Hey,
Everything seems to be falling into place for this year. The Salt Shaker is making major strides. The 20th Anniversary of the SmokeOut is coming together. My plans have shifted regarding the Sturgis Run. My Grandson’s FXR is almost out of the shop.
Mike Stevenson an actor, a Hamster, a bike builder, a real estate sales guy and an all-around brother is going to finish up Dr. Hamster’s ’52 Panhead bobber. Hell, I hope today to hear news about progress on the Wilmington waterfront and Yelvington shocks for the Salt Torpedo.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
Bugatti Baby Reborn: a 110th Surprise Birthday Present–500 limited-edition junior Bugatti cars built to celebrate the brand’s 110th anniversary
Molsheim / Geneva, 11 March 2019. The car that brought Automobiles Ettore Bugatti to fame in the 1920s, the Bugatti Type 35, is generally acknowledged as the most successful racing car of all time. During its long career it won around 2,000 professional and amateur races, averaging more than fourteen per week at its peak.
In 1926 Ettore and his son Jean decided to build a half-scale Type 35 for Ettore’s youngest son, Roland, on the occasion of his fourth birthday. Now, on the occasion of the company’s 110th birthday, Bugatti and Junior Classics are reviving the idea of the Bugatti ‘Baby’, presenting the first 3D-printed design model on the Bugatti stand at Geneva International Motorshow.
What Ettore and Jean had intended as a one-off car, became an official Bugatti vehicle. The feedback from customers visiting Molsheim had been so positive that it went into production and was sold between 1927 and 1936. The Bugatti ‘Baby’ was born. Cherished by Bugatti enthusiasts worldwide, today no collection is complete without a Baby. However, with only around 500 ever made, they have been the preserve of the lucky few. Until now.
The Bugatti Baby for a new generation
To celebrate Bugatti’s 110th anniversary, we are introducing the smallest member of the Bugatti family: the Baby II. A contemporary tribute to Ettore’s masterpiece, the Baby II will be a strictly limited run, just like the original: only 500 cars will be built.
Unlike the original, which was only suitable for the youngest drivers, the Baby II is a three-quarters-size replica of the Bugatti Type 35 so it can be driven by both adults and children. The Baby II will allow automobile enthusiasts from across generations to share the love of driving and of the classic marque of Bugatti.
Bugatti Baby
Launching almost a century after its predecessor, the Baby II has been created using the latest technology, but with the utmost respect for Bugatti’s automotive heritage. Hand-built, the car was designed with the aid of a precise digital scan of an original Type 35, built for the 1924 French Grand Prix in Lyon.
Digital technology for an analogue masterpiece
Just like the original Baby, the Baby II has a rear-wheel-drive battery-powered electric powertrain. Unlike its predecessor, the Baby II features removable lithium-ion battery packs, a limited slip differential and even regenerative braking.
The junior car will come with two selectable power modes for drivers of different statures: a 1kW ‘child mode’ with the top speed limited to 20 km/h, and a 4kW ‘adult mode’ with the top speed limited to 45 km/h. In addition, for those enthusiasts who crave even more pace, an optional ‘Speed Key’ upgrade is available (just like the Speed Key for its big brother, the Chiron!), which allows power of up to 10kW and disengages the speed limiter.
Prices start at 30,000 euros (plus taxes and delivery) and production starts in autumn / fall 2019. Join the exclusive club of Baby owners and help write the next chapter in the prestigious history of Bugatti.
Reservations for build slots open at 9am, 11th March 2019 via: contact@bugattibaby.com
Please note, final specifications to be confirmed before production commences
–Tim Bravo
Head of Communications Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. Mobile: +33 640 151969 E-Mail: tim.bravo@bugatti.com
STREAMLINER NUMBER 7 REPORT—Once held the world land speed record for motorcycles. In fact this puppy took the record from Easyriders in 2006. We held it for 16 years at 321 mph. Incredible.
Now, the world’s fastest woman, Valerie Thompson is the pilot at about 330 mph, but they are looking to break the 400 mph mark and set the record once more.
This is a major record for all of motorcycling and Denis Manning needs a serious sponsor. Barnett’s just stepped up once more, but they need a wild title sponsor.
If you are interested in the adventure of a lifetime drop me a note and I’ll put you in touch with the master of motorcycle streamliners.
–Bandit
Bandit@Bikernet.com
See attached Screenshot. Facebook has blocked me from posting anything for 3 days for sharing the Bandidos Texas story.
Like I said, politics, climate, guns, etc are all best outside of motorcycle business if it is online business. Offline business such as Bandidos MC can survive this bullshit, we can’t.
