hoping Tippecanoe County commissioners allow such vehicles on county roads in unincorporated areas.
“We’re just requesting that they at least evaluate this, look at what other communities have done with this — what other counties have done with this” said Jay Jackson, executive director of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education. “We’re not aware of any significant ramifications as a result, so we don’t see a downside to it.”
Jackson told commissioners that 45 Indiana counties — including Fountain, Warren and Carroll — allow off-road vehicles on roads. The vehicles still must comply with state laws governing off-road vehicles. Off-road vehicles in Tippecanoe County cannot be driven on the roads, but they can be driven in the road’s right of way, said Lt. Dan Dulin of the Indiana Department of Natural Resource’s law enforcement division.
If the county opts to allow such vehicles on the road, Dulin recommended that the ordinance wording comply with the state’s requirements. State law requires the rider or driver be 16 years old and licensed, he said. The law also requires that the vehicle be registered, much like a boat. The registration is $30 for a three-year tag. County Commissioner John Knochel asked Dulin and Jackson, as well as Sheriff Tracy Brown, if they would participate in a panel to discuss Jackson’s proposal. They all agreed.
Dulin said violations by off-road vehicles are not a serious problem. In the nine-county area last year, conservation officers issued 43 traffic citations and 43 warnings to operators of off-road vehicles. Additionally, they issued four citations to operators of snowmobiles, which Dulin said are considered off-road vehicles. During 2013, conservation officers in Tippecanoe, Benton, Warren, Fountain, Montgomery, Boone, Clinton, Cass, Carroll and White counties investigated 13 crashes involving off-road vehicles. One of those crashes was in Tippecanoe County, Dulin said.
The commissioners could adopt their own ordinance pertaining to off-road vehicles, which Dulin counseled against. They also could adopt an ordinance that complies with the state’s enforcement criteria but allows the vehicles to drive on the county’s roads. Or they could do nothing, which would keep the vehicles off Tippecanoe County roads
–Rogue
NEW THIS YEAR, The Quail Motorcycle Gathering will honor one motorcycle entered at the event with the WHY WE RIDE Trophy — a prestigious award honoring the motorcycle that children 12 and under would most like to ride!
Producer/director Bryan H. Carroll and producer James Walker, will be speaking at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Chicago on February 7-9th.
There will also be TWO special screenings that weekend at the Muvico Rosemont 18 Theaters! Come out and watch WHY WE RIDE with Bryan and James!
Pick up your copy of the WHY WE RIDE DVD at the International Motorcycle Show in Phoenix, AZ this weekend!
Available at the Souvenir Shirts/Official Merchandise Booth.
WHY WE RIDE Fans get 20% off 1-day adult tickets by entering Promotion Code: WhyWeRide
Go to MotorcycleShows.com to buy tickets now.
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The Circle of Love
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=11368
Missed the Love Ride this year, had knee surgery. Looking forward to next year!!
–Gail Battisti
gcbattisti@yahoo.com
San Diego, CA
15 TRAFFIC TICKETS Handed Out During Motorcycle Safety Operation–A total of 29 traffic enforcement stops were made during Saturday’s operation in Menifee.
A “Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation” conducted Jan. 18 by the Menifee Police Department led to 15 citations being handed out to drivers, it was announced today.
Extra officers were on duty patrolling areas “frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur,” the department reported. Officers were looking for violations made by motorists and riders alike.
•2 for unsafe speed
•2 for red light violations
•1 for unsafe turn •6 for unapproved D.O.T. helmets
•1 for no helmet
•1 for modified lighting
•1 for off road vehicle on roadway
•1 arrest warrant service
One motorcycle was towed as a result of the operation.
“The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely ‘sharing the road,'” the department stated in a news release. “Riders can get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at www.CA-msp.org or 1-877 RIDE 411 or 1-877-743-3411.“
Funding for the operation was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Posted by Toni McAllister (Editor)
–from Rogue
VELOCITY TAKES VIEWERS ON A ROAD TRIP THROUGH AMERICAN HISTORY
WITH THE ALL-NEW SERIES AMERICARNA–
Racing Icon Ray Evernham Leads Viewers Epic Ride Through American Culture in the Series Premiere of AMERICARNA, Tuesday January 28th on Velocity –
— Ron Howard, Surf Legend and Innovator Laird Hamilton, Beach Boy Mike Love, Country Idol Brad Paisley among Guests Sharing the Impact Iconic Automobiles Had on their Lives —
(Silver Spring, Md.) – This January Velocity takes viewers on a tour through American culture through the lens of one its greatest inventions: the automobile. Three-time NASCAR champion Ray Evernhamhosts this cross-country trek, chasing down the cars that had a profound impact on shaping our national identity. From the inception of American racing at the turn of 20th century, to the Woody wagons that defined California culture in the 50’s and 60’s, to the infamous drag strips of the 70’s, automotive history has left an indelible imprint on the American experience.
