<>I finally got “The Meanest” to send you these photos of the front endchange we performed on my Super Glide. First, a little background onthe bike. I bought it in March of this year at the dealership whereI work, Harley-Davidson of Charlotte. It was a consignment bike, Igot a real good price on it when you consider the engine has the 1550kit, S.E. 211 cams, S & S carb and the heads have been worked. Weput it on the dyno the week I got it and it put out 89.8hp and 91.5torque. Not bad!

I also like the all-black engine. The hp is up a little more now,with the addition of a Vance & Hines pro pipe.

I never could getused to the look of the front end, so I decided to put a wide glidefront end on it. I wanted to keep the dual disc set-up to add to thehot-rod look. The front end kit is from Tedd’s V-Twin and it boltedright on with no problems. I added the black center floating disc onthe front and rear of the bike to accent the all-black drive line. Ialso added the 21″ Thunderstar, black and polished front wheel.

The bike feels like a whole new bike with this setup. I wantedto keep everything black or polished since the bike has very littlechrome. I am still working on cleaning up the turn signals and a fewother things. Right now it’s a work in progress. I really like theway it feels, and I have always loved the power of the engine.

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

From TheGUNNY’S SACK

Time off: First off I want to apologize to those of you that missed the last issue of the Gunny’s Sack. The truth is the Sack didn’t get out because Gunny was on a 21 state 7000 mile motorcycle ride with his wife.

Left Redmond, Oregon at 12:30 PM on the first of May and got back home the evening of the twenty-seventh. We went to Milwaukee, WI for the National Coalition Of Motorcyclists Convention that took place the 8th to 11th of May. We stopped in Chicago and took delivery of our new “Aspen Classic” camp trailer for the bike. The thing has a KING sized bed in it when erected. All that and 25 cubes of cargo space too. Ahh, luxury for the old man.

To get to Milwaukee we crossed Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nebraska, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and into Wisconsin. NCOM: This 18th Annual Convention was one of the best I’ve ever attended and some of the information passed along to us was positively frightening. Namely, the PATRIOT Act and the possibility of the passage of PATRIOT II. If you attach any value to the freedom you have left in this country you will write your Congressmen and Senators NOW and voice your opposition to the stealing of your liberties by elected officials.

More on that later.

We left Wisconsin and continued to West “By God” Virginia via Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and down into West Virginia to visit my daughter and that bunch. I was blessed with seeing my grandson who just graduated from the Naval Academy and is now a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Some kinda proud of him I am.

We left from there continuing to Bakersfield, California crossing West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and into California. Spent a few days at my brother’s place and enjoyed the wedding of my Granddaughter there. From there home to Oregon, winding up a fantastic month.

We hit some of the worst storms I’ve ever experienced. The first was the back end of the storm that did so much tornado damage all through the Nebraska, Kansas, and Alabama. We got past that and coming out of West Virginia we were rained on for four days all the way to Oklahoma. One day we had to stop after only forty miles because it was raining so hard I couldn’t see the road. Shawnee, Oklahoma was the last of the rain and then it got HOT, poor Sue doesn’t do heat well so she paid the fiddler for the next three days getting to Bakersfield. It was 109 in Needles, Ca. when we got there. Bakersfield was just as hot, so she spent a lot of time indoors and I spend some time soaking up a lot of my brothers beer at his hangar home there on the Bakersfield Airpark. Brothers and sisters, I’d load up tomorrow morning and do it again if I had the bucks to do it. Sue says the same thing.

We no more than got home and had to rush to Forest Grove, OR to attend to our daughter-in-law ,who was pregnant with her first child, and Sue’s first natural Grandbaby. Angie was in trouble with the pregnancy and wound up with a beautiful 29-week baby girl weighing just one pound eleven ounces. Mom and child doing very well. Mom’s home and visiting the infant twice a day for feedings and whatever else it is that moms do with little guys. Pop is working his way though the whole thing, kind of bewildered, but OK.

Granddad will live but not sure about Grammaw. She’s a mess. The upshot of the whole thing was we decided a move back to the Forest Grove area was indeed necessary.

So away we went and in just a few days I find myself moved back to the Willamette Valley. Thank God for the Washington County ABATE of Oregon members who helped us unload at the new house. All this in the Gunny’s life in less than 40 days. Anyone want to follow me around for the next few months to see what else can happen when you’re not lookin?

NEWSBIT’N’PIECES:

REPEAL THE USA PATRIOT ACTAll over the country early in July there will be public hearings concerning the USA PATRIOT Act. You all need to be aware of the dangerous precedent this madness represents.

On Oct. 26, 2001, our Congress passed the most far-reaching snatch of liberty from the American people ever passed. Never in the history of this nation has a law been passed so quickly. It took only 11 days for this to take place. That is record time for our Congress to act on anything. The events on 9/11 took the good sense out of our leaders and we need to bring it to a screeching halt before our country winds up like Europe did in the days of Hitler’s rise to power.

These are just part of what this thing does to every citizen of this country not just bikers. You can bet, however, we are the most immediate targets available.

1) Eliminates FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION: Government may monitor religious, labor, and political institutions without having to suspect criminal activity, if it is to assist “terror” investigation.

2) FREEDOM OF INFORMATION: Government has closed once-public immigration hearings, has secretly detained hundreds of people without charges, and has encouraged bureaucrats to resist public records requests.

3) FREEDOM OF SPEECH: Government may prosecute librarians or keepers of any other records, if they tell anyone that the government subpoenaed information related to a terror investigation.

4) RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION: Government may monitor federal prison jailhouse conversations between attorneys and clients, and deny lawyers to American citizens accused of crimes.

5) FREEDOM FROM UNREASONABLE SEARCHES: Government may search and seize Americans’ personal records, business documents and telephone/internet activity records without probable cause, to assist alleged terror investigations.

6) RIGHT TO A SPEEDY AND PUBLIC TRIAL: Government may jail Americans indefinitely without a trial.

7) RIGHT TO LIBERTY: Americans may be jailed without being charged or being able to confront the witnesses against them.

What you have just read is just a sample of what your government has up it’s sleeve besides the arm. If you aren’t shaken by these words, I don’t know what to tell you except bend over and kiss your sweet patootee goodbye.

