Hey,
As you know, we’re living in very strange times. Unfortunately, so many of our issues revolve around the very backbone premise of our country, truth and free speech.
So, hang on. Bikers have made a difference in the past. Let’s see what a bunch of grubby bikers can do now. The news contains it all.
Let’s hit it:
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.
YOUR FREEDOM IS UNDER ATTACK—NMA Newsletter
If there was any doubt before, now we have a clear indication that the WAR ON CARS is real –and it’s being waged at the highest levels of society by authoritarian culture warriors. These tyrannical elitists seek to eliminate our freedom to travel where we want, when we want, and how we want by impairing our ability to use our personal vehicles. While often promoted as “safety” measures, this campaign to “get people out of their cars” is, in actuality, a crusade against a middle-class lifestyle represented by single-family homes and automobiles.
Prompted by their cataclysmic view of climate change requiring a drastic reduction in carbon emissions, cars are activists’ favored target to reduce greenhouse gasses. Their “solutions” would mostly lead to a diminution of our standard of living and curtailment of our personal liberties. And those hurt the most will be the poorest among us, those disproportionately affected by traffic fines and often forced to travel longer distances to jobs and educational opportunities.
The “Paradise” of these collectivists’ dreams is the “15 Minute City”, a dense urban prison where everyone travels by bicycle or government-run transportation systems –and never ventures more than a few miles from home.
The War on Cars takes many different forms:
Vision Zero: Both an ideology and an organization based on the belief that we can make roadways so safe that no one ever dies in an automobile accident. Numerous U.S. cities have adopted Vision Zero as an official policy. Yet it has failed almost everywhere it has been tried. The original target date for zero deaths was 2018, then 2020, then 2025. It has now been pushed to 2040 – far enough in the future that the lack of progress and failure in policy is impossible to demonstrate. Of course, the logical conclusion to this ideology is that society must eliminate or severely curtail all motorized travel, starting with personal automobiles.
20 is Plenty: A policy that cars shouldn’t be allowed to go faster than 20 mph in urban areas –because at higher speeds, fatalities will occur if a vehicle hits a “vulnerable road user” like a pedestrian or bicyclist. In other words, 20 mph is plenty fast enough for you to drive. The 20 is Plenty policy has been implemented in many European cities and is now starting to roll out in the U.S.
Arbitrarily Lowering Speed Limits: It is well-documented that the number on the speed limit sign has little effect on travel speeds. Rather, it’s the design of the roadway that determines at what speed people feel comfortable driving. Traditionally, speed limits have been set at or near the speed 85% of reasonable drivers don’t exceed. This practice ensures that we don’t criminalize the behavior of the majority of otherwise safe drivers. But now, a movement is sweeping the country to eliminate this standard and set speed limits at whatever speed “feels right” for those vulnerable road users.
The USDOT’s “National Roadway Safety Strategy” sets a target date of 2024 to “Revise FHWA guidance and regulations to … [encourage] the setting of context-appropriate speed limits…” That means speed limits no longer must be rational. Instead, more arbitrary and politically motivated methods will be used. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law in 2021 provides funding to local jurisdictions to enforce those unrealistic speed limits with automated ticketing cameras.
The consequence will be that the majority of otherwise law-abiding drivers will unintentionally become violators. For the anti-car fanatics, this is a deliberate feature of these policies. They’re eager to criminalize the act of driving, and arbitrarily lower speed limits enforced by automated ticketing cameras is their back-door way of achieving this goal.
Expanded Use of Automated Ticketing
Cameras: Anti-car extremists love these ticketing machines because they can penalize drivers for the most insignificant violations, such as driving a few miles per hour faster than an arbitrarily lowered speed limit or making a slow rolling-right-turn at 2 am when no one is around. Activists tout automated enforcement as a way to increase equity since cameras supposedly can’t racially profile. Yet, studies have shown that poor and marginalized communities are the ones often targeted by ticketing cameras. And their residents are the ones least able to afford the billions of dollars in fines that follow from these policies.
Complete Streets (aka Road Diets): Although over 90% of workers commute by auto, anti-car activists believe we dedicate too much roadway to automobiles. In their view, “equity” dictates that we reserve an equal amount of roadway space for other users, especially bicyclists. Many cities are removing half the number of car lanes on high-volume roadways and dedicating that space to bicycle lanes –notwithstanding that bicyclists are as rare as unicorns in many locations. These policies have created massive traffic jams and lost travel time. But again, for the fanatics, this is a feature, not a bug. For them, using the personal automobile is too fast and convenient, so we must impair their use to equalize travel times compared to bikes and mass transit. Think of it as roadway socialism.
Eliminating Parking: If you eliminate parking, people will give up their cars in favor of bikes and buses, and the world will be a better place. Many university urban planning courses teach this dogma as part of the “New Urbanism” of densification and elimination of suburban sprawl. The curriculum even fosters the foolish notion that cities should remove parking at transit stations so commuters can’t drive their cars to access trains and buses. Abolishing parking is a significant feature of the 15 Minute City.
Eliminating Right Turn on Red: The Washington D.C. City Council recently voted unanimously to impose a citywide ban on right-turn-on-red. Officials in Austin, TX, Berkeley, CA, and Cambridge, MA, are also exploring a prohibition on right turns at red signals. And the movement is growing throughout the U.S. If this crusade isn’t stopped now, in just a few short years, we could all be forced to idle needlessly at red lights, adding precious extra minutes to each trip’s travel time.
These two articles sum up the anti-car (motorcycle) ideology perfectly:
Cars are killing us. Within 10 years, we must phase them out
Cars Are Death Machines. Self-Driving Tech Won’t Change That.
What used to be a fringe ideology has taken root in our mainstream institutions, from the Federal Highway Authority and NTSB down to local government. It has infected the organizations that make and recommend public policy, such as the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and university research facilities. The World Economic Forum heavily promotes this ideology. Whether you know it or not, it is coming to your city and neighborhood.
