Hey,

I just finished a 36-episode series on the big questions of Philosophy by David Kyle Johnson Ph.d, King’s University. I never knew the actual meaning of philosophy until I watched this. This guy went to college to study religion and ended up a philosopher. I would like to know the story behind his shift.

Anyway, philosophy is the study of truth. I thought it was just the notion of thought or your mantra, or notions about anything, but no. Philosophers are truth seekers. The big questions are about God, Freedom, Government, etc. And of course, he explains the various thinking notions from philosophers throughout the ages. The last lecture is the biggie, the Meaning of Life. Or does life have meaning. Actually, it does and it doesn’t.

Let’s hit the news. This shit is deep and we just want to ride.

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.

 

NASA’s first all-female spacewalk scrapped over spacesuit sizes–

A planned first all-female spacewalk has been cancelled because of spacesuit issues, US space agency Nasa says.

Anne McClain and Christina Koch had been scheduled to install lithium-ion batteries at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday.

But Nasa says there is only one ready medium-size hard upper torso spacesuit that fits best each of the two women.

 

The spacesuits available at the ISS are in fact assemblies of several parts put together as best adapted to each astronaut’s body, Brandi Dean, spokeswoman of the Johnson Space Center in Houston, was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

So far only male or mixed male-female teams have conducted spacewalks.

News at BBC https://bbc.in/2FBU1NW

–WAYFARER
Science Editor Supreme
Bikernet™ Science Lab

BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
Late again WEEKEND ROUND-UP for this week!

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

LET’S TAKE A BREAK FOR A TRULY DIRE ANOUNCEMENT? The owner of the Patriots, a 99-year-old fuck, is apologizing for getting a handjob in a handjob salon

Prostitution should be Legal as it has been going on in one form or another since the beginning of humans.

The taxpayers would benefit as well

The cops maybe not so much

So, in the meantime continue to use it or it will dry up and you will not be able to some day.

— Rogue
rogue@bikernet.com
Melbourne, FL

 

THIS IS HOW TO MAKE A MOTORCYCLE MOVIE–DEATH RIDES A HORSE Previews
http://deuscustoms.com/blog/death-rides-a-horse-preview/

Beers, breakdowns, waves, repeat.

Since the 1940s, people have been taking the trip to Baja to ride motorcycles.
Thoughout the 1960s, other were making the same pilgrimage for the waves.
In the Summer of 2018, six friends, four custom bikes with surf racks, and a ’63 Chevy panel wagon made the trip to do both.

Deus Ex Machina presents ‘DEATH RIDES A HORSE’ our latest feature film directed by Dustin Humphrey, the man behind South to Sian.

Featuring Forrest Minchinton, Harrison Roach, Zye Norris, Matt Cuddihy, Lewie Dunn, Micah Davis and others.

FULL LENGTH FEATURE FILM COMING SOON.

Want to get a sneak peek at what the film is all about? Come along to one of our advanced ‘sneak peek’ screenings happening around the world over the coming weeks – CLICK TO CHECK OUT EVENT SCREENINGS

TEXAS HOUSE Passes Bill Legalizing Lemonade Stands Run By Children–

Taxing Children’s Lemonade to “change” – The bill, sponsored by Texas Rep. Matt Krause (R), legalizes temporary lemonade stands and other stands selling non-alcoholic beverages operated by minors on both private property or public parks, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Lemonade stands operated by minors were previously illegal in Texas because of sanitation concerns. The law prohibits the sale of any food items that could spoil without proper temperature control and lemonade is included. In addition to a permit, a health inspection must take place before a permit is granted.

Krause said the idea to legalize the stands came after County Time Lemonade ran a promotion called “Legal-Ade” that paid for fines and permits for children in the US who couldn’t legally operate lemonade stands.

The bill now moves to the Senate for approval.

Kids across the country are getting busted for operating lemonade stands without a permit.

In 2015, Texas sisters Andria, 8, and Zoey Green, 7, wanted to raise about $100 for a Father’s Day present. Police showed up and shut the lemonade stand down because the Green sisters did not have a “Peddler’s Permit,” which comes with a $150 fee.

In 2018, Denver police shut down the charity lemonade stand of Knowles brothers.

News At: http://www.funtagger.com/2019/03/texas-house-passes-bill-legalizing-lemonade-stands-run-by-children/
 
–Wayfarer
Editor and Chief Sultan
www.FunTagger.com

STURGIS MUSEUM MOTORCYCLE Hall of Fame Highlight–Class of 2019

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is featuring Hall of Fame Highlights of this year’s outstanding new group of inductees. Here is a glimpse at what they had to say. For the full story join us at the 2019 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (tickets available below). Congratulations and welcome Jill Parham.

*Please note: Hall of Fame Highlights will be published as we receive them from the Inductees. We look forward to sharing information about all of our Inductees in the weeks and months to come.

