LOST HIGHWAY WEEKLY NEWS FOR March 19

Hey,

Some days I’m focused. Some days I’m on a mission, but today I’m going to let the chips fall.

There is so much going on in life, and it’s happening so fast. The Queen of Bikernet told me constantly to slow down, while everything sped up.

We are making major changes to the Cantina and bringing in a gang of content and new photographic talents. So hang on.

In the meantime the News will curl your hair and it’s sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine, Iron Trader News, and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation

NEW LEPERA SEATS WEB SITE—No one builds classic custom seats like LePera, and now, LePera Seats is proud to announce the release of their new web site: www.lepera.com

The new web site is much more user friendly. The new web site shows different angles of the seats including full side view of the bike.

Check out the web site to see all that is new at LePera Seats.

–Christine

LOST HIGHWAY FESTIVAL
WEEKEND-LONG MOTORCYCLE SHOW, CONCERT AND CAMPING FESTIVAL
SET FOR FRIDAY, MAY 29 THROUGH SATURDAY, MAY 30
AT SAN MANUEL AMPHITHEATER AND GLEN HELEN REGIONAL PARK
IN SAN BERNARDINO, CA–

LOST HIGHWAY–a weekend-long Motorcycle, Camping and Music, destination festival–will be held Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30 at San Manuel Amphitheater with camping at the picturesque Glen Helen Regional Park (adjacent to the venue) in San Bernardino, CA.

LOST HIGHWAY will feature live performances on multiple stages from country and rock heavyweights. The weekend will feature performances from Toby Keith on his Good Times & Pick Up Lines tour presented by Ford F-Series with Eli Young Band and more on the festival’s Country Stage. In the rock realm, Social Distortion, Reverend Horton Heat, Lucero, Lindi Oretga and others will play live on the Quaid Harley-Davidson Stage. Early Bird Festival GA tickets are available for as little as $19.50 and will be on sale this Friday, March 20 through Ticketmaster; all the info is at www.LostHighwayFest.com. Watch the LOST HIGHWAY festival trailer here: www.losthighwayfest.com/trailer.

Festival attendees are primed to experience a lot more than music at the event which is rooted in the tradition and camaraderie of a global destination for motorcycle riders, such as the world-renowned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally which will celebrate its 75th anniversary this August.

Friday night begins with camping check-in on the shady, lakeside campgrounds of Glen Helen Regional Park and the official LOST HIGHWAY kick-off party for those that purchase weekend Camping or VIP packages.

On Saturday, San Manuel Amphitheater will open at 1pm and feature a full day of live music plus a motorcycle show and expo showcasing old and new school bikes, UKNOWN Industries’ team of riders and their freestyle Harley-Davidson riding demos, and a stunning freestyle Motorcross show, with visual thrills around every corner for attendees.

Other fun happenings will include the House of Kolor’s helmet art show featuring custom-painted motorcycle helmets. The art show will be hosted by world-renowned motorcycle painter Taylor Schultz which will feature eight celebrated painters from California and around the world.

“As a rider, Lost Highway is the realization of a longtime dream, to create a celebratory weekend for a community of riders and music fans,” says festival co-producer John Oakes of SGE Entertainment. “Our goal is to have Lost Highway become an experience everyone can look forward to all year.”

“What more could you ask for? Nice bikes, California weather and great rock n roll. I’m in!!!” adds Mike Ness of Social Distortion.

LOST HIGHWAY will host two motorcycle rides through the San Bernardino National Forest on Saturday leaving the festival site throughout the day. Riders can pre-register for the “Infinite Hero Ride,” to be led by our U.S. Service Men & Women and designed to raise awareness for the Infinite Hero mission that combats the most difficult issues–both mental and physical–facing our returning military heroes and families.

The second ride will bring the mayor of the City of Sturgis, SD, Mark Carstensen to the festival to host the first-ever “Southern California Sturgis Mayor’s Ride.” Motorcycle enthusiasts will be able to join Mayor Mark Carstensen and Grand Marshall Freestyle Motorcross legend Carey Hart, as well as Buddy Suttle, Seth Enslow and other celebrity guests on this special ride with a portion of proceeds to benefit Sturgis charities. Pre-register for the rides at: www.losthighwayfest.com.

LOST HIGHWAY tickets are on sale Friday, March 20 through Ticketmaster, all info is available at: www.losthighwayfest.com. Limited quantities of Early Bird Festival General Admission Discounted tickets as well as Camping Packages are available while supplies last at www.losthighwayfest.com.

BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY NOW OPEN–Y’all kin say whut y’all want ‘about the South,
but y’all never heard o’ nobody retirin’ an’ movin’ North.

A priest dies and is waiting in line at the Pearly Gates. Ahead of him is a guy who’s dressed in sunglasses, a loud shirt, leather jacket, and jeans.

Saint Peter addresses this cool guy, ‘Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to the Kingdom of Heaven?’

The guy replies, ‘I’m Vic Davis, retired military pilot from Ohio.’

Saint Peter consults his list. He smiles and says to the pilot, ‘Take this silken robe and golden staff and enter the Kingdom.’ The pilot goes into Heaven with his robe and staff.

Next, it’s the priest’s turn. He stands erect and booms out, ‘I am Father Bob, pastor of Saint Mary’s for the last 43 years.’

Saint Peter consults his list. He says to the priest, ‘Take this cotton robe and wooden staff and enter the Kingdom.

‘Just a minute,’ says the good father. ‘That man was a pilot and he gets a silken robe and golden staff and I get only cotton and wood. How can this be?

‘Up here – we go by results,’ says Saint Peter. ‘When you preached – people slept. When he flew, people prayed.’

–from Jerry and Rogue

BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER HEALTH ALERT OF THE WEEK—Hang on for this: For decades, health officials have warned Americans about the dangers of eating foods high in cholesterol, like eggs, shrimp, and lobster. But in a stunning reversal, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recently recommended no longer listing cholesterol as a “nutrient of concern.”

–The Week Magazine

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION Washington Weekly Updates– The House has been in recess all week, which provided time for the private sector to do some meaningful work. I joined a coalition of organizations to send a high profile letter to congress supporting a long-term federally funded highway bill.

In the discussions of financing the bill one of the concepts is to roll back the federal role in the highway process. The practice is known as “devolution.” The Federal tax would dial down and so would the authority of the federal government.

The states would take control of all highway safety, construction, repairs etc. It is a horrible idea. Safety would be compromised and no consideration of where the states would make up the money gap with the shrinking of federal funds.