The invention of the personal automobile has been a primary factor in the human flourishing and massive increase in our standard of living, which has occurred over the last century. It has allowed humans to thrive in ways never before imagined in the history of the world. It has freed up our time to pursue economic and leisure activity, spurred amazing innovation, and allowed us to experience life in new and unique ways.
But we could easily lose all these benefits if we’re not vigilant.
With a renewed sense of purpose and vigor, the National Motorists Association is formulating a strategy to fight back against these anti-human policies and protect our freedom to travel. In the months ahead, we’ll share these plans and may ask for your assistance. In the meantime, if you still need to renew your membership, now is the time. And if your membership is current, consider gifting a membership to a like-minded friend or relative. If we are going to win this war, AND WE MUST WIN, we need an army – and that army is formed one driver at a time.
–By Jay Beeber, Director of Policy & Research, National Motorists Association
NMA
Join Supporting – National Motorists Association
Bikernet Blog !!! What Is It Good For ???
Absolutely Something !
We are aware of the concept of blogs. It mostly consists of trending news from all over the place on a specific topic or subject. Well, the Bikernet Blog revolves around two prominent subjects — the Bikernet.com website and the motorcycling industry.
Irrespective of how often you visit Bikernet.com or if you prefer our Official Facebook Page for staying connected, the Bikernet Blog has something unique to offer to you. It is the hub that connects the many spokes that makes the Bikernet machine run and race ahead of the rest.
Facebook is useful aspect of modern content-driven websites because it proactively pushes content and delivers notifications for new content. However, Bikernet Blog has an easier on the eye option. If you are a true-blue biker and don’t stare at a smart phone all day, you probably have few days in the week to catch-up with the rest of the pack riding wild and free.
Bikernet Blog offers the unique free weekly newsletter, a mechanism to email you the summary of what happened on Bikernet.com in the past 7 days.
So, suppose you cannot regularly check the Bikernet.com website, and you are not a Facebook person and have too many bookmarks to note down the Blog, if you simply only check your emails, then once a week, you will receive the entire gamut of motorcycling freedom and lifestyle by subscribing to the Free (I repeat, FREE) Bikernet Weekly Newsletter.
It’s like getting a magazine, with no expense and no effort. All the significant happenings that you need to know while riding your bike is right there in your inbox.
Still have queries or doubts? No sales pitches, no pop-up, no nagging to buy or click any damned thing. Try it, you can unsubscribe anytime from within the email newsletter.
So, visit https://www.bikernet.com/pages/custom/feedburner.aspx
Discover the news you can use. Never miss the buzz while making a beeline. Follow Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter to get latest Motorcycling news, updates, reviews, tech, tips, & lot of fun.
Click here & take a test ride.
Stay updated, stay ahead of the curve…with Bikernet Free Weekly Newsletter
–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
COMING FROM THE GREASYKULTURE–At last, the story we’ve been waiting to bring you!
As soon as we saw Dave Polgreen roll his ’56 Harley KHK onto the grass at Born Free last summer, we knew we wanted to do a big feature on it! Dreamy paint by The Harpoon, mono-shock on a beefed-up swing arm, mirror-polished engine; this thing is wild! And then, for various reasons – all explained in the article – we had to wait eight months before our man Mark Kawakami could finally snap some beautiful images for the magazine.
And here they are, in issue 92. Don’t miss this one!
Subscribe today and get a magazine on your doormat every two months for a year – no more grrrr when we sell out – and you’ll pay less too! Just £39 (plus postage to you, wherever in the world you are) for SIX issues over 12 months.
BUY A SUBSCRIPTION
CRUSHING DEFEAT!—
Last Sunday’s “Berlin Climate Neutrality By 2030” referendum failed resoundingly despite the more than a million euros spent in a massive run-up campaign that included plastering the city with posters, concerts by famous performers, huge support and propaganda by the media and hefty donations coming from left wing activists from the east and west coasts of USA.
Once the dust of the referendum had settled, it emerged that the “yes” side fell way short of the quorum 608,000 votes needed to pass the measure. Only 442,210 cast a vote in favor, which represents only 18% of Berlin’s eligible voters. The activists expected a far greater turnout. 82% refused to lend any support.
Berlin’s rejection of the climate neutrality by 2030 mandate is a massive body blow to the the radical Fridays for Future and Last Generation movement in Germany, and it will take months for the radicals to recover, if ever, from this setback.
The Berlin initiative to make the city climate neutral by 2030 was led by rich, upper class youths like Luisa “Longhaul” Neubauer. But Berliners, having been harassed for months by activists gluing themselves to the streets and blocking traffic, saw the folly of the initiative and the high costs it would entail politically and financially. They decided resoundingly they’d wanted no part of it.
–Watt’s Up with That.com
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!– Graffiti By Cyril Huze
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Graffiti_By_Cyril_Huze.aspx
I have this motorcycle in my garage. Needs a new battery. Can’t wait to ger her fired up. Gorgeous Piece.
— Tim lynch
New Smyrna Beach
FL
New Arizona Adventure Rally & Camp in Tucson Joins California ADV Rally
Registration is Now Open
A brand new Arizona Adventure Rally & Camp in Tucson for adventure motorcycle riders and enthusiasts will debut this fall, joining the well-established and continually-growing ADV Rally in Julian, California, as part of a two-event series for 2023. The Arizona Adventure Rally is set for November 30 through December 2 at Triangle T Guest Ranch, with the California edition at Stagecoach Trails Resort scheduled for November 2-4.
New this year, a two-event package will be offered for participants who take part in the brand new Arizona ADV Rally and the California ADV Rally. Attendees who sign up for both, will receive a 25% discount on registration for both events. The package deal will be offered until October 27th, 2023.