BOISE, IDAHO: Recently here a motorcycle officer jumped aboard a runaway locomotive and was instrumental in stopping the thing. Can you imagine the adrenalin rush this guy had going? WOW! No one was hurt but it could have been disastrous. Kudos to the Cop.

PHILADELPHIA, PENN. : The city is tired of kids without licenses driving motorized scooters on sidewalks and streets without regard to pedestrian traffic. They passed a resolution with teeth that can result in the confiscations of the scoot being illegally ridden by non-licensed drivers. Not too sure I blame them on this one. Some kid on a motorized scooter runs into me on the sidewalk and I just might have a word or two with him if ya know what I mean.

SAN JOSE, CA: A biker here was apparently the victim of a road rage incident that left him paralyzed from the neck down when a man rammed him from the rear. The guy that caused the wreck is being sought by police and will be charged with attempted homicide and assault with a deadly weapon. Hope they catch this guy and lock his butt up for a long, long time. There is no place for road rage in this country. There was a witness to the incident so they should get this clown soon. Our best to the injured biker.

GUNNY AGAIN: Glad to be back and remember the Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) attorneys are the ones who take care of us so call yours if you find yourself with any legal problem. They will help you. Call 1-800-ON-A-BIKE and get hooked up, or look on the web at www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

Keep the round side on the bottom.
–Gunny, Oregon’s AIM Chief of Staff

Continued From Page 3

HARLEY-DAVIDSON STYLE’S BIKER —MaxGearFor biker around the world. T-shirt designs have always embodied the fun and freedom of the biker experience in Thailand. Some designs have also combined embroidery with the silk screened image, while others have been printed front and/or back. All designs are screen printed on 100% cotton.

Caps and hats another great hat and cap made with 100% cotton denim, a suede brim. This cap and hat features a image, logo embroidered style. It has additional embroidery on the back.Gift Ideas collection and motorclothers merchandise, accessories,Parts.

“West Coast Leather Factory” We custom make all of our boots, shoes, briefcases, saddle bags, Star Wars boots such as Han Solo, Obi Wan Jedi and Stormtrooper boots. Custom boots, golf shoes The leathers we use are Cow Hide, Cobra, Python and Water Snake skins, Stingray, Shark, Crocodile, Elephant and Lizard. Wholesale inquires welcome. Send photos of what you would like made and we can tailor it for you. The design is only limited by your imagination.

TECH MYSTERY OF THE WEEK?–I saw an oil temp gauge for dressers to replace that ambient temp gauge. Ican’t seem to locate the seller. Maybe you guys might know !

–FIXXER

A TASTE OF LACONIA 2003–I just returned from Laconia Bike week In New Hampshire. It was on the cold side with intermittent Rain. I was just glad to be in there! I am still riding the Henderson Bike # 962 and I have purchased a second #219 a dealer bike, so I guess ya could say that I am passionate about these bikes. I am building a storage shed 12 by 24 long it will house my X-celsior collection and all related memorabilia. I have a dealer sign and banners and other stuff related to the now closed Factory.

I’m inviting ya to attend Laconia, perhaps next year. There’s some fine riding in the hills of N-H and no helmet law. LIVE FREE OR DIE that’s their motto.

–Jay Farina

IRAQI FREEDOM TRUCK–

–from Richard R.

SIDECAR ENTHUSIASTS WANTED–There’s just one magazine devoted to Sidercar riders. The title of the latest issue purports: In Celebration of 100 Years of Sidecars. The magazine isn’t that old. If you need to know anything about Sidecars, Sidecar Clubs, Sidecar History or Sidecare events contact: hackdmag1@sbcglobal.net.

READER’S PROJECT–Here’s a couple of pics of my project, just how I found it. ’79 FLH w/sporty front end. I all ready changed the ’67 round swing arm and wheels to ’94 Road King and newer swing arm belt dr. I also put lower shocks on rear w/new fender struts. I’m working on the front end. I bought take offs 2000 and newer lower legs, 2002 frt mag off Dyna. I’m trying to decide on length of tubes and rake now, got drag bars and a different seat.

As I build I will report in.

–bt

CHOPPERS ONLY IN HAWAII SHOW–The Choppers Only Run and Show will be held on July 6th, 2003 at the Hard Rock Caf? in Honolulu. The raffle run will begin at 9am from Moana Lua Gardens and is free to all participants and open to all motorcyclists. Last bike out at 10am. This will be a circle island run with raffle tickets handed out at each stop, (stops to be announced), with the last stop being the Hard Rock Caf?.

Registration for the Choppers Only show will begin at the Hard Rock Caf? at 1pm and is free to all entries. Judging will begin at 2.30pm, and there will be a custom made trophy as well as $500.00 cash to the first place in each class and for the best of show award.

Classes will be:
Old style chopper
New style chopper
Digger
Island style bike

Celebrity guests will include:
Billy Lane of Choppers Inc.
Keith “Bandit” Ball of Bikernet
Jose De Miguel of Caribbean Custom Cycle
Andy Bumatai will be guest MC for the day

Prizes will be given away throughout the afternoon, including leather jackets from the Hard Rock Caf? and a custom made long board from Island Shapes Hawaii. Food and beverages will be available for purchase on site.

Live entertainment for the afternoon will be provided by “Biker Blues” and “Slug”, and the Steinlager Girls will be on hand as well.This is guaranteed to be the biggest one day motorcycling event that the state of Hawaii has ever seen!

Custom Chrome ? and Chrome Specialties ? have joined forces to bring you the most comprehensive product offering in the Harley-Davidson ? aftermarket! At over 1,400 pages and over 25,000 part numbers, our 2003 Catalog features everything from nuts & bolts to HR3 bike kits, and sets the NEW industry standard.

ONLY $9.95 + 6.95 Shipping**

Once you find the part you need, go in to Chrome Specialties down below and order online! It’s that simple.

SHORT THURSDAY–The news is short and to the point. We will post TBear’s Laconia Run coverage tomorrow. As of Monday we’re throwing wrenches at a Custom Chrome Goliath kit bike. You’ll see it come together here.

Just as soon as the kit bike is complete, the Amazing Shrunken FXR will return home for a new Rivera dual Mikuni carb installation then mid controls tweaking and the bike will roll to paint and chrome. It’s about time.

