More than 200 people lost their lives in the terrible bushfires which swept parts of the Australian state of Victoria during February, entire towns were lost and thousands of homes destroyed. The sinister aspect is that at least some of the fires were deliberately lit, a circumstance that lead the country’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to label it, “nothing less than mass murder.” Amidst the horror and suffering emerges on bright story from expatriate American Kath McEntee, a former San Diego resident. Here’s the story in Kath’s own words.

“I was in the US visiting my mother during the fires and it was very stressful hearing about them from a distance. Especially when I got the news that the fire had swept through our farm at Gormandale. However, whilst sheds were lost and the fire got very close to our house, my husband Greg's Harley-Davidson, a 2003 Anniversary model Road King, was saved! The photos will give readers an idea of how things look. Two were taken in front of the huge shed that burnt to the ground (though you’d hardly know it had been a shed apart from the cars and the rubble) and the other shows just how close the fire got to our house. It was a combination of good planning, the right gear and fire fighting equipment, along with some luck that saved the house.

The fire came through our area on the afternoon of the 7th of February and my husband Greg and two neighbors, Scott Riley and a woman who is an environmentalist, together fought the fire. They managed to save Scott's unit and caravan, our house and Greg's work shed, as well as the shed with the Harley in it! They fought the fire right through the night and well into the next morning. Since then, we have been on and off “alert” as other fires have been close by.

The original fire that spread to us originated in Churchill, Victoria, and was deliberately lit. The fire got out of control and spread to neighbouring townships of Traralgon South and Calignee, then over the hill it came to us. Greg says he heard the fire before he saw it and that, ‘It sounded like the Philip Island raceway with the Super V-8 cars roaring around the track’.

The winds were very strong and gusty which made the fire hard to fight. Greg recalls that, ‘all of a sudden the whole farm was alight at once. I had to prioritize which assets we would try to save.' Overall, considering what has happened to many others, we are very lucky.”

What can we say but, “Onya Greg, damn good choice!”

Sacramento, CA~Jan. 17-18~ The folks from Easyriders brought their 3-ring biker circus into the California capital over the weekend and proceeded to pack the downtown Sacramento Convention Center to the rafters with happy riders. The amazing spring-like weather was no small part of what drew folks out of their humble abodes. But once at the venue, it was all about the almost 200 motorcycles that were spit-shined and show polished for the scrutiny of the gathered masses. In between cruising the rows and rows of tricked out rides, partiers took in a variety give-aways and of stage shows, a couple of which were not part of the nation-wide tour.

On Saturday afternoon a fearless Jason Pullen, the notorious stunt rider from San Francisco who does his magic on the back of a Harley Davidson (either a Sportster or the zippy FXR he also owns), blew the doors off the Convention Center as he performed tricks most stunters can only do on the lighter sports bikes. Fans packed around him like sardines. He jammed out the usual wheelies, burnouts, and stopies on the slick floors before he hit the ramp to the smallish stage and proceeded to ride the perimeter on his rear wheel as the crowds screamed in awe. None of the other stops on the Easyriders tour can claim such talent and people went nuts over the Jason Pullen stunts performance.

As the smoke cleared from Jason’s amazing antics, Charlie Brechtel from Bikers Inner Circle~an internet radio show for bikers~ took the stage and he and builder Scott Long (Central Coast Cycles) took turns interviewing builders and entertaining the gathered crowds.

The entertainment never skipped a beat as Jasmine Cain and her band took over center stage and rocked the house. The petite singer/song writer amazed everyone with her range of vocals and had folks commenting on her phenomenal skill. She drew attendees all the way from the back of the building to check out the show. Things kicked up another notch when the band’s drummer lit his sticks on fire and beat out a bad assed solo as fans cheered him on.

Jay Allen brought a mini-museum from the Broken Spoke. He awarded a Limpnickie Lot Award to Bryan from TPJ Customs in nearby Lodi, CA. Bryan’s eye-catching bike had everyone talking. However, the guys and gals from the Show Time Custom Cycles club were the big winners at this show. Their group took home eight awards for a slew of their artistic bikes.

Scott McCool, managing editor from Easyriders Magazine was in charge of officiating the judged class of bikes and admitted, “This is the hardest time I’ve had in 13 years of judging.” He shared that he actually had to call in help from others in order to make the final decisions since this year’s Sacramento Easyriders Bike Show competition was so close.

Several of the top winning bikes from the Capital City will join others from around the country to compete at the ER finals later this year in Columbus, Ohio.

Ventura, CA~Dec.14~ Holy crap! I wasn’t sure if it was the glare of the bright sunshine glancing off the tide of the Pacific Ocean or the flare outs of the sun dancing across the chrome of all those sexy bikes, but whatever it was, the shit was seriously hurting my eyes. Time to pull down my kool-daddy sunglasses and cruise the biker bling sprawled out along the turf at the Seaside Park Fairgrounds in Ventura, CA. From the regal antiques to the modern-day-made-to-look-old baggers, the array of bikes entered in the David Mann Chopper Fest bike show was a truly awesome sight. Even the Rat bikes were a work of art and the over 4,000 attendees at the show were treated to a rare and beautiful thing. The spirit of David Mann was everywhere.

Along the perimeter of the venue, over 200 vendors had laid out their wares as veteran shoppers cruised the isles with little wagons in tow, scooping up the precious parts needed to complete an individual’s build. One man’s junk is another man’s chopper, after all.

Tory DuVarney, the promoter of the Chopper Fest, said, “We really do our best to create a show that David Mann would be proud of and would have attended. We try and keep his vision of the chopper and the lifestyle around it alive. The swap meet is a big part of that because that truly is where all the parts were found to build these amazing machines.”

But the swap meet was but a part of the whole shin dig down on the beach. Ron Segal Fine Art put on a display of David Mann original paintings as Mann’s daughter, Tracy, greeted folks and sold Mann memorabilia near the stage where Charlie Brechtel and his band belted out biker ballads over the course of the day. Included in the performance was a David Mann tribute song, “Ghost Rider,” dedicated to the legendary biker artist who began painting centerfolds for Easyriders in the magazine’s infancy and passed away in 2004.

