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Book Review: Honda Enthusiasts Guide Motorcycles 1959-1985

 
Yep, I’m reviewing a Honda Motorcycle book on a Harley enthusiast website. I would guess that many of us have owned or ridden at least one of the bikes in this book, whether we would admit it or not.
 
Doug Mitchel has put together a comprehensive collection of photographs and facts to be used as a guide for the average Joe thinking about restoring an old Honda.
 
Each model gets color photos, four to six paragraphs describing the bike, notes on year to year changes and model highlights. Also included is a rating for each bike on its restorability, covering the availability of bikes and parts, ease of restoration and final value versus restoration cost.
 
A huge roadblock on restoring these old scoots is the availability of exhaust pipes. Doug points this out several times along with plenty more advice about each model. Honda Enthusiasts Guide Motorcycles 1959-1985 is a worthwhile book for reference and should be the first part purchased for your restoration project.
 
Enthusiasts Guide, Honda Motorcycles: 144 pages, over 300 color photographs.
 
About the Author
Doug Mitchel started his career as a professional journalist over 20 years ago. Today he is listed as author of over 20 books, all illustrated with his own very high quality photographs. Doug is also a regular contributor to a variety of magazines, from American Iron to IronWorks Magazine.
 
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Wolfgang Productions (August 26, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1935828851
ISBN-13: 978-1935828853
 
MSRP $27.95  Purchase Here
 
Wolfgang Publications Inc.
P. O. Box 223
Stillwater, Mn. 55082
 
 
 
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The Skeleton Board Track Custom

This is an interesting feature bike built by Hiroyuki Hirata from Japan. I see it as another unrideable board track styled bike, and he sees it as a skeleton with wheels. Interesting.

Let me know your thoughts on board track styled bikes. I love them from a purely artistic side. They are the coolest custom motorcycle configuration on the planet. They represent history, style, speed, and performance, but they are not exactly rideable. This summer I flew out to Milwaukee for the Biker Pros custom bike show at the 110th Harley-Davidson celebration, just outside the Harley-Davidson Museum. The show was packed with board track styled customs, but the majority of the spectators were stock H-D riders.

I was curious. It was like two worlds under a tent. I wondered if these riders could, or wanted to relate to this custom configuration? What do you think? I love the board track configuration from a purely simplistic artistic standpoint. Bobbers you can ride, and brothers rode choppers for years, but you won’t see a group of board track race styled customs meeting at the bar. Hell, some don’t have headlights.

If you’re like me, you dig the cool factor. I asked Hiroyuki a few question. We sent the questions to Japan, where he answered each question carefully in Japanese, and then we had to translate his answers. I hope we got ‘em right?

Tell us about your shop with some history and your goals for next year? 

It was established in 1990 as a body shop. Around 1998, I started customizing Harley-Davidson motorcycles and in 2000, I also established BB as a separate company. At this time, we are specializing in customizing motorcycles as well as old American cars. We want to continue working like this. My goal for next year is to present a motorcycle in a show in America again.



How is the chopper world in Japan from the lifestyle and business sides?

It seems that Japanese youth prefer “chopper style” and “bobber” New shops are being opened by young people/generation but old shops are getting closed.

How did this bike come about?

It came from customer’s order/request

It seems to be a mix of board track, billet, metallic, and swoop. What was the design driver?

I saw a design that is common for T-shirts, etc., the design/painting of a skeleton holding a wheel. I liked it so I made a motorcycle – the idea is that the skeleton has a wheel attached to its hands and legs.

What’s happening in Japan from the design and style side?

The main trend is HOT ROD or bobber style. But the trend comes back/changes, so I think it will change again. I’m thinking Digger design and Chopper design, which is classic, will come back in style again.

What’s the future for this bike?

Will be with a customer who will take good care of it!

What’s on your plate from a builder’s standpoint?

I make my motorcycles based on what I see in everyday life. I get my ideas and inspirations from things that have nothing to do with motorcycles sometimes.

There you have it. He made a good point. Everything changes constantly, so get ready. So don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s all gonna change anyway. Have a good time, enjoy the creative spirit and build whatever you want, whenever you want.

BIKERNET EXTREME AKIRA TECH CHART

Owner: Akira Tsukagawa

Address: Tokyo, Japan

Website: http://customfactorybb.com/

E Mail: cfbb@go8.enjoy.ne.jp

The Skeleton Board Track Custom

 

Make: Harley Davidson

Year: 1947

Model: FL

Type: Knucklehead

Year: 1947

Fabrication: Custom Factory BB

Finish: Custom Factory BB

Time: 6 months

Hardware:
Custom Factory BB

Assembly: Custom Factory BB

Assembler: Hiroyuki Hirata

Value: $100,000

Clutch: OEM Rebuild

ENGINE:

Type: Knucklehead

Displacement: 1200cc

Year: 1947

Horsepower:
Untested

Heads: OEM

Valves: OEM Rebuild

Pistons: OEM Rebuild

Cylinders: OEM Rebuild

Camshaft: OEM

Lifters: OEM Rebuild

Pushrods: OEM Rebuild

Carburetor/Injection: Linkert

Air Cleaner: Custom Factory BB

Transmission: OEM

Ignition: DynaS

Exhaust: Custom Factory BB

Mufflers: Custom Factory BB

Finish: Custom Factory BB

Fasteners/Hardware:
OEM Rebuild

Frame:

Type: Custom Factory BB Original

Year: 2009

Builder: Hiroyuki Hirata

Shocks:
Springer Front, Rigid Rear

Modifications: Almost everything

Forks:

Type: W&W VL Springer Fork

Year: 2009

Builder: Hiroyuki Hirata

Finish: Custom Purple/ Black paint

Wheels

Front:

Rim: Arlen Ness

Size: 23-inch x3.5-inch

Hub: 360 Degree Brake

Builder: Arlen Ness

Finish: Polished Aluminum

Fender: None

Tire: Avon

Brake: 360-Degree Brake

Rear:

Rim: Arlen Ness

Size: 23 x 3.5-inch

Brake: 360-Degree Brake

Builder: Arlen Ness (Custom Assemble Requested)

