BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – VIPER, RUCKER AND JAY LENO – WHAT?

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Rucker Performance Names New American Muscle Bike ? The Predator–
The Predator Motorcycle Is a 130 HP American Muscle Rocket Manufactured By Rucker Performance
Fort Worth, Texas (March 15, 2005) ? Rucker Performance, a leading custom manufacturer of high performance, highly styled and custom motorcycles utilized the online magazine, www.bikernet.com to assist in naming their newest design in the arsenal of Rucker Performance motorcycles.
?Rucker Performance has been working on a new category of motorcycle, which we have termed American Muscle,? explained Bill Rucker, President of Rucker Performance. ?We tapped industry-visionary Keith Ball from bikernet.com to produce the name-the-bike promotion with his 270,000 monthly readers to assist us in naming our new custom motorcycle.?
Bikernet.com was created by Ball and has the largest online and offline circulation in the motorcycle magazine industry. Every visitor to the bikernet.com site over a two-week period was invited to name the custom motorcycle for a chance to win cash and a Rucker Performance apparel package.

After hundreds of entries, the team at Rucker Performance selected ?Predator? from the entry submitted by Bob Tucker. Mr. Tucker will win cash and a Rucker apparel package. Grady Phillips also suggested Predator and will win some Rucker apparel.

The Predator is built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline of drag racing. It sports a 300-rear tire, 130HP naturally aspirated engine, right-side 6-speed transmission, custom zoomie headers and drop seat riding position. This American Muscle bike is designed with 4.5? ground clearance, 49 degree of rake, 19-inch seat height, custom handlebars and Ness Controls.

The runner-up winner was the name Reaper, suggested by Kirk James and Curtis Baker. They will also win Rucker apparel.

Rucker Performance received a phenomenal response from bikernet.com?s readers, like this suggestion for Marilyn Bragg , ?Just look at her lines!? ?She is sleek, strong, and has an hourglass figure when her profile is looked upon from above. Her handlebars remind me of flowing red hair. The powerful S&S 124 motor reminds me of the delicate but well planned and finely tuned power of a female assassin. She is beauty, strength, unbridled passion and power all rolled into one strong and beautiful frame.?

?We could not have said it better,? said Erin Rucker, Operations Manager, of Rucker Performance. ?The unbelievably enthusiastic response from readers demonstrates this bike?s ability to impress the biker community. We feel the name Predator fits well with the rest of the line of bikes we have created to date.?

?I would like to extend my thanks to all the contestants that participated,? said Erin Rucker. ?We appreciate the time and effort that was put in to the contest.?

About Rucker Performance–Rucker Performance started production in 2004 and has quickly become a leading designer and manufacturer of custom American Muscle and Chopper motorcycles. Rucker Performance is known for ground-shaking performance with fit and finish that is comparable to one-off custom motorcycles.

Additional design queues include soft-style suspension, high-performance V-twin 124 cubic inch show polished engines, clean, sharp lines, 6-speed transmissions, stretch tanks and fat tires. Designing and manufacturing is performed at the company?s headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas.

Contacts:For further information on Rucker Performance please contact: Jeffrey Najar: 760-765-4734, pr@ibrainpromotions.com

Motorcycle Man–
Two-wheelers have given him the ride of his life
By KEVIN PARKS
Straddling the first of many motorcycles he would own, Ed Youngblood gazed down the Muskogee, Okla., street on which he had grown up. Preparing to kick the 165cc Harley-Davidson into noisy life, the 14-year-old boy had no way of knowing just how far the motorcycle would take him. Oh, not that particular bike. He was fortunate if that one got him around the block.

“It was totally used, absolutely worthless,” Youngblood recalled more than 45 years later. “I probably spent more time trying to get it to run than I did riding it.”

No, Ed Youngblood wasn’t going to get much mileage out of that first “iron horse” at all.

Motorcycles in general, however, have carried him, literally and figuratively, all through his life, to a rewarding career as a writer, editor, researcher, public speaker, consultant and museum curator, including a 28-year stint with the American Motorcyclist Association, 19 of them as president and chief executive officer.

He is currently serving as curator for two exhibitions scheduled to open in the coming weeks, one on the history of motocross at The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington and the other a continuation of one of the most successful shows ever put on by the Guggenheim Museum. Ed Youngblood’s latest version of “The Art of the Motorcycle” is to open April 22 at WONDERS, the Memphis International Cultural Series in Tennessee.

The motorcycle also took Youngblood away from a career he probably would have hated, that of trying to shove some knowledge of English poet John Milton (1608-1674) into the unyielding, unwilling skulls of college students. Youngblood had completed the course work for a doctorate in literature at Ohio University with a special emphasis on Milton, author of the epic poem “Paradise Lost,” when he was offered a job as editor of a motorcycle magazine. The entire course of his life changed, like a cafe racer making an abrupt right turn.

It turned out to be exactly the right turn for Youngblood, according to his wife of almost 40 years, Margaret.

“It was obvious he was going to be much happier going the motorcycle route, and he was still going to be employed,” Margaret Youngblood said. “I didn’t have a problem with it at all.”

Her husband has been fortunate, she added, in that his profession and his pastime have also been his passion.

“He’s really blessed, because I know a lot of times if you try to make your passion your work, you come to dislike it,” Margaret Youngblood said.

Rogue
www.bikerrogue.com

Another RFR cutie ? Devin.

Bike Week 2005– smooth-riding event By MARK I. JOHNSON
Daytona Beach News Journal Staff Writer
Bike Week 2005 will go down in the history books as a success, law enforcement and business officials said.Despite more motorcyclists riding Southeast Volusia’s roadways, there were fewer biker-related problems than in previous years.There was a higher number of people obeying the laws and a small number doing stupid things, Edgewater Police Chief Mike Ignasiak said.For example, he said his agency issued about 12 percent fewer citations, 590 this year as compared to 660 last year. Accidents and arrests also were lower.

“We only had 15 accidents and only two of those involved motorcycles. And none of them were serious” he said. “That is unbelievable”

The agency made five misdemeanor Bike Week-related arrests, the chief said.

Even equipment violations, such as loud pipes, were down, which surprised the chief.

“We only had six (pipe violations). That was significantly down over the last couple of years,” he said.

New Smyrna Beach officials echoed their southern neighbor’s remarks.While statistics will not be available until the end of the month, Police Capt. Paul Orel said overall, Bike Week went very well in his city.

“There were a lot of accidents but no fatalities,” he said.However, his impression was traffic did not pick up until the last four days of the 10-day event.

“Before that, it was quieter than years past,” Orel said.

Tanya Girvan, owner of the No Name Saloon in Edgewater, and David Hugg, a manager at Pub 44 in New Smyrna Beach, would disagree.

“Every day seemed more crowded than last year,” Hugg said of his establishment. “Everyone had fun, business was good and the customers were happy.”

Girvan agreed.

Despite being cited once for excessive noise, she said her saloon and its customers saw no problems.

“It was a very good Bike Week,” she said.

Outside the cities, sheriff’s officials said that, while crowds were large, they were dispersed and “very well-behaved.”

Sheriff’s spokesman Gary Davidson, said his agency’s Special Services division, which handled most Bike Week activity, issued about 1,900 citations and made 213 misdemeanor, four felony and 54 drunk driving arrests during the event.

“From an enforcement standpoint, Bike Week went exceptionally well,” he said. “Perhaps one of the best ones yet.”

Rogue
www.bikerrogue.com

Jay Leno to narrate ‘Art of the Motorcycle’ —
By Michael Lollar
When the Wonders Series exhibition “The Art of the Motorcycle” opens April 22, visitors will hear a familiar voice — “The Tonight Show” host Jay Leno as narrator on audio guides describing the nearly 100 bikes. The audio guides traditionally are a strait-laced blend of art and culture describing such Wonders subjects as Napoleon, Catherine the Great and Peru’s Incan culture. But Leno, who has a collection of 80 motorcycles, will have a chance to inject humor into the audio guide script and improvise on a subject close to his heart.

Leno will be joined by four celebrity bikers. The supporting cast includes actor Dennis Hopper, whose cocaine-smuggler role in 1969’s counter-culture classic “Easy Rider” featured the “Captain America” chopper. A replica of that bike will be in the exhibition. Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, actor Laurence Fishburne and actress-model Lauren Hutton also will help narrate.

The Memphis exhibition, inspired by a 1998 motorcycle-as-art exhibition at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, will have a raucous second day on April 23 with up to 2,000 motorcyclists taking part in a “Wheels of Wonder” ride and party, said Wonders chief operating officer Glen Campbell. Exhibition co-curator Ed Youngblood of Columbus, Ohio, former president of the American Motorcyclist Association and a curator of the Guggenheim exhibition, said many museum purists were critical when the Guggenheim scheduled a motorcycle exhibition.

The show then broke records for attendance and catalog sales and became a traveling exhibition, drawing more than 2 million visitors at four locations.

“The basic concept is to depict to the extent that the floor space will allow the most influential motorcycles we can find based on three criteria — technical innovation, sheer style and their cultural influence,” he said.

The Wonders exhibit will include an Elvis Presley motorcycle borrowed from Graceland and will tell the history of motorcycling beginning with 19th Century steam-powered motorcycles.

Wheels of Wonders

More than 2,000 motorcycle riders are expected for an April 23 ride and party. The hour-long ride through Memphis will begin at two different locations and end at The Pyramid about 1 p.m.

Registration forms are available at area motorcycle shops, at wonders.org or by calling ride coordinator ‘Loco’ Joe Kilpatrick at Bumpus Harley-Davidson’s Whitten Road location at 322-4537.

Cost is $30; includes ride patch and pin, post-ride party and exhibit admission.

Wonders
When: April 22-Oct. 30
Where: The Pyramid

Rogue
www.bikerrogue.com

Bandit on Viper in Daytona.

Viper Motorcycle Company to Introduce Donnie Smith Designed Chopper at the Donnie Smith Invitational Show–Minneapolis, Minnesota ? March 17, 2005 ? ? (Pink Sheets: VPWS) Viper Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Viper Powersports Inc., will unveil its new Donnie Smith designed Chopper, the Viper Dragon, at the Donnie Smith Invitational Bike Show at Excel Center in St. Paul, MN, March 19-20th.

The Viper Dragon shares many of the proprietary features of the Viper Diablo, including a rubber mounted proprietary Viper billet engine, oil-in-the-frame Viper chassis, patented Viper Hyper-Drive system, right-hand drive, adjustable Viper air ride suspension and styling from Hall of Fame master builder Donnie Smith.

?Donnie Smith?s design and attention to detail is outstanding,? said Terry Nesbitt, President of Viper Motorcycle. ?The Dragon, like our Diablo, is an engineered product with a unique style and an OEM identity. This new Viper model has the style and appeal of a chopper combined with Viper?s proprietary and distinctive features that include a fat rear tire, right-hand drive, rubber mount engine, 38 degree rake and the VHD patented drive system. Together, our customers will be able to ride an OEM Chopper with its own flavor and excellent handling characteristics. Overall interest in the Diablo has been incredible; we anticipate initial demand of the Dragon also will greatly exceed the supply.?

?Viper?s progress has been remarkable, and I?ve been truly impressed with the design innovations and features of Viper?s bikes,? Smith said. ?I?m especially impressed with Viper?s VHD drive system. I think the project turned out extremely well and I am proud to have my signature on the Viper?s new Dragon Choppers.?

About Viper Motorcycle Company

Viper Motorcycle Company designs, manufacturers and markets a line of premium custom V-Twin Super Cruiser motorcycles. Viper cruisers are distributed and sold under the Viper brand name through a nationwide independent dealer network. The Company?s website ishttp://www.vipermotorcycle.com.

Viper Motorcycle Company Announces Merger Agreement with Viper Powersports —Minneapolis, Minnesota ? March 11, 2005 ? Viper Motorcycle Company announced today that it has entered into a merger agreement with Viper Powersports Inc., a publicly-traded Nevada corporation in a transaction in which Viper Powersports will acquire 100% of Viper Motorcycle Company.

The two companies expect to close this merger on or before March 31, 2005, after which Viper Motorcycle Company will be operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Viper Powersports Inc. Viper Powersports will issue 4,966,225 common shares and 800,000 preferred shares to the shareholders of Viper Motorcycle Company under the terms of the of the merger. In addition, certain shareholders of Viper Powersports subscribed to an additional 400,000 shares of restricted common stock at $2.50 per share, providing $1 million of working capital.

Viper Motorcycles also announced that it has satisfied virtually all its outstanding debt (exceeding $4 million) through conversion of debt into restricted stock.

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BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – BILLY LANE, PEREWITZ, S&S, ALL IN THE NEWS

This weekend I have a booth at the Cycle Expo in Richmond, VA…….. would you guys be able to use photos from the event on your site if I shoot some pictures to send over?

Livia
Whattaya say guys- Want more pix of Livia?

Hey,Thanks to the hard working Bikernet female Staff,Sin Wu, Nyla, Layla, Coral and the Evil Blonde, this news section is packed. I just flew in from Daytona and haven?t sorted through all the biz cards, notes, bar napkins and brochures. This industry is exploding, hell I just got a call from a wine company. They want me to review their latest bottle of brew. How the hell do I compare a deep amber Chard to Jack Daniels?

I can?t wait until tomorrow to kick off this weekend working on the 2005 Sturgis Shovelhead project. I?m getting close to teardown for powder coating and no chrome. I received my vital CCI flat rear Sportster sprocket and I?m praying for proper rear-wheel alignment.

I?m confused, lost, shaking and waiting for the weekend women to arrive. Don?t forget, if you?re in Minnesota that Donnie Smith?s show is this weekend in Minneapolis. Don?t miss it. Tim Remus will be on hand to cover it for HOT BIKE.

I know there?s lots more, but I?m still confused. Let?s hit the news:

S&S ANNOUNCES NEW DUAL FEEDBACK CLOSED-LOOP FUEL-INJECTION SYSTEM —VIOLA, WI (March 11, 2005) S&S Cycle announces plans to market its new Dual Feedback Closed-Loop Fuel-Injection system. For almost 50 years S&S Cycle has been known as the performance leader in the V-Twin market. Of their high performance engines, components, and assemblies, their fuel delivery systems have brought them the most success. Without question, the S&S teardrop air cleaner over an S&S carburetor is recognized worldwide as a performance icon.

Shortly after third-generation family member, Brett Smith, joined the company in 2002 he made a commitment to the future by strategically focusing the company on the proven performance of S&S fuel delivery systems. Working closely with the product development team, headed by Scott Sjovall, along with important input from engineer, Roy Meyer , they developed a dual feedback closed-loop fuel-injection system that would work in original equipment applications and continue to lead the performance industry.

The result of that effort is now here as S&S Cycle is the first company in the American V-Twin market to bring a Dual Feedback Closed-Loop Fuel-Injection system for big twins to the public. The system will be available with either the traditional S&S teardrop air cleaner or the new dual-runner induction system. This state-of-the-art system will increase engine performance while greatly reducing emissions output – essentially providing the best of both worlds.

“We have been testing this system in various settings for over a year,” said S&S VP of product development, Scott Sjovall. “In addition to extensive laboratory testing, we have been conducting real- world road tests with a multitude of bikes in remote locations, along with riding to rallies across the country and the daily testing around our facility in Viola,” continued Sjovall. “This is by far the most solid development program we’ve conducted for fuel delivery systems in years – this system has definitely proven its reliability and enhanced performance.”

A select group of Original Equipment American V-Twin manufacturers will be using this system on specific 2006 models, taking advantage of the S&S closed-loop systems technology that allows a performance engine to meet stringent EPA guidelines and still deliver outstanding performance and excellent rideability. However, the S&S closed-loop system is not limited to O.E. manufacturers; it will also be available to qualified S&S dealers this fall.

Performance enthusiasts and shops across the world will appreciate the S&S closed-loop system tuning capability. Essentially it is self-tuning, so once you load a basic map into the control module, the sensors – one per cylinder – will tune the bike constantly and for the life of the engine. From cam changes to pipe swaps, the S&S closed-loop system will tune the bike without hours of time on a dyno. Additionally, as the engine is subject to different types of riding, altitude, climate and load, the S&S closed-loop system will watch the performance of each cylinder and keep the optimum fuel mixture, while maintaining superior emissions control.

“Over the years, fuel delivery systems have put us on the map,” said S&S president, Brett Smith. “Our re-commitment to these systems will allow us to be a one-stop experience for aftermarket performance enthusiasts, dealers, and OE’s alike. This dual closed-loop fuel injection system is a premium, state-of-the-art product that will both improve performance of the engine and reduce gaseous emissions as we prepare for inevitable regulatory changes in 2008,” continued Smith. “I am very proud of our world-class product development team for allowing us to be the first to bring this technology to the American V-Twin market; it is an honor to carry on the tradition that my Grandfather started back in 1958.”

KRB, Here`s a Bike– a long time Partner just restored………

I left early this AM took the Shovelhead out had a ball……Forgot how much fun the jockey shifter was…….Change out the seat added the P-pad…….

Bob T

BUS FOR SALE–In 2004 I drove an American school bus across Mexico to Guatemala. In Guatemala it was converted into a ‘chicken bus’. (This is the name that backpackers give to inter urban buses in developing countries. The locals refer to these buses as ‘camionetas’.) The bus had two partitions installed, one behind the driver and one 10 feet from the rear door. The original idea was to purchase a loading ramp and park 3 Harleys in the rear compartment and party in the front room. The bus was then returned to the States. Unfortunately the intended purchaser, an exotic dancer called Laura, found God and turned her curvaceous back on Harleys and stripping poles. Which left me with the chicken bus, which is parked at the Kansas Bus Connection in Lawrence, Kansas. Following a dispute with the forces of righteousness I find myself unable to return to the United States for 5 years and am currently residing in Antigua, Guatemala.So here’s my dilemma, I own the only chicken bus in the United States. It is ready to be fitted out as a Harley hauler. It turns heads wherever it goes and I need to sell it.

You can view it on www.chickenbus.net If you have any advice on how to advertise this bus I would greatly appreciate your assistance.

Thanks,
Gwyn Lawrence

From Rigid Frame Richard

THE IRS–The Internal Revenue sends their auditor (a nasty little man) to audit a synagogue. The auditor is doing all the checks, and then turns to the Rabbi and says, “I noticed that you buy a lot of candles.”

