April 25, 2002 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
ZACHARY DESEASE REPORT–A woman was distraught because she had not had a date, or sex, in quite some time. She was afraid she might have something wrong with her, so she decided to seek the medical expertise of a sex therapist. Her doctor recommended that she see the well known Chinese sex therapist, Dr. Chang,so she went to see him.
Upon entering the examination room, Dr. Chang said, “Ok, take off aw you crose.” The woman did as she was told.
“Now get down and craw reery, reery fass to odder side of the room.” Again, the woman did as instructed.
Dr. Chang then said, “ok, now craw reery, reery fass back to me.” She did.
Dr.Chang shook his head slowly and said, “Your problem vewy bad. You haf EdZachary Disease. Worse case I ever see. Dat why you not haf sex or dates.”
Worried, the woman asked anxiously, “Oh My God, Dr. Chang, what is Ed Zachary Disease?”
Dr. Chang looked the woman in the eye and replied, “Ed Zachary Diseaseis when your face rook Ed Zachary like your butt.”
–from Chris T.
THE LAST BIKER–The old ones stand out now, their numbers dwindling down. They’re a sad loss to the American scene, these individualists with the worn down clothes and faces. You can still see them sometimes, the real ones, some in packs, not as large as a while ago, sometimes alone.
The alone one is the best.
One who’s been there a long time, staying in the life he loves, never giving into a system that sucks you up like a vortex if you slip just one foot into it. He’s got his connections – a few like him, that care for and protect each other. Hanging onto the only unique lifestyle left, like old dinosaurs, their faces are leathered and rough by forty, but their eyes still sharp and knowing.
Some are gray in the beards and braids, some are limp in the step and some pain in the kidneys. Still they know that no other life is life, but merely a dreary journey into everyone else’s monotony. He looks at the new ones, then turns away, knowing they will never know of life on the road and of the women who can take it. Wild, loving, women who’ll hang in with them, because they love it too. A woman with a wild heart and a loyal soul, that’s what’s needed here.
The new ones are shiny and young and a bit too clean. They’re born into a system that has an iron grip now. The new one’s will never know and couldn’t take “the life.”
I think it’s a mystery, even to the old ones, why this life is theirs, but it is, and it’s the only one.
When the last biker falls, like the dinosaurs, the sun will go down on a breed of heart-of-gold, tough as nails, free spirited men, who even at their worst, love what’s theirs and protect it. In a world wide system that is making all people as alike as manufactured dolls, the earth will be a duller place….When the last biker falls.
–Wildboomer
Bikernet Caribbean Report–
When I got my first motorcycle, more or less 30 years ago, it was thecoolest chopper mini bike, white with purple accents, ape hangers, and evena sissy bar. What a birthday gift for a 6 year old !!!! As soon as Imanaged to pull that yo-yo and start the Briggs motor, I was riding allover my grand parents back yard. I would come back when it was out of gas,just to fill her up again and keep on riding. That little bike took thebeating of it’s life. Even though it was painted sort of sissy, I lovedthat little chopper, it was used as motocross bike, cruiser and stylingdown my house’s sidewalk. Nope, I was not allowed to leave the property,that was the only rule.
I had two acres or so to ride so it was not that bad, but rules were meantto be broken and soon the streets on our neighborhood became ourinterstates. Other kids had similar bikes, some had z-50’s and C-70’s, weuse to ride in a bunch all over the place, and we had a grand time ,ALL ofthe time. I guess that’s the first time I felt actual freedom, just us,riding and hiding from the cops, sort of like today, only with much largerengines and bikes. We did not wear our helmets since laws were not asstrict, and if we got caught by a cop we were taken back to the house orhad to push the bikes back. I feared my grandma’s swift but lethal hand morethan we did the friendly cops.
This brings me to this report, there’s somephotos from our friends in Cuba, the “harlistas” this group of people liveunder a communist regime and constant vigilance, but boy do they know themeaning of freedom ! They ride around without a helmet or speed limit.They keep their Harley’s running with their hands on approach, no catalogs,no part shops, no “master builders” they make what they need and they enjoyevery second of each ride.
Most use their bikes every single day, (pre 58 so they are allRigids !) it’s their only transportation. But still you meet thesepeople and they are so happy, so sincere, so giving (they will lend me anybike at any time and insisted on doing so) that’s it’s amazing. No worrieswhatsoever of getting their Harleys stolen or getting stranded. Alwaysanother “Harlista ” would help. They even ride together to the cemeteryonce a year to visit their fallen friends, their life is full of hardship,most of them will never leave the country or see a Bike Week, not even reada Harley magazine !
But boy do they enjoy their life , as “Harlistas” So the moral of thestory, even though we live in the “Land of the free, home of the brave” wehave lost some freedoms that we took for granted. We can’t choose not towear a helmet, nor ride in Sturgis without the worries of cops busting usto meet quotas, or sleep without bringing the bikes into the motels so theydon’t disappear. Sometimes I wish we were kids again and do what we wanted,within reason.
Due to the rains last weekend the Dia del motociclista was canceled, we arewaiting for a future date. Such is life in the tropics.
We are sad to report that one of the twins, The Horse maidens passed awaylast week end, we still have no details but will report as soon as we getthem. It’s so sad to loose a young life with such a bright future, ourcondolences go to the family and friends. I guess the lord really works inmysterious ways.
Everyone is getting ready for Laughlin this week, hope to get some reportsfrom there since I will not be there…..sucks !
Here are the photos of Cuba as promised last week, we have some more fromvarious places in the Caribbean and Latin America, will sort them out infuture reports.
I’ve noticed a few messages at “Your Shot” since my comments last weekabout the rigids, Cool ! Keep on sending them, since we like hearing ourreaders opinions and enjoy positive as well as negative remarks— thanksguys.
We are working on our 4th and 5th WCC choppers, hoping to have them donefor Sturgis, also my old skool rigid was kicked to life this Sunday andit’s on it’s way to hit the road (yeah, will post photos as soon as it’sdone). More so, I managed to get some time off to send the first 12 pack ofbikes over Se?or Bandidos way…… Also we are getting our ass in gearfor the Summer tour, The Horse SMSO and then Sturgis “home of really nicepolice who love PR choppers”, also the plans are there to visit Bandit inCalifornia and do the Love Ride….
Oh well see ya next week, have a good one.
Jose – Caribbean Bikernet reporter who’s a good friend of the overworkedand underpaid policeman from the beautiful Sturgis, Deadwood and Keystone, etc,etc,etc.
Continued On Page 4
April 25, 2002 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
DAVIE ALLAN ROCKS–A show is brewing at “Mr. T’s” for May 24th. It’s with Sky Saxon & The Seeds. If it happens, more deja vu: we were on the same bill on a show during my 1967 nationwide tour.
HA LEATHER–BIKERNET TAKES GIANT STEP FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE–Buying clothes mail order is a risky pain in the ass. It’s convenient unless you don’t receive the size you need. Especially in the case of leather, when that UPS driver delivers your new best, the bastard should fit you like a glove. We here at Biker Net with the artistic assistance of Jon Towle have developed a comfortable process of taking measurements for more accurate, safe and comfortable ordering. Just take the measurements and include them in your order and you’re guaranteed that you’ll get what you need.
If HA is completely confused by your measurements and order, they will contact you to prevent shipping the wrong size. So not only are they carefully manufacturing the best leather line on the market, but they have the service to back it up and insure you get the piece you order the first time.