I’m riding the King to Ventura tomorrow to discuss the Beach Ride with antique bike experts Don Whalen and Huggy from the Shop. We plan a rare collection of bikes for display at the Beach Ride Sept. 7 at the Queen Mary.

The next modification for the King is a H-D touring oil cooler for the summer ahead. We received a number of questions about the high running temps in Twin Cam engines. Let’s see how much the oil cooler will alter the heat.

Finally, if she will come out of her bedroom, Layla will write a story on the Bikernet Water Fall powered by a 1929 H-D twin. Have a helluva weekend.

–Bandit

Continued From Page 2

BUMPER STICKER OF THE DAY–A man is incomplete until he’s married… then he’s finished.

AIRELINER FRAMES BY WIL–Wil Phillips designed the rubbertail frame that was the first true rubbermount Softail frame. He has take it to the next stage creating a touring rendition of the rubbertail through his new Aireliner configuration. It makes a good looking long distance cruiser. You can contact Wil at: tracktrue@netscape.net

THE TALKING DOG–A guy sees a sign in front of a house: “Talking Dog for Sale.” He rings the bell and the owner tells him the dog is in the backyard.The guy goes into the backyard and sees a black mutt just sitting there.

“You talk?” he asks.

“Yep,” the mutt replies.

“So, what’s your story?”

The mutt looks up and says, “Well, I discovered this gift pretty young and I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA about my gift, and in no time they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping. I was one of their most valuable spies eight years running.

“The jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn’t getting any younger and wanted to settle down. So I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security work, mostly wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings there and was awarded a batch of medals. Had a wife, a mess of puppies, and now I’m just retired.”

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog. The owner says, “Ten dollars.”

The guy says, “This dog is amazing. Why on earth are you selling him, so cheap?”

The owner replies, “He’s such a liar. He didn’t do any of that shit!

–from S. Redhorse

SON’S OF LIBERTY NEWS–The Environmental Protection Agency is likely to lob its final rule onstreetmotorcycles right into your garage. In a matter of days! You have one lastchance – one small break in the traffic – to level what may be the lastquestions the powerful agency should answer before the rule is final. Haveyou called your U.S. Representative and asked him/her to sign the letter tothe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) penned by U.S. Reps. John Shimkus(R-Illinois) and Ted Strickland (D-Ohio)? If you did, great! CALL AGAIN!If you haven’t called, you need to call…TWICE!

Here’s the scoop. Both Congressmen Shimkus and Strickland have heard fromsome Congressmen, but most of the calls are just expressions of interest.Courtesy phone calls. Now we need SIGNATURES! If your Congressman (or hisor her staffers) told you that he/she will “look at the letter,” that’sgood. Now we need more. Now it is time for you to call them again and ask,”What did you think of the letter? Won’t you SIGN THIS LETTER – to askthese important questions – for ME, at this most critical time?” Again, ifthey have questions you can’t answer, I am happy to help.

DO NOT RELY ON SNAIL MAIL. There’s no time. You need to telephone oremail your Congressman TODAY. You can find your Congressman’s email addressand phone number at www.house.gov. Phone calls to your U.S.Representative’s district office are welcome. Make the call today! Makecopies of this LEADERS’ REPORT and take them to a riding event this weekend!

1st Annual West Virginia Freedom Rally

Rain, Rain , Rain. That’s the way the First Annual Freedom Rally inSummersville WV started off. It scared all the fair weather riders off,but Uncle Rock showed up. I was waiting at the court house to take picsof the parade, and there he was. Right in the middle of it.My kind of guy. Rode down in the rain, and never blinked. he hung aroundall day, and helped out everywhere he could. Thanks Rock.

Even with the bad weather we still had a fair turn-out. This shindig wassponsored by the Secretary of state of West Virginia, and he rides, anddon’t want to wear a helmet either. Did I mention he is running forGovernor next go-around?Sput was going to speak, but was unavoidably detained in Texas, so I hadto take his place. I was told that the subject was bikers, and Liberty.Took two days to put something together. No time for rehearsal. At thelast minute I found out that the topic was honoring our troops, andvets. My carefully prepared speech went out the window! I was forced towing it.

All in all it was a good weekend though. Got to meet a few new members,and signed some up. but I made contact with people in areas of the statewhere I had no contact before. I also got to show a few of my officersmy back yard (South Eastern WV) They are all from the northern part ofthe state, and had no idea of the roads they have been missing. A lot ofgood quality time with these people, and they are more fired up thanI’ve seen them in years.The rain put a damper on things, but I had a great time doin what I dobest. Dealing with motorcycle people. Setting some small brush fires intheir minds.

Don “DUCK” Smith
WV ABATE State President
duckbj@webtv.net
WV ABATE
www.wvabate.org

“HOT OFF THE PRESS” Pa.Senate votes to repeal motorcycle helmet law

The bill moves to House, and Rendell vows to sign measure.Motorcyclists are a step closer to being able to ride without headprotection after the Senate voted last night to repeal the state’s35-year-old helmet law.The bill, which passed in the Senate 29-20, now moves to the House for avote. Gov. Ed Rendell has indicated that he will sign the bill if it passesin both bodies.”It’s about time,” said Aliquippa resident Kerry Hawk, who was among thedozens of cyclists who stayed until 7 p.m. to hear the vote, which crossedparty lines.

“This is the hardest of the three hurdles that we have to confront,” saidCharles Flack of Plum, former communications officer for Pennsylvania’sAlliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE). “We’ve been workingtoward it for 30 years. When we pass the hurdle in the House, we’ve alreadybeen guaranteed by Gov. Rendell that he will sign our legislation.”

The bill requires riders over the age of 21 to wear helmets if they havebeen licensed to operate motorcycles less than two years. But the two-yearrequirement would be waived if riders took a state-run motorcycle safetycourse. Motorcyclists with more than two years experience would simply beallowed to ride without a helmet if they so choose.The vote came hours after demonstrations from people on each side of thedebate.

Keep Internet Taxes At Bay

According to Wired News (wired.com), if a coalitionof congressmen has its way, the government’s temporarymoratorium on Internet-access taxes could soon becomepermanent.

This week, a House of Representatives committee is expectedto consider a proposal that would bar states from imposinglevies on Internet service, but would not affect theirability to collect sales taxes.