Finish: Polished Aluminum

Fender: None

Tire: Avon

Hub:
360-Degree Brake

What Connects you to the bike:

Handlebars: Custom Factory BB

Risers: None

Headlights: Drag Specialties



Taillights:
Custom Factory BB Original

Turn Signals F/R: None

Speedometer: None

Tachometer: None

Gauges: None

Electrics: Custom Factory BB Original

Seat: Cherry Kobo



Footrest F/R:
Custom Factory BB Original

Oil Tank: Custom Factory BB Original

Fuel Tank(s): Custom Factory BB Original

Paint, Chrome:

Colors: Pearl Purple

Special Paint:
Wild Man Isshi (Pin Striper)

The Painter: Custom Factory BB

Address: 8-9 Kanonhonmachi, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima, Japan 733-0037

Chrome: Kurokawa Chrome

Powder Coating:
Custom Factory BB

Color: Black Powder Coating

Work by: Hiroyuki Hirata

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NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS for December 2013

 
 
THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.
 
 
 
NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
 
CONGRESSMAN DEMANDS ANTI-MOTORCYCLE EXPLANATION FROM CDC
U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI), a member of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, has sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demanding answers concerning a recent CDC report that aims to discourage motorcycle use while ignoring the positive economic benefits for motorcycle riding.
 
“As an avid and experienced motorcycle rider, I believe government should be in the business of promoting the recreational, economic and environmental benefits of responsible motorcycle riding – not discouraging it,” stated Congressman Walberg in the letter. “During difficult fiscal times, the American people would be better served by your continued efforts to address widespread societal health matters such as virus prevention, cancer and heart disease.”
 
Rep. Walberg was prompted to action by a presentation given by the Helmet Law Review Team of the Community Preventative Services Task Force in late October 2013 which concluded that mandatory helmet laws would “produce substantial economic benefits.”
 
Walberg is troubled by the fact that potential negative impacts on nationwide motorcycling are not addressed and questions whether the CDC should be tasked with researching and making recommendations regarding transportation safety. The Michigan Representative has also been prompted to ask CDC Director Thomas Frieden; “is it the goal or strategy of the CDC to reduce the use of motorcycles – a legal mode of transportation – by recommending and pursing a federal helmet law?”
 
 
GLOBAL MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY PROJECTED EXPANSION
The Global Motorcycle Industry is projected to reach $93.67 Billion by 2017, according to Lucintel, a leading global management consulting and market research firm. Lucintel has analyzed the top five global motorcycle companies and offers its findings in a comprehensive research report in “Top Five Global Motorcycle Companies: Performance, Strategies, and Competitive Analysis.
 
Lucintel observes the evolving of the global motorcycle industry, competitive landscape, and corporate and marketing strategies adopted by the motorcycle companies as some of the factors to have remarkably impacted the global motorcycle industry dynamics.
 
The market witnessed splendid growth during 2006-2011 but is likely to grow with reduced pace to reach an estimated $93.67 billion by 2017. The competitive landscape of the global motorcycle industry has had fluctuations over the last five years which affected the top five companies.
 
Lucintel found that the market size or revenue, average operating profit, average net profit, and annual growth rate are some of the driving forces of these companies. Buyers power, degree of competition, and threats of new entrants and substitutes also affect this market.
 
Following are the top five companies of the global motorcycle industry: Honda Motor Company Limited; Yamaha Motor Company Limited; Hero MotoCorp Limited; Bajaj Auto Limited; and Harley–Davidson Incorporation.
 
Developing regions, such as Asia and Latin America, which perceive two-wheelers as a basic mode of transportation, are expected to remain the most promising markets for scooters, light motorcycles, and mopeds. A combination of factors such as demographic condition, economic condition, and environmental regulations is seen to have important impact on market dynamics.
 
For a detailed table of contents and pricing information on these insightful industry reports, contact Lucintel at (972) 636-5056 or visit www.lucintel.com.
 
 
U.S. TRAFFIC DEATHS RISE FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2005
For six years through 2011, highway accidents and related fatalities declined each year. Improvements in vehicles and other safety education efforts were credited for that downward trend. But for the first time since 2005, that streak ran out, according to figures released recently by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
Last year, 33,561 people were killed in highway accidents, up 3.3% from 2011. The increase was reflected across many of the categories that researchers follow, but motorcycle and pedestrian fatalities reflected the highest increases, up 7% and 6% respectively. There are currently more motorcycles in use in the U.S. than ever before, and 452,386 new on- and off-road motorcycles were sold nationwide in 2012 according to the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), up 2.6% over 2011.
 
In addition to the deaths, the NHTSA data showed that nearly 2.4 million people were injured in crashes last year, a 6.5% increase from 2011, although miles driven remained about the same.
 
Despite these increases, the new numbers are still far below the accident rates of the 1970s and 1980s.
 
NHTSA preliminary data for the first six months of 2013 show that 15,470 people have died in crashes so far this year, a decrease of 4.2% compared with the same period last year.
 
 
 
MOTORCYCLISTS SAFER BEHIND THE WHEEL
Evidence suggests that roads would be safer if more drivers rode motorcycles, as motorcyclists are safer behind the wheel of a car than non-motorcyclists, according to a leading U.K. insurer.
 
Equity Red Star compared car drivers to car users who also have an insured motorcycle, and found the latter 23% less likely on average to make a claim on their car policy.
 
The firm also adjusted the figures to take into account the different typical ages of car drivers and motorcyclists, and still found the riders to be 21% better behind the wheel. The results showed motorcyclists were 20% less likely to make a bodily injury claim on their car policy.
 
The insurer examined 200 million policies between 2007 and 2012.
 
Rob Clark, Equity Red Star’s Head of Retail Motor, said: “A motorcyclist could, behind the wheel of a car, be said to be 23% better.”
 
Clark presented the data during a conference organized by the Motorcycle Industry Association at the Department for Transport in London to examine evidence that increasing the number of motorcyclists on the road could actually improve safety.
 
 
MOTORCYCLE THEFTS DECLINE SLIGHTLY
Your motorcycle could be stolen in a New York minute, especially if you live in NYC which is the nation’s capital of motorcycle thievery (903 thefts), followed by swingin’ Las Vegas (757), the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports. Next comes San Diego (633), Indianapolis (584) and Miami (535).
 
