BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–NEW FRAMES, RIGHTS CONVENTION COMING AND BIKE NIGHT IN TEXAS

Continued From Page 2

TEXAS CONNECTION REPORT–Tried to send from home last night but something was amiss. I kept thinking the tank image was blurry but it is the flames that stand out.

Bike Night at Jack’s Backyard in Austin, Texas was the place to be last Thursday. We broke the 600+ bike mark! Some lucky rider got a check for $600 bucks for pulling in at the right time! They announced his name but Hell by then I had found other interests to occupy my time. I believe they started the cash give away at the 400-bike mark, then again at 500. That was last year before the holidays. So it took a while to make this milestone.

It was like a reunion of sorts last week I ran into folks I hadn’t seen in a while. Saw the lovely Crystal and Sportbike Girl. Tye was MIA this evening.

Then there are the “Social Butterflies”, Shelly and Randon. Of course I am sure I just misspelled both their names and will be in trouble. Shelly came up to me several times and asked why I did not use her picture didn’t make the home page last time. I explained that I don’t have the power. I just hate to disappoint a beautiful woman! I was fortunate to share their company off & on throughout the entire evening. They flitter through the crowd being Social Ambassadors and having fun.

It’s tough to find a place to park even when you make an early arrival. I believe I saw representatives from all of the clubs; even the police officers that ride were there with their club members. Everyone was having fun.

So ladies, if you make Bike Night at Jack’s Backyard just look for the suave, debonair gentlemen taking pictures. If you can’t find him, look for me instead. I can usually be found taking photos of cute girls with a double Jack Daniels close at hand.

It will be interesting to see how this weekly event grows now that the long, cold Texas winter is history!

See Y’all There!
Rigid Frame Richard

MADD?s 24 POINT STRATEGY TO KILL FREEDOM–

1.???? Get people to believe government statistics (not an easy task) by adopting them as our own. Interpret them in our favor.

2.???? Blame alcohol for causing all accidents and deaths no matter what the actual cause, as long as any measurable amount of alcohol is present at the scene.

3.???? Define drunk driver as any passenger, pedestrian, bicyclist and/or driver with an alcohol reading above .00. If two passengers were drinking and the driver was sober, add 2 to the total drunk drivers involved in the accident.

4.???? Add a percentage of sober & ?alcohol unknown? drivers to the total, just for good measure.

5.???? Round all of the phony percentages up: 41% becomes 50%, 16,400 becomes 17,000.

6.???? Stress stories from Mothers with personal tragedies, not our $44 million corporate structure and the Men in charge.

7.???? Refer to accidents as crashes. It sounds more dramatic and implies that they could have all been prevented if drivers did not drink.

8.???? Lobby Congress for money for the NHTSA so they can “grant” more money to us.

9.???? Define the ratio of blood alcohol to breath alcohol as 2100:1 even though the range varies from about 1300:1 to 3500:1

10. Label drunk drivers violent criminals and compare them to murderers and rapists.

11. Begin using the term impaired driver so that even if the driver is not legally drunk, they can still be arrested.

12. Spend over $200 million in 20 years to convince the public that this is a more serious social issue than healthcare, poverty or education.

13. Swap employees with government agencies and research groups who will promote our cause.

14. Solicit money from groups that will benefit from more arrests, like insurance companies.

15. Lump the social drinkers in with the hard-core drunks and threaten them with vague statements like, ?You drink, you drive. You lose.?

16. Support police roadblocks to stop people without probable cause who don?t display any drunk driving characteristics.

17. Convince lawmakers to sentence drunks to mandatory attandance at our Victim Impact Panels and collect over $2 million each year for the effort.

18. ?Pass laws to shred anyone?s drivers license on the spot if they refuse to incriminate themselves by taking the breath test and suspend it for one year even if they are found not guilty of DUI.

19. Pass laws to suspend the drivers license of everyone convicted of DUI, so they can?t earn money to buy alcohol. Impound their car, if we want to.

20. Continue to cite studies that support our cause even if they have been discredited by other studies that we also cite.

21. Continue to push for lower legal alcohol limits so more people qualify for arrest and deny that we are actually for virtual Prohibition.

22. Never show any sympathy or concern for the suicides, ruined careers and failed marriages of thousands of people arrested for DUI?even those who caused no accident, injury or death. After all they are still violent criminals.

23. Never worry about awkward Constitutional issues like probable cause, self-incrimination, right to counsel, cruel & unusual punishment, trial by jury and illegal search.

24. Spoon feed the press distorted and exaggerated information knowing that they?ll never check its veracity.

All information is from MADD, NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) web sites and the American Institute of Philanthropy.

–from Rogue

FRENCH IS BEST– Three men; an Italian, a Spanish and a French go for a job interview in England.

Before the interview, they were told that they must compose a few sentences in English with three main words: green, pink and yellow.

The Italian was first: “I wake up in the morning. I see the yellow sun. I see the green grass and I think to myself, I hope it will be a pink day.”

The Spanish was next: “I wake up in the morning; I eat a yellow banana, a green avocado and in the evening I watch the pink panther on TV.”

Last was the French: “I wake up in ze morning, I hear ze phone “green…green…”, I pink up ze phone and say “Yellow?”

ANNUAL NCOM CONVENTION–“Winds of Change” will be the theme of the 19th annual NCOM Convention, being held May 6-8, 2004 at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City, located at 401 S. Meridian, and hosted by ABATE of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs. For room reservations call (800) 522-6620, and mention NCOM for a special room rate of $64.00 single/double. Convention fees are $75 per person, including the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet, or $40 for Convention only. Pre-registration is recommended.

For further information, call NCOM at (800) 525-5355, or log-on to our website at www.aimncom.com.

If you have any inclination of being more involved in the legislative side of motorcycling attend one of these conferences. You’ll discover a vast knowledge base and the active heart behind our industry. Incredible.–Bandit

PRO-BUILDER RIGID–Check out this slick new build-to-order chassis from PRO-ONE. Designated the PRO-BUILDER RIGID, it incorporates a number of unique design features including the optional single downtube, pointed motor mount and rear axle housings shown here. Designed specifically to accommodate EVO and TC88 engines with strokes up to 4 inches, the PRO-BUILDER can be used with left or right hand drive units, accepts 180/200 and 250 tires and features CNC machined steel tabs and brackets throughout.

Recognizing the importance of personalized machinery, PRO-ONE will provide the frames with backbone stretch, rake and styling changes to meet individual requirements. For complete details call 800-884-4173 or check out the full PRO-ONE line at www.pro-one.com.

THAT’S IT-LET’S RIDE–I hope the sun’s out in your area. It’s gloomy and gray here. Whatta downer. I need some warmth. I’m working on bikes this afternoon, need to warm up the shop.

We’re rockin’ with new gates being installed, new lights for the shop and I may pop for a tubing bender so we can bend pipes. Look out we may finish the Shrunken FXR in the next week.

–Bandit

BIKERNET NEWS ALERT–CARIBBEAN REPORT, JEANS FOR SALE, SOVIET BIKES IN IRAQ AND PRO ONE SWINGARM

Continued From Page 1

ALL NEW BANDIT RADIOS–I got a new car radio yesterday and it is terrific.If I say “Rock” it plays rock and roll.If I say “Rap” it plays rap.If I say “Love” it plays love songs.

Three kids ran out in front of the car,and I said”Fucking kids!”

And it played Michael Jackson.

–from Rev CarlR

ROCKER DAVIE ALLEN FEATURED ON THE SOPRANOS–This is too cool!This weeks episode of “The Sopranos” (“Sentimental Education”) Sunday night at 9:00 on HBO has a bit of our “The Loud, The Loose And The Savage” (from the “Restless In L.A.” CD) in one of the scenes.

Thanks to Little Steven and “Sundazed” for setting that up!

–Davie Allen

MIRACLE, 300 ON A V-MAX–I have just finished installing the new Avon 300mm tire. As far as I know it is one of the first (maybe only) shaft drive bike with this monster tire on it. It handles like a dream and looks even better!

Yes, it is close, but the rear end travel is not huge so it is not aproblem. Have you seen any other rolling 300’s yet? Your site seems to beon the lead edge of new products being released. With as many bikes as yousee, any suggestions?

–Scott
“Scott Erhardt”

URBAN WARFARE IN BAGHDAD– Feeling unsafe driving a car in occupied Iraq?Then try one of 1,497 Russian 650cc Ural motorcycles on sale now and easily adapted for urban warfare at the local welder for a little extra cost.

The once-feared Saddam Fedayeen militia and the Jerusalem Army paramilitary force ordered the Urals just before the U.S. invasion of Iraq as part of a defensive strategy that relied on high mobility but was scarcely implemented.

By the time they arrived, say officials at the state-owned General Vehicle Company, Saddam had been overthrown and the rugged combination motorcycles with sidecars had to be sold off.

“I reckon we’ll see demand from Sadr city,” said a salesman, referring to a Shi’ite Muslim Baghdad slum area where U.S. troops have fought deadly clashes with Iraqis.

–“Magraw, David”

WIDE-ASS SWINGARM CONVERSIONS–PRO-ONE is now offering a wide selection of WIDE-ASS SWINGARM conversions to meet just about any application. Imported from ZODIAC in Europe these kits are complete from their ultra strong swingarms to the extended shafts, primary spacers, axle assemblies, gaskets, mounting hardware and more.

Shown here, the SUPER WIDE-ASS conversion for ’91-’99 Softail models accepts 230/250mm rubber. Kits are currently available for Softail, Twin Cam Softail and Dyna machines. For complete details call 8090-884-4173 or go to www.pro-one.com

FLORIDA STATE ATTORNEY HIT WITH WEAPONS FINE– DAYTONA BEACH — State Attorney John Tanner has paid a $2,500 fine for trying to board a flight at Daytona Beach International Airport with firearms and ammunition, just days before the second anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, federal officials said Wednesday.<_P>Tanner and his wife, Marsha, were detained briefly Sept. 9, 2003, when inspectors discovered firearms in the couple’s checked baggage and knives and ammunition in Marsha Tanner’s carry-on bag.

Lauren Stover, spokeswoman for the southeastern division of the Miami-based Transportation Security Administration, said Tanner was “the utmost professional about the incident and regretted it happening in the first place.”

But she said the fine — the stiffest in the southeast region since the TSA took over responsibility for airport screeners under the Homeland Security Act after the terrorist attacks — shows how serious the federal government is about safety at the nation’s airports.

–By HENRY FREDERICKLegal Affairs Writer,– News Researcher Karen Duffy contributed to this report.

–from Rogue

BREATHALYZER LAWSUIT– Lisa Bufton recently won a DUI case in Atlanta, Georgia by using gendre bias of the Intoxilator 5000 as her defense. In cooperation with R.I.D.L., Lisa’s attorney is in the process of developing a lawsuit against the manufacturers of breathalyzer equipment for being gendre biased and consistently giving higher readings for women than for men. If you are a woman who has been arrested and/or convicted of a DUI and would like to participate in this class action suit, please send email to: jeanne_pruett@ridl.us

Please include your name, address and phone number. Someone will contact you with further information.

–Rogue

GUN CONTROL LESSON– Whether you agree or not, it’s an interesting lesson in history and something to think about:

In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.

China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million ‘educated’ people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million.

SPECIAL UNION SALE–Save $16.00 on a pair of jeans and a denim shirt. We need to sell some of the USA/Union Made denim stock as we move into thespring and warmer months. We are offering a combination deal of 1 pair ofjeans plus 1 denim shirt for a total of $39.95 + S&H. You won’t find aUSA/Union Made group of products of this quality for a better price. Thespecial is good through April 21st. You must order through the Union Jeanand Apparel Co. shopping cart. In May we will be rolling out new USA/Union made products and we will needsome inventory room. We will let you know about the products and price atthat time. Please use this opportunity to try our jeans and a denim shirtsor just get another pair while you can save $16.00.

–Lawson
Union Jean and Apparel Co.
www.unionjeancompany.com

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–I can?t believe how many people were fooled by last weeks news; even at The Horse back talk there were some guys that swore that the magazine had been sold. Please don’t start false rumors, all that I said last week were jokes made up by me, specially for you and April Fool’s day. So enough of that! Please…..

As you might or might not know our friend Sheriff from Sweden is here in PR paying us a visit. I guess he’s getting an intense overdose of who we are and what we do. It will be as interesting to me as it will be to you to find out what his views on our home will be. I’ll make sure that he does a report after leaving here or even from my own command post in the sunny shores of San Juan.