HR 49, the Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act, introducedby Rep. Christopher Cox (R-CA), would make permanent amoratorium the congressman initially introduced in 1998.The current ban is set to expire in November.

Cox urged support for the measure, backed by more than 30other representatives, noting, “The average American doesnot need new taxes, especially on their Internet access.”

ACTION ITEM: This is just one effort to resist theinevitable urge of politicians to somehow tax the Internet –but it’s a good start.

Go to our site below NOW to send a message directly to yourCongressman and Senators, and ask them to support theInternet Tax Nondiscrimination Act: http://www.conservativealerts.com/061703.htm

If you need more info on this or any other subject just go to the Sons ofLiberty Riders Info Zonehttp://solrpa.com/wwwboard/ or http://www.solriders.net/

Later
Hawk
ICQ 34668186
AOL SoLRHawk

Continued On Page 4

Continued From Page 1

Gear Lubes and Harley Transmissions–Amsoil Series 2000 Gear Lube is recommended for all Harley transmissions as well as all after-market transmissions that require a 75W-90 or 75W140 gear lube.

While it is possible to use the new H-D Syn-3 in the transmission, it is still a motor oil, and therefore does not offer the best additive package designed for the unique requirements of gear to gear applications. Amsoil Series 2000 Gear Lube contains additives that actually bond with and cushion the gear teeth at their contact points to extend the life of the gears as well as enable smoother shifting and lower operating temperature due to reduced friction.

Amsoil recommends using Series 2000 75W-90 in all Harley transmissions, except for Sportsters which call for Series 2000 75W-140, for the absolute best performance and protection. It offers better protection than H-D Semi-Synthetic or Syn-3 and is specially designed for use in transmissions and other gear lube applications. Be sure to use my dealer number ZO 1124190 when you order to ensure that the sale is credited to me.

Thanks
Nick Roberts

Nick’s Performance Accessories
http://syntheticoiltech.com/oil/nroberts/
9608 Tiverton Way
Louisville, KY, 40242
502 548 3023

THE BOOK OF WOMEN RIDING–Living & Riding Free!?By Sasha Mullins, was recently published by Citadel Press, an imprint of Kensington Publishing Corp – August 2003.

“The motorcycle is a glorious mystery that subconsciously and healthfully touches the heart and soul of women everywhere. It transforms us into wind goddesses, powerful and free. The motorcycle is the “freedom machine” from long ago that promoted women’s social and dress reform much to the chagrin of society’s restraining views of the era. Even today this mighty iron horse embodies and celebrates the beauty of our feminine strength and spirit set free. . .

“We are iron Godivas, as we grab life by the handlebars and charge forward on the highways of our purpose-filled destiny to realize our most heartfelt dreams. We are free to be ourselves as God intended each of us, and we discover that inner power in the wind, riding hundreds and thousands of miles, joyously living and riding free!Riding a motorcycle is the ultimate GIRL POWER!?Sasha, author and a bikerlady report in her colorfully passionate book.

“Two wheels and an open road…for Bikerladies. It’s an irresistible call to adventure. The motorcycle embodies freedom, power and seduction. It’s the allure of living life on the edge, of defying every expectation and escaping from the ordinary in a blur of steel horse and leather. And for the growing community of women who love motorcycles, it’s a passion unlike any other, a relationship defined by self-discovery, strength, and joy.”

From Clara Wagner joyously hiking up her skirt to race a motorcycle in 1910 to today?s female celebrities cruising the open roads in a blaze of chrome glory, BIKERLADY delves into the history, the community, the phenomenon, the sport, the dreams, and the pride of all women riders.

In this empowering and inspiring book, renowned motojournalist Sasha Mullins explores the unique sisterhood of bikerladies?old and young, mothers and daughters, sisters, wives, grandmothers, executives, celebrities, artists, teachers, and more who race on a track or ride the endless highways and twisting turns on their own personal journeys of self-expression.

Here’s a jail cell decorated by Martha Stewart. Get it right, will ya.

FROM THE BIKERNET PARAMEDIC– Due to a power outage at the time, only one paramedic responded to the call. The house was very, very dark, so the paramedic asked Katelyn, a 3 year old girl, to hold a flashlight high over her mommy so he could see while he helped deliver the baby.

Very diligently, Katelyn did as she was asked. Heidi pushed and pushed, and after a little while Connor was born.

The paramedic lifted him by his little feet and spanked him on his bottom. Connor began to cry. The paramedic then thanked Katelyn for her help and asked the wide-eyed 3-year old what she thought about what she had just witnessed.

Katelyn quickly responded, “He shouldn’t have crawled in there in the first place. Smack him again.”

BIKERNET PRODUCT OF THE WEEK–Often mistaken for a Razor scooter when seen for the first time without a rider, the http://www.youcansave.com Trikke immediately sets itself apart when a rider hops on and takes his first few turns away from you. “What makes it move?” and “Where are the Batteries?” are usually the first words to come out of a first time viewer’s mouth. In describing the movement, it is often compared to in-line skating or skiing on pavement because the entire vehicle leans in unison due to it’s finely coordinated cambering mechanism.

Stable and Safe…Because of the three-wheeled stance, the Trikke is extraordinarily stable. Dual rear brakes provide superb braking power. Independently controlled, the brakes also allow for unusual lateral control for trick riding. Rated as the safest vehicle on the road by the Los Angeles Safety Foundation, the Trikke provides unsurpassed safety, control and agility for riders of all sizes and ages. The Trikke 8 is fast and stable for Trikkers young and old wanting speed, and durability.

These wild things are available at Century Motorcycles.

FIVE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE PICK-UP LINES–

1) If you and I were squirrels, I could bust a nut in your hole.
2) How do you like your eggs: fried, scrambled or fertilized?
3) My love for you is like diarrhea; I just can’t hold it in.
4) If your right leg was Thanksgiving, and your left leg was Christmas, then could I meet you between the holidays?
5) How about we play lion and lion tamer? You hold your mouth open, and I’ll give you the meat.

–from Ken Miller

BIKERNET CARIBBEAN REPORT–We have been trying to get all the stuff that needs to be done, well, done. As you read this I will be in Salisbury with the Horse crew and friends at The Smoke Out. Sadly there’s no time to ride, just a quick trip over and a quick flight back. If you make it there make sure to come by and say hi.