Jennifer Scott played Chopper Fest “hostess with the mostess,” in her strapless dress that showed off her spiffy tattoos. Completing the ensemble were the bright red Chuck Taylors that set off her calf tatts as she became a blurr across the stage, directing partiers and emceeing the activities in between belting out a set with Charlie.

Joining the crew on stage was Jennifer’s pal, Cody Marks from Sawgrass Records, who helped the troubadours perform an original rendition of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire.” Meanwhile, across the venue, the Ventura Derby Darlins crashed their way through a roller derby exhibition that had folks screaming their encouragement as the gals battled out a match.

While all this activity kept the masses entertained, the real “wow” of the show was the amazing motorcycles. Labors of love sat gleaming in all their glory, awaiting the nod from the judges, Easyrider’s Dave Nichols and Biker magazine’s Dean Shawler were but two of the officials, and the guys had their work cut out for them. By party’s end, a mere 35 of the 150 entries were bestowed with awards. Doug Dorr, a famous Kustom Kulture artist/pin stripper whose work was sponsored by Gary Bang H-D, made the top trophies, original works of art in their own right.

The David Mann Memorial award, a prize presented to the bike which best typifies the kind of bike that would have caught David’s discerning eye and would have fuelled the spirit of his work, was given to Phil Swanson for his 1943 Knucklehead Chopper built by Paul Wheeler.

Here's that fine Knucklehead chopper.

The Chopperfest Show Winners

Best of Show went to Robert Malachowski's custom Indian.

Best of Show was awarded to Robert for his 2005 Custom Indian.

1st Place Rat Bike Chopper, Chris Birkett
1st Place Metric Chopper, ATF Customs

2nd Place Rat Bike, Chopper, J.D. Samaver

Sinners Rico (left), Duane Ballard Ballard and his family.

2nd Place Metric Chopper, Duane Ballard
3rd Place Rat Bike, Chopper Godfrey
3rd Place Metric Chopper, Robert Olivarez

1st Koolest Paint, Kirk Taylor
1st Radical Design, Ron Mattson

Jim and the ATF build girls.

2nd Koolest Paint, Joanne Flannin
2nd Radical Design, Larry Klobe
3rd Koolest Paint, KD Customs
3rd Radical Design, Larry Gladheart

Here's first place in the Bagger Class.

1st Place Bagger, Ignacio Carrillo
1st Evo/Twin Cam, Road Dog Customs
2nd Place Bagger, Richard Salerno
2nd Evo/Twin Cam, Mike Stuart
3rd Place Bagger, Tom Colyer
3rd Evo/Twin Cam, Mike Dasse
1st Place Sportster, Ken Draper
1st Calif.Bobber, Bob Carrillo
2nd Place Sportster, Foundry Motorcycles
2nd Calif.Bobber, Victor Martino
3rd Place Sportster, Ken Draper
3rd Calif.Bobber, Rod Baca

Don's Whalen's Indian racer.

1st Old School Scooter, Johnny Quintero
1st Place Antique, Don Whalen
2nd Old School Scooter, Kirk Taylor
2nd Place Antique, Roger Herbison
3rd Old School Scooter, Tony Ramirez
3rd Place Antique, Gary Stafford
1st Place Modern Bobber, Matt Smith

2nd Place Modern Bobber, Road Dog Customs
3rd Place Modern Bobber,JP of My Evil Twin Choppers

Changes for the next Chopper Fest include additional bands, a longer event, and a moving up of the date. August 30, 2009 will be the date for the 2009 David Mann Chopper Fest. Go to www.chopperfestival.com for updates and info.

We held off reporting on Las Vegas Bike fest because of the code. You know, “What happens in Vegas, stays there.” So how the hell do you report on the biggest bike event in Vegas and leave sleeping dogs lie? Or do dogs lie? Fuck, who takes a dog to Vegas… It all started out the first night we rode into Vegas, settled in at an un-named hotel and met a couple of girls for a 4-some.

I can't mention names, but I ended up with a gorgeous redhead, a buxom sandy blonde and my faithful brunette for the… I better not go there. Leave it in Vegas right? Maybe the only safe bet is to run with the report from the BikeFest committee:

When the eighth annual Las Vegas BikeFest cruised into downtown Las Vegas October 2-5, 2008, more than 30,000 motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world enjoyed four days of all things related to the exciting world of custom motorcycles.

Approximately 300 vendors showcased the latest in parts, accessories and apparel, but the highlight of the event was the Artistry in Iron competition where custom builders compete for the coveted title of Master Builder in an exciting biker build-off competition.

“Las Vegas BikeFest returned once again, showcasing the most innovative and cutting edge aspects of bike building,” said Harry Schwarz, president of Full Throttle Events, one of Las Vegas BikeFest’s partners. “There are only a few places where you can immerse yourself in the excitement and uniqueness of this culture. Las Vegas BikeFest is one of them, which makes it the coolest place to be in the desert. ”

Artistry in Iron, the peer-judged, invitation-only custom bike building competition, featured some of the most innovative custom bike building BikeFest has seen yet. With 20 builders gathering from all corners of the U.S. and Canada, the competition was steeper than it has ever been.

As expected, the bike builders rose to the challenge, creating some of the most unique and creative bikes seen yet.

Roger Goldammer of Goldammer Cycle Works Ltd. in British Columbia took home the top prize. Along with winning $20,000, Goldammer took home the respect of his peers who voted his bike into the winners circle, beating out 19 hand-picked bike builders, including Kris Krome, Kirk Taylor, Jim Nasi and Satya Kraus, among others.

For 2009, Stay in Primm and party in Vegas! Click for more information.