Overall, just like when it comes to car thefts, motorcycle thefts have been dropping. In 2012, the year in which the NICB bases its analysis, they amounted to 46,061 ripped-off bikes, down 1% from the year before.
 
Based on National Crime Information Center (NCIC) motorcycle theft data for 2012, Honda was the motorcycle brand stolen most often, with 9,082 for the year (representing 20% of all motorcycles stolen). It was followed by Yamaha (7,517=16%), Suzuki (7,017=15%), Kawasaki (4,839=11%) and Harley-Davidson (3,755=8%), rounding out the top five makes.
 
When it comes to states, thieves appear to prefer warm weather — just like all motorcycle riders. California was first (6,082 thefts), followed by Florida (4,110), Texas (3,400), North Carolina (2,574) and Indiana (2,334), and more than twice as many bikes were stolen during summer months than in the winter.
 
Unfortunately, fewer stolen motorcycles are recovered than cars. While 53.9% of stolen cars were returned to their owners, only 39% of motorcycles found their way back. The NICB says that’s because it’s easier to “chop” bikes for their parts, hide them in barns or garages, or ship them out of the country in giant containers.
 
 
 
FEDS SET UP ROADBLOCKS TO HARVEST DNA SAMPLES
Federal contractors have been setting up roadblocks in cities across the country with the purpose of collecting DNA samples from passing motorists. The multi-million dollar federal program has been disturbing drivers and alarming civil libertarians. The checkpoints consist of uniformed agents blocking a public road and flagging drivers into a testing area or a parking lot. There, the drivers are requested to submit a saliva or blood sample to the federal government.
 
The roadblocks were part of a study orchestrated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
 
The program costs taxpayers $7.9 million over 3 years, according to NBC News Dallas-Fort Worth. The agency confirmed that the operation is currently being launched in 30 different U.S. cities.
 
“How voluntary is it when you have a police officer in uniform flagging you down?” asked Susan Watson, executive director of the Alabama chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. “Are you going to stop? Yes, you’re going to stop.”
 
“Although this was voluntary it was not voluntary that you stop and hear the DNA for CASH pitch,” said one Alabama resident after experiencing a checkpoint in June. Drivers are offered cash for surrendering DNA samples. The going rate is $10 for a cheek-swab and $50 for blood drawn from the vein. The goal, according to the NHTSA, is to decrease impaired-driving accidents by analyzing raw bodily fluids fresh off the street.
 
 
 
LAPD TO PAY $10 MILLION IN TICKET QUOTA CONTROVERSY
The Los Angeles City Council has agreed to pay nearly $6 million to a group of police officers who accused their superiors of imposing a secret traffic ticket quota system.
The $5.9 million settlement resolves a pair of lawsuits filed in 2010 by 11 LAPD officers assigned to a motorcycle unit. In the lawsuits, the officers detailed what they claimed were strict demands to write at least 18 traffic tickets each shift and that 80% of the citations be for major violations.
 
Officers who failed to meet the alleged ticket minimums or raised concerns about them were reprimanded, denied overtime assignments, given undesirable work schedules, and subjected to other forms of harassment, including being kicked out of the motorcycle unit, according to the L.A. Times.
 
The settlement, approved unanimously, brings to more than $10 million the amount of taxpayer money spent on payouts and legal fees from the ticket quota cases. But that number could grow because one more officer’s case is still pending.
 
The ticket controversy has been a black eye for the Los Angeles Police Department, because ticket quotas are against state law.
 
 
 
RECREATIONAL MOTORCYCLISTS ACROSS AUSTRALIA PROTEST ANTI-BIKIE LAWS
Recreational motorcyclists are protesting across Australia to show solidarity against Queensland’s tough new anti-bikie laws. Queensland organizer Gabriel Buckley told the Australian Associated Press (AAP) that the new laws, aimed at criminal “bikie” gangs, have resulted in the harassment of law-abiding motorcyclists.
 
Rallies were planned in major capital cities, with the biggest rally in Brisbane where over a thousand independent riders rallied with patch-wearing bikers at parliament house. According to Buckley, a primary concern is that the laws reverse the onus on proof for people accused of links to prescribed criminal gangs. “Some people are being pulled over three times on their way to work,” he told AAP.
 
Freedom Riders Victoria spokesman Dale Maggs said Queensland’s anti-association laws unfairly affected all motorcyclists and scooter riders, allowing police to stop and question groups of three or more riders.
 
Harley Owners Group (HOG) member Stuart told the Leader newspaper that anti-bikie laws targeted 0.3% of Australian crime, referring to research presented by Victoria University Adjunct Professor, Dr Arthur Veno. “Every time you want to ride with three people it’s a gang? That’s ridiculous. There’s the Ulysses clubs, there’s HOG clubs, there’s Christian movement clubs, there’s even scooter clubs and we’re all tarred with the same brush and it’s just not right.”
 
Police and the Newman Government have previously asked recreational riders for patience amid the bikie crackdown, but concede there will be disruptions for law-abiding motorcyclists.
 
 
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QUOTABLE QUOTE:
“A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury.”
~ John Stuart Mill, (1806-1873) philosopher and economist 
 
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NEW YORK ULTIMATE BUILDER SHOW REPORT–Lights, camera ACTION!

 
Lights, camera ACTION! and lots of it, morning to the next morning, does this town ever sleep??? Being from Philly, NYC is a skip and a jump up the Turnpike. I’m in Manhattan as often as possible because it’s clearly one of the greatest cities on Earth.
 
 

 

 Jody Perewitz’s Bagger — Bikernet Baggers will be featuring this bike soon!
 
 
Now for the reason of my latest trip up, the International Motorcycle Shows, Ultimate Builders Competition. The guys sent out a distress call to me to help, because I’m just that great… well not really, but they did need my help, and I’m more than happy to do so. Bob Kay & Jeff Najar from Bikerpros.com run the Ultimate Builders Competition for the IMS. There is no better two- man crew anywhere for this job. I’m honored just to play a role with those two.
 
On to the bikes.
 