BIKERNET LITERARY DEPARTMENT–We currently have a short stack of books on the table to be reviewed for our readers. The first one will be Sonny’s news book of Road Tales. A book based on the archive of wild wanton tales of the old school biker.His last book hit the New York best sellers list and for all biker book writers I hope that this one does also. Watch for it at all book stores, bike shops and for Sonny to be signing books at upcoming events.Watch for a review of his book on Bikernet in the next couple of weeks.
FROM THE POLISH ARCHIVES–Did you hear about the Polish Navy’s tragic accident?A hundred and thirty-seven sailors drowned trying to push-start their new submarine.
If you like Submarine stories, I recently read a book about the development of Submarines before WWII. Did you know that before 1940 there was virtually no way to rescue men in downed subs. They either drowned or slowly died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The book was written about the man who developed the diving bell and saved the crew of a brand new sub that went down in over 100 feet of water. The book, The Terrible Hours, by Peter Maas is tribute to the man behind the greatest submarine rescue in history.
CYRIL HUZE SPIKE LIGHT–What says more chopper than a spike shape? The style will take you back, but the 2-function bulb or strong L.E.D. these small lights are housing is hardly yesterday’s news. These lights will turn heads well before you even make turns. Red or Amber lens. Show polished billet aluminum.
Cyril Huze RUN TO THE WALL REPORT–The Run To The Wall, on Memorial Day is a great run. Everyone starts arriving from out oftown on Friday. All the shops in the area have parties and Open Houses onSaturday. Sunday morning the run organizes at the Pentagon parking lot. Thenumber of bikes that gather there is huge. The parade usually starts at noonat it last close to three hours. The streets of Wash. D.C. are lined with peopleon both sides waving and cheering. The wall itself is what the run is allabout, rather the names on the wall, you can not imagine the number of nameson that wall until you see it. It really numbs you for a few seconds. I havebeen to this event probably at least 10 times and everytime I go I come awaywith a new appreciation for all those who gave all they had for our freedom. –Mike Pullin There is a new biker tradition beginning this summer in the USA!!!!! TheMid Summer THUNDER Rally ( http://www.midsummerthunder.com )is destined tobecome a regional annual rally ( possibly 2 to 3 times a year) in themid-south USA. Pat Savage ( http://www.patsavage.net )contacted me and we are currently innegotiations to get them there to play as well as, the band Southern Cross( http://www.southerncrossrocks.com ) from Houston, TX (who contacted usalso). This event began its life in Mid-January 2002 and the website went upFebruary 9, 2002. As of 02:30 April 22,2002 the site had over 62,600 hits. People are confirmed to come from as far away as Belgium, and in the statesfrom Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, Virginia, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas,Missouri, Kansas and Louisiana (With More to come). We already have request for press-passes and/or coverage from Tulsa Today,Thunder Roads, Skunk Dots, Biker Life as well as several radio andtelevision stations. It has also entered into the picture of doing either a sponsored orpay-per-view webcast of the Rally… (charge what we charge for entry of asingle person.) Please contact me as soon as possible to discuss these possibilities. If you would like additional Posting as a Rally supporter as well asannouncement of that at the Rally send us a ladies tank top and Man’sT-shirt to give as a door prize. Live Long & Ride Free! Regards, Michael E. Weaver BIKERNET JAMAICAN REPORT–Hey, I just returned from Jamaica, beautiful island, but some really shit roads, and not an H-D in sight, nothing even close.Although the Jamaicans do see a marketing opportunity did see tons of H-D shirts with “Jamaica” under the bar and shield. Sure there is “bikers” all on them damn crotch rockets(I really hate that term). –Jef BIKERNET ONE LINERS–4. My mind works like lightning. One brilliant flash and it is gone.5. The only time the world beats a path to your door is if you’re in thebathroom.6. I hate sex in the movies. Tried it once, the seat folded up, thedrinkspilled and that ice, well it really chilled the mood. CALENDAR SHOW PRESENTED BY BIKERNET.COM UPDATE– The 2002 edition of the Hot Bike magazine sponsored White Brothers Los Angeles Calendar Motorcycle Show set for July 20-21st , is presented by Bikernet.com at the Queen Mary Event Park, Long Beach, CA. It’s really coming together with 130 major manufacturers and the leading custom bike builders from across America. Sponsored by Hot Bike, White Brothers, Performance Machine, Bikernet.com and The Recycler/Cycle Buys, and featured on the Speed Channel’s American Thunder, The LA Calendar Motorcycle Show has continued to grow every year to become the biggest and most popular streetbike show in America catering to the custom, cruiser and sportbike markets. Exciting features at this year’s Show include an added celebrity host, legendary biker journalist Keith Ball, a.k.a. Bandit of Bikernet.com, together with our returning hostess, the lovely Brenda Fox. Bikernet.com will also again be hosting the blowout Bikernet.com Party on Saturday night aboard the Queen Mary with a huge fireworks display. Last year’s party was a huge success with standing room only, lots of free Bikernet.com giveaways, and running until the wee hours of the morning. And just to get things heated up beforehand, in the Event Park there will be a 6pm concert performance by the exciting new performance show band Powder with lead singer Ninette. If you like the well known band No Doubt with lead singer Gwen Stefani, then the talents of Powder will blow you away even further with their even more electrifying stage performance and vocals focused on the beautiful Ninette in her Madonna-esque bikini costumes. Returning again this year by popular demand as the day-time band both days is the pop / jazz /salsa band Soto. And of course, The Calendar bike Show Show features the most competitive bike contest on the West Coast with it’s prestigious Hot Bike magazine Best of Show Trophy. Other activities include The White Brothers West Coast Horsepower Dyno Shootout, a FastDates.com Calendar Girl Pageant, and of course the premier of the 2003 FastDates.com Calendars with the beautiful calendar models in attendance. With all the additional attractions that Long Beach has to offers including the ferry boat to Catalina Island with a day?s activities there, the Aquarium, the downtown restaurants and clubs, plus what greater Los Angeles has to offer, the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show is a must do attraction for across-the-country visitors and it will continue to grow as a major motorcycle week destination like Laughlin, Daytona and Sturgis.? Spectators and Exhibitors can find out more about The LA Calendar Motorcycle Show, the Bike Contest and all the available weekend activities online at www.FastDates.com. Continued On Page 3
Tel: 561-392-5557
Website: 
http://www.midsummerthunder.com
okiegent56@cox.net
+1 (405) 520 4664 (Global Mobile/Msg)
+1 (603) 963 7799 (Fax)
April 25, 2002 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
BIKERNET ANIMAL CARE DEPARTMENT–A lady approaches her priest and tells him, “Father, I havea problem. I have two female talking parrots, but they onlyknow how to say one thing.”
“What do they say?” the priest inquired.
“They only know how to say, ‘Hi, we’re prostitutes. Want tohave some fun?'”
“That’s terrible!” the priest exclaimed, “but I have asolution to your problem. Bring your two female parrots overto my house and I will put them with my two male talkingparrots whom I taught to pray and read the bible. My parrotswill teach your parrots to stop saying that terrible phraseand your female parrots will learn to praise and worship.”
The next day the woman brings her female parrots to thepriest’s house. His two male parrots are holding rosary beadsand praying in their cage. The lady puts her two femaleparrots in with the male parrots, and the female parrots say,”Hi, we’re prostitutes, want to have some fun?”
One male parrot looks over at the other male parrot andexclaims, “Put the beads away. Our prayers have beenanswered!”
–from Chris T.