Jill Parham
It is rare that a husband and wife can work closely side by side in the same business. In 1979 Jill helped expand company focus from swap meets to mail-order parts sales. After working two jobs for over 10 years, and now seeing some family income from J&P Cycles, Jill quit her job in 1991 and moved to J&P Cycles full time.

Eventually, J&P Cycles became the world’s largest retailer of aftermarket motorcycle parts and accessories. In the period of the Industry’s greatest growth, Jill became a pioneer in the motorcycle industry, one of the early women leaders in a historically male-centric industry.

Jill continues to inspire women in the motorcycle industry and comments on her contributions to J&P Cycles, ”Relationships were very important to John and me and I did very well establishing some of those”. Jill says one of the events which really brought growth and expanded the J&P Cycles customer base was the Sturgis Rally.

It is fitting that Jill is honored in 2019 as it marks 40 years of her dedication to motorcycling and motorcycle riders as well as the 40th anniversary of company she co-founded, J&P Cycles.

This induction is on behalf of John and Jill’s many great friends, the thousands of employee riders of J&P Cycles over the past 40 years and its millions of customers. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is honored to recognize Jill Parham’s contributions to motorcycling and supports the preservation of her legacy.

Learn more about Jill Parham and all of the 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees on August 7, 2019 at the annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

KEVIN BAAS’ Chopper class revs up Lakeville North manufacturing and engineering program–Ryley Anderson works on a seat assembly for a modified ’98 Harley at Lakeville North High School on Thursday, March 21, 2019. Anderson, a junior, is one of the students in an advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology class, taught by Kevin Baas, where they design and build motorcycles. (Scott Takushi / Pioneer Press)

Kevin Baas’ “aha” moment as an educator came in 2003 when he began riding a 1958 Harley-Davidson Sportster to Kennedy High School, where he taught a metals class.

Students could not help but notice — and hear — when the tattooed teacher pulled up to the Bloomington school. They would surround him, ask about his bike.

“These were kids who were not in my class, but I could see they were excited about bikes,” Baas recalled this week. “I said, ‘Stop in my class and we’ll strip this bike down and work on it.’ And kids started signing up.”

Baas soon started a motorcycle-building club after school, and enrollment in his metals class doubled the next year.

“I saw that light bulb,” Baas said. “I realized this was something I need to push.”

Now, Baas teaches the program at Lakeville North High School as a manufacturing, engineering and technology instructor. The 45-year-old, who started in Lakeville last school year, didn’t have to do much convincing to get the job.

“We actively pursued him,” Principal Marne Berkvam said this week. “We knew what he did at Kennedy, how he turned things around there. He came here with an even bigger vision.”

This weekend, Baas’ students will compete with other custom motorcycle builds as part of the 32nd annual Donnie Smith Bike Show at the St. Paul RiverCentre. Last year’s student-built bike, which placed second, will be on display at Lakeville North’s booth.

Baas has been taking student-built bikes to the show since 2005, attracting big crowds and earning lots of awards. The show is considered the largest custom bike show in the Midwest.

“We were winning first place, gosh … probably eight years in a row,” Baas said of his time at Kennedy, where he spent 22 years.

Kennedy offered students a separate “Chopper Class,” as it was officially known, with full credit. It was replicated by a few other schools, including at St. Francis High in the north metro and at one outside Buffalo, N.Y.

In Lakeville, the curriculum is for higher-level manufacturing and engineering students who show interest and a drive in building motorcycles.

REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY
Berkvam, the school’s principal, said she helped recruit Baas from Kennedy in the summer of 2017 after hearing about the work he was doing there.

Berkvam said Lakeville North’s shop area “needed some TLC,” and the school wanted to go in a different direction.

–By NICK FERRARO
Twin Cities Pioneer Press

–from Rogue
Senior Editor
Bikernet.com

 

Mexicans Are Stealing Border Wall Materials, Using Them For Home Security–

Whatever adjectives you might use to describe a border wall ? “big” or perhaps even “beautiful” ? “readily stolen” is not likely one of them.

Unnamed Mexican officials told San Diego’s KUSI-TV that 15 to 20 people have been arrested for stealing concertina wire from the U.S.-Mexico border and selling it to security-minded homeowners in Tijuana.

U.S. troops installed the fencing in November 2018 at the urging of President Donald Trump, who was concerned about a “caravan” of migrants.

“We have detected that the barbed wire that was installed in the border area is no longer there,” Marco Antonio Sotomayor Amezcua, the secretary of public safety in Tijuana, confirmed to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “We know about the stealing of the concertina [wire] from United States authorities who have asked us for help through the liaison staff.”

Though Mexican authorities told the Union-Tribune that those arrested were mostly Mexican citizens, one Tijuana resident who had the wire installed said the man who sold it to her sure didn’t seem Mexican.

