Join the Cantina to read the Weekly News and Salt Torpedo update Ever since dragging the Salt Torpedo back to the Bikernet Headquarters, we’ve been scrambling. Yesterday, we peeled the top of the new fiberglass body off of the torpedo for the first time in about a month. Jeremiah and Zack helped hoist the trike back onto the lift. A couple of brothers rode their Dynas into Hollywood to stand-in as extras during the filming of a music video. They were both wearing 5/8 Jak Shirts. We were well represented. Check out our line-up. The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. CLICK HERE TO READ THE WEEKLY NEWS Click Here to read the Salt Torpedo Chapter 19

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Come on over to Cook’s Corner the night before Born Free to cast your vote for the People’s Champ! The six finalists are burning the midnight oil right now to finish off their world-class machines and one of them will walk away with $7500 cash, a bunch of prizes and a magnificent trophy from Mike at 9 Finger Fabrication Admission is free and voting is open to everyone and starts at 3:00 and we will be announcing the Champ around 9:00PM. Address: 19152 E Santiago Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679

Final Six Pack: @caleb.denton @__buzzbee the_livin_company @beneaththeglass @benjeff @matt66sporty

Sponsors: @biltwell @russbrownmotorcycleattorneys @805beer @sscycle @thorogood_usa @bornfreeshow @chopcult @choppersmagazine @dicemagazine @harleydavidson @heatwavevisual @himalayanheroesusa @oldbikebarn @lowbrowcustoms @pangeaspeed @metzelermotousa @paughcoparts

Hey,

Ever since dragging the Salt Torpedo back to the Bikernet Headquarters, we’ve been scrambling. Yesterday, we peeled the top of the new fiberglass body off of the torpedo for the first time in about a month. Jeremiah and Zack helped hoist the trike back onto the lift.

Hopefully, Friday I will take the body to have the canopy and windshield made in Los Alamitos. Monday, we will start final welding on the frame. And if the gods of sparks and rod are on our side, by next Friday we will start final assembly. Hang on.

The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently the Smoke Out and Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.

NEWS FROM THE RODDER’S JOURNAL--Dad’s Day News from TRJ– Father’s Day is this Sunday, and that means this weekend is dedicated to dad. Whether it’s a few peaceful hours in the garage or a nice cold one on the deck, this is the perfect time to celebrate.

To make things even more special, we’re offering 25% off until Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Just use the code DAD2019 online or over the phone. This sale applies to everything—including subscriptions. And remember, all orders over $50 (after the discount) will receive a TRJ shop sign absolutely free.

Father’s Day is all about traditions and, for as long as we can remember, we’ve spent the third weekend in June in the Los Angeles area for the L.A. Roadster Show. Now in its 55th year, the show brings some of the region’s best roadsters—and plenty of other traditional rods and customs—to the Pomona Fariplex.

The Roadster Show has long been one of our favorites, and it always makes for a fun weekend to catch up with friends and make new ones. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to make the trip south this year due to our publishing schedule, but we would like to take this opportunity to thank the L.A. Roadsters for organizing such a high-quality event. To learn more about the club and the weekend’s festivities, click here.

Even though we won’t be in L.A., we will be uploading a wide array of long-lost TRJ treasures to our online store in the coming week, so stay tuned. In the meantime, take advantage of our 25% off sale by clicking the red box above or giving us a call at (800) 750-9550 in the United States, Canada and the Carribean or (804) 496-6906 internationally.

Cheers!
Your Friends at The Rodder’s Journal

Indian Motorcycle Great American Cookout–Please join us Saturday June-15th, 2019 for the Indian Motorcycle Great American Cookout right here at Indian Motorcycle of Libertyville.

What could be better than firing up the bike and riding over with Dad for Fathers Day Weekend, grabbing a cold beverage and hot food straight off the grill before taking a ride on a brand new Indian Motorcycle? Probably not much!

Please be aware of the “Libertyville Days” Parade on Milwaukee Ave right in front of the Dealership on that day. Milwaukee Ave will be closed to traffic at 9:30 am for the 10:am parade. Customers are welcome to take Church street to our parking in the rear of the building.

See you Saturday,

Don O’Shea

Mileage Standards and Biofuels Are Both Terrible–
These top-down government mandates override the free market and should be scrapped.

The Trump administration is set to make major changes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards that govern what automakers produce and undoing yet another Obama-era power grab. Barack Obama elected to raise fleet CAFE standards to 54 miles per gallon by 2025. It was a mark that the automotive industry fears it could not reach in time and still stay in business.

Thankfully, the Trump administration is about to put a freeze on those requirements, setting the fuel-economy standard at 2020 levels through 2025. The change would also revoke California’s waiver to set its own fuel economy standard under the Clean Air Act. This rule has been in place for decades, but it came to the nation’s attention when California essentially set the fuel-economy standard for the country during the Obama years.

A protracted legal battle between California and the Trump administration is assured if a deal cannot be worked out on a common fuel standard that suits both parties. Meanwhile, 17 automakers sent a letter to Trump to create one national fuel standard and not go to war with California. An extended court case would put car companies in regulatory limbo until matters are sorted out.

On a side note, Government Motors (GM) shareholders sent a letter to CEO Mary Barra stating that they want the automaker to hold firm to the California model. Never forget that this is the company bailed out by government largess “repaid” with leftist board of director appointments and transfers of voting stock.

At this point, there doesn’t look to be any forthcoming deal between California and the White House.

Unfortunately, it’s not all good news. Hot on the heels of the Trump administration’s wrong-headed expansion of ethanol usage comes news that further proves why the president is acting on the wrong side of this issue.

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) first came about in 2005 as an attempted end run around the free market by forcing drivers to buy biofuels that nobody would otherwise touch. Biofuels have been government subsidized and sycophantically supported by the Left ever since. Despite reasoned scientific study that pointed out the weaknesses of biofuels since the beginning, our enlightened government superiors mandated that we use ever more of it in our fuel supply.

The [Government Accountability Office(https://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-19-47) (GAO) released a report last week that didn’t receive as much press as it deserved. The GAO determined that ethanol has basically been a bust. The biofuel has not had any noticeable impact on CO2 levels in the atmosphere, nor has it made gas cheaper at the pump — both ostensible goals of the ethanol mandate.

It’s not the GAO’s place to make policy recommendations, but the office’s work speaks for itself.

The GAO got involved in examining biofuels in 2014 when it discovered that refiners’ costs for complying with the Renewable Fuel Standard had increased. Two years later GAO also found that greenhouse gas emissions were not going to meet the target set for 2022.

The GAO’s findings were immediately attacked by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has an obvious interest in seeing ethanol succeed. The USDA challenged GAO’s conclusions about the limited effect the program has had on reducing emissions. While they’re on the subject, they should talk about last year’s EPA report that found corn-based ethanol and soybean-based biodiesel were hurting water quality.