BIKERNET BABES HEADING SOUTH–along the coast for the headquarters from rain soaked Washington state. We’ll have all the reports next week of their tour. Here are two shots of one of the sex hungry bitches trying to drown their overwhelming desires with a bottle of Quervo. Hope it helped.
NEW BIKERNET UPS DRIVER–Just found out about our new UPS driver in the neighborhood.
Gee…. I think I need to order more stuff.
LET’S SPLIT–
This is one of the models we considered for the Laughlin Weekend from:”AOAgencies”
Sonny Barger recently asked readers of his web site for their opinion of prostitution laws. Some 83 percent of those who responded are in favor of legalized prostitution. Here, here, I completely agree. That’s a law I would love to see repealed. Maybe if a man or woman could get laid with the natural urge called we wouldn’t have so many broken homes, divorces and Jerry Springer shows.
I do believe that the art of whoredom could be handled in a more tasteful, clinical manner that would give it a new healthy demeanor in society, but what the hell do I know. Damn, that reminds me. I need to call a particular girl for a special party that comin’ up. Ride Forever, Bandit.
April 25, 2002 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
The dry ice Martinis are bubbling over the Southland. I was in Mastros Restaurant last night in Los Angeles with Paul Yaffee, Myron Larrabee, antique bike collector Urban Hirsh, his bodacious blond girlfriend and a surfer from Cabo San Lucas. A strange mixture of Jack Daniels and colored Martinis that boiled in thin glasses. We started talking about the bike shown here.
The Twin Cam powered full rubber mount custom was fabricated flawlessly in Europe by House of Thunder in Germany, as attested to by Paul who was a judge at a European bike rally and spent four hours studying each meticulous detail. Arlen Ness viewed the crafty creation in Daytona and said, “This bike has raised the bar for all custom motorcycle builders.”
This is a shot taken from Garry Stuart’s collection on his website Harleypics.com which highlight his portfolio. Garry was recently at the Bikernet Headquarters shooting bikes and interviewing staff for a couple of upcoming publishing projects. Back to the bike. Check the bars. No controls other than twist grips. Check the lower legs and the foot controls. The artist/engineer here has gone beyond.
Now for sex. Two models will roam the streets of Laughlin giving out Bikernet stickers. They will be wearing Biker sashes and Nasty Bad Pig clothing. If you get a shot of them send it to Sinwu@Bikernet.com and you may win a prize. She’s trying to confirm that I won’t have one locked in my room. Let’s get to the news.
AVON IS BACK–Avon Tyre is back in the House of Bikernet as a long standing sponsor. We will feature the new Venom Line of Tyres and Avon is working with us on our new Nuttboy project which you will find to be an interestin’ old, new, and out of school relic.
DEATH & TAXES– A visitor from Holland was chatting with his American friend and was jokingly explaining about the red, white and blue in the Netherlands flag. “Our flag symbolizes our taxes,” he said. “We get red when we talk about them, white when we get our tax bill, and blue after we pay them.”
“That’s the same with us,” the American said, “only we see stars,too.”
BIKERNET NUTTBOY PROJECT REPORT–Here’s a shot of the Rev Tech engine crate and transmission. The Case the 88-inch engine was shipped in is worth the price of the engine. Keep it forever incase you need to ship an engine to a rebuilder, like I did with a ’48 Panhead to Lee Clemens at Departure Bike Works to be rebuilt by the master. A case like this can be a life saver.
EASYRIDERS REPORTS DELISTING BY THE AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE–April 24, 2002–Easyriders Inc.(AMEX:EZR) announced today that on April 16, 2002 it received notice fromthe American Stock Exchange indicating that the Company no longer complieswith the Exchange’s continued listing guidelines.
Accordingly, the Company’s stock will no longer be listed on the AmericanStock Exchange as of the opening of business on May 6, 2002.
The Company recently reported in its Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2001 that it had a net loss of $17.1 million on revenues of$28.3 million, at which time the Company had a stockholders’ deficit of$28.4 million. Consequently, Easyriders has fallen below the continuedlisting requirements of the Exchange with respect to deficient stockholders’equity and continued losses as required by Sections 1003(a)(i),(ii), and(iii) of the AMEX “Company Guide.”
The Exchange also noted that the Company’s auditors Stonefield Josephson,Inc. stated in the recently filed 10-K that there exists “substantial doubtabout the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”
The Company does not intend to appeal the decision by the Exchange.
Continued On Page 2
Joker Machine
By Bikernet Contributor Wrench | | General Posts
If it weren’t for the precision parts that came from Joker Machine, Bandit would still be in the leaning Bikernet garage trying to make forward controls from old rods and wrist pins for the Blue Flame. Bandit ran into Geoff, Joker’s general manager, at the Indianapolis dealer expo, where Geoff reminded the old guy of his past offers to collaborate on a project bike. Bandit had been intrigued with Joker since it started. He could spot quality and design capability and, of course, good-looking girls. Bandit reveled in the Joker Machine logo with its Mardi Gras colors. The company obviously was cutting edge, and ranked with the very best in its league of components. Through the years, Bandit was devoted to helping a number of companies that already built billet components. His hands were tied. Yet he continued to be impressed with the Joker level of quality and style. Finally, the old guy had the pleasure of working with the ailing Geoff, the boss, Diane, and her brother, Richard, the masterful designer. Joker began as a machine shop cranking out military spec components for the aerospace industry. Diane’s father bought the business with his partner in 1971. Diane, also came on board the same year. Her brother followed in 1987. They continued to fill government aerospace contracts and build hot rod automotive parts and irrigation components. Behind the machine shop, her father and others built bikes. These riders, who were working hard to make a living in their smog-filled Azusa, Calif., machine shop, had no idea that some day they would be able to aim their talents and expertise at the industry they loved most — Harleys.
They started manufacturing parts for the marketing arm of Pro One in 1991. They continued until 1995, when they established Joker Machine to market their own parts. At the time, they were building a new custom project and Diane came up with the Joker notion for the tank art. Richard took her concept and created the Joker artwork, which was never intended for a business logo. The cutting-edge notion kicked off the risk-taking, bad-boy image we see with numerous companies in the industry today, including Jesse James’ West Coast Choppers. It was all in fun, yet it brought the risk-taking nature of bike riding to life. You couldn’t miss it. The company took on a new aura with the Joker line, although government contracts continued to provide a stable income. “Aircraft contracts are a miserable way to make a living,” Diane said. “The red tape is stifling.” They enjoy the creativity, style and constant movement of the custom motorcycle industry. “All the kids in our family are creative. Plus, Richard understands the entire process of creating and manufacturing components. We just had to pick up the marketing end. Richard enjoys continually upgrading our line with new technology and developments that keep the line on the cutting edge of the industry,” she said. They started with lighting products, then expanded to hand controls and forward controls. They work with one major distributor, have a growing dealer network and continue supplying the retail market. In the future, Joker plans to roll into accessories for the twin cam motors. “Our parts are top of the line and expensive,” Diane said. “But we stand behind each and every component.” Joker’s shop is a pristine, 8,000-square-foot facility on a large lot. The major players at Joker still ride, including Diane with a Road King, Richard is building another custom Softail with the Joker touch and Geoff who rides street and drags. “Three years ago, we got involved with racing,” said Diane, her eyes sparkling as she talks about the drags. “Geoff used to race dirt bikes, but then he started practicing on a Buell at the drags. That’s when we started to sponsor Ron Fringer, who raced top fuel. Joker Machine is also the HDRA pro-stock series sponsors, with Geoff racing in the H-D modified class. We’d like to see more prize money for these guys, but we find the drags to be an outstanding outlet for marketing our products. The enthusiasts are very dedicated.”