Attendees also enjoyed the Las Vegas BikeFest Concert Series featuring some of the hottest music acts around including Santana and Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Harley-Davidson demo rides, the always unpredictable Mr. and Miss BikeFest Competition, a $100,000 Poker Run, World’s Strongest Biker Competition and a wet-and-wild Bikini Contest.

“Plans for the 2009 Las Vegas BikeFest are already in the works, with the dates for the event set for October 1-4,” announced Schwartz.

Okay, so there you have the official public report. Saturday I slept until way into the afternoon, showered and started gambling. I took a break to have lunch at the Harley-Davidson Café, and then hit the tables again until it was pre-dinner nap time.

After dinner at some swanky unmentionable restaurant with a girl I wasn't ever suppose to see again, we were almost spotted and she split, but left me a number and told me to meet her later at this club near the Hard Rock Café and Casino. I kept pondering the Las Vegas BikeFest Show judging the next morning. I had to sleep, sorta.

I can't tell you the name, but this joint was incredible. It was packed with some of the best looking women in the world and they all wanted to take their clothes off. It was dark, sultry and slinky as I grabbed a Jack on the rocks and made my way through the crowd.

You woulda thought I died and went to heaven. Every girl wanted to talk to me, show me enough cleavage to melt a cannon and get me a drink. One voluptuous brunette caught my eye and since I was an hour early for my clandestine meeting I was lured into her web.

“Can I get you anything,” she asked as if we just arrived in our honeymoon suite?

“A jack on the rocks,” I answered, but my eyes said, “Lose the top of that dress.” She was built like a brand new Nuclear Battleship with curves that would make a Formula I race car drive proud.

The package didn't end there. She dashed to retrieve me a double on the rocks and returned with a smile that glistened like neon over the Hollywood sign. She spoke in warm tones, asked concerned questions; indicate sincere thoughtfulness and understanding with a hint of adventure in her gaze. I knew it was business, but I was falling head over heals. As we spoke she pressed her never-ending warm softness against me. “Would you like a lap dance,” she said?

How could I turn her down and we moved to a dark corner and I paid her enough to cover a Bentley Continental GT car payment, and she fell in love. The gentle mood music in the room drifted away with the chatting crowd noise, smoke and flickering lights. Her name was Kat and she moved like one. Immersed is sensual bliss I drifted into a euphoric state somewhere high above the earth until something snapped like a bullwhip cracked an inch from my nose. It was the crack of a shattered pitcher of Sam Adams against an unforgiving concrete foundation at the hands of my long lost redhead.

I was busted, my hands caught in a heavenly Kat filled cookie jar. “What the fuck,” she shouted at the top of her lungs, and every married guy in the joint stopped what he was doing, put his jacket back on a slithered toward the door, while two heavy-weight security guards approached my would-be assassin.

I jumped to my feet to protect Kat. The redhead always packed a small Browning .32 semi in her diminutive purse. Then it dawned on me, the Subic Bay whorehouse code during the Vietnam era. I could have a girl in every club, but not more than one in each club or there would be trouble in paradise, knife-wielding trouble.

As the déjà vu diminished so did my dream girl and security stormed out with my redhead in tow. She blew the mood on the entire joint and immediately they were losing money. I stood there like O.J. Simpson in the courtroom after being sentenced. I fucked up big time. Hell, I'm revealing way too much, under the cloak of what happens in Vegas stays there.

I picked up my jacked and crept toward the rear exit. Security sneered at me as I departed. “Don't you know the code,” the guards said?

“I do know it,” I said, “from the Philippines.” I turned my tail between my legs and sauntered quietly between parked cars to find a cab.

“I didn't want to work the rest of the night anyway,” Kat said holding her Cadillac XLR roadster door open. “Wanna spend a couple more car payments on me?”

Damn, I hope the redhead doesn't read this…

Artistry in Iron Winner – $20,000

Bikini Contest Winner
1st Place – Zaya Taylor, Las Vegas, NV
2nd Place – Kristina Falco, Henderson, NV
3rd Place – Kate Morace, Las Vegas, NV

Custom Bike Show
Semi-Custom
1st – Louise Hutchinson, Aurdrie, Alberta, Canada
2nd – Louie Ramirez, Colton, CA
3rd – Mike Mendoza, Colton, CA

Custom
1st – Todd Silicato, Huntington Beach, CA
2nd – Amber Billings, Scottsdale, AZ
3rd – Lee Rogers, Surprize, AZ

Radical
1st – Jim Giuffra, AFT Customs, Martell, CA
2nd – Bryan Schimke, TPJ Customs, Lodi, CA
3rd – Mike Olivotti, San Anselmo, CA

Best Bobber – Bryan Schimke, TPJ Customs, Lodi, CA
Best Paint – Adam Madrigal, Las Vegas, NV
Best Metric – Jim Giuffra, AFT Customs, Martell, CA
Best Bagged – Tommy Bedford, Lewisville, TX
Best Sportster – Marvin Reeder, Henderson, NV
People's Choice – Bud Blakeslee, Fort Mohave, AZ

Grand Prize Giveaway – G.N. 2009 Harley-Davidson
Ed Morton, Phoenix, AZ

Grand Prize Giveaway – Pat Clark Motorsports 2009 Triumph Bonneville
Linda Kollybaba, Surrey, BC Canada

Grand Prize Giveaway – Silverton Casino – 2008 Orange County Chopper “The Original”
Raymond Chin, Carson, CA

Hog-Out Competition
1st – Angelo Siclicino, Las Vegas, NV
2nd – Miguel Plama, Las Vegas, NV
3rd – Mike Slaven, Gustonia, NC

Miss LVBF – Winner
1st – Adrian Reynolds, Las Vegas, NV
2nd – Noelle Sack, Wrightwood, CA
3rd – Fallon Johnson, Las Vegas, NV

Mr. LVBF
1st – Bruce Kramer, Westminster, CA
2nd – Michael Cunningham, Shingletown, CA

Poker Run – Friday
Betty Ann Macarthur, Bonneville Property, Dubbo, Australia
Worst Hand – Louise Eaves, Las Vegas, NV

Poker Run – Saturday
Kim Carter, Las Vegas, NV
Worst Hand – Dirk Cyr, Fountain Hills, AZ

Poker Walk
Sue Alexander, Ramona, CA
Worst Hand – Carter Reed, Price, UT

Wet T-Shirt Contest
1st – Fallon Johnson, Las Vegas, NV
2nd – Sara Plotkin, Henderson, NV
3rd – Noelle Sack, Wrightwood, CA

World's Strongest Biker
1st – Chris Van Leuven, Las Vegas, NV
2nd – Brian Van Winkler, Yuma, AZ

For more information, visit www.LasVegasBikeFest.com, call toll-free 866-BIKEFEST (245-3337), or email info@lasvegasbikefest.com.