Wicho’s bike is done, here’s some photos of the ’52 pan, the ’72 Ironhead that you’ve seen in here before is almost complete. We must press the pedal to the metal since many of the other projects are making the trip to Sturgis this year. We now take photographs of each and every bike as it’s completed, so keep an eye out for them in future issues of the Horse.

We are also writing the Puerto Rican history of bobbers and choppers. I just finished scanning over 100 photos, just one album. There’s lots more investigation to come. I’m having a lot of fun documenting the “history” thing. We will also feature of The Smoke Out as soon as I get back. Like always, Bikernet will have the feature way before anyone, so keep your eyes peeled.

Also I got the chance to do a pretty cool interview, no nonsense on Jesse James for an upcoming issue of Bikernet’s favorite magazine.

I guess with all the chaos going on, I’m really looking forward to the Hawaii trip this July 4th weekend and some well deserved R&R, amongst friends. Kaisers awaits…..

Don’t wanna sound like I’m rushing things and doing a half-ass job on the weekly report. But as mentioned above, there’s a lot to do and not much time to do it. Next week I’ll have a lot more material to rant about.

Have a good week end and see you guys next week….

–Jose Bikernet Caribbean report (about to loose my flight)

Continued On Page 3

Everyday holds adventures and risks for bikers. We run a fine line between terror and sex. No wonder we like sex so much. I’ve got another axiom to add to the Code of the West: After each blood-boiling treacherous ride, pushing man and motorcycle to the limits, a man should come home to ready and willing woman. If she’s not up for the passion of the road, he finds a bottle. So if you run into a rider lost in a bottle, it’s ’cause he ain’t got no good woman, or not enough women. How’s that sound?That also goes for our troops overseas. Better be lotsa good women waiting when they get home.

Let’s hit the news.

BEACH RIDE UPDATE–Save The Date! Beach Ride 2003 is Sunday, September 7, at the Queen Mary Events Park in Long Beach. Sponsorship opportunities available. There will be two world famous bands, contests, bike show, food and vendors. Get pledges and earn prizes. For more information, email cburke@ECF.net or call (800) 696-3727.

Proceeds benefit the Exceptional Children’sFoundation (ECF) which helps children and adults with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

JESSE JAMES IN THE MIDDLE EAST– My oldest daughters friend from high school sent me this today …her boyfriend is on the far right and his name is ADAM ….he’s a sharp kid, and he and his other buddies have more weight on their shoulders than most of you will ever know.These are the faces of the boys and men who pay the checkfor the cost of our freedom which WAY too many Americanstake for granted.

Thanks to Jesse and Kid Rock, for taking time out of theirhectic schedules and at great risk to themselves, to thankthe troops personally. These young men will, not only have something to talk about the rest of their lives, but perhaps more importantly will know that there are many amoung usback home that really appreciate what they are doing.They are willing to DIE for you …. would you do the same for them?

Until you have been shot, or shot at, you have know idea of the valueof life, much less the value of freedom.Thank the troops and thank the USO …..

FROM THE BIKERNET MEDICAL DEPARTMENT–A nurse walks into a bank. Preparing to endorse a check. She pulls a rectal thermometer out of her pocket and tries to write with it. She looks up at the teller, pauses for a moment, then realizing her mistake,

“Well,” she says, “That’s great…just great..some asshole’s got my pen.”

–from A. Friedman

LACOINA AGAIN–

BYTEDDY “BEAR” BABOLCSAY.

Another June can only mean one thing. It’s time for Laconia again.This year marked the 80th anniversary of the famous Laconia Motorcycle Week Rally and Races.

I thought I’d do something special in honor of the anniversary. I had been to Tahiti back in March for the Tahiti Harley Riders Club annual Charity Ball to benefit the handicapped children and I had invited their president Kiki Teagai to join my entourage for the Laconia run. He jumped at the chance and we made the arrangements. We were set. I picked up Kiki at JFK on Saturday morning and we hit it bright and early Sunday morning.

See the entire saga as TBEar and Kiki travel to the 80th renunion, tomorrow.

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS–Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,National Coalition of Motorcyclists, runs bi-weekly on Bikernet in the Rights Department. Here’s two excerpts from this weeks critical news to our freedom. Read the whole story in: http://www.bikernet.com/rights/.

RAVE ACT MAY THREATEN BIKER EVENTS Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Just two months after the RAVE Act was passed by Congress, it has been used by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to intimidate the owners of a Billings, Montana, venue into canceling an event to raise funds to reform marijuana laws.The RAVE Act expands federal law to make it easier to jail and imprison event organizers and property owners who fail to stop drug offenses from occurring on their property. Check the whole story at: http://www.bikernet.com/rights/

BIKERS BOYCOTT LAUGHLIN RUN Members of the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs, irked at security precautions such as checkpoints and a ban on wearing colors, boycotted the Laughlin River Run and held a “Screw Laughlin” run in Phoenix instead. Check the whole story by Bill Bish at: http://www.bikernet.com/rights/

RUN FOR BREATH UPDATE–Mike, the Run For Breath Founder, wanted me to let you know about the bike show we had here at the dealership on Saturday. He took a page from your book, and made notes about each bike after the judging was complete. When he announced the winners, he made comments about each bike. The crowd went wild!!!

Well, maybe that was because I was handing out the trophies to the winners in a wet t-shirt – guess we’ll never know!!!!It was the next best thing to having you here!

Love and kisses,
Meanest

RARE COVAIR POWERED MOTORCYCLE SPOTTED AT HOT BIKE SHOW– Shot this relic @ the HOT BIKE Show Newport beach 6/15. I wasn’t able to speak with the person a the booth. I recongnized it as a Corvair 6-cylinder. If my memory serves me correctly it was created by Mil Blair of D&D, as well as Norm Grabowsky (spoke with him Saturday at the LA Roadster show). SIX PACK was one that travel the bike circuit in the late ’60s but was ridden extensively by Norm. I had the pleasure of working on it (1969) with Curt Hamilton as well as Norm’s HENWEIGH truck (fabbed grill, hood, fenders, cowl, fuel tank and bed frame circa 1972. He still has the truck).