AMERICARNA lifts the hood on legendary four-wheeled treasures that continue to have a profound influence on our cultural DNA. AMERICARNA debuts Tuesday January 28 with a special double episode premiere at 8:00 and 8:30 p.m.
“The automobile is a quintessential part of the American experience – they’re synonymous with freedom, adventure,” said Bob Scanlon, General Manager of Velocity. “Since the first Model T rolled off Henry Ford’s assembly line, cars have continually helped evolve our culture, and we’re honored to have a true godfather of American car culture, Ray Evernham, host AMERICARNA. The stories and characters featured are even more unforgettable than they cars themselves.”
“Over my career, I have visited every corner of the country and learned firsthand about America’s rich, diverse love affair with automobiles,” said Evernham. “Cars hold the key to many of America’s historical secrets, and I am proud to share my journey through barns, along coastlines, and inside racetracks and garages with viewers on Velocity this January.”
The premiere episode brings Ray together with a surfing legend and revolutionary waterman, Laird Hamilton. The focus of the episode is the iconic Woody Wagon – a staple in the beach community – popularized by in the 50’s and adopted by surfers nationwide as a fitting chariot to transport their gear. Additional episodes feature historical automotive insight from famed director Ron Howard (Arrested Development, The DaVinci Code, Apollo 13) , music legend Mike Love (The Beach Boys), Country superstar Brad Paisley, And Hot Rod racing guru Don Prudholme.
For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
TEXAS DRIVERS ATTACKED, told to turn over blood, saliva samples–Texas drivers pulled over at random. Dozens of Texas drivers have been stopped at a police road block, where they were then directed into a parking lot and forced into surrendering blood, saliva and breath samples in a study that has upset civil liberties advocates.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration admitted it was attempting to conduct a government study meant to determine the number of drunk or drug-impaired drivers on the road at any given time.
“It just doesn’t seem right that you can be forced off the road when you’re not doing anything wrong,” Kim Cope, who said she was forced to the side of the road while making her way to lunch, told NBCDFW.com. “I gestured to the guy in front that I just wanted to go straight, but he wouldn’t let me and forced me into the parking spot.”
The tests were made even more mysterious when reporters, alerted to the situation by concerned drivers, were unable to find any officers in the Fort Worth Police Department who had been involved. The NHTSA only admitted its involvement after local media sought answers.
The department, which says its mission is to “save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce vehicle-related crashes,” maintains that participation in the research was completely voluntary. But Ms. Cope said she felt trapped during what seemed to be an investigation.
“I finally did the breathalyzer test just because I thought it would be the easiest way to leave,” she said. “It just doesn’t seem right that they should be able to do any of it. If it’s voluntary, it’s voluntary, and none of it felt voluntary.”
When pressed, the FWPD said it was “reviewing the actions of all police personnel involved to ensure that FWPD policies and procedures were followed.” The NBC affiliate was able to determine that the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, a government contractor, was hired to conduct the check.
“You can’t just be pulled over randomly or for no reason,” he said. “They’re essentially lying to you when they say it’s completely voluntary, because they’re testing you at that moment.”
He added that drivers who refused may have been targeted by police for inadvertently giving the impression they were operating a vehicle under the influence. He also told NBC that fine print on the form told drivers their breath was being tested by “passive alcohol sensor readings before the consent process has been completed.”
This oddity comes just months after Texas state troopers were caught on video conducting vaginal and cavity searches on female drivers at the side of the road. The videos quickly went viral, and attorneys for the women filed federal lawsuits against the troopers.
“It’s ridiculous,” Peter Schulte, a former Texas police officer and prosecutor, told the New York Daily News earlier this year. “I was a law enforcement officer for 16 years and I never saw anything like it.”
THAT’S NOT ALL–This is just the beginning of this kind of harassment. Check it out:
Jackson said Filippidis ordinarily carries a gun because of the cash he carries for his work. But when he went on a family trip, he left it locked in a safe in his home.
Reported Jackson, So there the Filippidises were on New Year’s Eve, southbound on Interstate 95 – John; wife Kally (his Gulf High sweetheart): the 17-year-old twins Nasia and Yianni; and 13-year-old Gina in their 2012 Ford Expedition – just barely out of the Fort McHenry Tunnel into Maryland, blissfully unarmed and minding their own business when they noticed they were being bird-dogged by an unmarked patrol car.
It flanked them a while, then pulled ahead of them, then fell in behind them. Such maneuvers took maybe 10 or 15 minutes, reports said.