 

 

 Have you ever opened an industrial freezer door and felt the down pour of arctic air in your face? Well we started loading in bikes early Thursday morning and the loading didn’t stop until noon on Friday. During that time, the massive 30 ft wide, 25 ft tall doors were wide open facing the Hudson River, so as you can imagine, our bones were creaking just a bit. However, the bikes started arriving one by one, some riding them in, but most in trailers. This went on up until show time Friday afternoon.
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 

 

Sixty some bikes were part of the massive competition right in the center of a show that brings in the best of the best vendors, painters, entertainers, celebrities, and musical artists. The show bikes were a wonderful mix of everything, home made builds, re-built Harleys, and sport bikes with imagination that is on a level above my thoughts. With 90 plus thousand visitors each of the three days, there was something to see and do at every turn. My job thought, was to assist Bob Kay with the placement of each bike for the show, and taking images of each as it sat before the crowds arrival, and that I did.
 
 

 

 Other notable vendors, Indian Motorcycles brought in their new line of absolutely incredible motorcycles. I had a brief conversation with Robert Pandya of Indian Motorcycles. He said that while everyone is shooting images of their new bikes & baggers, there hasn’t been much focus on the customizing that is possible. He pointed out one of new Indian Chieftains and the accessories added on for the show. Simply a stunning line of extras as seen in my images. I personally rode the new Indians in Sturgis and Las Vegas this summer and can honestly say that I have never been on a better ride. I know I’m leaving out many good names, but there isn’t enough space on this page to hit them all. Watch for a couple of Indian features to his the pages of Bikernet.
 
   
 

 

 Well, I could go on and on because the show never ends, especially in New York City. After the show we wandered back to our rooms, and I slipped out for a quick stop at the Carnigie Deli, but the line was too long, so I caught wind of a Gentlemen’s Club up the block, so needless to say, that’s where my evening started and ended.
 
More to come, maybe… 
 
 

Results from the 2013 Ultimate Builder in NY.

Free Style
 
1. George Stinsman, Chaos Cycles – The Hate Tank, 2014 Chaos Cycle
2. Satya Kraus, Kraus Motor Co. – Achuma
3. Lone Wolf Custom Cycle, David Lamoureux – The Beast, ’05 VTX 1300R
 
MOD Harley
 
1. Jon Shipley, Hoosier Daddy Chopper – Firehouse Racer, ’13 Boardtracker
2. Kary Reilly/Matt Kaplan, 60 Degree Cycle – Lanior, ’08 V-ROD
3. Chris Lindsey, Westchester Powersports – Red Bike, ’07 FXSTB
 
Retro MOD
 
1. Mike Terwilliger – Scrapyard, ’63 Panhead
2. Will Ramsey Faith Forgotten Choppers – Tight & Shallow, ’56 Chopper
3. Copper Mike, Gravesend Cycles – 7 Deadly Sins, ’80 Shovelhead

Performance Custom
 
1. Street Bikes Inc. – Alien, ’09 Suzuki Hayabusa
2. Roman Levin, FOH – Rage, ’11 FOH Rage
3. Break Lite Motorsports – Nightmare Before Christmas, ’11 Hayabusa
 
MOD Street
 
Thomas Foulds, Working Class Choppers – Jizzeppi, ’82 Suzuki GS450
Speakeasy Motors – Raw Dog, ’77 CB750F Super Sport
1. Justin Reid Lonwood Customs – The Rising Star, ’82 CB750
2. Editor’s Choice Cycle Fab
3. People’s Choice – Speakeasy Motors & Joan Mernick
 
SHO DOG 
 
• Metal Scorpio won the Rocking K Custom Leathers chain wallet
• Speedmill Customs won the solo bag
 
 
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ABATE’s New Orleans Toy Run

 
 
Winter’s bite has always pushed those who call the road home far into the south. As my old Electra Glide made its faithful journey for the warmer climates of southern Florida it seemed a nice idea to visit B.B. Saint Roman, who lives in the French Quarter of New Orleans. And although the air grows colder now, so many wonderful things have happened here that I’ve not yet wanted to leave. To date I’ve been camped in B.B.’s back yard for almost a month. Eventually though, as it always does, the time will come to move on, but as yet I’m content with the days here.
 
 
B.B.’s history is uncommonly colorful and to date she is one of the most interesting people I’ve known. Hailing from the generation just before my own, BB was the road manager for Dr. John for 10 years; traveled repeatedly to over 40 countries with him, and later as sound person for an outfit that made documentaries around the globe. But for 20 years now she’s been living in the French Quarter of New Orleans where she works with the police department in the field of homeless assistance. While working with a film crew she lived for nine months in the Himalayan Mountains with the Shaman of that region; has spent personal time with the Dalai Lama (knows him on a personal level actually); and another two years traveling with Mother Teresa. In fact, being here is like living with a little Mother Teresa, and it seems that the whole city knows and loves her. This has been a fantastic experience for me.
 
 
Although I have been keeping a log of New Orleans adventures on facebook, it was only yesterday that I thought to ask Bandit if he’d mind me posting a few things here, and he said yes. Although there have been so many different facets to this stay, I’ve decided to offer this little piece about ABATE’s New Orleans toy run for, as you will see, it is unlike any I’ve been to before…
 
 
ABATE of Louisiana was founded by B.B.’s late husband Pops some 33 years ago. Pops then organized this toy run the following year. Its purpose is to benefit the residence of a home for mentally retarded kids. Well…almost kids. Although their ages range from 6 to 60, most have the mind of a 5-year-old child. But we brought no toys this day because, before the run ever started, each kid (I really can’t call them anything else) gets to write down what he wants from Santa Claus. These wish lists are then distributed by the C.M.A (Christian Motorcycle Association), ABATE and other motorcycle groups to their own members. Each participant then takes that list and gets that child his or her presents. 
 
Pops must have been one hell of a man.
 
 
There was a police escort to the residence as whole families stood at roadside to wave as some of the riders threw candy or gum. As we pulled in, among others, one kid stood outside dressed in his leather vest and painted motorcycle helmet yelling and jumping. 
 
