Hey,
Ray C. Wheeler and Cigar Marc are on the road to Bonneville Salt Flats for the Bub’s International Speed trials, and the speed buzz is in the air. We will bring you reports all week long. We decided to rip into my Mudflap girl FXR. I feel the pressure to finish these bikes and clear the lifts for Bonneville bike projects. I will hopefully bring you a report on the XS and my mudflap girl project next week, but I’m probably dreaming.
At one time we had six cats roaming the Interplanetary Headquarters, four dogs, and a Macaw, an African Parrot and two small birds. Over the years we’ve pared them down, but one cat hung on, Sparkplug. The small black and white feline was a pain in the ass. She begged at every meal until we were forced to give her scraps. She wouldn’t drink out of a water dish but hopped onto the bathroom counter and hollered until someone turned on the spigot.
I kicked her out of the penthouse suite, to be sequestered into the dungeon with the other strays and the beer drinkers, to dodge aluminum cans and cigarette butts. It was a cruel gesture on my part. It’s rough in the dungeon where the tenants don’t take pride in anything except how many beers they can consume on every weekday night. It’s strange, and I don’t get it. Sparkplug got long in the tooth and became a black and white bag of cat bones, but she was still capable of jumping on a stoop and demanding fresh water.
We watched her slowly start to slip away. As much as that cat pissed me off with her arrogance, I became attached and it was tough to see her go.
MORE FAMILY MEMBERS FROM THE VAN GOGH TRIBE–
The bird lover uncle — Flamin Gogh
The fruit-loving cousin — Man Gogh
An aunt who taught positive thinking — Way-to-Gogh
The little bouncy nephew — Poe Gogh
A sister who loved disco — Go Gogh
And his niece who travels the country in an RV — Winnie Bay Gogh
There ya Gogh
–from Ted Franks
THE LEGENDARY PANHEAD BILLY–
Billy Burrows is legendary… He rides and rides.
His hometown is Haverhill, MA
Born July 22, 1946
Rides a 1960 FL Panhead 25,000 – 300,000 miles/year
Using approx. 800 gallons of fuel
Have visited 800 Harley-Davidson Dealerships
Have visited all the state capitols (except Alaska & Hawaii)
& almost all the great lakes (except Lake Erie)
Billy is on FaceBook. “Panhead Billy Burrows”
Wonderful guy
~C
Carol Mittelsdorf is working on a feature on the George the Painter, and Panhead Billy for Bikernet. Hang on–Bandit
SMOKE-OUT ARTICLE COMING– I saw in the news where you need a Smoke-Out article. I know you are busy, I have one already done that I used for the Carolina Rider. I can make some changes to better fit Bikernet, and I have a lot of pics. I can get it to you next week. I am producing a bike show tomorrow for -HD of Charlotte.
–Mike Pullin’
Associate Editor (East Coast)
Bikernet.com
GOT a few more for you–THEN GOTTA GOGH–
A city in Colorado that bears his name: Goghlden, the home of Coors beer
His 60-year-old brother in the middle of the night: I Gotta Gogh
I Gotta Gogh’s favorite game: Hide and Gogh Pee
Bruce Snyder
Copy Editor
Bikernet.com
Long Beach ACCORD Community First Announces Remember 911 – 10th Anniversary Ride, Military Flyover and West Coast Celebration of America’s First Responders– LONG BEACH, CA: ACCORD Community First, a Long Beach non-profit announces a tribute to our nation’s fallen heroes and first responders on September 11th, 2011 – the tenth Anniversary of this national tragedy and the launch of the new Remember 911 Ride website at: http://www.remember911ride.com on which you are able to register to be an Official Rider; make a personal donation to the Remember 911 Memorial Fund; and learn about upcoming details of the days Dedication Ceremony; FREE Tribute Concert; Military flyover; and Patriotic Fireworks Display as they unfold.
The Official Ride will wind its way from Cooks Corner in Trabuco Canyon, Orange County; west to the coast; north up Pacific Coast Highway, passing through southern California beach communities; and ending at McKenna’s on the Bay at Alamitos Bay Landing in Long Beach; met with cheering crowds, families and friends, first responders and patriotic American’s of all types along the route.