The woman, identified as “Veronica,” told the newspaper El Sol de Tijuana that the man had blue eyes, blonde hair, and didn’t speak Spanish well.

The residents paid 40 pesos to have the razor-sharp fencing material installed outside their homes, reported Tijuana’s XEWT-12 TV. That’s equivalent to $2.10.

At YAHOO NEWS: https://news.yahoo.com/mexicans-stealing-border-wall-materials-212135126.html

–Wayfarer

QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
BLUE COLLAR BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for March 21, 2019

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/BLUE_COLLAR_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_March_21_2019.aspx

Hey, for $335 H-D will sell you a jacket with “dirty stripes and patches”. Should match the Gucci sneakers nicely. Who thinks this shit up?

https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/h-d-triple-vent-system-rutland-riding-jacket

— Paul
paul@aeromach.net
Charlotte, NC

Marcus Cuff took me to a Ralph Lauren Vintage clothing store on Melrose not long ago. It was a Twilight Zone experience. So, you stumble into a bar and the bouncer is wearing a denim jacket splattered with paint. So, you ask yourself, “Did he just paint his garage or is he wearing a pricey Ralph Lauren jacket?” I’m confused?

–Bandit

ALL-NEW BST Torque TEK Carbon Fiber Wheel Steals the Show at the Donnie Smith Bike & Car Show 2019

The all-new BST Torque TEK carbon fiber wheel was a huge hit this year at the 32nd Annual Donnie Smith Bike & Car Show. The geometrical shapes of this new design (specifically targeting the V-Twin market) offer the enthusiast the opportunity to personalize the look with tones of chrome, 6 clearcoat color combinations, 3 different finishes and 6 different sizes, including a new 26-inch front (shown).

We Want To Hear From YOU!

If you are interested in the all-new BST Torque TEK carbon fiber wheels for V-Twin applications, please fill out the form here. Expected availability of spring 2019.

Note: If you have questions about existing Brock’s Performance or BST products please contact sales@brocksperformance.com

 

VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE RUNS TO THE HIMALAYAS–If we say: steep hillside mountains, sacred lakes, lunar landscapes… does it make you think of something? 

 

 

 

Yes, today we take you to the Indian Himalayas.

From the alpine reliefs of Himachal Pradesh to the mineral universe of Ladakh,
our motorcycle tours in this mythical region take you for a ride on the highest summits. We organize bike holidays of all levels (accessible, intermediate and demanding), united by a single common goal: breathtaking change of scenery.

“Trans-Himalayan”, does it ring a bell? Dream of any biker, for over 12 years
we’ve been running this exclusive motorcycle tour with a demanding itinerary.
Our experience has teached us that it’s important to stay on the cutting edge
of the best motorcycle adventures, even in the regions we know by heart.

So, we worked on some novelties for 2019: riding to the Sach Pass, a pass
higher than the Rothang and much less crowded. Far from the perfect bitumen
passes, you progress on one of the most beautiful portions of Himalayan off-road, in a majestic and mineral decor.

Lovers of the region can rest assured : we still ride through the Tibetan plateau,
as well as Tso Kar and Tso Moriri lakes, until reaching Leh and
Kardung-La (5370 m), the apotheosis of a motorcycle tour in Ladakh.

The Trans-Himalayan
15 days incl. 10 days riding
Level: demanding
Departure from 26 June to 10 July 2019

 

Look for the Tucker Rig at Arizona Bike Week–The Tucker Rally Rig will be on-site at Arizona Bike Week April 3rd through the 7th at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

This year’s event will be action-packed with five days of bike shows, flat track racing, demo and benefit rides, stunt shows, concerts and more. Stop by the vendor area and say hello if you’re in attendance.

For full event schedule visit: http://www.azbikeweek.com/events.asp
Website: http://www.azbikeweek.com/

For more information about Tucker, visit www.tucker.com. To become an authorized Tucker dealer, visit the Tucker Dealer Partner page at www.tucker.com/become-a-dealer.

Feel free to drop me an email or a call with any questions or further needs.

–Dale Spangler
Tucker Powersports
dspangler@tucker.com / 208.484.8263

JIMS 4340 Chromoly Steel Pushrods & Solid Adjustable Tappet Kit for Shovelheads

Despite advancements in hydraulic lifters, solids are still the way to go for maximum power. Most engine builders agree that solid lifters can withstand more aggressive cam profiles and higher RPM.

Just because your engine is an older Shovelhead design doesn’t mean you have to settle for anything less than the best. For $520.20 MSRP, JIMS® is proud to offer a top quality 4340 steel pushrod and adjustable solid lifter kit (Part No. 5525) for Shovelhead Engines. For more information please contact us at (805) 482-6913, email us at sales@jimsusa.com, or visit www.jimsusa.com.

