SUPREME COMMANDERS NOTE:We're kicking this off with some 2006 techs. They will give you the history of the Bonne Belle and bring you up to date on this climb to the top of the salt mountain. Hang on.

We’re working like mad dogs to create a roller while Lee and the crew from Departure Bike Works rebuild the engine and transmission. We’re basically building 1940 45 cubic inch flathead, with a handful of upgrades, including the recent 39 mm Sportster front end and PM disc brakes and wheels. We are also planning to shift it to a foot shift bike using Tedd’s cycles mods.

With the help of Larry Settle’s bike shop in Harbor city we machined a Paughco 45 springer stem and pressed it into the late model Sportster aluminum tree. Larry bore a hole in the bottom and taped it ¼-20 so we could install the below Allen and washer to prevent the stem from pulling loose.

We installed Paughco neck cups allowing us to eliminate ball bearings for Timkens. See shot below.

This created a quirky dilemma. The stem was long for a springer. We had a choice to make and an unforeseen opportunity. From Timken bearing to bearing the neck measurement was 6 3/8 inches. We discovered later that today’s Sportster neck is 7 ¼ inch from top to bottom. We could have turned the Sportster stem to 7/8-inch, but we decided to try the springer stem. For one reason, this system will allow us a more secure pinch bolt system above and below the top triple tree.

We took all the re-machined front end parts to Rick at U.S. Choppers so the frame could be checked with both axles in place for the most accurate frame check.

Larry Settle machined chamfers in the springer nuts to slip inside the top triple tree for the most accurate secure fit. We also machined the springer nut down to make the best use of the stem with a nut on the top and bottom.

Above shows the frame with the front end in place. We will fit up a PM wheel shortly and decide if we need to shorten the tubes more. Actually doesn’t look too bad. Using the springer stem lowered it almost 2 inches.

We already have a set of black powder coated lower legs ready. We will probably powder coat the trees black also.

Here’s a close up of the trees in place. After Rick checks the frame, we’re ready to pick it up.

Here's The Frame Report from U.S. Choppers

First, we cut through the frame in several places, making sure to cause as much damage as possible. Actually we're cleaning up an old mess with da grinda. It’s a highly technical and grueling operation requiring skill and tenacity.

Local expert vet and living legend, Fat Paul, bending the frame into place with shear strength using a hardened piece of spring steel which acts as our straight edge. Go Paul, go.

The frame fairy came over night and delivered a fresh straight frame….. straight and true like an arrow. Disclaimer: no heat was used nor animal testing in conjunction with this experiment.

U.S. Choppers
2039 S. Lyon St
Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-546-4699
Appointments Only Please
http://www.uschopper.com/

And now a report from Departure Bike Works, in Richmond, Virginia– Lee Clemens and his crew are responsible for the engine and trans rebuild and hop-up. Fortunately we had a set of performance aluminum heads and an extra front cylinder. Lee is planning to have special cams ground and run two front cylinders with dual carbs.

”I know, I know, better never than late, right,” Greg, from Departure said? “Not a whole lot to report yet. I finally got Klink to come by & take a preliminary inventory of what you sent. He just had one comment…..’You CAN'T put an ELECTRIC START on a Bonneville contender!’

I'll have more soon…..”

Keep It Greasy,

Greg, DBW

I’m pumped. I may pick up the frame tomorrow and then I’m working with PM and a dirt-bike-foot-controls guy to set up the complete roller. Once we fit the tanks with a new petcock they will be shipped to Jim Murillo for paint with the fenders.

Hang on for the tank and sheet metal tech, coming soon.

–Bandit

Here’s a strange one. I received an e-mail inviting the Bikernet.com Staff to a private screening of The World’s Fastest Indian movie. I missed the first one, with the cast, including Anthony Hopkins and all the motorcycle press. I grew up in Los Angeles. I have a burr in my boot for watching folks, press, whatever clamor to hang with celebs. I passed.

Another opportunity cropped up for a private screening. It appeared to be more casual, a group of movie music writers and composers. We slipped in the back and caught the flick about Burt Munro’s efforts to make it to Bonneville from New Zealand and test his high performance skills on the salt flats. The movie hit home in so many respects. It’s a film about a middle-aged man who builds fast motorcycles in his garage. What would strike a cord more resoundingly to this 60-year biker, whose building two motorcycles to take to Bonneville, and was on the team that broke the World Land Speed Record in 1996.

It also hit home ‘cause Burt liked to do it himself, in his funky, wood garage, and he had a good time. We enjoyed every struggle, mechanical problem, shipping dilemma and Burt’s never-say-die drive.