Registration for the 2023 Adventure Rally & Camp is now open and can be completed online at www.advrally.com. Participants can save money by registering before the early-bird discount ends, July 1, 2023.
Both Adventure Rally events will feature a wide array of opportunities for riders to test their skill and diversity in a location that is filled with discovery for adventure motorcyclists.
Adventure Rally & Camp is about riders honing their skills and pushing themselves to new limits. The two separate weekends will offer educational seminars from industry experts, the legendary scavenger hunt challenge with over 100 POIs, show pricing from moto exhibitors on the latest equipment and gear, and a chance to take home the series ADV Cup, determined by points earned at both events.
Whether participants are beginners or a seasoned pro, there will be training courses from riding legends designed to fine-tune the riding experience.
The Adventure Rally & Camp is a multi-day challenge for riders of any skill level and their bike. During the day, riders take part in self-navigated scenic trail rides and look for elusive checkpoints laid out by the Adventure Rally & Camp staff. At night, camaraderie is built among competitors, as well as industry guests, often around a campfire.
Teams will take part in challenges on the trails as well in special tests, during the Adventure Rally & Camp. The special tests are conducted at Base Camp and are designed to test riders overall adventure skills.
Participants can ride one, two, or all three days of the event. Top point collectors will be honored each day as well as the team that collects the most points overall for all three days. At the end of the two-event series, the ADV Cup will be awarded to the top point earner.
Riders of all skill levels are eligible the Adventure Rally & Camp and all off-road-capable, street-legal motorcycles are welcome.
For more information on the 2023 Adventure Rally & Camp Series and to register, visit www.advrally.com.
QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY–They are stopped by the police
John and Jessica were on their way home from the bar one night and John got pulled over by the police. The officer told John that he was stopped because his tail light was burned out. John said, “I’m very sorry officer, I didn’t realize it was out, I’ll get it fixed right away.”
Just then Jessica said, “I knew this would happen when I told you two days ago to get that light fixed.”
So, the officer asked for John’s license and after looking at it said, “Sir your license has expired.”
And again, John apologized and mentioned that he didn’t realize that it had expired and would take care of it first thing in the morning.
Jessica said, “I told you a week ago that the state sent you a letter telling you that your license had expired.”
Well by this time, John is a bit upset with his wife contradicting him in front of the officer, and he said in a rather loud voice, “Jessica, shut your mouth!”
The officer then leaned over toward Jessica and asked. “Does your husband always talk to you like that?”
Jessica replied, “only when he’s drunk.”
–Sam Burns
Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina™
THIS JUST IN FROM LOWBROW–Help us name these new handlebar grips!
We are resurrecting this old grip design that got lost in the shuffle a couple years back during hectic times…
And we still could use a rockin’ name for them!
Tyler walks you through one of our latest grip design while also giving YOU a chance to help name this new product!
We think that coming up for names for new products is super fun, and we are stoked to have you in the mix!
WATCH THE VIDEO
PS – to see the competition check out all the motorcycles grips we carry right here.
PPS – To share the video simply forward this email, OR post up www.lowbrowcustoms.com/newgrips on your favorite motorcycle group, forum, or text it to your friends!
NEW MEXICO Legislative Victory–
House Bill 287 our Look Twice for Motorcycles Specialty License Plate passed the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor this week.
I have included an image of our plate that was designed by Richard, Sturgeon, a member of our motorcycle community. We worked with DOT and MVD to get the correct wording on the bill and ensure that it was a design they could work with to fit on the license plate; they also came in support of our bill to testify at the legislative committee hearings.
We feel this will be a traveling billboard on our roads to inform, educate and raise awareness on road safety. Monies generated from this license plate will help sustain our statewide struggling motorcycle training program, provide additional training, upgrade training equipment, improve existing motorcycle training ranges, and increase public awareness education for riders and drivers.
After the bill was signed by the governor, DOT and MVD called to congratulate us and inform us they allow us to work with them on the final design of the plate. This plate should be available on July 1st, 2023, and the first plate will be issued to Richard Sturgeon.
–Annette Torrez
MRF New Mexico Rep
The Lower Energy Costs Act just passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support. Senate confirmation is not expected to pass it, and the Biden Administration has promised a veto. But it is a start, a placeholder, for pro-consumer, pro-taxpayer, pro-freedom policy reform to come.
H.R. 1, in the words of its sponsors, “restores American energy independence by:
- Increasing domestic energy production
- Reforming the permitting process for all industries
- Reversing anti-energy policies advanced by the Biden Administration
- Streamlining energy infrastructure and exports
- Boosting the production and processing of critical minerals
A summary of the Bill follows:
H.R. 1—sponsored by Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and co-sponsored by Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), and Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO)—unleashes American energy and lowers costs for families.
Unleash American Energy:
• Prohibits President Biden from banning hydraulic fracturing
• Repeals all restrictions on the import and export of natural gas, including LNG
• Prevents liberal states from blocking interstate infrastructure projects
• Repeals President Biden’s $6 billion natural gas tax that would increase energy bills for families
• Rolls back President Biden’s $27 billion EPA slush fund for Democrat special interests
• Disapproves of President Biden’s canceling of the Keystone XL pipeline
• Requires the Department of the Interior to resume lease sales on federal lands and waters
• Repeals harmful royalties and fee increases imposed on energy production that drive up prices for families
• Ensures parity in energy revenue sharing for states with onshore and offshore energy development
• Requires publication of the 2023-28 offshore oil and gas lease sales plan/sets deadlines for future 5-year plans
Reform Broken Permitting Process:
• Reforms the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process to streamline federal reviews for all sectors of the economy, including at our international borders
• Limits scope of environmental review under NEPA to reasonably foreseeable and economically feasible impacts
• Sets deadlines for completion of NEPA reviews at one year for environmental assessments and two years for environmental impact statements
• Provides certainty by imposing a 120-day deadline on filing litigation on final agency actions concerning energy and mining projects
• Requires that certain low-impact activities and activities in previously studied areas on public lands are not major federal actions under NEPA
• Ends the abuse of the water quality certification process by streamlining the permitting process under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act and limiting review to water quality impacts only
• Enhances America’s ability to develop critical energy resources by improving the environmental permitting processes at critical minerals refining and process facilities
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise stated:
“For the last two years, President Biden and his extremist friends in Washington have waged a war on American energy, and hard-working families across the country are paying the price. Gas and utility costs have skyrocketed to record highs, with the average American paying over 40 percent more for gas at the pump since President Biden took office…. The Lower Energy Costs Act … will show the country how to end the war on American energy, become energy independent again, and lower costs for hard-working families who are struggling under the weight of President Biden’s radical agenda.