I will focus on the Blog content or an article for the Cantina and wait for the three days to pass. It’s the weekend anyways so maybe I will ride the Enfield instead.
–Wayfarer, banned but not dead.
Bikernet™ News Chief
Bikernet India News Desk
NEW FROM S&S – Shadow Pipe for the Sidewinder 2 into 1 Exhaust!
Love the performance of a two into one, but need the aesthetic of dual exhaust on your touring bike? The folks at S&S Cycle completely get it. The big power of their stepped header Sidewinder 2:1 system is the ultimate addition to any performance bagger and to keeps things balanced, they just launched their Shadow pipe.
Perfectly matched to the 4.5” Sidewinder system, the Shadow pipe fills the left side gap under your saddlebag for a well sorted symmetrical look.
Check out both the Sidewinder and Shadow pipe for 1995-2019 HD touring models https://www.sscycle.com/sidewinder-2-into-1
We’re all about making the power and a 2:1 stepped system does the job the best, but we also get that bagger guys want a bit of symmetry. This is where the Shadow pipe (get it?) comes into play!
–David Zemla
VP – Marketing
Steve Huff of Huff Motorsports / Tucker Films– Steve Huff of Huff Motorsports has been a fixture in the powersports industry for over three decades. He’s built some pretty awesome bikes in his career, most notably “The Wet One,” which took top honors at the Oakland Roadster show.
Steve also has numerous records from Bonneville to El Mirage to NHRA on his resume. He is truly one of the fastest men ever to ride a motorcycle.
While in Portland for the One Moto Show the Tucker Team had a chance to sit down with Steve at the World of Speed Museum in Wilsonville, Oregon. Listen to Steve’s story in this Tucker Film.
–Dale Spangler
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Life and Times Meets the Chowder Barge
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Life_and_Times_Meets_the_Chowder_Barge.aspx
“I’ve often told folks who break up that it?s not about the past, the blues or the loneliness. It’s about tomorrow and the future and what you make of it.” – Bandit
THAT’S THE TRUTH – THE HEART OF THE MATTER. I deal with it every day, about to be 40 this year as a life-long bachelor, never-married and always daydreaming about the fantasy of a “Soul-mate.”
Thanks for sharing this immensely personal experiences. I would say you should have dumped Sin Wu years ago but well women can be very difficult to turn down once they have carved out a piece of your heart.
–Ujjwal Dey
wayfarer@bikernet.com
La La Land
LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
2011 Harley-Davidson FXDB Dyna Street Bob
ONLY $13,995.00
Since its introduction, this attitude-laden motorcycle has taken the custom world by storm. This one may already have all the extras you’ll ever want. LED lighting all around. Rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96™ V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 92 ft. lbs. of torque. It has the old school ‘chopper’ look with the 19″ front wheel, frame mounted freeway pegs, sissy bar with pad, and 13″ bars.
But still has comfort in a Saddlemen diamond stitched 2 up seat, mini locking hard bags and luggage rack for longer trips, blue spring adjustable Super Shox, and mid range controls for that easy riding position. This guy weighs in at 667 lbs in Running Order from the factory.
This bike looks and feels good. Let’s ride!!! Denim black paint with Blue raised ‘Harley Davidson’ on the tank sides, and a blacked out look. Blue accents also include Taylor Spiro plug wires, and lettering ‘Purpose Built’ on the rear wheel frame.
Small gloss black apes and tinted Memphis Shades fairing with gloss black headlamp. Phone mount. Black mirrors, levers, and lever shields. Gloss black dash and tank strap. Engine guard with foot shields (no leather covers). Polished fork and laced gloss black rims.
Burley Brand small floors for the rider and passenger pegs. H-D Sissy bar with pad and luggage rack. Bung King passenger crash bar and doubles as a handle. Black powder S&S Super air cleaner. Black powder six speed, horn, primary with a gloss black derby cover. Black powder cam with ‘Lords of Gastown’ black cover. Tool bag mounted to the battery case. Tires are in excellent condition with many miles left to go. Magna Flow exhaust rounds it out for perfection.
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101-point safety and mechanical inspection.
CHOW HALL OF THE WEEK– This is a nationally recognized specialty Taqueria, that is dedicated exclusively to making the best Carnitas!
They are made fresh daily, from their family recipe. Marcos and his Father just opened their second location in Gage park, that is where this is filmed.
Greg and Kristina Gaardbo the Chef/ Owners ofChicago Culinary Kitchen, joined me for this awesome Carnitas experience!! We got our minds blown by the Carnitas, the brain taco and the handmade salsa’s!!
Oh, and they are making their own tortillas every day from fresh heirloom corn masa!