The movie was cool, but this PR guy, Tom Kidd, contacted us again and asked if we would like to meet the music composer, J. Peter Robinson. At first I thought, he must be a rider and enjoys Bikernet. Then I conjured they’re (the production company) offering Anthony Hopkins to Jay Leno and Robinson to Bikernet. I was trying to make a connection, but stumbling. Then it hit me. We’re not producing a music web site. What the fuck can we write about? “Mr. Kidd,” I said over the phone, “does Robinson ride?”

“Let me check,” Kidd said. All PR guys are required to check.

A day later and two committee meetings, and I received a call, “Nope,” Kidd said. “He never rode. Folks wouldn’t let him.”

I cringed. No self-respecting man let’s rules get in the way of riding motorcycles. There’s that Code of the West again. I broke a pencil, threw it in the trash, shut off my computer and headed to the shop. I needed to weld something.

Kidd sent us J. Robinson’s impressive bio, containing hundreds of movie and television credits including the music for Wayne’s World and Jackie Chan’s First Strike. He performed with Eric Clapton, Melissa Etheridge and Al Jarreau to name a few. He’s written for John Schlesinger at Orion pictures, Wes Craven at Paramount and Dean Semler at 20th Century Fox. I don’t know shit about the music business so I called Black Market John in the Bikernet Music Studios out front and said, “What’s it mean?”

He didn’t answer. He was stoned. I went back to welding. I burnt my thumb and came up with a notion—the bike. Bikernet had to have the bike. I called Kid. “How about something on the bike. I don’t want to up-stage the music, but we’re a bike site.”

“I’ll check,” Kidd said and hung up.

Another 24 hours passed and an e-mail blipped onto my screen. It glistened with a story about Burt’s racing history, shots of Burt Munro, the bike and even the new owners. In less than two hours the feature was published on Bikernet, in Bandit’s Cantina, since it was a famous historic piece.

A couple of days later I was talking to Dave Perewitz and it dawned on me. I could look at J. Peter Robinson's musical adaptation for the Worlds Fastest Indian similar to a builder commissioned to build the music for this tribute to speed. I called Black Market John again, since I don’t know shit about composing music for a toothpaste commercial, let alone an entire movie. He said something about rifts and I assumed the gang was having an argument in the studio. I hung up.

If you'd like to read a story about how a man creates the music behind a film, check our Bikernet Special Reports feature on Peter and the film.

Burt's streamlined bike is much the same configuration as our Bonne Belle can be. His high performance Indian scout was very similar to the 45 flathead. I need to research his records. It's not that I'm trying to beat any particular record, but we will look at the various classes and see where the Bonne Belle fits in.

Of all of the spectacular places I have been, the faces and sights I have seen, by and large nothing really compares to being in the space and presence of a wild animal. You can look at animals in pictures, and watch them on television and appreciate their beauty. You can see them in a zoo or in captivity, and imagine how their life would be, should be, if they were free. But being in the energy of “wild” is to experience freedom on its most fundamental level.

If there are any two qualities bikers appreciate and embrace, I would think it would be wild, and free. From photographing lions and elephants on the Masa Mara in Africa, to standing next to Grizzly Bears in Alaska, I have had some amazing moments in awe of that beauty. And it’s not even so much what you are seeing, as the emotion it evokes. Of all of the encounters I’ve had, the one I was moved by most was watching the wild horses in Wyoming. My brother Joe took me way up into the mountains where little else really lives. And when you have that moment where you finally see them, and they see you, for one moment everything is still. They stood still for only a few moments staring directly at us. There tails actually touching the ground and manes twice as long as any tame horse. Their hair was shabby and tattered, but they looked strong and healthy. Before we could even move for the camera they were off in a full gallop with that hair flowing in the wind. I don’t need a picture, because it is forever in my mind as the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed. They wanted NOTHING to do with us. I could want nothing more for them than to respect that wish.

The Wildlife Waystation is a non-profit rescue organization located on 160 acres in the Los Angeles National Forest just north of the San Fernando Valley. In a perfect world, wild animals would never need to be rescued, but our world seems to complicate even the most simple of pleasures. No native wild or exotic animal in need is ever turned away. They are devoted to returning native wildlife to its natural habitat whenever possible. The facility has worked with lions, tigers, bobcats, jaguars, and even a ligress. They also house primates, bears, opossums, foxes, hyenas, reptiles, wolves, deer and all types of birds.