Geoff has qualified fourth in his class in the AHDRA. Although the family owned business is built around precision and exact detail, the crew is jovial and easy going. I suppose it comes with knowing what you’re doing and being confident in your product.
–Wrench |
| |
April 18, 2002 Part 4
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 3
TWO-WHEELERS LOSES PARTNER– Denver Arlin’s Friend and Partner Jim “Foot” Taylor passed away April 10. He was 60 on the day of April 10 and will be missed by all …. Love ya Jim … Thank you for your thoughts and prayers… Arlin Fatland (303) 433-0564
WELCOME BACK GRASSHOPPER–Your first lesson is to correct the IMB seminar schedule on The China Report to the 2002 Seminar Schedule. It should read as follows:
IMB Seminar 2002
International Martial arts Boxing
Does your school teach art? At the IMB Seminar, Richard Bustillo, World Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Black Belt Hall of Fame member, will teach: The art of being yourself, the art of respecting others, the art of developing your own training techniques, the art of having an open mind and the art of knowing the truth in practical and functional martial arts. If you’d like to study our arts, evolve with change with the IMB Seminar. The IMB program encompass the weapon arts of kali/Eskrima, the striking arts of Boxing/Muay Thai and the grappling arts of Jujitsu/Wrestling, and enhanced by the Jeet Kune Do philosophies, concepts, principles, theories and training methods of Bruce Lee as taught to Richard Bustillo.
Apr. 20 & 21, Kansas City, MO, Bryan Stevenson
Apr. 27 & 28, Staten Island, NY, Don Edwards
May 4 & 5, Baltimore, MD , Kevin Lumsden
May 7 – 12, Frankfurt, Germany, Kai Uwe jetkandt
May 25 & 26 , Booneville, AK, Robert Waite
Jun 1 & 2 , Honolulu, HI , James Tanaka
Jun 10 – 14, Los Angeles, CA, Ai Olsen
Jun 22 & 23, Guadalajara, MEX, Fernando Mesa
Jun 29 & 30, Mexico City, MEX, Angel Postigo
Jul 13 & 14, Red Lion, PA, Mike Ludwig
Jul 27 & 28, Atlantic City, NJ, Joe Parker
Aug. 2& 3, St. Louis, MO, Marty Calh
Aug 17 & 18, Seattle, WA, Pete Israel
Aug. 24 & 25, Sacramento, CA, Ken Mahinan
Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, Milano, Spain, Luca Marinello
Sept. 7 & 8, Cincinnati. OH, Rick Teeple
Sept. 14 & 15, Calgary, CAN, Gil LaFantasie
Sept. 28 & 29, Columbus, MO, Jan Miernyk
Oct. 5 – 13, England, GB, Andy Gibney
Oct. 19 & 20, Orlando, FL , Brian Catanazaro
Oct. 26 & 27, Palmyra, PA, An Duong
Nov. 2 & 3, Billerica, MA, Chuck Furtado
Nov. 9 & 10, Bayville, NJ, Eric Colon
Nov. 16 & 17, Battle Creek, MI, Eric Smith
Nov. 22 & 23, Acapulco, MEX , Rudolfu Alvarez
Seminar schedule is subject to change. Please call the IMB Academy (310) 787-8793 for confirmation. We guarantee you will enjoy the safe, fun and practical martial arts seminar. The hands-on training is not designed to compete against any style but will compliment all levels above 18, male and female, beginner, advance and non-martial artists. If (God forbid) we cancel this seminar because of Mother Nature’s wrath: earthquake, tornado, hurricane, title wave, monsoon, floods, fires, snow blizzards, etc. etc., your total advance fee will be refunded.
(310) 787-8793 IMB Academy, Inc., 22109 So. Vermont Ave., Torrance, Calif. 90502
BIKERNET SURVEY–“In a survey, 80 percent of women thought their ass was too fat, 15 percentsaid their ass was too thin and the other 5 percent said they didn’tcare – they would have married him anyway!”
ONGOING DISCUSSION BOARD DISCUSSION–Discussion boards are cool daddy-o.Got a leg up on you bro, being as this one here is free. Keep that in mind.I made note of the credit card deal in order to enter the “Cantina.”
Perhaps you’ll get the action you need. I’m a poor broke sunufabitch thatdoesn’t have time for the fucking yuppies. I don’t even wear store boughtleathers…
Yeah…
Remember the old school? You still have your roots and respects in it. Thereare poor boys still making all their shit from scratch. Keep the faith.
Anyway…
My point? You don’t need no stinking discussion board when www.allhd.com/bbkicks the shit out of the other boards. We win hands down over the censored,well-governed ones. You’d do well just to endorse the REAL biker board thatalready exists and stick a link up to it in a prominant location. In turn,as the administrator of www.allhd.com/bb, I can promote www.bikernet.com.
After all…
Without that “rake and trail” geometry spec’d out there at your place, mychopper would be so fucking well balanced and handle like a dream come true!
–Sincerely,
Dave/Shovel/Max
FRISCO BENEFIT–Bikers are known to be the best at rallying around their fallen, injured and hurting brothers and sisters. This is to inform you about a benefit on April 14, at the Pound in San Francisco. The details will be very basic here as we were just informed about this yesterday evening.
Tony, our awesome pal from the Frisco HAMC, called me yesterday telling me of an impromptu but already impressively large (we have amazing hearts, don’t we?) gathering he has organized to be held at the Pound this very Sunday from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
The son of a very good friend of his was just in a horrific car accident where his vehicle struck a deer and rolled, resulting in a broken neck and severed spine. Now he will be paralyzed. This benefit is to help with his medical expenses and to show what we are made of. This is very short notice.
Do what you can. Count on seeing some dolls there. Restaurants in the area have generously donated food and there will be a kick-ass live band. $20 a head gets you all the food you want, rockin’ music, a killer raffle, and a great party even though it will be under these sad circumstances. You can call the POUND at (415)826-9202 at Pier 96 to get more info or directions. Thank you.the DEVIL DOLLS MOTORCYCLE CLUB
A DOWNED DOLL–“Hoops” rides motorcycles. She just WENT DOWN and has returned home from the emergency room with stitches and sores.