 
Once inside the huge room, we moved along the wall as the staff fed us jambalaya, sandwiches, coffee, and hot chocolate while most residents sat at the round tables and chairs at room-center. The most interesting thing I found about these kids is that most mentally retarded people harbor no ability to keep their feelings inside, nor would they probably understand why there might ever be a reason to do so. No. They wore their emotions on their sleeves for the entire world to see, and in vibrant living color. 
 
 
Although some were rather stoic, many beamed at us, laughed, or smiled until I thought their faces might just crack and fall off. I found it impossible not to become caught up in their elation on the day of this grandest event…and the coming of Santa Claus!!! It seemed impossible for me not to be happy right along with their crazy asses. 
As Santa and Ms Claus stood with their elves at the front of the room calling the name of each child, one at a time, some of the kids ran up and hugged him with their big, nutty smiles. One girl came running across the room screaming his name and when she hit him with her over-zealous embrace, I thought she might just knock him over. After all, they do still believe in him. And why shouldn’t they?
 
 
I spent time talking with many residents and got more than my share of hugs. One kept saying to me, “I’ve been a good boy. I’ve been a good boy!” When I asked what he got, he told me a CD player, and again I thought his grin might just crack his head in half. You see, every kid got exactly what they asked for. 
 
 
Pops had a really great idea when he came up with this one. In his absence the toy run has been carried on by the local ABATE chapter. For many years Kinky Kathy was a strong participant in this event, but she succumbed to diabetes not long ago and, at the rally’s beginning, a memorial service was held for her. Then, on the ride to the residence, and as per her wishes, some of her ashes were spread along the highway. B.B. was given a little canister of them as well for, being Pops’ widow (and somebody that everyone around here just seems to love anyway), she was counted as somewhat of a celebrity among the crowd. 
 
 
Note: The motorcycle police who were the escort for this procession used to do it for free. B.B. told me that they loved to do it (it was true that I saw a few playing with their sirens and having fun as we all passed by the families at roadside) but ever since they got a new boss, Sheriff Newell Normand, the bikers have been forced to pay somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 for the escort to bring toys to mentally retarded kids. What an asshole man. If you live in the area DON’T VOTE FOR THIS FUCKING GUY. He is against us.
 
 
 
Well, that was my Sunday. Hope yours was as good.
Scooter Tramp Scotty
 
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Scooter Tramp Scotty Visits the French Quarter in New Orleans

 
The drifter’s life is little more than a kaleidoscope of visits into other people’s realities; for he is often moving from one place to another then spending time with the people of that particular world. I would like to offer a little piece of the world I am visiting at the moment, for it has been uncommonly interesting…
 
On winter’s slow migration south for the warmer climates of Florida, I stopped into New Orleans for a visit with a friend who lives in the famous French Quarter. For almost six weeks I’ve been camped on Burgundy St (one block north of Bourbon St) in the back yard of the little house belonging to the motorcycle riding, dready chick, known as B.B. St. Roman. Hailing from the generation just before my own, B.B. has a very colorful history.
 
BB was the road manager for Dr. John for 10 years; traveled to over 40 countries while working as the sound person for an outfit that made documentaries; and now lives in the French Quarter of New Orleans where she works with the police department in the field of homeless assistance. While working with the film crew she lived for nine months in the Himalayan Mountains with the Shaman of that region; spent personal time with the Dalai Lama; and two years traveling with Mother Teresa. In fact, it’s been like living with a little Mother Teresa around here and has been a wonderful experience for me to live amid such a sea of altruism.
 
 
But the person I’d like to talk about now is the famous Dr. John, because he dropped by the house last week and I was fortunate enough to spend some time in his company. I had just seen this guy on TV the week before.
 
Some tunes of Dr. John’s that I remember, and you may too, are: “I was in the right place, but it musta been the wrong time.” and “Such a Night”. It would seem that this man is well known here. Many have spoken of him while talking with me on the streets.
 
 
He walked into B.B.s place real slow. At the age of 74, Dr. John is still touring the world playing music and still sells the house out at almost every concert; even after all these years. Truth is, Dr. John doesn’t really know if he’s 73 or 74. He said that the governor got in trouble with a woman and burned the House of Records down—and Dr. John’s birth certificate with it—to cover his tracks. Guess that was a long time ago.
 
 
I took a liking to this guy right away; and think the feeling was mutual. He seemed an easy going, shit talkin’ type of dude with very kind eyes. In fact, his whole demeanor felt kind. B.B. later confirmed that this observation was correct. And hell, she worked with him for 10 years.
 
Dr. John told me to tell you guys out there, “Fuck it”. 
 
 
When I asked if he ever gets tired of traveling, Dr. John said, “No. But it’s best when we’re on the tour bus.” I got the feeling airports were kind of a drag for him though. Another chronic case of wonder-lust I guess. My possible future?
 
Originally from New Orleans, Dr. John only has a 10th grade education. Seems that at night he’d play two gigs in the French Quarter, or its vicinity, then be too tired for school in the mornings. The places he played were mostly fronts for the prostitution going on in back rooms. All of these places had a night club scene as a front.
 
Customers would simply hang in the bar drinking and listening to music until their turn came up. Then, in 1962, Jim Garrison, the District Attorney, closed these places down or, “Padlocked the joints” as Dr. John says. This pretty much wiped out the music scene here and probably 90% of the musicians left New Orleans. Dr. John himself went to California, then New York, and ultimately on to play around the world.
 
 
He told B.B. that Bonnie Raitt said “Hi!”. I guess they all used to work together. Dr. John told me that he knows tons of people who tell him that B.B. saved their life at one time or another. I’ve heard that from others who live here as well. In fact someone posted just that statement on my facebook yesterday. I think that living in the midst of Mother Teresa for those two years really influenced her (In fact, B.B. told me that Mother Teresa and Dr. John have been her two biggest mentors). It’s like living with a little Mother B.B. around here. She spends almost all of her high energy time in the serious service of those around her. It’s been a truly interesting experience; especially for someone who naturally leans more toward self centeredness like myself. I have another friend here (Oscar) that runs a very close second to B.B.s altruistic ways and have been unable not to notice the seemingly excessive degrees of happiness that both enjoy. Maybe some of it will rub off. In any case, like I said, the stay here has been a very wonderful experience for me.
 