Some federal rules arguably increase costs and slow construction however, decimating the federal funding for our nations most critical infrastructure is not going to make it any better. Devolution does not empower states as the proponents suggest, just the opposite, it saddles them with 90 percent of the fiscal responsibility to support highways that, under the Constitution, the federal government has an obligation to maintain.

The MRF joins a healthy group of organizations on the letter such as American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), US Chamber of Commerce, American Trucking Association, and a host of others. This letter is going to every member of the House and Senate.

The MRF also joined another coalition this week, the Alliance For Toll Free Interstates (AFTI). They have a paid lobbyist, a paid PR team and a website. The website is where you come in, more on that later. Like I mentioned in last weeks wrap up, AFTI’s sole mission is to keep toll collectors from popping up on roads that have never been tolled before. They have been successful so far in keeping new tolls from roads. The MRF officially joined and has been added to the website. You should checkout their website: http://www.tollfreeinterstates.com.

Why should you check out the website? To sign the online petition of course. Please take 30 seconds to sign, check out the “about” tab to see the long and distinguished list of groups supporting this bill.

By the numbers: According to USDOT drivers in the USA ticked off three trillion miles driven last year. This is the highest miles driven since 2007 and the second highest since data collection has begun, 79 years ago. This is why we need a robust highway bill; our roads are in the worst shape with some the highest use since 1936.

Nine states have raised their gas tax since 2013. Wyoming, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Iowa. But we cannot get support for a small federal increase? Wyoming and Iowa both raised their taxes by a whopping 10 cents.

$2.6 million: That’s the amount the federal government doled out this week to thirteen cities to implement real time travel information. Think cameras and sensors to collect congestion data so travelers can take alternate routes or use mass transit.

Until next week, Jeff Hennie
From Jeff Hennie
Motorcycle Rider Foundation, Vice President Government Relations and Public Affairs

AMAZING CROCKER RAFFLE–The story of Crocker motorcycles has been obscured by tall tales and myths since the very day they were introduced, first as Speedway racers, then big V-twins, and finally a scooter, all built before official US involvement in WW2 put a halt to civilian motorcycle production. Wading through the murk around this famous American name, one bumps against vested interests and fast-held opinions, but enough facts emerge to which we can anchor our tale.

It will be the highlight of 2015/2016 for Wheels Through Time Museum to offer a chance to win such an important piece of history with its first ever Mega Bike Raffle. It is also a great pleasure to work with the Amelia Concours Foundation and especially artist David Uhl who has articulated the discovery of an American icon and doubled up with his rendition of Hollywood glamour. His presentation will overjoy each ticket holder with a precious combination of art and the history of the iconic Crocker motorcycle.

The Hemi Head Crocker, the supercharged Duesenberg of American motorcycles. There has not been a newly discovered Duesenberg in over 30 years. During that time, only one Hemi Crocker has been discovered – the eighth ever produced – and it’s the Grand Prize!

The winner of the Mega Bike Raffle will receive an unprecedented combination of cash and prizes. With a $100,000 cash prize, a mega valuable David Uhl original oil painting and the grand prize Crocker, the total value could exceed a cool $500,000!

Serial number 8 Crocker was discovered in 2013 by Dale Walksler, founder and curator of the Wheels Through Time Museum. Dale founded the museum in 1992 in Mt Vernon, Illinois. Currently the Museum resides in the small mountain community of Maggie Valley, North Carolina and has entertained over a million visitors in its current location.

The modern 40 thousand square foot facility has served the museum and its patrons well for nearly 15 years in it Maggie Valley location, however space is limited at its present location and an expansion is inevitable.

Our Mega Bike Raffle will pave the way for a new and larger facility in order to display the vast and growing collection. This Mega Bike Raffle will create many new friends and relationships which will further the mission of our organizations, while bringing a benefit to each ticket holder. All of this will be accomplished because of our love affair with our motoring past, present and future.

GOOD LUCK!

Ticket Prices
1
$1,000
2
$1,800
3
$2,500

Every Ticket Purchase Comes With a David Uhl Print of the ‘Epic Discovery’
& a WTT Museum Lifetime Membership for 2 ($600 Value)

AMAZING INNOVATION OF THE YEAR, SO FAR–NG1 TechFlo Exhaust
For the first time, in older Pre-Emission Class 8 Trucks, you are able to keep a substantial amount of the money you have made, in your pocket rather than spend it on FUEL!

That slim profit margin just got a lot larger. Plus, you run your engine cooler, adding Power, Torque, and Engine Longevity. At the same time, you are running more quietly, and reducing the particulate matter in your exhaust causing an improvement to the environment. Financing is available too! So, you have no reason not to take advantage of this opportunity to hang on to your hard-earned cash.
ROI in approx. three months!

Average ROI in Dollars – Class 8 Trucks

* 120,000 miles per year average

* @ 6 Miles per Gallon

* @ $3.88 per Gallon Diesel (Avg. July 2014)

* Equals $77,600 per year spent on fuel

Cost savings with TechFlo Exhaust Pipe retrofitted

@ 15% = $11,640 per Year

Winner CLEAN TECH OPEN 2014. Judged #1 Ecology Technology in the USA “SmartWay Compliant”

http://trifectaai.com/ng1-exhaust-system/

 

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
LINDBY LINBARS FOR TRIKES?

http://www.bikernettrikes.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=12444

I just purchased a new 2015 Harley Freewheeler and would like to install the chrome Lindbars w/the small O-rings. I see in your article it fits your Freewheeler. You do not list the Model number of the Lindbars to fit your Freewheeler and I cannot find my Freewheeler listed on Lindby’s page. Can you tell me the model number for the lindbars that will fir a 2015 Harley Freewheeler?

–Dan Parnell
Danparnell@sbcglobal.net
St. Louis, MO

Yes, we do have a bar already manufactured for the Freewheeler but we are waiting for production to send us a mounting bracket that is necessary to work with the steering damper on the Freewheeler.

We will probably have some ready within the next 3-4 weeks. Thank you!

–Henry Sandoval
Lindby Custom, Inc.
320 E. Crowther Ave.
Placentia, CA 92870
Office: 714-528-0085
Fax: 714-528-0086
Cell: 714-600-7659

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY, QUEEN OF ALL MY DREAMS, WORD OF THE DAY—Intenerate:
in-TEN-uh-reyt

verb
1. to make soft or tender; soften.

Quotes
I know not whether I do not too much indulge the vain longings of affection; but I hope they intenerate my heart, and that when I die like my Tetty, this affection will be acknowledged in a happy interview…
— , Samuel Johnson in The Life of Samuel Johnson, James Boswell, 1791

Origin
Intenerate entered English in the late 1500s and finds its roots in the Latin term tener meaning “tender.”