Don't leave yet. Check out the next page of pictures.

Heading into the Jennings race, I had an 11 point lead on Charly P (CP). We gridded up for the V1 / 350GP race…..I got off to my usual poor start. Steve-O on the 911 V1 bike was a rocket….gone….next was Royce Eaton, who at 73, appeared to be recovered from his recent high-speed crash at Roebling Road, and was running fast, with Doug Bowie in hot pursuit on his Ducati, Then CP.

Those three were in a heated battle, I decided we had several laps left, so I would hang out and see what flushes out of it. Royce was leading that pack, with CP next, and Bowie coming on strong….he got em, like Doug always does….CP started to fade, and I needed to get by before Doug and Royce got away.

This was the first time I really had Bowie even remotely in my radar…..I wanted some-a-ol-Dougie!….but CP was my immediate problem. I was underpowered to CP, and behind him on a very fast track…..this wasn’t going to be easy.

I paced him for most of a lap, and chose turn 9 for my pass. I set up in turn 8, a tight LH, and went wider than my normal line, putting me closer to the apex of turn 9, a RH….it was a race to the apex……I got my front wheel up to the front of CP’s motor….as he swept down, closing the door hard…..

Hard Contact!!!!…..screech….bang….at about 60MPH, I was rolling…dark / light / dark….slide…..ouch.

CP had stayed up, but my bike had barrel rolled numerous times….I had dents where the TOP of my bike had slid or bounced on the track!!!…parts flew off….it was a mess. Swingarm bent, possible frame bent, rear wheel bent….rider broken….rib # 7 in 2 places, knees, shoulders, fingers, etc….$300 helmet toast….great!

So there I sat, on the side of the track, knowing that instead of being 11 points ahead, I was now 4 points behind, hurt, had a twisted motorcycle….and another race in 6 days!….great move, bonehead….great move!

CP was fine, and so was his bike…..I was glad for that….I was also glad for the massage and painkillers from Russel's wife Lori…..jeez, maybe I should crash more often!….Lori was a great help, this is not gonna sound good, but I couldn’t even get undressed without her help!

So I’m thinking…..I’m screwed, done, cooked….no regional championship discount for next year, which would mean less races…..it looked grim…bonehead.

Chad and another friend come over Sunday to help me unload the bike. Remove the rear wheel, pull the pretzel that is the swingarm….nice…real nice….

Talladega was the next Saturday. On Tuesday I discovered my wheel was bent while attempting to get a tire mounted….just another addition to the junkpile!…and another obstacle to making Tally.

Doug called on Wednsday, I was dejected….”Charlie, you gotta make Tally, you can do it! You can still get the title, but you’ve gotta make this race, anything can happen!”

I said, “I just got back from the doctors, ribs are broke, bike is broke, It's Wed, race Sat, I’m done man”…

”Bullshit!” is all I heard….”you need to borrow a ride.”

I was reluctant to ask. I thought about how I would react if I was asked. I plunged ahead anyway. I spoke to Dean Middleton, who was not planning on racing Tally….but he could not bring himself to loan me what he called, “One of his grandchildren”…..what can I say to something like that?

So I was done. I started to come to grips with just riding over to Tally and helping Chad, who was taking his riders school in prep for his license. I started taking count of who was going, where we would set up, ridesharing, etc…..

I pinged another “New Guy”, James Walker form Sugar Hill, Ga…..he has built a beautiful Honda 350….is he going to Tally?…..Naaaa, can't afford it…..the wheels in my brain start turning….I had a full race credit in my wallet from earlier in the year, I offered it up to James….I would pay his way if he would let me ride his bike in the V1 race….

He said Yes….I was back in the hunt!!!!!…anything can happen!!

Saturday came, and I was hurting. James and I got to the track and pitted with Chad. We had troubles with James bike earlier in the year, and this would be his first practice since what we hoped were repairs…..he came in after practice with a shit-eatin grin….yeah baby! Things were goin' our way!

V1 start time….I double clutch the start (bad)….plus I ain't feelin too frisky….I’m here to make laps, finish the race, and score some points to fight another day….so I’m like dead last on the field.

I started to get used to the bike, and realize the pain wasn’t sooo bad…..I started climbing the ranks, Keith Bennett, Mike Wells….I could see Jack off in the distance….was that CP he was racing?…..YES, IT WAS!….. I saw the opportunity and NAILED the throttle…..I felt rejunivated!….I could actually GAIN points if I passed CP!….but I had to get by Jack first….not an easy task.

I set Jack up in the LH turn entering the back-straight….I got an excellent drive outta the corner and planted it…..I had CP in my sights!!!!

I passed him a half lap later…..his front brake had gone out….tough day for Ol' CP.

Doug was right….anything could happen!….Instead of giving up and throwing away my Championship…..I had actually closed the gap on CP!….there is a god I say!

Big thanx to James Walker for the ride….he has saved my butt twice this year….you da man JW!!!!

Then to top the day off…..James, who wasn’t even going to go racing that day….WON the 500GP race!!!….which paid $100 cash from Jacks sponsor!!…..so he went from not being able to afford it, to coming home with a win…..and money ahead!!!!…..and I saved my title hopes….it was a grand day!!!