Please wish her well, in the “General” section, of –Thank you. Dave SONNY BARGER REPORT–On the first day of its release, Sonny will signcopies of his new book “Ridin’ High, Livin’ Free” atSan Diego Harley-Davidson on April 16. Then he willappear in Palm Springs on April 18, Westwood/LA on April19, Modesto on April 20 and San Francisco on April 22.Next he will be at Laughlin, Nev., on April 26-27, and backeast in Rochester, N.Y., on May 4 and NE Ohio on May 5.See the details, get directions and let your friendsknow: http://sonnybarger.com/meet The new book of hell-raising stories has alreadybeen heralded by reviewers as a “great collectionof biker stories” with a diversity that holds thereader “like a set of short stories by Stephen King.””Ridin’ High, Livin’ Free” is also available on audioCD and cassette: http://sonnybarger.com/book There is a new version of the Sonny Barger screensaver, in both silent and audio modes, with an addedscene for Ridin’ High: http://sonnybarger.com/scr LOUISIANA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS REMINDER– The Texas Scooter Times here wanting to remind everyone of the2nd Annual LOUISIANA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS on April 20. Featuring NITRO HARLEYS and Top Gas Dragsters!with 28 Sportsman Classes for ANY type of HarleyOnly $10 to Race! Live Band – Swap Meet – Burn Out Contest – Camping Allowed Saturday Night OnlyGates Open at 4 p.m. and Track opens at 5 p.m. – Eliminations Start at 8 p.m. Red River Raceway is located in Gilliam, La., appx. 18 miles north of Shreveport on Highway 71for more information visit: www.texasscooter.com or call (254) 687-9066 Also, Don’t forget about the Waco Swap Meet April 28 at the Heart of Texas Fairgroundsand the Dallas Championships – May 19 at the new Red Line Raceway, Dallas – Texas DIXIE RIDER ALERT–1st…The Dixie Rider Crowd will be in Athens this Saturday for the Hawg Pen’s Open house…we’ll be taking some Dixie Darling Pics so show up around 10 a.m. if you want to see what a mini-photo shoot looks like, besides have a good time with the Gang at the Hawg Pen! Speaking of Dixie Darlings, we’ve gotten Janet and Michelle on the site…it’s a new link so to see Just like the show, “at the auction” we thought we should give you “fair warning” about the availability of rooms at the Host Motel in Helen for the Iron Cavalry Reunion. YOU NEED TO SIGN UP ASAP! It’s filling up and by the end of next week we may be full….then we’ll be booking the overflow motels, (but you know where the action always is) plus the host motel is giving a “special” gift inside each room that no other motel is offering…Call us at (888) 374-3371 for complete rally package prices. A husband and wife, man and woman, or two whatever can come and enjoy the whole weekend for only $274 (meals not included) That’s a heckuva deal, considering everything you need is included. Well, not the beer..that’s your responsibility.( But I don’t drink much so I think a 12 pack will do both of us! Leave it at the front desk, and I’ll pick it up. ) If you’re wondering what you’ll get for $274. I’ve listed it below… (1) Armband for entry into Jimmy Van Zant concert Friday May 31, and Pat Savage on June 1. Value $20. (2) Official Event T-shirt, Value $30. (1) Poker Run Hand Value $10. *One lucky pre-registrant may win a Big Dog Motorcycle. Only pre-registrants are eligible for this prize Normal prizes for other poker run participants20 raffle tickets for door prize drawings Value $20. (1) Scavenger Hunt on Sunday Value $10. (2) authentic numbered Iron Cavalry Dog Tag with chain (collectors item) value $5. (2) Rally collectable pin $6. (2) Dixie Rider sew on patch $6. (1) Full size wall map of Helen with T-shirt design Value $10. (1) Bike Show Entry value $10. Discount coupons from merchants in Helen value $35.1 room with 2 queen beds or 1 king bed for Friday and Sat night or Sat and Sunday night. (2 people only) $5 per person over 2 people extra. Total Value $340 (if purchased separately) Our charities this year are the American Diabetes Assoc. and the Shriners Burn Hospital….these are great charities that do a lot of good…we hope you’ll come out and support them. Our t-shirts are being printed and to see the For frequently asked questions about the Iron Cavalry Reunion, Just a last minute note….the FestHalle (where we’ll have the party Friday and Saturday night, only holds about 1,500 people….so if we pre-register 1,500 people we won’t sell any tickets at the door! That means you might miss out on what will probably be the party of the year, (at least as far as I’m concerned!) So do yourself a favor, WHAT’S A POOR BOY TO DO–but to hunker down, deal with the shit, celebrate the good news and terrific, eye-watering romance, and start to build a new bike for the summer. Tomorrow Nuttboy and I will roll over to Dr. John the frame specialist in Anaheim to discuss modifications to his Pro Street chassis. Garry Stuart stopped by the office to discuss a couple of his book projects and may be able to assist with some of our own. We will be working with him and his Web site, HarleyPics.com. His site promotes his photographic business of shooting custom bikes all over the world. So, I’m back and glad to be here. Believe me, I can have more lurid adventures in a day in the headquarters than I can have in a month of bobbing around on the Pacific. Ride Forever, Bandit.–
April 18, 2002 Part 3
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 2
HARLEY-DAVIDSON REPORTS RECORD FIRST QUARTER— Harley-Davidson Inc. (NYSE: HDI) today announced record revenue and earnings for its first quarter ended March 31. Revenue for the quarter was $927.8 million compared with $776.9 million in the year-ago quarter, a 19.4 percent increase. First quarter diluted earnings per share (EPS) were 39 cents, a 30.6 percent increase compared with last year’s 30 cents.
“We are proud to announce another outstanding quarter and to report that demand for Harley-Davidson products remains strong as we begin our 99th year of operations,” said Jeffrey L. Bleustein, chairman and chief executive officer of Harley-Davidson Inc. “Our worldwide network of independent dealers experienced a growth rate of 20 percent in retail registrations during the first quarter. Based on this demand and ongoing capacity improvements, we are raising our 2002 production target for Harley-Davidson motorcycles to 261,000 units, up from the previous target of 258,000.”
“I am also pleased to announce that our Dyna family of motorcycles is now being assembled exclusively in Kansas City, after successfully transferring these operations from our York, Penn., facility. This comes on the heels of a new five-year labor agreement with our Kansas City unions and is another step in executing our manufacturing strategy,” added Bleustein.
HAWAIIAN BIKE SHOW REPORT–Here are a few pics of a bike show that they had over here in Hawaii this weekend at South Sea’s Harley. It was a pretty big turn out, Jesse was here for it, which really brought out a lot of people who wanted a autograph and a picture of him. His lady Janine was with him, real cool lady.
I got a chance to ride around the island with both of them and Jay Hodge. The weather was great, it was a good time. Talk to you soon.
–Chris Tronolone
UNKNOWN BENEFIT–We are a bunch of Tony and Colleen’s friends and family, and we are putting together this benefit on May 19 at a bar in Broadalbin, N.Y. The $20 cover includes food, bands, raffles and lots more. For more info call (518) 883-5592, (518) 843-3567 or (518) 843-0660. Thanks for your time.
–Big bill
NEW MEXICO REPEALS HELMET LAW– OK, we all know New Mexico doesn’t have a helmet law,right? Wrong. Or at least they had one up until the town of Sunland Park repealed itscity helmet ordinance recently under heavy pressure from the motorcycling community.
Sunland Park is a border town located at the corner of old Mexico, Texas and New Mexico,and it’s one of the most scenic roads in the state. The city boasts a casino and horsetrack and, until recently, a helmet law, despite the fact that New Mexico doesn’t have amandatory helmet law. It’s a popular riding destination, particularly for Texasmotorcyclists before their state repealed the helmet law.
Sunland Park was the only remaining municipality in any state to enact and maintain amandatory helmet requirement for all riders and passengers, despite state law that allowsadult freedom of choice. The statewide helmet law only pertains to riders under age 18,but because of “Home Rule” provisions in New Mexico, cities can pass laws that contradictthose of the state.
“Enticed by state grant money which provided police equipment and payroll to staff onepolice officer for three years, Sunland Park, during tough times, found the offer toogood to resist,” explained Eugene Heathman, chairman of the New Mexico Confederation ofClubs and a member of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. “Since that time, the helmetordinance ruffled some feathers as being selectively enforced and arbitrary.”
On March 19, through the collective efforts of the New Mexico Confederation ofClubs, New Mexico Motorcyclists Rights Organization, ABATE of New Mexico, West TexasConfederation of Clubs, and the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA2), the SunlandPark City Council voted unanimously to repeal the current language of the ordinance.