Yes we are still working on the bikes we have to finish and getting the never-ending story of the fucking shop finished. We also have a plan on showing Sheriff, or “El Sheriff” as we call him here, so he can see as much of the island as possible and maybe even a baseball game or two. It’s raining right now, typical of our Easter week end, but that also means that waves are picking up (cold front from the US) so we might ditch all efforts and head over to the surf spots, yeap, it’s good to have our priorities in order.But let’s hear Sheriff’s brief experience…..

“Arriving 1AM Tuesday morning, after 20 hours of traveling reason for a slow starter. I was picked up at the airport by Jari from Finland who just bought parts from calleschopperdelar.com in Sweden , the Biker world is small. After an afternoon in old city of San Juan I noticed that Puerto Rico is more Spain then USA in some cases. Enuff with the tourist stuff so a call to Jose and soon. I was picked up for a VIP tour of his new huge shop-factory, definite another view of life in the Caribbean. Nice to meet his family again, a couple of years since the yearly rendezvous in Deadwood. Today beach bum for an 8 hour shift with the Latin girls- they are for real and out there in the white sands. Good Friday here means Expos vs Mets might be there baseball fans, Canadians and Swedes in Puerto Rico life in the fast lane. ”

Today is one crazy day. My friends from the tattoo shop were there doing an sculpture for a microphone stand. They were trying to get some work done but since the Holidays start everyone is hanging out at the shop. Since today it’s a long week end for everyone, it was funny that at a certain point there was 15 or more people at the shop and me and sheriff just sat down and talked while watching the mayhem. Like I said above, just another day in the tropics.

One thing I find very interesting and I have tried to get it out there, and I mean here in Bikernet and The Horse, is the multiple places on the World that are united by the motorcycle lifestyle. I find totally interesting that there’s people all over the planet doing what we all love to do, and they all have a certain style that comes with the territory. For example, this year Japan is on my list of to do things and I’m trying to find as much as possible about it. Cool that Sheriff was there 2 years ago and he?s sort of letting me know what to expect and how to get around. On the other side of the coin he’s getting to know our style and what we do (like I said above) and even our friend Jari from Finland , who is here for work has added some more to the “stew”. Sure when we think about choppers the first thing to come to mind is the US, but there’s such a big world out there, one day I really hope to reach everyone and be able to share it with people here.

On the same note, by next week I will have some bikes finally done, so wait for the photos, and now we have a bunch more to start or finish. The big events are starting to roll down on us, as the ice melts in the North, the people come out to play, it promises to be a fun year.

My Run For Breath Trophies

With that I must get the hell out of here, it’s time to get back to work, or maybe take our guest to the local strip joints, priorities once more. What the hell, it’s as good of an excuse as any…..

Later…

Jose Caribbean Bikernet report….

AEROMACH – Flame Mirror on Flame Arm– Radical! The flame mirror measures 2.5? high by 7? long mirror. The new Flame Arm is 3.5? high by 7? long. Both are CNC machined from T6 extruded aluminum and show chromed. Your flame paint theme just went to the next level!
This is one sick design that is sure to set your ride apart!
The Flame Arm is available for Harley, American Customs, Buell and Victory.

Contact:
Aeromach Manufacturing
http:// www.aeromachmfg.com
11423-A Woodside Ave
Santee, CA 92071
800 990 9392
619 258 8443

Continued On Page 3

BIKERNET NEW FLASH–NEW PM WHEELS, MYSTERY MOTORCYCLE INVESTIGATION AND STEALTH REPORT

Photo by RFR

The world’s upside down. Hang on for the next move. We’ve already been surrounded by hazardous waste and midnight police chases. Tomorrow we’re going to shoot the 1928 Shovelhead for an American Iron bike feature and Layla’s Sportster for an American Rider tech. We’re trying to keep up with deadlines while patching drywall and replacing the floursecent shop light.

Let’s hit the news:

VENGEANCE MOTORCYCLES BUILDS MORE MOMENTUM– MIRA LOMA, CA ? Vengeance Motorcycles stole the custom bike spotlight with its powerful presence at Bike Week 2004 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Vengeance models like the award-winning Vindicator and new Black Widow turned heads and attracted new buyers, and Vengeance Xtreme Choppers shook the pavement and drew crowds at every street corner.

From the beach to the speedway, riders were blown away by the incredible styling and wicked V-twin power of the 2004 Vengeance lineup. Beach Street traffic was drawn to the 2004 Vengeance models on display at the colossal new Nemesis transporter.

Riders can see the Nemesis and the Vengeance lineup throughout 2004 at major motorcycle rallies such as the Laughlin (NV) River Run, April 21-25; Myrtle Beach (SC) Bike Week, May 7-16; Laconia (NH) Bike Week, June 11-20; the Sturgis (SD) Rally, Aug 6-13, and more. For a complete list of events as well as product information and Vengeance news, visit www.vengeancemotorcycles.com.

http://www.vengeancemotorcycles.com

PERFORMANCE MACHINE El Dorado and Roulette Wheels–Fresh from an extended stay in his secret underground lair, PM’s in-house designer has once again upped the wheel design ante. First off the drawing board is the multi faceted Roulette. Each of the ten sinuously hexagon styled spokes emerge from the hub and split, creating twenty magnificently curving talons that blend perfectly back into the rim. The PM El Dorado takes a completely different approach and allows the hub to fan out in a shocking display of machined aluminum detail. From there the fourteen spokes writhe towards the rim and are accented by PM’s unique speed dots. Already in production, the El Dorado and Roulette are available through your local PM dealer in both Chrome and polished finish.

For more information, call or write to:
Performance Machine, Inc.
6892 Marlin Circle,
La Palma, CA 90623
714-523-3000
http://www.performancemachine.comPerformance Machine, Inc.6892 Marlin Circle,La Palma, CA 90623714-523-3000http://www.performancemachine.com

No, that’s not a sticker, but the same logo on a ballcap on the lovely Meanest from Charlotte H-D.

FREE BIKERNET STICKERS–Just send us a self-addressed-stamped-envelop and we’ll send you stickers. If you want a massive sticker, make it an 8 by 10 envelope. Send your envelop to Bikernet, 200 N. Broad Avenue, Wilmington, CA 90744.

BIKERNET STEALTH INVESTIGATOR REPORTS–A couple of weekends ago(March 27+28) I set up our spot at the annual Concerned Bikers Association’s swap meet. I always look forward to working at these swap meets. The CBA holds two swap meets each year, one in March and one in November.

One of the things I like best about working at the swap meet, is seeing old friends and sharing old and new stories. The atmoshere is a lot more relaxed there than at work. Most of the people who attend the swap meets are old time riders, not a lot of newbies. They are not afraid to get there hands dirty digging through piles of parts to find what they need. The swap meet is how we all used to build our bikes. Searching for the right part, or finding something unique, something that would really make your bike stand out. It is good to see that some of us still do it that way.

I noticed is that everyone and his brother are building choppers and are opening up “Chopper Shops”. I guess this is due to the Discovery channel and their bike build-off shows and let’s not forget American Chopper and the OCC crew. A lot of them have dream of being the next Jesse James or Billy Lane and maybe one of them will make it? It never hurts to dream. I guess in a way this dillutes building choppers but in another way it is good to see all the interest in choppers and I guess that is good for everyone in the industry. Some of the bikes people are calling choppers are not really choppers, they are kit bikes, but they can believe what they like and in a way this helps the industry too.

A lot of people asked about the 6th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin” at the swap meet. The run for the American Lung Association is coming together, but for whatever reason it has been slow going this year, but come July 25th we will be ready. The handmade awards are starting to come in and as soon as I get some of them I will send some pictures in of them. For more information I can be reached and Charlotte H-D for vendor or bikeshow sign-ups. This is the only show on the planet to award trophies made by professional bike builders from around the country. Each award is one of a kind.

I guess that is about it for this week, the weather is getting better and the temps are warmer and bikes are on the road! Hallelujah!

Later!
Mike (THE STEALTH)

NEW BIKE SITE– We’ve gotten a lot a feedback lately in response to our E-mails and manycompanies want to know what Cyclestar.com is all about. Cyclestar is a website designed to provide a variety of information to the motorcyclecommunity including parts & accessories, news providers, magazines,dealerships, individual classified listings, event schedules, ticket info,manufactures, etc. We do not specialize in E-commerce, the actual sale ofproducts, but rather we would like to make your companies information andimages of the various products you sell readily available to enthusiasts. Weunderstand there is always a need to promote your new items to themarketplace as well. check us out on the webat www.Cyclestar.com

–Steve Wheat
www.Cyclestar.com

NEW CARTOONS ON BIKERNET–winning cartoonist Jerry King is one of the most published, prolific and versatile cartoonists in the world today.

His work has appeared in thousands of greeting cards, magazines, Web sites, books, newspapers, newsletters and children’s books. His client list includes Disney, American Greetings, The United States Golf Assoc., and many others.

Jerry’s magazine credits include Better Homes and Gardens, Golf Digest, Playboy, The Saturday Evening Post, National Enquirer, Woman’s World and hundreds of others world wide. The credit list goes on and we’re looking forward to working with him. After serving three years in the army as a medic, Jerry, 38, went on to graduate from The Ohio State University with a BA in English. He now resides in N. Canton, Ohio with his wife Annie and daughter Giana and 2 dogs, Baci and Bella. When he’s not at the drawing board, Jerry is probably on a golf course losing.

Jerry’s cartoons are available for Web sites, magazines, presentations, newsletters or as gifts. Contact him if you would like to discuss buying his work and prices. No company is too small: jerrykcartoons@nci2000.net

THE SEARCH FOR HIGHWAYMAN’S MYSTERY SLED–I wanted to reply to Hiwayman’s Mystery Bike in Your Shot:

Don’t know about the Shovel you’re talking about in Your Shot, but it mademe think of this bike I saw at DelMar, Va bike week in Ocean City, MD, lastfall. Talk about minimalist…this bike scared the women and children offthe streets. There’s nothing there that doesn’t help make it go fast.Hell, it doesn’t even have paint except for the forks and rims – everythingelse is spray on truck bed liner. I hope the owner doesn’t mind me sharingthe picture, but his bike was a real standout in a sea of “new age” choppersthat all start to look alike after a while.

Garry,
Huntsville, AL

HERES THE MYSTERY SLED. BEST BIKES SPECIAL ISSUE #1. AM I SO OLD OR IS EVERYONE SO YOUNG ?–S&C

Thanks much.

This bike was owned by ER staff photog Sandy Roca.–Frank Kaisler

Continued On Page 2

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – STEALTH REPORT, LA CALENDAR SHOW, FLEEING FELONY BILL

We’re early since I’m riding with the American Rider crew to Arizona Bike Week today. Watch this magazine as it transforms into a solid book about American Riders and their efforts to have a blast or rock the world.

I’m fuckin’ confused. Bikernet is growing like crazy and the daily deadlines are getting to me. The move busted my ass and the women around here are about to drive me off my highbars. I fell behind on mag deadlines and the new phone lines were ringing off the hook, when Mark Lonsdale called. He’s in Afghan hunting Bin Laden. He ordered me to fly to Afghanistan so that I could help in the search. My first thought was, he?s outta his fuckin? mind. But he reminded me of how he made it possible for me to go to base camp of Mount Everest, one of the highlights of my life. And how he saved me from drowning while we were kayaking in the Bermuda Triangle. I was beholding, so after I return from Arizona, I?m off the Middle East. I better get to the news?

BLONDE AUTO REPAIR– A blonde pushes her car into a gas station. She tells the mechanic it died. After he works on it for a few minutes, it is idling smoothly.

She says, “What’s the story?”

He replies, “Just crap in the carburetor.”

She asks, “How often do I have to do that?”

–from Chris T.

IRISH RICH ON FAB KEVIN– I thought I’d send you some pics of the adapter brackets Fabricator Kevin http:// www.fabkevin.com made for my new TC88 A engine-powered CFL I’m building.

The front one is for a Gixx’r 6 piston Tokico, to mate with the FLT lower sliders. The second is for a rt/ft VFR 4 piston Nissin, to tuck in between the rear frame rails, to mate with the softail-style brake mount. Very kool work.

I’ll send more pictures of the build as it goes along, but not too many. There’s going to be a lot of one-off stuff on this bike.

As Always, Irish Rich
Visit our website:http:// www.shamrockfabrication.com

STEALTH DAYTONA EPIC–I pulled into Daytona Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. I met my brother Gary at where we were staying and got checked in. It was his first trip to Daytona bike week. Before delving into my assignment handed down by the big guy, Bandit, I would like to touch on a few highlights of the week. I hope you don’t mind me taking the liberty.