Chads CB350 had been running bad all day…..it was time for his mock race, required to complete his school and get his license….1st call for the race and his bike was running on 1 cylinder….Dejection….everyone else was on the track running the 500GP / V2 race, except, Me, Chad, and CP’s son Jesse….

Jesse says “Heck Chad, just ride my SV”….both our jaws dropped….could we do it, did we have time?….I hopped on JW’s pitbike (JW saves the day again!)…streaked to the tower and caught WERA official Ed Bargy…told him of Chads woes, and asked about riding Jesse’s bike……”As long as its tech’d, you are good to go!”…..

The bike was official….I yelled (literally) to Chad “Get frikkin dressed, you are riding jesses SV!” Jesse and I got the bike ready, fueled, off the stand, Chad was fumbling with his gear….fired the bike….we made it, we made it!….Chad made 3rd call, and took the green flag….I could see the grin under his helmet.

We all stopped to celebrate at Outback Steakhouse, Myself, Keith, Jack, Doug, James, Tim Joyce (Jay Springsteen’s Teammate, yes, that Jay), Carl, CP and his two very fast sons Jesse and Max…..the food and beer flowed….Doug asked the waitress to sit on his lap…she got upset, and went and got her Manager….She came over to give us a talkin' to….so Doug asked her to sit on his lap too!!!!…..a good time was had by all….and we didn’t get kicked out!

Next stop is Nashville…..battle royal!

Biketoberfest 2008 Kicked-off with the BIKER FUSION Event on Thursday, October 16th at the Main Street Doghouse Bar and Grill to benefit Soldier’s Angels, an organization committed to helping those in the military and returning veterans. I was there. I had to be on the spot for Bikernet besides there was free Wild Turkey and women. Unfortunately the women weren't free.

The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse team who had motorcycles on display as part of their rolling fleet of hot customs partnered with motorcycle builders, media and members of the industry to launch on this event and raise funds for veterans and this is the year of the Veteran at Bikernet and we support any charity that helps vets.

The event started with builders gathering and guests signing the event poster. There were guest speakers, those free Wild Turkey drinks, an auction of some cool parts as well as one-of-a-kind items and of course a contest with beautiful women.

Special guests included Billy Lane of Choppers Inc. who might ride with us to Sturgis next year, Christian Clayton of Sucker Punch Sally’s, Dave Perewitz of Perewitz Cycle Fabrication, Cyril Huze of Cyril Huze Customs and others.

The party was open to the public for $50.00 a pop for Soldier's Angels. BIKER FUSION was sponsored by Baker Drivetrain, Spectro Oils, Sucker Punch Sally’s, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, 360 Brake, Broward Motorsports, R&R Promotions, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Wild Turkey.

For more information on BIKER FUSION contact Carrie Repp carrie@randrpromo.com and or Ken Conte ken@riseaboveconsulting.com

Here's the official press release since one of the girls grabbed my attention and the Wild Turkey clouded my notes. If I missed any facts they will surface below:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.—October 22, 2008—The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse was once again the hangout of choice for motorcycle enthusiasts during Biketoberfest 2008. Set up at the Doghouse Bar and Grill on Main Street, the Roadhouse hosted the week’s top builders, hottest bikes and best events.

Known for their rolling fleet of the coolest customs, the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse did not disappoint. The Roadhouse welcomed two new builders to their display during Biketoberfest. Steve Broyles of Stevenson's Cycle displayed his Smokeout Winner, and Bill Dodge of Blings Cycles displayed his S&S 50th anniversary bike. Bikes from Roadhouse regulars were also on display. Sucker Punch Sally’s and Christian Clayton displayed their Hard Rock Bike, while Paul Cox showed off his S&S 50th anniversary bike, titled “The Sword of Damocles.”

The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse also showcased some rocking music and served as the gathering place for industry’s top names over the course of Biketoberfest. The VIP area was packed with the industry’s elite builders, media and influentials every night. The general public got their chance for VIP status at the BIKER FUSION event, held Thursday, October 16. Hosted by Billy Lane, Christian Clayton and Shelly Rossmeyer, the event gave the public the opportunity to mingle with the industry’s A-list while raising money for Soldier’s Angels, an organization committed to increasing the morale of deployed troops, helping veterans return home healthy and bringing comfort to wounded soldiers.

Proceeds raised from ticket sales to BIKER FUSION went to benefit Soldier’s Angels, as did the proceeds from the auction held that night. A special thanks goes to the auction donors: 360 Brake for donating a new 6-inch brake set-up, Ami James Jewelry for donating several belt buckles, a solid silver bracelet and a one-of-a-kind diamond silver skull ring, and Dave Perewitz for donating a custom-painted bucket. Overall, the BIKER FUSION event was well attended and raised $10,000 for the Soldier’s Angels.

“BIKER FUSION was designed to maintain and support the camaraderie of our industry, all while having a good time and raising support for a good cause,” said Carrie Repp of R&R Promotions. “This year’s turnout was great, and we’re excited to send the proceeds to an organization that supports our military men and women.”

R&R Promotions would like to thank the great sponsors who supported the event. 360 Brake, American Honey, Baker Drivetrain, Broward Motorsports, Bruce Rossmeyers Destination Daytona, Budweiser, Choppers Inc., Chopper Zoo, Spectro Oil, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Sucker Punch Sally’s and the Doghouse Bar and Grill Daytona.

Title sponsor of the Roadhouse, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a destination for rock n’ rollers from across the nation to discover their rock n’ roll dreams. The 86-acre resort in Hollywood, Florida, located between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale is pure paradise, featuring a colossal 130,000 sq. ft. casino, a lush 4-acre lagoon tropical pool area, a legendary Hard Rock Café, sensational European-style spa and fitness center, and the famous Hard Rock Live concert hall. Seminole Paradise, South Florida's newest entertainment destination for savvy shopping, delicious dining and explosive entertainment offers a little something for everyone, both day and night. Other sponsors include Budweiser, Michael Lichter Photography, Bikernet.com, Biker Design, Dog House and Keyboard Carriage.