“Yes,” answered the Rabbi.

“Well, Rabbi, what do you do with the candle drippings?” he asked.

“A good question,” noted the Rabbi. “We actually save them up. When we have enough, we send them back to the candle maker and every now and then, they send us a free box of candles.”

“Oh,” replied the auditor somewhat disappointed that his question actually had a practical answer. So he thought he’d try another question, in his obnoxious way… “Rabbi, what about all these matzo purchases? What do you do with the crumbs from the matzo?”

?Ah, yes,” replied the Rabbi calmly, ” we actually collect up the crumbs, we send them in a box back to the manufacturer and every now and then, they send a box of matzo balls.”

“Oh,” replied the auditor, thinking hard how to fluster the rabbi, “Well,Rabbi,” he went on, “what do you do with all the foreskins from the circumcisions? “

“Yes, here too, we do not waste,” answered the Rabbi. “What we do is save up all the foreskins, and when we have enough we actually send them to the Internal Revenue Service.”

“Internal Revenue Service?,” questioned the auditor in disbelief.

“Ah, yes,” replied the Rabbi, “Internal Revenue Service. And about once a year, they send us a little prick like you.

RevCarl

PEREWITZ OPENS WORLDWIDE HEADQUARTERS– Close on the heels of his immensely popular appearances on the Discovery Channel?s ?Biker Build Off,? Master Builder Dave Perewitz has just announced the Grand Opening of his new State-of-the-art facility, PEREWITZ CYCLE FABRICATIONS.

Scheduled for Saturday, April 30, the Grand Opening celebration is certain to be one memorable affair with day long live entertainment, custom bike show, door prizes and complimentary food and drink. Add to this a huge display of Dave?s award winning machines, mind boggling selection of customs parts and accessories, leather goods, street wear and biker art all highlighted by an eye popping display of Perewitz amazing custom paint and you have a once in a lifetime event you don?t want to miss.

Thirty-five years in planning, design and construction, CYCLE FAB feels massive covering over 12,000 square feet! The building?s modern architecture seems fitting given Perewitz? ?class act? while providing a visual upgrade to the entire community. PEREWITZ CYCLE FAB is certain to be a focal point in the city and destination for visitors from around the globe.

Enthusiasts and the merely curious are greeted by a modern boutique style showroom where the vast collection of bikes, accessories and apparel are presented in a warm, comfortable setting where they can browse and shop at leisure. Motorheads will appreciate the elaborate service department and one of the finest ?JUST FOR CUSTOMS? shops in the industry. While the dedicated service department handles mechanical repair, service and upgrade work, the CUSTOM SHOP focuses on providing customers with the very finest in custom paint, components, total design and fabrication services. From simple bolt on pieces to complete custom motorcycles the in-house CUSTOM SHOP will offer it all.

Located at 910 Plymouth Street in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, CYCLE FAB is a short 35 mile run from Boston and approximately 45 minutes from either Logan International Airport or TF Green International in Providence, Rhode Island. Local accommodations and transportation are readily available.

Dave, this year?s recipient of the prestigious ?Life Time Achievement? award at the V-Twin Bikers Ball, has been one of the industry?s most colorful and important personalities for nearly four decades. Spokesman, designer, fabricator, master painter, and most recently Television celebrity and front man for PPG paints, Perewitz is without a doubt a ?grandfather? to the custom motorcycle scene.

Mark your calendar right now and make plans to attend the Perewitz Cycle Fabrications Extravaganza. For further details call Jody Perewitz at 508-697-3595.

BILLY LANE/CHOPPERS INC NEWS–
Billy Lane?s Blood Sweat & Gears Tour reaches Thousands during Bike Week including One in Iraq
Blood Sweat & Gears Tour First Stop Deemed Success
During Daytona Bike Week Billy Lane and other well known motorcycle builders worked in front of crowds daily to customize a bike for one special rider.

As promised, the Blood Sweat & Gears Tour brought fabrication and custom motorcycle building to the masses live. With daily build sessions lasting up to four hours, Billy and his on-stage help had a lot of work that needed to be done. Starting with tearing off a chrome gas tank; to chopping the rear fender; to adding a sissy bar. Billy and the team got busy. ?What we knew and others didn?t, was we were working on a bike for one special rider- an officer in Iraq serving on the Special Forces? said Lane.

The officer?s wife had contacted Billy to inquire about what type of sissy bar would be right for their bike. She was hoping to surprise her husband and have one installed while her husband was overseas. Billy took her initial request to the next level. He agreed to do the sissy bar, and more, as his way of thanking her husband for his work. She delivered the bike to Billy?s shop in Melbourne just before Bike Week and Billy rode it on stage the first day of the Tour.

Daily Billy would remind folks of why he was there, honoring this special officer. ?I wanted to create a real exciting, one of a kind experience for the officer even though he couldn?t be there himself. His entire Battalion knew what we were doing, they even helped arrange a time for us to speak with him. I knew it would blow his mind when he found out what his wife and I had been up to for the last week, I knew I needed to be able to let others hear his reaction too.With the help of Discovery Channel, we were able to coordinate a live ?feed? to Iraq and speak with the officer from the Tour stage. When the phone rang on stage, the whole crowd went silent and then his voice was there. It was so cool. During the call, we sent him email pictures of his bike and shots of the crowds that watched all week long. I knew after we had hung up, that I had done what I set out to do. I started the Tour with one mission and that was to give back to everyone that supports me and Choppers Inc. I felt like I had really been able to do that, even just this little bit. This is what it is all about? said Billy Lane.

The Blood Sweat & Gears Tour is based on a unique concept, Billy interacting with crowds doing what he does best- building bikes. Billy interacts with event attendees from a 50? open sided trailer. While on the trailer, Billy works on bikes. Each day, people attending have a chance to join Billy on stage to work on their own bike. Billy shows them everything from simple installation of parts; to basic fabricating skills. All of the activity is captured on film for future broadcast potential.

?The first stop of the Tour was even more successful than we expected. We were able to work with folks from all around the country and even the world. With the help of Kendall Johnson, Aaron Greene, and Dave Perewitz, the Tour successfully completed the officer?s bike in time for the call to Iraq plus work on 4 other bikes throughout the event. We even had Billy?s custom seat builder there showing folks how to hand build and wrap a seat, plus 5 lucky audience members got their bikes pinstriped for free by Billy?s painter? said Darcy Betlach, Tour & Partner Manager.

The Blood Sweat & Gears Tour is scheduled to be at the following major motorcycle events; Laughlin, Sturgis, Myrtle Beach, Daytona Biketoberfest and Laconia.

Sponsorship of the Tour is underway with announcements pending, for more information regarding involvement please contact Chrome Marketing Inc at 612 ? 940 – 6115.

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BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – SONS OF LIBERTY NEWS, SAD NEWS ABOUT SIMON AND NEW PRODUCTS

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‘RIDE, RACK AND REST’ IS DEBUTED BY THUNDER MOUNTAIN CUSTOM CYCLES AND HEARTLAND USA DURING DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK– DAYTONA BEACH, FL (March 8, 2005) – Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles, Inc. and Heartland USA have partnered together to develop a truly innovative passenger seat, luggage rack and backrest in one. The ‘RIDE, RACK AND REST’ made its debut Tuesday evening of Bike Week at a press party hosted by Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles’ Daytona Beach location.

The new product has been developed to address the style, safety and comfort concerns of riders. With the introduction of the 180 and 240 rear tires, customers now have fewer options for carrying a passenger or a small bag for weekend trips. Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles and Heartland USA have researched the needs of their customers and created a product that solves those issues while keeping quality high and costs low.

Using the same-patented system invented for the removable second seat, the ‘RIDE, RACK AND REST’ offers a visually appealing design with true versatility. The rack is constructed of bent rod and welded steel plate – two readily available, cost effective materials.

The passenger seat easily converts to an ergonomically correct rider backrest making the now exposed luggage rack available for carrying the custom accessory bag. Made of water resistant material and zippers, the bag offers expansion pockets, tie down “D” rings, a stylish design and back pack fasteners allowing it to be easily converted from an accessory bag to a backpack. Additional features of the bag include internal storage for glasses, cell phones, gloves, maps and more.

The product is designed for the TMC Cycles Blackhawk and Baditude 240 models and is expected to be available this April. For more information or to find a dealer near you, contact Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles at (888) 805-6467 or visit them on the web at www.TMCCycles.com.

BIKE MAKES DISPLAY NEW BIKES AT SPEEDWAY–
By CECIL G. BRUMLEY
Business Writer
News Journal Online
March 04, 2005
DAYTONA BEACH — The naked and the powerful will roar into a wave of chrome and steel across the sea that is Bike Week.

For the production builders of the two-wheeled rides, Daytona International Speedway will be the stage for all that is motorcycles.

Asked which manufacturers will be at the Speedway, the communications office of Speedway owner International Speedway Corp. replied, “All of them.”

They weren’t kidding. For the list, just go tohttp://www.daytonaintlspeedway.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=716.

Buell, which will be displaying bikes and offering demo rides at the Speedway, is touting its “naked styling,” company spokesman Doug Terfehr said. “The Buell Lightning XB9SX CityX streetfighter is the ultimate ‘naked’ sportbike, the category’s fastest growing segment, jumping 111 percent in sales since 1998.”

With naked bikes, the mechanical elements of the motorcycle, including the engine, exhaust and frame, are easy to see, Terfehr said. “The urban CityX (pronounced city-cross) takes that naked styling concept to the extreme by not only exposing the engine, but also the see-through Hero Blue translucid airbox cover and flyscreen to put the bike’s mechanical details on display.

But while Buell goes naked, Boss Hoss will be displaying its power, company spokeswoman Michelle Nisenboim said. “The 502s (502 horses) are hot.”

All three trikes the company builds also are big sellers, Nisenboim said, “because of their body style and the ability to customize them.”

Like many manufacturers, though, Boss Hoss will be showing off as many bikes as possible at the speedway.

Yamaha will be bringing all of its models to the Speedway, a company spokesman said. “There’s not one bike we’re doing a big premier on this year.”

Another production builder, Kawasaki, has two new units it’ll be featuring this year at its Speedway display, company spokesman Doug Freeman said. They are the Vulcan 1600 Nomad, which is a 1,552cc displacement cruiser, and the Z750, a “throw-back” street motorcycle.

Also, Freeman said, Daytona Bike Week will be the first appearance for Kawasaki’s Custom Cruiser Tour, a compilation of just completed, customized Vulcan cruisers that show individual riders what can be done to literally individualize their own motorcycles.

“They’ve been designed by the top folks in the aftermarket and represent several hundred thousand dollars worth of rolling stock,” he said.

If you can’t get your fill of new bikes at the Speedway, and believe only Harley-Davidson makes real bikes, check out the Harley show at the Ocean Center starting Thursday.

But the displays aren’t limited to just fixed areas. There will be displays throughout the area. For example Apex Trikes of Warrington, Pa., will be at 2306 Atlantic Ave., across from the Hawaiian Inn in Daytona Beach Shores.

Rogue

Christine’s Kickstart – Learn to Ride Motorcycles–How to Ride a Motorcycle; featuring Christine?s KickSTARTTM Series? a comprehensive and inspiring instruction manual for the novice to intermediate motorcycle rider. Benefits both motorcycle instructors and students featuring instructional tips and troubleshooting advice. Also a resource guide for the motorcycle lifestyle and culture, in general. A uniquely developed curriculum based upon 20 years of experience taught by the American Motorcycle Driving School Inc. and five-generation motorcycle family. Also available, an accompanying 120 minute, interactive instructional DVD, featuring celebrity interviews, detailed instructions, proper riding demonstrations, and practice set-ups.

This book and DVD is the first of its kind. Never before has a book and DVD been available to dictate step-by-step, systematic set-up and practice parking lot diagrams. This is the first instructional book written by a female. Her experience and credentials are unmatched. Finally there is a true, beginners guide, written from a real teachers perspective and targeted at true novices and self-taught riders, addressing their actual concerns. This book has blazed the road, setting a new industry standard for beginner rider training.

Written by, Motorcycle InstructorChristine Firehock
Special Consultant, Motorcycle InstructorDiana L. Marafioti
American Motorcycle Driving School, INC.AMA, 2004 MVP AWARD Winner
Accredited by the BBB, for 20 years of Excellence in Customer Service

SIMON MILWARD DIES IN AFRICA– It is with great regret that we must tell you that Simon Milward, the former General Secretary of the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) has died in a road accident in Africa while on a round the world charity fund-raising motorcycle ride.

Simon, who set out on what he called The Millennium Ride at the beginning of 2000 was raising funds for charities providing medical assistance via motorcycles in poor countries.

He had reached the West African state of Mali in West Africa on his way back to Europe when the accident occurred. Details from the authorities are minimal at present but we shall post more on MAG’s website as information becomes available.

Initiatives have been made to repatriate his body and we shall post bulletins on the website to advise of further arrangements.

Anyone wishing to recognize the selfless work Simon so enthusiastically committed himself to, may like to visit his website for details regarding donations to his charities. http://www.millennium-ride.com

All of us at MAG UK wish to express our sympathy to Simon’s family and his many friends around the world. His loss leaves a huge gap in all our lives.

Ian Mutch
MAG President

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM & CHILDREN?S HOSPITAL JOIN FORCES–March 2005 – – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is excited to announce that it has joined with Children?s Care Hospital & School in a fundraising effort to benefit both non-profit organizations, scheduled on Wednesday evening, 10 August 2005 at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish, South Dakota.

The event, V-Twin Kids & Chrome, A Grand Affair, will include an exclusive dining experience, silent and live auctions and will boast the who?s who in motorcycling. Those unable to attend the dinner can still be a part of this incredible event by participating in the raffle. Two custom motorcycles, donated by Independent Cycle and Thunder Mountain Customs, with a combined value of $110,000, will be raffled as part of the event.

Children?s Care Hospital & School, with centers in Rapid City and Sioux Falls, is a non-profit organization providing cutting-edge family-centered services to children with special healthcare and educational needs. The children range from severely disabled, needing care in a residential setting, to children with mild challenges, served in their homes, schools, and daycares by outreach staff. Diagnoses include cerebral palsy; traumatic brain injury; spina bifida; autism; Down Syndrome; behavioral challenges; and learning, motor and speech delays. Children?s Care believes all children deserve the help they need to reach their greatest potential.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame was established in 2001 to preserve the great history of motorcycling and to honor the men and women who have made a positive and significant impact in our sport and lifestyle. Located in downtown Sturgis, it is dedicated to education, and the preservation of important artifacts documenting the history of motorcycling and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This world-class, non-profit museum continually rotates its exhibits and collection of national and international marquees. With an increasingly impressive selection of unique motorcycles and exhibits, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum has been listed as one of the ?10,000 Places To See Before You Die? by author Patricia Schultz.

For more information on how you can participate in this exciting new event check out the web site at http://www.kidsandchrome.com.

SONS OF LIBERTY RIDERS E-NEWS–
Bikers Declare Victory And Lift Myrtle Beach Boycott
ABATE of South Carolina, Inc.
www.abatesc.com
843-345-5926

Bikers Declare Victory And Lift Myrtle Beach Boycott
South Carolina, September 25, 2003 – Bikers lift the boycott of Myrtle Beachand Horry County after achieving political objectives. The boycott wasimplemented by ABATE of SC in the wake of the horrible accident that claimedthe lives of two motorcyclists when a public official failed to yield rightof way and was not charged.

ABATE of SC has voted to lift the boycott of Myrtle Beach following changesin the Horry County Council and the City Council of Myrtle Beach voting 6-1to spend $10,000 to tell the motorcycle community that Myrtle Beachis “Biker Friendly.” Right of Way Bills S418 and H3653 have also beenintroduced in the South Carolina Statehouse to increase the penalties forthose who injure, maim, or kill while violating current right of way laws.Motorcyclists and other concerned citizens are currently working hard togain passage of these right of way bills.

ABATE of South Carolina would like to thank all national and statemotorcyclists rights organizations that supported the boycott. ABATE of SCnow requests that those who supported our efforts now lift the boycott andwork with us to gain passage of right of way bills both in South Carolinaand beyond.

ABATE of South Carolina is a State Motorcyclists Rights Organizationdedicated to defending the rights of all motorcyclists who choose to ride inSouth Carolina. ABATE of South Carolina also encourages all motorcyclists toregister to vote and become active in the political process. ABATEencourages motorcyclists to voluntarily obtain motorcycle rider training.Many individual members of ABATE are actively involved in local charities.

Contact information:
FastFred Ruddock
State Coordinator Elect
ABATE of South Carolina
843-345-5926
ff@abatesc.com

. Survey on VFR website – pass the word please
Virginia Freedom Riders now has a survey on our website http://www.vfr-race.com/survey/survey.php?sid=29 Please take a moment and complete it. We are collecting this info from residents as Virginia as well as residents of other states. Only take it once, and answer as honestly as you can. We will collect the results and use them in our fight for freedom in the Commonwealth.

Please pass the word and get the message out to all motorcyclists and motorcyclist organizations you can think of. We would like to have at least 1000 Virginia citizens participate in this survey and as many out of state motorcyclists as possible.

Spread the word!
Penny

ON THE ROAD AGAIN?– One fan hopes to make sequel to ‘Easy Rider’ — finally.

James Sterngold, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, March 4, 2005

Hollywood — The 1960s may be long gone, but can its most celebrated movie anthem, “Easy Rider,” make a comeback?

This trippy, cinematic tone poem about two toked-up drug dealers searching for the soul of America has drifted into Hollywood lore in part because it was such a pure expression of the times and seemed, legally as well as creatively, one of a kind, inimitable. It was famously made on the fly by a group of new age Hollywood hipsters — Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson — and the producers of “The Monkees” television series.

But after their collaboration spoke enigmatic truths to an alienated generation, they stopped speaking to one another for the most part, tying “Easy Rider” into legal knots that have only added to the movie’s aura. Any notion of an “Easy Rider” franchise, and there have been plenty of failed efforts to recapture the film’s magic in sequels or remakes, seemed as dead as the film’s three main characters, all killed off at the movie’s dark conclusion.

Or so it seemed.

A semi retired litigator from Cincinnati with a passing resemblance to Fonda’s “Captain America” character, a head full of dreamy ideas and no filmmaking experience has probably the best chance yet to give the new millennium a new “Easy Rider.”