Mother Teresa kept asking B.B. when she was going to join the nunnery (which is flattering she said, because Mother Teresa almost never asked that of anyone) but B.B. always politely backed out. It seems that living in a dorm with a bunch of women, cutting her hair, and especially that vow to celibacy thing, (B.B. also has a colorful sex history) was just not gonna wash. As far as the service to her fellow man though, B.B. was all in.
 
Well, it’s definitely been an interesting time around here. 
Scooter Tramp Scotty
 
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Sturgis Museum Find: A Classic ’38 Chop

This 1938 Knucklehead was put together with lots of found parts – some of which were original. Gillette, Wyoming builder Gary Garlick purchased the ’38 EL motor in Idaho where it was also rebuilt. Gary and his children and nephews then went to Green River Wyoming to purchase an early model Knucklehead frame and oil bag.

The transmission was from a 1953 Panhead. The 2003 FL Springer was purchased off of E-Bay from a man in California, and the Speedometer was an original purchased from a meticulous collector out of Canada.

The gas tank petcock 1973 valve is an OEM part from Harley’s AMF years. Gary’s two children, Hanna Rose and Arron James spent many hours helping their dad put the bike together – and occasionally listening to him rant about the trouble he was having with it.

This project is actually a three-generation project since Gary’s mom Dora Jean – who now owns the bike – handled the lettering on the tank. Besides family, Gary says he had lots of assistance from friends and professionals who helped make parts fit, did painting and contributed nuts, bolts and wiring harnesses.

In all, the project took two years to complete.

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The Derringer Cycle Dream Needs a Kick Start

 

EDITOR’S NOTE: I stumbled into a little classy shop on Melrose, in Hollywood one day a few years back. It contained a half dozen Whizzer-styled bicycles with two-stroke motors attached. The bikes were designed to look like something out of the ‘30s. They had a style Whizzer missed, details, and looked very clean. The shop contained elements of art-deco styling, and although the brand and the products were not antique, they gave you the sense of classic motorcycling history.

This scenario smacked of a couple of life’s experiences. Like a guy who took a very plain stock car from the ‘60s, stripped it some, lowered it, and changed the wheels. Suddenly, he drove a cool sled. The other scenario involved performance, sorta like the cool board track show bike. It’s cool, but it won’t function much. So, there I was, standing in this cool shop on one of the major shopping boulevards in Los Angeles. I knew I wasn’t likely to ride one of these impractical puppies more than a couple of miles, but I wanted one. I tried to make a deal with the owner, since I wasn’t about to pay $4000 for a spindly bicycle with a Chinese engine strapped in it. Hell, I could make one in an afternoon.

The owner/designer, Adrian Van Anz, didn’t bite on my deal, and I didn’t have four grand burning a hole in my pocked. Hell, with four large, I could buy a complete Harley Evo or aftermarket driveline and build a motorcycle I could ride for a couple of decades. I was still intrigued, so I tripped out when I ran into Derringer motorcycles in the back of the new ARCH motorcycle facility near the LAX airport. The Derringer company had been taken over by a new group. Here’s their history:

Derringer was founded in 2007 in Los Angeles. Early models featured two-stroke engines, classic springer forks, Brooks saddles, and frames with a classic beach cruiser look. The bikes were very popular, since buyers could design their own color scheme and choose from a variety of components to get a one-of-a-kind bike.

With the next generation, we moved to four-stroke engines with a centrifugal clutch and pull start to make it smoother, quieter, more fuel efficient, and more user friendly. Next, we moved to an in-house designed frame with elegant flowing curves, welded-in engine mounts, and custom machined pistol shaped dropouts. The rear sprocket was redesigned and machined from billet aluminum.

We have done bikes with hand-leafed copper and custom-made tanks, matched bikes to customers’ cars, and even built a bike to match a customer’s yacht. Bikes have been shipped all over the world, from Switzerland to Taiwan. Many of our customers asked about an electric version, since it would involve very little maintenance and be more friendly to those that are less mechanically inclined. 

A couple years ago, we built two one-off electric bikes, one based on the look of the gas version, and another with a stretched frame and more board track style tank. While they were a good start, I wanted something that was between the two. I adapted the frame from the gas bike and designed a custom housing for the battery that sits under the top tube of the frame, and is styled after the board track fuel tanks. I wanted it to be as clean and clutter-free as possible, so I hid the motor controller in a box styled like the oil tanks and tool boxes on some board track racers. We want to keep as much of the production in the US as we can for now.

If we can successfully fund the Kickstarter, production should be in full swing by April. Once we finish delivery on all of the Kickstarter bikes, I have a few ideas for other models that I’d like to build. We have quite a bit of interest in Europe, so we might look to start manufacturing a model specific to the European market with a partner over there. 

Now they are on this mission to build a hot-looking, efficient electric bicycle. A lot of their previous customers were like me. He or she wanted one for the artistic value and the cool antique look without spending $50,000 to a million on a true classic motorcycle. So where does that customer go when it comes to electric?

I spoke to Bryce Casey, the man who hopes to be building these bikes for years to come. He doesn’t own the company, but he’s Geppetto, the guy who devoted his life to the success of Derringer bikes, and he believes in them. Here’s their pitch from the Kick Start effort. We wish them the best:

 
Why Derringer?
 
Derringer is a well-known builder of custom, board track inspired motorized bicycles. Every Derringer is hand-built to customer specification in Los Angeles, California. Customers love the look and customizability of the gas powered models, but many expressed interest in an electric model with ease of use, low maintenance, and great reliability.
 
The wait is over. Now you can own a classically styled, truly unique electric motorized bicycle, ready for daily commuting, weekend cruising, and everything in between, no oil changes required.
 
 
Board Track Inspired
 
Board Track racing, one of the most popular spectator sports of the early 20th century, got its start in Los Angeles with the construction of the Los Angeles Motordrome in 1910. Board track racing motorcycles were essentially beefed-up bicycles with powerful engines that allowed riders to reach mind-boggling speeds on circular wooden tracks.
 