Some photos courtesy of Jeff Bartucci Photography and bikerdata.com

Believe it or not the 37th running of the annual Griffith Park Sidecar rally was busted up by the cops, specifically the Park Rangers who apparently went into Homeland Security Mode when a record-breaking crowd of several thousand bike fans showed up for the event. Huell Howser's PBS KCET TV’s popular “California Gold” show spotlighted the event a couple days before so apparently the media lit the fuse. In any case, there was not one inch of parking space in the whole area and people in their cars trying to have their tofu barbecues and wedding celebrations freaked out. Thus the “camp cops” ordered the sidecar show shutdown at 1:00 PM. Still, call the event a major success, the largest gathering in its history.

The event was founded by Doug “Mr. Sidecar” Bingham, the nation’s leading force behind the promotion of the joys of sidecar riding. Back in 1969 Doug founded a company called Side Strider and began designing and building street sidecars. Besides production rigs from Harley-Davidson, Doug’s “Bingham MK-1″ when introduced was the first sidehack made available to the public for literally decades, the event even marked within the pages of the December 1969 issue of Popular Science Magazine.

It was no surprise to see some racing “cars” at this year’s event since Doug himself was a racer having campaigned a BMW R60 production sidecar at the AMA National Sidecar Road Race at the Laguna Seca circuit in California, circa 1974. His hands-on experience with road racing sidecars and off-road outfits contributed to the success of his growing business. His reputation also garnered him, in 1972, exclusive U.S. distributor status by Watsonian, the world’s oldest and best known sidecar manufacturer.

More recently Doug was inducted into the National Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame for his achievements as a designer/inventor, as a racer and for his contributions to the advancement of motorcycling in general. Doug is also the Director of the Sidecar Industry Council which addresses standardized engineering, promotes a focused strategy for marketing and a greater cooperation with government agencies as well as the dissemination of information. In other words, if Doug puts on a sidecar rally, they will come. And they came in droves for the 37th annual event. He sums up the day with the following, “We overwhelmed the park. The Rangers had no idea how big this event was going to get, the biggest ever. Next year I’m going to take out a permit for the whole damn area.” If this year’s rally was any indication, Doug and the Griffith Sidecar Rally will need it for next year.

The pictures tell the story so enjoy the ride.

The dog’s name is Harpo, apparently a reference to one of the famous MarxBrothers who had a similar hair-do. Speaking of hair, the redhead is the lovely DeeDee Delsyer while the 1933 AJS with “boat” sidecar happens to her own machine that she’s owned for 13 years. “Harpo’s been riding sidecars for four years and he absolutely loves it,” says DeeDee. “It does wonders for fluffing up his fur.” Piloting the rig is veteran sidecar fan Paul Greenstein, himself the owner of several bikes.

Miguel Rodriguez from Montebello, daughters, sons and nieces all enjoy riding his 2008 Anniversary Edition H-D with a color matched Spaulding sidecar. He’s only being sidehacking for three months, but says, “It’s awesome, I love it and so do the kids. A sidecar lets your whole family enjoy motorcycling.”

Mike attached a Motovation sidecar to his very spiffy gold and black 2001 Centennial Anniversary Edition Indian. The trick paint and wheels were factory issue. “We painted the sidecar to match and were very lucky to find an additional Centennial wheel for the sidecar in an attic so that all three wheels match.

Based around a 750cc BMW “boxer twin” Harry Meeker built himself a Speed record chaser that’s blasted across the salts at both El Mirage and Bonneville. The turbo-charged and nitrous equipped vintage “flying chair”Established a record at 130+ mph at El Mirage and at Bonneville withoutthe sidecar, clocked 138 mph. When asked if a passenger aka “monkey” rode along for the record attempts, Harry says, “No passenger…only ambulance service for one.”

This very techno looking sidecar is in the process of evolving into noless than a three-wheeled “car” in the real sense of the word thanks to Wayne Moule of Bakersfield, CA. As we speak it is being built with an electric powerplant and will carry two-passengers in air-conditioned comfort. The Goldwing is hitched to a Hannigan GTL sidecar for which Wayne innovated a heating/air conditioner. When asked how long he’s beensidehacking, Wayne replies since 1971. Asked if he ever rode two-wheels,he smiles and says, “What’s that?” (more info at www.trikesrus.org or call661-859-0818.

Sean Bakken races a Formula One sidecar to speeds in excess of 160 mph.His machine, built in New Zealand, is powered by a rear-mounted 2003 Yamaha R-1 1000cc four-cylinder nestled in a tubular steel frame wrapped in a fiberglass body. Sean races at Laguna Seca and Willow Springs among other avenues. Says Sean, “I’m a car guy but got talked into building one of these things, and it’s now an addiction. And it so happens that my passenger is Roger Preston, one of the honchos at AHRMA.” Currently Sean holds 6th National position F-1 sidecar racing.

Thousands of solo bike riders also gravitated to the event, including L.A resident Jason Heart on his 1981 Goldwing given the U.S. Army treatment. He sprayed the bike himself in military green and added .50 caliber ammo containers for saddlebags. He was just back from a month long, 5,000 miles adventure across the country where he visited many of the country’s National Parks. Everyone loved this bike so it was fantastic to take it across the country, “I met a lot great people who come over to talk about the bike and figure out what it was,” Jason said. “It’s been a real treat riding this guy around. And you never have to worry about the paint getting scratched.”

Michael James and his Mom Elizabeth showed up on their 2007 Piaggio Vespa scooter/sidecar. The combo belong to Mom who takes it grocery shopping. “Mother says it’s the Baby Boomer’s gas saver,” laughs Michael and one look at scooter sales lately literally tell you that they’re Booming.

Mike Holt builds special sidecars for the physically challenged and bythe way he tossed this machine through its acrobatic paces, it’s no challenge to handle. Riding atop the 1978 Honda 750 Automatic was hisaspiring biker buddy Frankie.