Indeed, it may take an outsider like Phil Pitzer, 60, backed by an improbable group of partners, to make the long-awaited sequel. And Pitzer’s vision, like the original, may turn out to be as much a pure expression of this moment in time, if in a slightly different sense. His plan calls for as many as three sequels, plus video games, merchandise, a possible television series, themed restaurants, concerts, even a line of motorcycles.

“This is not just about making a movie,” said Pitzer, who now lives in Aspen, Colo., most of the time. “I’m at a stage in my life when I want to make a difference.”

He added, “See, I’m a totally laissez-faire guy. I’m apolitical. Yeah, I may be a little weird. I may not be the most normal cat. But, hey, let me be. That works, you know. That’s the kind of thing this movie will be about. It’s about allowing people to be free and not impose your will on them. I mean, it’s de Tocqueville.”

He also has a simpler, more business-oriented vision.

“You have to have killer music, kick-ass motorcycles,” said Pitzer. “I’ve done my focus groups. I think a lot of people will dig it.”

If his approach is simple, there are some who argue that simplicity may be the key to getting the notoriously impossible movie made.

“If he wasn’t so naive he might have never made it this far in the first place,” said Michael Mailer, son of the writer Norman Mailer and an independent producer who has joined Pitzer on the project. “Seeing all the problems and the history of this thing, a lot of people in Hollywood wouldn’t have bothered. But Phil is out to make a movie. He’s obsessed with the movie, but you need to be.”

Whether anyone watches it or not, just getting the project under way would be an accomplishment, given the number of times people have tried and failed to make a sequel to “Easy Rider.”

There was the version, described in an interview by Bert Schneider, one of the original producers, which cast the story as a post apocalyptic fantasy. There was one written by screenwriter Sean Jacques, working with Lauren Lloyd — the producer of the fast-paced movie “Cellular” — in which Peter Fonda’s character, Wyatt, or Captain America, is not dead, but in jail on murder charges, and then becomes a cult hero.

And there was the plan by David Kaplan, a real estate investor committed to transcendental meditation who briefly owned the rights. He wanted a script that would have taken the motorcycle journey to a resort in North Carolina, owned by Kaplan, connected with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

“I wanted to publicize my resort,” said Kaplan, who has since sold the rights to the group that includes Pitzer.

Pitzer is both more and less ambitious. On the one hand, he said, the movie has to be entertaining. He plans on spending about $10 million on production, a modest sum by Hollywood standards, and focusing on the pure fun of motorcycles and rock music. And yet he also insists that the film must tap into the zeitgeist, in this case expressing the anxieties of the post-Sept. 11 world.

His story focuses on the family of Fonda’s character, Wyatt, including a sister and a brother, a few in-laws, Wyatt’s grouchy father, an illegitimate son and their own quest for America.

Hollywood, of course, has seen plenty of rich guys who have thought it would be a boatload of fun to make a few movies and perhaps date some stars. Usually, they are sent packing after being separated from a considerable amount of money. But show business cynics who want to dismiss Pitzer as a hayseed ripe for a run through the Hollywood spin cycle may have to think again.

True, he has no credits, no agent and no studio contacts. Not a maitre d’ in town knows his name. And he acknowledges that “Easy Rider” may be the toughest of all films to build on.

But Pitzer has a pit bull’s persistence and a nose for an opponent’s vulnerabilities, and he is convinced that after two and a half years of struggle and some legal skirmishing with the famously reclusive and wily Bert Schneider, he now owns the rights.

“This is the score of a lifetime,” said Pitzer, who claims that the original movie transformed his life from the moment he saw it in a theater in Kentucky 36 years ago. “Honestly, I still don’t know if this is a good thing or a bad thing. But I can tell you, it’s a thing.”

In a rare interview, Schneider, who produced and helped finance the original movie along with his fellow “Monkees” producer, Bob Rafelson, dismissed the claims but also acknowledged that Pitzer may be on to something. Schenider was engaged in a legal struggle over the rights for years. He settled with Columbia Pictures only in 1992, in an arrangement that gave him and his partner the rights to do sequels and remakes, but gave most of the other rights to Columbia.

“We own the rights,” said Schneider. “We never put them on the market.”

But then he agreed that Pitzer might actually have an option, after a previous owner, a businessman named Glenn Tobias who tried to produce a sequel, failed to repay a loan to David Kaplan. Tobias then had to hand the rights over to Kaplan.

“Whether anything can come of it, I don’t know,” said Schneider. “Every once in a while someone has come around and wanted to so something, but it could never happen without us. That’s just the truth.”

Pitzer and his financial partner, James Hunting, a real estate investor, have spent a considerable amount of time and money making certain that the rights they bought from Kaplan are rock solid.

“Dude, we have the rights,” he said, adding that he expects soon a judgment against Schneider confirming his ownership. Pitzer added that if and when he makes the new “Easy Rider” Schneider and Rafelson will still receive what could amount to millions of dollars because of an interest they retained from the previous sale.

Pitzer has assembled an unusual team for the unusual job, including a sometime Republican political consultant to write the script and Michael Mailer to produce the movie. Everyone who has spoken with him describes Pitzer as a man possessed.

“When I met Phil for the first time he was sitting in a banquette at the back of the Polo Lounge in these dark shades with his long hair, and I just said to myself, ‘Oh no. Save me from this wannabe,’ ” said Michael Harbert, the Republican operative and an experienced writer for television police dramas like “Law and Order.” “But after I listened to him for a half-hour I knew he was right, that he knew how to bring this franchise back. It was really clear that all this guy wanted to do was to make this movie.”

Pitzer and his team have already produced some film footage and a promotional poster for “ER II, The Motion Picture,” as it is being called for now.

The poster shows Pitzer, seated on a replica of the iconic Captain America motorcycle with the stars-and-bars gas tank, heading down the open road in Malibu. He intends to play a modest role in the film as the outlaw brother of Wyatt.

“This whole thing, I thought it was a very unorthodox situation, but given the history of the film, that’s probably appropriate,” said Mailer.

Rogue

I ALWAYS HAD A THING FOR APE HANGERS – SKOOTER

END OF NEWS–End of the workweek. I never liked the acronym TGIF, but today it truly fits the way I feel. Bandit took off for Daytona on Wednesday morning and me and the gals have been working our butts off since. When he returns, major changes will have taken place and it doesn?t end there. The living room is now empty and next on the list of rooms to renovate. Hang on for this one!

Have a great weekend!

Layla

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – STEALTH REPORT AND ALL ABOUT SHOVELS

Another Cutie from RFR–

A Day Late And A Dollar Short– I had major floor stripping going on yesterday, so I had to leave my office cause of the smell. Probably not too many of you checking anyway cause you?re all in Daytona with Bandit. Lucky people? Progress on the Sturgis Chop is exciting and the overall look of the bike is really taking shape. Keep an eye out for more updates. The building is coming along; so much work and so little time and money. We keep plugging along so hang in there with us, it?s got to get better soon.

Here?s the news?

Hey Guys, — Here’s a great old shot of a friend’s Father astride his pride and joy. Any idea what it is????

This other shot is a friend of mine Paul, he bought the old shovel back in 1978 and rides it every day.

Regards Glenn ? Aussie Connection

BILANSKY PUTS BUELL ON F-USA THUNDERBIKE PODIUM AT DAYTONA–Five Buells in Top Ten with Hal?s Rider Finishing Third DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 6, 2005) ? Hal?s Performance Advantage rider Dan Bilansky opened the 2005 Formula-USA Thunderbike season with a third-place finish aboard a Buell Firebolt. Bilansky was one of five Buell riders to place in the top ten of the 10-lap race at Daytona International Speedway.

The race was won by Prieto Racing rider Michael Barnes on a Suzuki. Barnes was also the top qualifier for the race. David Yaakov was second, also on a Suzuki.

Hal?s Performance Advantage riders Sam Rozynski and Joe Rozynski finished fourth and fifth on Buell Firebolts, followed by Richie Morris Racing/Daytona Harley-Davidson rider Clint Brotz, also on a Buell Firebolt. Darren Danilowicz finished seventh and Robert Fisher placed eighth, both on Suzukis. Nate Kern placed ninth on a BMW, and Jim?s Harley-Davidson/Buell of St. Petersburg, Fla. rider Tim Hall was tenth on a Buell Firebolt.

Evo-Twin Racing/Harding Harley-Davidson riders David Estok, who won the 2004 Daytona Thunderbike race, and Bryan Bemisderfer, the defending F-USA Thunderbike champion, both had a disappointing race after qualifying Buell Firebolts second and third behind Barnes. Estok was running in second position with four laps to go when his clutch failed, perhaps a result of making three race starts, as red flags for accidents stopped the race twice on the first lap. Bemisderfer was slowed by a mechanical problem early in the race and was making laps for points when he was forced to retire on lap eight. Bartels? Harley-Davidson/Newcastle Harley-Davidson rider Shawn Higbee qualified fifth on his Buell Firebolt, but crashed on the first lap of the final.

The next event on the eight-race Formula-USA Thunderbike schedule is April 23-25 at Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wis.

The Formula USA National Thunderbike series is a horsepower-to-weight ratio restricted class, open to a variety of production-based motorcycles. Buell-mounted riders competing in the eight-event 2005 Thunderbike series race for a share of the $70,500 contingency fund posted by Buell Motorcycle Company.

To learn more about Buell motorcycles, visit your local Buell dealer today and experience the pure streetfighter attitude, style and performance only found on board a Buell. For the Buell dealer nearest you, pull into http://www.buell.com.

Come Get a Knock Out?Not a Cut Out–Custom bikes are hot! You see them everywhere in Arizona, whether you are cruising in Scottsdale on the weekend or out for a day trip to Sedona. Look closely at these bikes?they have beautiful paint jobs, stretched frames, and plenty of chrome, yet they are still made from a cookie-cutter form assembly line.

That?s not the case at Rockem & Sockem Motrocycle Co, located at 3164 S. Country Club Drive in Mesa. Each bike built is individually crafted and designed to meet the needs and wants of the buyer. The owners, Ralph and Kelby Randolph, began building bikes for friends and family out of an old warehouse in Gilbert three years ago. Their passion for speed and high performance coupled with the desire to provide individualized service has turbo charged the business. They reorganized their company and focused on providing their clients with an overall ?custom? experience. The new and expanded showroom in Mesa does just that!

Service is the backbone of the experience at Rockem & Sockem. With the value of quality in mind, the company brought in a leading valley builder, Kenny Lucas, to head up the service department. Kenny has been PhD certified by Harley Davidson since 1991 and was the chief technician at Biker?s Dream for seven years. Kenny shares in the company?s belief that EVERY rider should have a custom bike. The experienced service department will assist with your regularly scheduled maintenance or help you increase your performance. The staff can work on all types of bikes from Shovelheads and Panheads to the newest models by Harley Davidson. They provide quality service that you can trust!

After you have spoken with Ralph or Kenny and decided on your frame, style, paint, and accessories, feel free to continue to stop by the shop and check on the progress of your custom bike. View your bike in every stage of production from the mock-up to the final test drive. They build the bike you want, so there is no need to worry about changing your mind half way through on which pegs you want. Just come in, make your request and they?ll install the parts that you want.

While you are browsing around the showroom, don?t forget to look at Rockem & Sockem?s new clothing line. Lisa Barker is the friendly face behind the parts counter, who also handles the shop?s apparel. Feel free to ask her any questions about what?s available and what new styles are coming soon. You can complete your ?custom? experience by sporting one of Rockem & Sockem Motorcycle Co.?s private label leather shirts, vests, and jackets. Made exclusively for the shop, this top quality riding apparel will also knock out the competition! Don?t wait?stop by the showroom today or visit us online at http://www.rockemandsockem.com.

PROPER SPEECH–A girl from the South and a girl from Boston were seated side by side on an airplane. The girl from the South, being friendly and all, said: ?So, where y?all from??

The Boston girl said, ?From a place where they know better than to use a preposition at the end of a sentence.?

The girl from the South sat quietly for a few moments and then replied with a sweet smile and her fabulous sticky-sweet drawl:

?So, where y?all from, bitch??

RevCarl

Weather can’t toss slaw wrestling tradition —
By MARK HARPER
Staff Writer
SAMSULA — Cold and rain — and not an Amazonian opponent — caused one coleslaw wrestler to collapse Wednesday, bringing an anticlimactic close to one of the least successful chapters in the annual celebration of beer and bare flesh.

The wrestler, believed to have suffered from hypothermia, checked out OK after getting warmed up in the back of a pickup, organizers said.

The crowd was down about 70 percent from most years, said Ron Luznar, owner of Sopotnick’s Cabbage Patch Tavern, the event’s host. He estimated the subdued turnout would cost him $50,000 or more. He’ll try to recover by hosting an extra round of slaw wrestling scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, when the weather is expected to improve.

Those who braved temperatures that dropped below 50 degrees Wednesday waited as long as four hours to witness 10 women taking turns grappling in a pit of cabbage and cooking oil.

Was it really worth it?

“Absolutely!” exclaimed John Brooks of Herrin, Ill. “These are the best people in the world.”

Brooks wasn’t drinking. But the guy next to him, Angelo Padilla of DeLand, copped to three bloody marys and three beers that were helping him cope with the cold. They cheered on Jenna Zimorowicz, a 19-year-old rugby player from North Carolina State University in Raleigh. A veteran of Jell-O wrestling, Zimorowicz stripped down to a green, two-piece bikini for her matches, but ultimately lost to a fellow Spring Breaker. The man with the best view was referee “$2 Jim” Steen of Deltona. He got dirty counting ’em out and occasionally getting pushed into the mess. It left his T-shirt soaked and reeking of cabbage. Wet and freezing cold, the tint of his face was changing from red to violet when the matches were finally called after 4 p.m. Beforehand, he was more talkative.

“$2 Jim” — who got his nickname because he always leaves a $2 tip, regardless of the number of beers he drinks — always plans on pitching his outfit after the matches.

“What I wear out there, it stinks too bad you can’t wear it no more,” he said. “It’s a done deal.”

As he was shaking, Theresa McKnight, 23, of Evansville, Ind., was being called to the ring for her third match. She wore a neon green one-piece fishnet swimsuit. Her teeth chattered. Then she fell to the ground. She was one of six wrestlers who had remained in the running for a $500 first prize. When the winner couldn’t be determined, McKnight and the others each got $100. Inside Sopotnick’s, biker Ed Daley said the weather resembled that in his hometown, Pittsburgh, but he said it “got rid of the yuppies,” which in his view was a good thing.

Rogue

STEALTH REPORT–Not a lot going on this week. I have been busy cutting through red tape and the political process but it will all be worth it in the end. The “Meanest” and I are heading to the beach this weekend along with our pit bull puppy J.C.So with not a lot going on I am going to use this week?s space for my rants and comments. So here goes!

Just a few things to mention, I am sure most of you have been watching the new Speed channels new series Build or Bust with Russell MItchell. I really get into this show. Congratulations to last night?s winner Joe! Speaking of shows, how about this weeks biker build off, real different. Congratulations to Billy Lane!

Have any of you have ever noticed how people want to be patted on the back for doing what is expected or what you are supposed to do? I saw this a lot at my old job. I was supposed to pat people on the back or ass or somewhere for things like being on time, for taking only an hour for lunch and not 2 hours and I could name about 10 more but I won’t. I just don’t get it???? I guess I am just old school!

One thing I notice about bikes is that they seem to be getting more basic and going back to the roots of choppers and bobbers and that is a good thing. If you really want to see some over done ugly bikes visit any dealership. Bad paint jobs and every piece of chrome do-dads you can imagine.Most of them look as though they have terminal disease that is spreading. Thank God for magazines like “THE HORSE” and the new “STREET CHOPPER!”

Spring is close by and the bikes are starting to come out more regularly. That always makes me feel good. So with that being said, be careful because the cagers might not expect you out on the roads this early! Just a thought! There has already been one fatality here this year, last weekend a kid pulled a 100 mph wheelie and lost control on a rice rocket. My feelings go out to his family.

Well I guess that is about it, I have to go cut through some more red tape!

Until next week!
STEALTHMAM

SHOVEL INSPIRATION–Bandit, Wrote last I bought a 2005 FLHT, nice bike, you turn the key and go.Reading about all your fun with the shovelhead made me check out some bike project options of my own. I came up with a wrecked 2002 FXDX 7500 miles for $5000. The bike was ridden off the road and was laid down in the dirt. The electronics, engine, drivetrain and frame are all good. The sheet metal took a dump. Hell, it even came with a black Thunderheader exhaust (not damaged), installed! The motor runs, tranny shifts and the electronics work.

Plans are to “ebay” it back together. Won’t be a chopper, but it is a bike project.

See attached for photo of what is good. Shows you can get on the road if you are willing to spend some time in the garage.

All the best
Anson

REPORT FROM THE DEVIL–We didn’t even get this beauty in the door before we ripped here clothes off. It is good to have one of the new S&S shovels going in a bike! Can?t wait to check it out. Also, check out the new seat Joe is pounding out for the Blue Devil

Hope all is well for ya’ll. Take care, The Devil

MORE SHOVEL MANIA–Bandit,I sent you a photo of my Shovel project back in the summer and you used it in the Sunday news. I thought I would send a photo of the rebuilt motor. The legendary drag racer Pete Hill rebuilt it and now it is time for me to get busy.

Mike
Chapin, SC

BRAVE MAN– A man appeared before St. Peter at the pearly gates.

“Have you ever done anything of particular merit?” St. Peter asked.

“Well, I can think of one thing,” the man offered.

“Once, on a trip to the Black Hills out in South Dakota, I came upon agang of ruthless bikers, who were threatening a young woman. I directedthem to leave her alone, but they wouldn’t listen.So, I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker andsmackedhim on the head, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring and threwit on the ground.” I yelled, “Now, back off biker boy or you’ll answerto me!”

St. Peter was impressed. “When did this happen?”

“Just a couple minutes ago…

Skooter

S&S OLD SCHOOL SHOVEL TOUR–DAYTONA BEACH, FL (March 10, 2005) S&S Cycle, along with American Iron Magazine, debuted the Old School Shovel Tour at the Broken Spoke Saloon in Daytona. The typically unpredictable Daytona weather did not stop the crowds from gathering as fans waited in long lines to meet the famed builders and see the unveiling of the showcased custom bikes.