Tuesday night we headed to Main Street, and the first thing I did was look up my cousin, Jose. We talked for awhile and discussed the awards for the 6th Annual Run For Breath “In Memory of Justin Pullin.” Jose talked about doing something with leather for the awards. They should be interesting. Jose introduced me to Fabricator Kevin. Kevin is one of those people who after talking to him for ten minutes, I felt I had known for a long time. Kevin asked me if I was the guy who put on the Run for Breath. I told him I was the one and he volunteered to make a couple of awards for the bike show and to deliver them at this year’s Smoke-Out. Thanks Kevin and thanks for the deal on the necklace for “THE MEANEST!” In keeping with her nickname, it’s a small replica of a set of brass knuckles! It matches the set she keeps in her boot!

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Photo by Rogue

Kevin is one of the nicest people you will ever meet and as far as being a biker, he is the real deal! Across from Jose and Kevin was Indian Larry and his crew. Indian Larry is an old school guy and I really get into his bikes. He is very friendly to the public with autographs and such. In contrast to this right around the corner OCC had their booth set up with a big sign plastered on the front that read “NO AUTOGRAPHS!” I guess they are too big for the everyday people who watch their Discovery show!

Now onto my assignment, which was to cover the Harley-Davidson events and the H-D side of Daytona. Harley held it’s ride-in bike show at the Ocean Center on Wednesday. My brother Gary and I showed up there that morning. H-D of Charlotte had an entry in the show, an ’04 Deuce. I went to the show just to see how the bike would fare, since it was the first bike I had a hand in doing since the appointment of my new job as design consultant. While we were there my arm was twisted to enter my bike, a 1991 high bar springer softail, better known as Skeletor. I entered the bike since I was going to be there most of the day covering what was going on inside and outside of the Ocean Center. H-D uses this show to highlight their parts and accessories. They even give away $500 in each class for the best use of their P&A product. All the entry fees for the bike show go to MDA.

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Photo by Rogue

Once inside the Ocean Center, all of the new product offerings from the Motor Company were on display. There was a V-Rod on display built by Wyatt Fuller that was very futuristic, whether you are a V-Rod fan or not. Judging from the bike show entries V-Rods are catching on. The big deal is H-D’s six speed trannys. You can buy the complete assembly or you can buy the gear sets for your case. The paint sets from the H-D color shop keep getting better also, incorporating more flames and skulls. Yeah I know it took them awhile but they finally caught onto the skull thing! The H-D traveling museum was on hand as well and had some great bikes inside like a ’47 Knuckle with 8 miles showing on the speedo! Also on display was the Sreamin’ Eagle and Vance & Hines V-rod drag bike. It is an awesome looking machine.

Now back to the bike show. It was time for the awards to be handed out and the H-D of Charlotte Deuce took runner up in it’s class and the “Best Use of Genuine P&A Product” and even old Skeletor got into the act with a Honorable Mention award! This turned out to be a great day for us at H-D of Charlotte. Harley-Davidson put on a great show and it was highlighted by none other than Willie G. and his son Bill presenting the awards.

Photo by Rogue

Wednesday night I sat on my bike down on Main Street and felt a tap on my back and turned and there was a tv camera crew wanting to ask me a few questions and I obliged them since I have never been camera shy!

Thursday morning rolled around and we headed out to the Last Resort Bar and Grill. I had heard stories of the Johnny Law handing out tickets for high bars. As we pulled past the Last Resort, the blue lights came on behind me. The cop said my bars were too high and began to write my ticket for $44. As long as you stayed in the Daytona city limits you were fine, but venture out on Route 1 to the Last Resort or to Iron Horse and the Port Orange and the Ormond Beach boys were waiting for you. I talked to a couple of guys with Florida plates with high bars and asked them about the law and they said “The only time we have a problem is during Daytona Bike Week, the rest of the year they leave us alone.” So I guess the police look at it this way, “You gotta make hay when the sun shines” and in this case the hay was real green!

Saturday morning rolled around and my brother Gary and I took one last ride down to Main Street, and across Beach Street and headed back and began packing for the trip home. We headed back that afternoon. The weather was beautiful all week, temps between 75 and 80 degrees and nothing but sunshine, no rain at all! I had a great time even with the ticket. I am already planning next year’s trip to Bike Week!

It’s time to ride!
–Mike (THE STEALTH)

SCREAMIN’ BLUE MESSIAH–Hey Keith, don’t know if you remember me, we worked together at E.R. coupla yrs back,just finishing up the rebuild on my ’86 FXR. Thought I’d send you a few pics. That’s blue powdercoat with a silver metal flake basecoat. this thing glows in the sunlight!

Engine Specs: 80c.i. 1340 cc 100+ H.P. 98+ lbs torque
Engine built by the late Bruce Malm, Head Mechanic at
Victorville Harley-Davidson in Victorville California
Screamin Eagle Dominator kit: Supplied by Easyriders Magazine and Paisano Publications, Thanks to OZ and Bandit
H-D Dominator Heads
10MM plug wires
Roller Rockers and High performance springs ect.
Screamin Eagle 57 Cam kit
10.5.1 Alum. Pistons
Screamin eagle selectable curve race ignition module
H-D High performance quick install adjustable pushrods
Transmission is stock 5 speed H-D with a Hayden M6 primary chain adjuster
Jagg oil cooler
H-D Triple trees
H-D .35 mm front forks
17 by 9″ Billit Alum. rear wheel
Avon 190 rear tire, font tire
Front wheel is stock H.D. 19″
Performance Machine sprocket and rear brake rotor
Frame and wheels are blue candy coat powder with silver metal flake base coat,
Custom mixed and sprayed by Oscar Jordan at Advanced
Powercoating of Baton Rouge, Louisiana 225-273-9797
Brakes are stock H-D with black powercoat finish
Rear swingarm is made in Holland by JMC, From The WEERD Bros. from Pheonix Arizona
Rear shocks are by Progressive Suspinsion
Chromed rear fender is from some old horse trailer
Seat (was) a Lepera re-built by Weasel Thad and Weasel Ritchie Terabeli
Gas tank is stock H-D with modifications by Weasel Thad
Exhaust is an LSR by RB Racing (This pipe added 11 HP! at the rear wheel)
Dynoed by Rob at Canyon Cycle in Agoura Hills CA

–Weasel Thad Cranford
fxr1963@netzero.com

CARLISLE SUMMER BIKER FEST–This year’s Carlisle Summer Bike Fest features famous customizers includingthe Teutuls from Discovery Channel’s “American Chopper.” There will also bejudged bike competitions, test rides, hundreds of vendors selling all sortsof accessories and apparel, and much more.

MADE IN… Joe Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6:00 a.m. While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking. He shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA). After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA), he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) to the radio (MADE IN INDIA) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY) and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.

At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day, Joe decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL) poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE) and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA), and then wondered why he can’t find a good paying job in…..AMERICA…..

–from Bob T.

DAVID MANN BENEFIT RUN–We have written several articles about renown motorcycle artist, Dave Mann since Wide Open began. From his life story to what it is like to inspire one of his paintings. Other magazines have also covered Dave and his colorful life over the years.

Dave doesn’t live in a big house on the hill. He and his wife, Jacquie, moved back to Kansas City a few years ago to enjoy a slower and easier life. Unfortunately medical issues have been a major cause of slowing down Dave. Staggering medical bills and a mortgage have put a damper on his golden years. Now it is time to take things a step further. It’s time to help Dave live his golden years with ease.

Who better to lead this effort than the one and only Ralph Roades, publisher of Wide Open and the many friends of Dave Mann?

“Dave has been a friend of mine for many years. I consider him the Godfather of the motorcycle lifestyle. It was time to try to give back to him for everything he has given us,” Ralph says.

So Ralph began planning the July 17th benefit for Dave Mann at the Kansas City International Raceway. Basically Ralph picked up a paint brush and began “whitewashing the fence” like the Mark Twain story.

At this time the entertainment for the David Mann benefit will be Bad Company former lead singer Brian Howe and his band, a KISS tribute band, a ZZ Top tribute band, Bob Harvey, Rukus, Levee Town, Blue 88, Sugar Bush and Nervous Rex. They will be playing all of your favorites. Ralph has also booked the King Harley Race and World League Wrestling, fireworks, field events, bikini contest and plenty of food and drink. The bike show will be judged by all out of town judges. So there will be no local influences in the judge’s decisions. It will be strictly on the quality of the bike.

There will also be some great stunt riding from Midwest Stunters. This talented group includes Jeff Schneider from Motorcycle Works in Olathe, Kansas. They really know how to ride!

If you can’t make the event on July 17th but still want to contribute to Dave, you can send a $50 or more donation and you will receive an official Dave Mann benefit shirt. Whatever you can send will be appreciated by Dave and Jacquie Mann. Checks should be made payable to Dave Mann and sent to Rt 1, Box 328A, Edwards, Missouri 65326.

So if you are an old friend of Dave’s, a new rider who loves his work or just someone who wants to help out a good cause come out on July 17th for the fun and party. This is a monumental day for Wide Open and Dave Mann. Don’t miss the excitement! For more information visit http://www.wideopencycle.com.

BIKERNET PARENTAL ADVICE–A three year old boy in his bath examined his testicles andasked, “Mommy, are these my brains?”

Mom answered, “Not yet, honey.”

–from Bob T.

BIKERNET LOVERS ADVICE– A cop was patrolling late one night in a well-known spot called, “Lovers’ Lane.” He sees a couple in a car, with the interior light brightly glowing.

The cop carefully approaches the car to get a closer look. Then he sees a young man behind the wheel, reading a computer magazine. He immediately notices a young woman in the rear seat, knitting.

Puzzled by this surprising situation, the cop walks to the car and gently raps on the driver’s window.

The young man lowers his window … Uh, yes, officer?

What are you doing?

Well, isn’t it obvious? I’m reading a magazine, sir …”

Pointing towards the young woman in the back seat, the cop says: “And her, what is she doing?”

The young man shrugs: “Sir, I believe she’s knitting a pullover sweater.”

Now, the cop is totally confused. A young couple. alone, in a car, at night … in a lovers’ lane . and nothing obscene is happening!

“What’s your age, young man?”

“I’m 25, sir…”

“And her … what’s her age?”

The young man looks at his watch and replies: “She’ll be 18 in 20 minutes

–from Dave Florence

LA CALENDAR BIKE SHOW–FastDates.com and Performance Machine present the 2004Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show Weekend July 17-18th 2004Iron Works Charity Ride, Jardine Performance West Coast Dyno Shootout,America’s Top Builders, Live Blues and Rock Concert Festivals, Purrfect Angelz and Las Vegas Extremes featured There’s an incredible lineup of activities including the Jardine Performance West Coast Horsepower Dyno Shootout – now an exclusive permanent feature attraction at the Show, new bike demo rides from select motorcycle manufacturers, and complimentary admission to the Queen Mary historic ocean liner (Normally a separate $26 charge to tourists, Queen Mary admission is included free to Bike Show spectators with their low $20 admission to the Bike Show). The LA Calendar Motorcycle Show again supports an important charity, the Iron Works magazine Readers Ride to benefit Olive Crest Children’s Shelters (the biggest shelter for orphans, abused children and families in Southern California), as its ride-to destination. Saturday morning the 17th riders will start at the Olive Crest Children’s Home in Santa Ana, CA, from where they will then ride to the Calendar Bike Show in Long Beach, just 25 miles away and receive VIP parking, a complimentary lunch and weekend admission for their charity donation.

Each year’s Show features exciting live on-stage entertainment. This year will there will be different musical themes each day. Saturday the 17th will feature an all day Mini Blues Festival headlined by 2000 lbs of Blues, one of Los Angeles’ most popular blues bands, together with a number of special guests. On Sunday the 18th the Show will shift to a Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival with the hugely popular Unauthorized Rolling Stones out of San Francisco, together with the Janis Joplin style rock/blues vocals of the beautiful Boudeeka. Also featured both days will be the beautiful Purrfect Angelz with their sigglin’ on-stage performances both days, and the Las Vegas Extremes sportbike stunt riding team of heart throb Pauly Sherer and sexy Jolleen “JoJo” Farmer with their wild tire smookin’ antics

Spectators and Exhibitors can find out more about The LA Calendar Motorcycle Show, the Bike Contest and all the available weekend activities online athttp:// www.FastDates.com/BIKESHOW.HTM .

Walter riding the machine.

TIM CONDOR TOOL BIKE FOR SALE–Okay, Walter is selling Conder’s Monster Garage “TOOL BIKE” on Ebay to finance another project. He’s put roughly 2000 miles on it and it’s been shown all over the northwest. It’s a brand new bike and is listed under “Custom built motorcycles.” So back ol’ Walter up, ’cause Tim’s gonna build him some crazy assed 100-inch flathead with no brakes…….