After a couple knee surgeries and many decades of two-wheeling, Margie and her husband Walt were turned onto their 2000 Honda Shadow Aero powered sidecar rig by their son and then added the cargo trailer found on eBay. They have been happily hacking it for the past three years. “I love it, but not freeways,” she admits. “So we take the backroads all over the place and smell the roses. You’re never too old to have fun.”

Attached to this new 2008 Triumph Bonneville is a Hedingham XL, a sidecar built by the British company Unity who also makes the leading link front suspension conversion kit recommended for sidecar use. The sidecar has the look of a boot and its owner gets that comparison often. No stranger to the unusual, its owner Larry Grenville from Van Nuys, CA also put together a 1978 Ducati Darmah with a Globe sidecar, a very unusual combo to say the least.

You can attach a sidecar to about any bike, case in point the Buell sportbike. A veteran of several sidecar combos, the owner of this 2001 Cyclone rig says, “I love the Buell. It’s been trouble free, comfortable, runs like a dream and pulls a sidecar great.”

Whether you ride solo or sidehack or rickshaw mark the annual Griffith Park Sidecar Rally on your calendar. For more info on the next event and all things sidecar log onto www.sidestrider.com or call Doug Bingham at 818-780-5542.

The Smoke Out has a reputation to uphold. The event is like a cup of strong coffee for the motorcycle world, coffee with a shot of Busch Mills Irish Whiskey. It’s not coffee though, the Smoke Out is a large, steaming-hot-cup of chopperness with a healthy shot of crazy stirred in.

Yes, the special ingredient is the crazy. It’s a Billy Bob Thorton freaky type crazy that we can’t even order. It has to be brought in by the chopper freaks who ride in for the jubilation. So there were concerns when we decided to take the event West. What if the crazy doesn’t arrive?

Well Cherie, fret no more because the chopper-freaks that bring the crazy rode into Smoke Out West with saddlebags over-flowing with the precious commodity. We had a plethora of the Big-C. Some guys rode into the event with carved pumpkins on there heads (non-DOT approved). Others rode in sporting Past Blue Ribbon 12 pack boxes on their heads and the necessary eyeholes cut in the boxes, for safety plus Raybans. There was a float being pulled around by a trike that had statues of 10-foot-high metal men and by nightfall the air was clogged with dust from the mini-bike races. Charlie in the chicken suit seemed to be the fastest mini-bike rider. This is the unplanned C that is so necessary to make the event a Smoke Out.

On the actual planned side of things the weekend was jam-packed. There were five bands. The High Rollers and Grave Danger laid down some Rockabilly / Pysco-Billy along with Friday’s headliner the Belmont Playboys who flew in from North Carolina. The Detroit Cobras headlined Saturday night.

For those unfamiliar with the event (you suck but don’t take it personal), let me digress a moment and explain that we have a WTF band at each Smoke Out. A band that invokes the uninitiated to look around for the brief moment when they can tear their eyes from the stage to mutter, “What the hell is this?” and then stay for the show in jaw dropped wonderment.

One year we had a blue grass band that played only AC/DC covers. Another year it was the Unknown Hinson complete with Gustav (Hinson’s manservant that he reanimated from the dead). The WTF band is always special. This year the WTF band was Uncle Scratch’s Gospel Revival. Brother Ant and Brother Ed from Uncle Scratch churched up the sinners in the audience, expounded on why Tom Cruise was going to hell and why Johnny Cash is in heaven and they did it with a good drum beat, hot guitar licks and rubber snakes. Uncle Scratch is already signed to play the Smoke Out 10th Anniversary final weekend in Rockingham, NC in 2009.

The smok’en hot AZ Derby Dames didn’t fail to entertain and they rivaled the wet T-shirt contest in the department of people jockeying to get a better look, really impressive when you consider they kept their tank tops and shorts on. Women on skates who throw the occasional punch and tackles are so intriguing. They added chick boxing which was … what’s the word I am looking for… oh yea… awesome.

When it was all said and done the biggest highlight is always the bikes. The event started with a gathering of guys and girls that burn midnight oil in garages and sheds across the globe to unveil their latest progenies to the Chopper World. The HORSE Backstreet Choppers Magazine and Smoke Out sponsored by Bikernet.com is THE nexus of this bizarre, even if it is somewhat small, sub-culture that seems to have influenced the greater motorcycle world outside. For example, I look at the huge Harley-Davidson Corporation and when I look at the Nightster and Dark Custom bikes I realize how much influence our small sub-culture has had on the outside world.

If you missed it this year don’t let it happen again. Bandit and Sin Wu are already committed to next year’s event and like I said it is the 10th Anniversary, so check SmokeOutRally.com for the details. Pack a little crazy in your bedroll for the rest of us to enjoy and plan on being at the next Smoke Out.

–Edge

Saturday, August 16th 2008: The City of Corona in Riverside County CA:

Bill Staska’s Corona Indian-Victory dealership, located at 1611-C Pomona Road in The City of Corona in Riverside County CA, www.indianmotorcyclecorona.com (951) 371-4467, rolled out the red carpet for the five hundred-plus curious Indian enthusiasts who came to gawk at, straddle, fondle, scrutinize, inquire about and comment on the latest incarnation of the legendary two-wheeled American icon.

I follow Pomona Road from the Maple Street exit through the vast industrial sprawl that dominates the real estate on the north side of the 15 freeway. Then, as I turn into the drive way beneath the Indian-Victory sign, my field of vision is filled with a vibrant spectacle. Several hundred American big V-Twin motorcycles, Harleys and Victory’s as well as Indians, languish on their kick stands in the parking area, which also doubles as the vendor concourse. Their riders have strolled down to the end of the yard to ogle the ’09 Indian line up. The fire engine red semi trailer, that hauls the platoon of Indian models from the King’s Mountain NC factory to the far flung corners of the continent, serves as the merchandising display for Indian gear and parts and also provides the back drop for the exhibit. And, there they are; positioned like The Rockets at Radio City Music Hall.