–Greg Thiessen
Marketing Representative
JIMS
555 Dawson Drive,
Camarillo, CA 93012
Ph: 805-482-6913
www.jimsusa.com

Autonomous Car History—This notion has been around since the ‘20s.

Experiments have been conducted on self-driving cars since at least the 1920s; promising trials took place in the 1950s and work has proceeded since then.

The first self-sufficient and truly autonomous cars appeared in the 1980s, with Carnegie Mellon University’s Navlab and ALV projects in 1984 and Mercedes-Benz and Bundeswehr University Munich’s Eureka Prometheus Project in 1987.

In 1925, Houdina Radio Control demonstrated the radio-controlled “American Wonder” on New York City streets, traveling up Broadway and down Fifth Avenue through the thick of the traffic jam. The American Wonder was a 1926 Chandler that was equipped with a transmitting antennae on the tonneau and was operated by a second car that followed it and sent out radio impulses which were caught by the transmitting antennae.

Achen Motor, a distributor of cars in Milwaukee and surrounding territory, used Francis’ invention under the name “Phantom Auto” and demonstrated it in December 1926 on the streets of Milwaukee. It was demonstrated again in June 1932 on the streets of Fredericksburg as a feature attraction of Bigger Bargain Day, in which most of the merchants of the city were participating.

An early representation of an automated guided car was Norman Bel Geddes’s Futurama exhibit sponsored by General Motors at the 1939 World’s Fair, which depicted radio-controlled electric cars that were propelled via electromagnetic fields provided by circuits embedded in the roadway.

In 1953, RCA Labs successfully built a miniature car that was guided and controlled by wires that were laid in a pattern on a laboratory floor.

In 1957, a full size system was successfully demonstrated by RCA Labs and the State of Nebraska on a 400-foot strip of public highway at the intersection of U.S. Route 77 and Nebraska Highway 2, then just outside Lincoln, Nebraska. A series of experimental detector circuits buried in the pavement were a series of lights along the edge of the road.

The detector circuits were able to send impulses to guide the car and determine the presence and velocity of any metallic vehicle on its surface. A previous test installation of the system in September 1954 along U.S. Route 73 and U.S. Route 75 in Cass County, Nebraska was utilized as an experimental traffic counter. It was developed in collaboration with General Motors, who paired two standard models with equipment consisting of special radio receivers and audible and visual warning devices that were able to simulate automatic steering, accelerating and brake control.

ATTACHED – street intersection in the City of the Future; detail of the Futurama exhibit at the 1939 New York World’s Fair

–Wayfarer
Bikernet™ Science Editor

THE RACY WOMEN’S 5-BALL RACING HOODIE JACKET IS COMING TO BIKERNET—And Bartels’ Harley-Davidson.

It’s sharp and designed by women riders. It comes with a full hoodie, thumb holes and deep gun pockets. It’s made of a light buffalo hide.

We are also bringing in a new full-sleeve Jak shirt with the lighter leather and a collar with snaps to hold it down on the road.

Check out our line of 5-Ball Racing Leathers.

–Bandit

[page break]

 

LIFESTYLE DEAL OF THE WEEK–2015 Harley-Davidson FLS – Softail Slim
$9,995.00

This is one of the coolest rides you will ever come across. It will definitely be the envy of the motorcycle community. It reeks of savvy from top to bottom, 12-inch ape hangers to chrome laced vivid black rims. It makes you want to ride and to show it off to friends and family.

It holds a twin-cam, 103 cubic-inch, air-cooled beast. Grunt everywhere, terrific throttle response, and it’s even pretty smooth thanks to counter-balancers.

A 25.6 inch seat height and 701 lb. curb weight makes it comfortable and easy to ride. And you will get that sound you love with Vance & Hines 2:1 Big Radius exhaust.

The Softail rear suspension mimics the clean lines of a vintage hardtail frame but offers the comfort of a modern suspension that is hidden under the chassis. The rigid powertrain allows tight packaging of the engine and frame and creates a solid connection between the rider and the power that moves the motorcycle.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT…

Gray paint is super condition. Black mini apes, blinkers, and contrast cut Arlen Ness grips. Vivid Black headlamp case and bezel on chrome laced vivid black rims. Black Vance & Hines 2:1 Big Radius exhaust.

Vivid Black swing arm, oil tank, and black chain guard. THIS BIKE HAS ABS – anti-locking brake system. Rider floorboards and solo seat with matching pillion and passenger pegs. Viking side bag.

Rigid-mounted, air-cooled, 1690 cc Twin Cam 103B counter-balanced engine with Automatic Compression Release (ACR) rated at 97.4 ft. lbs. peak torque at 3000 rpm. 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission. Stage 1 intake with circular black cover.

Polished rocker covers, chrome push-rod tubes, polished tappet blocks, trans, cam, and primary. Chrome covers on the cam, derby, and horn. Side mount license plate with combo tail/blinkers and more…

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 100 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!!!