Walter (360) 531-2207, Conder (206) 356-0891

The Conderosa
http://www.armageddontopfuel.com
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2470739113

BIKERNET SPONSOR ROADHOUSE SHOWS–Check http:// www.hrroadhouse.com . The tour dates are included on the site except Myrtle Beach has changed to May 12 – 16 located as noted but reference it as “just south of MB Harley-Davidson”.

Our goal is to build the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse up as an exciting platform for the builders & sponsors, one of the “must-stops” at the rallies because I promise it WILL be one of the coolest locales with it’s design, the Hard Rock gals, the Hard Rock twins, entertainment, Hard Rock bar, etc. Also and above all is the chance for anyone to WIN one of the Hard Rock bikes! Drawing will be at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino during the Fort Lauderdale Sun Run – Dec 2-5.

Happy to have you on board! Feel free to share any ideas as we hope to make this a win-win-win for everyone involved!!

–Carrie

THE POWER OF THE HUMAN MIND–The pweor of the hmuan mnid. Aoccdrnig to rscheearch codnutcedat Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrodare tpyed, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be inthe rghit oedrer. The rset can be a total mses and you can sitll raed itwouthit porbelm.

Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter byistlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Amzanig huh?

–from Gene Koch
Drag Specialties

FLEEING FELONY BILL–Ten years have passed since a man fleeing police hit Gayle Bouie’s car and killed her young daughter.

Alicyn Bouie would have been 22 this year. She might have been finishing college. Maybe she’d be married. The thought of what might have been still haunts Gayle and her husband, Al, a former principal at DeLand High School.

The House on Monday unanimously passed the bill (HB 295), which would make fleeing and eluding a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor and carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years if another person dies or is injured. It would also allow police to confiscate drivers’ vehicles and suspend their licenses for one to five years — up from the current one year.

A similar Senate bill (SB 1322), sponsored by Sen. Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach, is still being heard in committees.

By DEBORAH CIRCELLIStaff Writer

This bill covers one side of the story, although I do feel sympathy for the family’s who lost people. The bill Fails To Address why Police Departments around Florida Do Not Pursue or call off chases of speeding vehicles unless it is for a Serious Felony.

Often more Innocent People are Injured or Killed by The Chase. Also the amount of wrecked cop cars and personal property damage is astronomical proportions. The question is: was the chase justified? Many Police Officers LIKE High Speed Chases.

The fact that Police will confiscate vehicles is scary. Exactly what would constitute Fleeing and Eluding? Could it include not pulling over immediately, since you were looking for a safe place to park?

The Bill should include a section ON UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES A POLICE AGENCY COULD INSTITUTE A CHASE and when they should resort to other methods or call it off.

— Rogue

Continued On Page 2

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH – POLARIS TAKES A JUMP, CARIBBEAN REPORT AND BUY AMERICAN

Continued From Page 1

RARE JOCKEY SHIFT–Getting closer to finishing up my Shifter. Join the Cantina for the rarest biker memorabilia we can find. Check the Digital Discovery area.

Bob T.

HEY BANDIT,– just letting you know legendary bike builder and ahrma racer Steve Coe has gone public with his extensive collection. We have been featured at Daytona USA, iron horse saloon, no name saloon, etc…Check us out at www.daytonavintageracing.com if you ever come back to daytona please stop by for a personal tour.. Thanks and Ride on.VanessaDaytona Vintage Racing

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–One more month goes by and we are still here doing the news. Good things do happen, I just got a call from some TV producer to do a series called Caribbean Chopper, the only shitty part is that I’m going to have to watch all the Chopper TV shows some of you guy?s love so much. I really don’t know if I can withstand such torture. Don’t worry guys, I won?t charge for my autographs; they will be free with the purchase of one of my chops, or the bringing of a chick (good looking and with all her teeth, of course).

This week it’s full of news, it’s amazing the amount of e-mails and gossip we get thought the e-mails. Some weeks I get none, some weeks so much shit that it could last for months.So I guess without further ado and not getting into my rants about who liked, who understood or who hated my Daytona report, which I really don’t give a fucking donkey dick about… let’s get to the juicy stuff.

There’s some stories going around that the Las Vegas Bike fest has set up a new gimmick, it’s called Artistry in Iron and only 25 of the top builders in the nation will be able to participate, and bring their custom chops to the event. I will leak the list as soon as I get more news about it; I really believe this will be fun.

Talking to Billy lane the other day, he was so fucking busy with bikes and such that he was vowing to get the fuck out of Melbourne. For those of you who don’t read gossip papers (like I) seems like Enquirer found out Billy and his new squeeze (none other than Paris Hilton !!!!!) hanging out in the Hawaiian sun. Sure I knew about it, but since it’s coming out I might as well beat those suckers to the punch. They are also talking of Billy’s desires to be in Porn, so I guess that with Pari’s experience it will be a logical step… We all know the hubless 2 was called Money Shot for something. Lets call it wishful thinking.

To those of you who think I am always bashing on the OCC guys, let me tell you, it’s not true. I happened to catch one of the shows the other day, I mean, I don’t watch because I don’t have much time left after my day is done, but lucky for me, I got to catch an episode and they were putting together a Holidays theme bike. It?s amazing what you can do with some metal and the proper machinery, needless to say, the candy cane sliders tripped the shit out of me. I don’t even remember if they were fighting or not, since I was mesmerized with all the intricate work and what not. To sum it up it was awesome. Go get them guys !!!!! Can’t wait for the Easter one!!!

Since I’m on a roll with TV people, I don’t want to sound like I’m full of myself, but I happen to know many of those guys. They tell me a lot of stuff that I don’t share with anyone, (I guess that’s why they tell me). Some people might call them ” secrets” but since it’s two am and I just got home and am pissed of, just trying to finish a couple fucking bikes, I’m fucking opening the Pandoras box…I might have a few less friends after this week, but what the fuck, they might understand!

And now the one everyone loves to talk about….Yeap if you guessed Jesse James, give the man a fucking smelly, cuban cigar…… Grapevine has it that Jesse is retiring from building bikes and Monster garage, he is going to pursue an acting career, he has been auditioning for Broadway musicals and such, there’s also reports that he wants to raise Llamas near Wyoming. I guess he just wants to stop eating sparks and having as much fun as he does building all those cool cars and bikes. The reports claim that Bling Bling, Chopper Dave, Rockabilly Jay and Foamsucker Hodge are trying to raise enough dough to buy Jesse out. Don’t forget that you heard it here first.

The Horse, our favorite magazine has been sold to the Easyriders media moguls. It was an expected move, since the mag has grown so much in the past year, even to the feat of arriving at Wal Marts newsstands. More good news is that the miracle of me on the cover will take place in the first issue after the buy out; to say the least, that will be amazing, (nope not the buy out) but me on the cover!!! They are looking for an editor and I’ve heard many names, but I guess I’ll save them for next week. One hint, the editor they want used to work for Easyriders, but he?s holding out for a six-digit salary and will probably get it.

I know I never do any news about the Company…but today is a new day, I did something about OCC , so I must do something about Harley. In the industry news report they were talking about bringing back the Knuckle, Pan and Shovel motors. I find this the best news ever, you will be able to buy an exact repro of those motors for your Chop. They are also promising an affordable price for them. I guess they have noticed that the crate Evo’s are going like hotcakes, so they want to jump in the bandwagon…. I guess I said this before, but I can’t fucking wait.

On a sadder note Indian Larry is finally retiring from motorcycling, after the hit shows in Discovery he has racked enough dough and recognition to escape to Tibet and become a monk. I guess he?s searching for spiritual enlightenment, peace and to be able to piss without people snapping shots. Larry will be missed by many, but if it’s for the betterment of a friend, I’m all for it. Unless you happen to visit Nepal with Richard Gere, I guess we won’t be able to see him at all.

Anyway, I gotta go. For those of you always wondering when would I finally get a new girlfriend, let me tell you, I already did. I’m writing this April Fool’s news in her pad in Hollywood, just a few miles away from the Bikernet Headquarters. I promised Alyssa Lovelace that I would take her to dinner the 1st of April, you know, April Fools day, which is her birthday. Fuck !!! That is TODAY !!!!!

So Happy APRIL FOOLS DAY you SUCKERS !!!!!!!!If you believed the words above, I got a bridge to sell.

Jose Caribbean Bikernet Report on April Fools Day…

BUY AMERICAN MENTION OF THE WEEK, 3-29-04–Welcome to Roger Simmermaker’s Buy American Mention of the Week E-zine, created specifically for consumer patriots who want to Buy American and contribute to a more prosperous America. Please feel free to forward this to friends, family and associates. Thank you for your free subscription and for passing this important information along! For past issues, please visit our website at http:// www.howtobuyamerican.com .

American-Made Apparel in So Many Ways; Costco vs. Wal-Mart

There?s no reason to buy imported apparel if you know where to look. Over the last few months, I have written several ?Buy American Mention of the Week? articles on just how easy ? and affordable ? it is to buy apparel made in the USA. My belief that everything you wear every day can be (and should be) made in the USA continues to be reinforced as I continue to become aware of more patriotic apparel-makers that pride themselves in their American workforce.

From dress shirts and everyday apparel to bikinis and pajamas, all can be found made in the USA. As layoffs and Chinese imports increase simultaneously, we can help replace these jobs by directing our dollars to American manufacturers, forcing them to expand their production and hire more Americans. I?m sure that neither the American companies nor their newly-hired employees would complain.

I had the pleasure of meeting the owner for A.N.H. Distributors last month, and I have just received my first order from their King Cotton Collection. You can see their collection at http:// www.anhdistributors.com . Every item they offer is made in their Miami factory.

Looking for American-made dress shirts? Try www.mortonshirts.com or check out the new pinpoint oxford dress shirt from http:// www.quantumcotton.com . Quantum?s new white dress shirt is simply the softest and most comfortable dress shirt I have ever worn.

If you?re looking to get into the swing of spring, try http:// www.venusswimwear.com . Venus Swimwear is based in Jacksonville, Florida and is America?s largest maker of swimwear. Let?s help keep them on top since every piece of swimwear they offer is stitched right here in the USA. Venus does offer other clothing and accessories that may not be American made, so if you search their catalog for items other than swimwear, keep this in mind.

Looking for American-made pajamas? Try Pajama Mama?s website at http:// www.pjmama.com where you?ll see several styles and colors ? all made in the USA.

Of course we can?t always order everything over the internet or via telephone. When you?re not searching for American-made apparel and find yourself looking for a big name retailer that has everything, you might try Costco instead of Wal-Mart. I haven?t seen any data on the percentage of goods made in America from Costco vs. Wal-Mart, even though Wal-Mart is America?s biggest importer of Chinese goods, but there are other reasons Costco might be more deserving of our dollars.

Costco has a reputation in the retail industry for providing the best benefits for their employees, and their wages are much better than Wal-Mart?s as well. Cashiers start out at $10.50 an hour, top out at $17.50 an hour, and can make $40,000 a year in less than four years working full-time.

Wal-Mart, which refuses to release information on their wage rates, claiming they vary depending on the location, starts their Las Vegas cashiers at $7.65 an hour and tops them out at $11.45 an hour. It?s amazing that Wal-Mart?s top pay for cashiers is less than 10% higher than Costco?s starting pay.

Costco?s employee turnover rate is more than half of Wal-Mart?s, and the company has successfully resisted passing on rising health care costs to their employees seven of the last eight years.

As you might guess, Costco has taken some heat from the Wall Street elite for being too generous to their employees and not focusing on shareholder returns instead. That should be a clue to ordinary Americans that Costco is doing something right. Could it be that 82% of Costco?s employees are covered (able to afford) company-provided health insurance? Could it be that Costco covers 92% of health care premiums for their workers vs. 66.6% for Wal-Mart? The answer is probably ?yes? to both questions.

The more health care premiums are covered by successful American companies employing Americans, the less the federal government will be obligated to cover through higher taxes on all of us as pressures mount to find a solution to the health-care crisis. The best solution is obviously not one that shifts the burden to working Americans.

So when you?re looking for American-made apparel of any kind, try one of the company websites featured in this article, or one of the many others featured on the links page at http:// www.howtobuyamerican.com . But for general retail, consider Costco instead of Wal-Mart, where you?re likely to find happier employees for a happier shopping experience.