With support from Mayor Jesus Segura and several council members, new language to theordinance was adopted mirroring current New Mexico State regulations, with the amendmentthat “all persons under the age of 21, whether operating or riding as a passengeron a motorcycle, shall at all times wear a helmet.”
“We had lobbied the city council since January of this year,” says Revvv, of ABATE. “Itwas the last universal mandatory helmet law in the entire Southwest. The State of Texas,City of Edmonton (OK), and the Navajo Nation (approximately the size of West Virginia)all repealed or modified theirs in the past five years.”
A well-deserved celebration is planned to honor Sunland Park’s decision to respectriders’ freedom and in appreciation for the city’s past support of charity motorcycleevents.
HOW TO WRITE A PERSONAL– An advert found in the Australian Canberra Times, personals section…..
WANTED
A tall, well-built woman with good
reputation, who can cook frogs
legs, who appreciates a good fuc-
schia garden, classical music and tal-
king without getting too serious.
Interested? Then please only read lines 1, 3 and 5; still interested?
Call me at…..8250****
BIKERNET TREE CUTTING LESSON NUMBER ONE
Continued On Page 4
April 18, 2002 Part 2
By Bandit | | General Posts
Continued From Page 1
BIKERNET NORTH RIGID–Here are some pics of the new bike. Here is the skinny rigid frame with a car tire back end. House of horsepower 103-inch shovel with a ratchet top trans.
–Richard and Chris
WHY CONDOMS COME IN BOXES OF 3, 6 AND 12– A man walks into a drug store with his 8-year-old son. They happen to walk by the condom display and the boy asks, “What are these, Dad?”
To which the man matter-of-factly replies, “Those are called condoms, son … Men use them to have safe sex.”
“Oh I see,” replied the boys pensively. “Yes, I’ve heard of that in health class at school.” He looks over the display, picks up a package of three and asks, “Why are there three in this package.”
The dad replies, “Those are for high school boys. One for Friday, one for Saturday, and one for Sunday.”
“Cool!” says the boy. He notices a six pack and asks, “Then who are these for?”
“Those are for college men.” the dad answers, “TWO for Friday, TWO for Saturday, and TWO for Sunday.”
“WOW!” exclaimed the boy, “then who uses THESE?” he asks, picking up a 12 pack.
With a sigh, the dad replied, “Those are for married men. One for January, one for February, one for March……..”
SON IN LAW–As a woman passes her daughter’s closed bedroom door, she hears a strange buzzing noise coming from within. Opening the door, she observes her daughter giving herself a workout with a vibrator. Shocked, she asks, “What in the world are you doing?”
The daughter replies, “Mom, I’m 35 years old, unmarried, and this thing is about as close as I’ll ever get to a husband. Please, go away and leave me alone.”
The next day, the girl’s father heard the same buzzing coming from the other side of the closed bedroom door. Upon entering the room, he observed his daughter making passionate love to the vibrator.
To his query, the daughter said, “Dad, I’m 35 years old, unmarried, and this thing is about as close as I’ll ever get to a husband so please go away and leave me alone.”
A couple days later, the wife comes home from a shopping trip and places her purchases on the kitchen counter. She hears buzzing noises coming from, of all places, the living room. She enters that area and observes her husband sitting on the sofa, staring at the TV.
The vibrator was next to him on the sofa, buzzing away. The wife asks, “What in the hell are you doing?”
The husband replied, “I’m watching the football game with my son-in-law!!!”
Tattoo Of The Week–
REGARDING THE RIGID DISCUSSION–Don’t listen to those fucks that think they have to have “swing arm” frames.Really.Wanna see the chronicled creation of a rigid that a “broken-back, stoved-up sunufabitch” rides?
“Wrench to ride, Ride to Wrench” section, topic named “Rigid CHOPPER”.I ride this fucker at LEAST 100 miles each day! –David Lango Continued On Page 3
April 18, 2002 Part 1
By Bandit | | General Posts
Jose Takes Over–So Bandit’s back in town. Glad he made it in one piece. The girlsleft PR in a hurry and there’s been at least a week to “catch up” on thingsthat were missing. So things will get back to “normal?? Sorry to burst thebubble, Se?or Bandido, but the ladies and crew did an excellent job whileyou were rolling the seas and they even managed to have lots of fun whiletaking time off on your coin….I don’t know if this is happening to youbut after a long time at sea, everything looks different. The world becomesnoisier and you tend to miss those moments of peace while in the middle ofnowhere. I guess that is why people go back to the sea time and time again.
Yep I’m going editorial once more (sorry Bandit). While reading somearticles and a message at Your Shot, my busy mind started buzzing once moreand this is stuff we deal with everyday. “Oh but it’s a rigid, that’smurder to the back, and with these roads…”Let me tell ya people, have you ever ridden one? I can’t say that yourwife?s cooking is bad unless I’ve been invited for dinner.
Sure we need a degree of politeness at the shop, so I can’t tell them tofuck off, but here it’s a bit different. I ride rigids and so do a lot ofour friends. Our backs are fine and the doctors and chiropractors don’tmake a red cent on us. Sure I have ridden old rigids and they are rough,they bang and bounce you around and sometimes you feel like pissing blood,but all these new choppers are as smooth as the latest Softail with loweredshocks, wide tires and long wheelbase. I have been able toride lots of bikes during this lifetime and if I were going to choose themost comfortable one, that would be an old FL with the pogo-style policeseat.
Those Harleys beat any new dyna or softail hands down, even the older rigidFL bikes are amazing to ride. The balance, the seating position and thatpogo seat kick ass!
Nowdays we are selling and building a lot more rigids. We have customerswho have never ridden one and come back after 900 miles or so praisingthe rigid, and not on a stretcher. More so, they look better (style wise) andare cheaper than any other bike, plus they are fun. Like I always say, ?If Iwant extreme comfort I will take my car.? I will always admire those guyswho took their Old School choppers and rode them all around Frisco like itwas nothing. Try riding up to Potrero Hills on a suicide clutch, rigid,slap shift chopper with no front brake. That’s tough! Besides, I knowwhat I know today thanks to a kick-only old chopper. You learn about thebike and how to keep it running, flipping a switch and pressing a button tostart is the easy way, sometimes we gotta pay our dues.
So before dissin’any rigid, first ride one. Something might be learned.
OK, and now to the news:
This a photo of our friend Carlos on a ’70s FL. A friendly cop inMexico City allowed him to pose for this photo. We are receiving some morephotos from the Caribbean and South America and will post them soon, waitfor the ones from Cuba.
One more time……..NO! Jesse James is not in jail. It was all arumor by people who have nothing better to do, and yes, he saw a marketingopportunity and took it. “Free Jesse James” stickers and shirts areavailable at our shop. Want one?
We heard that Bandit was captured by a tribe of nympho,Japanese, midget,Amazon chopper chicks…He’s actually still missing and all of his arrivalstories are a smoke screen. The Bikernet crew is sending the Costa Ricanarmy to rescue him, since he refuses to be rescued……. We will have anupdate, if I can find him, and beg to be kidnapped also. Do you believethis one too?
Things have been pretty quiet on the bike scene here in Puerto Rico. I’mguessing everyone is locked up getting their tax forms ready and hoping forthe best.