But where are the gaudy banners, the scantily clad models and the age-demographic-specific rock bands? If you knew Bill Staska, the owner of this shootin’ match, you wouldn’t be surprised by the absence of trappings other dealers might deem essential to the success of an event. No, the venerable veteran of the motorcycle mercantile wars opted instead to go back to basics. When I got a chance to interview Mr. Staska, he said, “I guess I’m not one to bother with a lot of distractions. These bikes are the main attraction and I think they fill the bill just fine. Have you had a chance to check them out? You got to admit they were worth waiting for!”

OK Bill, I’ll admit it. I’ve always been a sucker for the art-deco tin and bright work on a Chief. So it’s a slam dunk, lead pipe cinch that these prime examples of the Indian design legacy would be a source of serious eye candy for these road weary peepers.

Marc Pomerantz, The Manager of Customer Service & Events, (I copied that title right off of his card) for Indian Motorcycles, obliged me with a photo op and an interview. The night before the unveiling, I went on line, accessed the Indian website and studied the spec sheet. Though my poor melon was veritably throbbing with the plethora of data I’d mentally down loaded, my effort enabled me to speak, in an informed manner, about such design features as the 105” 45 degree, EFI, air cooled, push rod engine, the Baker 6-speed tranny, the 68” wheel base (4” longer than H-D cruisers), the considerable weight, 843 lbs., the relatively low 26.6” seat height, the forward mounted foot boards and the 180 mm rear wheel.

When I asked Marc how the Indian engineers had gone about minimizing the significant amount of vibration one would expect from a solid mounted engine of this type and size that featured no counterbalancing element, he assured me that lighter pistons, a well balanced fly wheel, and a redesigned cam shaft combined to damp vibration down to a very acceptable level. He went on to describe the vibration level of the new power plant as follows. “At cruising speed (80 mph in 6th gear), the motor turns at 2,800 RPM. It hardly vibrates at all; about like a twin cam Dyna. When the engine reaches 3,500 RPM a rider will notice some vibration but nothing like the older Indian models.” Marc went on to tell me that the 105-inch mill has been redesigned from the bolts on the rocker box covers to the cam shaft and on down to the oil pan of this wet sump design.

Check out the website: www.indianmotorcycle.com for specs and more info.

Also, go to: www.youtube.com/blackstarpics. Click on “The Indians Are Coming” and watch video of the unveiling at the dealership as well as at Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon in The O.C. in CA

I got the opportunity to throw a boot over and checkout the ergonomics. The seat-handle bars-foot board set up seemed to suit my 6’, 185 lb frame nicely thank you. However, I never got a chance to fire one up. I’ll do my best to get a test ride ASAP and report my impressions of the ‘09’s handling, comfort and engine vibration characteristics. I’ll also include my seat-of-the-pants dynamometer estimates of its performance capabilities.

The two-into-one exhaust system, obviously, designed to improve torque and hp ratings for the stock model, got less than favorable reviews for appearance but I suspect most enthusiasts will replace the cumbersome, restrictive device with freer flowing cans anyway.

The light green and cream color scheme drew a lot of attention. The consensus of every attendee I encountered made this combination a favorite, maybe “the” favorite color combo.

I applaud The North Carolina Based manufacturer for their decision to include some 21st Century design features in the ’09 offerings, such as a Baker 6-speed tranny, and a high-tech mono rear shock, while maintaining the classic profile of this model’s ancestors. Hopefully, these technological up-grades will improve ride-ability and creature comfort to the point where this latest incarnation will attract some younger devotees as well as the obvious target audience, the Boomer touring crowd. Jim, a salesman at Corona Indian/Victory, directed me to scrutinize the fit and finish characteristics of the ’09 models and let him know what I thought. I reported back to Jim and let him know was impressed I was by the obvious pride the craftsmen at the N.C. facility take in fabricating and assembling the new models.

Hey, did I just mention the words pride and craftsmen in the same sentence? Could it be that the Motor Company has reintroduced an old school concept to the market place? Cool!

I’ve concocted an axiom that seems especially appropriate regarding the timeless look of an Indian Chief: “Progress doesn’t necessarily lead to improvement.”

Remember earlier when I made reference to the presence of vendors at the event. I was pleased to behold the familiar Rock ‘N Roll Custom Paint van prominently situated on the concourse. There, in the shade of his logo-emblazoned pop-up, sat Randy Morton, the owner himself. The highly esteemed, third generation, custom paint specialist was holding forth; dispensing his proprietary brand of pragmatic philosophy and wry witticisms. Whether or not you happen to be contemplating a custom paint job or not, you owe it to yourself to drop by the R&R booth, at an event, and engage Randy in conversation.

Mike Moore, a member of the Victor McLaglen Motor Corps, a group that performs close order drill and acrobatics, on vintage motorcycles, at events across Southern California, rode in on his two tone red and cream ’47 Indian Chief accompanied by his main squeeze, former fashion model, April Moon. Miss Moon’s attire and demeanor added a delightful touch of class and nostalgia to the occasion. Thanks April!

Owner, Bill Staska was not the only venerable V-Twin personality at the extravaganza. Bob Stark of Starklite Cycle, Perris, CA, a dealership dedicated to the sale of antique Indian Motorcycles and a clearinghouse for antique Indian parts, honored the event with his presence. Do yourself a favor. Go peruse his virtual museum: www.starklite.com. But be fore-warned you, you’d better make sure you have some spare time on your hands when you do. You may find that your psyche will get sucked into the vortex, created by the romantic anecdotes and spell-binding sagas of bygone days, to be found on the web site.

Speaking of venerable personalities, it was great to see eighty three year-old “Indian” Ed Spillker, the last of the original “Jack Pine Gypsies,” of Sturgis, South Dakota, who now resides in SoCal. He rode in on his maroon and black ’48 Indian Chief. Yes, he’s the original owner!