Sadly, the reasons that these animals find their way to this facility are because the animal was in trouble. Some were former circus performers or members of exhibits. Some were orphaned or the result of someone thinking they could handle having a wild animal as a pet. Often they were abused, misused, declawed or even de-fanged in an effort to control the animal. The ultimate goal of the Wildlife Waystation is to educate the public about respecting all that is wild and free, so that they can remain just that. The facility has been open nearly 34 years and has helped over 75,000 animals. They operate solely through donations and fundraising events.

This past Sunday, May 16th, they held the “Ride for the Wild 2010, Wildlife Waystation Poker Run”. It started at Glendale Harley, and ended out at Phil Smith’s Movie Animals, in Piru. They mapped out a scenic route for motorcyclists to take going thru Little Tujunga to Old Road Harley Davidson in Santa Clarita. Then up Bouquet Canyon to the Big Oaks Lodge, and lastly to the Rock Inn making a long day of sunny beautiful winding roads with friends before arriving at the destination. I had not been up to some of these places in years, and I had forgotten what fun roads they are to ride! Our group got off to a late start, and never did seem to catch up to the rest of the riders, but it didn’t really matter. We eventually got there.

Out in Piru they had many of the Waystations animals there to meet and help educate the bikers and families about co-existing in a world with wild animals so that their natural habitats might be respected. The Waystation is not currently open to the public, but they invite interested people to volunteer at the facility or special events. Your $30 donation for the ride bought you a BBQ lunch, music, and raffle prizes.

But the real treat was meeting the animals from the facility and hearing their stories from the volunteers who work with them. They also had donkeys, horses, and a yak to feed, play with and a large petting zoo with sheep, goats and reptiles, where it was as much fun to watch the looks on the kids faces, as it was to see the animals.

For information about the Wildlife Waystation, what they do, or how you could help, go to: http://www.wildlifewaystation.org or call 818-899-5201.

Betz–

The meaning of 'Bike Week' has been defined by the big one over in Florida, same goes for what people seem to expect from anything that carries it in its name. Have you ever noticed that things by a similar name may never the less be very different wherever you go? True, Arizona Bike Week does not have the centerpiece races like Daytona and there is no beach three bars down the road. But what difference does it make?

Arizona is one of the best places to be riding a motorcycle, the weather is flat out great this time of year… and, after all, Bike Week is what you make it, not what someone else makes it for you. So, let’s try to get some sort of event report together here…

The official numbers for this year's Arizona Bike Week, which just ended this past Sunday, are not in yet, but we have it from a well informed source that attendance at the main site at Westworld exceeded 10,000 on both Friday and Saturday. The vendors we spoke to were happy with the turnout as well as the interest in their product and the business that they either made right there or at least got started.

Some big brands like Harley-Davidson brought their big rig over and and were offering demo rides. Specialty manufacturers like Saxon displayed their bikes and custom builders like Jim Nasi and Nick Trask had brought some of their creations over to the main arena. Of course there also was the usual multitude of leather booths and jewelry places, covering the full range from run-of-the-mill to exclusive.The headliner concerts in the evenings, at the temporary 'Handlebar Saloon', were well attended throughout the event.

One feature that sets Arizona Bike Week apart from many others around the country is that it is spread out over almost the complete Valley of the Sun,and beyond when it comes to rides. We may be going out on a limb here, butit appears that the majority of people who come to Arizona for Bike Week actually attend to get some serious miles on the clock and just needed an excuse to do so.

Some of the best custom bike builders in the country are located in the valley, and there are great places to hang out everywhere and these hangouts are permanent, Bike Week or not.

One of these hangouts and an absolute must at any time of year is the Hideaway up in Cave Creek. Mark and his team have always something going on in addition to the great food and atmosphere that is standard at the Hideaway. This year was no exception: Each day of Arizona Bike Week was dedicated to either a local builder like John Shope's Sinister Industries,Paul Yaffe and his Bagger Nation, Nick Trask, Bourget's, or another theme.

For one afternoon during Arizona Bike Week, Paul Yaffe's shop on IndianSchool Road turned hot-spot for the annual Bike Bash. For the ninth time Paul and his crew turned the custom bike manufacture into a party-zone with food, drinks, live music and a look behind the scenes of PYO and the Bagger Nation.

This report is bound to suffer the same fait as the attempt to physically catch all of Arizona Bike Week in one go: There is simply too much going on to hit everything. While this sucks in some respect, it also has its benefit: It leaves you with the perfect reason to come back next year and try to do what you didn't get to do last time around. Of course then you'll miss out on what you did before and would really like to do again. Once you've entered into this vicious cycle, you're pretty much screwed. On second thought, you don't really need an excuse to go for a ride in Arizona.

Excuse required or not, it was obvious this year that Arizona Bike Week is growing not only by numbers but also, maybe most importantly, in reach. Attendance from out of state visitors appeared to be up considerably over past years and also shops from neighboring states had a presence at Westworld.