Roger Simmermaker, Author
How Americans Can Buy American
http:// www.howtobuyamerican.com

Submitted by Nick Roberts

VICTORY TO CELEBRATE POLARIS 50th ANNIVERSAY WITH JUMP OVER SNAKE RIVER CANYON–
GM Mark Blackwell to Jump Victory Vegas Over Legendary Canyon
MEDINA, MN, April 1, 2004 ? Victory Motorcycles is going to new heights to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its parent company, Polaris Industries, by having the bike division?s General Manager, Mark Blackwell, jump the Snake River Canyon on a Victory Vegas.

Blackwell will make the jump on July 24, 2004, and it will be televised live to the crowd attending the Polaris 50th Anniversary Celebration in St. Paul, Minnesota.

This is the same canyon that motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to clear in the X-1 Skycycle on September 8, 1974. Knievel did not clear the 1,580-foot canyon but he landed safely as a parachute slowed his vehicle?s descent.

?This Victory jump will be doubly memorable because it celebrates the Polaris 50th as well as the 30th anniversary of Evel?s attempt,? said Blackwell. ?We?re doing it to pay tribute to Polaris and entertain the company employees, dealers and customers as they celebrate back in Minnesota,?

While Knievel was inside a rocket-like vehicle with two wheels, Blackwell will be on a nearly stock Vegas.

?We?ve removed a few parts to reduce the bike?s weight, and I?m using hard-compound tires, but that?s about it,? said Blackwell, who won the AMA?s first 500cc motocross national championship in 1972 and was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 2000.Knievel launched the Skycycle off a steep 300-foot ramp and had hoped to land about 400 feet beyond the far edge of the canyon, making his goal a leap ? or, more accurately, a ?flight? ? of about 1,980 feet.

?I?ve cleared 2,000 easily on practice jumps, and I even overshot the landing ramp a time or two when I built up too much approach speed,? Blackwell said. ?The key to a smooth jump is throttle restraint on the run-up ramp. The ponies in our Freedom? V-twin like to run, but I?ve got to make sure I don?t exceed my target speed. Once I?m airborne, I’ll just sit back and enjoy the ride.?Victory and a national broadcast network are currently discussing the possibility of airing the jump live. Details such as the broadcast time and network will be announced once plans are finalized.

?It will be great viewing for motorsports enthusiasts at home, and for me, it?s a great riding opportunity,? Blackwell said. ?When the idea was first suggested, I said ?I love it. I hope you?re not fooling!??

About PolarisInformation about the complete line of Polaris products is available from authorized Polaris dealers or from the Polaris homepage athttp://www. polarisindustries.com.

2004 marks the 50th Anniversary of Polaris Industries. Celebrations will be held in Roseau, Minnesota, birthplace of Polaris, on June 18-19, 2004 and a worldwide celebration will take place in St. Paul at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on July 24, 2004. Visit http://www. polarisindustries.com or call 1-800-POLARIS for more information. Happy April Fools!!

THAT’S THE NEWS– Bandit’s bailed on you, headed for Arizona on a Victory Kingpin. The plan was to leave Wilmington by 10:00 am, but the morning was cold and the bed was warm, so we snuggled a bit too long. He rolled out around 11:00.

Next week will be interesting here in the new digs. We decided on who will replace the windows, the rolling gate and who will fix the roll up door. Fucking undependable bastards out there. Three weeks we’ve been in this place and trying to find reputable companies is difficult, or just someone who’ll call back. I do have to thank our friends though. Jim Murillo, Buster, Chris Chrome, Nuttboy, Kraig, Kyle and Crazy John. Without them, we’d be sitting on boxes at the curb, still in San Pedro.

Have a great weekend, and don’t be fooled!

Happy April Fools Day.

Layla

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–BIG DOG’S 10,000TH BIKE, S&S EXPANDS AND STURGIS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Continued From Page 2

WHY MUSLIM TERRORISTS ARE QUICK TO COMMIT SUICIDE–

No Christmas.
No television.
No cheerleaders.
No baseball.
No football.
No basketball.
No hockey.
No golf.
No tailgate parties.
No Walmart.
No Home Depot.
No pork BBQ.
No hot dogs.
No burgers.
No chocolate chip cookies.
No lobster.
No shellfish or even frozen fish sticks.
No gumbo.
No jambalaya.
Rags for clothes and towels for hats.
Constant wailing from the guy next door becausehe’s sick and there are no doctors.
Constant wailing from the guy in the tower.
More than one wife.
Men can’t shave.
Their wives can’t shave.
Men can’t shower to wash off the smell of donkeycooked over burning camel dung.
The women have to wear baggy dresses and veilsat all times.
A man’s wife smells just like his donkey, but thedonkey has a better disposition.
Then they tell him that when he dies it all gets better!
I mean, really, what’s the mystery here?

–from S&C

WISCONSIN’S HELMET REMEDY– Wisconsin has been working on a remedy to a State Supreme Court ruling that adversely impacted injured motorcyclists. Insurance companies could enter non-use of a helmet as a defense in an injury case, according to the high court. Legislation was authored to nullify that decision, and passed both the Assembly and Senate in Wisconsin.

Attorney Michael F. Hupy was asked by ABATE of Wisconsin, the sponsor of the legislation, to assist in drafting the language of the bill and lobbying to urge passage. Recently, at a bill signing ceremony, Attorney Hupy and members of ABATE of Wisconsin witnessed the fruits of their labors.

The pictures include Gov. James Doyle acknowledging Attorney Michael F. Hupy while signing the bill, and a group of ABATE officers and members who gathered outside the conference room after the signing to pose for a group picture.

A year and a half ago, Attorney Michael F. Hupy read a Wisconsin Supreme Court case he did not agree with. Instead of following the dictates of the Court, he did something very unusual. He decided to go to Madison and overrule the Supreme Court’s decision.

Hupy, along with members of ABATE of Wisconsin, Tony Sanfelipo, founder of ABATE of Wisconsin, and Attorney Joseph Weigel helped write a bill that would prevent insurance companies from reducing damages for injured bikers when there is a claim that a helmet would have lessened the injuries.

The bill was introduced by Wisconsin State Senator David Zien, who has been an avid rider for many years. Hupy and Sanfelipo testified for the bill in Zien’s Senate Committee hearing, and later testified at a hearing before the Wisconsin Assembly. Both Hupy and Sanfelipo, as well as members of ABATE of Wisconsin and others lobbied for passage of the bill in the legislature.

After the Assembly passed the bill on March 2, 2004, Hupy contacted the Governor and urged him to sign the bill into law. The Governor’s response was to invite Hupy to the signing in his office on March 15, 2004. Governor Jim Doyle publicly thanked Attorney Hupy for the work that he had done to get the bill to his desk and presented him with a pen used to sign the bill.

Failure to make this change in Wisconsin law would have had a devastating affect on injured bikers. In an accident that was 100% the other driver’s fault, a motorcyclist with a serious head injury could end up losing all of a multi-million-dollar verdict and walk away with nothing if the insurance company could successfully argue to a jury that wearing a helmet would have prevented all of the head injury. Hupy and Sanfelipo saw this as an attempt to judicially mandate a helmet law in Wisconsin despite the fact that the legislature repealed Wisconsin’s helmet law twenty-five years

BUSH 2004 CAMPAIGN BUMPBER STICKERS:

Bush/Cheney ’04: Four More Wars

Bush/Cheney ’04: Making the world a better place, one country at a time.

–from Nuttboy

THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE INDUCTEES FOR 2004:

John Paul DeJoria
The Early Family
Harry’s Motors
Jerry Hatfield
David Mann
Bruce Rossmeyer
Perry Sands
Dal Smilie
Bill Waltermire
Annie Brokaw – recipient of the J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Lifetime Achievement Award

The 2004 Freedom Fighter’s Hall of Fame inductees are:
Mark Buckner
Mike Farabaugh
Ian Mutch
Donald “Pappy” Pittsley

All 2004 inductees will be presented with their awards at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast scheduled for Wednesday, August 11 at 9:00 a.m. at the Spearfish Holiday Inn in Spearfish, SD.

Breakfast Tickets are available for a $20.00 donation, tables of eight for $160.00. Each year the Breakfast sells out therefore we recommend tickets be purchased well in advance of the event.

For more information on the inductees visit the Museum’s website at www.sturgismotorcyclemuseum.org

http://www.memorialbracelets.com/ I would like to see everyAMERICAN in this country wear one of these .

BULLSHIT JOKE–A turkey was chatting with a bull. “I would love to be able to get to thetop of that tree,” sighed the turkey, “but I haven’t got the energy.”

“Well, why don’t you nibble on some of my droppings?” replied the bull. “They’re packed with nutrients.”

The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it actually gave himenough strength to reach the first branch of the tree. The next day, aftereating more dung, the turkey reached the second branch. Finally afterseveral days of eating dung, the turkey was proudly perched at the top ofthe tree. Soon he was spotted by a farmer who shot him out of the tree andtook the turkey home and ate it.

Lesson: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it won’t keep you there.

–from Nuttboy

S &S EXPANDS–On Tuesday, March 16th, S&S Cycle President, Brett Smith executed a letter of intent to purchase 164,000 square feet of distribution, manufacturing, and office space in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Three days later on Friday, March 19th, the Mayor of La Crosse, John Medinger introduced Brett Smith and S&S Cycle to the community of La Crosse during a press conference at City Hall. The press conference focused on expansion plans in La Crosse since the Viola facility will continue to operate and grow?specifically in core manufacturing (primary engine components).

“Our commitment to all of our customers, the custom OEs and the V-Twin aftermarket, will be solidified through this purchase. With the rapid growth they’ve been experiencing, it was imperative for us to make an overt commitment to grow with them. Not only have we done so through the purchase of additional square footage, I wish to announce that we are working to complete our development of a 2008 CARB and 2010 EPA noise and air emissions standard engine. Although this will not a be a salable product for some time, I felt the industry should know that we are cognizant of and committed to meeting CARB/EPA noise and air emissions standards for 2008/2010,” said S&S President, Brett Smith.

The facility S&S intends to occupy was formerly a distribution facility for Fleming Foods. Upon completing the purchase of Fleming by SuperValu (another large foods retailer), they vacated the space and placed it on the market. The La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO) was aggressive in pursuing S&S Cycle after discovering that S&S was looking to expand in late-October of last year. The work between S&S and LADCO was very timely and the S&S Board of Directors unanimously approved the purchase of the new property at a March 12th Board meeting.

“The site we have identified for expansion is comprised of two buildings. One is approximately 145,000 square feet and will be used for distribution and manufacturing. The other building is approximately 20,000 square feet and will be used as a Tech, Warranty/Rebuild, and Training/Certification center. The acquisition of this space will allow us to move ahead quickly with the strategic Dealer Training and Certification initiative at S&S Cycle. We are very excited with the prospects for this program and what it will do to enhance our dealers’ ability to service the consumers in the V-Twin market. Without a strong dealer network, S&S will lose its ability to properly serve the aftermarket consumers. Therefore, we are committed to doing whatever we can to support and promote our dealers.”

“Although new products and markets will certainly be entertained, S&S emphatically states it has no intentions of competing with custom OEs. “We value the strong relationships we have with a number of custom OEs in the V-Twin industry and have no intentions of competing with our own customers. However, S&S will work to ensure that our OE customers have a reliable source for any components they need in order to grow their businesses,” said Brett.

For more information, please contact the S&S website located at www.sscycle.com.

SEX SHOP ADVICE–A little old lady, well into her eighties, slowly enters the front door of a sex shop.

Obviously very unstable on her feet, she shakily wobbles the few feet across the store to the counter.

Finally arriving at the counter and grabbing it for support, she asks the sales clerk: “Dddooo youuuu hhhave dddddiilllldosss?”

The clerk, politely trying not to burst out laughing, replies: “Yes we do have dildos. Actually we carry many different models.”

The old woman then asks: “Dddddoooo yyyouuuu ccaarrryy aaa pppinkk onnee, tttenn inchessss lllong aaandd aabboutt ttwoo inchesss ththiickk…aaand rrunnsby bbaatteries ?

The clerk responds, “Yes we do.”

“Ddddooo yyoooouuuu kknnnoooww hhhowww tttooo ttturrrnnn ttthe dddaaammmnnn ttthingggg offffff?”