The issues of mileage standards and ethanol levels are related because of the top-down, Big Government mandates that dictate what kind of cars we drive and what fuel we put in them. Both should be permanently scrapped so the free market can determine the way forward.

–The Patriot Post

–From Rogue

HEMPWORKS SAVED MY LIFE– Cool. The CBD products from Hemp are very low in thc. .03. The THC from the marijuana Cannabis strain is very high. I think the Cannabis strain that hemp cbd comes from is the sativa.

The hemp plant is harvested before the flower is produced. The stem and leaves have all the cbd in them. The hemp seeds are squished to provide the base carrier oil and the cbd is extracted from the stalk and leaves. Most other companies use a MCT oil, (coconut oil) as a carrier then they add a touch of cbd from Hemp. This is why there is a wide range of affects from different cbd oils out there. A pure hemp seed oil with added cbd is a far better product.

Hempworx is such a product and is 1 of only 13 companies certified pure CBD. 22000 companies summited samples for testing and only 13 passed. Along with Hempworx passing so did the Gencanna farm in Ky that is the sole provider of the Hempworxbrand.

It too has the Hemp Seal Certification. Non gmo and federal compliance in the farming techniques has propelled Hempworx as the fastest growing CBD company on the planet. Woohoo.

–Kevin Kahl

HAL ROBINSON NEWS–
Famous Cartoonist Harold (Hal) Robinson is wearing his art work on his cap. Hal is having a meeting with Lou Kimsey of Easyriders Magazine at the office in Agoura Hills, CA. Picture taken around the middle 1970s.

–Ann Robinson

We carry a new line of Hal Robinson T-shirts and limited edition prints. –Bandit

BIKERNET GUN NUT REPORT–TTAG Weekly Gun Law Roundup: Northam’s Special Session, Cities Fight Supremacy, and More Spooky Ghosts

BY MATTHEW LAROSIERE

Ralph Northam Gun Control Virginia
courtesy rga.org

VA Special Session

Following the mass murder in VA beach where a city employee murdered 12 people, disgraced Virginia governor Ralph Northam announced his intention to “take on” the Republican controlled state legislature by forcing a debate on a package of gun control measures. Included in Northam’s suggested measures are a ban on suppressors, universal background checks, assault weapons, high-capacity magazines, and banning firearms in city buildings.

The suppressor ban is pretty shockingly daft, as all the reports from the shooting indicated there were no questions about the presence or location of gunshots. The suppressor did nothing to affect the killer’s lethality, and yet, here we are. The “emergency” special session is set for the 9th of July. The main question is how many Virginia Republicans will bend the knee.

Municipalities Hate State Supremacy

Dovetailing nicely with our continued discussion of the push-and-pull of state vs. local governments, this week the city of Cincinnati joined with other cities in a lawsuit over the state’s new supremacy law, which prevents local governments from setting stricter-than-state gun laws.

Ohio’s House Bill 228 is set to go into effect March 28, and it attempts to prevent overzealous municipalities from making their towns into landmines for gun owners. The city governments argue this violates their home rule authority. This is really a matter of Ohio’s state constitution, but supremacy provisions are commonplace. We’ll find out with time whether this is municipal saber rattling or an actual claim.

In Florida, a Leon County judge heard arguments in a similar challenge to the state’s supremacy clause yesterday. The cities and counties make the profoundly ironic contention that the state supremacy law violates their free-speech rights, as well as separation of powers.

This, of course, completely ignores the fact that Florida’s constitution Article I, § 8(a) provides “The right of the people to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves and of the lawful authority of the state shall not be infringed[.]” We can expect a ruling in the coming weeks.

Connecticut’s Scared of Ghosts

Joining Washington in the state ghost-hunter club, Connecticut governor Ned Lamont signed into law today two new gun laws. The first is a ban on ”ghost guns,” reflecting the typical alarmism surrounding unserialized homemade guns, and the other requires handguns to be locked in a safe which is then locked in the trunk or glove box when the vehicle is parked.

Governor Lamont is expected to sign “Ethan’s law,” regulating the storage of firearms at homes where children might be present, next week.

Delaware’s Safe Storage Law Hits the Books

Today Delaware governor John Carney signed a law similar to “Ethan’s law,” subjecting parents to prison time if firearms are stored in places where minors might access them. As I’ve always said, being safe with firearms around children is important, but blanket prohibitions will only worsen the relationship of police and the people in their precincts. It’s unlikely these laws will have any impact on the incredibly rare incidences of negligent firearm discharges in their respective states.

–Truth about Guns

Bolt of lightning kills motorcyclist– on I-95 in Central Florida
Victim in Ormond Beach crash ID’d as Benjamin Lee.– Graham Media Group

All our best to Benjamin’s family.

–Bandit, Sam and Rogue

Super Hooligan National Championship Series steams towards Tulsa Oklahoma and has finalized the remaining 2019 race schedule

Los Alamitos, CA (June 10, 2019)— Roland Sands and crew have ignited a two-wheeled lifestyle explosion with the “Moto Classic Series” and as the 2019 Super Hooligan National Championship (SHNC) presented steams towards Round 5, we’ve expanded our events with the Mayo Moto Street Classic in Tulsa Oklahoma.

June 15th, Roland Sands Design joins forces with the Mayo Moto Museum on one of the greatest motorcycle, music, and art cultural experiences to hit the Midwest. This new festival features Super Hooligan riders racing through the streets of downtown Tulsa, The Lansing Street Drag Races, Stunt Show, Moto Classic Bike show, Stay Gold Art Show and vendor village, all accompanied by the biggest bands in Southern Soul Rock – JJ Grey & Mofro and the Paul Benjamin Band in the heart of the city with the picturesque Tulsa skyline as a backdrop.

Remaining SHNC Races for 2019:
JUN 15 Mayo Moto Street Classic: Tulsa, OK
JUNE 21 Perris Short Track: Perris, CA
AUG 7 Buffalo Chip TT, Sturgis SD
AUG 17 Salt Lake City, UT
SEP 21 Costa Mesa Speedway: Orange County, CA
OCT 26-27 Moto Beach Classic Surf City Blitz WEST: Huntington Beach, CA

The week after Tulsa, OK, the SHNC has added Perris Short Track in Perris, CA June 21st. “Super Hooligan racing was born and bred on the short tracks of Southern California, with the Hooligan X Games qualifier the day before and the Born Free motorcycle show that weekend we are pumped to be right smack in the middle of a So. Cal two-wheel enthusiast dream week”.