U.S. Politicians Cheer New Zealand Gun Confiscation–U.S. Politicians Cheer New Zealand Gun Confiscation Policy.

American gun owners have once again been reminded that the ultimate goal of U.S. gun control advocates is firearms bans and confiscation. Since the heinous terrorist attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, American anti-gun politicians, activists, and media outlets have offered their full-throated support for the New Zealand government’s efforts to ban and confiscate firearms from law-abiding gun owners.

STAY CHARGED ON AND OFF THE ROAD WITH NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON LITHIUM BATTERIES–The new Harley-Davidson® Lithium LiFe Battery offers a reliable, long-lasting battery with powerful cranking amps and lower battery weight. LiFe batteries use an impressive 90 percent of range capacity, which provides superior cranking amp power to start your motorcycle even in the harshest of conditions (0-120°F).

LiFe batteries weigh notably less than standard H-D® AGM batteries reducing any unnecessary bike weight. LiFe batteries also provide a lifespan of more than double H-D AGM batteries and require only one charge per riding season with proper maintenance.

Additional benefits are seen when pairing Lithium LiFe Batteries with the new Dual Mode Battery Tender (P/N 66000181, $59.95*). The tender is perfect for short- or long-term charging needs with selectable options via an LED front panel to indicate charge progress for optimal charging. The water-resistant housing ensures the perfect charge even if moisture gets into your storage area, and the vibration- and shock- resistant tender is reverse polarity protected and spark-proof, even when the leads touch.

The 4Ah Lithium LiFe Battery (P/N 66000171, $199.95*) fits on ’15-later XG models, ’04-later XL models and ’08-’13 XR models. The 6Ah Lithium LiFe Battery (P/N 66000174, $249.95*) fits ’04-’17 Dyna® models, ’04-later Softail® models and ’07-’17 VRSC™ models. The 8Ah LiFe Lithium Battery (P/N 66000175, $299.95*) fits ’04-later Touring models and ’09-later Trike models. There are additional separate California-specific part numbers.

To download a Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories catalog, visit www.H-D.com/catalogs or visit your local H-D dealership to learn more.

FLORIDA UPDATE–With two unrelated actions occurring close together, Florida legislators demonstrated again this month that they don’t like having voters tell them what to do.

OUR OPINION
A Florida tale of two mandates
Legislators give in on smokable marijuana, dig in on ex-felon voting

Editorial Board
Tallahassee Democrat USA TODAY NETWORK – FLORIDA

With two unrelated actions occurring close together, Florida legislators demonstrated again this month that they don’t like having the voters tell them what to do.

First, they passed a bill demanded by Gov. Ron DeSantis, allowing patients with doctor recommendations for medicinal marijuana to use the drug in smoking form. More than 60 percent of voters in a 2016 statewide referendum had approved a constitutional amendment allowing medical use of marijuana, but implementing legislation adopted in the previous term had allowed it only in non-smoking forms.

That was absurd. Does anyone really think voters participating in the referendum were thinking of ointments, oils or maybe some edible forms of cannabis? DeSantis was right to make legislators heed the obvious will of the people.

Unfortunately, they still seem to be bucking the clearly stated vox populii with the implementation of Amendment 4, the mandate adopted last November to restore voting rights of most former state prison inmates.

There are some legitimate legal questions that lawyers can work out in good faith, if their intention is to let about 1.4 million ex-cons regain the right to vote — rather than to poke some loopholes into the rights-restoration amendment.

As a rule, Republicans don’t like felon voting because most of those “returning citizens” — the euphemism preferred by Democrats — are not going to vote for GOP candidates. As a rule, Democrats do like the idea because it will help attain the goal of registering one-million new Florida voters in time for the 2020 elections, which Andrew Gillum announced this week.

Meanwhile, county elections supervisors have been registering released felons — except for murderers and sex offenders — since last January, under terms of Amendment 4.

So, voting along straight party lines, a House committee
approved implementing legislation specifying that “completion of sentence” means payment of all court fees, costs of supervision, drug tests during probation and other expenses related to felony convictions. Even if a judge did not make those payments part of a sentence, they could be required before a person could register to vote.

The House bill would also broaden the definition of “felony sex offenses” to include prostitution and an array of other crimes.
The Senate Criminal Justice Committee bill would probably let more ex-prisoners vote than the House version. But it has a broader homicide exclusion, to include those convicted of attempted murder or felony manslaughter.

Advocates who campaigned for adoption of Amendment 4 called the court-fee payment requirement a form of poll tax. They maintain, really, that little or no implementation is even needed — the Constitution no longer includes a prohibition of most felons voting, so the law should just get out of the way.

But it’s not in the nature of elected officials to leave things alone. More often than not, the reason for a petition signature initiative to put something on the ballot is because the Legislature refused to pass a law the regular way. So some special interests get together, draft a petition and lawyer it through the maze of legal requirements, then sell it at the polls to at least 60 percent of the voters.