Congressman Steve Scalise
Washington, D.C. Office
2049 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
[page break]
NEWS FROM THE BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER—
Exercise Can Be More Effective Than Medicines For Overcoming Depression And Anxiety
And exercise can be as less as only 2 minutes a day to still get benefits.
Any exercise seems to have a positive impact on your mental health. Also, this is not just for mental health patients — you should consider exercise as a preventive measure against mental fatigue, stress, anger, depression and anxiety.
Exercising with friends or family also gains motivation. You don’t need to plan it out and make a schedule. Just take a walk instead of getting on the bus or car.
Most importantly, do some physical activity you enjoy.
https://www.taijutsu.art/2023/03/exercise-more-effective-than-meds.html
–Dr. Way
Bikernet Medical Center
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHTS FROM DOWN UNDER–
Don’t mix bad words with your bad mood.
You will have many opportunities to change a mood, but you will never get the opportunity to replace the words you spoke.
–Ray Russell
Doctor of Philosophy
Bikernet Down under campus
Australia
IRON HORSE SALOON ACTION–
CONCERT DATE CHANGE — HAIRBALL NOW PERFORMING
AUG 7, 8, and 10, 2023
Hairball’s performance originally scheduled for August 9th has been moved to August 7th to make room for an entertainment announcement you can’t miss!
Announcement coming soon!
NEW FROM WINDVEST WINDSHIELDS— The Heritage Softail Classic
Keep it Classy with a High Performing Sport Windscreen by WindVest Windshield!!
The design of the screen keeps the wind off your chest and out of your face, never having to look through the windshield when you’re riding.
Billet Aluminum hardware comes chrome plated or black powder coated.
Sizes range from 14″x14″ to 16″x18″
Starting at $415
Free Ground Shipping on all orders now through April, 2023
The FRED LANGE VINTAGE CONNECTION–
Fred Lange – Custom Bike Builder of “Pre-School” Early American made Antique Motorcycles. A place where Magic happens.
Located on the Central Coast of California Specializing in the Restoration of Antique Harley Davidson and Indian Board Track Racers. Also specializing in a complete line of Replacement and Restoration parts.
Resurrecting the Past and Preserving the Future
Tell Fred Bikernet sent you…
3-VALVE FEULING HEADS FOR M-8s—
Hang on for cooler running, better performing M-8s. Feuling hopes to have them on the track at the Battle of the Baggers race in road Atlanta on April 21-23.
Might have a sled-pull in Sturgis. Rob Schwellinger is featured in the Feuling Youtube.
LONG ROAD ACTION FOR 2023—
Hello everyone! Been too long since I last spoke to many of you. I’ve composed this letter to let all of our past Long Roaders know about this year’s ride, especially those that don’t have Facebook.
Unfortunately, I won’t be able to ride The Long Road this year due to a job change, but there’s a chance myself and possibly some other Canadians may see you at The Smoke Out.
Mike Allen has taken care of the planning this year and it looks like he has put together a nice route giving some of the riders the possibility of checking out some significant historical sites of the last couple hundred years of the deep south.
Anyways, here are the details as per Mike Allen:
We will continue with the “gypsy ride” tradition of not having a set “kickstands up time” or having to ride as a massive group, just make sure you check in (especially first timers) at each two night stop.
On Sunday, Sept. 3, meet at Riders Roost Campground in Ferguson, NC. No reservations for tent camping, call 336-973-8405 to reserve cabins/rooms.
Monday and Tuesday (Sept 4&5) James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Dr., Charleston, SC (between Charleston and Folly Beach), tent camping will be covered by your Long Road registration/camping fee. Downtown Charleston and Folly Beach are about five miles away if you prefers hoteling it.
Wednesday/Thursday (Sept 6&7) Jernimans Campground, 990 Irvin Garrish Hwy, Ocracoke, NC. Again, no need to make reservations for camping and the camping fee will be covered by your Long Road registration/camping fee.
We need to take a ferry to Ocracoke, the Cedar Island Ferry is less than a 7hr drive from James Island and the last one runs at 4:30pm and you must make a reservation at www.ncdot.gov.
The other ferry is from Hatteras Island about 8.5 hr drive from James Island and runs on first-come-first-serve basis every half hour till 9:30pm.
There will be two registration fees this year. $48. for non-campers and an extra $10./night of camping for anybody planning on camping with us. ($88. will cover registration and four nights).
Cycle Source Magazine is introducing a new Long Road Medallion this year. It will be in the “challenge coin” format. As always, the Long Road Medallion will be awarded to motorcycle riders/passengers after completing Long Road by checking in at the start point and all stops on the ride. The first timers will be awarded the Long Road Medallion at Smokeout on Saturday after the ride.
Friday, Sept. 8, we ride to Salisbury for the return of Long Road to Smokeout.
Hope this covers it well enough for now.
–Mike
Mail checks/money orders to:
Mike Allen
PO Box 1331
Canon City, CO 81215
Or use:
PayPal.me/TerreHeroux
Include your shirt size with your registration fee. Registration deadline is August 5th.