–Wil Phillips

JIVE CONTEST–Win $35,000 toward the purchase of — a Harley Davidson V-Rod.Or just keep the cash!http://lc.squarepath.com/linkc/lc9/go.php3?209

Yes, you can win $35,000 in the 2003 “The Sky’s the Limit!” Sweepstakes? which you can spend any way you choose, including the purchase of a Harley Davidson V-Rod. With the V-Rod, custom American muscle meets hot rod styling.

AMERICA’S RIDE–THE SECOND ANNUAL AMERICA’S RIDE IS A TWELVE DAY, COAST TO COAST MOTORCYCLE AND GRASS-ROOT COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING EVENT TO ASSIST THOSE WHO WERE AFFECTED BY THE TERRORIST ATTACKS OF 9/11/01 AND ARE STILL IN DIRE NEED. PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE WORLD TRADE CENTER MIRACLES FOUNDATION.

LEAVING LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA ON AUGUST 31, 2003, THE SECOND ANNUAL RIDE TRAVELS ACROSS THE COUNTRY WITH MEMORIAL CEREMONIES IN SHANKSVILLE, PA, WASHINGTON DC, AND NYC AT GROUND ZERO ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2003.

THE ROUTE WILL VISIT 12 HOST CITIES ACROSS THE NATION WITH SPECIAL EVENTS PLANNED ALONG THE WAY.

JOIN US FOR THE WHOLE RIDE, OR PICK UP ALONG THE WAY NEAR YOUR HOME TOWN, OR JUST JOIN US AT ONE OF THE LOCAL EVENTS!

THE NEW RIDE ROUTE:
AUG 31 – LOS ANGELES, CA TO LAS VEGAS, NV
SEPT 1 – LAS VEGAS, NV TO GRAND JUNCTION, CO
SEPT 2 – GRAND JUNCTION, CO TO SEDALIA/DENVER, CO
SEPT 3 – DENVER, CO TO KEARNEY, NB
SEPT 4 – KEARNEY, NB TO OMAHA, NB
SEPT 5 – OMAHA, NB TO ST. LOUIS, MO
SEPT 6 – ST. LOUIS, MO TO DANVILLE, IL TO INDIANAPOLIS, IN
SEPT 7 – INDIANAPOLIS, IN TO CLEVELAND, OH
SEPT 8 – CLEVELAND, OH TO NEW CASTLE, PA
SEPT 9 – NEW CASTLE, PA TO SHANKSVILLE, PA TO WASHINGTON D.C.
SEPT 10 – WASHINGTON D.C. TO PHILADELPHIA, PA
SEPT 11 – PHILADELPHIA, PA TO NYC, GROUND ZERO TO THE INTREPID
AIRCRAFT CARRIER END OF RIDE CELEBRATION

CONTACT INFORMATION:
The World Trade Center Miracles Foundation
1401 Warner Ave, Suite C, Tustin, CA 92780
TOLL FREE NUMBER: 877.448.4643
www.americasride.info – contact@americasride.info
www.wtcmf.org
OR
Jill Zorn
Event Director
480.575.9039
zorn2ride@aol.com

Continued On Page 2

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

old shot from Bob T.

MOTORCYCLISTS FLEX LOBBYING MUSCLE Michael Kerr’s reflection in the chrome-plated rearview mirror of his Harley-Davidson Electra Glide reveals a modern-day Easy Rider. Bearded and long-haired, the 52-year-old Chicagoan favors jeans or black leather when he straddles his hog, but he’s just as comfortable slipping into a suit and tie to press the flesh with politicians.

“I would debate the president of the United States on motorcycle rights,” Kerr recently told Rex W. Huppke, a staff reporter for the Chicago Tribune. Kerr has ridden motorcycles for 35 years and is head of an Illinois motorcycle group’s political action committee. “We’ve become far more politically astute. People understand that if we don’t stay aware, we could lose our rights.”

“Some scowl at motorcyclists, calling them reckless, risky and noisy,” states Huppke in his May 27 article, “But as summer days beckon bikers to city streets and country roads, riders like Kerr ignore the criticism, ease out the clutch and roll off smiling, knowing their numbers are growing right along with their political muscle.” He goes on to write, in part?

A full-throttle charge by motorcycle activists has weakened helmet laws in 30 states, five since 1997. That’s good news for riders who believe mandatory helmet use violates their personal liberty, but it’s a disturbing trend for safety experts who point to a soaring increase in motorcycle fatalities.

Quick to say they don’t oppose helmets, just helmet laws, activists have seen their clout with lawmakers grow steadily in recent years. Along with tackling the helmet issue, groups in Illinois and across the country have proved skilled at beating other legislation — from emissions standards to rules on handlebar heights — that motorcyclists believe impedes their right to “ride free.”

Based on their success with lawmakers, it’s clear bikers are quick learners.

In the mid-1970s, all but three states–Illinois, California and Utah–required every motorcyclist to wear a helmet. But thanks to groups like ABATE, 27 states have amended their helmet laws so that only young people — normally 21 or younger — are required to wear them. Another 20 states and the District of Columbia still have laws covering all riders, and three states — Illinois, Colorado and Iowa — have no helmet law at all.

Kerr says lawmakers in California, Pennsylvania and Michigan are edging closer to weakening their rules on helmet laws, and other states are also on the bubble.

That’s in large part because advocates such as Kerr — bikers like to call them “legislative warriors” — are busy on the front lines.

While Kerr monitors political movements across the country and occasionally travels to Washington to lobby politicians, other ABATE members operate phone banks and put up election signs during campaigns, supporting politicians who agree to work with motorcyclists.

James “Doc” Reichenbach is a motorcycle activist who in 2000, with the help of 400,000 registered bikers, got Florida’s law changed so that only riders 21 and younger have to don helmets. There is a reason the pendulum has swung in favor of bikers rights, he said.

“We have seminars. We exchange ideas. We work with legislatures,” he said recently at a national motorcyclists’ convention in Milwaukee that drew more than 1,000 bikers. “Politics is really just a game. Well, we learned the game, and now we make the rules.”