See you next year and keep an eye on www.azbikeweek well ahead of time.

– – C.S. Berg

Me, bare naked in Laughlin? No silly! So who was bare naked? The streets of Laughlin were bare naked!

The main drag along the strip of casino’s in Laughlin used to be an event in itself. Crowds would line the sidewalks in lawn chairs to watch the bad ass machines cruise by. Boys offering Mardi gras beads for a glimpse of girls gone wild made the sidewalks nearly impassable.

Gone are the crowds, and the days of the Hells Angels ruling in front of the Flamingo are just a part of history. No evidence of any Mongols in the lobby of Harrah’s. In fact, not even a Hamster on a yellow bike anywhere in sight. Most casinos were still enforcing a “No Colors” code, and law enforcement was still over harassing rally goers.

Also missing in action due to the bad economy were the usually buzzing vendor areas in every casino parking lot. There were less than half the amount of vendors usually present, and only a handful of bike builders displaying their creations. Matt Hotch nabbed front center at the Aquarius, and even the top dog of the popular Biker Build Off series didn’t have much traffic in his booth. His one of a kind mastery is still appreciated by on lookers, but afforded by only a few.

In a time when the whole country is money challenged, you would like to think the town, the casinos, or the event promoters would offer some kind of incentive for bikers to continue attending this dwindling desert run. It took me half a dozen calls before I even found availability, and then the Golden Nugget stuck us for a three night minimum at $500. And upon arriving, VIP parking was another $50 per bike. Most of the buffets in town were charging $20-$25, and what is most ridiculous about all of that is that the day after we all leave, you can have that same room for $25 per night.
None the less, my boyfriend Mark Jordana and I set out on Thursday, despite the forecast of rain. Our three nights minimum was non refundable and we were determined to make the best of every minute of it. We did have a cold, wet, windy ride, but we arrived in time to get settled in and warm up in the Jacuzzi, pig out on a prime rib buffet, and walk the quiet lots.

We caught the last set of Aeromyth who were the house band in the Golden Nugget lot, and ended up staying through their last song. The lead singer was almost a dead ringer for my favorite luscious lipped rock star! He had his same highly energetic and flamboyant style. His comedic wit and flashy wardrobe changes kept the crowd entertained for three shows a night, all three nights, and we went back every night to watch him.

Other bands in town included Cheap Trick and Three Dog Night. Back in the 70’s I was a huge fan of Three Dog Night, and thought that might be a great blast from the past to enjoy. But I shopped my new boyfriend until he dropped. We hit nearly every vendor on the strip, and by the end of the day, he had done enough walking for one day.

The Golden Nugget added beds, couches and lounge chairs all around the pool and Jacuzzi area over looking the river front. The hotel was so empty we virtually had the place to ourselves. So we watched the sun go down and I downloaded songs by Three Dog Night on YouTube. We watched and listened to Just an Old Fashioned Love Song, and Black and White in comfort and style!

As I listened to the great lyrics of that song, I got to thinking about the observations I had made walking around all day. There were a lot of women riders on the scene, and many of them introduced themselves to me and told me they enjoyed reading my columns. There were a lot of families walking with their children. There were a lot of black riders, and a tall, handsome black man told me he also read my writings. Christian Motorcyclists far out numbered any other kind of organized club riders in attendance.

Another observation I made was that many of the new t-shirt designs at all of the vendors had the cross as their logo. Between the Christian riding clubs and the shirts being sold and worn on the streets, it was an interesting overriding message at a bike rally.

After riding thru the rain and cold on Thursday, it was a warm welcome to have the rest of the weekend perfectly cloudless and 80 degrees. We enjoyed basking by the pool, river boat rides, and riding without helmets to the Ghost Town of Oatman, where we hooked up with my long time riding pal Gevin Fax. We walked the streets of the old mining town and re-read the history of some of the old buildings, some of which are believed to be haunted by friendly ghosts. Times have been tough on all of us, so Gevin and I tried to get in good with the local working girls in case we need jobs soon!

As always we fed the resident donkeys bags of carrots. A pretty local shop employee educated me about the 17 donkeys that roam wild there thru the streets, just waiting for the tourists to arrive and supply them with their favorite treats. She told me I was feeding a very pregnant “April”, and that all of the donkeys in the pack were either pregnant females, or youngsters, and she knew them all by name. There is only one male in a pack, and if something happens to him, new males will come down from the hills to fight for possession of the herd. Not too long ago the male was killed by a car on the road, and the town watched as the new males aggressively fought for the open position. Now don’t all you boys just wish you were a donkey?