METALSPORT WHEELS NEWS
The leader in 3-D wheels
Here are two new wheels, each with an amazing, elegant look, plus with the strength inherent in a billet wheel.

Both of these wheels come in chrome and all black anodized, in sizes from 16 to 32—inch diameters.

Metalsport Inc.
Southgate Ca. 90280
Ph. 562-776-9594
Fax 562-776-9635

BIKERNET COVERAGE FROM KOREA–Greetings from Seoul, Korea. So far so good, here for the day. Took a couple of city tours free from airport. $10 charge for lunch and entrance fees cheaper than train in and out to the city. It was pretty cold even though the weatherman said 52. It started in the 30s.

–Art Hall
The long winded Bikernet International Editor
And King of All

Art returned to Los Angeles on Friday the 13th.–Ming

 NEW 80-SPOKE WHEELS FROM PAUGHCO–Check out these very cool 80-spoke touring rollers from Paughco. Rims include Cush Drive models for the rear and 21-INCH custom fronts.

Cush rears are offered for 2009-2015 touring models and feature a CNC machined billet Cush Drive housing with five oversize alignment dowels, your choice of chrome or black rim and hub.

These wheels are available with 6/8 gauge round or twisted spokes and custom nipples, CNC machined facets and silicone sealed nipple well for tubeless application.

Also included are 25mm ABS-type bearings, spacer for non-ABS, and custom stem and chrome cap. Retail is just $619.95 complete with hardware.

Custom Dual Disc 21-inch front rims offer the same appearance and convenience features as the rear plus both ¾ and 1-inch sealed bearings and spacers for 2000-2007 models and the ABS-type for 2008-2015. Custom 80 spoke front assemblies’ retail for $468.95 complete.

Some applications may require fender clearance adjustments. For complete details visit www.paughco.com or call direct to 775-246-5738.

2015 Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle & Concert
Saturday July 25th • 10am – 3pm
At the Sagebrush Cantina, 23527 Calabasas Road, Calabasas, CA 91302–The 2015 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show continues its now 24- year tradition as the premier outdoor streetbike event in America as it rocks the legendary Los Angles bike hangout and party zone, the Sagebrush Cantina in beautiful downtown Calabasas, California.

Featured are top Celebrity Custom Bike Builders, the Calendar Bike Building Championship & Concourse d’ Elegance, selected Vendors and Exhibitors, and Calendar Girl Music live performances. The Calendar Motorcycle Show is also a benefit for the American Cancer Society with a portion of each Admission Ticket being donated to help those people who are fighting cancer, and to help find a cure.

The Calendar Show provides a broad focus for all motorcycle enthusiasts including the growing Collector Bike Market with Exhibitors and Bike Show classes for classic European, British and Japanese motorcycles, along with American V-Twins and Customs. Show Entries will be placed in a Concourse display on the Cantina’s large outdoor event patio.

The annual Calendar Motorcycle Show always kicks off the world premier of next year’s new 2016 FastDates.com Motorcycle PinUp Calendars featuring the world’s top road race and custom motorcycles with the beautiful Calendar Kittens featured in the Calendars in attendance at the Show. Show Producer Jim Gianatsis will again be photographing the winning bikes to appear in the Motorcycle Magazines and the next FastDates.com Calendars.

Because the Show is now in gated patio venue, spectator capacity is limited and advance online ticket purchase is recommended to assure your entry to the longest running and most exciting streetbike event on the West Coast.

The 2015 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show takes place on Saturday July 25th 10am-3pm at the Sagebrush Cantina, 23527 Calabasas Road, Calabasas, CA 91302. Motorcycle Parking is Free at the main entrance, with on site paid Car Parking also available. For additional information and to purchase tickets go to: www.FastDates.com/BIKESHOW.HTM

BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY OPEN AT LUNCH TIME–Two young businessmen in Florida were sitting down for a break in their soon-to-be new store in the shopping mall. As yet, the store wasn’t ready, with only a few shelves and display racks set up.

One said to the other, “I’ll bet that any minute now some senior is going to walk by, put his face to the window, and ask what we’re selling.”

Sure enough, just a moment later, a curious senior gentleman walked up to the window, looked around intensely and rapped on the glass, then in a loud voice asked, “What are you sellin’ here?”

One of the men replied sarcastically, “We’re selling ass-holes.”

Without skipping a beat, the old timer said, “You must be doing well. Only two left.”

Seniors — don’t mess with them, They didn’t get old by being stupid!

–from Gerry Celia

 

HERE IS THE LOWDOWN ON MUSTANG’S NEWEST SEAT–LowDown Solos For FL Touring Bikes Launched.

The secret is out! No need to keep it on the down-low any longer — announcing Mustang’s newest Solo seat for touring bikes. The LowDown™ Solo was specifically engineered for 2009-2015 Harley-Davidson® FL Touring models to give riders a lower seat height without compromising on comfort.

“Touring riders asked, Mustang listened,” says Mustang’s Director of Business Development, Marilyn Simmons. “Now riders can be lower on their FLs without compromising long-distance comfort.” The Solo’s 13″ wide bucket is shaped and angled for optimal touring posture on the go, according to Simmons. “But the real bonus is the fact that the LowDown™ really does drop the rider down closer to the ground. The Solo seat is also cut narrow at the front so you can plant your feet firmly on the ground at a stop.”

Available with or without studs, riders can opt for chrome studs or really bring on the bling with black pearl-centered chrome studs! Pair it with a Mustang passenger seat if you want company, or run it solo to go it alone, suggests Simmons.

The LowDown™ seats also come with slotted mounting nuts and Mustang’s mini bib for a complete custom look. “For even more long-distance comfort, add Mustang’s fully adjustable, easily removable driver backrest,” says Simmons. “Bottom line for the LowDown: it puts your butt closer to the ground, without being a pain in the posterior… or your wallet!”

Part numbers for LowDown Solo Seats for 2009-15 Harley-Davidson FL Touring models
76078 — LowDown Vintage Solo
76079 — LowDown Chrome Studded Solo
76082 — LowDown Black Pearl-Centered Studded Solo

For ultimate back support comfort, add in the driver backrest:
79910 — LowDown Vintage Solo with Driver Backrest
79911 — LowDown Chrome Studded Solo with Driver Backrest
79912 — LowDown Black Pearl-Centered Studded Solo with Driver Backrest

For more specifics, check out the website: http://www.mustangseats.com/Categories.aspx?varSearch=LowDown

In addition to seats for FL series touring bikes, Mustang has replacement seats for virtually all late model Harley-Davidson motorcycles. How would you like a free seat for your bike or trike? Mustang’s customer GIVEAWAYS program kicked-off during Bike Week in Daytona and the next winner will be announced at the Laughlin River Run.

