Happy Easter Goddammit,
Where are the eggs? It’s interesting living down at the harbor away from any residential merriment. When a holiday arrives the only indication is the lack of traffic, trucks and folks. The place is vacant for a day. So no sign of Easter Eggs, or rabbits. Although, the dogs have been killing baby possums every night. I can’t figure it out. Where do they come from, and why can’t they escape?
Let’s hit the news. I need to finish up my son’s seat pan and ship it back to Le Pera for classic upholstery. A gang of sparrows just flew into the shop. Are they looking for colored eggs? WTF.
PAUL COX DESIGNS BIKE FOR KIEHL’S BOSS–Paul Cox, his bikes, Kiehl’s owner Paul Salgardo, & celeb photographer Timothy White…arrival at Kiehl’s store, in The Grove, Los Angeles.
Photos by Markus Cuff
Vanson Leathers Open House 2012
April 13th – Ed Milich comes to Vanson HQ for a reading and signing of his second collection of free verse and short stories. No regular author (or man) Ed is a passionate motorcycle rider, racing champion, and author. His writing shows where all the interests interconnect. Come down to Vanson HQ at 5PM to meet the man himself, listen to some passages, pick up copies for yourself (and friends!) and get them signed. Refreshments will be served.
Motorcycle Racer and Writer Ed Milich Promotes Second Book “Fueled” with East Coast Tour Ed Milich will be touring the East Coast of the US in support of his second book, Fueled (www.fueledbook.com), in April 2012. A flyer for the tour can be seen at: http://slowdeath.net/Fueled/ECflyer.pdf Fueled embodies the author’s personal motorcycle road racing and wrenching experiences. The book, Milich’s second [after 2009’s Wrenched (www.wrenchedbook.com ) is comprised of free verse and short stories about the passions and madness of racing: rusted motorcycles, crusted men, and how Milich won a race at Daytona on a $600 Moto Guzzi.
April 22 – Motorcycle Swap Meet
Empty out your garages and come to Vanson! No rain date. If you’ve seen our cat, we should tell you she is not for sale. Water, bathrooms, and showroom open to the public!
April 26-29 Open House
Closeouts! LowSide Magazine! Vendors! DEALS! Thursday through Sunday
Vanson Leathers 951 Broadway Fall River, MA 02724
(508) 678-2000
AUSTRALIAN BAD COPS REPORT–Federal cops sacked, hundreds investigated for serious misconduct.
Australia’s elite police force has sacked more than a dozen of its officers in the past 18 months for serious misconduct including being drunk and engaging in potentially criminal activity.
Newspapers are reporting that the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which provides bodyguards to protect Prime Minister Julia Gillard and other VIPs, is investigating 496 serious complaints against its officers.
These include 84 allegations of police using “excessive force” while carrying out raids against suspected drug runners or other criminal syndicates.
Some police were also investigated after allegations they were violent towards prisoners in jails.
Three officers are facing criminal prosecution while the feared professional standards investigations unit – known as the toe-cutters – is investigating 296 claims of serious misconduct.
Several federal officers say the high number of investigations reflects a zero tolerance approach from senior management, led by AFP Commissioner Tony Negus.
“You don’t even want to be caught talking about investigations,” one officer said.
Police serving in foreign countries such as the trouble-plagued Solomon Islands have also been caught out, with more than 20 AFP officers investigated since 2009 and four resigning.
And in a recent local case, a veteran AFP officer was dismissed after he tested positive for alcohol after an accident involving his police motor vehicle.
Another AFP official – a protective service officer – was also sacked after drinking while on duty.
Australia’s most senior policeman was unavailable for comment yesterday, but the AFP, which plays a frontline role in tackling terrorism and fighting serious crime, said it “does not tolerate serious misconduct” involving its 7000 staff.
Documents released under Freedom of Information show there were 496 category three investigations, which includes breaches of criminal law and “serious neglect” of duty.