The 2019 SHNC current standings after 4 rounds:
1. Joe Kopp #3 100 PTS
2. Andy DiBrino #1 67 PTS
3. Tony Alves #16 52 PTS
4. Jordan Baber #27 46 PTS
5. Frankie Garcia #24X 43 PTS
6. Jordan Graham #47 41 PTS
7. Chris McDougal #114 40 PTS
8. AJ Kirkpatrick #12 33 PTS
9. Jimmy Hill #88 28 PTS
10. David Kohlstaedt #29 23 PTS

Dunlop Dash 4 Cash: $500
K&N Hole Shot: $300

2019 Contingency awards:
1st: $1000.00
2nd: $750.00
3rd: $500.00
4th: $400.00
5th: $350.00
6th: $300.00
7th: $250.00
8th: $200.00
9th: $150.00
10th: $125.00
11th: 100.00
12th: $75.00
13th: $50.00

–Kevin Olivares

LAIDLAWS H-D WINS

Here is a link to our Bike.

https://customkings.harley-davidson.com/en_US/bike_detail/217

We received the “People’s Choice Award” and we are now a “Race Category Finalist”

The Battle of the Kings contest is the largest dealer custom bike build competition in the world. Since 2015, more than 500 custom bikes have been built for the competition.
Through programs like Battle of the Kings, Harley-Davidson will build the next generation of skilled tradesmen and inspire students to get involved in the exciting world of motorcycle customization.

This year, Harley-Davidson dealerships in the United States partnered with local schools to build a customized Harley-Davidson motorcycle for the Battle of the Kings contest.

In the past 30-days, the competition went viral with the public voting for their favorite build. 21 motorcycles were awarded the People’s Choice award. I am proud to announce that Laidlaws Harley-Davidson, along with Isaiah Castro from North Park H.S., were awarded a People’s Choice Trophy!

In June, Harley-Davidson Marketing and Styling Teams will be voting for the Top 18 Category Finalists. 6 Chop, 6 Race and 6 Dirt custom motorcycles will advance to the next round. Category Finalist Winners will be announced on H-D.com on June 10.

Then Media Influencers and Motorcycle Journalists will narrow the field to the Top 3 builds. 1 Chop, 1 Race and 1 Dirt custom bike will be crowned Category Winners and announced on H-D.com on July 1.

The Top 3 will go on display at the Annual Dealer Meeting taking place in August in Milwaukee. Dealership staff will vote for the custom build they want representing the U.S. at the International Motorcycle Trade Show in Milan, Italy.

In November, one U.S. custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the Build Crew will travel to Milan, Italy to compete with 4 other global motorcycles at the International Motorcycle Show. One motorcycle and one Team will be crowned the Battle of the Kings Champion. Last year, the Grand Champion was a stunning custom Harley-Davidson Street Bob motorcycle from Bangkok.

-Matt Laidlaw
mlaidlaw@laidlawsharley.com

MUSIC VIDEO BRINGS OUT 5-BALL RACING—A couple of brothers rode their Dynas into Hollywood to stand-in as extras during the filming of a music video. They were both wearing 5/8 Jak Shirts.

While they were on hand Jeremiah ran into this big guy also wearing a 5-Ball vest. We were well represented. Check out our line-up.

–Bandit

[page break]

THE ART OF MONTE MOORE–As I have been expanding into the world of fine art I have found myself applying to many new and different art shows and festivals to try and reach a new audience with my artwork, but with that also comes a new set of pitfalls and potential disappointments.

The world of art, in general, is extremely competitive – even though most might not think it to be. As a ‘luxury’ item that folks can live without, unlike food, art isn’t something the regular person thinks about on a daily basis… unless you are an artist.

These past two weeks I have had some disappointment and setbacks, as I received three different rejections from art shows coast to coast, some small and some very high profile.

No matter your previous successes, we all still experience rejection, and all of us will continue to ’stumble’ as we climb up the mountain, no matter what that mountain might be.

An artist has to have thick skin, and every time we share a new creation online or in a show we set ourselves up for criticism and even sometimes outright ridicule, and this can often be tough to take, given that each piece of art has a bit of ourselves in it.

On the flip side we also get the joy of basking in the adoration of fans when the art is well received! Like so much in life, we take the good with the bad and hope it all evens out in the middle.

I’ve always loved the Vince Lombardi quote “The man on the top of the mountain didn’t fall there”, and in my mind I usually add a second part – “but I bet his knees were pretty skinned up when he reached the top!”

So this week I’d like to leave you with a bit of inspiration and hope it helps you out – When you experience your own disappointments and rejections let it be the fuel on the fire of your future success and prove them all wrong by saying “OH YEAH!? WATCH THIS!!” – bam!

Monte #ExpectMoore

PFF Exclusive – “The Defender” 11×17 metal print $50 – limited quantities
USA and “Valley of the Sun” Edition available, only 20 made

HANG ON FOR LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST–It is (almost) officially summer! Time to confirm your plans for Vegas BikeFest in the fall! We have extended our early bird discount on booth space to JUNE 15!
There’s always lots of new at Vegas BikeFest 2019 – Here are the top 7 that your customers are talking about.

1.New Look, New Feel! – Have you seen our new logo? Vegas BikeFest has a new look – check it out https://lasvegasbikefest.com/ to catch a glimpse.
2. Lower Hotel Rates! – Our hotel partners have provided us with even lower rates than last year which makes it easier for attendees (and vendors) to attend and save money.
3. Hooligan Dirt Dash Flat Track Racing – Happening Thursday and Friday night in downtown just steps away from Rally Central. Sure to draw in a new crowd to the rally.
4. More shaded seating! – The Downtown Las Vegas Events Center now has a permanent tent that will provide additional shaded seating to keep attendees comfortable while shopping.
5. Food Court Added! A new food court area will be added featuring top food trucks and other food vendors.
6. Bands are Back! – More than 15 bands at Rally Central – bringing a variety of live entertainment back to the rally!
7. All in one venue! All vendor space will be at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center.
Go to INFO to view Vendor Brochure for all the details.

Ready to join us? Go to BUY-A-BOOTH to purchase a booth TODAY.

Got Questions? Give me a call.

Thanks again for your support of Vegas BikeFest. See you in October!

Call me!

–Mindi
Las Vegas BikeFest
www.LasVegasBikeFest.com
P: 702-216-5832 | E: mcherry@LasVegasBikeFest.com

Save the Date! 19th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest – October 3-6, 2019

CBD vs. THC – What’s the Difference?

Several CBD Sample Customers recently asked us this question:

What’s the difference between CBD & THC?

So we wanted to take a few moments to explain this difference for you.

CBD and THC are both cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plant, but they’re different in many ways. The main difference between CBD and THC is that CBD does not induce a high whereas THC does.

CBD: Cannabidiol (CBD), a constituent that naturally occurs in industrial Hemp, is just one of over 85 cannabinoids that is identified in the cannabis plant. CBD is 100% non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t negatively impact your mind or mental process. In other words, CBD does not get you ‘high’ or stoned. There is no mental slowness or haziness caused by CBD. And, CBD has been shown to have many health benefits that our customers love.

THC: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is a psychoactive component of marijuana, although the THC molecule is surprisingly similar to its non-psychoactive counterpart CBD. THC is what gets you high.