Coming off a successful and popular 2004 tour, which centered around the S&S 124″ VFI engine, S&S embarked on a different path this year to highlight their new 93″ alternator/generator shovel engine. The Old School Shovel Tour is designed to bring back the old school look by involving some of most capable and creative builders in the industry. This year’s line up has produced a wide variety of bikes from the shops of Kevin Alsop, Big Bear Choppers; Big Mike, BMC Choppers; Chica, Chica Custom Cycles; Jesse Rooke, Rooke Customs; and Paul Cox and Keino of Indian Larry Legacy.

In addition to the builders mentioned, co-sponsor American Iron Magazine selected Tribal Motorworks to produce a special giveaway bike. This bike will be awarded to one very lucky winner during a drawing held on Christmas Eve at the American Iron Magazine offices in Stamford , CT. The winner will be notified by phone and/or email by officials from the magazine.

“This event is packed with too much detail to explain, you really have to be here to experience the energy and excitement from the crowds as they view these custom bikes for the first time,” said S&S Communications Manager, James Simonelli . “We have a great variety of builders who did a great job building their bike around the S&S shovel engine. We invited a unique combination of volume manufacturers and small custom builders; it is very interesting to see how each one interprets the old school theme. Regardless, each bike is way cool in its own way. The raffle bike really ties things together and we are honored to be working with these builders and American Iron Magazine to pull off this tour,” continued Simonelli.

S&S President, Brett Smith added, “Every year we create a special campaign to showcase a specific product, something that will really capture the interest and excitement of the V-Twin community. In 2003 we introduced the 145″ Tribute engine; in 2004 we created the 124″ VFI Shootout, which has developed into a new AHDRA racing class called the S&S 124″ Challenge Class. This year we wanted to give a V-Twin classic a fresh overhaul with improved technology and performance. Going with the old school theme has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The S&S Old School Shovel Tour will continue through the summer making stops at the Laughlin River Run, Myrtle Beach Bike Rally, Laconia Bike Week, the J&P Cycles open house, and finally concluding at the Broken Spoke Saloon in Sturgis. The bikes will be on display for each of these events along the tour and the builders will also be available to talk with fans and sign autographs.

Look for feature articles and photos in American Iron Magazine as they highlight the builders and their bikes. More information can be found online from S&S Cycle at www.sscycle.com and American Iron Magazine at www.americanironmagazine.com . Shovels rule!

Continued On Page 2

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – RIP – PEARL HOEL, BIKE WEEK TIPS, NEW PRODUCTS

Continued From Page 1

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK ROADHOUSE HITS THE ROAD AGAIN!ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?–Picture yourself basking in the sun, on a Hard Rockin? custom bike, that you just won, compliments of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. You can make this dream become a reality, but you have to hit the Road?the Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour.

The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse is back for more hard rockin? action with the 2005 featured custom bike builders showcasing metal-carving ingenuity and raw talent. Doug Keim, of New Jersey?s Creative Cycles, Jesse Rooke, of Rooke Customs, Phoenix, Arizona, Roland Sands ?New Blood?, from in LaPalma, California and Johnny Vasko aka Johnny Chop from Southern Cal, are set center-stage at five key bike rallies?first stop, Daytona Bike Week.

These artists have been featured on TV shows and magazines across the country and around the world, and they?ll be presenting their Hard Rockin? bikes for fans to see-and WIN! Your entry could be the one?and you could be the one lucky biker to choose a Hard Rock bike to ride home from the season grand finale?all you have to do is enter!

Entries are taken at each of the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse tour stops, as well as online at http://www.hrroadhouse.com or at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, when the featured bikes are showcased between Roadhouse trips. Just roll up to a laptop, enter your contact information and you?re on the road?the Hard Rock Roadhouse!

After touring from Daytona, to Sturgis, to New Orleans and back to Daytona, (see http://www.hrroadhouse.com for the full schedule), the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse will wrap up in South Florida for the season?s Grand Finale at the new and smoking Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino–party central and the custom bike Mecca for the second annual Ft. Lauderdale Bike Rally, December 1-4. Entertainment, music, food?we?ve got it 24/7 at the Seminole Paradise where the crowd will be rocking to great music at Hard Rock Live, cruising the vendor booths, and gathering heat–especially during the Hawaiian Tropic bikini contest–just in time to cool down in the slick 130,000 s.f. casino?that?s where the action really kicks up a notch!

Entertainment is non-stop and the nightlife is never-ending at the Seminole Hard Rock! Join sponsors Budweiser, Hawaiian Tropic Performance Machine, S&S Cycle, Baker Drivetrain, Hot Bike, and bikernet.com. Cold Bud and Hot Babes and Bikes–Are you ready to Rock? Then hit the road! Take a ride on the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Tour.

THE PASSING OF AN ERA– Pearl Hoel passed away on Sunday, Feb. 27th, 2005. Pearl will always be remembered as the First Lady of the Sturgis Rally. She and her husband Pappy started and made the rally into what it has become today. We will miss her, but we know she isn?t far away. These are her Hills, and this is her Rally. Her role has simply changed from hostess and historian, to guardian. Of this you can be certain, she is off somewhere reunited with Pappy, riding around on an old Indian, watching over her town and her two wheeled friends.

We believe this 65th Rally should be dedicated to Pearl. We can thank her for bringing us all together in a spirit of everything that is positive about biking, bikers and riding in the Black Hills.

The 65th Annual Sturgis/Black Hills Rally is starting to come together… it’s going to be a big rally! More bikers and more activities… and the 65th Anniversary! August 8th – 14th, 2005Check out the current Schedule of Events at: http://www.Sturgis.com/schedule.html – There will be LOTS more to come, so keep checking back.

This is the time of year to start getting your lodging taken care http://www.BlackHillsReservations.com of: Hotels, motels, B&B’s, etc. are hard to find… but there are a few openings yet. Tent camping sites can normally be found somewhere, even during the Rally. Private housing is starting to get busy too. Check out the following to help arrange your accommodations… they go fast, so hurry!
http://www.Sturgis.com/lodging.html – List of campgrounds, motels, etc
http://www.Sturgis.com/lodgingboard – Private Housing Ads
– One stop reservations for many different places.

Also join in on the Message Board: http://www.sturgis.com/messageboard/The board has a great bunch of folks all willing to share their experiences and help give answers and recommendations to those that have questions. The message board can be a great source of information (and fun) from like-minded individuals.

You can also request special “Private Forums” for your own group… Private forums only allow the members that you select. Only you and your members can see, read and post messages to it! Private forums allows you to easily and quickly keep in touch with your group. Simple, straightforward and to the point! Easy to use and best yet, it’s FREE!

Thanks, and we’re already looking forward to August!
The Sturgis.com crew

BIKE WEEK TRAFFIC TIPS– Half a million motorcyclists and motorcycle race fans are expected on local roadways between today and March 13. Here are some tips:

BUSIEST TIMES: 10 p.m. March 11 (Daytona Supercross by Honda) and 2 p.m. March 12 (Daytona 200) at Daytona Beach International Speedway.

BIGGEST CROWDS: Speedway area, Main Street, Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, North Beach Street.

BIKE PARKING ONLY: Main Street, some sections of North Beach Street, and the south side of Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard between Beach Street and Palmetto Avenue. Only local residents may park in some beachside areas; watch for signs.

BIKE RIDING ONLY: Main Street between 11 a.m. and 2 a.m. No large vehicles allowed on Main Street.

GETTING TO MAIN STREET: Southbound on Atlantic Avenue: Stay in the right southbound lane; turn right onto Main. Northbound on Atlantic Avenue: Turn left on International Speedway Boulevard, then right on Peninsula Drive. Southbound on Peninsula Drive: Turn left onto Oakridge Boulevard, then south on Atlantic Avenue.

LIMITED ACCESS: Between Auditorium and Harvey on South Coates, South Fern, South Wild Olive and North Noble streets, South Grandview and South Oleander avenues, and North and South Hollywood.

BEACH ACCESS: Use Seabreeze, Orange Avenue or Broadway bridges. Watch for bridge closings.

SHHHH: Noise laws in residential areas will be enforced.

NO PARADE: Police said no permits had been requested or issued as of Wednesday.

BUS RE-ROUTES: Latest Votran bus route information: (386) 761-7700 (Daytona Beach); (386) 424-6800 (New Smyrna Beach); or (386) 943-7033 (West Volusia).

Rogue
www.bikerrogue.com

14th ANNUAL GOLD WING GETAWAY VENDOR EXPO– pin-striping, air brush artists, leathers, tires, accessories, food and more; presented by Chapter FL1-H, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., New Smyrna Beach Airport, U.S. Highway 1, New Smyrna Beach. Free. (386) 673-6176.

KICKSTAND CITY: featuring variety of activities including entertainment by Ross and Rotten, 5 p.m.; Charlie Brechtel Band, 6:30 and 10:30 p.m.; Harley Hypnotist, 8 p.m.; Hawaiian Tropic Girls, 10:15 p.m.; Daytona International Speedway, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. $30 daily admission; camping sites also available. All prices and performers subject to change. (800)-PITSHOP.

LEATHER AND LACE BASH: featuring biker fashions, food, live rock music by Running with Scissors, 7-10 p.m., DeLand Museum of Art, 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. $30. (386) 734-4371.

FASTLANE PROMOTIONS’ MOTORCYCLE SWAPMEET: featuring “World’s Biggest” hotdog, live music, beer, food and more, Volusia County Fairgrounds, State Road 44 and Interstate 4, DeLand. $5. (386) 801-1810.

Rogue
www.bikerrogue.com

CYRIL HUZE SPIKEE COILS BRACKETS– Looks great on choppers. CNC machined out of a piece of T6-6061 billet aluminum, highly polished and chrome plated. Without or with a hole to accept an ignition switch. Accepts single fire, single plug Dyna coils (paint the coils like Cyril does, and nothing will look more custom). Bolt on directly on Huze Dreamliner motor mount, on any FXR type motor mount, or to your Harley 2-piece Evo motor mount using a top motor mount adapter. Ignition switch and coils sold separately.

Cyril Huze
Tel 561-392-5557
http://www.cyrilhuze.com

HIDE-AWAYINTERNAL FORK STOP SYSTEMS– Fork stops are a necessary evil for any scooter and if you’re riding a custom they need to be internal. Just as importantly, the fork stops you install had better be STRONG, precision fit and free from any movement. PRO-ONE developed what may be the best internal fork stops available for use on their mega-buck show machines and now they’re making them available to the public. Shown here are two different styles. The HIDE-AWAY INTERNAL FORK STOP KIT shown with cups is designed for use with PRO-ONE triple trees and front end kits as well as with many stock and custom forks.

Components are precision machined from super tuff, highly polished stainless steel, ease of installation and a precision fit. The second layout shows the HIDE-AWAY INTERNAL FORK STOP SYSTEM developed for Hourglass style necks. Once again components are machined from aircraft quality, polished stainless steel to meet PRO-ONE’S strict tolerance requirements. These must have components are the most important protection your paint and molding have from potentially devastating damage by unbridled triple trees, fork legs and handlebars.

Hourglass HIDE-AWAY INTERNAL STOP KITS sell for just $99.95 while the PRO-ONE/Custom kit retails for $104.95. To order call 800-884-4173 or catch the full PRO-ONE show at http://www.pro-one.com

HIGH TECH COVER UPS–Dressing up that portion of your fork legs between the upper and lower trees is a simple task with these slick covers from PRO-ONE. The high tech covers are crafted from billet aluminum in lengths of 5 ?? and 7 1/8?. Precision machined for a precise fit using 41 mm forks, these impressive COVER UPS feature a Ball Milled design and are finished in show quality chrome. PRO-ONE CHROME BILLET FORK TUBE COVERS retail for just $74.95 and can be used with most stock and custom applications. If you?re looking for a way to add some style to an otherwise boring area, these COVER UPS are just what the doctor ordered. To order check with your local PRO-ONE dealer, call direct at 800-884-4173 or catch them on the web at http://www.pro-one.com.

SOFTAIL ROAD RAGE– Softail riders looking for both unique styling and the ultimate in performance will find all they can handle in Bassani’s new SOFTAIL ROAD RAGE. Designed to fit all EVO and Twin Cam Softail models, with or without floorboards, the pipes feature low and lean swept back lines and an aggressive, unmistakable exhaust note. Dyno tuned for maximum performance, front and rear head pipes merge into a power tuned 4″, true reverse-cone megaphone. Tunable, replaceable baffles are secured with a polished billet aluminum end cap. As with all BASSANI systems the chrome finish is both flawless and durable.

Available exclusively from NORTH COUNTY CUSTOMS, SOFTAIL ROAD RAGE headers are designed to develop gains in torque and horsepower over a wide rpm range. Each system is supplied with all mounting hardware and retails for $519.00. For complete details call 866-439-4287. On the web at http://www.bassanipipes.com.

RALLY?S GRAND DAME DIES AT 99–
By Dan Daly, Journal Staff Write

STURGIS ? Pearl Hoel cooked dinner for all 150 people who attended the first Sturgis motorcycle event in 1938. In 2004, she remained a high-profile supporter of the Sturgis motorcycle rally, an event that now draws as many as half a million bikers from all over the world.

“Everyone in town referred to her as the First Lady of Sturgis,” Pepper Massey-Swan, head of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, said. “She loved the event, she loved the people. ? I don’t what we’ll do without her.”

Pearl T. Hoel died Sunday at Sturgis Community Health Care Center. She was 99.

Her husband, Clarence “Pappy” Hoel was an Indian Motorcycle dealer who started a motorcycle race outside Sturgis in 1938 as a way to generate interest in Indian Motorcycles and the sport of motorcycling.

Pearl, who personally didn’t like riding motorcycles, supported his early efforts and continued her support of the event after his death in 1989.

Through the years of the rally, she developed friendships with people from throughout the world. She was interviewed by National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, the History Channel and other media.

“When the reporters wanted to speak to someone who had seen the various changes in the growth of the rally, we would always send them to Pearl,” Massey-Swan said Monday. “And Pearl was always generous with her time.”

She was the perfect interview. She had watched the annual rally grow from a tiny local gathering into “Sturgis,” the international event that has become the symbol of the biker lifestyle.

In the early 1930s, the Hoels had an ice business, Canyon Ice Co. Each winter, they would cut blocks from the holding dams in Vanocker Canyon during winter and store them until summer. Then, they would sell block ice to Sturgis residents in the summer, Cliff Linn, former Sturgis mayor and longtime friend, recalled. Some of the dams are still in Vanocker Canyon, he said.

When electricity came to Sturgis, people abandoned their ice boxes. Pappy Hoel decided to get into the motorcycle business and acquired the Indian Motorcycle dealership.

While he built the business, she worked at Meade County Courthouse, a steady paycheck that helped keep the dealership going through the tough years of the Great Depression.

In 1938, there were enough young bikers in the area to stage a regional motorcycle race. Each year after the race, the Hoels and others would put on a barbecue for the racers and fans, Linn said. That is how the big Sturgis event began.Except for 1938 and 1939, when he was living on the farm near Hereford, and the two years during World War II when the event was cancelled, Cliff Linn has attended every Sturgis rally.

Linn said he has more memories of Pearl Hoel on horseback than astride a motorcycle. She and Clarence were active members of the saddle club Linn belonged to. The group often rode their horses in the Vanocker Canyon area where the Hoels had a cabin.

“She didn’t ride a whole lot, but she liked to associate with us, so she’d come by car,” he said.

In November 2004, on her 99th birthday, Pearl Hoel said: “The most important thing that has happened to me over the years is the friends I’ve made. I don’t know what I’d do without them.”

The feeling is mutual, according to Massey-Swan. In a tribute posted Monday on the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Web site, www.sturgismotorcyclemuseum.org, Massey-Swan profiled the First Lady of Sturgis.

“When I first met Pearl, she seemed fragile, small of stature, soft spoken, smiling and in her late 80s. My opinion was soon modified. The more time I spent with this amazing woman, the more I learned of her strength, tenacity and sense of purpose,” Massey-Swan wrote.

“Even at 99 years young, Pearl was the best source of information on the Rally. Because she was there from the beginning, and because this event was her passion, her gift of recall and her ability to share oral history was constantly in demand, and she reveled in each opportunity.”

Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. in Sturgis.

Contact Dan Daly at 394-8421 or dan.daly@rapidcityjournal.com

Sent by Skooter

A Biker’s Prayer–

God, grant me patiencefor idiots and old ladies.
Keep me safein your sight at all times,
(But out of the sight of cops.)
Shield me on my rideswith your protection
And protect thosewho ride with me.
Keep me frombeating the crap out ofpeople who annoy meor drink my last beer.
With your handbless my bikeand bring me home safely, and not in handcuffs,To those I love.

Amen
Sue
BX, NY

LOVELY LIVIA–Layla, I made it down to Florida……… spent most of last night reading this month Hot Bike and the Daytona Survival Guide that came with it……….

Can’t wait til the party starts!

Livia

IT’S A WRAP–It’s nuts at the HOT BIKE headquarters. Half thestaff is flying to Daytona this weekend, the other half is scrambling to putout another fine magazine within the evil corporate Primedia structure. It’sall good and we appreciate you standing by us as we scramble through thismagazine adventure.

I’ve got to once again thank the babes for keeping it all together atBikernet. My sense is that this industry is exploding. It seems to me that anew, hot builder is born everyday and that’s not a bad thing. This industryis all about freedom to build any goddamn thing you want. Speaking ofbuilding, hopefully I’ll have time to put serious time into the Shovelheadthis weekend. I’ll report on my progress. Also Sin Wu has a feature fromPaul Garson on a killer, retro, Shovelhead from the Garage company inBurbank, California. It’s a classic. Plus, if we’re lucky Layla will postFrank’s next oil pump tech.

Next week means freedom for half a million winter-trapped bikes as theyescape to Daytona’s shores and pray for warm riding weather. I’ll be ridinga Viper. It was 46 degrees in Florida today. Let’s say a prayer to the godof chrome to unleash the Sun’s powers on the Florida Coast.

Ride Forever,
Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – STEALTH & CARIBBEAN REPORTS, LA CALENDAR SHOW UPDATES AND MORE–

I know how you all love getting your intro?s from Bandit; unfortunately meetings have consumed him today so I?ll do the honors. Not much to tell; we move on with progress here at the Headquarters, paint on the walls and carpet on the floors now, yesterday base molding was put in. After a couple coats of paint we move in.