A further 107 less serious matters were being investigated
“I LOVE YOU” IN 10 LANGUAGES
English – I Love You
Spanish-Te Amo
French – Je T’aime
German- Ich Liebe Dich
Japanese-Ai Shite Imasu
Italian- It Amo
Chinese- Wo Ai In
Swedish – Jag Alskar Dig
BIKER – Nice Ass Get On The Bike
–Rogue
BIKERNET TRIKES SUNDAY TEASE–
This coming week, the City of Long Beach, California transforms into racing central for the Toyota Grand Prix. The open-wheeled 800hp Champ cars of the IRL race through city streets with the Pacific Ocean and the Queen Mary as backdrops.
Races go on through the week with the big race next Sunday. While we were getting the inside scoop down at the “track,” we spotted a white, Goldwing Trike ripping around the course. We snapped a couple of photos of the young lady pilot and we may have tracked down who this mystery Triker is. Watch Bikernet Trikes for more on this model, or the model…
For more info on the races and other activities log onto www.gplb.com.
If you are in the area and want a cool beverage in a unique atmosphere, stop in to House of Hayden. The owner Dave Hayden is a long time Harley rider yet it’s not a stereotypical biker bar. House of Hayden (421 E 1st St, Long Beach) is located within walking distance of the track and fine restaurants. 555 Steak House and Modica’s Deli are highly recommended, both on Linden and Ocean. It’s a bike and Trike friendly city.
GUN NUT REPORT–NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT–
Please forward this information to your family, friends, and fellow gun owners!
Protect Your Rights! Act Now to Support Legal Transportation of Firearms
When Congress passed the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act (FOPA) in 1986, one of the key provisions of the bill was intended to protect the rights of gun owners to legally transport their firearms between locations where they are legally allowed to possess them.
Unfortunately, some local jurisdictions have chosen to ignore federal law and the courts have upheld these infringements on Second Amendment rights.
H.R. 4269, introduced by U.S. Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), Ted Poe (R-Texas) and Bill Owens (D-N.Y.) would amend this provision to ensure it has the effect Congress intended.
Most states have never had a problem with this law. However, both before and after enactment of FOPA, gun owners have had serious problems lawfully travelling with their firearms in two states in particular: New York (especially New York City) and New Jersey. Rather than recognize the intention of Congress to protect the rights of Americans travelling with legally owned firearms, these jurisdictions have used overly restrictive state licensing laws to harass and prosecute travelers.
Second Amendment Challenge to Cook County Gun Ban Moves Forward:
On April 5, the Illinois Supreme Court unanimously denied an attempt by Cook County, Ill., to dismiss a challenge to the county’s California-style ban on countless types of common semi-automatic firearms. The National Rifle Association supported the case brought by the NRA’s state affiliate, the Illinois State Rifle Association. Read more
Enough, Mr. President. No More!
On Monday, Mexican president Felipe Calderon continued Mexico’s tradition of blaming America for its self-induced problems, and continued his personal habit of blaming America’s gun laws for the fact that his policies have failed to dismantle Mexico’s drug cartels and, regrettably, that his failure has contributed to a severe increase in murders in Mexico.
FREE Grassroots Workshop in St. Louis One Week Away!
NRA-ILA’s free seminar at NRA’s upcoming Annual Meetings in St. Louis, MO–“Grassroots Campaigning in a National Election Year”–is just one week away! The seminar will include specific information and training to help ensure victory in the critical up-coming elections.
Canada Finally Abolishes Ridiculous Long-Gun Registry:
This week, the Canadian Senate voted 50-27 to abolish their useless long-gun registry. The passage of Bill C-19 means that registration records for seven million ordinary long guns are to be destroyed.
In the wake of many hours of debate and anti-gun rhetoric from the opposition and lobbyists, the Conservative party has successfully laid the registry to rest. Few issues have prompted so many Canadians to sound off on the shortcomings of a Canadian law.
Congratulations to our neighbors to the North on this hard-fought victory!
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER BACK PAIN SYMPOSIUM–Five Ways to Minimize Chronic Back Pain If you are experiencing chronic back pain, it may be due to poor posture, injuries or muscle tension – all common contributors. Unfortunately, chronic back pain can profoundly impact your quality of life, and pharmaceutical painkillers are often the prescription given by doctors.