At HempWorx we offer a range of CBD Products including ZERO THC products in the form of CBD Oil, Coffee, Creamers, and Creams, as well as CBD products with 0.3% or less THC available in our full-spectrum CBD product line.

Here are just a few of the Health Benefits of HempWorx Full-Spectrum CBD Oil.

Mental and Brain Health – Full Spectrum Hemp Oil affects principal cannabinoid receptors in the brain promoting a healthy state of mind.

General Health – Full Spectrum Hemp Oil has incredible benefits and may improve overall wellness.

Healthy Balance – Full Spectrum Hemp Oil may help restore healthy balance to the endocannabinoid system.

We would love for you to try out one of our CBD products today!

1 – Login to your Customer Account

Login: www.mydailychoice.com/login

MyDailyChoice Headquarters
Support@MyDailyChoice.com

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2018 Harley-Davidson® FLHC – Softail® Heritage Classic

For only $14,795.00

check it out here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=6961952
CALL (714) 490-0155

This “Nearly New” Heritage has only 15,197 miles!

In Vivid Black with silver pinstripe projects a purposeful no-frills appearance that forgoes shiny distractions. The newly designed sidestand is much easier to deploy and retract.

Fob-sensing keyless ignition is another new convenience, and the traditional barrel-key steering-head lock has been replaced by a quarter-turn conventional-style key. Larger LCD multi-function display integrated into the lower portion of the boldface speedometer.

The LCD features a fuel-level bar graph and gear position indicator that both remain persistent as you toggle through the other functions with the left thumb switch. The mid-height ape bars are comfortably positioned and angled, the saddle is oh-so plush, and the floorboards rock.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

Vivid black paint with silver pin-striping is flawless. Vivid black 10″bars on 2″ risers. Chrome mirrors, vivid black console, studded leather tank strap and raised tank logos.

Quick detachable windshield with the lower half in black. Black blinkers and LED head and passing lamps. Vivid black fork, fender trim, chrome hub and laced vivid black rims. Chrome 2:2 tapered exhaust. Chrome push-rod tubes and tappet blocks. Vivid black rocker covers, circular 107 air cover, oil tank, trans cover, cam with H-D logo, primary, derby cover, and kickstand.

Solo seat with matching pillion. H-D floors and passenger pegs. Hard leather locking side bags and more… This is a beautiful nearly new bike!

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!

EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!

1941 Harley Davidson Shaft-Driven Knucklehead Servi-Car

WHEELS THROUGH TIME NEWS–17 Rare Bikes for 17 Years.

July 4 -8 | 9 AM to 5 PM

This year the museum will celebrate 17 years of operation in Maggie Valley and to commemorate Dale, and the staff wanted to do something special. “Keeping in line with the museum motto “the museum that runs,” we figured what better way than to start 17 of our rarest bikes, one for each year the museum has been open in Maggie Valley,” said Walksler.

1917 Henderson Four-Cylinder

Included in the 17 rarest motorcycles will be the 1916 Traub, the “world’s rarest motorcycle,” discovered bricked up behind a wall in Chicago, Illinois, a 1917 Henderson four-cylinder, once ridden by Maldwin Jones in an attempt to set a 24 hour speed record in Ohio, as well as an experimental 1941 Harley Davidson Shaft-Driven Knucklehead Servi-Car, one of only 17 built for the US Military.

For 17 days leading up to July 4th, the museum staff will be starting one of the rare bikes each day. The celebration will culminate on Saturday, July 6th when all 17 of the world’s rarest machines will be fired up during the day’s festivities.

THIS JUST IN FROM THE CLIMATE DEPOT–THE TROPICAL SKIES Falsifying climate alarm

By John Christy

The Global Warming Policy Foundation, GWPF Note 17

Excerpt: Measuring the greenhouse effect

When I grew up, science was defined as a method of discovering information. You would make a claim or a hypothesis, and then you would test that claim against independent data. If it failed, you rejected your claim and you started over again.

In otherwords your hypothesis was not good information. But nowadays, if someone makes a claim about the climate, and someone like me falsifies it, rather than abandoning the hypothesis, that person tends to just yell louder that their claim is right. They find it difficult to look at what data might say about their beloved hypothesis.

I’m referring to the climate’s response to the emission of extra greenhouse gases as a result of our combustion of fossil fuels. In terms of scale – and this is important – we want to know the impact on the climate of an extra 0.5 units of forcing, amongst all the other forcings, some of which are over 100 units each. So we’re trying to figure out the signal of an extra 0.5 of a unit amidst these large and variable natural flows of energy.

About the Author

Dr John R. Christy is the director of the Earth System Science Center, Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Science and Alabama State Climatologist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he has been employed for over 30 years. His responsibilities include managing a science centre with over 80 employees, working on several research projects ranging from developing and launching space-based instruments to studying impacts of significant weather events in developing countries, to high-resolution studies of air pollution (air-chemistry and meteorology). His own research concerns developing, constructing and refining global and regional climate data records that can be used to test claims of climate variability and change and to understand the climate’s sensitivity to various forcing factors. This work has resulted in almost 100 peer-reviewed publications.

This publication is available at https://www.thegwpf.org/content/uploads/2019/05/JohnChristy-Parliament.pdf

DIGITAL DISCOVERY OF THE WEEK— In storage

Crated and somewhere in post WWII Europe. Find ‘em quick!

–Frogman

AMA VINTAGE DAYS–Featuring Honda as the marque of the year, the 2019 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days are set for Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio July 5-7. Billed as the nation’s premier vintage motorcycling event, AMA Vintage Days include racing, a bike show, live music at the Old Bike Barn Crossroads stage, plus seminars and motorcycle attractions.

Best of all, the activities at the event financially support the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, the 501(c)(3) non-profit that raises money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

[page break]

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
SALT TORPEDO Chapter 19: Fiberglass Prison

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/SALT_TORPEDO_Chapter_19_Fiberglass_Prison.aspx

Nice ‘glass how to, good inspiration too. Maybe that’s what I need when I get bogged down with one of my books.

— Timothy Remus
tim@wolfpub.com
MPLS, MN

Hey Tim. As soon as we get back from Bonneville, we will consult with you on a Salt Torpedo tech book.–Bandit

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY HISTORY–
Earliest evidence for cannabis smoking discovered in ancient tombs

Traces of potent pot were identified in 2,500-year-old wooden artifacts buried with people who lived along the Silk Road in China.

BY MICHELLE Z. DONAHUE

The earliest direct evidence for human consumption of cannabis as a drug has been discovered in a 2,500-year-old cemetery in Central Asia, according to a research paper published today in in the journal Science Advances.

While cannabis plants and seeds have been identified at other archaeological sites from the same general region and time period—including a cannabis ‘burial shroud’ discovered in 2016—it’s been unclear in each context whether the versatile plant was used for psychoactive reasons or for other ritual purposes.