VOTE TO KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN—
The wife is not speaking to me
One night, this guy come into a bar and asks the bartender for a drink. Then he asks for another. After a couple more drinks, the bartender gets worried.
“What’s the matter?” the bartender asks.
“My wife and I got into a fight,” explained the guy “and now she isn’t talking to me for a whole 31 days.”
The bartender thought about this for a while. “But, isn’t it a good thing that she isn’t talking to you?” asked the bartender.
“Yeah, except today is the last night.”
–Sam Burns
Official Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina™
ARIZONA BIKE WEEK ACTION FROM CYCLE SOURCE—
We caught the Cycle Source Empire crew on their way home from Arizona bike week. They were kind enough to send us some of the action.
This is the Editor and founder’s ground-up chopper he built (including the frame) and barely completed in time for the Chopper Friend’s throwdown challenge and ride into Phoenix.
Cycle Source Magazine organized a Bike Show and here are a handful of the winners.
The skies were clear and the weather magnificent for the party in the desert.
WANING ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEMAND? Lucid Cuts 1300 Workers
Lucid, a startup which manufactures high end luxury EVs, reports demand has fallen short of expectations.
Lucid to cut 1,300 workers amid signs of flagging demand for its EVs
Lucid said in a regulatory filing that it is cutting about 18% of its workforce, or roughly 1,300 workers.
In a letter to employees, CEO Peter Rawlinson said the job cuts will hit “nearly every organization and level, including executives.”
The company expects to take charges of $24 million to $30 million related to the cuts, most of that in the first quarter.
Struggling EV maker Lucid said in a regulatory filing on Tuesday that it plans to cut about 18% of its workforce, or roughly 1,300 employees, as part of a larger restructuring to reduce costs as it works to ramp up production of its Air luxury sedan.
Lucid said it will incur one-time charges totaling between $24 million and $30 million related to the job cuts, with most of that amount being recognized in the first quarter of 2023.
News of the job cuts was first reported by Insider earlier on Tuesday. Lucid’s shares closed down over 7% on Tuesday following the Insider report.
–Essay by Eric Worrall
TRIBUTE TO BANDIT’S DAYROLL–
Here are some pics. Plus, a list of everything I carry in it. It’s a lot of stuff! Love this bag 🙂
–Lynda Race
THE BRUNO REPORT FROM ATOMIC BOB—
I can definitely get to work on Bruno and finishing. Been drowning in paint work and I have time to get back to my tablet and draw. Didn’t make Daytona, haven’t made anything. Been the busiest winter I’ve ever had!
I also wanted to tell you I’ve decided to sell dad’s lowrider. I get nervous I’m going to hurt it, and I’m an ape on it.
Those ‘70s bikes weren’t built for fat asses. I don’t know if you would be interested or someone that may be. It’s such a Time Capsule. I want it to go somewhere that it will stay that way.
I honestly want to start putting up a building to work in and it’s been long enough I could let it go.
I’m on it!
Bruno is on the way!
–Atomic Bob
Read the second chapter of Bruno right here:
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bruno_is_Coming_Chapter_II.aspx
NEWS FROM MICHAEL CRICHTON–
Michael Crichton is internationally acclaimed for his prolific fictional stories like Jurassic Park and Westworld; but did you know he was also a well-respected anthropologist, medical doctor, and visionary?
A self-proclaimed lifelong learner, Crichton incorporated his love for studying humans and our interaction with the environment into his stories. He intuitively recognized the importance of humanity “taking care” of the environment and being proactive in the approach. He was a dedicated conservationist (as opposed to an environmentalist).
In a 2003 speech at the Commonwealth Club of California, Crichton explained why religious approaches to the environment are inappropriate and cause damage to the natural world they intend to protect. In his words:
Today, one of the most powerful religions in the Western World is environmentalism. Environmentalism seems to be the religion of choice for urban atheists.
He laments the trading of scientific fact for dogmatic belief and dispels the notion of the proverbial Good ol’ Days when humans lived in harmony with nature, attacking Rousseau’s invention of the Noble Savage and how it colors modern-day discussions on man’s relationship to the environment.
He warns of the dangers of politicizing environmentalism (Democrats will save us! Republicans will destroy us!), while pointing out that the only effective way to address issues like climate change are to do it TOGETHER, as a whole. He urges humanity to check their premises and approach environmental issues with a scientific rather than emotional mind.
You can check out the transcript here: https://spreadgreatideas.org/resources/speeches/michael-crichton-environmentalism-is-a-religion/
I think you will find the speech enlightening, with a spin on environmentalism that not many people consider. If you agree and think it’s something your audience will also appreciate, would you mind adding the link to your page:
I believe it would be an excellent complementary resource for you.
Thank you for hearing me out and have a great rest of your Tuesday!
–David,
Writer
Spreadgreatideas.org
“If you are a Crichton fan, read his book “State of Fear.” It will blow your mind.” –Bandit
JUST IN FROM THE LOWBROW GANG–Building a sleek, slim, & sketchy little ripper.
“As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to build a Sporty Chopper.
Sleek, slim, and sketchy little rippers are just so much fun and visually pleasing to no end, so when our shop (TrackerDie Motorcycles) took a crusty ‘90s Paughco frame in on trade, I jumped at the chance to make my girl-bike fantasy a reality…”
BLACK HILLS HOME FOR SALE–
This is where I have stayed for years when at the Sturgis Rally. Great Place in case you know anyone interested.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/278-Purl-St-Saint-Onge-SD-57779/234428562_zpid/
–Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™
NEW HAMPSHIRE–Living Free… on the Road Show
The best state motto in the country is New Hampshire’s… Live Free or Die! Some people may disagree, but the state motto captures what we as bikers believe. We cherish our freedoms and we will fight to defend them!