Turns out this place has hardwood floors throughout upstairs, so I?ve also got a helper here stripping the old tile off with a heat gun. Thankfully the tile was only placed in the hallway. The floor guys said it?s Birch and that folks are paying way too much money for what we have, 80-year old, naturally distressed hardwood, 5/8? thick. Can?t wait to pull the rug off the living room floor to see the rest!

Here?s the news and Bandit will do the ending?

FastDates.com and Performance Machine present the 2005
2005 LA Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend July 16-17th 2005–featuring the World’s top Builders and Custom Bikes, Jardine Dyno Shootout, Builders Seminars, Metric Midway, Concerts and Beautiful Girls

The Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend sponsored by Performance Machine and held at the beautiful Queen Mary Event Park on the Pacific Ocean in downtown Long Beach, CA, continues to grow every year as the most popular consumer street bike show in America catering to custom, cruiser, classic and sportbike enthusiasts. Always the 3rd weekend of July, the 14th Annual Show scheduled for Saturday July 16th and Sunday July 17th, 2005. The Show features a huge weekend of activities with an expected 180 major motorcycle and product manufacturers, exhibitors and venders, together with the leading custom bike from across America. Associate Sponsorship support for the premier streetbike event weekend in America is provided by Iron Works magazine, Jardine Performance, Trader Publications, Trader Express, Connection Magazines, Quick Throttle Magazine, 2-Wheel Tuner, FastDates.com Calendars & Website, The Los Angeles Times / ReCycler / Cycle Buys, Bikernet.com and SPEED TV?s American Thunder.

On Saturday night Show promoter Jim Gianatsis hosts the Iron & Lace Calendar Builders Night Party beginning at 9pm on board the historic Queen Mary ocean liner in the Observation Room Bar with live musical entertainment by a sensational new national female recording artist. Many of the top Iron & Lace Calendar bike builders together with other top celebrity builders attending the Show weekend will be there, together with fans and the beautiful FastDates.com Calendar Angels featured in the Iron & Lace Calendar.

As always the LA Calendar Show offers the premier Custom, Sportbike and Classic Bike Contest on the West Coast featuring many of top Pro and Amateur bike builders in America vying for the prestigious Performance Machine Best of Show Trophy. Performance Machine and show producer Jim Gianatsis have bolstered the already huge $60,000 Bike Show awards purse with an additional $10,000 in Case prize money for Best of Show and Best PM Equipped Bike at the Show. Expect 3-time LA Calendar Motorcycle Show winner Jesse Rooke to return to reveal his latest cutting edge custom in another bid to secure the coveted Performance Machine Best of Show title. But competition will again be intense from many of world’s top builders like last year’s winner Shinya Kimura from Zero Engineering who flew in from Japan to took home the Best of Show trophy with one of his famed retro choppers that have customers on a 4-year waiting list.

Highlighting a full weekend of live entertainment, this year?s LA Calendar Motorcycle Show features a Classic Rock ?n? Roll and Blues Festival both days. Returning is the hugely popular Unauthorized Rolling Stones out of San Francisco together with the Janis Joplin style rock/blues vocals of the beautiful Boudeeka. Alternating on stage will be beautiful blues rock singers Jessie Payo on Saturday, and Shari Puorto on Sunday. Also featured both days will be the beautiful Purrfect Angelz with their sizzlin? Las Vegas style stage shows which set the Show on fire, literally, with the sexy outfits, and stage routines which include fire twirling and lap dancing!

Showcasing the Calendar Girls theme of the Calendar Bike Show will be the premier of the 2006 FastDates.com Calendars with the beautiful SBK Fast Dates World Superbike and Iron & Lace Calendar Angels in attendance. Featured is TV and movie star Miss Texas ?Rockin? Robin? Cunningham who will be hosting the stage activities both days, assisted by the legendary Keith ?Bandit? Ball of Bikernet.com and biker magazine fame. Plus there will be the FastDates.com Calendar Girl Model Search Pageant presented by CaliforniaHostess.com with their own sexy models, plus the beautiful Hooters Girls and Archie?s Ice Cream Girls.

COWS AND CONSTITUTION–
COWS
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that our government can track a cow born in Canada almost three years ago, right to the stall where she sleeps in the state of Washington. And they tracked her calves to their stalls. But they are unable to locate 11 million illegal aliens wandering around our country. Maybe we should give them all a cow.

CONSTITUTION
They keep talking about drafting a Constitution for Iraq. Why don’t we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it’s worked for over 200 years and we’re not using it anymore.

TEN COMMANDMENTS
The real reason that we can’t have the Ten Commandments in a Courthouse! You cannot post “Thou Shalt Not Steal,” “Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery” and “Thou Shall Not Lie” in a building full of lawyers, judges and politicians! It creates a hostile work environment!

Vern

BAD-ASS BALLOONS–A possible way of getting out of a ticket and get to your destination in a hurry. Can you see some guy going 120 mph on Highway I-15 to Vegas with these balloons trailing about 50 yards behind him? Or, heading south on I-5 just outside of Bakersfield!!

Step 1. Tie balloons to car.

Step 2. Drive like a bat out of hell….

Step 3. Watch people freak out !!!!

Kenny Samson

Roadshows, Inc. Schedules Eight Motorcycle Events in 2005–Reno, NV — Roadshows, Inc., of Reno, NV, producer of some of the largest motorcycle events in the nation, has scheduled eight motorcycle events in 2005.Roadshows combines great bands, thrilling entertainment, amusing bike games, incredible tours, poker runs, fabulous shopping – and the hottest bikes on the planet to ensure successful events. Roadshows motorcycle events scheduled in 2005 are:

May 16-21 Myrtle Beach Spring Rally, “Big Bikes, Big Beach, Big Bash, Big Builders”, sponsored by The Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association, includes live bands and specialty entertainment and stunt shows daily. Enjoy 60 miles of highway right along the coast. Salt air, sea breeze, bikes and the beach! It simply doesn’t get better than this! Enjoy Harley-Davidson Demo Rides, a Competition Ride-In Show and a Custom Bike Builder’s Expo featuring some of the top builders in the nation; Kendall Johnson, Arlen Ness, Dave Perewitz and Ron Simms. Don’t miss the Ford Motor Company display. Open to all motorcycles, this event is huge — so get ready to party. Spring Rally will rock the Convention Center at 21st Street and North Oak where you’ll find vendors and entertainment, The Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort, The Beaver Bar and Beach Monkey’s. For more vendor, sponsor or event information, call Roadshows at 800-200-4557or e-mail admin@road-shows.com or visit www.road-shows.com.

May 28-30 West Coast Thunder VI, held over Memorial Day weekend, expands to three days this year. This festival starts with early bird registration Friday night, May 27th. Things start hoppin’ Saturday with vendors, food and live entertainment at a park near Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson. On Memorial Day itself, participants will assemble in the morning at the Harley-Davidson dealership, for a parade to the Riverside National Cemetery to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Then it’s back to the park for lunch and entertainment following the memorial service. Download a registration form at www.road-shows.com or call Roadshows at 800-200-4557or e-mail admin@road-shows.com for more vendor, sponsor or event information.

June 24-26 Mammoth Lakes Mean Mountain Run is now in its fifth year produced by professionals for motorcycle enthusiasts. Roadshows, Inc. will work with the City of Mammoth Lakes, CA, for this event at the Village Pavilion lot on Old Mammoth Road. There’ll be a poker run, ride-in shows, bike games, stunt shows and rockin’ music while vendors sell their wares. Open to all motorcycles. Download a registration form at www.road-shows.com, call Roadshows at 800-200-4557or e-mail admin@road-shows.com for more vendor, sponsor or event information.

July 28-31 Milwaukee Rally, Milwaukee WI, will feature great live entertainment from rockin’ bands, unbelievable stunt shows, shopping and fun at the Milwaukee Mile Raceway.

Sept. 15-19 Cherry’s Jubilee, Monterey, CA at the Laguna Seca Racewaywill feature hot laps, a hot rod show and shine for cars and a ride-in show for bikes, great music, terrific shopping and a parade. Download a registration form at www.road-shows.com, call Roadshows at 800-200-4557or e-mail admin@road-shows.com for more vendor, sponsor or event information.

Sept. 21-25 Street Vibrations Motorcycle Festival is the hottest time on two wheels! A celebration of music, metal and motorcycles Street Vibrations offers tours, entertainment, parades, ride-in shows, stunt shows, Chrome Alley retail vendors, the Harley-Davidson Factory Store, big name concerts and more. The event is so big, it rocks at several locations throughout Reno, NV. Rides to historic towns and to one of the most beautiful meetings of mountains and water on earth – fabulous Lake Tahoe — provide special entertainment all their own. Flirt with Lady Luck during poker walks and runs and during special slot tournaments. It’s HOG heaven! Don’t miss America’s Finest Custom Bike Builder’s Expo where you can see creations of the Michelangelo’s of the motorcycle world. Be certain to check out the Tattoo Expo too. Open to all motorcycles. Visit www.road-shows.com to download a registration form. For more vendor, sponsor or event information call 800-200-4557 or e-mail admin@road-shows.com.

Oct. 7-9 American Heat Palm Springs Motorcycle & Hot Rod Weekend in the desert resort cities of the spectacular Coachella Valley. Producers have married a Motorcycle event with stunt shows, live entertainment and retail vendors galore — so there is plenty to see – and do. This event is so hot it sizzles! Palm Springs is a vacation paradise and a great place to play. It’s bounded by lush mountain ranges for the perfect ride and a tour of desert cities. Live musicrocks throughout the weekend along with Motorcycle activities. Open to all motorcycles and hot rods. Visit www.road-shows.com and download a registration form. For more vendor, sponsor or event information call Roadshows Inc., at 800-200-4557or e-mail admin@road-shows.com.

Oct. 14-16 Bridge City Bike Rally in Lake Havasu City, AZ is the site for this 2nd year event produced by Roadshows, Inc. The home of the London Bridge won’t be falling – but it will definitely be rockin’ with live entertainment, a ride-in show, poker run, and a Masquerade Parade over the legendary London Bridge. Of course vendors selling all things motorcycle completes the package of this-not-to-be-missed event. Download a registration form at www.road-shows.com. For more vendor, sponsor or event information or to have a registration form mailed to you, call 800-200-4557 or e-mail admin@road-shows.com.

Download a vendor registration form at www.road-shows.com, call Roadshows at 800-200-4557or e-mail admin@road-shows.com for more vendor, sponsor or event information.

For more information, click here! http://www.renegaderallyevents.com

STD High Performance 5 & 6-Speed Transmissions with Engine Sump — STD takes their product line one step further for Big Twin performance and custom builders with their new STD High Performance 5 and 6-Speed Transmissions with built-in Engine Oil Sump for FLT / FXR style applications. Similar to OEM style, engine oil is carried in the transmission case in a lower sump pan , helping to lower the bike?s center of gravity for improved handling, and giving the custom builder more freedom in designing a bike without a separate oil tank and long oil lines. The transmission mounts are also adjustable, allowing a 1-inch offset to the left or 0.50-inch to the right to accommodate wider rear wheel and opposite side drive setups.

All STD High Performance Transmission Assemblies feature heavy duty 356 T6 ?A? Prime alloy cases with race quality 5 and 6-speed gearset featuring a 2.94:1/1st, 2.21/2nd, 1.60/3rd, 1.23/4th and 1.00/5th gear set in the 5-Speed Assembly, with an additional 0.86/6th overdrive gear in the 6-Speed. The Assembly is complete with an improved shift system, heavy duty 32-tooth pulley, all necessary installation parts, and is fully load tested and ready to bolt in and run. Transmission cases are available in Natural Cast finish with Custom Polished Covers, and with Polished Cases and Covers.

A full range of STD High Performance Engine and Drivetrain components are available for all Harley Big Twin applications from 1941 to current Big Twin and Sportster models. For additional information and pricing on the complete line of STD high performance engines and components for Big Twins and Sportsters mail $5 for the STD Main Performance Catalog, or call direct. STD Development Company, P.O. Box 3583, Chatsworth, CA 91313. Phone 818-998-8226. Visit STD online at http://www.STDdevelopment.com.

Here is a link to AMA activities during Bike Week
http://www.amadirectlink.com/daytonadirect/2005/schedule.asp

Rogue

www.bikerrogue.com

BIKERNET STEALTH REPORT–There comes a time in life where you are at a crossroads and you are forced to make a choice as to which road you will take. Since last October when I left my job at a local dealership of almost 10 years, and I use the term “left” very loosely! I have bounced around at a couple of different jobs. One being at another dealership. What did I find? Just more of the same old thing. I soon realized that I was not going to be compensated for what I knew or any talent I had. I too realized that this was just a dead end in disguise.

So for the past few months I have kicked around the idea of doing what I have always dreamed about since I was a kid in high school. I can’t tell you what that is right now. There are a few details to work out and they will be worked out. I am determined and focused and my mind is made up.

I have faced a lot of fears about what I am planning and I have come to realize that there is no shame in trying and putting all you have into something and failing. The shame is to never try to achieve your dream and later on always wonder “WHAT IF?” I will tell you though that I have no intention of failing.

I grew tired of the dealership scene and I guess in a way the dealerships have grown tired of me. You see it got to the point that I did not agree with a lot that went on. People who have no passion or love for bikes and bikers calling the shots. I stood by for a long time and watched and I wish only that I would have come to this reality some time ago. No job is worth compromising what you believe and what you love. For me that is loving the biker lifestyle and the people who make it what it is. There is more to this business than the bottom line on the bank account and it seems the dealerships never get this part.

With all of this being said I am ready to take the BIG step and step out on my own. In the up coming weeks, I will have a BIG announcemnt here on “The Stealth” report. So stay tuned. So far I have had a lot of support and encouragement locally. My good friend and mentor Mr. Bandit has also been a great source of support. Thanks buddy! The biggest support and my biggest fan though is my wife, Sandy (aka “THE MEANEST”) Thanks it has mean’t a lot!

That is all for now. When you come to that crossroads in your life, and we all do sooner or later, don’t be afraid to choose the road that you heart tells yo to take. You won’t be sorry and on down the road you can look back and say you treid and gave it all you had!

One last thing to think about, “One of the best things in life is doing what they say can’t be done and doing it with the people you love!”

Until next time,
STEALTHMAN

LI biker boss’ case is dropped–
State court judge says a prosecutor’s mistakes with a grand jury lead him to throw out felony case

BY CHAU LAM
NEWSDAY STAFF WRITER
March 1, 2005

A Nassau judge has dismissed assault, robbery and other charges against the leader of the Long Island Hells Angels motorcycle club and six other members, saying a prosecutor made a series of errors that were detrimental to the defendants’ rights.

When Nassau Assistant District Attorney Kevin Higgins presented the case to a grand jury, he made mistakes such as giving the panel wrong or confusing legal instructions as well as allowing hearsay testimony, acting State Supreme Court Justice William C. Donnino said in his written decision. Two members of the motorcycle group were sentenced on unrelated weapons charges last week.”There were, to be sure, evidentiary errors which in the context of a grand jury proceeding may not by themselves require a dismissal. But some of those errors are troubling and, when coupled with the charging errors, reinforce the finding of an impaired proceeding and prejudice,” Donnino said in his 35-page decision.

This marks the second time a judge has thrown out the grand jury indictment against the men. A different judge tossed out the first indictment against the men because the prosecutor in that case, Assistant District Attorney Walt Junker, failed to follow a judge’s order, said John Lewis Jr., an attorney for one of Hells Angels. Charged in the multi-count indictment were the group’s president, Robert J. Maganza, and its vice president, Joseph S. Cali, both of Lynbrook; the group’s treasurer, Thomas F. Link of Baldwin; and Raymond G. Dwyer of Oceanside, who prosecutors said is the group’s secretary. Also indicted were Raymond Lloyd of Central Islip and Mario Biganini of Lake Ronkonkoma. Lewis and Richard Barbuto of Garden City, attorney for Lloyd, said Nassau District Attorney Denis

Dillon’s office has decided not to pursue the charges against the Hells Angels.Dillon’s spokeswoman, Katie Grilli-Robles, declined to comment yesterday, saying the case is closed.

On Feb. 6, 2002, Anthony Barone, who was booted from the Hells Angels motorcycle club a day earlier, called police and complained that the other members beat him and robbed him at the group’s clubhouse in Hempstead, where some of them lived, according to court records. Lewis and Barbuto said the allegations against the Hells Angels were untrue.

Police began surveillance at the clubhouse. About three months later, law enforcement officials searched the clubhouse and members’ homes and seized weapons, including an Uzi firearm, shotguns, a rifle, brass knuckles and knives and five motorcycles, as well as gang paraphernalia and $130,000 in cash. Kevin Kearon of Garden City, Mangaza’s attorney, said his client is pleased with the outcome of the matter but is still angry that Nassau police shot and killed his dog while searching his home.

Rogue
www.bikerrogue.com

HILDEBRAND-WOLFMULLER–Bandit, Here’s the Hildebrand-Wolfmuller story. Try saying that five times real fast. In any case, it was a unknown milestone motorcycle although, until they read about it in Hot Bike. Will find a couple other photos including restored bike.

Watch for this in an up-coming issue of Hot Bike

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Well guys, one more week rolls by and here we go again. I really can’t put my finger on it, but I guess the 15 years or so of busting my ass is actually hitting back full force, let’s say getting burn out.

5 years of doing the news, week after week, building bike after bike, and the everyday chores of actually owning a biz, tell you the truth, many, many times ends up being a royal pain in the ass. Sure it all depends on the way you look at it, for some here this may be the dream world, but like they say “walk a mile in the other shoes”. Is it a total block, or maybe the first of the month (which I despise) or could it be the timed deadlines. Who knows?

I seem to be pushing myself to actually do the work, to fit a fender or cut up a gas tank, that Chop Off bike is becoming my worst enemy, but it is still a bike that means a lot to me. Like I’ve said before, for what I’m doing, not a magazine cover. I guess it’s the normal behavior or people that refused to be tamed. It?s the hated “got to” instead of doing stuff when I actually feel like it. Thinking about it, last year really kicked my ass (or the last 5 years, or 7….)