It all started with local Long Beach Fireman Gary Biggerstaff (10) years ago this year, who upon returning from ground zero started a west coast tradition by building a memorial of (343) crosses with the names of each of the fallen in his front yard for the public to honor those who perished in 911. In the years following, he and a few friends added a solemn motorcycle “Ride of Honor” which has grown to include thousands of volunteers and more than 1700+ Riders from all over southern California passing through two counties and numerous cities along the way. This year partnering with ACCORD Community First, the ride will end in Long Beach at McKenna’s on the Bay at Alamitos Bay Landing and culminate with a dedication ceremony, special FREE Tribute Concert, Military flyover and Commemorative Fireworks Display to close the day on the West Coast the evening of 911. This year the end event will mark the first year the Ride will establish a fund where donations will go to Firefighters and selected Charities in Long Beach, Orange and Los Angeles Counties, so that we may honor the lives of the brave men and women who serve as our first responders. The day’s goal is to “never forget’ as we continue to remember those who keep us free.
HELLS ANGELS SUES T-SHIRT MAKER– An online fashion house retailer in Los Angeles, California has endured the wrath of the Hells Angels motorcycle club. The biker club has filed a lawsuit against Wildfox Couture and a number of other clothing retailers over a t-shirt bearing its name.
The women’s T-shirt, a cotton hippie crew-neck tee, bears the slogan My Boyfriend’s A Hells Angel. It sells online for £60 ($90) and the Californian-based designer is accused of “exploiting the fame” of the illustrious motorcycle club.
Attorney Fritz Clapp has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Hells Angels and he explained that “the club itself does not put ‘Hells Angels’ on shirts they sell to the general public”. The Hells Angels, as with most motorcycle clubs have copyrights on their name and logo. The club’s colours or patch, worn on the back of a vest, illustrates a white banner with red lettering – on the top of the back of the vest is HELLS ANGELS, and the bottom is the Charter’s location. In the centred logo called the Deathhead, the small square with MC stands for Motorcycle Club. The Hells Angels are keen to point out they are not a gang but simply a motorcycle club.
Wildfox Couture was officially established in Silverlake area in 2006, reports CBS Los Angeles and so far has not responded to a request for comment on the lawsuit.
–Digital journal.com
THE BLONDE FILES ARE NOW OPEN– Blonde Mortician
A man who’d just died is delivered to a local mortuary wearing an expensive, expertly tailored black suit.
The female blond mortician asks the deceased’s wife how she would like the body dressed. She points out that the man does look good in the black suit he is already wearing.
The widow, however, says that she always thought her husband looked his best in blue, and that she wants him in a blue suit. She gives the Blond mortician a blank check and says, ‘I don’t care what it costs, but please have my husband in a blue suit for the viewing.’
The woman returns the next day for the wake. To her delight, she finds her husband dressed in a gorgeous blue suit with a subtle chalk stripe; the suit fits him perfectly…
She says to the mortician, ‘Whatever this cost, I’m very satisfied.. You did an excellent job and I’m very grateful. How much did you spend?’
To her astonishment, the blond mortician presents her with the blank check.
‘There’s no charge,’ she says.
‘No, really, I must compensate you for the cost of that exquisite blue suit!’ she says.
‘Honestly, ma’am,’ the blond says, ‘it cost nothing. You see, a deceased gentleman of about your husband’s size was brought in shortly after you left yesterday, and he was wearing an attractive blue suit. I asked his wife if she minded him going to his grave wearing a black suit instead, and she said it made no difference as long as he looked nice.’
‘So I just switched the heads.’
–Gerry Celia
DAVE’S COOKOUT– Here is a link to the invitation: http://pci-group.net/cookout.htm
and note that the majority of the party is up at Dave’s new bar in Little Kohler Wisconsin (about 35 miles north of the compound). Let me know if you have any questions! Hope to see you next weekend!
PS. Make note of this new email. I’m ditching the “digital magic” one, so save colleen@colleenswartz.com to your address books while you are at it.
–Colleen Swartz
Member of the PCI-Group
www.pci-group.net
414-380-9005
SCOOTER REPORTS FROM THE SALT–One of Denis Manning’s original streamliners completely restored and headed to the museum. It is currently on display at the Bub’s meet at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
–Scooter Grubb
A HOME INVADER’S WORST NIGHTMARE–If you own a gun, you will appreciate this. If not, you should get one and learn how to use it.