Last week, the New Hampshire Motorcycle Riders Organization (NHMRO) hosted a dinner to celebrate legislative victories and reconnect with riders in the state. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) was honored to be invited and speak at the event. MRF D.C. lobbyist Rocky Fox made the journey to Manchester, NH, and was impressed by the passion and commitment of New England bikers.
The bikers in New Hampshire take the state motto seriously. For almost 50 years, NHMRO and motorcyclists in the Granite State have defended their freedoms and helped shape a path that benefits all bikers. The March dinner was about celebrating recent victories and reconnecting with riders in the state, encouraging them to remain engaged on important issues.
Last year New Hampshire became the 5th state to pass a motorcyclist profiling law! New Hampshire joins Washington, Maryland, Louisiana, and Idaho on the list of states that have changed laws and regulations regarding the profiling of motorcyclists.
Part of the success of NHMRO is due to its outstanding leadership team. Traci and Steve Beaueivage, Patti and Don Pike, Sherman Packard, Rick Daynard, Imre Szauter, and CJ Lynch have a long history of fighting for our rights as bikers. Whether it be helmet choice, supporting Laconia Motorcycle Week, or working on the profiling issue, NHMRO does it all!
The MRF thanks you for including us in your event and for your commitment to freedom.
All bikers agree we should Live Free or Die!
–MRF
INSPIRATION FROM THE TEMPLE–
I want to say thank you to the rare few individuals in life who have listened without judgement, spoken without prejudice, helped without entitlement, understood without pretension and loved without conditions.
–Ray Russell
Doctor of Philosophy
Bikernet University Down Under Campus
Australia
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK— 2015 Harley Davidson FLTRX Road Glide Special
URL: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=5105531
Only $18,995 at Lifestyle Cycles
(714) 490-0155
Compare and save
The 2015 Street Glide Special takes the hot-rod bagger formula a little further, with a Gloss Black inner fairing, Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS, the Boom!™ Box 6.5 GT infotainment system and CVO™ model style hand-adjustable lowered rear suspension as standard equipment.
Powered by the High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine and featuring a Batwing fairing with Splitstream vent to reduce rider head buffeting, the Street Glide Special is truly loaded bagger.
The innovative Harley-Davidson Touring chassis, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a stout swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s more-powerful engines.
This Road Glide Special has only 17,399 miles!!!
ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:
Excellent matte H-D black denim paint with factory red pinstripes and nostalgic tank emblems. Avon rubber hand grips with contrast cut bar ends. Polished levers.
Boom! 6.5GT infotainmet system with color touch screen and navigation!
Performance Machine contrast cut, force-wind Stage 1 intake system.
Enforcer 5 spoke cast, contrast cut wheels. H-D 2-up seat and chrome passenger pegs. Chrome horn cover, chrome primary cover.
Chrome bullet style turn signals front (amber) and rear (red) lenses. Chrome fork shrouds. Chrome one touch saddle bag latches. H-D chrome front floorboards, with chrome toe shifter and brake pedal.
Cruise control, ABS anti-lock braking system, new rear tire, Freedom dual exhaust system with Screaming Eagle mufflers and adjustable low profile air ride suspension.
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!
EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!
Fill out an online application and ride today!!!
[page break]
PIRELLI ANNOUNCES 2023 RYAO Road Racing Program Schedule
The 10-Round Program Provides Racers the Opportunity to Compete in Multiple Classes at CCS and ASRA Events Throughout the Nation
Pirelli Tire North America has announced that the RYAO road racing program will return for 2023, taking place at upcoming Championship Cup Series (CCS) and American Sportbike Racing (ASRA) events throughout the United States. The program consists of 10 events, beginning at Autobahn Speedway on April 22-23, and encourages riders to compete in multiple classes. Racers who wish to race in as many classes as they want, can do so for a flat fee.
The Pirelli RYAO program is back for 2023, offering racers the chance to race multiple classes for a flat fee.
Pirelli’s local trackside vendors will have 15 registration codes for each event.
Pirelli’s local trackside vendor will have registration codes for each event. Riders can sign up for all classes they would like to race, input the code, and the difference will be credited to their account for future use. Anyone with a valid ASRA license can use the codes, and they will also cover the gate fee at each track.
There will be 15 certificates available per event that can be used for either pre-entry or post-entry, and they will be good for all entries with the exception of purse-paying classes such as team challenge and ASRA sprint and shootout races.
2023 Pirelli RYAO Events in Conjunction with CCS/ASRA
April 22-23: Autobahn Speedway | Farrell Performance (920) 236-0000
June 10-11: Blackhawk Farms Raceway | Farrell Performance (920) 236-0000
June 17-18: Summit Point Raceway | Metric Devil Motorsports (610) 833-8271
July 1-2: New Jersey Motorsports Park | Metric Devil Motorsports (610) 833-8271
July 8-9: Roebling Road Raceway | Podium Motorsports (912) 655-1433
July 29-30: North Carolina Bike | Trackside Tires (301) 232-5542
August 5-6: Homestead International Speedway | Mark Tenn Motorsports (561) 281-1297
August 19-20: Roebling Road Raceway | Podium Motorsports (912) 655-1433
August 26-27: Autobahn Speedway | Farrell Performance (920) 236-0000
September 30-October 1: North Carolina Bike | Trackside Tires (301) 232-5542
For more information about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit Pirelli.com.
IRON HORSE ACTION–GARY ALLAN
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
FREE CONCERT – NO COVER – NO TICKETS REQUIRED
AGES 21+ WELCOME
Iron Horse Saloon
888 Junction Ave
Sturgis, SD
VIP UPGRADES AVAILABLE
EARLY ACCESS PRICING FOR A LIMITED TIME
ALERT FROM THE LEADER–BONUS TIPS for Riding in the Rain
Make sure your rain gear fits properly and is in good shape.
Choose bright colors for increased visibility.