Eventually the lights went on, and Filippidis pulled over.
The officer, from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, asked about license and registration details, and returned to his vehicle.
Then he came back, ordering Filippidis out of the vehicle, and to hook his thumbs behind his back and spread his feet.
At home, said Filippidis.
The result? The Expedition was emptied of all people, possessions and packages. An hour passed, maybe more. Much later, no weapon found, they resumed their trip.
–by conservativebyte.com
–Rogue
THINK YOU HAD ENOUGH, BUT WAIT THERE’S THE BLACK BOX BILL–The United States Senate is addressing privacy concerns surrounding data event recorders in automobiles. Event Data Recorders (EDRs), commonly known as black boxes are almost standard equipment in all new cars and trucks. They record everything the vehicle is doing, or not doing at the time of a collision or other on road mishap. The boxes can record everything from speed and vehicle angle, to seat-belt use.
U.S. Senators John Hoeven (R-ND) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have introduced legislation, S.1925, to make the data recorder the sole property of the vehicle owner. Anyone else would need a subpoena to access the data. The data would also be available should the vehicle owner consent to data retrieval or for traffic safety research.
“Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace and that poses new risks to personal privacy and new concerns for the public,” Hoeven said. “While EDRs can serve a useful function by helping to make cars and streets safer, access to the data should be treated as personal except under very specific circumstances. Our bill makes clear what those circumstances are and helps to ensure that government and other entities respect the Fourth Amendment rights of Americans.”
The Senate legislation is similar to the bill currently being worked on by the U.S. House of Representatives, H.R. 2414. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation supports both pieces of legislation and encourages you to contact your elected officials in the House and Senate and ask them to cosponsor these important bills. ?
THE 2014 INK N IRON FEST TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW–Save the dates June 6th, 7th & 8th 2014 – Ink-N-Iron Festival returns to the Queen Mary, Long Beach CA for its 11th year!
Get ready… #INI2014 will see a Return to its Roots…We have begun building an up-close and personal music experience across multiple stages along with amazing attractions throughout the ship…With ticket prices returning to 2012 levels, 2014 is on path to be our best year yet. Stay Tuned!
Ink-N-Iron 2014 on sale now.
Get your tickets and reserve your hotel accommodations. See you in June! #INI2014
FLORIDA REGISTRATION FEES BILL–On January 10th 2014 I posted a notice on Facebook asking people to support Florida Senate Bill (SB 156) by Joe Negron.
The bill will reduce motor vehicle registration fees and save motorists about $12.00 per vehicle. I contacted Senator Negron’s office my email and asked if the bill would include motorcycles. I did receive a phone call from one of his staff and said she said Yes It Would.
I was also informed the fee that motorcycles went up $2.50 above the across the board increases and not the $2.00 as I noted earlier MY BAD!?
Though not a part of this legislation we did discuss how that money was used and also Florida’s Mandatory Motorcycle Rider Program. At this time I would request everyone in Senator Negron’s voting district which is #32 and consists of parts of Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie counties to contact him and thank him for introducing this bill and his continued support of it. He can be contacted at http://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/s32
Senator Negron – The Florida Senate
www.flsenate.gov
3500 SW Corporate ParkwaySuite 204Palm City, FL 34990(772) 219-1665 Senate VOIP: 43200 FAX (772) 219-1666 Toll Free: 1-888-759-0791
–Rogue
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT WORD OF THE DAY–williwaw WIL-ee-waw, noun:
Outside, a new note has crept into the wind, a black williwaw sound straight from the terrible wastes to the north.
There was a big williwaw blowing and nothing was moving on the island. So I was a couple of days late in leaving…
Williwaw entered English in the 1830s. It is of unknown origin.
PATCH OF THE WEEK FROM THE CHEAP PLACE—The patch of the week is our own new, 3-inch tall, 5-Ball Racing patches.
If you need some patches, these guys are good.
–Bandit
NEVER A DULL MOMENT HERE ON BIKERNET— We have 5-Ball Racing reports coming. Strange scooters were covered by Paul Garson will make your day.
Techs on our first Bagger for Bikernet Baggers will fly at Baggers from Richard Kranzler as he gathers his shit and rides north with new bars and a new lower Saddlemen seat.
I’ve been discussing the front suspension with Kent Weeks of Lucky Devil Metal Works in Houston. We’ve kicked around Dragster front ends that have no suspension.
We have features headed your way, and I thought we featured this Chica built classic, but maybe not.
Then I swear we will bring you Dr. Feng’s report on the hot rod 650 ATK.
And we will have a flurry of reports on the 5-Ball Racing leather line, designed by Bob Kay of Biker Pros.
Like I said, never a dull moment!
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