It was truly one of the most exciting and dangerous spectator sports of all time. Los Angeles was home to three tracks over the years, with facilities built in Beverly Hills and Culver City, in addition to the original in Playa del Rey. The new Derringer Electric captures the style and feel of these historic racing machines, and combines it with modern technology to create a one-of-a-kind mode of transport, as beautiful as it is fun to ride.
 
 
Made In USA
 
The foundation of the Derringer Electric is the custom, hand-built frame. Adapted and refined from the classic gas-powered model, the frame was redesigned and CAD modeled in Los Angeles. It features chromoly construction, custom pistol-shaped dropouts, and elegant flowing curves, giving you the strength you need, while standing apart from the rest. Each frame is TIG welded by master frame builders in Portland, Oregon. Every Derringer Electric bike is individually assembled by hand in Los Angeles, California.
 

Head-Turning Style
 
Have you been disappointed with the dull, utilitarian electric bikes on the market today? While styling appears to be an afterthought on many imported E-bikes, simple, elegant, sporting looks were a goal for the Derringer Electric design. The battery resides in an enclosure inspired by the fuel tanks from vintage board track racing motorcycles. It mounts in close proximity to the motor controller, minimizing unsightly wiring.
 
 

The motor controller resides in a vented enclosure styled after the rear-mounted oil tanks and tool boxes on early vintage motorcycles. For Heritage and Signature Series bikes, the battery and controller housings will be fabricated from a combination of glass fiber composite and aluminum in San Diego, CA, and painted to match the powder-coated frame. Bespoke Series bikes feature enclosures with full aluminum construction, made in Santa Rosa, CA, and available with a brushed or painted finish. The Derringer Electric also incorporates a classically styled chromoly springer fork with an IS disc brake mount and a 1 1/8” threadless steerer for a wide range of component options.

 Electric Power
 
At the heart of every Derringer Electric is a powerful lithium-ion (Li-NMC) battery. This safe, reliable chemistry allows for high current draw, has great energy density, and still provides a long lifetime of 1000 recharge cycles. Bikes are available with 37, 52, and 63-volt batteries, each with a 12.5 Ah capacity. Heritage and Signature Series bikes include a 4 Amp charger that can recharge a fully drained battery in three hours. Bespoke buyers get an upgraded 6 Amp charger that drops charging time to two hours.
 
Propulsion comes from a brushless hub motor built into the rear wheel. All motors are wound for high torque, providing stunning off the line acceleration and aggressive hill climbing ability. All models come standard with direct drive (gearless) motors, which are incredibly reliable, quiet, smooth, and able to handle high current loads. Signature Series 52V bikes are also available with a geared hub motor that employs a planetary gear set to reduce size and weight, for customers that prefer a compact unit in lieu of motor power handling ability. Power is applied with a twist grip throttle, similar to those found on motorcycles and scooters.
 
All bikes ship in USA street legal mode: 750 watts and 20 mph maximum speed. Signature and Bespoke Series bikes feature a Cycle Analyst E-bike computer, allowing owners to tune the bike to their individual power needs all the way up to 2000 and 2800 watts, respectively.
 

High Quality Components
 
A powerful bike needs powerful brakes. Every Derringer Electric comes standard with hydraulic disc brakes from German manufacturer Magura. These high-quality brakes provide fantastic modulation, modern design, and formidable stopping ability. The Magura electric throttle offers intuitive control similar to that of a motorcycle, and far superior to the cheap plastic Hall-effect throttles found on most E-bikes.
 
The Cycle Analyst E-bike computer, made in Vancouver, BC, provides a wealth of information on its large backlit LCD, including speed, distance, battery info, power, net energy, and more. This sophisticated computer also allows for rider control of the system power output and speed limit. Every Derringer also includes a Brooks leather saddle, handmade in England, cartridge bearing threadless headsets, and high performance Schwalbe tires.
 

Make It Yours
 
Derringer is known for customizability and the Derringer Electric is no exception. Heritage Series buyers can choose either a Brooks Flyer or B67 saddle in black, brown or honey brown. Customers may also select board track style drop bars or cruiser style risers. In addition to saddle and handlebar options, Signature Series buyers can choose from six colors and may select a direct drive or geared hub motor.
 

Bespoke buyers can select any colors from our chart for the frame, rims, and spokes, as well as detail colors for the aluminum tank. Derringer also offers a variety of tire options suited to each owner’s riding needs. Every Derringer is powder-coated with Tiger Drylac outdoor rated powder coatings for beauty and utility. Battery and controller housings are painted to match on Heritage and Signature Series, or can be brushed aluminum on the Bespoke Series.
 

Please Note
 

•Range estimates are based on a 170-lb rider traveling on flat ground at a constant speed of 20 mph, without pedaling. Many factors will affect actual range, including: rider weight, hills, and speed.
•Power figures are maximum system output at the nominal battery voltage. Many things will affect actual watts, including: rider weight, hills, battery state of charge, and speed.

•All bikes will be shipped limited to 20 mph and 750 watts per US regulations. The rider assumes responsibility for complying with all local laws if the bike is ridden on public roads.
 

Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
 
Frame Production – We need to have tooling made for the production of our frames. In addition, slight modifications to the design may be necessary to ensure that the frame is production ready. We are enlisting the help of a master frame builder and a CAD designer to ensure we get the best quality product the first time around, and will work tirelessly to minimize any delays that may arise.
 
 

Component Supply – We rely on our suppliers for a constant supply of components that can keep up with production. If some key parts go out of stock, this has the potential to delay some aspects of production. We are working with all domestic suppliers to ensure that there is always plenty of information on stock, and so that potential problems can be dealt with in a timely manner by experienced individuals.