Reichenbach is the President of ABATE of Florida, Inc., and serves as Chairman of the Board for the National Coalition of Motorcyclists. NCOM held it?s 18th annual Convention, May 8-10, at the Four Points Sheraton in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

So why do so many motorcyclists prefer not to wear “brain buckets,” while straddling 150-horsepower bikes that can go from zero to 60 m.p.h. in a matter of seconds?

“Individual liberty is the No. 1 issue here,” said H.W. “Sputnik” Strain, 63, a fiery, mohawked activist from Texas who is considered by many to be the Patrick Henry of bikers. “When the legislature tells you to wear a helmet, then they’re telling you that you don’t have the ability to think and reason.”

Strain, who lobbied relentlessly and beat Texas’ helmet law into submission, has never worn a helmet, not even in states that require them. He said he has received plenty of tickets, refuses to pay them and has warrants out for his arrest.

That might sound hard-boiled, but the hundreds of leather-clad, bearded, tattooed, coarse-talking bikers who gathered in Milwaukee — many of them lawyers and university professors — agreed with Strain, who is a respected member of their NCOM Legislative Task Force.

As far as the risk, Jill McDugald of Charleston, S.C., said there are risks in everything. A classically trained pianist, she said she developed carpal tunnel syndrome from countless hours of playing.

“It was my choice to play the piano,” she said, “and it’s my choice to ride a motorcycle.”

Gene Shafer, a biker and emergency-room doctor from Girard, Ill., shares McDugald’s feelings. He says it’s worth any risk to ride without a helmet. “Do I not put an IV into the arm of a person who’s HIV-positive, just because I’m afraid I might get HIV?” he said. “No. That’s my job, it’s my duty. There are risks in all aspects of life.” Shafer is also a member of NCOM?s Legislative Task Force, which boasts numerous legislators as members, including U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, Wisconsin State Senator Dave Zien and South Dakota State Senator Jim ?Putt? Putnam.

Kerr, who is a maintenance mechanic for Snap-On Tools in Crystal Lake, IL, is happy to admit it’s a good time to be a biker. But he’s familiar enough with the changing winds of politics to know a motorcyclist can’t just sit back and enjoy the ride.

“It brings a smile to my face to know that we have the attention and respect of some very important people in the country,” Kerr said. “But while we’re doing great, I know there’s a downside to the curve. And there’s just no way we can rest on our laurels.”

RAVE ACT MAY THREATEN BIKER EVENTS Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Just two months after the RAVE Act was passed by Congress, it has been used by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to intimidate the owners of a Billings, Montana, venue into canceling an event to raise funds to reform marijuana laws.

On the day the fundraiser was set to take place, on May 30, 2003, a Billings-based DEA agent presented the venue owners with a copy of the RAVE Act and warning them that they could face a fine of $250,000 if illicit drugs were found in the premises.

Rather than risk the possibility of enormous fines, the venue decided to cancel the event.

“This blatant intimidation by the DEA was obviously designed to shut down the marijuana reform fundraiser,” stated the Drug Policy Alliance, who has waged a national campaign to stop the RAVE Act because it feared just such abuses to shut down political events. “Unless the American people speak out against this attack on free speech, the DEA will be emboldened to use the law against other events they do not like, such as all-night dance parties, hip hop concerts, hemp festivals, and circuit parties.” Or biker events?

Sponsored by Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE), the RAVE Act (also known as the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act) was first introduced last year, but proved so controversial that two of its original co-sponsors withdrew their support because they feared it would send innocent business owners to jail. Business owners collected over 20,000 signatures in opposition to the bill. Protests against it were held around the country and tens of thousands of voters urged their elected officials to oppose it. Controversy over the bill stalled it last year, but Senator Biden attached it to the popular “Amber Alert” bill without public debate or a vote of Congress earlier this year, and snuck it into law.

The RAVE Act expands federal law to make it easier to jail and imprison event organizers and property owners who fail to stop drug offenses from occurring on their property — even in cases when they take serious steps to reduce drug offenses. It applies to “any place”, including bars and nightclubs, hotels, apartment buildings, and homes. Legal experts warn that the law is so broad that it could be used to shut down not only raves and electronic music events, but also Hip Hop, rock, and country music concerts, sporting events, political protests, and any other event federal agents do not like. Such as biker events??

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NAACP FILES DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT OVER BLACK BIKE WEEK On May 20th, the NAACP and a group of 25 black motorcycle riders have filed suit against the city of Myrtle Beach, S.C., various businesses and law enforcement, accusing them of discrimination during Black Bike Week, the biggest African-American biker rally in the country.

Plaintiffs say the event, held in South Carolina each Memorial Day weekend, has been marred by excessive police force, intrusive traffic laws and a hostility that flows from the shell-encrusted fringes of the Atlantic Ocean to the doors of the local Denny’s.

“I’ve seen it myself,” said Craig Williams, a Baltimore police detective who is a rider. “When the white bikers come to Myrtle Beach, the town rolls out the red carpet. When the black riders come, they roll it right up.”

Each spring, Myrtle Beach plays host to two huge biker rallies, back to back; the predominantly white bike week, which has been going on for 63 years, is called Harley-Davidson Week, while the mostly black event is called the Atlantic Beach Bike Fest, or Black Bike Week, which began 20 years ago.

The gist of the legal action, filed in federal court in South Carolina, is that Myrtle Beach treats the two events differently.

The city’s response: they are different.

“Black Bike Week is rowdier, younger and much more crowded,” said Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride, who has been an outspoken critic, frequently advocating the elimination of the event, but openly supporting “Harley Week.”

City officials say Black Bike Week is nearly twice the size of Harley Week (375,000 people compared with 200,000 last year). That is why, they say, they change the streets to a one-way system and employ 550 police officers, compared with 300 for Harley Week.

Dennis Hayes, NAACP General Counsel, said: “The conduct of these public and private institutions that close down or implement one-time restrictive and oppressive rules simply because most of the visitors in Myrtle Beach over the Memorial Day Weekend are black cannot be tolerated. It is tragic and disheartening to see this type of blatant discrimination in the year 2003, nearly fifty years after the Supreme Court outlawed segregation in Brown vs. Board of Education and nearly forty years after Congress outlawed race discrimination in places of public accommodations.”