We rode out the backside of Oatman and looped around on scenic Route 66 thru Kingman, stopping at vistas and Trading Posts.

We spent our last night in front of the Pioneer, where an old carnival style of entertainment was proving popular. In all four corners of the lot you could find something to laugh and be amazed by. In corner one there was a “Wall of Death”, featuring the American Hellriders doing their daredevil stunts. In corner two was a mechanical bull where we watched moms, dads, kids, and sexy girls all taking their turns trying to master the art of bull riding.

In corner three was a Van Halen Tribute Band called ULT-imate, complete with bad wigs and 80’s tight stretchy pants! And in corner four was Ses Carny & Professor Chumley, two evil clowns that horrify you with their own self inflicted torture. In my head I was thinking, why would anybody watch this, as I was standing there watching it!
And they get you chanting Who kicks ass? Evil clowns kick ass! And as the words are leaving my own lips, I am laughing at how retarded it is. But none the less, we stayed and watched him eat fire, electrocute himself, push a foot long fat needle through one cheek and out the other, and then through his own forearm, in one side, and out the other. And if you can make it through the entire show with your fried food still in your stomach, you can actually show your appreciation by stapling dollar bills to Chumley’s stomach. Or, $20’s and up can be stapled to his forehead!

Cool Bikes, Sizzling Babes, Cold Beer and Hot Tattoos – All were at this year's 1st Annual Rick Fairless Bike Show. The weather has been crazy this year in Texas, with winter one day and spring the next, but Mother Nature smiled on the tie-dyed one. She provided Rick with blue skies and temperatures in the mid 70’s… perfect!

There were a satisfying number of bobbers and of flat black paint jobs, which I admit I am biased towards these days. It was cool to see bikes from multiple manufacturers, in varying styles. With 30 different show classes, there's something for everyone, wherever your tastes in rolling art might lie.

Most people know that everything is bigger in Texas and there were plenty of choppers heavy on chrome and flashy paint. Hu-Rah! I found a crazy purple choppa that was designed by Bob Kay when Hardbikes was still building bikes. A little later I saw Kay working with A Bikers Garage from Roanoke, Texas. The following day he was emceeing the awards event. A biker’s got to do what a biker’s got to do to make it nowadays.

Wikked Steel, owned by a Saint Petersburg Floridian whom I'd never heard of up until this point, was there with a bike named “Area 51”. Steve Galvin won the Pro Class with this jewel of steel and billet.

The bike has a proprietary front-end design coupled with an air suspension system to adjust ride height. The engine is an Ultima, but you would never know by looking at it. All the unique billet pieces were designed in-house, as were the one-off 7 piece billet wheels.

The bike has “the Alien meets the Crustacean” look to it. Forward controls are custom, with all linkage and braking systems hidden behind the frame. It looks like one of those over-the-top non-rideable bikes, but I was assured that it rides nice. It was designed with a standard Harley layout, so it also is intuitive to ride. The rear tire is a 300 Avon and the front is a 130-70-21 Avon.

Probably the most interesting thing about the bike is that it was built in Steve’s garage using Harbor Freight tools. The items that he needs carved in billet he designs on his computer and sends out.

The winning Area 51 scoot will compete at the 2010 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, to be held during the Sturgis Rally later this year. Judging by the interest from the crowd, it looks like this one will give the boys a run for their money.

It‘s no surprise that a state as large and diverse as Texas has world class designers, engineers and petrol heads. Racing icons Johnny Rutherford, Jim Hall, A.J. Foyt and Carol Shelby all called Texas home.

Christian Dotson of DOTSON DESIGN is a proud card-carrying Texan. He has taken his automotive background and applied it to his 2007 vintage concept bike called the “Swingshot”. The bike’s concept and inspiration began with race bikes from the ‘40s and ‘50s. He selected a Panhead because of the visual aesthetics, integrated drum brakes and suspension technology of the era.

What catches your attention on the Swingshot is the 18 wheeler proportions of this motorbike. When asked about how it handles, Christian stated: “It handles well and tracks true, and is on par with other 10’ long motorbikes.” The front-end is a proprietary Dotson Design hub center. It is connected to the frame through leaf springs and a friction shock that really makes the bike look un-rideable.

Strokers Dallas is just a few minutes ride from Market Hall, and Rick Fairless was nice enough to provide a bus to shuttle bikers back and forth. I jumped on it for a round trip ride over lunch.

If you haven’t been to his place, it’s a little hard to describe… kind’a like a barrio for bikers. ‘50s and ‘60s icon graphics are slung around, including Betty Page, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis… hubba, hubba.