As many of you know, it was a lot of fun when I got to do a bike. I even remember trying to get anything done as quickly as possible to go back to the garage and work on that project. I believe hundreds of bikes later there must be a time that you feel a building “block” no pun intended. I guess it’s along the same lines as riding. There was a time that we looked forward to getting up on a Sunday and go riding with friends, or maybe a week day night, just go cruising in the crisp, cool, nocturnal air. Those times are long gone. Sure I still enjoy going on a ride amongst friends once in a while, but not nearly as much as before. It could be months that the longest ride is a shakedown around the shop, how things change….

I’m not talking about this to bitch, it’s just a sincere explanation of what goes on in real life, and sometimes what you really like to do becomes a routine, be it being a sailor, race car driver, hooker or pimp.It’s like getting up every single day, going to school or going to work, there’s some time that we will get fed up with it; it’s not all a rose gardens.I’m sure the powers that put this site together feel the same way now and then, so do you…….

But we have a compromise with others, and as old school people who still believe that our word is better than a written contract, and that our promise is as good as done, we head on. I would love to quit that bike, and just do it on my own time, with no deadlines looming. But that is not the case, that is not the way it rolls. Nope I’m not being a whiny fuck, and I’m not bitching about it, but by the time you do something, take the photos for further how to articles, and write the articles everything becomes a blur. Those who have shops might understand, like when we get that ray of inspiration, and yes I’m using inspiration like this is an art form (writers block and such) the phone rings, there’s someone at the door, you can’t find the part, or tool, or whatever you put someplace and it’s not there anymore. Or you ran out of gas, or sand paper, or whatever it is that you actually need right then and someone used and did not tell you about it. You catch my drift?

Let’s not even talk about money, you guys already know what one of these bikes are worth. Build two or three a year for different events and you know where your late nights and fun money went.There’s always one side when you do it for fun or hobby, there’s another side when it’s work.

Sometimes when the certain bike is done all this stuff is all forgotten, the thrill of riding it, and having fun with something you built takes the pain out of it. But I will not fool you, some bikes as soon as they start for the first time, I really don’t want to see them ever again. I have never been a patient person; I have learned how to gain patience, but lately all that effort has gone to hell.Then again, sometimes it’s better to do stuff that is actually worth doing. Stuff that has a purpose, and later on if all is well a gain. Not monetary specifically, but any kind of gain. A gain that is worth something to you.Maybe it’s just a bad start this year, and the end of last one. We have been hit in many ways, as we always do. I guess it’s just a matter of getting up, regaining strength and going at it once more……

Meanwhile I’ll grab my surfboard and go at it again, just ’till I can dust all this lazy shit off.

A couple nights ago there was the Biker Build Off between Hank Young and Cole Foster, both good friends and fucking kick ass bikes indeed. It?s amazing what some of these guys are doing in just 10 days. Here I am draggin’ my feet to a 5-month build, and this guys putting together kick ass machines in a very short period of time (I guess the gain factor fits properly here). Well, I’m mentioning this since I did enjoy both bikes a lot, nothing overdone, all cool, engineering to the max. Congratulations to both.

So Daytona is around the corner and I will show up for a couple days. A first in like 15 years, but so it is. I’ll be tagging along at Hank Young?s booth at Willie’s Tropical tattoo in Ormond Beach, Ridgewood ? US-1. Come by, I will have a blow out on Chopper Freak shirts.

Anyway, time to go back to the dreaded dungeon and try to pound some ideas of my head and transform them into the bike, or go to sleep, which sounds way better. I’ll try to report from Daytona next week.

Jose ? Caribbean Reporter

Continued On Page 2

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – PRUNO, OIL TANKS LOOK-ALIKES, NEWS FROM S&S AND PRIMO-RIVERA MOVES

It’s About Heart–

I don’t get it, then maybe I do. There’s been an out-pouring of lettersto me regarding HOT BIKE. I’m taking shots across the bow regarding thelanguage, the girls the humor, and awful language. In reality, we launchedone joke page to replace one boring editorial (that no one wanted to write)and added Agent Zebra to the mix. That’s it, Agent Zebra poisoned the water.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s been tremendous support for changes,laughter, slang and lifestyle, but I’m curious about the sad bastards whoonly buy a magazine for the chrome and because it won’t upset the old lady.What happened to men? Don’t they chase women anymore, enjoy good whiskey, agood joke and some fun. Or is there a deeper evil involved. Maybe they toldthe wife that motorcycles were like metalflaked sewing machines. “They’renothing more, dear, I swear,” he said to his woman while trying to snag thefamily checkbook from her chain-mail purse to buy a motorcycle.

Maybe there’s an element of bikerdom who have convinced theirwomen, kids and folks that because this book didn’t contain women, whiskeyor jokes that the industry was devoid of such sins. Whatta ya think? Let’shit the news and I’ll ponder her shapely curves at the end.

MORE OF LIVIA–I will be at the Pitbull Motorcycle Co. booth at Daytona Speedway during bike week signing posters. I hope Bandit and all the Bikernet readers stop by out at the speedway and say hi. Would also like them to buy one of my new posters. 🙂

I’m not sure where exactly the Pitbull setup will be but it is in the general area where all the other bike builders are set up.

After bike week they will be available to purchase online but if they get them at the speedway they can get a Polaroid with me too.

Hope to see you there Layla….. and Bandit too!

Thanks
Livia

STEEDS ONE-OFF BRONCO–I knew you’d like to have these shots I took tonight right away. It’s Breeagain, on a special 300-SM Steed Bronco we built for PETRO Stopping Centers.They are going to give this very machine away on Memorial day to benefit theBoys and Girls club, and to celebrate Petro’s 30th anniversary. We built 3different bikes for them to display at their centers, this one featurestheir “Truckers Move America” logo on the top of the tank. I’m going todeliver this one to their headquarters in El Paso, Texas this weekend.

The cool thing is that some lucky somebody is going to get this one offSteed bike for a BUCK! All you have to do is buy a ticket at your localPETRO truck stop and all the money goes to benefit a great cause, KIDS.

I’ll have more details later, and more shots with our Steed girl of theyear, Bree Andre.

Thanks for spreading the word.
John Covington
www.musclebikes.com

RIVERA-PRIMO HAS RELOCATED–Rivera Engineering and Primo Belt Drives have relocated to a larger facility to better serve our customers. Please revise your records to reflect this new information. The phone numbers and fax numbers have not changed. We now have dedicated facilities for research and development programs to continue our contribution to all the performance riders and customers who have helped make Rivera Engineering and Primo Belt Drives successful over the years. We also have complete, in-house machine shop facilities to bolster R&D efforts.

THE NEW ADDRESS IS:

RIVERA-PRIMO
12450 WHITTIER BLVD
WHITTIER, CA 90602
(562) 907-2600 fax (562) 907-2606
www.riveraengineering.com email info1@riveraengineering.com

FISH STORY ? THE ONE THAT DIDN?T GET AWAY–For those of you who aren’t Texans or, God forbid, Oklahomans, (let’snot get our noses out of joint here — that’s the way I receivedit…DRB)

Lake Texoma, as the name implies, lies along the border of the twostates.This is a picture of a catfish that a guy recently caught atLakeTexoma.According to the news, he was fishing from the shore with a 20pound test line. When he realized what a huge fish he had caught, he stayed in the water withit and kept it close to shore with his hands. He used his cell phone to call a friend and tell him to bring a scale. The friend got there and the scale topped out at 100 pounds. They took it to the nearby Bait shop and weighed it there. It weighed 121 pounds!

Luckily a Game Warden was there and called the Athens Freshwater Fisheries Center and asked them if they wanted the fish. They sent a ‘live truck’ to the site and brought the fish safely to Athens. They are getting it ready for the public to view. The paper said that it would be two to three weeks before they’d release into the public tank. They estimated that the 121 pound catfish was about 27 yearsold!

Want to go swimming in Lake Texoma?

CHARLIE BRETCHEL?S NEW CD–Dedicated to Dave Mann, Indian Larry, Rogue, Billy Lane and Keith Ball. More on this coming soon!

Harley-Davidson Surpasses $5 Billion In Revenue–H arley-Davidson has reported record revenue and earnings for its 2004 fourth quarter and for the fiscal year that ended December 31. Revenue for the quarter was $1.22 billion, compared with $1.16 billion during the same quarter in 2003 – a 5.4% increase. Net income for the quarter was $209 million, compared to $182.4 million, an increase of 14.5% over 2003. Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) was 71 cents, an 18.3% increase compared with last 2003’s 60 cents.

Revenue for the year was $5.02 billion, compared with $4.62 billion in 2003 – an 8.5% increase. Net income for the year was $889.8 million – a 16.9% increase versus 2003’s $760.9 million, while diluted EPS for the full year was $3, a 20% increase compared with $2.50 in 2003.

“That makes 2004 the 19th consecutive record year for the company,” says outgoing CEO Jeffrey L. Bleustein. “We focused on exceeding the impressive results of our 100th-anniversary year by increasing motorcycle availability to improve customer satisfaction and by stimulating interest among prospective customers. U.S. retail sales for Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased more than 7% over last year, demonstrating that the dream of owning a Harley-Davidson motorcycle remains extremely powerful.”

Fourth-quarter retail sales of Harley-Davidson motorcycles were up 6.7% in the U.S. over the same period in 2003 and up 14% in international markets.

“We expect to continue to grow in 2005 and ship 339,000 Harley-Davidson motorcycles during the year to support that growth,” says Bleustein. “This is consistent with our established goals of satisfying demand for 400,000 motorcycles in 2007 and generating an annual earnings growth rate in the mid-teens.”

Rogue
www.bikerrogue.com

AIS Defines Ignition Technology For The Future–It?s the definite future in ignition technology! Spyke?s Fully Programmable (FP) Acculight Ignition System (AIS) uses optical sensors for extreme spark stability and produces up to three sparks per compression stroke that are precisely and individually timed per custom programming. Coil saturation can be set to different values at different RPM?s. Spyke has built in an adjustable rev limit that can be different for all curves. It also features two separate RPM activated switches with variable on/off RPM settings that can have different values for all sensor states?for use with nitrous, auto-shifting or any number of custom applications.

By utilizing these new technologies, the FP module allows each engine to be precisely tuned for maximum horsepower, torque, combustion and fuel efficiency. AIS is easily programmed by an authorized dealer utilizing a PC, Free AIS Software and a Program Link Package. It is preset with four fully changeable advance curves. The AIS also has a tachometer output for almost any tach including automotive tachs. It features automatic coil shutoff and a precision stainless steel rotor for strength and reliability.

The AIS Stand Alone (SA) model has many of the same features as the FP, with four preset curves and no brainbox for simplified installation.

Contact Spyke, Inc. at 562-869-9333 or at www.SpykeInc.com. Available through your local dealer.

Contact:
Spyke, Inc.
11258 Regentview Ave.
Downey, CA 90241
Phone: 562.869.9333
Fax: 562.869.9323
www.spykeinc.com

HEY BANDIT– Attached are pictures of some of the more distinctive bikes I saw at the Great American Motorcycle Show in Atlanta last weekend.

Thanks,
Steve

S&S Cycle Announces NHRA Contingency Sponsorship Program–VIOLA, WI (February 15, 2005) – S&S Cycle, Inc., today announced that it was implementing an exciting new contingency sponsorship program for all S&S-powered entries competing in the NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle class during the 2005 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing season.

S&S will be posting awards totaling $112,500.00 covering 15 NHRA national events. For each of the fifteen events, cash awards will be distributed to teams using an S&S engine in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class as follows:

Winner $3,500

Runner-up $2,000

Semi-finalist $1,000 each (2 for each race)

S&S entered the NHRA scene during the 2004 season, introducing its 160″ Pro Stock racing engine through its involvement with George Smith and George Bryce of G Squared Motorsports. This engine powered NHRA rookie rider Chip Ellis and the G Squared Motorsports team to a successful season, highlighted by capturing the ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals at the The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in October. The G Squared Motorsports Buell was the only V-Twin powered Pro Stock Motorcycle to win a race following the increased weight minimum change established mid-season.

Ellis had an impressive debut with the G Squared team in NHRA competition, scoring the No. 1 qualifying position at the prestigious 50th Anniversary U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis , IN. Two weeks later in Reading , PA , Ellis backed up his Indianapolis effort with a No. 4 starting position before qualifying No. 2 in Las Vegas en route to winning the event.

The 34 year-old Florida native ended the season in Pomona with his second No. 1 position and powered to the semi-finals at the Auto Club of Southern California Finals, topping off a remarkable campaign with the 4th quickest run in Pro Stock history at 7.024 seconds aboard the G Squared S&S powered Buell, with its powerful S&S 160″ engine.

In addition to Chip Ellis and the G Squared Motorsports entry, the following teams and riders have already chosen S&S power for the 2005 NHRA racing season: Mohegan Sun/Chris Rivas, Muzzy Racing/Ryan Schnitz, Two Wheel Travel/Dave Feazell and Harley Davidson of Rocklin/Matt Guidera.

From the salt flats of Bonneville, to the success in the NHRA, S&S has a proven performance record of producing high-performance V-Twin engines, components, and assemblies. For more information about G Squared Motorsports visit www.g2motorsports.net . Visit S&S Cycle at www.sscycle.com .

‘CHILI’
Cruisin? down a stretch of asphalt
On a rigid frame scoot
Ever since I ate that chili
All I?ve done is poot

Or fart, as some seem to say
But I don?t want to be rude
Until I feel a killer comin?
Just let it fill the room

With an odor and an ugly stench
That would peel new paint
They tell sometimes that I is
And sometimes that I ain?t

The most decent person in the land
Or, for that matter, the universe
But when I eat that fine, ol? chili
There are paybacks for every curse

Capn Bill

EXTRA LENGTH CHOPPER LIFT STANDS UP FOR STORAGE–If you?re a chopper builder and rider, you need a stand up ?Chopper Lift? from Kendon. This lightweight, extra length bike lift out performs most of the heavy, cumbersome bike lifts currently available, and while requiring very little storage space. The Chopper lift can handle motorcycles up to TEN FEET in length. Kendon?s NEWCHOPPER LIFT has the same stable, wide foot print the big heavy lifts have, yet is portable, and easy to transport. It also ?stands up? and stows in the corner of your garage for space saving efficiency. Features include: Manual raise and lower operation, 1,000 pound weight capacity, easy roll casters, integrated wheel chock locks onto front wheel when bike is loaded. Optional wheel jack to lift front or rear wheel for wheel/tire access, and a full 32 inches of working lift height. Optional frame clamp and other accessories, and other features make this a bargain at any price. This FULL FEATURE lift is extremely compact when folded and stores in vertical (?stand up?) position (76? standing height with a 24? X 24? foot print) for convenience. All full range of professional accessories is available.

www.kendontrailers.com

KENDON INC
3711 East La Palma
Anaheim, CA 92806
714 630 7144 fax 714 630 7132

PRUNO SERVES IT UP–Pruno Mfg. is a new motorcycle parts and apparel company. We are based out of Terminal Island, California. Featured is our innovative cut out grips and folding pegs machined from 6061-T6 billet aluminum and engineered with added length for comfort. We offer these in 6 different styles (cross, diamond, star, spade, fireman, plain) and in 3 different finishes (polished, chrome, black anodized). The grips will fit single or dual cable throttles and internal throttle models are available upon request. Most custom design requests can be accommodated.

We are also in the process of releasing our new custom billet wheels. There will be two designs, ?The Shank? (3 spoke configuration) and ?The Nickel Crew?(5 spoke configuration). They come in both a solid one piece design as well as a three piece design with various finish combinations. In addition to the wheels, we will be releasing custom one-off air cleaner covers.

Not only do we have unique motorcycle parts but we offer a sick clothing line as well. Our ?killer? looking logo combined with the concept of the company name is sure to turn some heads. ?Pruno? for those who don?t know is jailhouse wine generally made from a fruit, ketchup and sugar base. This vile and putrid beast is so potent that two gallons is said to be ?a virtual liquor store? enough to get about a dozen people mind-blowingly wasted.

For further information on current Pruno Mfg. products and future products, check out the website at www.prunomfg.com or call 805-577-8787.

OIL TANK AWARNESS–Check out these 2 pictures. I think it’s the same as your tank. You needthe cut-out at the bottom to clear a primary cover. It’s the one on thebattery box on the left side I don’t like. See how it’s not rounded off ? Cutback concave, for lack of a better description. Just the opposite of the Rside.

I had to take my trans back out this week. Clutch hub shaft froze upinside the main output shaft. I’m not sure what happened. Any way, I’mmaking a plate to weld on it today, after I’m done working. Gonna leavethe chrome on the tank part and paint the little wings black, to match thebike.

Fritz

Continued On Page 2

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – HOME-BUILT BIKES RULE, BILLY LANE TRAVELS, LOOK AT GIGGIE AND NEW LE PERA SEAT

Continued From Page 2

THE BEAST–Want to get a softer ride?It’s a swinging arm converted to hard tail butall the swingarm is in tact.

The springers are not too clever either.

It’s a nice looking hog but no bitch seat -so, suggestions – you know – telescopic forks
– low travel gradiated rear suspension
– Lower seat and add seatsprings

– just put a pad on the back mudguard and add a sissy bar

But where can I get the parts to fit ! ?

Now get your thinking caps on and askme for a pic. of the beast

O.k. Here is the beast – I was also looking at the type of side rails with an angle brack to the rigid frame as per orange example bike attached.

Richard Action

WORKING ON A SUNDAY–Check out these 2 pictures. I think it’s the same as your tank. You needthe cut-out at the bottom to clear a primary cover. It’s the one on thebattery box on the left side I don’t like. See how it’s not rounded off?

Cutback concave, for lack of a better description. Just the opposite of the Rside. I had to take my trans back out this week. Clutch hub shaft froze upinside the main output shaft. I’m not sure what happened. Anyway, I’mmaking a plate to weld on it today, after I’m done working. Gonna leavethe chrome on the tank part and paint the little wings black, to match thebike.

Fritz

PICTURE WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS–Had to send this.

Jay

RIDE WITH WALKER– I may have sent this to you already, but if not, here it is. I’m doing a second ride around the state with Walker this summer, as his head road captain. He put his hat in the ring for governor, so it’s important to continue working with him. He rides and loves Harley, so another pro-bike legislator in the capitol is good for all of us. He was a state Assemblyman for a while, and I knew him back then also. Could you post this somewhere on your site? I think it helps others around the country understand that they need to make similar gains with legislators in order to move our agenda forward. Good luck on the magazine ventures. I have heard many good things about them since you grabbed ahold of the reins.