–from Mary Lou

VIVA LAS LEGAS–Want to take your bike to Austria? This looks like a GREAT place to use as a home base! We are a Motorcycle Campgrounds in Styria – AustriaOpen to Bikers Year Round.We welcome all!from June 2004

Werner Legat
Routemaster
+43/676/844 648 691
http://www.styrian-bikeweek.com/>www.styrian-bikeweek.com
Bikereventhttp://www.routemaster.at/>www.routemaster.at LAS LEGAS – Motocamp in Styria www.mcaucha.com

Highlander’s from Southern Styria

BIG DOG MOTORCYCLES’ 10,000 BIKE ROLLS OFF PRODUCTION LINE–2004 Ridgeback with special edition graphics represents milestone by niche leader;motorcycle made its debut at Daytona Beach Bike Week

WICHITA, Kansas (March 24, 2004): Big Dog Motorcycles (the leading designer and manufacturer of high performance, highly-styled heavyweight cruisers, has just produced its 10,000th motorcycle. The commemorative bike, a 2004 Ridgeback, was built just weeks into the company’s tenth anniversary year. Riders and enthusiasts viewed the two-wheeled milestone at its inaugural showing at Daytona Beach Bike Week, held February 26 through March 7.

“It took over eight years to make five thousand bikes and a little more than just under two years to make five thousand more,” stated Nick Messer, president, Big Dog Motorcycles.

Big Dog Motorcycle Number One was a 1994 Vintage Classic. A nostalgic, custom cruiser, it was built out of frustration by the company’s founder and CEO, Sheldon Coleman. “I wanted something that had more styling, performance, and rideability than the available factory bikes. And it just wasn’t out there,” he said.

Since its humble beginning a decade ago, the company has grown into an $80 million powerhouse with ninety dealers and over 300 employees.

Big Dog Motorcycles’ 10,000th bike is a misty midnight blue Ridgeback, complete with a 117 polished cubic inch engine, 6-speed transmission, 250 rear tire, and a custom graphics package. With a traditional patriotic theme reminiscent of all commemorative bikes, the Ridgeback also sports a 10,000th bike chrome-like icon with a hint of nostalgia.

BIKERNET RELATIONSHIP WARNING– A man calls home to his wife and says, “Honey I have been asked to go fishing at a big lake up in Canada with my boss and several of his friends.

We’ll be gone for a week. This is a good opportunity for me to get that promotion I’ve been wanting so would you please pack me enough clothes for a week and set out my rod and tackle box. We’re leaving from the office and I will swing by the house to pick my things up. Oh! Please pack my new blue silk pajamas.”

The wife thinks this sounds a little fishy but being a good wife she does exactly what her husband asked. The following weekend he comes home a little tired but otherwise looking good. The wife welcomes him home and asks if he caught many fish? He says, Yes! Lot’s of Walleye, some Bluegill, and a few Pike. But why didn’t you pack my new blue silk pajamas like I asked you to do?”

The wife replies “I did, they were in your tackle box.”

–from Dave F.

Continued On Page 4

BIKERNET NEWS ALERT–CARIBBEAN REPORT READY,

Continued From Page 1

PAINT JOB OF THE WEEK–from Jim’s Cycle Painting. WWW.JimsCyclePainting.com or call (310) 329-4707.

HAMSTERS TO STURGIS ITINERARY–Depart ARLENS Sunday Aug 1st for Winnamucca, NV.
Mon. Aug 2nd, Winnamucca to Sun Valley, ID.
Tues. Aug 3rd, lay over day in Sun Valley.
Wed. Aug 4th, Sun Valley to Jackson Hole , WY.
Thurs. Aug 5th, Jackson to Cody WY. via Yellowstone.
Friday Aug 6th, Cody to Buffalo, WY.
Sat. Aug 7th, Buffalo to Spearfish, SD.

We will have only 40 rooms booked each night for the ride, so the first 40 of you to book will get in on them.Those waiting ’til the last minute are welcome to ride with us but will have to find their own rooms.

It is up to you to contact any Hamster friends who wish to make the ride with us and have them contact me directly.? If you are going, be sure to contact me as soon as possible! Preference will be given to Hamsters first for the rooms!

Barry Cooney 760-745-9442

DATE PREPARATIONS–To prepare for his big date the young man went on topof the roof of his apartment building in order to get alittle color for himself. Not wanting any tan lines to show, hesunbathed in the nude.

Unfortunately he fell asleep while on the roof andsunburned his Johnson. Being very determined the young man decidednot to miss his date, because it was a hot blonde. So, he put somelotion on his manhood and wrapped it in gauze. Feeling this shouldresolve his painful situation.

The blonde showed up for the date at his apartment,and the young man treated her to a home cooked dinner, after which theywent into the living room to watch a movie.

During the movie, however the young man’s sunburnstarted acting up.After several minutes of extreme discomfort he askedto be excused.

A friend had told him that milk was very effective inreducing sunburn pain so he went to the kitchen, and poured a tall coldglass of milk. He then placed his sunburned member in themilk and experienced immediate relief.

The blonde, however, wondering what he was doing,wandered into the kitchen to find him with his “tool” immersed in theglass of milk.

With a look of understanding the Blondeexclaimed,………..

“SO, THAT’S HOW YOU LOAD THOSE THINGS ”

–from Rogue

BIKERNET TAX LESSONS–Accounts Receivable Tax,Building Permit Tax,Capital Gains Tax,CDL license Tax,Cigarette Tax,Corporate Income Tax,Court Fines,(indirect taxes),Dog License Tax,Federal Income Tax,Federal Unemployment Tax(FUTA),Fishing License Tax,Food License Tax,Fuel permit tax,Gasoline Tax(42 cents per gallon),Hunting License Tax,Inheritance Tax Interest expense(tax on the money),Inventory tax IRS Interest Charges(tax on top of tax),IRS Penalties(tax on top of tax),Liquor Tax,Local Income Tax,Luxury Taxes,Marriage License Tax,Medicare Tax,Property Tax,Real Estate Tax,Septic Permit Tax,Service Charge Taxes,Social Security Tax,Road Usage Taxes(Truckers),Sales Taxes,Recreational Vehicle Tax,Road Toll Booth Taxes,School Tax,State Income Tax,State Unemployment Tax,(SUTA)Telephone federal excise tax,Telephone federal universal service fee tax,Telephone federal, state andlocal surcharge taxes,Telephone minimum usage surcharge tax,Telephone recurring and non-recurring charges tax,Telephone state and local tax,Telephone usage charge tax,Toll Bridge Taxes,Toll Tunnel Taxes,Traffic Fines(indirect taxation),Trailer registration tax,Utility Taxes,Vehicle License Registration Tax,Vehicle Sales Tax,Watercraft registration Tax,Well Permit Tax,Workers Compensation Tax,

COMMENTS:Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago and our nation was the most prosperous in the world, had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.

What the hell happened???

–from Redhorse

NEW XL FRAME FROM CHOPPERS UNLIMITED!–(JACKSONVILLE, NC) Choppers Unlimited again grabs the high ground with theirjust announced 180 Big Twin and 250 Sportster rigid frames, available ineither carbon or polished stainless steel, with popular pricing thatdelivers American made quality and real world affordability in a traditionaldesign.

All CUs frames, including their beautiful polished stainless option, are100% TIG welded and accept four, five, or six-speed transmissions. Customrakes from 20 to 60 degrees and downtube stretch up to 20 inches are laid upusing their proprietary frame geometry calculator (online atwww.choppersunlimited.com) to achieve the correct trail for civilizedhandling at no additional charge.

Tech Specs:
1 5/16 carbon steel
1 3/8 polished stainless steel
price includes customer choice of rake and stretch
accepts four, five, and six speed transmissions
available as frame only, roller, super roller, and turnkey
frames begin at $990.00 MSRP
rollers begin at $4,900.00 MSRP
choice of 3/4 or 1 rear axle
drive side braking or standard offset for conventional brake setup

Kjell Bjerke
Choppers Unlimited
256 S. Marine Blvd.
Jacksonville, NC 28540
Work: (910) 938-3375
Fax: (910) 989-0061
Email: choppers@choppersunlimited.com
www.choppersunlimited.com

ONE RINGY DINGY–Twelve priests were about to be ordained. The final test was for them to line up in a straight row, totally nude, in a garden while a sexy and beautiful big breasted nude model danced before them.

Each priest had a small bell attached to his penis and they were told that anyone whose bell rang when she danced in front of them would not be ordained because he had not reached a state of spiritual purity.

The beautiful model danced before the first candidate, with no reaction. She proceeded down the line with the same response from all the priests until she got to the final priest.

As she danced, his bell began to ring so loudly that it flew off and fell clattering to the ground. Embarrassed, he took a few steps forward and bent over to pick up the bell.

As he did, all of the other bells started to ring…

–from Jill Z.

Great shot from Buckshot, for the troops.

BIKERNET RELATIONSHIP CORNER–A dinner conversation that took the wrong turn –

WIFE: “What would you do if I died? Would you get married again?”

HUSBAND: “Definitely not!”

WIFE: “Why not – don’t you like being married?”

HUSBAND: “Of course I do.”

WIFE: “Then why wouldn’t you remarry?”

HUSBAND: “Okay, I’d get married again.”

WIFE: “You would? (with a hurtful look on her face).”

HUSBAND: (makes audible groan).

WIFE: “Would you sleep with her in our bed?”

HUSBAND: “Where else would we sleep?”

WIFE: “Would you replace my pictures with hers?”

HUSBAND: “That would seem like the proper thing to do.”

WIFE: “Would she wear my jewelry?”

HUSBAND: “Well, I suppose so.”

WIFE: “Would she use my golf clubs?”

HUSBAND: “No, she’s left-handed.”

WIFE: – – – silence – – –

HUSBAND: “S**t…”

–from Chris T.

Hi Layla, Did you take the riding class yet?? Here is another pic of our South Bay HOG Chapter, we rode our motorcycles in the Hermosa Beach parade on Saturday. I made these outfits. Hey thanks so much for posting our ABATE flyer.

Later Isabel

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT– After a couple weeks of forced hiatus I guess we are back in full force. I just took the endeavor of moving, now Bikernet has done the same. Not an easy task at all, much less when you have amassed as much stuff as we all have. Our “toys” which sometimes take part of our own house (been to the headquarters so I know), getting new Internet hook ups, phones, address changes and all that stupid crap that still does take time, but as always it is all for the better. Congratulations to the crew for their new headquarters, and save me a space for a chop and to lay down…..

The Daytona report should be here soon. I did it as soon as I got back in order to keep things fresh (in my mind) or in other words, not forget. There are a lot of cool photos from Frank Kaisler coming soon and there’s others on my site as well. I don’t want to give anything away, but I guess the Daytona report will have some stuff added to it as I read it once more.

On the Caribbean front, I have a few more bikes almost done and some more at the table getting mocked up. We have been busting our asses trying to catch up on all the time lost during the move and Daytona. I hope that by next week I’ll have some photos of the progress. Speaking of putting bikes together, my friend Devon has a gig going on, he does some very cool bars. They come in three styles, Drag, Elk and Ape, all 1 1/4 dom and TIG welded, to top it off he can do any bars you want and add any designs you might find cool, here’s some photos of the bars and his web site is

I’m not just pluggin his work, I really find that with the weird rakes, new style of tanks and whatever (since I fucking hate the words–what not!!!), you can get the proper rise and bar angles so they don’t hit the precious paint. He also does a bunch of other stuff so show your support and let him know Jose sent you. I will be adding some photos of the progress on the bike and bars, maybe with photos you will know what I mean about clearance. Soon, very soon.

I’m working on my Sturgis bobber/early chopper, I thought it would be cool to share with you Chopper freaks a few parts that I have found. These are all going into my 65 Pan motor. ??I for one drool every time I see these…..I want to thank Irish Rich as well for all his help on the bob/chop…. And I guess we all know who Rich is… http:// www.shamrockfabrication.com?

I want to add that we had such a great time amongst friends over in Daytona. I will save mentioning the names, since it’s a very long list, and I don’t want to sound like I’m dropping names. With all the bullshit going on, I really believe the best part and maybe the reason to go to these events is to be able to hang out with this guys (and girls) no doubt about it.

Thanks for all the e-mails on the seat tech, the final part is already done (minus the upholstery) so I will send it to the powers to be pretty soon so they can cyber post it. Again, if there’s any tech questions that you might have, or anything you might want to be featured, let us know, and if I happen to be doing something similar I will be happy to snap shots and do it.

Well, this is it for now, gotta wait ’till the Daytona report so I don’t repeat myself.Back to work it is, by the way, when you go to work in these “pimpalas”, it?s a lot more fun.

See you next week

Jose?- Caribbean Bikernet Reporter

Continued On Page 3

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH–WE’RE UP AND RUNNIN’

Life’s bananas. We’re in the ghetto so it’s more difficult to coerce contractors to visit us on the industrial side of the tracks. The cable company, Comcast, won’t return our calls so we ended up running everything through the SBC phone company. Of course the DSL line went down two days after we finally got back on line. Through SBC we hooked up the phones, DSL for the Internet and dishes for television. Screw cable.