Another outstanding bike from Wikked Steel is an extremely modified Road Star called “Speedster”. About all that was saved from the donor bike was the cradle for the motor. The frame sports a 45 degree rake, 6” stretch and -2 in the curved down tube. The rear tire is a 300 Avon and the front a 130-70-21 Avon. Wheels are from Pickard USA in Texas. It has a Mean Street Avalon front-end, Yamaha Warrior engine and a highly modified transmission with a custom dual carb manifold.

On the far side of Market Hall was a semi owned by Jerry Covington of Covington's Cycle City in Woodward, Oklahoma. Jerry started building custom motorcycles (choppers) in the early seventies and is known for his clean designs and high quality work.

Jerry is building up his parts line for baggers, and has many integrated designs for all the V-twin models.

The Big Ugly Bastard (BUB) was in the house showing off his 350MPH hot rod. We talked a lot about what it takes to go land speed racing… I know you will find it hard to believe… money, lots and lots of Benjamins. His certified and speed-rated tires from the good folks at Goodyear ran in the neighborhood of $200,000. Now that’s a lot of rubber. The Bubster is looking for sponsors, so give him a call if you are looking to see the continuation of this very American sport.

The big-name builders in attendance included Donnie Smith, Dar Holdsworth of Brass Balls Bobbers, Jerry Covington, and of course Rick Fairless. They made themselves available to their fans for autographs and pictures the entire time. I noticed how down-to-earth these guys are. No big heads here, just guys enjoying the ride.

In addition to the bike show, there was also a swap meet. With eBay and other online-sources available, it will take a few years to grow this part of the show.

I don't have a list of winners from all the different classes. The results should be posted soon on the official show website. Check it out at http://www.rickfairlessbikeshow.com.

Once upon a time, there was a country dominated by an Iron Hand. All of its vast resources were hoarded by the State and dedicated to maintaining its military might. Ronald Reagan called it an “Evil Empire” that we had to guard ourselves against. Individual freedom of expression was frowned upon and conformity was just the way of life. Thankfully, those days are long gone.

When you think of cool custom motorcycles, Russia isn’t necessarily the first place that comes to mind. In fact, with the exception of the Ural motorbike riders, most people would never dream that there is a thriving motorcycle culture in of all places, Moscow.I had the opportunity to take a trip there to be one of the judges of the Moscow Custom and Tuning Show put on by Dmitry Khirtov, the founder of http://www.ruriders.com/ , an internet magazine. The show was held over the three day Easter weekend and pulled in a reported 80,000 people from the cities 14-million population at the Crocus Expo Center.

I didn't expected too much by American show standards. Keep in mind that biker culture is a fairly new concept in that part of the world. It’s been only 10 short years that people there were exposed Western ways and one of the first things that they latched onto were Cool Custom Bikes. All the parts and service we take for granted here in the West are still not readily available there. High import duties and ridiculous shipping charges prevent shops from putting out the cookie cutter customs that seem to fill every parking lot there in the States. In my opinion, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Russian builders have chosen to do what was done here back in the day before the advent of the CNC machine, they make their custom parts with welders and hand grinders. The raw talent of these builders was inspiring. The quality of the workmanship was exemplary and the vision in design and execution, awe inspiring.

Arriving at the expo center, there was huge mob of bikes crowding the parking lot. Most were Japanese and German sport bikes as traffic in Moscow is the worst I have ever seen. Inside, it could have been a scene from the V-Twin Expo. Vendors lined the rows selling their wares, European and Asian Bike manufactures were out in force showing the latest rides and accessories but lacking was any serious American company presence.

The hot, scantily attired ladies who walked the floors passing out flyers were out shined by the women who attended the show. It seemed to my tired old eyes that at least 75% of the women in Moscow stepped off the pages of a Victoria’s Secret catalogue.

Rock-a-Billy bands blasted their music from the main stage while the Motorpark stage was rocking with the Russian equivalent of the Pussy Cat Dolls dancers that stopped every crowd and jammed up the isles during their raucous performances. Small backstreet shops dominated the culture and they were all well represented with booths. I spent 3-days talking with these guys, some of who surprisingly spoke English better than I do and others with the help of my host Dmitry Khirtov.

Dmitry, at the age of 30, is one of the driving forces in the Russian Custom Bike world. As the founder of Russia’s first cyber biker magazine, Ruriders.ru, he produced the AMD Russian affiliate show that has become part of the World Championship of Custom Bike Building for the past three years.