An international team of researchers analyzed the interiors and contents of 10 wooden bowls excavated from burials at Jirzankal Cemetery, a site on the Pamir Plateau in what is now far-western China. The bowls contained small stones that had been exposed to high heat, and archaeologists identified them as braziers for burning incense or other plant matter.

When chemical analysis of the braziers revealed that nine of the ten once contained cannabis, the researchers compared the chemical signature of the samples against those of cannabis plants discovered 1,000 miles to the east at Jiayi Cemetery, in burials dating from the eighth to the sixth century B.C.

They saw that the Jirzankal cannabis had something the Jiayi hemp did not: Molecular remnants of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC—the chemical responsible for cannabis’ psychoactive effects. The strain of cannabis found at Jiayi does not contain THC, and would have been primarily been used as a source of fiber for clothing and rope, as well as nutrient-rich oilseed.

The Jirzankal cannabis features higher levels of mind-altering compounds than have yet been found at any ancient site, suggesting that people could have been intentionally cultivating certain strains of cannabis for a potent high, or selecting wild plants known to produce that effect.

Cannabis is known for its “plasticity,” or ability for new generations of plants to express different characteristics from earlier generations depending on exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight, temperature, and altitude. Wild strains of cannabis growing at higher altitudes, for instance, can have a higher THC content.

The discovery at Jirzankal also provides the first direct evidence that humans inhaled combusted cannabis plants in order to obtain its psychoactive effects. No evidence of smoking pipes or similar apparatus has been found in Asia before contact with the New World in the modern era, but the inhalation of cannabis smoke from a heat source is described by the fifth-century B.C. Greek historian Herodotus, who described in his Histories how the Scythians, a nomadic tribe living on the Caspian Steppe, purified themselves with cannabis smoke after burying their dead: “The Scythians then take the seed of this hemp and, crawling in under the mats, throw it on the red-hot stones, where it smolders and sends forth such fumes that no Greek vapor-bath could surpass it. The Scythians howl in their joy at the vapor-bath.”

–National Geographic
News At https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/2019/06/earliest-evidence-cannabis-marijuana-smoking-china-tombs/

VINTAGE BIKE DEAL OF THE WEEK–
Harley-Davidson Panhead 1950

A premier builder of over 200 motorcycles, Mil Blair actualized his dream of building “TEX” in 1994.

This bike is a renowned replica of the timeless April 7, 1951 Saturday Evening Post cover bike “TEX”, possessing a 98% likeness to the cover/painting by Steven Dohanos. “The bike had been in the back of my mind since the day I saw the painting” said Mil, recalling seeing the cover for the first time when he was just 11 years old.

The replica is so intricate and detailed, Tex Keeler, who built the original bike, says he can’t tell the two bikes apart! While the likeness is undeniably striking, you’ll find a few inconsistencies from the bike featured in the painting, primarily because it was Mil’s dream to own and ride the bike, which involved making necessary adjustments in order to make it suitable for daily riding.

Built with a real Harley-Davidson Panhead engine, transmission, among many other original parts, this bike is a real museum quality motorcycle – so much so in fact the bike is not currently running as the oil, gas and battery had been removed for its period on display at Eiteljorg Museum for “Steel Ponies” Exhibit in Indianapolis, a testament to the bike’s significance.

Furthermore, this celebrated replica was featured in “Earlyriders” Magazine Issue Number 1 in 1994 (a copy of which will be accompanied with the bike), was seen on “American Pickers” Season 2 Episode 24 “California Dreaming” on The History Channel, was named “Best Panhead” at Bartells Harley-Davidson show and won the Otis Chandlers Vintage Museum honor of “Best American Motorcycle” at Ventura Motorcycle Show (winning trophy will accompany the bike).

While Mil has spent several decades enjoying this special bike he built, he feels it is time to let someone else have as much fun as he has had with it.

Key Details:
74 cubic inches
4 Speed Hand Shift “Tank Shift”
Linkert Carburetor
Low mileage on motor
Letters “TEX” on saddle bags are solid sliver
License plate: Special California #8898
12 Volt System
BDL belt drive primary
Bob Lepera handmade seat
*While the bike is built primarily with Harley-Davidson original parts, aftermarket parts were used

$ 42,500

–Mil Blair
HarleyMil@aol.com

SHOW REQUEST FROM AMERICAN IRON–Suggestions Requested!

Every year I help the local Greenwich Concours d’Elegance show to expose the car collectors and general public to some amazing motorcycles. And every year they seem quite popular.

I am looking for suggestions for next year’s “third “class.

We always run American motorcycles on Saturday, and imports on Sunday, but also a special themed class of bikes. Last year it was competition (race) bikes and had The World’s Fastest Indian, this year it was orphans (brands no longer in business).

Suggestions for next year please?

–Buzz Kantor
Grand Emperor
American Iron Magazine

BORN FREE COMING–Have a great Born Free. Europe working HARD too!

–the Sheriff
Media Group
Sweden

NEWS: Harley-Davidson Closes Kansas City Plant – What Happened?

The Last Nail in the V-Rod’s Coffin and Harassment Allegations at Harley-Davidson
Friday May 24th was the last day of production at the Harley-Davidson’s factory in Kansas City, Missouri. Closure was announced earlier in the year, but the shutdown process began in August of 2018.

The factory was built in the late 1990s at a cost of approximately $85 million dollars. At the time, thirty other communities were competing to have Harley-Davidson build in their towns, offering tens of millions in state tax abatement and other incentives. Some 22 years later, it’s been shut down, and about 800 employees are out of jobs.

“The Kansas City plant has been assembling Harley-Davidson motorcycles since 1997, and our employees will leave a great legacy of safety, quality, collaboration and manufacturing leadership. We are grateful to them and the Kansas City community for their many years of support and their service to our dealers and our riders.”

The plan is for production from the Kansas City factory to be shifted to the company’s York, Pennsylvania factory. This should create 450 new jobs in Pennsylvania where Harley-Davidson is investing $150,000,000 to expand their state-of-the-art plant. The expanded York plant will take over production of the Sportster, Dyna, and Street family of motorcycles previously made in Kansas City.

How does the V-Rod play into this?

The original first-generation V-Rod was everything Harley-Davidson wants to offer customers today, but it came eighteen years too soon. By the time the V-Rod entered its final production generation it was too heavy, fat, and expensive for a new generation of riders. There was always hope, especially among the V-Rod fanbase on 1130cc, that the V-Rod would be brought back as the bastion of Harley-Davidson’s performance potential. An 1130cc (and later 1250cc) motor that put their big twins to shame.

Harley enthusiasts had hopes that as long as the plant stayed open, there would always be an opportunity to bring the V-Rod back to production, once the market was once again ready for it. While we have seen other companies bring back models from their past (think Suzuki bringing back the Katana thirteen years after it was last produced), the Kansas City plant officially shutting down may be the last nail in the V-Rod’s coffin. That’s a real shame, because it was arguably the greatest bike Harley-Davidson has ever produced, and undoubtedly the most future-forward one.