Cops carry guns to protect themselves, not to protect you.
“The most important rule in a gunfight is: Always win – and cheat if necessary.”
“Shoot what’s available, as long as it’s available, until something else becomes available.”
“You cannot save the planet, but you may be able to save yourself and your family.”
–from CarlR
HERE IS THE SUNDAY DEAL FROM THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS!– A CLASSIC 1974 FLH SHOVELHEAD! Original paint scheme, powder coated frame, S&S 1523cc engine kit, Hard bags, tour pak, fairing, All Andrews 4-speed tranny. A Classic buy at $8500! Quick don’t let it get away, CHECK OUT THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, WHERE THE ADVENTURE IS JUST WAITING TO BEGIN!
–MIKE the STEALTH
THREE SIMPLE WAYS TO GO GREEN– Each Sunday in August we present a simple way to help you and your family “go green.” We encourage you to give each suggestion a try!
Millions of people around the world are making small but significant changes to help sustain our ecosystem every day. Want to join them, and help make the earth a healthier place to live? It’s simple – try these tips, courtesy of www.earthday.net:
1. Replace regular light bulbs with energy-efficient ones – they use less electricity, resulting in lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. If you are concerned about mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs, investigate mercury-free light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, now available at most hardware stores.
2. Drive less (by biking or using mass transit), get regular tune-ups and consider a hybrid car – all can reduce CO2 levels and improve fuel efficiency. Or ride a motorcycle.
3. Buy recycled products and recycle your trash. In addition, steer clear of products that use excessive packaging.
SUNDAY DAMNED EARLY and ROLLIN EASTWARD, BONNEVILLE BOUND REPORT–
CANTINA MEMBERS…..
Thanks for being patient.
Your new membership cards were hand delivered this week, hot off the local press to Bikernet headquarters by an unarmed courier. The watch dogs sniffed and licked the packages, finally clearing them for final delivery.
****We’re still waiting for patches to arrive, their being made locally, then we’ll ship your membership card and a Bikernet Care package.
We expect to ship your Bikernet care package Monday Sept. 5th.
AHA! There’s more. Haulin ass out of the Bikernet Intergalactic head quarters bright and
early Sunday morning while the “Bandit”, Nyla and the lovely SinWu slave over their hot apple computers in an ongoing attempt to provide the latest, the greatest motorcycle industry news on the planet!
STAY TUNED!
LIVE REPORTS AND IMAGES from the BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS starting
Monday 8/19!
Plan on arriving in Wendover, Ut. Sunday evening after rollin over 685 miles of blacktop.
Up early monday morning and haul ass to the track to meet old and new racers, “The salt of the earth” aboard their fastest 2 wheeled hot rods on the planet.
In order to feel the true magic, you’ve got to experience these motorcycle speed trials first hand.
Makin clean passes and setting a record or 2 is first hand magic of the highest caliber that the salt god’s hand out very sparingly and on rare occasions.
WTF!
Totally addicted to Bonneville, sky diving and fightin wars. It’s that time of the year that the adrenaline gland goes into overdrive for another brief 12 months.
A weeks worth of on-the-salt first-hand-reports headed your way, unless the Wi-Fi is acting up. Or the knock out blonde standing under the lucky tree steals my heart.
Picked up a like new Mac Air in Santa Monica earlier this week. The right tool for the job.
Last Minute Weather Report.
Sunny during the day with periods of darkness after stellar Bonneville Salt Flats sunsets and the sunrises are MAGIC!
Haul Ass!
Ride for your Life!
–Ray c wheeler
Performance Editor/
Cantina Backstage Security Commander
Jodie Perowitz spends some time with the God Father of the Salt Denis “Bub” Manning.
MESSAGE FROM THE BIKERNET FARM KID, WHO IS ON DUTY– When you’re from the country ~ you look at things a little differently…
A Montana rancher got in his pickup and drove to a neighboring ranch and knocked at the door. A young boy, about 9, opened the door “Is your Dad home?” the rancher asked.
“No sir, he isn’t,” the boy replied. “He went into town.”