My 20 foot wide roll up door quit the other day. A kid came by, took one look at it and told me the door was toast. Just five grand to replace it. Then he sent me a bill for $250 to tell me that. The plumber told me he’d be here last Friday, called around 4:00 p.m. to tell me he couldn’t make it till Monday morning. Showed up at 3:00 p.m. Monday and couldn’t finish the job. I ordered polished diamond plate cut in segments for the shop head. Mendez told me that he would be back the next week. It’s been a week and I can’t reach him. Shit, I’m lucky the guys at Home Depot will talk to me. We had a new alarm system installed. Nothing worked, still doesn’t. If you see a report that I shot someone, you’ll know why.

Hang with us while we dial all this shit in. Let’s hit the news.

SCREAMIN’ EAGLE/VANCE & HINES V-ROD WINS GATORNATIONALS–H-D Team Dominates NHRA Pro Stock Bike Opener; Hines Wins Historic Final.GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 21, 2004) – The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines team scored a historic victory at the 35th Annual Mac Tools NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, as Harley-Davidson V-Rod riders Andrew Hines and GT Tonglet dominated the first Pro Stock Bike event of the season. Both riders advanced to the final round of eliminations, and Hines beat his teammate to win the event. It was the first time a V-Twin-powered motorcycle has won an NHRA Pro Stock Bike event.

“We worked so hard to get this bike to a point where it’s competitive with the top bikes,” Hines said of the Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock effort, now in just its third season of competition. “Now we are the top bike. It’s nice because a lot of people have put a lot of time into this project. Let everyone else chase us for awhile. I’m out here to win the championship and right now, with the bike I have, I think I’m a strong contender.”

Hines and Tonglet set the tone for their weekend in qualifying. Hines took the number one spot away from reigning NHRA Pro Stock Bike champion Geno Scali, setting a new Pro Stock Bike track record in the third round on Saturday with a 7.097-second elapsed time at 189.43 mph to Scali’s 7.104/192.80. Scali found himself in a V-Rod sandwich, with Tonglet posting a run of 7.141/188.16 to take the third spot in qualifying.

Hines and Tonglet advanced cleanly through three rounds of eliminations on Sunday, each reaching the finals without the benefit of an opponent’s red-light start or mechanical failure.

In round one, Hines broke the track ET record he set in qualifying with a 7.051/190.83 run and defeated Josh Helvie (7.285/186.37), while Tonglet (7.092/189.87) powered past Chris Bostick (7.298/182.03). Tonglet (7.085/190.27) beat veteran Antron Brown (7.264/183.48) to take his second-round match, while Hines (7.156/189.15) defeated Joe DeSantis (7.318/180.32) to advance to round three.

Tonglet drew Scali in the semi-final round, and the champion powered his Suzuki off the line first with a reaction time of 0.057 seconds to 0.065 for Tonglet, but the Screamin’ Eagle rider chased Scali down at half-track. Tonglet (7.119/187.93) crossed the line ahead of Scali (7.140/188.87) and put one Harley-Davidson in the final.

VOTE FOR GARAGE PAGE–Just wanted to drop you an email to say thank you for putting up the garage page and all info therein. Also wanted to say your Touring Chopper is fantastic and one of the main reasons I decided to chop my Virago. I’m incorperating hard bags based on your design (made from fiberglass though). I’ve included a few pictures of my progress so far if it is of any interest, but mainly wanted to say thanks.

Thank you for the reply, I appreciate the time. Here is a shot of it withthe pipes and headlight tacked toegther and mounted. It will be taken apartand finish welded and bodywork done in the next week or so. I’ll send anupdate at that time. Thanks again.

Clinton Hoines
winger9@telusplanet.net

CREMATION URNS SPECIFICALLY FOR BIKERS–Lake Worth, Florida – January 10th, 2004, “What better way to memorialize the biker in your life than to put their ashes in an urn made from parts for a vintage Harley motor?” says Jerry Falk, creator of the “Biker Ash box”. He goes on to say, “We’re offering a very unique, custom made, final resting-place for your loved one that truly reflects his or her interest in the Harley-Davidson lifestyle with many choices and options.”

Several Years ago Mr. Falk lost a loved one who was into the motorcycle scene. She was cremated and the family searched for months for an appropriate urn to keep her ashes in. They called Harley dealers, funeral homes, searched the Internet, etc, but couldn’t find anything close to what they were looking for. So, as a seller of used Harley parts, Jerry found some valve covers from a Harley-Davidson Panhead Motorcycle (Made from 1948 to 1965) and made one himself.

Jerry Falk
Biker Ashes
561-963-1102
WWW.BikerAshes.Com

Email:Marketing@BikerAshes.Com

BIKERLADY IN PASTEL–Look at this painting that this fellow did of me. Though the colors aredifferent, that’s YOUR BLUE FLAME bike, too!Artwork by Jim Piper. Your photograph was the inspiration.

Love,
Sasha

DAYTONA BEACH–TALK ABOUT RESPECT–The city’s campaign to curb drunken lawlessness during Spring Break suffered a sucker punch early Monday. A thief in the night swiped 300 trash can sleeves emblazoned with the city’s new catch phrase: “It’s all about respect.”

The theft of the trash can cozies was committed in the core tourist district, historically where college kids converge to drink and often cause trouble.

But the plot thickens as investigators try to solve this baffling whodunit. No Spring Breakers are suspects, and police are wondering if they’re on the trail of some organized crime.

“I can understand how some students would have taken one or two or maybe 10,” Mayor Yvonne Scarlett-Golden said. “But to have taken 300 of them from the one corridor?

“It leads me to thinking it’s an organized effort, although I can’t think of who would have led that.”

TRUCK DEAL OF THE WEEK–Just in case you guys might know someone looking for a diesel truck, attached is the shit on mine, 2000 Dodge crew cab. Selling it for $21,500 obo.

Bob Bitchin
Founder & Publisher
Latitudes & Attitudes Magazine
publisher@latsandatts.net
www.latsandatts.net
888-8-WE SAIL
(310) 798-3445

SONS OF LIBERTY RIDERS E-NEWS– Missouri asking for more help…Get the word out for us, please. I personally spoke with the Lt. Gov. lastevening in Hannibal. He has always been our friend. Thanks.Freedom of Road Riders? has asked that everyone send letters to tourism totell them how much money they won’t spend in Missouri because of the helmetlaw. People tell me they are receiving replies that tourism can’t lobby socontact their legislators. Well, for all of our friends around thenation — our Lt. Governor will be pleased to receive your letters, and hecan lobby our cause! So we need letters — if you’ve already written –please write again! Send your message to:Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell: ltgovinfo@ltgov.mo.gov

Louisiana is under attack!!!!!

TWO bills have beenintroduced, one in the House and one in the Senate, that would once againrequire ALL motorcyclists to wear helmets.Skelly hooked me up with Ollie “Laddie” Elkins, ABATE of LA., Capitol AreaChapter. Louisiana NEEDS OUR HELP and they’re asking for a nation wide e-mailcampaign. We need to write the members of their Senate and House (at end ofthis email) and ask that they reject these bills – SB-29 and HB-109.

STEEL PONY EXPRESS BIKE RUN–Steel Pony Express, a bike run to New Orleans that ends with a weekend ofpartying (Last years attendance was about 10,000),Riverboat casinos in north and south Louisiana,Scenic rides: I-10 & I-20 run east and west through the state and I-49, I-55& I-59 take traffic north and south,Miles of coastline with some of the best fishing in the Gulf of Mexico andscores of restored plantation homes that are open to tour in both north andsouth Louisiana.The Mississippi River with at least 9 bridges and the way to see the riverfrom a bike about 12 auto ferries.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND BUELL DAYTONA BIKE WEEK RIDE-IN SHOW WINNERS ANNOUNCEDDaytona Beach, Fla. (March 04, 2004) – The Harley-Davidson and Buell Ride-in show took place Wednesday, March 2, 2004 at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center.

Judges, including Willie G. Davidson, Vice President and Chief Styling Officer, Bill Davidson, Director of Marketing, Motorcycle Product Development, and other Company representatives, selected “Best of Show” winners in 18 categories. Entries were judged on street function, paint, style and more.

Winners are:

1. Antique Class:
Best In Class: Gale McFarland, Largo, Fla.
1st Runner Up: Peter R. Schmidt, Dresden, Germany
2nd Runner Up: Ron Princler, Inverness, Fla.
Honorable Mention: Kent and Venner Saul, Los Lunas, N.M.

2. VRSC Class:
Best in Class: John Hamlin, Daytona Beach, Fla.
1st Runner Up: NY Myke, San Diego, Calif.
2nd Runner Up: James Rogers, Riverview, Fla.
Honorable Mention: Kim Kelley, Port Richey, Fla.

3. Sidecar Class
Best in Class: Erwin Boeckmann, Munich, Germany
1st Runner Up: Otha Johnson, Baytown, Texas
2nd Runner Up: James E. Bub Lollis, Greenwood, S.C.

4. Custom Trike Class:
Best in Class: Merce Schmidt, Menasha, Wis.
1st Runner Up: Janice M. Bizzell, Princeton, N.C.
2nd Runner Up: Larry Werkmeister, Gowanda, N.Y.

5. Full Dresser Class:
Best in Class: Wayne Drayer, Ocala, Fla.
1st Runner Up: Barry Norsell, Valparaiso, Ind.
2nd Runner Up: Jerry Cataland, Ocala, Fla.
Honorable Mention: Ken Zettelmeier, Milwaukee, Wis.

6. Ladies of Harley (LOH) Sportster Class:
Best in Class: Lora Biggs, Evansville, Ind.

7. Street Custom Sportster Class:
Best in Class: Biff Prinkey, Timonium, Md.
1st Runner Up: Penny Ezell, Honeoye Falls, N.Y.
2nd Runner Up: Dave Adams, Grayling, Mich.
Honorable Mention: Cec Prinkey, Timonium, Md.

8. Radical Custom Sportster Class:
Best in Class: Gordon Cooke, Orillia, Ontario, Canada
1st Runner Up: Dennis Oliva, Armonk, N.Y.
2nd Runner Up: Rick Kirchoff and Mike Temore, Monsey, N.Y.

9. Pro Sportster Class:
Best in Class: Dave Finn Motorcycles, Tappan, N.Y.
1st Runner Up: Mark Missildine, St. Simons Island, Ga.
2nd Runner Up: Troy Pentland, Indianapolis, Ind.
Honorable Mention: Jeff Schneider Motorcycle Works, Olathe, Kan.

10. Ladies of Harley (LOH) Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Sandi Blackmer, Port Orange, Fla.
1st Runner Up: Margaret R. Nicastri, Bowie, Md.
2nd Runner Up: Rosie Dearmore, Leawood, Kan.
Honorable Mention: Vickie West, Greenup, Ky.

11. Street Custom Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Mike Hall, Fairborn, Ohio
1st Runner Up: Ken Lipack, Charlotte, N.C.
2nd Runner Up: Richard Ezell, Rochester, N.Y.
Honorable Mention: Billy Fumich, Pleasant Prairie, Wis.

12. Show Custom Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Joe Sciato, Alexandria, Va.
1st Runner Up: Dan Spina, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
2nd Runner Up: Jimmy Fleshman, Annapolis, Md.
Honorable Mention: Mike Pullin, Charlotte, N.C.

13. Street Custom Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Todd Osborne, Ooltewah, Tenn.
1st Runner Up: Avery Gardner, Spotsylvania, Va.
2nd Runner Up: Kevin Pezzuti, Annapolis, Md.

14. Show Custom Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Bruce Gardner, Tampa, Fla.
1st Runner Up: Dan Dearmore, Leawood, Kan.
2nd Runner Up: Lee Mullins, O’Brien, Fla.
Honorable Mention: Robert Berkowitz, Atlantic Beach, N.Y.

15. Radical Custom Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Charlie Tilse, Alphouelta, Ga.
1st Runner Up: Phillip Blackmer, Port Orange, Fla.
2nd Runner Up: Scott Nortnern, Waterford, Va.
Honorable Mention: Jim Murphy, Sanford, Fla.

16. Sport Touring Class:
Best in Class: Chris Neal, Jeffersonton, Va.
1st Runner Up: Roger Klock, Emery, S.D.
2nd Runner Up: James E. Robinson, Fairmont, W.Va.
Honorable Mention: Mike Patrick, Owensville, Mo.
Honorable Mention, Richard Teinert, Battle Creek, Mich.