Transfer wallet, keys, and other essentials to waterproof outside pockets.
Watch windshield wipers of oncoming cars to see if it’s raining ahead.
(And… my personal favorite…) Put on all your waterproof gear and have someone turn the hose on you to check for leaks!
–Leader Motorcycle Accessories
PARIS CLIMATE Vs PARIS E-SCOOTERS—Parisians vote to ban e-scooters from French capital
The ban won between 85.77% and 91.77% of the votes in the 20 Paris districts that published results, according to the City of Paris website on what was billed as a rare “public consultation” and prompted long queues at ballot boxes around the city.
“The way it’s organized, the danger that it creates in Paris, the visual pollution, it’s not good.” said a railway worker.
Cities worldwide are tightening regulations on e-scooters, limiting the number of operators as well as speed and where they can park.
In 2021, 24 people died in scooter-related accidents in France, including one in Paris. Last year, Paris registered 459 accidents with e-scooters and similar vehicles, including three fatal ones.
“In my work, we see a lot of road accidents caused by scooters, so we really see the negative effects,” says general physician Audrey Cordier.
READ THE FULL STORY AT
https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/two-wheelers/parisians-vote-to-ban-e-scooters-from-french-capital/99207609
–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
NEWS FROM THE WOLFPACK-–
Are you looking for a new book to lose yourself in? Want a good old-fashioned Western? What about a Thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered with these stories for just $0.99!
This week, saddle up for these action-packed adventures:
Western Fiction Ten Pack by Multiple Western Authors
* Once A Marshal by Peter Brandvold
* Kane: Tooth & Nail by Brent Towns
* Epic Adventures: Volume One by Win Blevins
…and more!
You can find all of our limited-time $0.99 deals and special offers here.
IT’S TWO-STROKE TIME–The Wiseco 2-Stroke MX World Championships are back at Glen Helen this Saturday
Clean out those Ratio Rites, dust off those two-strokes, and prepare for arm pump, the 2-Stroke Championships are back at Glen Helen April 8th, 2022. This year’s event will be epic as ever, featuring fun racing for all skill levels, big pro purses, and even live streaming if you can’t be there!
Classes for all riders and ages, including an all-new beginner friendly kids’ race!
$8,000 Open Pro purse
$15,000 in 125 purse money from Pasha Racing
Live streaming on the Motocross Action and Dirt Bike Magazine YouTube channels
The Top-End Challenge, swag, giveaways, and cornhole at the Wiseco booth!
Vendor row full of all the apparel, parts and accessories a 2-stroke lover could need
A full day of nothing but high-revvin’, smoke-spewin’ 2-stroke racing!
Complete Details and Pre-Entry Below
Visit Website for Details and Pre-Entry
Miss out on last year’s action? See website for details.
THE BIG BING — Microsoft Bing AI image creator
Microsoft Bing now has an Artificial Intelligence image creator.
Type some words to describe what image you want and the AI engine generates a relevant image. Pretty cool. Try it on Microsoft Edge browser.
https://www.bing.com/images/create
Here are some silly results
“racoon riding a motorcycle vintage ” and
“racoon riding a motorcycle at Sturgis”
–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
STURGIS HALL OF FAME NEWS–
The Rally is a few months away, there are only 70 seats left for the Sturgis Hall of Fame breakfast, out of 500 already sold! All the tables are sold out, only individual seats are left. Call the Museum direct at 605-347-2001 to reserve or buy online through the Sturgis Museum website.
The Hall of Fame Breakfast and Induction Ceremony is a can’t miss event of the Sturgis Rally. In 2023, two Hamsters, Donnie Smith and Scott Jacobs, will be inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame on Wednesday, August 9 at the Lodge in Deadwood.
Scott Jacobs is being inducted to recognize his contributions to the lifestyle, culture, and sport of motorcycling.
In 1993, a short time after painting two pieces “Fat Boy” and “Live to Ride,” which featured Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which was featured by Bandit in VQ magazine, Scott’s work was seen by the motorcycle manufacturer. Harley-Davidson signed Jacobs in 1993 as its first officially licensed artist in its fine art program, a position he continues to hold.
Donnie Smith will be awarded the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame’s Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement award.
Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award honors those who have greatly contributed to the world of motorcycling and have been recognized by many of the leading motorcycle-related organizations, their peers, and the general riding community. This award is only available to current members of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s Hall of Fame. Donnie Smith was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s Hall of Fame before 2001 (1995).
BANDIT’S CANTINA CORRECTION–
Pablo stepped up; his big 17-inch arms flexed as he drew a polished stainless steel .44 magnum Smith & Wesson Model 29 revolver out of his vest. The massive weapon glistened as he yanked the slide and chambered a hollow-point round. “But bikers will.”
Gun nut report: no slide on a Smith & Wesson revolver.
–Sam Burns
Certified nuisance and diploma holder of nit picking
“He’s correct, but we can’t find the right story to make the correction.” –Bandit
LADY RIDER OF THE WEEK–
Harley Brooke is the General Sales Manager at Texoma Harley-Davidson, Sherman, Texas.
–Sam Burns
Talent Agent
Bikernet.com™
AMA SHAKE-UP– AMA happened today, HD a few weeks ago
Not sure the future for Government Relations
Grassroots coordinator, Tiffany, and Mike Sayre are no longer at the AMA.
The new Harley VP of GR that replaced Ed Moreland also resigned.
–anonymous
BAJA TIRES FROM LOWBROW—
Perfect for those riders who get the urge to find some off-road adventure.
Bates Baja tires are available in two different styles, depending on your bike.
The Baja 90 is designed for late-model bikes, with a larger radius for maximum performance.
The Baja 100 is a vintage-style tire with a high sidewall.
Both feature an aggressive tread for on and off-road use. Available for 16″, 18″, 19″ and 21″ wheels.