The Storm Riders MC had a small ?just friends? ride to the Caribbean Seaside this Sunday. Twenty or so guys on choppers and rigids. They crossed the mountain range and ended up in the southern town of Guayama fora bike meet. My guess is they were having too much fun in those mountaintwisties since they never made it to the meet. Wish I had a photo of a 10″ up 45 degree chopper rigid carving the mountain roads, with a passenger,for those “know it all” rubbies….
Next Sunday the Dia del Motociclista at the local race track in Salinaswill take place. This event welcomes all kinds of bikes and will featuredrag races and a “custom” show. We are trying to make a Harley day, so theboys in cruisers can go and have fun without the Yamasaki riders creatinghavoc. I think it would be cool to have an all V-twin drag challenge.
Laughlin is near and we received news that Big Mike is tying the knotpretty soon. Also, our friend Noel from CrazyRigids.com shirts willbe there showing his wares. That’s one event that we have never done and Iknow it will be fun, well maybe next year….
For those of you lucky enough to score The Horse No. 23, Wow, those Japanesechoppers are cool! They certainly have a style of their own and createbikes with what they have available. If you have not seen the mag, try tocheck it out. That was a cool article by our globe-trotting reporter friendThe Sheriff…..We are guessing when he will make it to Puerto Rico…..
I’m outta here, the chopper that I mentioned a couple weeks ago (builtfrom takeoffs) is done and we are doing the shakedown run this weekend. Wemanaged to stay within budget and it looks cool to me. Maybe next week Iwill post some photos of the extremely cheap chopper. By the way, with thisreport I’m not trying to put anyone down or sound like I’m venting myanger…..Some readers will think I’m right, some will think I?m insane……But I sayit like I see it…..See you next week.
Jose – Bikernet rigid chopper ridin’ report.
New Babes In The Cantina- Check ’em out!
Jose said it all in his Caribbean Report— As Sir Francis Chichester mentioned so articulately in his novel “Gypsy Moth” about sailing around the world: “Hope always persists beyond reason.” So I return from the glorious open seas that lure men into a false swaying sense of reality. Once out to sea I couldn’t wait to return to the coast and motorcycles. Only I discovered after we scrapped the corroding gray hull of the Leon against the Houston docks that myriad bills awaited, disputes were stacked under the good news, unfinished projects lingered, and lackluster profits and missing parts met me in the driveway. But goddamn the sex was fine.
So, to answer Jose’s all-time question about the sailor who returns from the adventures that greet him from port to port to the mundane bill-paying humdrum life at home, will the sea lure me back? Fuck no, is the razor-sharp answer to that question.
It was the experience of a lifetime, but there are more hidden behind the next book project and plans for annual book-research travels to some of my favorite sites within the wonderful continental United States. Let’s get to the news and to work on Nuttboy’s Pro Street.
HOT OFF THE PRESS–I was at the printer last night doing a press check on my latestprint “Chopper Heaven” (see attached), that we are debuting at Laughlin. Likethe previous prints, they are lithographs printed on a premium 80-poundacid-free cover stock.
The prints measure 18-by-27 inches (image size is 10 1/2-by-20 inches)and are available as a signed limited edition of 300 ($39.95) and an unsignededition ($19.95). For more info, call Chris Kallas (310) 316-2790.
Come by ourbooth at the Colorado Belle and say hello.
Continued On Page 2
April 18, 2002
By Bandit | | General Posts
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 LawOffices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE orvisit us on our website at
NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled and Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists
NEW MEXICO REPEALS HELMET LAW Okay, we all know New Mexico doesn’t have a helmet law,right? Wrong. Or at least they had one up until the town of Sunland Park repealed theircity helmet ordinance recently under heavy pressure from the motorcycling community.
Sunland Park is a border town located at the corner of old Mexico, Texas, and New Mexico,and it’s one of the most scenic roads in the state. The city boasts a casino and horsetrack, and until recently, a helmet law, despite the fact that New Mexico doesn’t have amandatory helmet law. It’s a popular riding destination, particularly for Texasmotorcyclists before their state repealed the helmet law.
Sunland Park was the only remaining municipality in any state to enact and maintain amandatory helmet requirement for all riders and passengers, despite state law that allowsadult freedom of choice. The statewide helmet law only pertains to riders under age 18,but because of “Home Rule” provisions in New Mexico, cities can pass laws that contradictthose of the state.
“Enticed by state grant money which provided police equipment and payroll to staff onepolice officer for three years, Sunland Park, during tough times, found the offer toogood to resist,” explained Eugene Heathman, Chairman of the New Mexico Confederation ofClubs and a member of the Bandidos Motorcycle Club. “Since that time, the helmetordinance ruffled some feathers as being selectively enforced and arbitrary.”
On March 19th, 2002; through the collective efforts of the New Mexico Confederation ofClubs, New Mexico Motorcyclists Rights Organization, ABATE of New Mexico, West TexasConfederation of Clubs, and the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA2), the SunlandPark City Council voted unanimously to repeal the current language of the ordinance.
With support from Mayor Jesus Segura and several council members, new language to theordinance was adopted mirroring current New Mexico State regulations, with the amendmentthat “all persons under the age of twenty-one, whether operating or riding as a passengeron a motorcycle, shall at all times wear a helmet.”
“We had lobbied the city council since January of this year,” says Revvv, of ABATE. “Itwas the last universal mandatory helmet law in the entire Southwest. The State of Texas,City of Edmonton (OK), and the Navajo Nation (approximately the size of West Virginia)all repealed or modified their?s in the past five years.”
A well-deserved celebration is planned to honor Sunland Park’s decision to respectrider’s freedom and in appreciation for the city’s past support of charity motorcycleevents.
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS NEEDED, NOT HELMETS In one of the more positive, and factual,newspaper articles to come out of Daytona Bike Week, Greg Martin had this to say abouthelmets and motorcycle safety, excerpted from his article “Helmets, Drivers, Factors InBike Wrecks,” which appeared in the March 18, 2002 edition of the Charlotte Sun-Herald.
Ever since the Florida Legislature repealed a state law that required motorcyclists towear helmets, news reports of motorcycle crashes inevitably report on whether the riderwas wearing a helmet.
That’s true also in the recent motorcycle wreck that claimed the life of Timothy G.Spieldenner, 41, of Port Charlotte, who was not wearing a helmet, according to reports.
But statistics gathered since July 2000, when the helmet law was repealed, are unclearwhether helmets are safer. That may be because motorcycle crashes are dangerous with orwithout helmets.
The statistics also show that in 80 percent of motorcycle crashes, the drivers of othervehicles, such as cars and trucks, were issued the citations.
Some 86 percent of motorcycle wrecks result in rider injuries and 4 percent in death,according to state highway department statistics for 2000.
To members of the American Bikers Aiming Toward Education, a biker organization known asABATE that Spieldenner had recently joined, the statistics point to the need to educateother drivers to watch out for motorcycles.
“Doc” Reichenbach, state legislative affairs director for ABATE of Florida, said he metwith Governor Jeb Bush last week to discuss the need to improve motorist awareness. Themeeting came after Reichenbach lost two friends to motorcycle wrecks. In one wreck inFort Myers last year, the driver of a car that struck the motorcyclist was issued a $62citation, Reichenbach said. “The governor told us he would work with us on motorcyclesafety.”
The number of motorcycles in the state climbed from 185,000 in 1993 to 250,000 in 2000. Most of the increase came in the past three years.
The state’s current helmet law allows riders who are at least 21 and possess $10,000 inhealth insurance to ride without helmets. The law became effective in July 2000.