Get to CARNITAS URUAPAN!! They are located at 2813 W. 55th Street in Gage Park, Chicago, IL.
Subscribe here to my You Tube page, youtube.com/c/ABikerDude
–Bikerdude
HIGHWAYMEN – Adventure Biker Fiction Book
E-book FREE from 15-March to 19-March on Amazon
Paperback for $ 8
Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1799285219
The Highwayman’s life is such, too many people and too few relationships. These tales from distant roads describe with a pulp flavour the men on the run. They run from the law, from conformity, from daily grind, from love and from themselves. Indulge yourself in a fantastical world of adventure and possibility.
The rider loves nothing but his iron horse, but he is lured into temptations on his journey; can he defeat the demons of his past chasing him. Crime is an inevitable truth of modern society. The urban cowboy rides over obstacles to justice, crushing the evil-doers while saving the damsel in distress.
Mark Curer writes fascinating variables of Biker Fiction, shifting from loner to posse riders and from murder to romance. His style is unique, voice murky and words playful. His protagonists battle small goons to organised crime syndicates. The female characters are daring lady-luck and baring their heart. Change of times, change of roads, change of heart – you will go through all as you revel in the raw tales in this collection of short-stories.
–Wayfarer
wayfarer@bikernet.com
NEWS FROM THE WEED WORLD–In Canada, some moms say cannabis makes them better parents
Canada’s health ministry warns parents against consuming cannabis because of the risks of second-hand smoke and being incapable of minding a child, but pot-smoking mothers are challenging those beliefs.
Montreal (AFP) – Smoking cannabis has made me “a better mother,” says Karine Cyr.
The mother of two leads a group of like-minded Canadian women challenging norms and rejecting stigmas around parenting and pot since Ottawa legalized its recreational use last October.
They are tired, she says, of having to hide their use of the mind-altering drug from family, neighbors and others, and have set out to educate their peers about its benefits.
“People are not informed. They still think that when we use cannabis, we sit in front of our television eating pizza like teenagers,” Cyr says.
“When I consume cannabis, I do housework, I play with my children. I am more patient with my children, more present. It helps me to be a better mother, a better person.”
Doctors disagree. But her message has resonated with hundreds of members of her Des fleurs ma chere (Flowers my dear) Facebook group, which she created to share experiences and thoughts about pot.
The group includes “entrepreneurs, psychologists, models, photographers … they are women from all walks of life,” said “ganja yoga” instructor Cynthia Petrin, herself a member.
Another similar Facebook group, “Mother Mary,” based in Montreal, has some 5,000 members.
Sitting in her living room, the smell of marijuana lingering, Jordana Zabitsky, in her 30s, said she started “Mother Mary” in a bid to push back against “mommy shaming.”
“I’m expected to work full time. I’m expected to be with my kids full time. I’m expected to have a clean house. I’m expected to have my bills paid on time. I’m expected to have my winter tires on on time,” she says.
“I have so much on my shoulders — I am only one person. The cannabis allows me to accomplish my daily tasks so much better!”
Canada’s health ministry warns parents against consuming cannabis because of the risks of second-hand smoke, while warning it also “may reduce a person’s ability to pay attention (to their child), make decisions or react to emergencies.”
But Cyr argues that cannabis is a far better alternative than prescribed opioids or anti-depressants to treat anxiety or depression in new mothers.
“Moms feel lonely and do not know where to turn. They feel ashamed and afraid,” echoed fellow pot proponent Annie-Claude Bertrand.
– Smoking cannabis while pregnant –
Cyr began using cannabidiol (CBD) oil, made from a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis plants, after her second pregnancy to relax.
She refused to take opioids prescribed by her doctor that made her feel like a “zombie.”
“I wasn’t sleeping, I had big sleep disorders, (but) the first time I took CBD oil, I slept through the night like I used to,” she said.
According to the government statistical agency, 12 percent of Canadian women have used cannabis, compared to 19 percent of the total Canadian population.
And several studies show that the drug’s popularity among women in both Canada and the United States — where several states have legalized it — is growing fast.
Marketers have even taken notice and started targeting their products specifically to women and young mothers.
For women, said Zabitsky, who admitted to consuming “micro-doses” during her first pregnancy and daily when she was pregnant with her second child, “the top question is, ‘Can I use cannabis during pregnancy?'”
“Right before I went into labor, I smoked a really big joint, and it was fantastic. All my doctors knew,” she says, assuring that her three-year-old and one-year-old children are healthy and “too smart” for their respective ages.
Doctor Antoine Kanamugire, however, says marijuana is not recommended during pregnancy because “THC, the psychoactive substance, will cross the placenta, so the baby will get 10 to 30 percent of the dose consumed by his mother.”