“Well,” said the rancher, “Is your Mother here?”
“No sir, she’s not here either. She went into town with Dad.”
“How about your brother, Howard? Is he here?”
“No sir, He went with Mom and Dad.”
The rancher stood there for a few minutes, shifting from one foot to the other and mumbling to himself.
“Is there anything I can do for you?” the boy asked politely. “I know where all the tools are, if you want to borrow one. Or maybe I could take a message for Dad.”
“Well,” said the rancher uncomfortably, “I really wanted to talk to your Dad. It’s about your brother Howard getting my daughter, Suzie, pregnant.”‘
The boy considered for a moment. “You would have to talk to Pa about that”, he finally conceded. “If it helps you any, I know that Pa charges $500 for the bull and $50 for the hog, but I really don’t know how much he gets for Howard.”
PRESIDENTIAL LIMOUSINE FROM EISENHOWER WHITE HOUSE SET FOR INDIANA AUCTION BLOCK–1955 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Limousine from the Eisenhower White House to be auctioned in Auburn, Indiana, September 1 – 4, 2011
Auburn, Ind. (August 26, 2011) – After slumbering quietly in Europe for more than two decades, a historically significant 1955 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Limousine from the Eisenhower White House has returned to America to cross the auction block at Auctions America by RM’s Auburn Fall sale in Indiana next week (September 1 – 4).
Custom built by Hess & Eisenhardt for the Eisenhower White House, the special order limousine, chassis 557555865, is one of approximately 1200 collector cars on offer at this year’s Auburn Fall Collector Car Weekend. The multi-day sale in Auburn, Indiana, will also present a select range of vintage motorcycles to cater for collectors of classic two wheelers.
1955 Cadillac Series 75 Presidential Limousine
Commissioned in 1955 for the First Lady, Mrs. Eisenhower’s use, as well as to serve as a formal and parade vehicle when needed, this important parade car was delivered straight from the factory in March 1955 to Hess & Eisenhardt, where it underwent a number of special modifications. These included the replacement of the rearmost part of the roof with a section and rear window from a Series 62 Coupe de Ville, resulting in a pillarless “hardtop” limo to allow an excellent viewpoint for press photographers, along with the addition of a sliding sunroof to allow the President and Mrs. Eisenhower to stand in full view of the public when desired. A grab rail was added inside the leading edge of the sunroof to ease the strain of standing in the moving car.
After completion, the car remained in the White House garage for the remainder of Eisenhower’s term before being reportedly sold to an American General. It was acquired by Olivier Delafon, a French collector of presidential automobiles and cars of state in 1988 before being purchased by its current owner in 2006. It is expected to fetch between $175,000 – $225,000 at next week’s auction.
“Presidential cars have long held a strong public fascination as they represent an important slice of American history,” says Donnie Gould President, Auctions America by RM. “Having spent an extended period in Europe, this particular example has remained largely under the collectors’ radar. Fresh to the market, we anticipate strong interest when it crosses the block next week.”
The Eisenhower Presidential Limousine will be joined by a series of other exciting celebrity cars at next week’s Auctions America sale, including the 1933 Cadillac V-12 Convertible Coupe from the Academy Award-winning film Seabiscuit; a luxurious 1938 Packard V-12 Landaulet custom built for tobacco heiress Doris Duke; and a 1970 Cadillac Limousine customized for famous country singer, Johnny Paycheck.
In addition to the auction, the Auburn Fall Collector Car Weekend, September 1 – 4, will host one of the Midwest’s largest car corral and swap meets along with an exclusive Hot Rod & Custom Car seminar. For full event details, visit www.auctionsamerica.com
I COULDN’T RESIST–Happy Holidays! Your Victoria’s Secret $1000 Holiday Card is available now. Confirm your shipment information and start your holiday shopping for you or a loved one! Head to their web site.
TRIUMPH RECALL–Triumph recalls Tiger 800 for engine management system re-boot Triumph Motorcycles America is recalling certain 2011 and 2012 model year Tiger 800s and 800 XCs due to a problem with the engine management software. The potential number of vehicles affected is 1,485.
Bikes affected were manufactured from September 2010 through June 2011. The issue could cause lower RPMs and engine stall when decelerating, possibly leading to a crash.