17. Pro Big Twin Class:
Best in Class: Ed Jean, Norfolk, Mass.
1st Runner Up: Preston Fairchild, Kenner, La.
2nd Runner Up: Scott Hall, Melborne, Fla.
Honorable Mention: Russ Austin – Precious Metal Customs, Roswell, Ga.
Honorable Mention: Dave Finn Motorcycles, Tappan, N.Y.

18. Buell Class:
Best in Class: Richard Rodney, Canfield, Ohio
1st Runner Up: Lisa Pentland, Indianapolis, Ind.
2nd Runner Up: Thomas Connelly, Polk, Fla.

Continued On Page 2

THE BILL BISH STUDY–ORWELL MAY BE COMING TRUE

Bill Bish, writer, rider, freedom fighter.

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com

NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWSCompiled & Edited by Bill Bish,National Coalition of Motorcyclists

THE PRICE OF FREEDOM ABATE of Florida, Inc. has concluded an economic impact study for the first three fiscal years of Florida’s amended helmet law, and the bottom line reveals that “freedom of choice” has generated over a billion dollars into the state’s economy from the increase in ridership. From 2000 to 2003 Florida’s motorcycle registrations went from 228,914 to 355,007, which represents a 55% increase. The motorcycle registration figures are compiled from the statistics of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The monetary figures come from the license and registration bureau.

114,457 motorcycles at a low average of $10,000 each = $1,144,570,000

Sales tax on motorcycles at 6% = $68,674,200

Registration fees on motorcycles = $4,578,280

Change of Title = $3,406,094

TOTAL = $1,221,228,574

“This is a low estimate as it doesn’t include accessories and other items bought,” according to James “Doc” Reichenbach II, State President and Lobbyist for ABATE of Florida, and Chairman of the Board for the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM). “This is over 1.2 BILLION DOLLARS in three years that was put into the economy of the State of Florida.”

Over 75 MILLION DOLLARS went directly into the state treasury for the general fund. This does not include the tourist money that has increased because of Florida now being a freedom of choice state. In the past three years, over 1.3 billion dollars has been spent in Florida for Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

“I hope this report will help anyone who has heard the bad publicity that has come out of our amended law,” said Doc. “The motorcyclists have certainly paid their fair share into the Florida economy and it can be done in every state.”

CHINESE MOVE TO BAN MOTORCYCLES China, the world’s leading motorcycle producer, has begun banning motorcycles in urban areas. Currently, nearly 100 large and medium-size cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou and Xi’an, ban or limit the use of motorcycles to curb increasing air pollution, accident rates and crime. Analysts estimate that China will not have an urban market for motorcycles by 2010 if more cities continue to ban their use.?

Since 1994, cities like Shanghai, Tianjin and Nantong have stopped issuing licenses to new motorcycles. In Shanghai, many motorcycle shops were even shut down recently.

In 2002, the city of Guangzhou (formerly Canton), shortened the service life of motorbikes to 8 or 10 years from the previous 13 years, and is offering cash rewards to owners who discard their bikes before their “end of life” expires. Within 3 months, the city will begin phasing out motorcycles, leading up to a total ban by 2007.

Nowadays, the Chinese government is following a “no encouragement and no support” policy towards the motorcycle industry, despite the fact that for the seventh year in a row China has produced more motorcycles than any other country — 13 million annually, with more than 3 million exported to foreign markets every year. The lucrative industry attracted nearly 200 producers during the 1990’s, but only 18 have an annual production capacity of over 200,000 units, and only three can make more than 1 million each.

“Under the current circumstances, where even county-level cities have started to restrict the use of motorbikes, we have no choice but to focus on the countryside and international markets,” Zhang Dahu, director of the Motorcycle Association under the Association of Chinese Automobile Manufacturers, told China Business Weekly.

In the meantime, American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has enlisted the U.S. federal government to fight what it calls protectionist Chinese trade practices, which include a 50% duty on imports, that make it nearly impossible for foreign motorcycle manufacturers to establish a foothold in the planet?s most populace nation?and potentially it’s biggest motorcycle market.

Orwell’s comin’ true!

DUTCH SAFETY EXPERT WANTS MOTORCYCLES OFF THE ROAD Dutch road safety expert Matthijs Koornstra wants motorcycles discouraged from using public roads, stating that “?all motorcycles should be removed from traffic or at least people should be discouraged from riding them through drastically increasing road taxes and insurance premiums.”

The Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) has criticized Koornstra’s simplistic views to improve the safety of Powered Two-Wheelers (motorcycles), which they say “favors marginalization of motorcycles to simply make them disappear from the roads.” Unfortunately, previous meetings with Koornstra have not been productive, reports FEMA.

MOTORCYCLES EASE LONDON CONGESTION Since February 17 last year, motorists driving into the heart of western Europe’s biggest city on weekdays between 7 am and 6:30 pm have had to fork out a toll of five pounds ($9.45 US, or 7.40 euros), but motorcycles are exempt.?

Transport of London, the body which oversees the congestion charge, says the fee has cut traffic delays by 30 percent and also reduced the number of cars entering the zone by 30 percent. Overall, traffic entering central London has dropped 18 percent and the average speed has risen by 15 percent.

Motorcycle sales are up 20 percent in London, and motorcycle traffic in the city has increased 20 percent, but there has been a 15 percent decrease in motorcycle casualties.

The toll is not popular with commuters, however, with 70 percent of drivers opposed to continuing the congestion charge, while 42 percent of retailers blame it for a drop in area commerce.

LA-DI-F***ING-DA A routine traffic stop last June 15 near Gate City, Virginia turned into a free speech issue when motorcyclist Roy Lynn Greene was pulled over for loud exhaust and the trooper noticed his leather jacket.

“While he had the gentleman pulled over, he noticed these two patches that were on his leather jacket that contained the ‘F’ word on both of them,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Marcus McClung. “He was riding his motorcycle on a public road on a Sunday, and those words were in plain view of everyone, including children. People coming out of church don’t need to see that,” McClung said.

In addition to the noise violation, Greene was issued a citation under the Code of Virginia, Section 18.2374, which is classified as possession of obscene material in a public place, a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The case has already been before the judge in general district court and was appealed by the Commonwealth to circuit court, contending that this is a violation of community standards.

“I believe that the statements on the patches were obscene and the arresting officer acted accordingly in charging the defendant,” said McClung. “I thought (this case) was separate from the other cases that the Supreme Court has ruled upon. They have agreed that statements like ‘f*** the war’ are appropriate because they have some social value. My argument was that the items, or the patches, were obscene by the community of Scott County and have absolutely no social value. The phrase ‘la-di-f***ing-da’ has no social value that I see. Whether or not the judge agrees with that, I don’t know.”

Circuit Judge Birg Sergent is expected to render a decision in an appeal made by McClung in the case next month. Greene faces possible jail time and up to $2,500 in fines if McClung’s appeal is approved.

FLORIDA BILL WOULD FUND ABATE SAFETY PROJECTS Trauma centers around the state of Florida would get a much needed financial boost from some of their most frequent patients — drivers who run red lights — under a bill that jacks up the fines for the crime. And House Bill 65, sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tempore Lindsay Harrington (R-Punta Gorda) would also turn the motorcyclist advocacy group American Bikers Aiming Toward Education into a major educator.

Under an amendment tacked onto the bill Tuesday, February 17, ABATE of Florida would receive $1 million per year “for the purpose of fostering motorcycle safety awareness, education and research programs relating to accident prevention.”

Last year, the organization had to “rob Peter to pay Paul” in order to spend about $150,000 on education programs, James “Doc” Reichenbach II told Greg Martin, a staff writer for the Sun-Herald. Reichenbach is the State President of ABATE of Florida, its capitol lobbyist, and Chairman of the Board of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM).

“I want to see this thing go to billboards,” Reichenbach said of the education campaign, noting that ABATE would post 250 billboards to remind motorists to watch for motorcycles. “I want to send my people into high schools. I want to hold safety seminars to see what we can do to reduce accidents and injuries.”

His comments came after the House Transportation Committee voted unanimously to pass the bill. Next, it must survive a review by the Finance and Taxation Committee before going to the House floor. A Senate version must travel a parallel road.

If passed, the increased penalties would generate an additional $57.6 million, according to an analysis by transportation committee staff. All but $1 million for ABATE would get put into a trauma center trust fund to be disbursed to each of 22 trauma centers in the state.

Harrington, who is confident of passage, said he sponsored the bill at the request of ABATE which expressed concern over judges who had fined motorists as little as $80 in accidents that killed motorcyclists.

Click To Check It Out

NEWS OF THE WEIRD: HELMET SAVES MAN FROM GUNSHOT This newsbit from Dixie Rider may be evidence that wearing a helmet can save your life, at least if you’re being shot at. According to a Channel 13 Eyewitness News broadcast in Houston, Texas, an unidentified man was saved when he was shot by his girlfriend, because he was still wearing his motorcycle helmet.According to the TV news report, the couple had been riding together earlier in the evening, and an argument erupted when they arrived home around midnight.

Police say the girlfriend then shot the male in the head, but his full-face helmet protected him from serious injury. The female then barricaded herself in a nearby apartment until police hostage negotiation teams were able to convince her to surrender. She was charged with aggravated assault.

CAMPBELL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT It is with heavy heart that NCOM relays the March 3rd announcement that U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell will not seek re-election for health reasons.

Campbell is a longtime member of the NCOM Legislative Task Force and has been a champion for bikers’ rights for many years, having been actively involved in every piece of motorcycle legislation passed by Congress since the eighties. He was elected to serve as a Democrat in the Colorado House starting in 1982, serving two terms before being elected to Congress. After serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1992, Campbell won the Senate seat he now holds. He switched to the Republican Party in 1995, and was re-elected in 1998 by nearly two-thirds of the vote.

Born April 13, 1933, in Auburn, Calif., Campbell is one of two children of May Vierra, a Portuguese immigrant, and Albert Campbell, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Indian Tribe. The senator is one of 44 chiefs of that tribe, and one of only eight Native American Indians ever to serve in Congress. He is a renowned jewelry designer whose Nighthorse signature pieces are prized by collectors of fine native jewelry.

Campbell served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-53, and fought in the Korean War as an airman second class. He graduated from San Jose University in 1957 with a degree in physical education and fine arts, and later attended Meiji University in Tokyo in 1960 as a special research student. In 1964, Campbell competed in the Olympic Games as captain of the U.S. Judo Team.

Motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere will remember Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell as more than their legislative warrior, but as a fellow biker who rode his Harley to work in the Nation’s Capital, to events, and throughout Colorado, including the Four Corners Iron Horse Rally which he founded. Thanks for everything, Ben, best wishes and we?ll see ya down the road?

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.”

Charles Darwin, British Naturalist (1809-82)

BIKERNET NEWS FLASH?BIKERNET DISCONNECTED, LOST, BEDRAGGLED AND HAUNTED

We can?t do anything like normal folk. We just moved into an 8,000 square foot building that was built in 1926 as the Catalina Hotel on the edge of the Los Angeles Harbor in Wilmington, California. In 1981 a madwoman gutted the building and turned it into an industrial building with a loft, separate apartment and a cafe out front. Do you smell breakfast burritos at Bandit?s Cantina?

We?re located in the bowels of Harbor industry. There?s nothing upscale or trendy about this area. Day before yesterday, while the alarm technician demonstrated the keypad he pressed the panic button and within five minutes the building was surrounded by armed cops. They even jacked up the cats.

Sin Wu dials the phone in a sweat daily trying to hook up our new DSL lines. We?re due to hit the airways next Tuesday. It?s a bitch but gave us time to deal with electrical, new gates, plumbing, cable, rats, weirdoes and drug addicts.

Hang with us, ?cause this joint will launch us into a new era of wild tales, more bike builds and sex. I don?t know why I mentioned sex, except there?s two tittie bars within a mile of here. All the women around here are covered in drywall dust. Otherwise there?s nothing but chain link, barbed wire, 18-wheelers, rust, pallets and shipping containers in the neighborhood.

If you took a large shot of Tequila or smoked a joint and stumbled a couple of blocks north from here, suddenly you?d experience a Twilight zone aura. You?d sense being beamed to another land, south of the border. Suddenly the signs are all in Spanish, the people on the streets speak another language and all the restaurants are Mexican.

It?s a trip, in a city of meth labs, homeless and junkies with rusting grocery carts. But we?ll dial it in. We can pull burnouts all night and no one will bother us. Next week we?ll rock the site with reports from Daytona, Cincy, and the back streets of Wilmington. We?ll begin reworking this joint, wiring the Shrunken FXR and building iron gates. And you thought you?d seen extreme homes on HGTV. You can watch this bastard come together a nail at a time.

Ride Forever,

Bandit