“Cannabis can greatly influence the development of the central nervous system and the immune system of the fetus,” said the author of “The 21 Unspoken Truths About Marijuana.”
Cannabis also passes into breast milk.
Those warnings, however, have not dissuaded Zabitsky and the other mothers in her group, who note that a century of prohibition has had the effect of throttling research into cannabis.
In her living room, she unveils THC-infused butter, sweets, soaps and skin creams for her guests, while touting cannabis as good for women’s libido.
“It’s like Viagra for women,” she says with a smile.
–Yahoo News
QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY– Why Women Make Better Assassins.
The CIA had an opening for an assassin.
After all the background checks interviews and testing were done, there were three finalists: two men and a woman.
For the final test, the CIA agents took one of the men to a large metal door and handed him a gun. “We must know that you will follow your instructions no matter what the circumstances.
Inside the room you will find your wife sitting in a chair. Kill her.
The man said “You can’t be serious. I could never shoot my wife”.
The agent said, “Then you are not the right man for this job. Take your wife and go home”.
The second man was given the same instructions. He took the gun and went into the room. All was quiet for about five minutes. The man came out with tears in his eyes,
“I tried, but I can’t kill my wife.”
The agent said, “You don’t have what it takes, so take your wife and go home”
Finally, it was the woman’s turn. She was given the same instructions to kill her husband.
She took the gun and went into the room. Shots were heard one after another. They heard screaming, crashing, and banging on the walls. After a few minutes, all was quiet.
The door opened slowly and there stood the woman, wiping sweat from her brow. “The gun was loaded with blanks” she said. “I had to kill him with the chair.”
–Sam
[page break]
FLORIDA GUN NUT REPORT–Florida Gun Owners Must Stop S 1310 and H 1165 From Passing. That’s all we know. Check it out or go to the NRA web site.
–Sarge
Veteran
Florida
THE LARGEST MEMORIAL DAY RALLY–The Mid America Freedom rally has become the largest Memorial Day bike rally in the mid-west. Held each year at the Pulaski County Fort Wood Shrine Club located just outside Buckhorn Missouri at Exit 153 off I-44. The address is 26920 Shrine Rd Waynesville, MO 65583.
The rally is held on the private Shrine Club property so pretty much anything goes. This is a true old school biker rally. With the Memorial Day celebration being the focus of the weekend. Live music, food and other vendors, and plenty of liquid lubrication to go around. If you bring your tent or Bikernet bedroll camping is included in your access pass. This year they are offering day passes if you can only make it for a short visit.
The bike show brings in some nice local rides and is a great way to get some exposure for your baby. A poker ride and biker games give plenty of opportunity for you to join in the fun and see some of the great sites of the Missouri Ozarks. Speaking of great sites if your interested they put on a great wet t-shirt contest and also crown Miss Freedom Rally at the Saturday night concert.
If you’re looking for some old school fun this Memorial Day weekend, slip on over to Buckhorn and join in the festivities.
NEWS FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION–Three Outs
Three prominent potential Democratic presidential candidates, almost in unison, said they would not join the 2020 campaign. Two of the decisions were expected, but the third was a surprise.
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who had hired staff, was in the process of designing a presidential campaign logo and planning an announcement tour to begin in his birthplace city of Medford, Massachusetts, said this week that he would not seek the Presidency in 2020.
Instead, he will devote his efforts to founding a new organization entitled, “Beyond Carbon,” with the goal of virtually ending America’s reliance on oil, gas, and coal by the year 2050. He said he believes, through this group, that he can best help to defeat President Trump.
Former Secretary of State, US Senator, First Lady, and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton also confirmed that she will not be a candidate next year but will remain active on the political scene. This result was more expected even though speculation had increased recently that she might again become a presidential candidate.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), another potential presidential candidate, announced that he would seek a third term in the Senate, which kills any chance of his entering the presidential campaign. His fate was virtually sealed when leaders of his own party, including Gov. Kate Brown (D-OR), refused to change Oregon election law to allow an individual to run for more than one office simultaneously.
The Bloomberg move could affect the overall campaign and may be a signal that former Vice President Joe Biden will soon be entering the race. Reports suggest that Mr. Bloomberg believed his path to the party nomination involved appealing to the more centrist element of the Democratic Party, a segment where Mr. Biden is strong.
The former Mayor indicated he believed his path to the nomination was a narrow one. He clearly assumes that Mr. Biden would be in the race, thus preventing the Bloomberg campaign from attracting large numbers of less liberal primary voters, though he felt his chances of unseating President Trump in the general election were strong.