Dealers are required service the vehicles free of charge by downloading new engine management software into the motorcycle’s ECU.
–Published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
DIRECT FROM THE BIKERNET RICE KITCHEN–What’s Healthier: White or Brown Rice? Wheat remains one of the primary staple grains in the United States, and the glycemic load of processed wheat is a likely contributor to America’s obesity epidemic. Rice-based diets have been used historically to address a number of medical conditions, and have gained some popularity as a means to help lose weight.
The health benefits of unpolished, brown rice outweigh those of white rice, as its whole grain provides more fiber, iron, B vitamins and other nutrients. (There are 1.5 grams of fiber per half cup of brown rice – almost three times the fiber in the same amount of white rice.)
I recently read that white rice can cause diabetes, whereas brown rice prevents it.
–from Dr.Weil
www.drweil.com
KINGS OF KUSTOMS TV SERIES FOR SALE– This is the Sizzle reel Scott and I will use to sell the Kings of Kustoms TV Series. We are still in the process of polishing the final edit of the 1 hour Pilot/DVD, but this will give you an idea of what we’re working towards. I think we have a hit on our hands!
Go to www.longboardpictures.com
— Randy
There I was sitting at the bar staring at my drink when a great huge, trouble-making biker steps up next to me, grabs my drink and gulps it down in one swig.
“Well, whatcha’ gonna do about it?” he says, menacingly, as I burst into tears.
“Come on, man,” the biker says, “I didn’t think you’d CRY. I can`t stand to see a man crying.”
“This is the worst day of my life,” I say. “I’m a complete failure. I was late to a meeting and my boss fired me. When I went to the parking lot, I found my car had been stolen and I don’t have any insurance. I left my wallet in the cab I took home. I found my wife with another man and then my dog bit me.”
“So I came to this bar to work up the courage to put an end to it all, I buy a drink, I drop a capsule in and sit here watching the poison dissolve; then you show up and drink the whole thing! But enough about me, how’s your day going?”
–Ted T.
FOR SALE OCC STINGRAY BICYCLE–My backup is an OCC Schwinn stingray bicycle still in the crate for more than ten years.
–Paul Garson
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com
paulgarson@aol.com
Larry “DRUMS” Branccacio — to be Inducted to the Nutley Hall of Fame–Nutley, NJ: It’s been a heck of a season for Larry “Drums” Brancaccio of the Bammer/Starlight Tattoo bike in the Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel Class. Earlier this season he earned his 95th WIN of his drag racing career. BUT last week a simple envelope and letter ROCKED his world.
Larry “Drums” Branccacio has been notified that he is to be Inducted to the Nutley Hall of Fame, Nov. 13th. Of all his wins, Brancaccio was almost speechless when he recieved the acceptance announcement. He rushed the letter to show his father to make sure it was real, and it is. To be honored by your home town and in the company of such amazing community members is a priviledge to say the least.
More information will be forth coming.
Brancaccio is proudly sponsored by: Starlight Tattoo, Capone Landscaping, Keith’s Custom Seats, World Wide Bearings, Vanson Leathers, Central Metal Fabricators & special thanks to: Barnett Clutches & AutoLite
Bammerracing.com Drums: 862 703 0847
JAY ALLEN joins forces with mentor Wink Eller and breaks another Land Speed Record at Speed Week– August 25, 2011, Wendover, UT] — Fresh from hosting a very successful Sturgis Rally 2011 at the downtown Original Broken Spoke, Jay Allen arrived at Bonneville Speed Week supercharged to break another Land Speed Record with the support of good friend and mentor, Wink Eller.
After three passes, Allen claimed a new record average with 186.465 and a new Land Speed Record in the APS-PG-3000 class. Jay’s Bonneville bike is powered by an S&S 124” consumer motor with Rob Schopf B-2 heads, which is the smallest motor in the class. It also features a Baker drivetrain 5-speed 1:1 transmission.
“I get up to 180 – 190mph no problem with these components that are right out of the crate,” tells Jay. “Now, that’s a testament to the kind of quality product these tried and true American manufacturers produce. Thanks to S&S and Baker I can live my dreams out here on the Flats!”