If you want to minimize the use of medications that dull the pain but may not address the underlying causes, consider yoga. It is a proactive approach that can help prevent further injury and lessen the symptoms of back pain. Yoga can:
* Engage your body, mind and spirit, which may lead to a feeling of self-reliance and control over your pain.
* Provide long-term preventive relief, through improved posture, breathing techniques, and stress reduction.
* Make you more aware of your body – balance, posture and proper alignment will be a renewed focus in your life.
* Strengthen your abdominal and leg muscles and increase blood flow – all of which can be beneficial for the back.
* Soothe your mind, which in turn can produce a relaxed, calm and meditative state that can lessen pain.
–Dr. Weil
www.drweil.com
–Peter
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT TARDY STUDENT WEEKEND VOCABULARY LESSON–apotropaic ap-uh-truh-PEY-ik, adjective:
Intended to ward off evil.
Ritualistic behaviour used as an apotropaic to ward off private demons, yes. Except to Raymond there’s danger everywhere.
— Leonore Fleischer, Rain Man
In an older kind of fairy story, the magic of the flowers would be potent but unspecified, vaguely apotropaic.
— Anthony Burgess, J.G. Ballard, “Introduction,” The Best Short Stories of J.G. Ballard
Apotropaic came into common usage in the 1880s. It comes from the Greek word apotrópai meaning “averting evil.”
THE MARLBORO BIKE INVESTIGATION—Great, this is the stunt bike Gene delivered to Steve Queensberry in Denver, CO back ’97?
Your Story: http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=8911
What happened to the “Other Bike Of Mickey’s???” Here is what the NY Post Reported back in ’09.
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/bronx/item_gs6DVmKsSJTYoEmMTLVYLI
–Heath Rodney
President
Loess Hills Harley-Davidson
712-622-4000 Office
605-201-9563 Cell
www.LoessHillsHD.com
Wrath of a fallen ‘Angel’
Ex-Hells boss’ 10-year pothole-crash suit
By DENISE BUFFA, New York Times
It took fewer than 10 seconds for actor and stuntman Chuck Zito to wipe out on Mickey Rourke’s motorcycle on a road in The Bronx.
But his role as plaintiff in a lawsuit against the city, claiming a pothole sent him flying, has turned out to be the longest battle of his life.
After winding through the courts for 10 years, a trial date is expected soon. But the case has hit a few bumps in the road, including the city’s insistence that it can’t be held responsible because there’s no proof it ever worked on the road where Zito crashed the bike Rourke rode in the flick “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man.”
“That’s what I’ve been saying for the last 10 years, you know, that I hit a pothole,” Zito said during a hearing at Bronx Supreme Court. “Somebody is responsible for it.”
Zito, now 56, was riding north on Shore Road near Pelham Bay in August 1999 when he says he hit a big hole and lost control.
“There was a crater, or whatever you want to call it, in the middle of the road,” he said during a deposition.
“The next thing I know, the bike was down, and I went flying.”
The former head of the Hells Angels New York, who’s best known for his role on HBO’s “Oz,” says the front tire hit what looked like a trench that had been filled in, but about two inches short.
He says he tried to swerve the bike, named Black Death, away from the 4-foot by 6-foot patch, but the rear wheel also hit the hole — and he was catapulted.
Zito suffered a broken right leg that required surgery, “road rash” on his right arm and a concussion.
He’s been seeking $10 million in damages, including $90,000 in medical expenses, lost earnings of $45,000 and $250,000 for the bike, which was run over by a car.
Problem is, despite several record searches, city lawyers can’t find any paperwork on the road. Without it, Zito’s lawyer, Thomas Cascione, concedes he doesn’t have much of a case.
So he’s come up with a new argument. Cascione maintains the double yellow line was painted on part of the patch, disguising it.
But city lawyers say there’s no proof city workers dug the hole — or painted the lines.
Cascione and Zito declined comment, as did a spokesman for the city Law Department.
Happy Hamster Easter……..