When Harley-Davidson first made the announcement last year, they blamed the need to close the plant on President Trump’s trade policies and soft sales. A tariff increase on motorcycles that Harley-Davidson sold in the European Union meant that Harley’s motorcycles would cost over $2,000 more per motorcycle in Europe, on every motorcycle made in America and sold in the Europe. This created a need to move production overseas.

Random motorcycle history blurb: Companies building factories in Europe to get around tariffs and trade barriers is nothing new. One of the most successful examples in motorcycling was the Honda Hornet a.k.a. the Honda 599. In the early-2000s, the Honda 599 was the hottest selling street bike in Europe. It was a European-styled and European-built street bike, with Japanese performance and reliability. Honda was selling so many of these things that they were making them in Italy so they could keep the price down for European riders.

Harley will be opening more plants outside of the United States (not just in Europe, but also in Thailand and possibly Malaysia) to sell to foreign markets. According to Harley-Davidson, motorcycles made overseas would be for overseas sales only, and any Harley-Davidson sold in America would still be made in America. Still, the decision has created a rift not only between Harley and their employees, but also between Harley and many other Americans.

So what’s happening to the Kansas City plant?

The plant has grown over the years from 400,000 initially to over 500,000 square feet. It sits on a 314 acre lot that you can buy for only $26,500,000. Sure, that’s a lot of money, but when you take into account the $85,000,000 to build the facility, and the fact that the deal includes a paint booth system that cost $30,000,000 alone, it’s a steal of deal. Not to mention you have 600 machinists and other skilled workers nearby just waiting to get to work… Any billionaires out there want to bring back the V-Rod? Send me an email and let’s get to work!

So what about those out-of-work employees, anyway?

*sigh* That’s a loaded question. Harley made it clear to them that the plant would be closed back in January, so they’ve had a few months to try to figure out their next move. The Motor Company has been providing support to help employees transition to new work, which includes a workforce development center that has operated at the plant for the past year, hosting job fairs with other local employers and offering free workshops for employees to develop new skills to help them be more sought after by other employers. If this is true, that’s a classy move on the Motor Company’s part and helps to make the most of an unfortunate situation.

But it isn’t all classy…

Nope. Not at all. Minority workers at the Kansas City plant say they’ve been the victims of racism and harassment for years. There’s been allegations of swastikas and nooses found all over the plant. Harley-Davidson says that they’ve investigated any and all reported claims, but the media reports that harassment only became worse as the closing of the plant drew nearer. There’s no denying that the situation sucks, but come on Kansas City, I know you’re better than that.

Conclusions

The Kansas City Harley-Davidson plant closing should allow for the motor company to “cut the fat” and focus on areas of opportunity that will hopefully keep the Motor Company alive for another hundred years. Unfortunately, this is bad news for V-Rod aficionados, and terrible news for the local economy. The 450 new jobs being created in Pennsylvania are only about 56% of the jobs lost in Missouri. Harley-Davidson is operating from an “Evolve or Die” mindset, so the company looks a lot different than it’s former self. What happens next is anyone’s guess.

–www.YouMotorcycle.com

BIKERNET EAST COAST EDITOR HEADING TO THE SMOKEOUT–
Heading to the Smoke-Out Saturday morning. Again this year, I will be a judge in the bike show, a great honor. I will be choosing a bike for a full feature in BIKERNET! Ready to roll!

–STEALTH

BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ENGLISH DEPARTMENT VOCABULARY LESSON—
bastion

[bas-chuhn, -tee-uhn]
noun
1.
anything seen as preserving or protecting some quality, condition, etc.: a bastion of solitude.

… Notre Dame went from being a football school to being not just academically respected but a bastion of intellectual freedom and ideological pluralism ….

The English noun bastion still looks French. It comes from Middle French, from Upper Italian bastione “rampart, bulwark, bastion,” an augmentative noun formed from bastita “fortified,” from the verb bastire “to build,” from Medieval Latin bastire, possibly of Germanic origin and akin to bastille “tower, small fortress, bastion.” Bastion entered English in the late 16th century.

Illinois motorcyclist killed after grass clippings left on road--BUREAU COUNTY, Ill. (KWQC) – A motorcyclist was killed Monday in an accident caused by grass clippings left in the road, according to WMBD-TV.

59-year-old Cheryl Zeglen of Canton, Illinois, was riding with her husband and other motorcyclists on County Highway Route 6 in Bureau County when the accident occurred.

When the group came upon fresh grass clippings left on the road, the lead rider, Zeglen’s husband, Thomas Zeglen, began to lose control, according to WEEK-TV.

When Thomas Zeglen slowed down, Cheryl Zeglen crashed into him and was ejected from her motorcycle.

Zeglen died at the hospital two days later.

In late April, KWQC published a story about the potential dangers grass clippings can pose for motorcycle riders.

–www.KWQC.com

More on grass on roadway: We need to do more to make motorcycle riders aware of this and how to handle motorcycles in this and other situations, where the wheels lose traction?

Maybe this should become part of Rider Training and testing before getting a license.

–Rogue
Supreme Senior Editor
Bikernet.com™
Founder
Biker Lives Matter

LUPE JUST LEFT—After peeling the form out of the fiberglass Salt Torpedo top. I have my work cut out for me today. I need to clean and organize the shop. Micah is coming over to dismantle the Torpedo, so we can finish welding all the pieces starting Monday.

Andrew Ursich is coming over Monday after work to give us a hand.

I took Zack over to Brat Style. Go was preparing for a local race in Pomona. Zack is thinking about a bobber.

Taking the 5-Ball van to have the trailer hitch installed tomorrow. Non-stop action.

Ride fast and free,

–Bandit

 

42,000 Votes Cast for People’s Choice Winners; Next Round of Judging Gets Rolling


MILWAUKEE (June 13, 2019) – After fierce online competition, the people have spoken, casting 42,000 votes for the coolest custom motorcycles in the United States. Twenty-one U.S. custom bike builds reign as the “People’s Choice” award winners in Harley-Davidson’s Battle of the Kings competition.

From April 15 to May 15, public voters cast an online ballot for their favorite custom bike across three categories: Chop, Race and Dirt. Competition was steep, featuring more than 40 builds created in partnership with Harley-Davidson^® dealers and local trade school students from across the nation. To view* the “People’s Choice” winners locate the award badge on the winning motorcycles at H-D.com/BattleOfTheKings.

Though the Battle of the Kings competition first revved up in 2015, it’s the first year that U.S. trade school students were invited to partner with local dealers for a unique, real-world training opportunity. Under the guidance of experienced Harley-Davidson mechanics, students were introduced to the creativity, customization prowess and technical precision of motorcycle customization.

“With this competition, we are seeing first-hand the passion and drive these students have not only for motorcycling but for leaning into new experiences that teach them how to think big,” said Heather Malenshek, Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer. “Battle of the Kings allows these students to apply their creativity and funnel this passion into real-life applications that will ride with them for generations.”