The department’s statistics for 2000 show the number of motorcycle crashes declined 8percent in the six months after the helmet law was repealed, but the number of fatalitiesrose by 4.5 percent.
Reichenbach is quick to point to other numbers. For example, fatal motorcycle wrecks atBike Week peaked in 2000 at 15 — before the helmet law was repealed. Seven were killedat the event in 2001, and nine in 2002.
But for motorcyclists, it’s not about the numbers — it’s about freedom of choice. “Istill feel it’s our God-given right under the Constitution of the United States and theDeclaration of Independence to ride without a helmet,” Reichenbach said.
NOTE: In addition to his duties as President and Lobbyist for ABATE of Florida, Inc.,”Doc” Reichenbach also serves as the Chairman of the Board for the National Coalition ofMotorcyclists (NCOM).
This lengthy article was condensed for the sake of space. For a copy of the completearticle, including numerous statistics appearing therein, please e-mail Bill Bish atNCOM, at bish@aimncom.com, or call the NCOM office at (800) 525-5355.
WASHINGTON ENJOINED FROM HARASSING BIKERS After being stopped numerous times by policefor bogus reasons, masking for intelligence gathering on local motorcycle clubs, aWashington biker turned to A.I.M. (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) Attorney Martin Fox,legal counsel for the Confederation of Clubs of Washington, for advice and legalassistance. Following is Marty’s report on this situation;
To the Motorcycle Community:I am sending this to update you on what is happening with our lawsuit against theWashington State Patrol, the Washington Department of Licensing, and Trooper KennethDePretto. We sued the State and officer DePretto for a number of claims includinginjunctive relief, a violation of the national Civil Rights Act section 1983, a violationof the Washington State Constitution Article One Section 7, and common-law claims offalse imprisonment and false arrest. The case was scheduled to go to trial on April 15,2002. The State made a motion for dismissal of all claims by summary judgment scheduledfor hearing on March 29, 2002.
At the hearing the court made a number of rulings and struck the trial date to becontinued to a later time. The court granted our motion for injunctive relief andenjoined the State of Washington and Trooper DePretto from using “Biker 101” in stoppingmotorcyclists and in particular motorcycle club members. The court found that any fairreading of the document indicated that the procedures recommended in the outline were forintelligence purposes and harassment of bikers. The court dismissed the civil rightsclaims under section 1983 and under the Washington State Constitution. The 1983 civilrights claims were dismissed because of a case called Whren vs. United States which foundthat pretextual stops were permitted as long as the arresting officer had some trafficviolation or other reason to stop the motorists that he could fall back on.
Pretextual stops are not permitted in the State of Washington under the Ladson case as aviolation of the Washington State Constitution. However, a recent December 24, 2001 casecalled Blinka vs. W.S.B.A. found that a claim for damages is not authorized for aviolation of rights granted under the Washington State Constitution. The tort claims forfalse arrest and imprisonment were dismissed because the judge determined that a bikercould be stopped for a helmet, exhaust, or handlebar violation and that those arrestsallowed the officer to check our client’s driving record for violations. In our case,after the biker was stopped, the officer determined from a license check that thecomputer records demonstrated that his license was suspended because of violations inOregon which, according to the court, allowed him to be arrested. The court found thatthe officer does not have to go beyond the computer records to verify them.
The action against the Washington State Department of licensing is still moving forward. The issue of whether or not our client’s license was suspended when he was arrestedstill may go to trial. I am going to attempt to get a ruling from the court which willdetermine whether or not Oregon can impose motorcycle insurance on Washington residentsas a result of a violation of Oregon law.
Obviously, this case would have been appealed sooner or later. However, it seems as ifit will be appealed sooner depending on the wishes of my clients. I think we have anexcellent record to go up on appeal, perhaps, even a superior record to a trial becausethere are no extraneous issues that could obfuscate the constitutional questions here.
This is simply a case of a motorcyclist wearing club identification who is consistentlystopped by the State patrol for bogus helmet, exhaust, and handlebar violations becausethe officer is gathering intelligence and wants to harass clubs. The court in its oralruling declared that he knew this was the case destined for the Washington State SupremeCourt up the street from his courtroom. I believe given the current climate in the stateand the fiscal issues existing in Olympia, the judge probably took the easiest way outand made a ruling that would save the state money, but he still gave us our injunctionbecause I believe he realized how terrible Ed was treated and wanted to stop thepractice. To be continued?
VIRGINIA GETS TOUGH WITH DRIVERS WHO KILL BIKERS What?s A Mother To Do? If you are aVirginia mom named Jody Patterson, you get really MAD!! Ms. Patterson got mad when herson, Adam Svihla, was killed by a motorist who turned in front of Adam?s motorcycle lastSeptember.
To make matters worse, in January at the trial of the other driver, for negligentlykilling a biker he was fined $200 plus court costs for failing to yield right of way.
Bet that really hurt his pocketbook. He will have to skip a day trip to a theme parkto pay for killing another human being. See anything wrong with this picture?
Jim Spencer of the Daily Press in Newport News, where the crash occurred, was also hackedoff. “Whenever violations of traffic laws take human lives, justice demands that thepeople responsible forfeit their driving privileges at least temporarily. If the lawdoesn’t allow for that in all fatal accidents, then the law should be changed,” wroteSpencer.
Ms. Patterson proceeded to lobby Virginia’s legislature for a law that would allow judgesto suspend a motorist’s driver’s license for up to a year for causing a fatal crash. Virginia State lawmakers have now approved such a bill.
Jody Patterson knows first hand what we’ve been saying for years, “Your ONE VOTE counts!” In this case, her vote was her voice and action. She put down the TV remote long enoughto take action, promote her agenda, and she prevailed. We should all learn from herlesson. Put down the remote! Get out and VOTE!
And we’re Not Alone in the never-ending quest for our rights. In Washington State, theWashington Road Riders Association is supporting a bill that would make it a felonyoffense, vehicular assault, if a car driver operates his/her car with disregard for thesafety of others and causes substantial bodily harm to another. Similar politicalactions are occurring in New Jersey, New York, Missouri, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Be comforted in the knowledge that we are not the only ones working toward our commongoals. Be invigorated knowing that we all are having successes in our efforts. Keep upthe Good Work!
A Message From SPUTNIK,Founder, TMRA-II and Member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists Legislative TaskForce (NCOM-LTF)
WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH: WHAT?S YOUR SIGN? A new survey of Australian accident insuranceclaims suggests Geminis are the most likely to have a crash. The survey of Australianaccident insurance claims shows drivers born under the Zodiac sign of Taurus and Piscescome in second and third.
Suncorp Metway’s survey shows Capricorns are least likely to have accidents.
“Geminis, typically described as restless, easily bored and frustrated by things movingslowly, had more car accidents than any other sign,” Warren Duke, Suncorp’s nationalmanager of personal insurance, told The Courier-Mail.
Taureans are thought to be stubborn and inflexible, Pisceans are risk-takers anddare-devils, while Capricorns are generally thought of as patient, he added. The studyis based on 160,000 car accident insurance claims over the last three years. The fulllist, starting with the most accident-prone star sign, is as follows: Gemini, Taurus,Pisces, Virgo, Cancer, Aquarius, Aries, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Scorpio, and Capricorn.
The company isn’t planning to base its premiums on people’s star sign.
QUOTABLE QUOTES: “All progress has resulted from people who took unpopular positions.”ADLAI STEVENSON (1900-1965) U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations 1961-65Democratic Presidential candidate in 1952 and 1956