See the website for details on how to win the Mustang seat of your choice here: http://www.mustangseats.com/mustang/history-35thanniversary

More Florida Area Judges Dismiss Red Light Camera Tickets–Broward judges dismiss 24,000 red-light cases

Two Broward County traffic court judges dismissed some 24,000 pending red-light camera ticket cases totaling more than $6.3 million.

The judges ruled Monday that the program violates Florida law.

Attorney Ted Hollander of Ticket Clinic told the South Florida Sun Sentinel his office argued for more than four years that the program was an improper delegation of police power. He says videos were sent to American Traffic Solutions in Arizona where employees did the screening.

Florida law says only law enforcement can issue violations.

Fort Lauderdale suspended its program March 6 after a traffic court judge said it violated state statutes.

Several other South Florida cities have suspended red-light programs. Hollywood spokeswoman Raelin Storey says the city is evaluating how to modify the program to align with state laws.

–from Rogue

ABATE of Illinois SUPPORTS HB3944 + some important news on gas issues from the AMA–

Our Accent Lighting Bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Committee of Transportation, Vehicles and Safety on Wednesday, March 18, at 10 am in room 115 Capitol Bldg.

ABATE of Illinois SUPPORTS HB3944
Short Description: VEH CD-MOTORCYCLE ACCENT LIGHT – Rep. Thomas Bennett – Bill Mitchell – Anthony DeLuca, Jehan A. Gordon-Booth and Keith Wheeler .

Synopsis As Introduced

Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that a motorcycle may be equipped with auxiliary accent lights, including standard bulb running lights and light emitting diode pods and strips. Provides that the auxiliary accent lights shall not be red or white or oscillating, rotating, or flashing lights. Defines “auxiliary accent light”.

(a) A motorcycle may be equipped with any number of
auxiliary accent lights, including standard bulb running
lights and light emitting diode pods and strips of various
colors.

(b) The auxiliary accent lights allowed under subsection

(a) of this Section shall not be red or white or oscillating,
rotating, or flashing lights.

(c) For the purposes of this Section, “auxiliary accent
light” means any lighted lamp or illuminating device placed
upon a motorcycle, other than head lamps, spot lamps, auxiliary
driving lamps, signal lamps, or hazard warning lamps.

TALKING POINTS:
(1) Accent lighting are the small colored lights tucked in on the underside of motorcycle gas tanks and frames. We are looking at legalizing them to be operating while the bike is in motion. They do not interfere with operator eyesight and will actually help in the reduction of bikers being “T-Boned” at night with the extra lighting which will reduce Fatalities and Deaths. The bill increases visibility of motorcycles, especially at night.

(2) Unlike automobiles and light trucks which are required to have side marker lights or wrap around headlights / tail lights which are visible from the side, motorcycle lights are often only visible from the front and rear and do not have the same illumination as automobiles;

(3)NHTSA published a report on the effectiveness of side marker lights on motor vehicles. The report concluded that side marker lights are a cost effective safety device which reduce the number of nighttime angular collisions that occur in the United States.

(4) Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, have passed similar legislation and motorcyclists from those states are currently riding on Illinois roads with similar lighting. It makes sense to give Illinois motorcyclists the same safety tools that out of state riders already use in other states.

(5) Missouri and Virginia are also currently in the process of legalizing these lights.
(6) In 2014 there was a 22% drop in motorcycle fatalities vs. 2013 fatalities in the Illinois and we feel this will be another way to drop our fatalities’ even lower by being more visible at night.
ABATE of Illinois SUPPORTS HB3944
Transportation Committee members link: http://ilga.gov/house/committees/members.asp?committeeID=1604

The list of House members and their phone # are: http://ilga.gov/house/default.asp
EVERYONE Make those calls and fill out the electronic witness slip to show your support. Its easy! If I can do it then anyone can do it!

Go to the General assembly Web Site: http://ilga.gov/ Scroll down to GA Dashboard in red letters – OR just click on the Link Below and it will take you to the Witness slip itself. When you get to “III Position”, check PROPONENT.
When you get to “IV TESTEMONY”, check “Record of APPEARANCE ONLY”
Electronic Witness Slip link: http://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/90158?committeeHearingId=12524&LegislationId=90158&HCommittees3%2F19%2F2015-page=1&committeeid=0&chamber=H&nodays=7&_=1426209735384&GridCurrentCommittees-page=3
Make your calls then fill out that WITNESS SLIP Please

–Bob Myers
Legislative Coordinator
ABATE of Illinois,Inc.

EDDIE TROTTA AT DESTINATION DAYTONA during Bike Week 2015–Calling Eddie Trotta a custom bike builder is like saying Michelangelo just painted ceilings. A veritable Renaissance Man, Eddie’s interests and talents range far and wide.

An accomplished musician, Eddie studied virtuoso piano at the Berklee College of Music. Active in his local community as well as the motorcycling community, he supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, Florida and has served on the board for the V-Twin Bikers Ball.

As throttle man for his own Rampage Offshore Race Team, Eddie has won several aquatic world championships, including the prestigious Bacardi Cup! He’s also horsed around with Thoroughbreds for several years and has won over 100 races.

Eddie has always had an eye for beauty and speed, which explains his avid interest in collecting exotic cars as well. And oh yeah, some where in there he also found time to design and build custom motorcycles for over 30 years, creating the Thunder Cycle Design legacy!

Here’s a sampling of his bikes in Daytona this year.

–from Rogue

 

SMOKEOUT WARNING PROGRAM–The epicenter of the Chopper World is defined by music. Therefore, we are kicking off SO 16 with our Friday night tradition, Rebel Son. This Raleigh based honkytonk rockabilly band delivers high-energy shows with great-story-telling-wild-a$$ music.

Not for the faint-of-heart, Rebel Son will electrify you with a high octane journey as they proclaim their blue-collar doctrine proudly with no regard to sensitivity, or alienating the easily offended… Meaning they cuss like a mother$@#4er.

SUPPORT THE CALL TO PREVENT E15 AVAILABILITY–Tell your representative to sign the letter today! Deadline is March 20!

Take Action

Last year, the American Motorcyclist Association succeeded — with your help — to insert language in the Farm Bill inhibiting distribution of E15 fuels into the marketplace. The language prohibited the use of Rural Energy for America Program grant money to buy and install special ethanol blender pumps for use at the retail level.