–Rocky & Tiffany
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation
BARNETT CLUTCH FIX WITH SPECTRO OILS– Hey, the Spectro fixed it 75%, decided to change the pressure plate springs to all light, 95% better. Reason I say that it squawked on me one time in 25 miles of in town riding.
Chance from Barnett said to put the shudder spring back in and assured me 100% fix. Think I can live with it.
–Barry G
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
RADICAL BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for March 7, 2019
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/RADICAL_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_February_7_2019.aspx
There are lots of weekends. I don’t recall if you said anything about which weekend. I’ll just wait for the next one. I took notice of the salt torpedo steering rod bracket and while pondering the strength and rigidity, wondered if it had a bushing or bearing.
Enjoyed the chowder at Guido’s down on the Golfo de Mexico…hope the Barge gets it right.
— Sam
rotorkat@yahoo.com
TX
UPDATE: Officials in 11 states focus on left lane use
By Keith Goble, Land Line
Lane usage is a constant area of focus from state to state. Legislators around the country continue to address the issue.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the National Motorists Association say that blocking the left lane, whether intentional or not, results in reduced road safety and efficiency.
New Mexico
One bill halfway through the statehouse would limit trucks to the far right-hand lane on all interstate highways.
The Senate voted 26-11 to advance the bill to the House for further consideration.
SB359 would apply the lane restriction to highways with more than two lanes of traffic in one direction. An exception to the rule would be made for passing another vehicle.
Also included in the bill is a provision to slow trucks from 75 mph to 65 mph on affected roadways. The change would create a 10-mph differential between the posted speed for cars and trucks.
The bill has moved to the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
Connecticut
Two bills in the Joint Committee on Transportation are intended to keep clear the far left lane of the state’s busiest highways.
Connecticut law already requires any vehicle moving at less than the normal speed of traffic to stay to the right. Exceptions to the lane rule are made for situations that include preparing to turn or to overtake and pass another vehicle.
Sponsored by Rep. Kurt Vail, R-Stafford, HB5061 would further limit left lane use for motorists and truck drivers. Specifically, the bill would prohibit staying in the far left lane on any state highway.
Exceptions listed under current law would continue to apply.
A similar House version is HB5557.
Delaware
In nearby Delaware a rule already exists to prohibit driving in the left lane below the posted speed.
Noting that slower traffic in the passing lane continues to generate complaints, a Senate measure to pass both statehouse chambers requests the State Police and state Department of Transportation look into the issue of slower traffic in the left lane. Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 requests the agencies to offer recommendations to address the issue.
Recommendations could include additional restrictions on left lane use and additional or different signage.
Senators voted unanimously to advance the resolution to the House where it awaits final approval.
Iowa
Left lane use has the attention of multiple Iowa state legislators.
State law already mandates slower traffic to stay to the right.
The Senate Transportation Committee has voted to advance a bill that targets drivers who hang out in the left lane. Specifically, SF389 would specify that drivers who “reasonably should know” another vehicle is attempting to overtake the vehicle would face escalating fines for failure to merge right.
Simply failing to move right could result in a $100 fine. If inaction results in serious injury, violators would face $500 fines and/or a 90-day driving suspension. Incidents that result in death could carry a $1,000 fine and/or loss of driving privileges for 180 days.
SF389 awaits additional consideration in the Senate.
The bill has two House versions – HF74 and HF481.
Rep. Gary Worthan, R-Storm Lake, has said the left-lane rule change would benefit professional drivers. He says he has experienced drivers of all vehicle types create a rolling roadblock by not making their pass and getting back into the right lane in a reasonable amount of time.
Minnesota
Across the state line in Minnesota, one bill would penalize slowpokes in the far left-hand lane of highways.
Minnesota law already requires any vehicle moving at less than the normal speed of traffic to stay to the right. Violators faces $50 fines.
Sponsored by Sen. John Jasinski, R-Faribault, SF620 would set the fine at a minimum of $100.
The bill is in the Senate Transportation Finance Policy Committee. The House version, HF1210, is in the House Transportation Finance and Policy Division Committee.
Maryland
One effort underway in the House is intended to ease bottlenecks.
State law already requires any vehicle driving at least 10 mph below the posted speed to stay to the right. Exceptions to the lane rule would include preparing to turn or to overtake and pass another vehicle.
HB984 would require drivers traveling on roadways with at least three lanes for traffic moving in the same direction to use the left lane only for overtaking and passing another vehicle. The rule would apply only on roadways with speed limits of at least 55 mph.
Citations could not be issued until Oct. 1, 2021. Additionally, the Maryland Department of Transportation would be responsible for posting signage on state highways alerting travelers to the rule.
The bill is in the House Environment and Transportation Committee.