Bryce Casey
Derringer Cycles
Main: 323.813.1920 

Mobile: 818.235.2054  
 eFax: 949.861.6190

3100 Donald Douglas Loop North #202
Santa Monica, CA 90405

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New Women’s Clothing from Bikers Choice

 
 
WOMEN’S NEW SANTA ROSA VEST

  • Fully-lined leather vest features a zip front closure
  • Nubuck accents give this vest a timeless look
  • Power stretch panels at the waist provide a more comfortable fit and freedom of movement when riding
  • 2 front, on-seam pockets give room for essentials
  • Includes 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
SM/MD/LG/XL $119.95 
2XL/3XL $129.95 
 

 
 
 
 


WOMEN’S TWIN IRON VINTAGE JACKET
 
This retro style jacket provides protection and comfort both on and off the bike.
  • 2 front shoulder intake vents and 2 vertical rear exhaust vents allow maximum    air flow
  • The removable, insulated, fully-sleeved warm liner has a built-in pocket for most mobile device
  • Waist side tabs offer an adjustable fit
  • Snap closure tab collar provides a secure fit
  • 1 Zippered placket pocket inside allows  easy access to important contents
  • Includes 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
MSRP $249.95
 

 
 
 
 
NEW JACKETS for Men and Women from Firstgear
 
Firstgear is proud to announce the long awaited return of the TPG Rainier  and Monarch Jackets! These jackets incorporate the most advanced technological features in motorcycle protective outerwear. Utilizing Cocona® technology, waterproof-breathable laminate for the most effective moisture transfer textile available anywhere.
 
The new TPG features the latest generation of D3O® armor protection, T-5 Evo Pro, and the highest degree of impact protection exceeding all CE Level 2 standards. 
  • Cocona® waterproof breathable shell
  • D3O® T-5 Evo Pro armor at shoulders, elbows and back
  • Waterproof zipper treatments throughout
  • Inner cuff wrist gaiter
TPG Monarch Jacket for Women
MSRP: $499.95
Sizes: XS- 2XL
 
TPG Rainier for Men
MSRP: $499.95
Available in Tall sizes and up to 4XL 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Harry’s Oldstyle Bikeshow, Mount Alford, Queensland, Australia

 
 
Working behind the scene to organize a Bike show can be a roller coaster ride of emotions, especially when relying on other people to do their part.
 
 
Ned Kelly’s Rally at the Mt Alford Hotel has been an annual event of stalls, bands and also a show and shine of the crowd’s bikes. 
 
 
Last year Harry from “Harry’s Custom Bikework” decided he would like to participate in doing the “Bikeshow” instead of Ned’s show and shine. This is a more traditional type of show that has been done internationally for many years in the biker scene. Now this is Harry’s second year, having learnt from the first year, hopefully all the kinks are ironed out; this year should be bigger and better than the last.
 
 
Harry’s reputation in Australia speaks for itself so acquiring sponsors came easily. They all play a crucial part in the success, be it advertising, donating money and or prizes, plus one company played a big part in the end product of the trophies!
 
 
In the final few days leading up to the show the trophies and T-shirts had not arrived yet, but so long as everything was ready to be packed by Thursday, then loaded into the truck ready to hit the road to Mt Alford on Friday morning!
 
 
I planned to be at the shop Thursday morning to itemize and pack the parts etc. We could not wait to see what QLD Motorcycle Panel & Paint had done with the airplane pistons to be turned into trophies. Last years trophies were great so this year Harry wanted to raise the bar and blow the crowds minds! The trophies and T-shirts arrived Thursday morning just before I arrived, not only did the trophies raise the bar but they took it to another level, awesome!!!
 
 
By the afternoon all parts, trophies, t-shirts and prizes were finally all packed up ready to go.
 
Saturday is going to rock! So if you’ve missed this event it’s going to be a whole year to wait again!
 
 
People have been ringing, emailing and visiting the shop wondering if the government’s new laws on the news will make any difference to the show. Giving their support to the events, a couple of non bikers walked in the shop whilst I was there to comment about their distaste for the governments actions!!!! Now there is always a police presence wherever bikers are but we hoped they were coming with a good attitude and actions.
 
 
Saturday arrives, the sun is out and apparently the weather is supposed to be in the low 30’s (Celsius), which is 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
 
 
 
The crowd slowly trickles in around 9am; by 11am we’ve heard reports of police roadblocks around Rathdowny only pulling over bikes, which was not stopping the riders.
 
 
 
Vietnam Vets MC arrived in force with an ABC news crew; they were not stopped by police, which was a disappointment as the TV crews were ready to film. The Police helicopter was circling above maybe filming it all. Come noon there must have been at least 600 bikes parked everywhere; this was an awesome sight to behold!
 
 
There were quite a few stalls, a pizza oven attached to a trailer made mad pizzas, 
Khan from “Mutantbuell HD Eddiehorror Motorcycles” put on a fantastic display of gore, coffins and bikes juiced up with zombie blood.  Of course the usual jewelry, hamburgers, milkshakes, Bric-a-Brac stalls and of course Harry’s stall run by the lovely Diane and myself. 
 
 
So many great ideas on people’s rides, I’m so glad we are not all the same or this world would be boring! Quite a few bikes were entered in the competition and many more that should’ve been. The judges Whytee and Steve had a tough time. The awards were to be announced at 5pm, however by 4pm a large portion of riders had left.
 
 
Last year I was asked to announce the awards and winners 30 minutes before and was so nervous, at the end Harry had a Jack Daniels waiting for me as I gladly sat down before my knees gave way, LOL.  This year I had more time to prepare thus not forgetting to thank the judges this time. Now with the winners, their trophies and goodies bags all posing for the cameras, all that was left to do was drink my first Jack Daniels for the day and pack up again.
Another great day in the biker calendar ticked and marked till next year!
 
 
A big thank you to:
 
Bridget, Scott and her two daughters for taking care of the bike registrations, Whytee and Steve the judges, Jules from “Ozbike” who took so many pictures, hope to see them in the magazine soon.
Jeff and Karen took loads of great photos for “Live to Ride” magazine.
Mick N Co was doing pictures for Harry plus he did a photo shot around the front of the pub, to the delight of onlookers, Chops from “Dirty Love Magazine” was snapping many pictures too. This is a relatively new magazine so please show your support and check it out.
 
To all the sponsors, we hope to have you on board again next year.
 
Thanks to Ned Kelly for all his hard work.
Thanks to all the brave riders coming to keep these events and keeping our life style alive regardless, and to ABC station for showing our side of events.
Last but not least a big Thank you to Harry for putting on such a great show and for allowing me to play some part in it all!!!!
Until next time, take it easy, knees in the breeze.  FTW!
 
 
 
 
  
 
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