This effort was effective, but limited in its impact. Despite congressional intent to stop blender pumps from being subsidized, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says he will use other programs to subsidize the blender pumps.

Now, U.S. Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) are circulating a letter to send to the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Programs of the House Appropriations Committee.

The letter calls for broader language (than what we inserted in the Farm Bill) to prohibit funds to construct, fund, install, or operate or to pay the salaries and expenses of personnel of the Department of Agriculture to make grants for, the instillation of ethanol blender pumps.

The AMA is urging everyone who wants to protect their ride from unsafe fuels to contact their representatives and urge them to sign the Goodlatte/Welch letter.

The deadline to collect signatures is Friday, March 20.

You can email your representative immediately by entering your information into the form below and clicking the red “Submit” button. A prewritten message is available.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that you and your riding friends become members of the AMA to help us protect our riding freedoms. More members mean more clout against the opponents of motorcycling, and your support will help the AMA fight for your rights – on the road, trail, racetrack, and in the halls of government.

To join, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/join.
Take Action

CONTROL FREAK MEMO—Florida state officials and scientists working on projects to cope with rising sea levels say they were warned not to use the terms “global warming” and “climate change” in official documents. “We were told that we were not allowed to discuss anything that was not a “true fact,” said one former state employee.

Republican Gov. Rick Scott, a climate change skeptic, denied there was any official ban, but declined to say whether global warming is real.

–the Week Magazine

UNCLE MONKEY MEASURES SHELF LIFE–
Everything has a shelf life, an expiration date as to when it is no longer viable. We are used to seeing it in our fridges when the unmistakable odor tells us something is past its prime. We toss it in the garbage then have to decide whether to replace it or whether we really needed it in the first place.

Sometimes it just because time has gotten away from us, sometimes it is because of neglect, sometimes it is just too much of the same thing, sometimes something better has come along.

A shelf life applies to many aspects of our lives. Everything reaches a point where it has to grow and change or spoil. Technology changes, people change, expectations change. While we may fondly look back at Knuckleheads and Pans, Harley’s have come a long way since then. They had to evolve. People got older, demanded more comfort, more reliability. Drum brakes gave way to disc brakes which are being upgraded to ABS.

It’s not that there was necessarily anything wrong with the old way of doing things but progress has to be made. Companies and individuals who refuse to see the writing on the wall quickly become fond memories of something that we use to have, something that we’ve replaced with something else. It’s not surprising that the shelf life is 15-20 years for most mechanical things – the time it takes someone to become aware, too long for, to obsess about and to finally be able to buy and own.

It is the same with organizing events. Times change, people change. Clinging to the old way of doing things is just throwing dirt on a decomposing grave. Rallies and swap meets may grow and swell, but if they remain unchanged they will eventually run their course. You see it in declining numbers, declining vendors. There is something else going on, something that can offer more than you are willing to do. In our neck of the woods swap meets have run their course.

Simply put there are only a handful of builders left and they are usually building for themselves. The rest of the riding population ride brand new Harley’s with extended factory warranties and dealer installed accessories. The riders no longer even know how to change a set of grips with the new drive by wire set-ups.

People stopped swapping old parts, people stopped buying parts. The meet is grinding to a halt. Sure there are lots of people who still come but it is only to socialize and say a quick hello to friends old and new. After a couple of hours the place is deserted, everyone has gone out for supper, gone out to a show.

The same can be said about small rallies. Where once only a few kegs of beer and some music was enough to keep people there for the weekend riders are demanding more, needing more. Even the new strain of hardcore bikers expect there to be warm showers and running bathrooms. They want something to keep them entertained, they want to ride, they want to create their own stories. The shelf life of a successful event is about 20-25 years. After that if it is still clinging to its old ways they are just counting down to their extinction. It’s inevitable.

I know what many of you are thinking. Your event, your gathering is doing just fine. And sure numbers have been down the last couple of years but that is because of the weather, because of some state or province wide celebration that drew them away. That it is just a part of a cycle and that they will be back. The truth is if you haven’t been speaking to the actual people who attend, random people, new people, long timers, and the occasional attendees you have no idea how your event is going.

Talking to just your old buddy you spend the weekend together with every year is a recipe for disaster. That is because he is like all of us. None of us want to change, but in order to survive; to stay fresh we need to change. So as you get back from Daytona and lay out the plans for the 75th Sturgis ask yourself if you are only there for the races.

-bad Uncle Monkey

BRASS BALLS CYCLES CALL TO ACTION–Two years ago when we built a free bike for a guy who lost his home and his bike in the Moore, OK. tornado, several good companies donated parts to the bike. One of them was 8Fifty Speed Shop. This week I learned of some sad news from the owner of 8Fifty and they need help.

Late Sunday evening 8Fifty Speed Shop’s head mechanic Mike Smith, was involved in a serious motorcycle accident where he lost control of his bike and ended up in the woods alone. He went over the bars and the ignition switch turned off, hiding him in the bushes. Nobody saw the crash so he was stranded. He shattered his T4 vertebrae, fractured sternum & ribs, tore his aorta, broken collar bone and other contusions/scrapes.

By Monday afternoon they had contacted local authorities but nothing could be done until he was “missing” for 24 hours. They were able to hack his apple ID and used the iphone locator app to find him in the woods around 5pm on Monday laying beside the bike. He is currently in ICU struggling for his life and paralyzed from the chest down. They fused his T3-T5 in the first operation but his spinal cord is damaged and the doctors say it is beyond repair. They have told him he will never walk again.

Mike Smith, 47, is a US Navy Chief, retired. He was a salvage diver with significant ties to the dive community to this day. Mike is a social guy with a passion for motorcycles & music. After retiring from the Navy, he attended MMI in Orlando and has worked for 8Fifty Speed Shop the last few years. One of his fellow divers has started a gofundme account that can be seen here: http://www.gofundme.com/oibsfs

He is very well loved and deserving of support. Please do what you can as well as share with others.

Long term financial support he will need is surely a staggering number. This will be a complete lifestyle change for him and his family.

Please help support if you can and help spread the word about him. 8Fifty will have a poker run benefit for him soon with help from Terry Brock (formerly of the band Kansas) and some other awesome local musicians. Check with the 8Fifty web site for updates.

Thank you for helping us help a fellow motorcyclist and Navy Veteran.

–Dar Holdsworth
Darwin Motorcycles Uncompromising American Motorcycles

QUOTE OF THE DAY–
The world won’t care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

-Bill Gates

BIKERNET’S 5-BALL RACING INDIAN PROJECT UPDATE–
Here are a few pictures of the airbrush work. I will be picking up the tank tomorrow at BKP Art in Easley SC.