As the competition continues to roll towards the final crowning of one U.S. Battle of the Kings Champion, the first 18 finalists were announced on Monday, June 10. Harley-Davidson marketing and styling employees selected the top 18 finalists – the top six from each of the three build categories. These bikes have a ‘Category Finalist’ award badge affixed to their motorcycle in the gallery at h-d.com.

The second round of judging will narrow these 18 down to one in each build category of Chop, Dirt and Race. The finalists are set to be announced by July 1 and will be judged by top journalists from American Iron Magazine, Cycle World and Cycle Source as well as Harley-Davidson enthusiast, Milo Ventimiglia, from the TV Series This is Us. 

These top three finalists will then go head to head for the U.S. title at the Annual Harley-Davidson Dealer Meeting held in Milwaukee in August. The competition doesn’t end there, as later in November the U.S. winning bike and its build crew will travel to Milan, Italy to compete with four other global finalists for the ultimate title of “Battle of the Kings Champion.”

Holding these titles is nothing to scoff at. The Battle of the Kings contest is the largest dealer custom bike build competition in the world highlighting the endless possibilities to personalize Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Since its beginnings, Battle of the Kings has created more than 500 custom bikes.Through programs like Battle of the Kings, Harley-Davidson is building the next generation of skilled tradespeople and inspiring students to get involved in the exciting world of motorcycle customization.

See the builds from dealerships around the world and sign up to get your free Battle of the Kings sticker by visiting H-D.com/BattleOfTheKings. Follow the competition on social media with#BattleOfTheKings.

On Saturday, June 15th, 2019 from 10 AM – 5 PM MDT, we’re bringing the Twins to the land of the Rockies. With mountain views and motorcycles at the META Magazine headquarters, what more could you ask for? We’re thrilled to be pairing up with one of our all-time favorite motorcycle publications for our fifth stop on the eight-city tour. Join us for Demo rides, DJ’s, food trucks and so much more. Scroll down to RSVP to the event, and sign up for newsletter updates on additions to this upcoming celebration. Click here to check out more on the Twins themselves.

Honda’s Mean Mower V2 might have wrestled back the title of world’s fastest lawnmower for the Japanese factory, with a 150.99-mph (243-km/h) top speed, a power-to-weight ratio better than a Bugatti Chiron and the fastest 0-100 mph time in history for a lawn care vehicle.

Using the 4-cylinder engine from a CBR1000RR Fireblade motorcycle that produces 200 hp at 13,000 rpm, a custom-built, ultra-lightweight frame and a set of standard bodywork from a regular ol’ Honda HF 2622 lawn tractor, Honda and its British Touring Car Championship partner Team Dynamics put together a screaming beast of a thing in an attempt to take back the title of World’s Fastest Lawnmower.

Honda held this profoundly silly record back in 2013, and was a little miffed when a Norwegian team bundled a 408-hp Corvette motor into a Viking T6 and took the title off them in 2015.

But the Viking’s record of 134 mph (215 km/h) was no match for the Mean Mower V2, which just squeaked past its goal of hitting 150 mph (241 km/h) at the Dekra Lausitzring, near Dresden, last week. It also set a new world record in acceleration for a lawnmower, if such a thing had ever existed before, by blasting its way from 0-100 mph (0-161 km/h) in 6.29 seconds.

Honda’s press release curiously only celebrates this acceleration title, so there’s a chance it couldn’t officially prove the top speed run in both directions, within an hour, which are the official requirements for a Guinness World Record in this category. Either that, or the Japanese company thinks this whole high-speed mower shebang is getting a bit dangerous and wants to put a stop to it.

We suspect the former; breaking the top speed record was the only thing Honda spoke of in its July press release, and now Dave Hodgetts, the Managing Director of Honda UK, is saying things like “After taking the top speed record in 2014, we wanted to do something a little different by setting an all-new record for acceleration.” Did you really, Dave? Or are you salvaging an acceleration record out of an unsuccessful top speed attempt?

Mystery and intrigue, folks. Either way, in case anyone’s asking, yes, it can cut grass. And it can do so at speed – although how good of a job it can do at freeway speeds may be another issue altogether.

Enjoy a fun video of the record attempt below, with racer and stunt driver Jess Hawkins at the wheel.

Remember when I mentioned the following:

Okay, so the Salt Torpedo got close to being ready for fiberglass work. I spoke to Gary Maur, of Kustom Fab, in Detroit, and he convinced me that we could handle it in the shop. That was a confidence builder, but I still didn’t like the notion of grinding fiberglass in the shop. Nasty shit.

Much of the above paragraph came true over the last month. The Redhead hooked me up with Lupe, a local Marine mechanic and fiberglass guy. He brought over Willie, and then Santos and told me the whole process could be handled in a week. We discussed the timing and schedule, but it never happened that way.

Every day, I learned something more, to the chagrin of our fleeting schedule.

Two gallons of Epoxy 105—slow setting
Two pumps for measuring the epoxy and hardener
A box of 6-inch paint rollers
Two Gallons of lacquer thinner
A box of plastic gloves
Five 1-gallon buckets
Five 1-quart buckets
A roll of 1-inch blue tape
A bunch of cheap 2-inch brushes
One gallon of Acetone
Four jumper suits, large
A sheet of thin veneer

I’m on a mission from the lord of the Piston Pirates. I finished painting Jeremiah’s landing and built a railing for working on my roll-up door. I needed a can of red Rustoleum paint to finish it off.

I wish I knew what the hell I was doing. First, I used the wrong Bondo. Lupe kept asking for a gallon. We ended up using the low-strength Bondo, and probably over two gallons.

We laid the first round of fiberglass this weekend, just before it rained. That was a Saturday. At that point I didn’t know shit about what was happening. We were using a very thick biaxial glass cloth and it was very difficult to work around these curved surfaces.

It’s not as if I don’t believe Lupe, but he’s loopy with alcohol every day and his schedule shifted from working every day to once, maybe twice a week. I watched a couple of tutorials regarding fiberglass over curved surfaces. I started to quiz Tony at the local Marine store, and he gave me another type of fiberglass. I trimmed away the excess glass and sanded the first layer. I bought and learned about new tools, and types of fiberglass. The second layer was a thinner mesh and was easier to work into the shapes, but I was still making mistakes.

Lupe told me Tony was full of shit and we needed the thicker cloth to get the thickness and strength we needed without multiple layers of cloth. The first thick layer had lots of overlaps, which caused lips in the shape.

I tried to overcome that problem with the second layer. I minimized the number of overlaps, but I was still doing it wrong.

Originally, we were going to fiberglass the existing piece of the top of the tank together, but it dawned on me—that wasn’t Lupe’s plan.

We are currently working with the existing fiberglass as a mold for the Salt Torpedo. I thought we were going to add fiberglass to our top, but now Lupe is going to make a mold out of the top and fiberglass over it. I don’t know why, but I’m edgy.