NEW TENNESSEE LAW ALLOWS RIDERS TO RUN LIGHTS Beginning July 1, Tennessee motorcyclists can legally run red lights — if they stop first and “exercise due care” — under a bill signed into law by Governor Phil Bredesen.Motorcyclists had complained they were forced to wait excessive periods of time at stop lights because sensors that control the lights did not recognize motorcycles, which are now made mostly of aluminum and fiberglass, not metal.

For Nashville area resident and motorcyclist Steve Lundwall, the law can’t begin too soon.

“Sometimes, I put down the kickstand and just wait (at a stoplight),” said Lundwall, a business analyst in Nashville and state director of Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee.

His group helped push the bill through the Legislature.

Lundwall also serves on the board of directors for the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), representing the southeast region of the country.

But the new law isn’t as popular with the state’s law enforcement and transportation community, who say it will be difficult to enforce.

“It almost takes it out of our hands to write a ticket for motorcycles running a red light,” said Lt. Bob Lyons of Nashville’s Traffic Division. “How do we know if he’s been sitting there or not?”

Sgt. Jeff Keeter, a motorcycle officer in Nashville for six years, said he’s felt the frustration of being stuck at red lights but thinks the law may cause accidents. “We’ll have motorcycles trying to cross six lanes. … Working traffic collisions, I don’t have much confidence in drivers or riders. I can’t believe this was even considered.”

The governor signed the bill because “ultimately, the research did not show an increased safety risk,” Bredesen spokeswoman Lydia Lenker said. Senator Bill Clabough, R-Maryville, sponsored the legislation.

At least one other state, Minnesota, has passed a similar law, the model for Tennessee’s statute, said Wayne Shaub of Brentwood, legislative chairman for Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee.

Bill Moore, chief engineer with the Tennessee Department of Transportation, earlier told a Senate committee there could be safety concerns. The Senate passed the bill 28-1 last month. But the Tennessee Department of Transportation did not take an official position on the bill and has not done in-depth research on it, TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely said.

Some senators, concerned the measure would give motorcyclists license to run red lights, added an amendment to tighten the law. It says bikers cannot use the law as a defense to run any red light they want by saying they believed the light was controlled by sensors that did not recognize their motorcycles.

NEBRASKA HELMET REPEAL PUT ON HOLD Motorcyclists who want to ride without a helmet will have to wait until at least next year, as Nebraska lawmakers decided to delay debate until January on a bill to remove the helmet requirement.

Bill sponsor Senator Adrian Smith said he wanted to get on to other issues before lawmakers. Opponents had been dragging out debate on Smith’s bill, and time was running short in the Legislature as they entered the 81st day of their 90-day session.

Under the bill, motorcycle riders age 21 and over would no longer have to wear helmets. Riders would have to attend a two-day training class in order to ride without a helmet. The bill will remain in the second of three rounds of debate.

Governor Mike Johanns has said he would sign the bill into law should it pass.

MASSACHUSETTS PROMOTES RIDER SAFETY The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) has brokered a deal with Massachusetts Turnpike Authority officials and the RMV, to put signs on toll booths at four major interchanges, “When changing lanes, check twice – save a life, motorcycles are everywhere.”

“What this means folks,” explains MMA Legislative Director Paul Cote, “is that every vehicle, car, truck, motorcycle, etc., that travels the Mass Pike through those four major interchanges will see the signs promoting motorcycle safety awareness… it’s estimated that one million travelers will see this message; and hopefully will promote more safety out the roadways!”

Also, neon signs will flash the same safety message on major highways, such as 93, 495, 128, and rte 1.

“The Massachusetts Highway and the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority didn?t just wake up one day last week and decide to publicize motorcycle safety and awareness,” says MMA Chairman Jimi Ricci, who also serves on the NCOM Board of Directors. “For the last 4 or 5 years, members of the MMA have been busting our butts trying to get these agencies to help us to try to promote motorcycle safety and awareness. One of our main goals in the last 5 years has been to try to reduce the number of accidents involving motorcycles here in Mass., and everywhere for that matter .We feel that this motorcycle safety and awareness program is finally starting to pay off for us riders.”

Ricci also advises riders to get involved in motorcycle safety by joining their local motorcyclists rights organization. “Now is the time to spend what amounts to the price of a T-shirt and help us save lives,” he says.

http://www.bikernet.com/bdl/”>

SWISS BIKERS PROTEST SPEED LIMITS Thousands of bikers converged on the Swiss capital, Bern, to protest plans to limit bike speeds to 80kmh on the motorways. The country’s biggest motorcyclist association, Pro Moto, organized the mass demonstration outside the government building.

Although the demonstration took place without bikes, the procession of bikers, making their way into Bern – at 80kmh – brought traffic around the city to a standstill. It was reported that over 35,000 motorcyclists came from all over the country to protest proposals from the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) to reduce the number of deaths on the country’s roads.

But the bikers argue than the plan would introduce technical alterations making it impossible to go any faster than 80kmh, would be discriminatory and make them the laughing stock abroad. They say they are not against moves to reduce the number of deaths on the road, which number 600 a year, 100 of which are motorcyclists, but Pro Moto says the country’s 500,000 bikers just want to be granted the same treatment as other road users.

Pius Bruelhart, a bike enthusiast, said if the measures go through, motorcycles could become an obstacle to other road users.

“Vision Zero would slow bikers down to the speed limit of a truck on the road and it’s known that trucks are always about ten per cent over the limit, which would mean a truck would overtake a bike on the motorway,” he said.

Other proposals causing concern are raising the age limit to 18 for motor scooters, tightening drunk-driving laws and reducing the speed limit on major roads to 70kmh.

Pro Moto has already handed in a petition with more than 200,000 signatures urging the government to rethink Vision Zero, and some biker groups will be involved in the consultation process before the government reveals some firm proposals by the end of the year.

WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH A naked motorcyclist wearing just a scarf, sunglasses and a pair of sandals crashed his bike after he was stung on the inner thigh by a bee. The 36-year-old, who had been driving to the swimming area at a German nudist colony, lost control of the bike as he swatted the insect away.

He fell on to the road, but escaped with just a shoulder injury and minor cuts and bruises. Police said they are considering pressing charges after the incident — as the man was not wearing a crash helmet.

QUOTABLE QUOTES: “The more corrupt the State the more numerous the laws.”Cornelius Tacitus, Roman historian & politician (55 AD – 117 AD)