I will then hand deliver the tank to Rusty Nash in Myrtle Beach for the final strip and fender work. I hope you like it so far….

I think it’s going to look KILLER!!!

— Rich Worley
American Biker
Charleston, SC

JUST RELEASED FROM THE TEXTING FILES–A 27-year-old Florida woman miraculously escaped after walking into the path of an oncoming freight train while texting. Sheena Keynna broke an arm, but survived.

–The Week Magazine

BEST BIKE AT STREET NATIONALS–
Sharp Knuck from the Street Machine Nationals

–from Bob Clark

Then he sent me these long bike images, just to fuck with me.–Bandit

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
2014 Indian Chief Class Build, Part 3

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=12171

Your reasoning is sound.

–Sam
rotorkat@yahoo.com
San Marcos, TX

THE HUPY/ABRAHAM STUDY GROUP– Government Paternalism: Neurotic Manipulations of Control Freaks.

Paternalism is a control over others, like a father attempts to control his children (Pater; Latin for father). Some control and protection are necessary because children sometimes lack the ability to make rational choices. As we mature, we learn life lessons that will hopefully protect us as adults. In other words, we take control of our own lives.

Freedom is having control over things that affect us. Studies have shown that people in control of their lives are healthier and usually more successful than those who believe their fate is controlled by others. Those “others” are often referred to as control freaks. I suppose that’s because you have to be some sort of freak to believe you have the right to force your ideas and opinions on others. Hey, isn’t that a lot of what government does?

Last week, there was some discussion here at Bikernet about the MRF alert on Vision Zero. This concept, born in Europe, is an extension of paternalistic thinking as a means to protect us from harm. Vision Zero believes life and health can never be exchanged for other benefits within society, including freedom to control one’s own safety choices.

How do people become such control freaks in the first place? Psychologist James Redfield suggests that attempting to control another’s behavior is a type of neurosis, based on childhood feelings of powerlessness. That could explain a lot about some federal legislators, I guess.

Now before you accuse me of not playing nice, or name-calling, don’t forget, control freaks don’t play nice either … or by any rules. It never ceases to amaze me that our side, the “leave me alone to live my life as I see fit” crowd, never tries to convince or control others to do as we do. Yet, the pro-helmet faction, for instance, always tries taking choice out of the equation while telling us to do as they do. In fact, instead of debating or arguing facts, they often resort to name-calling, suggesting those who choose not to wear helmets are unintelligent subspecies.

While we insist that we are free to make certain choices with regard to our safety, and those choices affect us alone, others will argue that if we’re injured or killed, society pays a price. The fallacy of the public burden theory, with regard to motorcycle crashes, was based on the Harborview Medical Center study. The study claimed 63.4 percent of injured bikers relied on public assistance.

Legislators and the general public alike were disturbed by that number. Call out the control freaks; we need to reign in those costs. But, what wasn’t highly publicized was the fact that 67 percent of all patients at Harborview required help from public funds, meaning bikers were less likely to need help than others. Also, bikers generally paid higher insurance premiums than others, while being less likely to rely on public programs like Medicare or Medicaid.

Writing a white paper for the MRF Reports, Steve Zimmer did a great job of debunking the public burden theory (http://mrf.org/library2/index.php/mrf-white-papers/white-vol7/more-on-the-social-burden-fallacy/ ). If the public burden theory is a fallacy, then by what authority does the government act in denying us control over our own lives?

Read the whole report tomorrow on Bikernet.

–Tony Sanfelipo
Supreme Government Investigator
Law Offices of Hupy and Abraham

[page break]

Yamaha Sportbike Demos are Coming
to a Trackday Near You!–Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., and Yamaha Champions Riding School (YCRS) are pleased to announce the launch of on-track sportbike demos at numerous trackday events across the country.

Yamaha Champions Sportbike Demos will be offered at no charge to riders participating at select trackday events. The demos will feature the complete line of Yamaha sportbikes, including the all-new 2015 YZF-R1 and YZF-R3, as well as the YZF-R6, FZ-1, FZ-09 and FZ-07. Riders will have an opportunity to experience these awesome machines at their local track on paced laps behind YCRS instructors.

“YCRS was the obvious choice for Yamaha’s on-track sportbike demos,” commented Martin Vivanco, Retail Sales Promotion Manager for Yamaha. “With their outstanding safety record, passion for Yamaha motorcycles and exceptional curriculum there is no better team to conduct on-track demos.”

Nick Ienatsch, YCRS Senior Instructor, added, “Yamaha wants riders to feel the bikes in the safest riding environment possible: A closed-course track. This is YCRS’s domain and we’re thrilled to have this program under our umbrella.”

Yamaha sportbike demos will be available initially at New Jersey Motorsports Park, and there are plans to make the on-track demos available at additional facilities, including Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Virginia International Raceway, Road Atlanta, NCBike (North Carolina) and Dominion Raceway (Virginia). From October to March, YCRS is based on the West Coast, where demos will be available at Inde Motorsports Ranch (Arizona), Chuckwalla Valley Raceway (California), and Arizona Motorsports Park.

For schedules and information on how you can test ride Yamaha sportbikes at your local track, visit www.ridelikeachampion.com.

To find out more about Yamaha motorcycles–including features, specifications, photos, and videos–visit www.YamahaMotorsports.com.

TECH QUESTION FROM BIKERNET READER–
Message: I have S&S push rod kit 93-5095 for my 2001 FLT. Do the lock nuts go up by the push rods, or down by the lifters?

— Steve Koester
skmcrider@yahoo.com

In 93-5095 adjustable pushrods there is a treaded insert much like a bolt, pressed into the pushrod tube. A threaded adjustor sleeve threads onto the threaded insert. In order to lock the adjustor, the lock nut must be jammed against the adjustor and not the pushrod tube. So the lock nut goes down.

Just to spice up the conversation, the S&S Quickee and Time Savers are just the opposite, since they have an adjusting screw that threads into the pushrod tube. In Quickees and Time Savers, the lock nut must be jammed against the pushrod tube. So it goes up.

Hope this helps!

–Bruce Tessmer
Marketing Projects Coordinator
S&S Cycle Inc.
608-627-0283

FROM THE BIKERNET DENIER’S DOCTRINE—Just when you thought it was bad to disagree with any government findings or regulations, something else bubbles to the surface. In 1980, the federal government issued its first set of dietary guidelines, telling everyone over age 2 to avoid fat. America didn’t get any healthier. Adult obesity rates nearly tripled over the next three decades to 35 percent, while adolescent obesity rates quadrupled. The U.S. now spends $190 billion a year treating obesity-related conditions.