Massachusetts
A bill in the Joint Committee on Transportation is intended to avoid potential road hazards caused by vehicles traveling on a spare tire.
Sponsored by Rep. Steven Howitt, R-Seekonk, H3056 would prohibit vehicles operating on a spare tire from driving in the passing lane.
South Carolina
A state lawmaker is trying again to further discourage slowpokes hanging out in the far left-hand lane of highways.
South Carolina law already requires any vehicle moving at less than the normal speed of traffic to stay to the right. Exceptions to the lane rule are made for situations that include preparing to turn or to overtake and pass another vehicle.
Violators face fines of up to $100.
Sen. Ross Turner, R-Greenville, does not believe the deterrent is enough to discourage the behavior. He has introduced legislation that would raise the fine for violators of the keep right law.
Specifically, the fine for driving less than the speed of normal traffic in the passing lane of a multi-lane highway would increase to as much as $200. Warnings would be issued to violators for the first 90 days.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation would also be responsible for posting signage along interstates to alert travelers of the law.
This year’s version, S200, is in the Senate Transportation Committee.
Oklahoma
The Senate Public Safety Committee voted 11-1 to advance a bill that attempts to clarify the state’s left lane rule.
The Sooner State limits left-lane use on highways with at least two lanes of traffic in the same direction. State law specifies that drivers are required to stay to the right unless passing or preparing to turn left, or for safety measures.
Sponsored by Sen. Joseph Silk, R-Broken Bow, SB640 would revise wording to specify that vehicles would be in violation of the law if impeding the flow traffic.
The bill awaits further consideration in the Senate.
Elsewhere, legislation to address left lane use has already fallen short of passage.
Mississippi
A Senate-approved bill has died that covered travelers who poke around in the far left-hand lane of multilane highways.
The Magnolia State requires vehicles driving slower than the normal speed of traffic to stay in the right-hand lane of multilane highways. Vehicles are allowed to merge left to overtake and pass slower moving traffic.
Senate lawmakers approved the bill to permit police to ticket drivers solely for continuous operation in the left lane with it impedes the flow of traffic. House lawmakers, however, failed to advance SB2383 before a deadline. The chamber’s inaction effectively killed the bill for the year.
Arizona
The House Transportation Committee voted to kill a bill to require signage to be posted to alert travelers about the state’s left lane rule.
Arizona law specifies that travelers driving slower than the speed of traffic must stay in the right lane except to pass. Offenders face fines up to $250.
HB2535 would require the Arizona Department of Transportation to erect signs every 50 miles on rural highways notifying the driving public of the state’s lane law.
The signage would be posted during regular maintenance of other highway signs. The deadline for posting signage is Sept. 1, 2022.
Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Flagstaff, has said signage already is posted on roadways that include Interstate 17 alerting truck drivers to left lane restrictions.
The price tag to post signage was estimated at $200,000.
HELLS ANGELS BIRTHDAY—Is one day after mine, March 17th 1948. Happy Birthday members world-wide.—Bandit
SPEAKING OF CLUBS–No MC Colors Allowed in Idaho Senate for Profiling Bill Vote
On Monday March 4th, 2019 members of the motorcycle club community were victims of unconstitutional discrimination inside the Idaho State Capitol when they were told by Capitol Security personnel that they would have to remove their motorcycle club colors if they wanted to enter the Senate chambers to observe a floor vote on S 1109, a bill prohibiting motorcycle profiling.
These individuals (one a member of the Brother Speed MC and one an associate of the Vagos MC) also participate in ABATE, the primary grassroots group lobbying for a law in Idaho, and complied in order to watch the vote. ABATE of Idaho responded by sending a cease and desist request to every legislator in Boise on Friday, March 8th, 2019.
Constitutional Issues
ABATE’s letter to Legislators reads: “Any government agent denying an individual access to Senate Chambers because they are wearing motorcycle club colors is a clear violation of speech, association and due process rights protected by the US Constitution. Motorcycle club colors are First Amendment protected expression and wearing motorcycle club colors is considered expressive conduct, particularly when that expression is political.”
Bree Walker, representing ABATE of Idaho, reported to the MPP that she talked with the Capitol Security O?cer that denied MC members wearing colors access on March 4th and confirmed that the Idaho Senate Sergeant at Arms; Sarah Jane McDonald, ssgt@senate.idaho.gov, (208) 332-1400, was responsible for giving the order.
“Motorcycle profiling and discrimination have literally followed motorcyclists inside the Idaho State Capitol, a place where freedom of expression in a free society is supposed to be paramount, while participating in the democratic process to address issues of profiling and discrimination. Unfortunately, S 1109, a simple measure codifying Constitutional principles, fell one floor vote shy of passing.”