That’s what happened with medical marijuana, which fell just short of 60 percent the first time it was on the ballot and cleared that hurdle on its second try. That’s what happened with felon voting.

That’s what happened with earlier petition amendments forbidding partisan gerrymandering of congressional and legislative districts, mandating use of some development tax revenue for conservation purposes and setting up a state lottery — to name just a few.

The people speak. The legislators comply — but they try to do it their way, which might not be precisely what the public had in mind.

We know the political ego can be fragile, and easily bruised by a voter mandate. But we’re glad legislators finally caved on smokable marijuana — even though it took a new governor — and we hope their goal in implementing Amendment 4 will be to help more former prisoners become full citizens again, not to limit eligibility as much as they legally can.

This editorial was decided and written by the editorial board of the Tallahassee Democrat, part of the USA TODAY Network.

–from Rogue

 

Words from the Base of the Gray Mountain–Be Here Now, you have the tools.
The only way to progress is to move forward.

Kick-start your life and take it one gear at a time.

The wheels of time will roll on endlessly.

 

But you have the choice to grab the throttle and be firmly on the saddle.

Ride Free, Ride On!!!

–Wayfarer
Chief Guru
Bikernet™ World Headquarters

BARNETT CLUTCH TO THE RESCUE– So messing around this weekend, took the clutch apart to add the stock damper set up like Barnett recommended.

Looking at the Barnett plates compared to the HD friction plates it seems the Stock HD has more surface area VS Barnett and the HD plates are thicker. I know it’s a different material but….I put all the stock plates back in, along with the Barnett pressure plate and medium springs. Like it much better and no noise, no slippage and better control.

End result…..Stock Clutch, Barnett Spring Plate, No Compensator Bel Ray Fluid. Live and learn.

The Salt Torpedo seems tiny, who is going to pilot it? Angela Sampy?

Later ….
–Barry Green

The magnificent Micah McCloskey who will be in the shop tomorrow putting the driveline together.–Bandit

QUICK, WATCH THIS VIDEO—Incredible.
Carbon Dioxide: You Decide !! –EYE OPENING
This three min Australian video puts carbon dioxide in perspective.
You get the whole message in the first 30 seconds

“Https://www.youtube.com/embed /BC1l4geSTP8“

–from Mr. Wonderful
Climate Committee
Bikernet ™ University
Science Wing

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE RACING’S FTR750 SWEEPS PODIUM AT
ATLANTA SHORT TRACK–Indian Motorcycle Privateer Brandon Robinson Secures First Win Since 2016; Wrecking Crew Riders Jared Mees & Briar Bauman Finish Second and Third

Indian Motorcycle Racing, presented by Progressive Motorcycle Insurance, showcased dominance once again, as the FTR750 swept the Atlanta Short Track podium. In his first year piloting the FTR750, Indian Motorcycle Privateer Brandon Robinson (Kennedy Racing/Armbruster Racing Indian FTR750) secured his first win since 2016. Alongside Robinson, Wrecking Crew Riders Jared Mees and Briar Bauman rounded out the podium, finishing second and third respectively.

Starting from the front row, Robinson battled near the front of the pack for most of the Main – remaining fast and picking off riders one by one. With four laps remaining, Robinson made an impressive move along the outside to surpass Mees for the lead. Robinson’s win in Atlanta and eighth-place finish in Daytona places him second on the championship leaderboard.

“Brandon Robinson is an incredible competitor. It’s great to see him take to the FTR750 so quickly and secure a win in only his second race on the bike,” said Gary Gray, Vice President – Racing, Technology & Service for Indian Motorcycle. “On a night where the track got the best of a number of riders, it was great to see Mees and Briar battle it out and secure the FTR750 podium sweep.”

After starting the Main on the pole, Bauman fell back as far as eighth place. As the race went on, Bauman found a line low on the track and was able to make several passes and secure back-to-back podium finishes to start the year. Mees, who was looking to bounce back after the Daytona TT, was running fast to start the Main.

Though as the race went on, traction wore thin and Mees ultimately finished in second. Through the first two races of the season, Briar Bauman is atop the leaderboard with 42 points followed by Robinson and Henry Wiles (Bandit Industries, DPC Racing, Wilco Racing Indian FTR750) with 36 and 34 points respectively. Mees and fellow Wrecking Crew Rider Bronson Bauman are tied for fifth with 22 total points.

The season continues on April 20 with the Texas Half-Mile in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information on Indian Motorcycle Racing, visit IndianMotorcycle.com and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ANOTHER New Bikernet Reader Comment!
SUNNY BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS For March 14th, 2019

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/SUNNY_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_For_March_14th_2019.aspx

I really love the Son’s of Speed coverage, it was full of excitement as usual.