Tonypan

SPORTY LOVERS– Hey Bandit! Great to have you back and especially at Hot Bike, et al. Seriously, the publishing industry needed you back man.

BTW, it was good to see you have a special place for Sporty’s. I’ve been riding for years, had 2 BT’s and did a lot to them, sold them, and made money. The Sporty (Y2K 1200 Custom) was picked up new 5 years ago just to have something to ride on weekends. We’ll…over time things change…and so did the bike.

Here’s what a Sporty can look like with just a few selected bolts ons…real clean and nice.

Gino

EMPIRE MFG. PRESENTS DOUBLE BARREL–330 Drop Seat Frame. The Right Side Drive Double Barrel frame for Evolution style powertrainsoffer stock location motor mounting and a Baker transmission drops right in the stock location too. The Twin cam B styled D-B frame is also Right Side Drive and the powertrain all so bolts up in the sock location.

Empire’s included standard swingarm accepts 280/300mm tire with a full sized belt and the 330mm Avon with a chain.

Swing arms for 250mm fitment, (Dunlop or Avon ) 330mm with full belt.

We’ll also build for the far too ridiculous 360mm if you promise not to run it on a 14″ wide rim.

Seat post-less Evo frames are available for up to 124 c.i. motorscan be built with a seat post for up to 145 c.i. motors.

We’ll build to your specified stretch and rake.For more info or to order call Bill at 450-692-2455or visit www.empiremfginc.comphotos will be added soon.

BILLY LANE —brings Biker Build Off LIVE to MajorRallies in 2005
Blood Sweat & Gears Tour kicks off at Daytona Bike Week 2005
Billy Lane announces plans to tour in 2005. “The Blood Sweat & Gears Tour is going to be a place where everyone can come see fabrication, design and building happen right in front of their eyes.” said Billy Lane. “I’m really excited to be able to pull this off. I have been working on this idea for a while now, my good friend Indian Larry was scheduled to be my first guest builder in Daytona, so the first stop on the Tour is in his memory”.

The Blood Sweat & Gears Tour is based on one great, UNIQUE concept, Billy interacting with the crowds doing what he does best- building bikes. Billy will interact with the event attendees from a 50′ open front trailer. While on the trailer, Billy will work on his bikes and lucky attendee bikes. Each day, people attending will have a chance to join Billy on the trailer to work on their very own bike. Billy will show them everything from simple installation of parts; to tire change outs; to basic fabricating skills. All of the activity will be captured on film for future broadcast potential.

“From a fully equipped open trailer, Billy will be building bikes on-site. Throughout the process, Billy will be talking the audience through the build via a headset/microphone and I-Mag camera system. The headset allows folks in the back to hear Billy describe what he’s doing while the I-Mag camera captures it on multiple large screen televisions placed high enough for everyone to watch” said Jennifer Schneider, Billy’s assistant.

The crowd interaction is the key focus of the national Blood Sweat & Gears Tour. Billy wants to build WITH attendees.

The Blood Sweat & Gears Tour is scheduled to be at the following major motorcycle events;

Daytona Bike Week – Main Street and Olive at Full Throttle saloon

Laughlin

Sturgis

Myrtle Beach

Daytona Biketoberfest

Laconia

The Tour will provide two “build sessions” daily. “Attendees can expect to see tons of cool stuff, plus some of my long-time friends in the industry have sent great stuff for me to give away” said Billy. Choppers Inc merchandise will also be available throughout the Blood Sweat & Gears Tour. Billy will be welcoming attendees at all Blood Sweat & Gears Tour stops. He is looking forward to meeting folks from all over the country.

For Blood Sweat & Gears Tour sponsorship information, please contact Chrome Marketing Inc at 612-940-6115. Blood Sweat & Gears Tour is owned and copyrighted by Psycho Billy LLC, affiliated with Choppers Inc and Billy Lane. www.choppersinc.com

Billy Lane has been featured on several television shows including The Great Biker Build Off, Monster Garage, Big and Corbin’s Ride On!. Billy Lane’s Choppers Inc is located in Melbourne, FL. Billy has been in the motorcycle business since 1995. Choppers Inc holds 7 US patents and distributes high quality parts globally.

Charles “GIGGIE” Gilliand ON BOARD WITH RIVERA-PRIMO–Rivera Engineering and Primo Belt Drives is proud to announce that Mr. Giggie Gilliand has joined our R& D Team as Research and Development manager. Giggie’s motorcycle industry background includes more than 25 years of research & development experience in the motorcycle industry, with machine work and prototype development. Giggie started his motorcycle industry career with Departure Bike Works. He was most recently employed by Engine Electronics.

Please note our new postal address and new email address!

RIVERA-PRIMO
12450 WHITTIER BLVD
WHITTIER, CA 90602
(562) 907-2600 fax (562) 907-2606
www.riveraengineering.com email info1@riveraengineering.com

BIKER MOMMA– Found this picture of my Mom (Mary) and her cousin (Theresa) back in 1958. Mom still likes to ride to this day.Thought you might like to post it.

Thanks for a great web site. Been enjoying it for years.

Zeke

TWO NUNS AND A DOG–Two Irish nuns have just arrived in USA and one says to the other, “I am told that the people in this country actually eat dogs.”

“Odd,” her companion replies, “but if we are to live in America, we should do as the Americans do.”

Nodding emphatically, the mother superior points to a hot dog vendor and they both walk towards the cart.

?Two dogs, please,” says one.

The vendor is pleased to oblige and he wraps both hot dogs in foil and hands them over the counter.

Excited, the nuns hurry over to a bench and begin to unwrap their ?dogs.”

The mother superior is first to open hers. She begins to blush and then, staring at it for a moment, leans over to the other nun and whispers cautiously, “What part did you get?”

LE PERA NOW MAKES METALFLAKE SEATS– Embodying all their craftsmanship LePera has, once again, set out on its trends setting way by offering a metal flake option on virtually any of their seat styles. No one does “old school” like LePera. Just take a look at the “rigid bike” section of their latest catalog and you will see designs that go back to the late 60’s early 70’s. Metal flake is the cr?me de’la cream of that era.

From spring mounted seating to Bare Bone solos nothing says “Chopper” like LePera’s, super cool, METAL FLAKE seats. Give yourself a ride back to a time when Choppers were just that and Metal Flake was King. The rugged new material is available in just about any color, in smooth, or diamond pattern with or without piping.

You can check out the amazing line of LePera custom seating at www.lepera.com or call them direct at 818-767-5110.

THE PRICE WAS RIGHT AT DEALER EXPO–KENNY PRICE AND RAY PRICE TEAM UP FOR 2005 AHDRA TOP FUEL DRAGS

The Founder and President of SAMSON Motorcycle Products, Kenny Price met with World Famous Drag Race Champion Ray Price at the 2005 Dealer Expo to finish final details for the AHDRA 2005 season. Samson Exhaust will be the title sponsor for the Ray Price Motorsports Top Fuel Nitro bike.

“The name Ray Price is synonymous with Harley Davidson drag racing and we are proud to be able to sponsor this race team,” said Kenny Price. “As title sponsor to Ray Price Racing, we are able to show our support to the industry.” Ray Price has been racing for over 35 years and is owner of one of the largest Harley Davidson dealerships in North America. Located in Raleigh, NC it is the only dealership in the country with a Harley Davidson Drag Racing Museum.

“SAMSON EXHAUST is the industry leader in motorcycle exhaust and Ray Price is the leader in drag racing,” said Nick Trumbo, SAMSON Sales and Marketing Manager. “It is only natural that Kenny and Ray team up to put the Number 1 plate on Ray’s bike.”

SAMSON Motorcycle Products designs, manufactures, markets and sells premium quality motorcycle exhausts exclusively in Anaheim, California, USA. Every product has been thoroughly tested to improve performance, enhance appearance and give the sound customers are looking for. As the industry leader in aftermarket exhaust, every part is inspected for the highest quality standards. SAMSON Motorcycle Products markets products under the Samson Exhaust?, Caliber? High Performance Exhaust and Shogun? Exhaust brand names

Big Changes at Ray Price Racing/Motorsports–Raliegh, NC: Ray Price Racing is changing not only their name but rider as well. Ray Price is changing the name of Ray Price Racing to Ray Price Motorsports, Inc. This name is necessary to facilitate changes going on at Ray Price Harley-Davidson/Buell and repositioning of his world famous race program.

Price explains, “We needed to change the name because we are moving into a new venue at the dealership. We are hotly pursuing expansion of our high performance shop, we have the space and we have the staff. Jeremy Hoy, crew chief, and Justin Heinle, engine builder, are ready to create high horsepower for not only the drag strip but street bikes as well. We have been working on this transition since my fall in Las Vegas ’03. My team has never let me down, they have never lost their vision for success and speed.”

Additionally Price is adding Pennsylvanian, Greg Grove to twist the throttle this season. Beginning his racing career on a Pro Dragster over ten years ago, Grove sees Price’s offer as a “once in a lifetime opportunity”. Grove owns and operates Grove’s Service Center in Elizabethtown, Pa. He was in the midst of attempting to sell his business when Price made the offer. “I’ve stepped up my efforts (to sell) since I talked with Ray. We’ve made several test sessions at Rockingham and I’m more than anxious about Gainesville.”

Ray Price has ONE more announcement, which should be available VERY SOON. STAND BY !

Ray Price-919-832-2261
www.rayprice.com

INDIAN LARRY TRIBUTE BIKE–Hey, how’s it going? I attended the Thunder Roads Magazine Bike Show in Nashville, Tn on Feb 12. Attached are a few pictures of the Indian Larry Tribute Bike that was unveiled by the Indian Larry Legacy crew that was there. Hope you enjoy the pics.

Mossy

THE ULTIMATE PAN COVER– Of all the custom and reproduction Panhead rocker covers produced over the years, PAUGHCO’s latest is, without a doubt, the cover to end all covers. The beautifully designed and meticulously crafted Panhead style covers you see here offer enthusiasts the very finest in quality, function and style. 100% American Made, each cover is precision machined from a solid block of 6061 billet aluminum with a maximum wall thickness of 1/8″! The thick lip, extended Paughco socket head cap screws and counter sunk retaining holes offer exceptional form and function while providing a rigid, flush mounting surface.

Every radius and flat surface is flawlessly cut and finished to perfection. Paughco’s ULTIMATE PAN COVERS may be just that for Panhead owners but, they are just as likely to wind up as display pieces on counter and desk tops wherever Harley-Davidson is spoken. Standard finish is Paughco’s flawless chrome with high luster polish available on special request. ULTIMATE PAN COVERS fit 1948-1965 Panhead engines and clones with OEM mounting surface and bolt dimensions. The covers are supplied with Paughco’s dedicated socket head cap screws and retail for $499.00 per pair. For complete details call 775-246-5738 or visit www.paughco.com

Hmmm, Bree?

THAT’S A WRAP- Let’s get back to the subject at hand. It’s a trip. Tome motorcycles and specifically choppers are all about freedom, the artisticfreedom to build anything you want and to ride like a bat outta hell. It’sthe ultimate representation of the wild American lifestyle, the girls, thefun, good times, fast times, the parties, and the romance. No one builds achopper to improve his gas mileage to and from work. We don’t spendthousands on chrome to protect the surface of steel from the elements, it’sall about style and flash.

So, goddamnit, based on this lifestyle that I’ve loved since Iturned 16 and metal flaked a 50cc Honda Supercub, I’m going to ride Bikernetand HOT BIKE to be the best representations this industry has to offer.Beyond the jokes we’ll bring the best writing, humor, info, news, tech,event coverage and a girl once in a while. We’ll hunt for the finestmysteries the industry has to share, the wildest antiques. I’ve opened thedoor to publish any American V-twin feature I’m sure you’ll enjoy, evenPanheads Flatheads, Knuckleheads and more. Hell, even a bobbed Triumph fromtime to time.

I remember, back in the ’70s when the AMA put out a rule sheetfor street riders. It included: Never modify a stock motorcycle; put bothfeet down simultaneously at stop lights and pick them up the same; get ahair cut, wear specific clothing; walk the walk. Bullshit. Let’s ride anygoddamn way we want. Let me know your thoughts, check out HOT BIKE and RideForever.

–Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – CRIME SCENE PHOTOS, CHAINSAW BIKE, CARIBBEAN REPORT AND STEALTH REPORT

Continued From Page 1

STEALTH REPORT–This past weekend the Carolina’s Super Swap and Bike Show came to the Charlotte Merchandise Mart. This was the first time for this event here in Charlotte and like with everything that takes place for the very first time there were some wrinkles that need to be ironed out. With some work this event has the potential to be a big deal. There were some big names at the show, Kendall Johnson and his Killer Klown crew were there along with Russell Mitchell and his crew from Exile. Kendall is really one of the good guys in the industry and speaking of Russell Mitchell, it was my pleasure to meet him.

He takes the time for his fans and I like to see that. I have always been into his bikes. I like his less is more attitude reflected in his bikes and I love that “Stealth” black paint he uses. Check out Russells picture with our new pitt bull puppy, J.C. I told you he took time for his fans!

I have a lot going on right now. The planning for the 7th Annual Run For Breath ” In Memory of Justin Pullin” continues daily. We are still looking for volunteers to make awards for the bike show. Kevin Baas and his shop class has agreed to help out with the awards. If anyone else out there would like to help out, you can reach me through “Your Shot.”

I hope to have a BIG announcement to make in the up coming weeks. It has always been my dream and it is about to become more than just a dream. I can’t let the cat out of the bag just yet so stay tuned!

Until next time!
STEALTHMAN

2005 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED–February 2005 – – The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the Hall of Fame inductees for 2005.

Motor Maids Inc., J.C. ?Pappy? Hoel Lifetime Achievement Award

Keith ?Bandit? Ball

Soichiro Honda

Michael Lichter

Jim and Phyllis McClure

Scott Parker

The Walker Family

The induction ceremony will be conducted at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast scheduled for Wednesday, August 10 at 9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Breakfast tickets are available for a $20.00 donation, tables of eight for $160.00. Traditionally the Breakfast sells out so we recommend that you purchase your tickets well in advance of the event. Tickets can be purchased by phoning the Museum 605.347.2001 or on the Museum?s web page.

For more information on the inductees or tickets visit the Museum?s website at www.sturgismuseum.com

NOTE: In previous years seats were assigned/reserved on a first come, first served basis. Effective this year, seats will no longer be assigned/reserved.

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–Back in the grind once more, the fun is over, and hell fun it was. Sorry for the short news last week. Anyway, let’s go…

I have been noticing lately, what is the beef with arrogant shop owners?I get to visit a lot of shops while traveling and most of the time the guys are super cool. They welcome us like long time friends, show us around and makes us feel at home, while the few, but obviously something that will always catch my attention, have this attitude. The bad ass biker chip on the shoulder, bigger than thou, true, sometimes first impressions are erred, but then again, sometimes first impressions is all we need to get the fuck out and never come back. I never will expect to be received like royalty, hell, most people don’t know me from another name in the phone book, and I have no pretentious hopes that they do, but at the same time, if I was just a customer, would I like to receive a bunch of ego bull right off the bat ?

Sure, I grew up with mechanics that you had to earn your place into their good side, kind of earning your place at the peak in Pipeline, they were grouches, but then again you were invading their work space, their shop, no showrooms here, just the nitty gritty. So I guess one does not compare to the other. It’s really weird to show up at a place and get all this attitude. Since we own shops and actually know what’s going on, most of the time when you look around this “attitude” shops will have a couple bikes, and much less tools and equipment that many of us have in our personal garage. Or just have setups like used car salesmen, bunch of presto fabbed bikes and bunch of new, shinny, bling bling add ons. Is there a relation between opening a new shop and gaining the attitude, or is it that we have lived with the bad ass biker image for way too long? Do what you want and run the biz as you fucking please, but if you are blind enough to think attitude will cut it, I believe you are wrong. Sure we don’t all have the appeal of a hundred dollar bill, and are not liked by everyone, and yes I cop some attitude once in a while at my shop (more so when my time is wasted by babble) but just because you are blind enough to not realize the person in the magazine that you are reading is the same person standing at your showroom, or you simply feel greater than the guy that is going to spend his hard earned money and has chosen YOUR shop. News flash….attitude and bad ass wannabe shit is way passe. Unless you can get away with it, or the amount of crowds hanging around the shop at all hours have made it necessary, more so if you have a rinkity dinkity shop with more decoration than actual built bikes and machinery to do so……..Word to the wise. So be cool, enjoy that you have people actually visiting your shop and not swatting flies with the latest issue.

On a much brighter note, as you know we have just arrived from Las Vegas, the guys from Hawaiian choppers magazine, Counts Kustoms and numerous others have put together a kick ass event, no fucking doubt about it. I will write a full story on the event here on Bikernet, but here’s a short write up of what went up, or down……

Presidents day week end, Las Vegas, a few good friends, and half of the hot chick population of California, the Hard Rock Hotel and very good friends who own shops in Las Vegas (and know the ins and outs) brews a very strong recipe for, disaster, and I mean disaster in the better of ways…….

I will shorten the extracurricular activities to the bar at the Hard Rock hotel, packed to the gills from 8pm to 6 am……..( I highly recommend the Hard Rock for your future stays in Vegas) Being received at places like Count Kustoms, Denvers Choppers and Las Vegas City choppers (thanks Count and crew, EL and Mondo) like we owned the fucking place was kick ass, being able to sit down, shoot the shit and just have a grand time with good friends and new friends alike, there was no “celebrity” shit going on, just cruising and being normal (well, as normal as we can be) and riding a couple rented bikes from HD (sure the low of the trip) up and down the strip, and make sure we did treat those bikes as if they were ours, if you know how I treat my bikes (the renters don’t).

I don’t know if it was the parties, the hundreds of good looking chicks (with impure intentions) the friends, the cool hosts and promoter, the hotel, or just a mix of all the above that makes this first year event a must attend. It was more like a good friend gathering and party marathon than an actual bike event, the way things should be. I’m already sending Steve a detailed list of suggestions for next year, how about an all party event, no rides no shows…. just hop on the bike and go to the next party, get up as late as you want and start the cycle once more…… I’m up for it….fo’ shizzle It’s a great way to receive spring, or to enjoy winter, whatever the season is, it was a bit chilly for this Caribbean soul, but then again anything under 75 degrees is chilly to me, although it was quite pleasant to ride, ’till we hit the freeway, or it rained. Images of the Hotel bar warmed us up. For an actual view of the bar attendees, keep your eyes peeled on my site. I will dedicate a gallery of just chicks in the bar, that is how good it was.