“Denying access to individuals because they are wearing motorcycle club colors exposes the government o?cials involved to potential civil liability under 42 USC Section 1983 for violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments.”
Cease and Desist Request
ABATE of Idaho sent a letter to all state Senators and Representatives requesting “that the Idaho Senate, House of Representatives, and all law enforcement and other personnel involved with Capitol security, take whatever action necessary to guarantee that such unconstitutional acts of discrimination targeting those wearing motorcycle club colors at the Idaho Capitol immediately ceases.”
There is nothing in the Senate Rules that would prohibit motorcycle club colors. That’s freedom of expression. Why would there be?
It appears that evidence of motorcycle profiling in Idaho can no longer be denied.
–Motorcycle Profiling Project
[page break]
5-BALL RACING INTRODUCES IT’S FIRST LADY’S JACKET—It’s coming very soon to the Bikernet Headquarters, our first very cool leather jacket in a special leather. It comes with gun pockets, full zip-able hoodie with thumbholes and terrific fit and styling.
We are also making full sleeve Jak shirts in a slightly lighter leather with full collar and button-down snaps to prevent flapping.
Hang on!
–Lt. Ball
5-Ball Racing Leather
Stock boy
NEW ADVENTURE FROM VINTAGE RIDES– Last week, we introduced you to the majestic Uttarakhand. Today, we’re heading south India and trust us, there’s a world between the barren heights of the Himalayas and luxuriant southern India.
Once a hotspot for spice trading, it has kept its energy and is now an ideal playground for motorcyclists.
Picture this: pristine beaches in Goa, swirling mountain roads amidst tea plantations in Munnar, stunning temples carved into the red rock of Badani. And in between, you might ask? Epic cruising off the beaten path, wholesome nature (elephants!) and welcoming faces everywhere…a proven recipe for a legendary ride!
Because the wonders of Southern India are plentiful, we offer different trips to cover the versatility of the region. And to ensure we bring you the best it has to offer, our guides are constantly exploring and updating our itineraries to keep them unique. For those of you who think such an adventure might be a little much, don’t worry. As a certified French travel agency, we have your back. We provide mechanics and assistance on the ground in case you need it.
We took into account our last riders’ feedbacks in order to propose itineraries even more adapted to your expectations. What’s new for next season? More comfortable hotels on most of stages as well as motorcycle days with more homogeneous rhythm, in better adequacy with the discovery of the wide diversity of landscapes.
Discover our Southern India motorcycle tours
Photo credits: Johann Rousselot / Sophie Squillace / François Combes /
Géraldine Shandilya / Pierry Minette
–Vintage Rides
(By appointment only)
Grand Tour Coworking
30 rue des Trois Bornes
75011 PARIS
contact@vintagerides.com
+442032898785
INDIAN NEWS, SWAP YOUR SWAG MARCH– 16th
Bring your old motorcycle t-shirt in on March 16th and trade it for a new Indian Motorcycle t-shirt while supplies last. We have plenty of sizes available to fit every rider but you better hurry!
NEWS FROM THE CLIMATE FRONT–In the meantime, it turns out that the presumed “scientific consensus” is a fraud, much as conservatives expected:
Only 36 percent of geoscientists and engineers believe that humans are creating a global warming crisis, according to a survey reported in the peer-reviewed Organization Studies. By contrast, a strong majority of the 1,077 respondents believe that nature is the primary cause of recent global warming and/or that future global warming will not be a very serious problem.
The survey results show geoscientists (also known as earth scientists) and engineers hold similar views as meteorologists. Two recent surveys of meteorologists (summarized here and here) revealed similar skepticism of alarmist global warming claims.
The views of these scientists express a mixture of skepticism about the analysis itself, and a knowledge of how the system works in science. They all do it: they find a group willing to pay for grants to do research, publish the research, and then get famous as experts on a particular issue or problem. This makes wealthier scientists. Careerism takes center stage in a society that, having abolished its culture with its kings, serves as essentially a shopping center with its own private security.
Even more, like many of us, they have seen trends and panics come and go, and realize that there is probably a grain of truth in the middle — namely that pollution has gotten out of control as industrialization and population gain have accelerated — but that the conclusions drawn based on that, and the methods designed to fix the problem posted by those conclusions, are more “human” than “science.”
–Climate Depot
SONS OF SPEED RACING NEWS–The save of Daytona Bike Week! Josh Young slid up the wall and rode it out to finnish 2nd place in the Hot 61″ class behind Billy Applegate (foreground) at the Sons of Speed race this weekend.