Wink ultimately was unable to ride his own bike due to an injury, but, boy, did he try. Eager to kill it on the salt, the mastermind fabricator forgot to factor in that his flesh wound would be pressed up against the frame and then assaulted by the wicked vibrations of top speed. The pain was so intense that Wink almost passed out and this was not acceptable to the legendary racer.
So, the pair wondered if he may be able to fit Jay’s bike.
Success.
Wink soared up to 190 mph on Jay’s bike then was hit by a side wind and the bike went through the two mile marker flag. The impact shattered the windshield and impregnated the fabric of the mile marker flag into his helmet. But his need for speed kept him slicing onward to finish the mile. Unfortunately, the clock didn’t catch him coming into the mile. With windshield repaired, Wink went back out and made a 185 pass on a 184 record. The next day, he ran for the backup pass but was unable to set the record due to ridiculously inclimate weather. Ah! Foiled! Denied a record by Mother Nature!
Afterwards, it was Jay’s turn to switch it up. He took four passes with Wink Eller’s bike which he claimed was “A monster, a beautiful work of art.” However, due to an electrical issue, Wink had to take the bike back to his shop and now it’s fixed and screamin’ ready for Bubs.
–Jim Waggaman
www.yardbarker.com
SPEED TV NEEDS HOT ROD BUILDERS–I’m a casting director with SPEED TV, and we are trying to spread the word to all of the customizing car guys out there that we are in search of teams to compete on season 2 of Car Warriors. Would you be interested in running a story about what we are looking for? I’d be more than happy to do an interview with you and send you some information about what we are looking for and what our casting process is. Perhaps you could also help us by writing about us on your social networking pages or blogs? I’d love to chat more. You can reach me directly at 818.333.5734.
–Joey Gemelli
Casting Director, Car Warriors
BASE Productions
Office: 818.333.5734
Fax: 818.847.0558
www.baseproductions.com
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY WEEKEND NEW WORD SPONSORED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON–purloin per-LOIN, verb:
To take dishonestly; steal.
Annatoo concluded that Samoa was not wholly to be enslaved; and Samoa thought best to wink at Annatoo’s foibles, and let her purloin when she pleased.
— Herman Melville, Mardi, and a Voyage Thither
To climb a wall, to break a branch, to purloin apples, is a mischievous trick in a child; for a man it is a misdemeanor; for a convict it is a crime.
— Victor Hugo, Les misérables: Volume 1
Purloin has an ancestor in the Old French porloigner, “to put off, delay,” but the sense of “to steal” is an English addition.
AMAZING–I like protein shakes packed with various fruits, yogurt, and protein powder. That’s a meal of pure goodness. Recently I was reminded about the beneficial attributes of Spirulina and berries. Look into them. We may have discovered the elixir of life, and my Australian pal Ray Russell just bought some Spirulina technology and is making his own health drinks.
Shortly we may be able to save the planet in two ways, with pure bio-fuels and Spirulina for health. Hang on!
As for next week. I’m flying to Milwaukee to ride Tony’s ’48 Panhead to another premier of Born to Ride, which is currently available at BlockBusters. I’m also going to get rolling on the JIMS reman operation on my buddy’s Evo 5-speed trans. If your transmission is getting long in the tooth, JIMS will re-man it and make it like new, or jack it from a 5-speed to a 6-speed overdrive.
It’s getting tough to keep up with the content flying at Bikernet. We currently have more Scooter Tramp Scotty travel pieces, fiction from Uncle Monkey, XS build techs, Mudflap girl updates, features from North Carolina’s Mike Pullin, and Girls of Bikernet from Balls. Oh shit, I need to wrap up the Zucker special, a Vintage racer made from various motorcycles in the teens.
Let’s see what I can accomplish this week before I scramble on a plane for Milwaukee. It’s a race. Oh shit, I forgot Mike Pullin’s coverage of the Smoke-Out. This afternoon I’m hauling ass to a Book release party for Butterfly Tears by Jennifer Thomas, Bill Haye’s babe and his Columbia educated copy editor. I always say that Bill is the world’s most articulate biker, but I should extend some of that credit to Jennifer.
Then I’ll blast back to the shop and work on the mudflap girl bike. I’m almost to the wiring stage.
Ride forever,
–Bandit