–HS Hamster
CALIFORNIA EPA CHANGE OPPORTUNITY–
Need phone calls and faxes by this Monday, for Tuesday April 10 vote … see below.
I chose to not come across as a car enthusiast … here is what I sent … please compose your own and call or fax … thanks!
I am writing to urge passage of S.B. 1224 that exempts pre-1981 vehicles from emissions inspection requirements. Vehicles of this age are an extremely small and shrinking portion of the state’s vehicle population and the economic cost (in dollars and time lost from work) is disproportionate to the environmental effect. Greater results can be realized from focusing efforts on broader sources of pollution.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
John Clinard
Irvine
–from Bob Clark
— Jeff
jeff@mrf.org
Minnesota
The Minnesota state constitution prohibits road blocks.
–T.Riba
Maryland
In Maryland they are illegal. We are presently working with the state police to get the word out to all of the jurisdictions that are not aware of the law.
So, not out of the woods yet.
Lenny Holcomb
MRF State Rep
ABATE of Maryland
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin checkpoints are illegal except for weigh stations for commercial vehicles.
–Dave Dwyer
Legislative Director
ABATE of Wisconsin
SSMRO Rep
MRF BOD
HERE IS THE EASTER SUNDAY DEAL FROM THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS!– A 2009 Custom built chopper! 100-inch Evo based engine, 230 rear tire and custom wheel, 21-inch front tire and custom wheel, Performance Machine brakes, Primo belt drive, custom exhaust. Only 1500 miles on the clock all for $8500!
GO CHECK OUT THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, WHERE THE ADVENTURE IS JUST WAITING TO BEGIN! YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU WILL FIND!
–MIKE the STEALTH
http://bikernet.sprocketlist.com/FLST/2541063/2009-custom-Harley-.html
BIKERNET READER COMMENT ABOUT 5-Ball BONNEVILLE Racing 2012: Chapter 4–Here’s the stellar story behind Ray’s new Bonneville effort for 2012. It’s all coming together.
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10454
Bikernet Comment from Hardtailz Customs:
Thanks Ray for all the spotlighting in your article.
We look forward to giving you another 170,000 mile ride. Hold on and pull the throttle wide open it’s …Perfect!
nitrothug1@yahoo.com
San Jose, CA
4TH ANNUAL BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY–
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is pleased to report that the 4th Annual Bikers Inside the Beltway national lobby day will be held Thursday, May 17, 2012 in Washington, D.C. The MRF will have secure, free parking for motorcycles just steps away from the U.S. Capitol Building.
At last year’s event, the national lobby day brought motorcyclists from 20 states and we were able to meet with almost 250 members of congress. The MRF encourages all participants to begin scheduling appointments with your Representatives and Senators since their calendars will fill up fast on this legislative day. Even if you cannot get a scheduled appointment, plan on dropping by as many offices from your state as possible.
Please contact jeff@mrf.org or call (202) 546-0983 if you are planning on participating in this event.
TEXAS TAN LINE–
–from Robin Hartfiel
SPEAKING OF TEXAS, TEXAS POWERSPORTS DEALERS WEATHER TORNADOES–
Tornadoes that thrashed the Dallas-Fort Worth area April 3 left powersports dealers largely unscathed, although a few had to scramble to move in units from outdoor lots in the storm’s potential path.
The storms that knocked out power in four states and forced grounding of flights from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Tuesday and Wednesday were strongest in north Texas, with the bulk of the damage and injuries in Lancaster and Arlington. Authorities reported 10 people were injured in Lancaster, two seriously; and seven in Arlington, one who remained in critical condition Wednesday. No deaths have been reported from the storm.
“It wasn’t like anybody didn’t know it was coming,” said Bobby Childress, parts manager at Cycle Town South in Lancaster. He was less than rattled by a tornado that passed about a half-mile from the dealership.
Nonethless, some people were pinned down to wait out the worst of the storm. Even though a tornado passed within a few blocks of Kawasaki City in Lancaster, “we just sat it out in here,” said manager Rick Trotter. “We had our Mules outside, but we just let them sit out there.”