–Dana
dpeters35@netzero.com
Cottonwood, AL

There’s more coming. Hang on!–Bandit

Here’s why the American flag is reversed on military uniforms–Tim Marshall, the author of “Worth Dying for: The Power and Politics of Flags” explains why the American flag is reversed on military uniforms.

A lot of people ask, “why is the US flag reversed when it’s on an arm patch of a US military?”

The US flag dips to no man or king and you will see even at the Olympic ceremonies, the American flag is the only one that doesn’t dip to the head of state of the host country. This is not because of any disrespect to them but as a mark of respect to the American flag.

American Armed Forces take it so seriously that it must always face forward.

On a flag pole the stars are on the left-hand side next to the flag pole, that’s the most prestigious position. On an arm patch, you are looking at it differently and when the soldier, or marine or whatever, marches forward, the US flag must face forward. It must not be seen to be in retreat. And so the stars are actually now on the right-hand side of their badge, so they face forward, just as it never retreats. It’s always in its special position when it’s flown on a car.

You might think this is taking things to extremes but when you really get to the bottom of flags, they are about extremes of passion and extremes of belief. And the Americans take their flag very, very seriously.

News At: http://www.funtagger.com/2019/03/heres-why-the-american-flag-is-reversed-on-military-uniforms/

–Wayfarer

 

LAS VEGAS BIKEFEST WARNING– yo, whoa; Hey, Bandit, I’m actually tempted to go to this alleged bikerfest festival in LV in October. I need to be around a pack of lowlife Trumpsters for a while to maintain some semblance of sanity, and Las Vegas is cool.

I am now going to warn Cecily that I’m going to visit the Dark Side. If there are any Hells Angels there, I am going to ask to fill out a membership application. I don’t care if they laugh. I’ll plead my case. See what they say.

The Harley rule would be the only impediment I can see at this point. I prefer chopped Triumphs. Anyway, at this point the likelihood if 50-50 I will go. That will likely rise as October nears.

Thank you. God bless America. Amen.

–J.J. Solari

 

ZERO New Bikernet Reader Comment!—
VISION ZERO–OR ZERO FREEDOM

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

With all the changes going on maybe we need to change from Big Brother to BAD brother…Oh, brother?

–Sam
TX

MAKE YOUR OWN GODDAMN CHICKEN–
Simple things done well! Start with a great chicken, a few key ingredients, the proper roasting pan, the right oven temp, the proper cooking time and you have Roast Chicken Perfection.

https://youtu.be/E9o7fM7p6Q0

Browned Perfectly, Crispy Skin, Seasoned just right and JUICY! Start with the best Chicken you can find, I use Milk and Honey Farmstead Chicken or Whole Foods Chicken, Celtic Grey Sea Salt, Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Ground Black Pepper and a Whole Lemon.

Pre- Heat your oven to 405, Pat the chicken dry completely ( The Key to a Crispy skin) , Breast side up, coat with the EVOO, Season with salt and Pepper, Puncture the Lemon liberally and put inside the cavity of the Chicken, Flip the Chicken so it is Breast side down( Key to Juicy Breast meat) Repeat EVOO and Seasoning.

Put in the oven for 90 minutes and you are good to go!! AWESOME ROAST CHICKEN and SIMPLE! Subscribe here to A Biker Dude, youtube.com/c/ABikerDude

–BikerDude

 

INCREDIBLE—Every day is amazing around here. We started making a Salt Torpedo battery box, mounting the pipes, and making the parachute tow bar. I fixed my TIG welder and I’m still working on the shop roll-up door.

You’ll love this. I think I have a notion on how to dial in the door without strain on the chain. Of course, I’m going to use motorcycle parts, like one of those spring- loaded idler gear system from Nash.

Then last night my automatic gate quit. I think it needs to be serviced. I have a tough time with finding repair guys and I thought my trusted connection got sick or fired. As it turned out, today I was contacted by three repair sources. Amazing. It might survive still.

We received our PBI sprockets today and Paughco called. I should have our tank next week.

We have more updates, more features, more stories headed you way.

Regarding the meaning of life, it’s really up to us to make up our minds on a daily basis. Sure, in the billion year long run it doesn’t make a hill of beans what you do or don’t do. But every morning when you swing your legs outta bed, if you have a positive mission or two on your plate it’s a very good thing.

Include riding free forever, goddammit.

–Bandit

 

Three years ago in Sturgis, South Dakota, a chance meeting of two Florida residents (who actually live 15 miles apart), Stephen “Hot Shot” Aretz and Freddie Bollwage, paved the way to Daytona Bike Week and Billy Lane’s 2019 Sons of Speed Vintage Motorcycle Race.