I watched YouTube and read about fiberglass advice. It’s tough to find just the right information without spending hours watching slow, ponderous instructional films. On the other-hand, I was learning and picking up tips everywhere I could.

I needed to cut the glass into patterns for the next round of glass, two more to go. But I was disturbed by the puzzle notion. I started to investigate and found this photo.

We went to a small Memorial Day gathering on the bluff over-looking the Pacific. It was mellow until I brought up the Salt Torpedo, and suddenly everyone wanted to come to Bonneville in August to see the action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFaA6wbZ4ac

Shit, I feel like every minute I’m snorting the sands of time. I just scoured through the internet looking for advice on making fiberglass patterns or laying fiberglass over a curved surface.

I’m going to try to take my ’72 F250 to a car show this Saturday in Carson, with a for sale sign. I would like to load a bike in the back just to grab some attention. We’ll see. It’s already another wild week

Friday, I bought a 2018 Nissan high-top van and immediately started to modify it. It turned out to be a very basic model with just 85 miles on the clock. I think I got a reasonable deal but discovered it doesn’t have cruise control. Any suggestions?

First newish 4-wheeler in the last 25 years. I drug my feet long enough and needed to move on something for Bonneville this year. I drove it directly from the dealership to Wellington signs to have it emblazoned with our 5-Ball Racing Logos, but fuck, they weren’t ready; maybe another day.

It came with racks and a bulkhead, which will need to go. The bulkhead is gone, and Don brought me a Condor wheel chock. I’m working on installing it and some fold down seats in the back.

I discovered I had no way of seeing my way clear to back out onto Harry Bridges. I had to modify my convex mirror mount and raise it almost 2 feet. Now it works but a palm tree needs to leave.

I was constantly running back to the Marine store for more epoxy resin. Between the second layer of glass and the third, Lupe recommended some Bondo work using an epoxy filler. I bought some. I filled the areas, which shrunk as it dried. Then I cut the thick glass for the final layer. No over-laps this time.

I like to work out on Saturdays, but halfway through my workout I realized I was burning daylight and went back to sanding, then spent the afternoon prepping the liner for a mess with resin.

I prayed this could be the final layer of glass. I made three two-layer panels of glass for the parachute box, and it seemed strong, but it was maybe 0.040 thinner than the belly tank. The belly tank also has a thin additional layer of gel coat. Our body would be two thick layers and one thin layer. It was touch and go.

Also, I was learning how to make glass patterns and about overlapping glass. I’m still not confirmed on this, but I don’t believe overlapping is the answer during a single coat. I cut the pattern for the final coat and made the pattern areas touch but not overlap. I think I’m beginning to get it.

Lupe was a no-show on Saturday, but Sunday we rocked. I had never done anything like this before, but I found myself coaching the team. We worked our asses off spreading slow-curing epoxy resin, rolling it into the glass fibers and Lupe worked at rolling the bubbles out of the glass. Then it started to rain.

When we finished, I asked Lupe if I could come back and give it another coat of resin. “No,” he said. “We will use epoxy primer next.”

I accepted his advice but was concerned about the thickness of our body and the rough surface. I watched another YouTube video from a glass and resin manufacturer demonstrating laying fiberglass over a curved surface. Interesting. The curve was a single plain and a very easy surface to deal with. But they recommended three coats of additional resin to fill the area left uneven by the resin soaking into the glass.

I went to work adding more coats. I sanded between each coat and this time was the first time I was in charge of mixing it 5:1 resin to hardener. I also took into consideration the weather and the sun. Warm and sunny, less hardener. It seemed to work. Over the weekend, I added four more layers of resin and the surface is still slightly uneven, but I’m hoping it’s strong and thick enough to let us move to the next stage.

I’m nervous about pulling the body away from our make-shift mold, but that’s next. I’m hoping to trim next, peel the body away and work on the box for the parachute.

The goal is to get the top of the body out of the shop for canopy and windshield work, so we can get back to the mechanical.

Lupe wants another relative to handle the paint, but I’m not going there. I’ll pay to have someone down the street paint it. And I’m hoping Yvonne will paint Atomic Bob’s Salt Torpedo bomber girl on the sides.

Hang on.

Jim’s Machine

Hot Rod Underground

Paughco

BDL

Strictly Hawgs

MetalSport Wheels

Custom Cycle Engineering

LowBrow

S&S

Bassini Exhausts

Twin Power

Lucky Devil Metal Works

 

As of June 9th, 2019, the State of Texas and motorcycle clubs associated with the Texas Confederation of Clubs and Independents is officially no longer affiliated with AIM and by default has disassociated with NCOM, and further, will no longer be known as a Confederation of Clubs.

This is not a decision that came easy but one that is necessary as we narrow our focus on Texas bikers, Texas legislative matters, and strengthening the Texas motorcycling community. Moving forward, we will operate under the name, Texas Council of Clubs and Independents.

Our mission to you, the motorcycling community, is to operate as an organization that serves with transparency, tenacity, and efficiency; without the interference of outside individuals. Texas Council of Clubs and Independents will continue dedicating our time fighting the ever increasing epidemic of motorcycle profiling in the State of Texas while educating the public and our legislators of this constant attack on our Constitutional rights. We will continue to foster relationships with organizations and groups within the State of Texas that share our common interests.

As you know, the Confederation of Clubs in Texas has operated as 12 distinct and autonomous regions. This rebranding to Texas Council of Clubs and Independents will not affect this. We encourage each region to continue operating as they have, since they are the most familiar with specific needs of their region.

Logistically, Region 1 will be able to assist any region that may have questions relating to logos, inventory of new patches, etc.

Technologically, you will see some refreshing changes. We are already operating a TCOC&I website (http://txcocinews.org/) and that will not change. In addition to that, we will be launching a Biker Communication Network that will include a website that is strictly biker news that will serve as a one stop shop for news that may affect or be of interest to Texas bikers. News and information will be spread across all social media platforms in an effort to increase awareness, activism, and entertainment. These platforms will be strictly used for news and legislative matters only and we encourage all benefits, bike nights, and parties be advertised in your local social media platforms and groups.

Legally, we are working with a number of attorneys that have agreed to look at civil liberties cases that highlight the epidemic of motorcycle profiling. This process is already in the works and cases are already being filed. There will be more information to come on this matter as we better define regional efficiency and qualification criteria. In the meantime, if you have been the subject of a potential profiling case, please fill out an incident report athttp://txcocinews.org/incident-report.html. Don’t forget, “Ride-Record-Report”.

Financially, to increase transparency and accountability, we are filing for 501(c) status.

Finally, we are energized with the possibilities that this change places before us. We appreciate your dedication to the organization and welcome those who would like to stand shoulder to shoulder as we fight for the rights of the motorcycling community and remind the Texas legislators that the voices of over 350,000 registered motorcycle enthusiasts will not be ignored.

Much respect,
Texas Council of Clubs and Independents