Other dealers scrambled to get vehicles under cover – mostly to avoid hail damage – with less than an hour’s notice that the storm was bearing down.
“We prepared for it. We got everything inside ahead of it,” said Ryan Pedersen, salesman at American Motorcycle Trading Co. in Arlington. “It kind of went right over us. It went all around us and never through us.”
Dealership staff reported employee homes and families were also safe after the storm, but things got pretty wild in outlying areas.
“I got caught in a pretty gnarly storm coming back from Temple,” said Don Erickson, GM at High Five Cycles in Dallas. “I had to play hide-and-seek under overpasses.”
Likewise for Nikki Hartis, an apparel salesperson at Dealernews Top 100 dealer Strokers Dallas. “It all hit north and east of us. It was pretty scary yesterday,” she said. “I live in Garland, so both of the storm cells that blew up from around Hutchins and Lancaster hit us,” dropping heavy rain and golf ball-sized hail. “I have a few dings in my car.”
Dealers roundly reported that it’s back to business as usual Wednesday. “We’ve sold a couple of units already today,” said Trotter.
”We’re alive and running around like crazy people,” Erickson said. “As soon as the storm cleared and the sun came out, customers started coming out to buy toys.”
–by Holly J. Wagner
published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
BIKERNET WEEKEND CAMPING TIP–This would work great for camping or a back yard get together! Just be sure the log is dry. The GENUINE wood stove
This stove design originated in Finland. It takes about 10 minutes to build a stove like this
–from Buckshot
BIKERNET READER COMMENT–Mudflap Girl Thursday News for April 5, 2012
http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=10451
Congrats on first ride [mud flap girl] . Always takes a long time to get rid of a smile like that.
— Dave Tuttle
west monroe, ny
SAD DAY FOR PORSCHE–Ferdinand A. Porsche, Designer of 911, Leaves a Legacy Beyond Sports Cars.
Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, who conceived one of the world’s most recognizable sports cars, died Thursday in Salzburg, Austria, at age 76. The cause of death was not disclosed by Porsche, which issued a statement on Thursday, but he was known to have been ill in recent months.
Mr. Porsche was the son of Ferry Porsche and the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, the engineer credited with the design of the Volkswagen Beetle and the founder of the sports-car company that bears his name.
Best known simply as F.A. or, informally, Butzi, he studied at the Hochschule für Gestaltung, or school of design, in Ulm, then joined Porsche in 1958. He assumed control over the design studio in 1962.
Mr. Porsche was credited with the design for the 911, which made its debut in 1963 as the successor to Porsche’s original car, the 356. He departed the company in 1972 after an acrimonious family dispute involving his cousin and rival, Ferdinand Piëch, currently chairman of the supervisory board of the Volkswagen Group.
That same year he founded the Porsche Design Studio in Stuttgart, which relocated to Zell am See in Austria in 1974. Products bearing the Porsche name would go on to appear on shopping streets around the world. The “Design by F. A. Porsche” label can be seen on watches, shoes, pens, glasses, computer equipment, power drills and light-rail cars.
By PHIL PATTON
New York Times
–from Buckshot
HARLEY-DAVIDSON GENERATES BUZZ AROUND THE VOICES OF WOMEN RIDERS–
Inspirational Stories From Women Who Ride … And Those Who Want to Learn Featured on a New Interactive Site
MILWAUKEE (April 5, 2012) – “Freedom to be.” “It’s Harley or Nothing.” “It’s in my blood.” “2 Wheels Move the Soul.” These are just a few of the things women – who either already ride a motorcycle or want to learn how – are saying on a new interactive website created by Harley-Davidson called the Buzz Wall.
Housed at www.harley-davidson.com/voices, the Buzz Wall is an extension of the Motor Company’s ‘No Doubts. No Cages.’ campaign and features real stories submitted by women from around the world about why they ride or why they want to learn to ride. Women can share their stories by tweeting with the Twitter hashtag #harleywomen, or they can upload them to the Women Riding Stories section on Harley-Davidson’s website.