This year's winner was Sergei Malstev and his team from Fine Custom Mechanics in Moscow. The bike was a one off beauty aptly named MOSCOW. The bike was built over five months in a small shop deep in the industrial heart of the city. The custom frame with its 35-degree neck held an Ultima 124-cu.inch Evo motor and was driven by a Baker dual-drive transmission. With the exception of the motor tranny and tires, every other part on the bike, from the rails on the gas tank to the custom wheels and electric seat suspension were made by Sergei and his talented crew.

As the reigning Russian National Champs, Sergei and his crew will fly to Sturgis and enter the Moscow bike in the finals at the World Championship at Sturgis Bike Week this August.

We did a ride around the area and visited some of the back street shops where magic was being made and met the guys who hand forge their own custom parts like the blacksmiths of old. Also, look for the winning bike's full feature on Bikernet, shot at the Kremlins Red Square, which took a bit of wrangling to get done. Also, tales of our adventures on the road in Russia are forthcoming.

I was blown away by the open and friendly hospitality of everyone I met on my trip. I guess a brotherhood of bikers has a way of transcending things like politics and propaganda from both sides. I felt right at home and between the Vodka shots and caviar we all felt the comradely that exists between people who share the desire fore freedom of the open road.

Dasvidaniya, for now,

–TBear

Republic Harley Davidson of Stafford, Texas, collaborated with Vindicta-VRA to launch an annual V-Rod based hot rod/custom bike show at their premier dealership. The event was originally rained out, so we were extremely pleased with the turnout a week later. Several hundred people showed up at the dealership for bikes, barbeque, and fun.

Dealer shows I have attended in the past have usually been one big push for you, the rider, to spend your money. It seems the days of old are lost and the brotherhood of bikes has gone by the wayside due to the hunt for the dollar. I for one usually steer clear of these events. Well. I was surprised as hell at the level of the show as well as the professionalism showed by all throughout. A big thank you to Craig Slovak, GM of Republic! This event was definitely geared to the riders having fun, as well as showcasing what could be done with a Harley V-Rod.

Besides a killer bikini and fashion show, Republic had a first class, “V-Rod only” bike show that included baggers, dragsters, CVO’s, Muscles, and my favorite, the DX Night Rod Special. I believe the dealership sold 2 V-Rods while I was there. Here’s a list of the bike show winners:

BEST OF SHOW-KEITH”QMAN”PEIRCE/BIKE(ROD ROD)

1ST BEST CUSTOM- JOHNNY”JOHNNYMUSLE”SHELTON/BIKE( MUSCLE)

2ND BEST CUSTOM-AARON”AJ3000″PHILLIPS/BIKE(GHOSTRIDER)

1ST MOST AGRESSIVE-TANNER”HOTDOG”McCLUNG/BIKE(SHEILA)

2ND MOST AGRESSIVE-BRUSO/BIKE/

Republic was also offering free dyno pulls to the V-Rodders. No tuning was available, just a pull to see how your bike did. Everyone was averaging 114-117 rwhp and the highest torque number I heard was 85. And let me tell you, a V-Rod screaming on the dyno with aftermarket exhaust is absolutely NASTY!

The end of the event was topped with a nasty burnout contest to which the winner would receive a brand new tire. Fortunately, we had 4 competitors, but they were all Vindicta brothers. No one else dared accept the challenge thrown down by our nasty bikes. It is hard to beat a burnout from a bike that has a 9000 rpm redline, screaming from an aftermarket 2 into 1 competition exhaust. After 4 smoking tires and several bleeding ears, Craig announced that all 4 competitors would receive a new tire, free of charge. Now, that is the way to treat your customers.

The end of the rally came, and the guys decided to head out for a ride into the country. Unfortunately there was a small accident when a cell-phone toting minivan decided to change the plans. After the commotion and excitement wore down, everyone was fine, but two bikes are getting some serious mods and one rider gets to pump up his arms and chest with some shiny new crutches.

This event was the first of several between Republic and Vindicta, and I hope to see many more in the future. Be sure to check Vindicta’s webpage for events as well as Republic H-D. And if you happen to see a short fat guy taking pictures, pose for him, ya never know, you could end up archived forever in the annals of Bikernet.com!

Until next time…

Right from the start, I knew I liked Alystar McKenneh. When we met at the Easyrider V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati, I knew I had finally met a woman who rides like I do on a regular basis. As she was telling me of her upcoming quest, at first, I was jealous that I couldn’t do this ride with her. Alystar pounds the pavement hard, going the distance, and that is difficult to find in the majority of women. That’s why I travel solo. It takes a certain kind of woman who shares that all out passion. Being independent is one of our strong characteristics. Our motorcycles are our passion, we live for the journey. The oil runs as hot through our veins as it does our motors. We work on our bikes and we are NOT limited by anyone else's perspectives or projections. We ride with peace of mind through America’s two lane roads, our motorcycles define the nature of our female spirit as strong, smart, accomplished women, powerful and able to do whatever we dream. There is no better escape than leaving your troubles behind as the wind blows through our hair knowing that everything will be ok. It just doesn’t matter any longer.