The government-backed campaign against fat backfired in part because Americans replaced the calories they got from milk and cheese with calories from refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta.

–The Week Magazine

ZIPPER’S REPORT–Riding Season is here! Red Line 20W50 & 20W50 are perfect for any riding condition!?

Red Line 20W50 & 20W60
Quarts and Gallons of Red Line® Synthetic 20W50 and 20W60 are available from Zipper’s Performance. This oil is better used in the warmer months to keep your engine running at its peak performance.

Red Line lubricants are unique because they contain a polyolester base stocks, the only lubricant base stock that can withstand the incredible heat present in modern jet engines.

Save 10% on a case of 12 quarts of Red Line®?

Red Line Power Packs

Red Line Oil’s Big Twin Power Packs are a complete kit for motorcycles equipped with Evolution and Twin Cam engines. Power Packs include 5 quarts of ?Motorcycle Oil, 1 quart of V-Twin Transmission Oil with ShockProof, 1 quart of Primary Chain Case Oil, 1 bottle of Motorcycle Fuel Injection Cleaner, Red Line stickers, a Red Line embroidered hat, and a versatile funnel.?

K&N Premium Oil

Filters?K&N Oil Filters are designed to handle high oil pressure to meet the performance needs of racers and road bikes. These filters can be used with synthetic or semisynthetic
motor oils. They are available in black or
chrome.

Paired perfectly with Red Line® Synthetic Oil and our Super Magnets!?

Super Magnets & Drain Plugs

Our 4-pack of super-magnets is designed to mount to the outside of your oil filter housing, designed to trap the most microscopic of particles that could be passed through even the best oil filter. The simple magnetic drain plugs can effectively minimize the damage caused by metal particles by trapping the debris caused by normal wear or un-normal component failure.

Each drain plug contains a high temperature, epoxy-bonded super-magnet that is over 1400 times stronger than the factory supplied magnet and is effective even when the oil temperature is over 300 degrees!?

Zipper’s Performance Products
6655-A Amberton Drive, Elkridge, Maryland, USA
Zippers@ZippersPerformance.com

Order by Phone: 410-579-2828
or Online at:
www.ZippersPerformance.com

BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY STILL OPEN—

The driver replied, “Bout whut?”

The Sheriff pulled up next to the guy unloading garbage out of his pick-up into the ditch. The Sheriff asked, “Why are you dumping garbage in the ditch? Don’t you see that sign right over your head.”

“Yep,” he replied. “That’s why I’m dumpin’ it here, ’cause it says: ‘Fine For Dumping Garbage.’ “

A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. She would occasionally walk around to see each child’s work. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was. The girl replied, ‘I’m drawing God.’

The teacher paused and said, ‘But no one knows what God looks like.’

looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, ‘They will in a minute.’

–from Jerry and Rogue

RSVP CLOSES WEDNESDAY AT 7PM – MARCH 18TH
FOR RED ROCK HARLEY’S SERVICE OPEN HOUSE PARTY! —
March 20th from 4:30-7:30pm
It’s Red Rock’s Harley’s “Service Open House” Friday, March 20th, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., featuring FREE Food, Beer, Games & Prizes. Don’t forget to RSVP by Wednesday, 7:00 p.m., using the link from our website: http://www.redrockharley.com/event_list.asp

Rock Hard, Ride Harder!

REKLUSE Partners with Race Pro Tour for 2015–

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa9wX_E9IRk

Rekluse Motor Sports, INC

12000 W Franklin Rd
Boise, ID 83709

www.rekluse.com
866-735-5873

Performance. Quality. Innovation

Would You Climb Mount Everest To Help Prevent Human Trafficking? Newbie Mountain Climber, Sara Safari, Risks it!

Irvine, CA, March 19, 2015 – Sara Safari is a young woman who is inspired by the plight of lower caste girls in Nepal and has decided to go beyond her limit and plans to climb the world’s highest mountain to raise funds and awareness.

Safari moved to the United States with her family when she was 20 years old and continued studying electrical engineering at UCLA, graduating summa cum laude in 2009. While teaching at California State University Fullerton, she met Dr. Jeffrey Kottler, founder of the Empower Nepali Girls Foundation.

He started the organization in 2001 to identify, mentor, support, and educate primarily lower caste girls in Nepal. Many of these girls would otherwise have been forced into early marriage or sex slavery. They provide scholarships for 290 girls, 30 of whom are now attending college and university, the first girls in their villages to ever do so. Many are pursuing careers in medicine, engineering, business and education. ENG is a 100% volunteer organization and has no paid staff.

One of Sara’s passions is mountain climbing, which began as a new hobby with no prior experience and eventually became more serious as she trained to climb different mountains all over the world. As Sara learned about ENG and its activities, she began to realize how the Nepali girls’ circumstances inspired her, and she decided to combine her passion with a great cause.

Eventually, her motivation led to a decision to climb the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest (29,000 ft.), to raise money and awareness regarding human trafficking. She has been training every day for the last two years and in April of 2015, she is going to Nepal to tackle Mt. Everest. Every step she takes will raise funds for Empower Nepali Girls. Currently Safari is a professor of Electrical Engineering at California State University in Fullerton and Southern California Institute of Technology.

For more information, visit:
www.facebook.com/climbingeverest2015
www.empowernepaligirls.org

“The Fraternity “- The Corruption of the Legal System Exposed by a Judge–

“The once honorable profession of law now fully functions as a bottom-line business, driven by greed and the pursuit of power and wealth, even shaping the laws of the United States outside the elected Congress and state legislatures.”
— Justice John F. Molloy

Excerpt from this book at: http://pacourtwatch.com/2015/02/15/fraternity/

TUNE IN: ALL-NEW EPISODE OF ‘OUTLAW COUNTRY,’
AIRS TUESDAY, MARCH 24 AT 10 PM ET
ON WGN AMERICA

This Time, There’s A New Crew In Town.

Link to “Outlaw Country” trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xx1yPYCkzvw

Link to “Outlaw Country” music video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih_vSgkY9Yo

Episode 105 –“Hot Pursuit”
Premiering Tuesday, March 24th at 10:00 pm ET/9:00 pm CT

Logline: After a car chase, the Task Force makes a major drug discovery and gets leads on a new crew operating in the area.