I really want to thank everyone that was involved with the event, locals, “celebs” and everyone else, I had a fucking ball. Can’t wait to find an excuse to head over there as soon as possible.

Well guys…. time to get the fuck out of here. Watch for the Biker Build Off episode March 1st with Hank Young and Cole Foster. Then March 29th there’s the one with Roland Sands and Arlen Ness filmed in Puerto Rico.

Jose ? Caribbean Reporter

TIM CONDER NATIONAL GEOGRAPHICS–You know, there are forces at work in this world that can’t be described. Often when pondering the deep thoughts of the abyss I fancy myself an open minded person. I see folks galloping through life only seeing the things their delicate synapses can hinder afloat. I think to myself, what are we missing? Why can’t we be open to the pleasures and dangers of our chubby lives? Is “Extreme makeover homes” the only TRUE reality show? I think not.

I like to eat alone at Dennys late at night. Often I meet destiny and choose to ignore it, but not last night.

A small rubinesque Burmese woman, about 3′ 11″ wandered in and sat at the counter. She protruded a taught and robust mannerism. One word came to mind. “Sassy”. I sauntered over and asked, “Is this chair sitting next to you?” in my smoothest Isaac Hayes. She looked deep into my hot dogs and said,

“I am from the sea”.

“Better believe you are…What?…” I said.

“The seeeeaaaa. Happy swimmy seeeeaaa.” she intoned as she floated away from her position at the counter, making a little wiggle motion with her nubby index finger. I was powerless.

She had this killer 120″ Shovelhead chopper outside, man it was SICK. It had 20 inch tall apehangers on it and it was kick only. I looked at her. I looked at the bike. Then in one swoop she flipped the kicker out, did a little hop and before I knew it she grabbed the throttle and swung down with a jerk…KABOOM!!! BADUMP BAHDUMPABAHDUMP BUMP BUMP!!!! That big rigid flattened the tires against the pavement with every revolution and before I knew it we were careening through town, me hanging on to whatever part of her that wasn’t busy and marveling at the deft way she rat raced through traffic.

GET DOWN.

We wound up in front of the Monterey Bay Aquarium at about 3 a.m. The moon made everything bluegray as we listened to the crackle and tick of a freshly shut down motor.

“I am from the seeeeeaaaaa…..happy swimmy seeeeaaaa” she said, pulling me to the rear utility entrance.

“B-But they’re closed, we’ll get in trouble” I said halfhearted but excitedly.

Most of what happened after is a blur. I remember water. Parts of me are a bit chafed. She’s free now, swimming happily in the tank. Sure… I feel funky, but I’m okay with it.

The Conderosa
http://www.armageddontopfuel.com

12 CHAINSAW ENGINE BIKE– Anyone interested in a feature on this bike from Germany? It features a powerplant consisting of 12 chain saw engines. Let me know if you’re interested. It’s really off-beat.

TBear

#1 First with old seat and bags

BOB T. SADDLE UP– The new seat my other set of saddlebags makes the Road King look more Nostalgic…

#2 New seat and other set of bags

#3 Close up

Well I hope you are doing well, sounds like you have been busy. Hope you are getting some riding in. The Mag articles you are doing are great. What did you ever do with the “Another Weekend” I wrote?

Be Cool
BobT

Crime Scene Choppers Introduces Low-Rise Seat Pivot–
Low-Rise Pivot is Practically Invisible

Crime Scene introduced a new solo-seat front pivot designed specifically for the Hard-Ass? solo seat. The pivot is hand built from stainless steel and features a bronze pivot and precision ground pivot pin for longevity. The pivot includes CNC cut mounting brackets and all stainless hardware.

Crime Scene Choppers is the home of the polished stainless Hard-Ass? seat.

?When we designed the Hard-Ass seat?, said Joe McGlynn, owner of Crime Scene Choppers, ?we wanted to make sure that we could hide the pivot so that the seat could tuck down nice and low on the frame?. ?Too often solo seats end up mounted up high to accommodate the hardware; now we have an ultra low seat pivot that is designed to get the seat down low and be all but invisible when installed?.

Low Rise Pivot AvailabilityBoth the low-rise pivot and the Hard-Ass stainless solo seat are available through http://www.CrimeSceneChoppers.com immediately. New products are being introduced every month, so check the website for the latest news.

Continued On Page 3

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – NEW STUFF FROM JESSE ROOKE, CRIME SCENE, AND MORE.

WELCOME BACK for another week of news, jokes, pictures and reports. This week I have some good news and I have some bad news.

The good news is, we are in the home stretch with all the renovations that?s been going on in a few of the rooms here at the Headquarters. Carpet was installed the other day. Next week a guy will come in and do the finish trim and that wraps up six-months of waiting to permanently move in the bedrooms and my office.

The bad news is, the news will be short and we?ll be outta touch for a few days. I?m gonna do the phone wiring myself so pray for success, or we may be down a little longer. Hey, I know what I?m doing?

Here?s the news–

Congressmen Social Security– We probably all have seen this one, but not a bad idea to keep it fresh!

IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU ARE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT!KEEP IT GOING!!!!

2008 Election Issue!!
GET A BILL STARTED TO PLACE ALL POLITICIANS! ON SOC. SEC.This must be an issue in “2008 “. Please! Keep it going.

SOCIAL SECURITY:Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years.Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it.

You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan .

In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan.

For all practical purposes their plan works like this:When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die.Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments..

This is calculated on an average life span for each of those two Dignitaries For example, Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7,800,000.00 (that’s Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00 during the last years of their lives.

Younger Dignitaries who retire at an early age, will receive much more during the rest of their lives.Their cost for this excellent plan is $0.00. NADA….ZILCH…This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds;”OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK”!

From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into,-every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer)-we can expect to get an average of $1,000 per month after retirement.

Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000 monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) month to equal Senator Bill Bradley’s benefits!

Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made.

That change would be to:Jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us .then sit back…..and watch how fast they would fix it.

Skooter

BIG DADDY CHOPPERS ? NEW MAGNUM RISERS!–Something new from Big Daddy Choppers ? Magnum Risers! These handsome risers add style and theme to any project and are made from 100% T-6061 billet aluminum. Each set of Magnum risers provide 6.4? of rise and 4? of pullback and are threaded for coarse thread riser bolts. Big Daddy Magnum risers are made for 1? bars and you can order polished or chrome with white powdercoated grips, or completely black anodized. Unfinished grips are also available.

Check out www.bigdaddychoppers.com or call the shop at 731.635.2333 for more information.

WHO IS THAT HANDSOME MAN?–I keep trying to get some of that O2 out of Bruce but he isn’t giving it up!Randy ( on left )and Bruce Dec. 04

Katmandu

WHEEL BE TOGETHER–
By Frank Carini
When the weather is nice, they can be found most Tuesday nights tearing up the pavement between Cape Ann and the New Hampshire border. Husbands and boyfriends are left in the dust, or at least home with the kids or in front of the TV, as this group of “biker chicks” cruises the North Shore.

Dressed in leather, or at least wearing some, with the wind whipping in their faces and a hog between their legs, these moms, dog groomers, bakers and message therapists are looking for … a good restaurant or some ice cream. What? You were expecting trouble?

Maybe, if they were riding with their aforementioned husbands and boyfriends. Well, that’s not entirely possible, since they would be going too fast to find any.

“Guys ride faster,” says Gloucester resident Robyn McNair. “We ride to the least-experienced rider’s ability. We don’t poke around like snails but we do like to check out the scenery.”

But don’t get McNair wrong. These women can drive 55. “We’re not stopping to put lipstick on,” she notes. “More like picking bugs off our teeth.” “We love to get out there and ride,” says Ruth Sullivan, a job counselor from Gloucester. “It’s a wonderful way to unwind after work and watch the sun set.”

The Iron Mermaids have been riding together since the summer of 2001. But don’t let the name fool you. They aren’t looking to become the female version of the Hells Angels.

“We’re just real people who enjoy each other’s friendship,” says McNair, who works as a dog groomer. “We just like to ride.”

The name came about when some of the original members of the group – there were about 14 – started kicking around some ideas. Iron Mermaids was the pick. Mermaids, because they all live near the ocean (it is a North Shore club, after all), but the word “iron” has nothing to do with the heavy metal or that heavy metal rock group with a similar name.

“Our name gets confused with Iron Maiden all the time,” says group – the bikers, not the band – co-founder and Gloucester resident Dianne Foster, who seems mildly annoyed by this frequent mix up. But in the Mermaids’ case, “iron” refers to their strength and their WILL (Wisdom Intelligence Laughter Love, according to Foster). And both were put to the test more than three years ago.

Today, there are about 10 Iron Mermaids, and they still get their motors runnin’ and head out on the highway lookin’ for adventure, or at least a beautiful sunset. They still cruise into Newburyport and Salisbury for dinner. They still stop for ice cream. But things are different now. There’s a notable void in their collection of Harley-Davidsons and Hondas. The heavy metal thunder their motorcycles make sounds different now.

“We’re a tight group and Connie’s absence is always noticed,” says Sullivan. “We still love to ride and we do it with her in mind.”

Rogue
www.bikerrogue.com

NEW ROOKE RISERS–Are you building a one of a kind custom bike out of your own garage? Looking for distinctive parts to finish off the job? Jesse Rooke Customs is the answer to your needs. You see him all over the Custom motorcycle community and in the newest hippest shows on television. His creative vision has the Industry on the edge of its seat and customers begging for more. Now you can be a part of the buzz.

Visit www.rookecustoms.com and check out the Rooke Risers, they are shaped like his namesake, come polished or chromed, and in 4 different sizes. They are available for online purchase and will be shipped out that week. Rooke, It?s how we?re livin?.

MYSTERY BIKE–Hey here’s on for ya . Found it on another site in readers rides . Mystery bike ?

Art Parry

GOTTA LOVE THE MARINES–Marine Corp’s General Reinwald was interviewed on the radio the other day and you have to read his reply to the lady who interviewed him concerning guns and children. Regardless of how you feel about gun laws you gotta love this!!!!

This is one of the best comeback lines of all time. It is a portion of National Public Radio (NPR) interview between a female broadcaster and US Marine Corps General Reinwald who was about to sponsor a Boy Scout Troop visiting his military installation.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: So, General Reinwald, what things are you going to teach these young boys when they visit your base?

GENERAL REINWALD: We’re going to teach them climbing, canoeing, archery, and shooting.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: Shooting! That’s a bit irresponsible, isn’t it?

GENERAL REINWALD: I don’t see why, they’ll be properly supervised on the rifle range.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: Don’t you admit that this is a terribly dangerous activity to be teaching children?

GENERAL REINWALD: I don’t see how. We will be teaching them proper rifle discipline before they even touch a firearm.

FEMALE INTERVIEWER: But you’re equipping them to become violent killers.

GENERAL REINWALD: Well, Ma’am, you’re equipped to be a prostitute, but you’re not one, are you?

The radio went silent and the interview ended.

You gotta love the Marines!

Chris T.

Chris T. and Joerline. Chris is the one who sends the Blond jokes. But it’s not his fault, Joerline makes him do it.

Blond Again– A girl came skipping home from school one day. “Mommy, Mommy,” she yelled, “we were counting today, and all the other kids could only count to four, but I counted to 10. See? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10!”

“Very good,” said her mother.

“Is it because I’m blonde?” the girl said.

“Yes, it’s because you’re blonde,” said the mommy.

The next day the girl came skipping home from school. “Mommy, Mommy,” she yelled, “we were saying the alphabet today, and all the other kids could only say it to D, but I said it to G. See? A, B, C, D, E, F, G!”

“Very good,” said her mother.

“Is it because I’m blonde, Mommy?”

“Yes, it’s because you’re blonde.

“The next day the girl came skipping home from school. “Mommy, Mommy,” she yelled, “we were in gym class today, and when we showered, all the other girls had flat chests, but I have these!” lifting her tank top to reveal a wonderful pair of C-cuppers.

“Errm, very good, dear,” said her embarrassed mother.

“Is it because I’m blonde, mommy?”

“No Honey, it’s because you’re 24. Chris T.

Court hears arguments in Bike Week anti-nudity case–
By JAY STAPLETON
Staff writer
DAYTONA BEACH ? An attorney for the activist arrested for showing her breasts during a Bike Week demonstration against the city’s public nudity law told a judge Thursday she was exercising her constitutional rights — and will do it again.Elizabeth Book, 42, was charged with the second-degree misdemeanor after she alone pulled up her tube top on the Main Street Bridge on March 7 during an organized demonstration that garnered international media attention.

“What a sad day indeed if the city’s desire to prevent someone from seeing another’s breasts trumps the First Amendment,” said Book’s attorney, Larry Walters.But city commissioner Darlene Yordon sees Book’s court battle as just another in a long line of challenges from opponents of the city’s public nudity laws.

“They’re trying another angle to nullify the ordinance,” Yordon said.Police officials estimate protecting Book during her protest — by blocking the street and having extra officers on hand — cost the city between $7,000 and $8,000.”I want a check for that,” Yordon said.

Book and her defense attorney appeared Thursday before County Judge David Beck to argue a motion for dismissal.Book, an Ormond Beach mother of two, said the ordinance — which allows men to go bare-chested but makes it illegal for women to do so — is unfair. She said her demonstration was meant to help women who were victimized by anti-nudity laws when they flashed their bare breasts during special events.Her attorney called the demonstration “exactly the type of activism that should be encouraged in a free society.”

Walters said the ordinance is unconstitutional and cited a portion that says nudity can’t be prohibited if it is “part of a bona fide live communication, demonstration, or performance.”Walters said the wording puts the city “in a box.”

Assistant city attorney Greg McDole disagreed.”She pulls off her shirt and she thinks that’s OK,” he said. “That’s not OK.”The judge said he won’t make a ruling pending a federal court decision on the constitutionality of the city’s ordinance. A lawsuit filed by Molly Brown’s II and Lollipops Gentlemen’s Club on Grandview Avenue is currently before U.S. District Judge John Antoon. The suit targets the city’s ban on public nudity and prohibition against nudity in places that sell alcohol.

After the hearing, Book said she plans “a much bigger, much better” demonstration during next years’ Bike Week.Her strategy is to protest March 5 on the west side of the Main Street Bridge.

“High noon,” she said. “I’ll be on the back of a flatbed truck.”

Rogue
www.bikerrogue.com

Crime Scene Choppers Introduces Springer Components for Builders–Crime Scene Choppers announces the availability pre-made component parts to complement their Fat Cat? springer plans.

Available immediately are CNC water jet cut parts for building the Fat Cat springer. The upper and lower trees are 1? thick mild steel, the spring support bar and front fork connecting link are 5/8? steel and the rockers are ?? steel. The parts are delivered as-cut, and require minimal cleanup. The parts are available individually, or as a complete kit at a discount.

Fat Cat Parts AvailabilityThe Fat Cat Springer Plans and parts kits available through http://www.CrimeSceneChoppers.com immediately. CNC machined component parts are in the works and will be available shortly.

New products are being introduced every month, so check the website for the latest news.

ROOKE SPRINGER FRONT END–In a relatively short time, Jesse Rooke?s distinctive style has captured people?s attention and allowed his name to be placed right along side the top custom motorcycle builders in the country. Jesse?s bikes seem to morph old school and new in a seamless weave of originality and ingenuity. Headlining the old school look is the Rooke Springer.

This hand-built front end will enhance the overall appearance of your build and give your bike the tricked out look you are craving. Rooke Springer front ends are billet aluminum with Chromoly legs, ride height adjustable and feature hidden fasteners. It has smooth trees (bars mount under glide wheel) and includes all hardware, bar mounts, stem tool and of course the signature Rooke. Springers come raw but can be polished or anodized.

Make your move and visit www.rookecustoms.com today!

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT ? SORTA–Sorry about the news, on my way to Las Vegas and the Winter Rally. I wish I had more time, who knows, I might do the news in Your Shot this time. Thanks to Ivan??? Calling me crazy, at least he likes what I write, not like those bitches that keep whining.

If you are planning on showing up in Vegas, come look us up. There?s always fun shit to do, and like always the more the merrier. Man, the perfect place, big boobs, blondes, strippers, Sin City, baby. If it was close to the beach and had killer waves, plus nude beaches, it would be the super ultimate spot on earth (kind of what boring Disney claims).

Got the new Street Chopper, seems like my nusted buckles piece had some effect on people, cool, I guess that is the whole purpose. I want that cover, how about 3 or four bikes, chicks and surfboards…….

Like I said, time is limited, gotta finish packing and shit. It’s going to be cold, so no bunnies in the Hard Rock pool, so there you go. Good looking (and I mean HOT) lusty, nympho females, who would love have an unmeaning full relationship, now you know how to find me. If you are a transvestite or crack ho type, my name is Hank Young, look for my room.

Does anyone here think there’s a chance I can retire to Rincon and become a freelance writer? That would be cool….

See you guys later on…
Watch Your Shot !
Jose

KICK-IT CONNECTICUT RIDE DATE SET FOR BIKERS BEATING CANCER– The 3rd annual Kick-It, Bikers Beating Cancer motorcycle ride will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2005. The ride will start at 11 am from Marcus Dairy in Danbury, CT, and winds roughly 80 miles through southeast Connecticut ending up at Indian Well State Park in Shelton.

There will be live music and food at the after ride party in Indian Well State Park. Last year nearly 1500 people and 800 motorcycles participated in the police escorted ride, and that number could double this year.

This is an all-brands motorcycle event with all riders welcome. The 2005 Grand Marshall will be Buzz Kanter, Connecticut based Publisher of American Iron Magazine and RoadBike.

For more information on signing up for the ride, or to volunteer, please contact Diane Sheridan at the American Cancer Society at 203/563-1511 or email her at diane.sheridan@cancer.org.

OFF AND RUNNING- That will be me now that the news is done. This weekend is the Indy Dealer show and Bandit will be heading that way.

I hope you have a great weekend, and I?ll be back here same time next week.

Layla