Riding a motorcycle, one has many experiences. Such as, the chill when you sink down into the bottom of the hill and get hit by the warm sun again. Once in awhile you catch the scent of sweet flowers and foliage. As we inhale, we become part of our surroundings God intended us to experience and be FREE!

Alystar assured me that we would ride together when she arrived in Pittsburgh, Pa. I was geared up with that, knowing in my thoughts, this was HER Ride and Documentary style movie. I’m thrilled to be able to write of her adventurous journey and “FOLLOW ME” Campaign of 1 woman, 1 motorcycle and 10,000 miles to ride across America to explore the rich heritage of a ride of a lifetime. Her ride across America is to build a market, create excitement and raise money for the production of a feature film called “Road to Sturgis.”

On April 3, 2010, Alystar’s adventure starts out on her 1999 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail. Riding on American Steel, her bike is designed to allow her to touch upon the freedom that the hardcore American bikers feel. She will experience the ultimate adventure without sacrificing her family and/ or profession to experience it. Her stops will include the blue collar workers, women and men, who are the bikers. Bars, interesting people with life stories to share, custom bike builders and women of the motorcycle industry.

Alystar McKenneh was born in Belle Fourche, South Dakota and was raised on Air Force Bases. She is a mother and resides in So. California. Her journey of 10,000 miles coast to coast personifies the strong independent women she found at the end of her struggle to survive a childhood some would consider a nightmare.

She is a filmmaker who normally works as a 1st assistant director, screen writer who writes anything from poems to children’s books. Alystar is a human rights activist, she is your girl next door.

Alystar prefers to work on projects that rehabilitate the emotionally desensitized, to tell the truth and remind people especially women and children, it’s not what they call you, it’s what you answer to that will define you.

Before leaving home she will pack her saddlebags with the absolute must haves. Not having a lot of room in her leather saddlebags she must prepare wisely for Mother Nature, Emergencies, Leisure time and her overall physical condition of dehydration from the different climates she will endure.

Some of her gear will include; no make-up, hairdryer or girly stuff, instead she will pack a turkey baster for siphoning if she should run out of gas traveling across the high desert plains and /or should she come across another motorcyclist out of gas. Rain gear, plenty of socks, a couple pairs of gloves, “NO-AD Sunscreen“, sweatshirts, canned tuna, tools, several pairs of sunglasses, motorcycle cover, one pair of jeans and one on her ass, chaps, two pairs of boots, “Grin & Bare It “ Body Lotion, underwear, her HD shear-ling leather motorcycle jacket, water, several packs of Gatorade, a laptop to communicate with the world, a cell phone for break downs, a HUGE heavy link chain for locking up her bike, and let’s not forget her gun that she never leaves home without.

She will ride a minimum of 600 to 700 miles in any given day. You will not find her in hotels or camping at campgrounds instead she will spend her nights with her friends and/or people she meets along the way offer their hospitality for the night. If she becomes fatigued while on the road, she regularly sleeps on her bike.

Her journey will be broadcast across the globe via the web. Alystar’s starting point begins at Glendale Harley-Davidson, So. California. Her first stop will be at Sucker Punch Sally’s and Bagger Nation in Arizona. Along the way she will attend a woman’s garage night. Moving on across Texas to New Orleans where she will reconnect with the people she helped during Hurricane Katrina. Her next destination will be Daytona Beach to Suck Bang Blow (the best ride-in biker bar around) and on to the Veterans Wall, to Dave Perewitz's Cycle Fabrication to Danny Gray's Roadhouse to “FOLLOW ME.”

Any of you amazing women who want to join Alystar even for a few miles are all welcome. Including any rider who has an amazing story and who is anywhere close to the trip path, contact Alystar, she would love to hear your stories.

“FOLLOW ME” Will take you places you would never get to experience, either because you can’t take off work for that amount of time or you can’t ride a motorcycle and fulfill a lifelong dream. Take part in a breath-taking, one of a kind experience that Alystar will take you across the country and experience some of the best scenic motorcycle rides through the unforgiving Death Valley Desert, climb through mountains gaps, along rivers, across lakes, along the ocean coastlines and along windy twisty roads, from start to finish. It's the perfect therapy on all levels.

www.ROADTOSTURGIS.NET

“When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.”