High-quality, speed-rated, DOT and TUV approved, Made in Germany.
KAWASAKI JUMPS INTO INDIA’S MARKET–with retro styled W175 which is inspired by Kawasaki W800
They are trying to compete with Enfield Hunter and TVS Ronin motorcycle models.
Kawasaki was huge in India in the 1980s when it tied up with Bajaj India to launch 100cc and 125cc motorcycles.
This new one however is a modest 175cc engine, but being a Kawsaki engine, you can be sure it will probably deliver better results than TVS Ronin and maybe even better than Enfield’s new high volume selling Hunter model.
Now if only Yamaha will wake up to this — their brand image in India is based on 1980s legendary models such as RX100 and RD350 — and they can still capitalize on it without compromising their commuter segment in India.
Read the entire news at:
https://www.msn.com/en-in/autos/other/most-affordable-kawasaki-motorcycle-available-with-a-limited-period-discount/ar-AA19ulzU
–Wayfarer
International Editor
Bikernet News Desk
NATIONAL TEACHERS GROUP CENSORS CLASSES– Climate Science That Doesn’t Conform To Disaster Agenda
From Cowboy State Daily’s Kevin Killough, State Energy Reporter:
A growing debate on how climate science is taught in classrooms was highlighted last week at the National Science Teaching Association’s annual convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
The CO2 Coalition paid for a booth at the event. Despite approving the booth, the NSTA told the group it would have to remove its literature from display at the convention or it would be kicked out.
The material was critical of the association’s position that climate science should be taught as an absolute consensus and never presented as having any uncertainty.
Greg Wrightstone, president of the CO2 Coalition, refused to remove the offending material and was escorted out of the building.
“We accused them of censoring science, and then they confirmed that,” Wrightstone told Cowboy State Daily.
ANCIENT HEALTHY HABITS–Benefits from daily habit of sitting on the floor
Would you believe it that sitting on the floor for 15 to 30 minutes a day can make you feel more recharged and even increase your life-span?
For a 2014 study published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, researchers gave 2,002 men and women, ages fifty-one to eighty a Sit-and-Rise Test to assess their ability to get up from the floor. They checked to note if they needed to grab something for support or put their hand on the floor to push themselves back up.
Six years later they checked the health of those participants to find that an inability to get up and down off the floor without any sort of assistance meant increased risk of death. Those who could do it, lived longer as per the statistics.
Read the whole article at:
https://www.taijutsu.art/2023/04/health-by-sitting-on-floor.html
“Hey, I think bikers tinkering in the garage every chance they get would easily sit and get up off the floor. They just have greasy pants that’s all !!! Let us know if you could pass the Sit-and-Rise Test in the comments.”
–Wayfarer
Editor
Bikernet Blog & Facebook Page
LATEST, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The Life and Times of Hal Robinson
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_Life_and_Times_of_Hal_Robinson.aspx
Thank you for your responses to Hal’s story. I especially loved reading Jerry’s comments and saying that I really conveyed the message of love for my husband along with his talent for drawing.
This is what I wanted to convey. So, I guess I accomplished what I set out to do! I plan on seeing him again down the road. I know I will, just like he knew his works would live forever.
Thanks for being a sensitive reader and thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jerry Rasmussen of South Dakota.
— Ann Baysinger Robinson
Long Beach, CA
NEWS FROM VINTAGE RIDES–Travel to Peru has resumed!
After a tumultuous period, Peru finally seems to be calming down and once again becoming the welcoming and open country that we have known for 30 years.
The airports are once again operational and Machu Picchu has reopened. Our local partners keep us informed of events in real time, and guarantee you a secure and personalized travel experience.
We are ready and more motivated than ever to continue our mission to facilitate your exploration of this exceptional country.
We remain at your disposal to answer all your questions and possible concerns.
Vamos Peru!
Still a few spots available for our departure on May 30!
–Vintage Rides
53 rue du Président Kruger
69008 LYON
teamvr@vintagerides.com
+44 20 7031 6050
THE LATEST FROM THE CHIP—More coming April 13th
The Next Band Announcement Drops April 13th
Stay tuned. Until then here is the 2023 lineup so far.
2023 Buffalo Chip Concerts Announced So Far!
Lynyrd Skynyrd, Limp Bizkit, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Koe Wetzel, Whiskey Myers, George Thorogood & The Destroyers and Lita Ford are the first of dozens to be announced as part of the Buffalo Chip’s diverse 2023 lineup. Rock, Classic Rock, Country Rock. You won’t want to be anywhere else. It’s the Best Party Anywhere.
HANG ON—It’s never dull around the Sturgis headquarters and some bikers are stepping up to make a difference. Hang on as the reports surface. We won’t ever give up…
Cabana Dan is putting this 1914 Harley twin together as we speak. I’ll bring you a report on his paint work by Tim Peterson by Monday.
Here’s Tim in front of the Sturgis sign he created. That’s his old Shovelhead. I’ll tell you the story Monday.
It snowed for the last couple of days and I monitored the progress with our Panhead Snowmometer.
I thought we could piece together a 5-speed transmission then ran into an issue with two different gear styles.
I’m working with Trisha and Kate to have Outlaw Justice, my second book made available to print again. It’s been a challenge, but we are getting there.
Karley, my step daughter has her own Sportster and just learned how to rebuild the carb. She works at the Chowder Barge in the Port of LA, a floating barge with her mom, Nyla.
A brother just asked if I had a running Shovelhead. Yep, it’s dusty but runs like a champ. JIMS machine rebuilt the engine and the trans.
George Christie is working on another media presentation and we will bring you updates. Here’s a shot from the ‘70s.
I’m also making some progress on my 1913 boardtrack racer project. I’ve always dreamed of owning one.
Do me a favor, and make sure you join the MRF or your local motorcycle rights association, so we can continue to ride free.
–Bandit