Well done to all my friends who competed this weekend. Matt Walksler, David Morrill, Mike Carson, Mike Silvio, wish I could have been there.
–Sam Burns
Photos from Barry Wardlaw
AMAZING NEWS–Last World War II Great Escape veteran Jack Lyon dies, aged 101
One of the last veterans of World War II’s Great Escape has died at the age of 101 – just days before the 75th anniversary of the audacious getaway.
Jack Lyon, a former RAF navigator, died at his home in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, on Friday.
Jack Lyon was captured after his plane crash-landed near Dusseldorf. He was lookout during the breakout bid from Stalag Luft III in 1944, but the escape tunnel was uncovered before he had the chance to get out himself.
Ironically, he said the plot being rumbled probably saved his life.
According to the RAF Benevolent Fund, he had been one of the last known living veterans of the escape attempt, which became the subject of a Hollywood film in 1963.
Wayfarer adds: The Hollywood movie starring Steve McQueen gave us some of the most iconic images of World War II in any movies ever made for the cinema screens anywhere in the world. It infused a thrill, joy, passion and never-give-up attitude in a whole new generation of youth.
None of the 76 who escaped from the Nazi camp is now alive – 73 were recaptured, of whom 50 were executed on the orders of Adolf Hitler.
In an interview with the BBC on his 100th birthday in 2017, Mr Lyon said: “Had I got out, I probably wouldn’t be talking to you because my chances of getting home were virtually nil. I was under no illusions about that.”
And he described the Hollywood portrayal of the escape bid, which starred Steve McQueen and a motorcycle, as “absolute rubbish”.
He said: “Not one American took part in it, and as for the motorbike, it never existed.”
RAFBF chief executive Air Vice Marshal David Murray, said: “Jack belonged to a generation of servicemen we are sadly losing as time goes on.
“His legacy and those of his brave comrades who planned and took part in the audacious Great Escape breakout, are the freedoms we enjoy today.
“To truly pay tribute to his memory and all this who have gone before him, we must never forget.
“Jack’s death is especially poignant as it comes just two weeks before the 75th anniversary of the Great Escape, on March 24.”
BBC NEWS: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-sussex-47540103
–Wayfarer
Distracted Driving Now Includes Driving with a Pet in Your Lap in Mantua, OH
March 14, 2019
From Charles Boyk, a Toledo personal injury attorney of Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC.
When people hear the term “distracted driving,” they often think it applies to only texting while driving. This is not true, though. In fact, the term refers to anything that takes a driver’s focus off the road. Eating, applying makeup, and even listening to music that is too loud are all examples of distracted driving included under many laws around the country. Now, in Mantua, Ohio, drivers carrying an animal in their lap while operating a vehicle are also considered to be distracted.
The new law states that Mantua law enforcement can pull drivers over for carrying a pet in their lap. Animals do not have to actually sit in a lap for the law to apply, either. Any time an animal is causing a driver to become distracted, the driver is subject to distracted driving penalties.
The truth is that anything happening inside the car that diverts a driver’s attention is distracted driving. That includes petting an animal or trying to restrain a pet while driving. As more states and counties continue to update their distracted driving laws, we will see more inclusions pertaining to animals in vehicles.
Will drivers in Mantua actually face charges if they are distracted by an animal? Starting on December 20, 2018, charges will be enforced. Those pulled over for a first offense will face minor misdemeanor charges. When a driver is a multiple offender, the charge is increased to a misdemeanor in the third degree. However, the multiple offenses must occur within one year of the first violation of the law. Even first offenders may face the more serious charge if distraction by an animal causes an accident.
So, what can drivers do? There are really only two options. Either animals should remain at home instead of traveling with their owners, or owners should place them in a pet carrier. Animals are unpredictable by nature, and even the most safety-conscious driver could easily become distracted by an unruly pet. Ensuring they are in a secure place will keep the pet, the driver, and anyone else on the road safe from distracted drivers.
Charles Boyk is a personal injury attorney of Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC. With locations in northwest Ohio; Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC handle cases involving car accidents, bicycle accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. You can find out more about Charles Boyk and the firm on Facebook and Twitter.
THERE YOU HAVE IT—We are working like crazy on the Salt Torpedo.
My Grandson’s FXR is almost on the road once more. We are relocating the kickstand, because it’s low.
My son, Frank is also a tattoo artist. Below is one of his recent pieces. He’s talking about creating a historical tattoo parlor in Long Beach and carrying my books and 5-Ball Racing leathers. Maybe next year.
Since Micah’s bike is now on the cover of Cycle Source, I’m getting ready to feature it on Bikernet. Hang On!
I need to write another Salt Torpedo report. Next week, I promise.
In the meantime, ride free!
–Bandit