A high-speed chase through a cornfield leads the law enforcement team to a major drug trafficking case and a lead on a new crew operating in the area. Jim Dillman recruits a surprising new member for the Task Force. Josh Monk shows Matt Brooks how to get back on his feet. And when a member of the Alliance gets brutally attacked, both the Task Force and the Monk brothers reckon with the reality of a new outlaw crew.

When bad blood threatens a good town… whose side are you on?

Facebook.com/OutlawCountryWGNA
Twitter.com/OutlawWGNA, join the conversation using #OutlawCountry

PAUGHCO STRAIGHT LEG “EASYRIDE” SWINGARM FRAMES–
Paughco’s Straight Leg “Easyride” Swingarm frames are adaptable to a wide variety of applications including Shovelhead and EVO engines with traditional 4-speed or 5-speed SFT transmissions.

Available with either OEM style or Chopper neck section (solid plates on both sides of the neck, wide or standard versions, these frames offer comfort and style.

Make sure you contact Paughco before ordering as there are special fitment notes such as “must use smaller diameter aftermarket shocks with 4-speed models and availability of Bolt-On struts for frames without integral horns”.

Additionally Paughco offers the frames with or without Fat Bob tank mounts and several length front legs with rakes of 30, 35 and 40 degree neck rakes.

Call 775-246-573 for specific pricing. Visit www.paughco.com for the company’s world famous custom and replacement frame line-up.

NEW TOURING SEATS FROM SADDLEMEN–
There’s nothing like touring on a Harley. Now with the addition of a Saddlemen Road Sofa LS, trips

can be as comfortable as the bike is stylish. The newly refined unique split cushion design, which

separates the lumbar support from the seating platform, means no more hot spots or tail bone

pressure. Contours have been painstakingly sculpted to provide the lowest and most comfortable ride

possible. Get show bike appearance and touring comfort at the same time.

Standard Features:

– Gel Core Technology Combines the attributes of our proprietary SaddleGel with our advanced

Progressive Density Foam (Pd-F) we are able to create exceptional foundations that provide

superior comfort and vehicle control. The thickness, shape and location of the SaddleGel is

adjusted and combined with the Pd-F producing a seat core best suited for each riding mission.

Starting with our staff’s vast experience, then honed by testing and honest evaluation, each

Saddlemen seat has a specific Gel-Core combination that creates a superior seat perfectly suited

for your ride. So when it comes to day long comfortable control, you simply cannot get a better

fusion of technology, materials and design.

– Ventilated soft upholstery seating leather provides the most luxurious look and ride.

– Refined split-cushion design separates the seating surface from the lumbar support, reducing

tailbone and back pressure from maximum long-range comfort.

– Accommodates the Harley-Davidson® Back-Rest Option.

– Matching backrest/ Tour-Pak pad cover completes the custom look (for models that require)

– Fitted rain cover specially designed to protect your seat from water and dirt

Options

– The optional built-in backrest which has independent adjustments for fore-aft position, height and angle, removes instantly and folds forward.

– Driver / Passenger independent heat system

 MARYLAND LEGISLATIVE UPDATE– It’s been a very busy session. And I’ve been running my ass off! But, it’s starting to pay off.

1st – Our helmet modification bill. While we had a GREAT hearing, and we have enough votes to take it to the floor, it doesn’t look like we’re going to get a vote. Cross over day is Monday.

2nd – We’ve had all of our hearings for our Check Point & Profiling Bills. ALL went extremely well!! We had NO opposition to the Profiling bills in either chamber. So, the only thing that could possibly hurt us would be a “no vote”.

Now, the best news of all. Our Check Point Bill was just voted on in the house committee where it was heard. It passed UNANIMOUSLY!! We’re just waiting for the vote in the Senate. The hearing was just two days ago. We’re very encouraged by the House and fully expect the Senate to follow.
More to come soon…

And I’d like to acknowledge all of the help we received from our COC & COIR members. We couldn’t have done it without them.

–Lenny Holcomb
MRF State Rep / BOD Member
ABATE of Maryland

AUSTRALIAN RACING TEAM–We are pleased to announce the sponsorship of the Foot Motor Cycle Racing Team – now “Foot – Magnetic Water” Team.

Justin and Melissa Foot are Australian Champion’s in Motorcycle Sidecar and are off to Eastern Creek/Sydney for the commencement of the 2015 Australian Series.

NOTE: Justin and Melissa own Abacus Plumbing our “Fluid Processor” installers.

BAD COP FILES NOW OPEN–No charges for officers in 2011 shooting

MIAMI — Prosecutors say they won’t charge the police officers who fatally shot a man after a South Beach car chase during Memorial Day weekend four years ago.

The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office ruled Tuesday that the 12 officers were legally justified in killing 22-year-old Raymond Herisse. Officers fired more than100 shots at Herisse’s car after he was allegedly driving erratically on Miami Beach, crashing into other vehicles. An autopsy showed Herisse was struck at least 16 times.

The Miami Herald reports that the shooting happened during Urban Beach Week — the annual Memorial Day festival that draws hundreds of thousands of people to celebrate hip-hop culture.

As of last fall, Miami Beach police officers are no longer allowed to shoot at a moving car unless someone inside displays a weapon or shoots first.

–from Rogue

BIKERNET 5-BALL RACING LEATHERS UPDATE–On hot days convert your 5-Ball Leathers’ Special Ops Jacket into a Special Ops Vest in just 60 seconds. 5-Ball Leathers look good on and off the bike.

Details at http://crankandstroker.com/5-ball-racing/special-ops-club-jacket.html

THE LIBRARY OF LIFE IS ALWAYS OPEN—What the hell is that suppose to mean? Sure, it means that as long as you’re active, you’re learning and you’re taking chances. It’s all a learning experience roll of the dice.

This weekend I hope to get very close on the rear fender for the Bonne Belle. Then it could go to paint. We are teaching Kyle how to weld, and I’m helping him put one of his mountain bikes back together. He blew a muffler off his ATK motorcycle, so of course we will make something custom.

We need to finish up another version of the Wheeler Work Station, but Mr. Wheeler is leaving town on a quest to promote 5-Ball Racing to NGI trucking companies.

I’m just about to launch a tech from Terry the Tramp, S&S, and Viola V-Twin. It’s not very technical, but it does open the door to all the resources for rebuilding engines from S&S.

I visited Saddlemen the other day and saw the very cool sprung solo they built for Robert Pandya of Indian, for his rustic Chief. Wild.

We are planning for an install of this new rubbermounted Custom Cycle Engineering stabilizer link. This puppy is amazing. We can’t wait to test it.

It’s none stop around here. And we’re riding over to the Garage Company on Saturday for maybe the pre-Born Free party.

Ride Free Forever,

–Bandit