“Women who ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles – and those who are passionate about learning – have amazing stories of empowerment to share,” said Amanda Lee, Manager of Public Relations Outreach for Harley-Davidson. “The Buzz Wall showcases these stories and amplifies their voices in the hopes of inspiring others to take life by the handlebars.”
The Buzz Wall, which will be showcased through June 15, 2012, also features inspirational content, including videos from the popular Harley-Davidson ‘My Time to Ride’ series, tips to help those interested in learning to ride get started and details about upcoming women riders events, including Women Riders Month this May that kicks off on International Female Ride Day on May 4.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com .
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT NOT HAPPY ABOUT LAWYS BEING STALLED– South Australian attorney general John Rau has vowed to stand firm on the Government’s anti-crime laws and fight amendments until the 2014 election if necessary.
The Government has six anti-crime Bills before the Parliament and says the Liberals have moved amendments to change or water down almost every one.
The Bills deal with issues including the use of police criminal intelligence, liquor and gun licences, street weapons such as knives, confiscation of assets from drug traffickers and sentencing discounts.
Only one Bill has successfully passed Parliament while another has been referred to a “deadlock” conference and at least two others are likely to follow the same path.
Mr Rau accused the Liberals of making life easier for criminals.
“Some minor amendments would be acceptable which did not damage the core of the legislation; what we’re unable to accept are amendments that completely destroy the legislation and compromise the safety of the community,” he said.
“This will continue to be an important issue right up to the election unless we’re able to have this resolved.”
Opposition justice spokesman Stephen Wade said his amendments sought to introduce safeguards to the legislation.
“If it was used without care, I believe it would catch up innocent, law abiding South Australians,” he said.
Police have called on the Upper House to pass the laws while Director of Public Prosecution Steven Pallaras yesterday said the only people benefiting from the Liberals’ changes were criminals.
“If this legislation is prevented from being passed, the effect will be the police will be stymied in the work they are seeking to do,” Mr Pallaras said.
Mr Rau said he was open to working with Upper House independent and minor party MPs to try to break the deadlock.
BIKERNET BAGGERS MEETS THE MIDNIGHT RIDER ON A DARK DUSTY CORNER IN TEXAS–The Midnight Rider checked in from somewhere in Texas and faxed in another installment of his epic journey. Check out Bikernetbaggers.com for Demons in the Dark, the third installment from our night-riding road warrior.
He’s covered 1,600 miles in 2 days and his senses are already playing tricks on him. As soon as the sun sets he’s on the gas again with his long-haul equipped Victory Cross Country Tour. Don’t miss the segment on Bikernet Baggers, plus Scooter Tramp Scotty sent us his version of a Midnight Rider episode. It’s coming right up.
EASTER MEASTER–What the hell? Should I seek out a voluptuous redhead wearing a flimsy easter dress, a shot of Irish Whiskey, tequila, a hefty Easter meal fulla egg-stuffed-rabbit? What the hell.
I need to finish my seat pan for Frank’s bike, and prepare it for shipment tomorrow to Le Pera’s. I’m working on a secret publishing project, but it’s secret, so I can’t tell you.
Life is hopefully calming on some fronts and taking hold of the harried reigns. But next week I will write another Mudflap Girl Tech on my bike, around the Saddlemen seat process. This will be a good one.
I’ve been working and riding my Mudflap Girl. It is the most comfortable bike I have ever built for myself. The speedo isn’t working, but I’m sure it’s something I did. We remounted the front GMA brake caliper for a more solid grab. I changed the oil and filter. This puppy purrs. I’ve already complimented the Saddlemen crew and Paul at Spitfire, the frame and front end builder.
So, next week we will dive back into the Bonne Belle builds everyday. My plan for trying to get one thing done a day, if very calming and comfortable, except it took three days to finish Frank’s seat pan. But that’s cool. We worked on it everyday, except when I was working and riding my Mudflap girl.
After my Mudflap Saddlemen tech next week, we will finish Ray’s 97-inch Twin Cam engine build for our Bonneville Department. By then we’ll be flying. Have a helluva week.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit 