Freddie invited Hot Shot to the 2018 Biketoberfest Sons of Speed Race and Godspeed Racing’s Pit Crew. Hot Shot apprenticed for the race where Freddie’s Bike won the J-model race in a nose to nose finish. Hot Shot got bit by the Sons of Speed Vintage racing bug. Grateful for the opportunity and experience learned from Freddie, when an opportunity arose to obtain racing wheels through some good friends, Hot Shot jumped on it! A 1953 H-D 45 Flathead (with shark tooth paint) became available 6 weeks before the 2019 Daytona Beach Sons of Speed race. Hot Shot was all in – and on the road to racing!

A road trip to South Carolina and a fellow welder hooked up Hot Shot, with a stock length front end.

Steven Broyles from Michigan helped with the gear math/ratio set up changing the 22 gear sprocket to a 32 gear sprocket on the crank side for more top end speed, and lowered the sprocket on the rear tire for additional speed.

Kamikaze killer, or also known as “K.K.” was in for a 6-week make-over: Head and tail lights were stripped off, and racing number plates were made using aircraft brass rivets. Racing tires were mounted.

One week before the March 10th race, Hot Shot took the bike out of the shop for a test run. First time out, the brakes failed on Starkey Road in 5pm traffic. Sliding into the grass, and avoiding being creamed by the rush hour cage cluster fuck, Hot Shot managed to keep the bike vertical.

After his “Hail Mary,” he pumped the brakes up and took off down the road. Wasn’t long before he felt intense heat on his Left knee. “K.K.” started sounding really “loose” – kinda like “a bad one night stand.” Riding back to the shop, Hot Shot got his “blow job” – but the kind that came in the form of a blown head gasket. Well, that lead to a change from the current paper gaskets to copper gaskets, which fixed the rear head issue. Now the forward head got pulled off – and a hole the size of Hot Shot’s pinkie finger allowed molten aluminum to shoot onto his Left Knee…Talk about body heat!!!

Between his regular welding job, and working on “K.K.” time flew by, and Hot Shot finished up just hours before heading to the east coast and Daytona.

Camping at Cackleberry Campground gave the team close access to the track. Hot Shot, Carwash Rob, Rob the estimator/Right hand Pit Man, and the Hot Shot Team Mascot – Meaty Jane were on a tight budget for the week, but also had a mission to beat out Freddie to get to the track for 5:00 a.m. check-in, on Friday, the day before the race. Little did they know, Freddie had parked his truck and trailer inline overnight and beat them to the it!

Friday’s practice proved trying for Team Hot Shot, but “K.K. ran 15 laps. The bike wouldn’t go into 3rd gear – but that was operator error forgetting to tighten the fuel tank bolt that fell out – or to quote Hot Shot, “an amateur mistake.” On the last lap, her throttle was stuck wide open on the fuel hose clamp. Hot Shot made turns 3 and 4 with the motor revved up high. The kill switch wouldn’t work, so panic set in and Hot Shot ripped the throttle cable out instead of pulling the spark plug wire (amateur mistake #2).

 

The 1953 45 Flathead former servi-car converted to solo 45 cubic-inch was then pushed into the pits. It had no compression in the forward cylinder. It was 5 o’clock in the afternoon and now looking like no more racing for “K.K.” and Team Hot Shot.

Tear down began, and a hole was blown in the head ¼-inch wide by 1-inch long around the sparkplug. The actual sparkplug melted. The saving grace was Carwash Rob scavenging through a local swap meet, finding two new aluminum heads, which he donated to “the cause.”

Local Bike Shop, Black Gold, hooked up Team Hot Shot with Copper gaskets and miscellaneous parts. Their steering dampener resolved “K.K.’s” front end shimmy.

Fellow racers jumped on board at a local service station, turned motorcycle shop and the racing trailer was parked. The engine was torn down and gaskets were replaced. Daniel and Justin with TOCE Performance were instrumental in the assist. Donny from Strokerz hooked up Team Hot Shot with Jets for the S&S Carb. Working till midnight, the engine was finally back together but not running. They ended up heading back with the trailer and bike in tow to the endless party at the Cackleberry. Sleep – What Sleep?

Race Day, March 10th – began with 9:00 a.m. breakfast and the race meeting. Team Hot Shot was in the 3rd Heat Race. It was back to the pits and attempts to get “K.K.” fired up!. It just so happened that two other fellow racers needed welding to race – so hand wrenching skills were bartered for TIG Welding skills. The dream was becoming a reality. ……..until……”K.K.” would not start!

After exploratory surgery, it was discovered that molten aluminum was stuck to the exhaust valve. Once removed, Matt and the Wheels thru Time Team contributed their electric wheel starter and after three tries “K.K.” FIRED UP! Hot Shot almost had a hot shit!!! The bike was finally ready – with 5 minutes left to spare for the Heat Race. “K.K.” and Hot Shot finished 4th out of 5 – but completed the race!

Speed was lost in the turns due to a dragging floor board during the lean in. Unfortunately, Team Hot Shot didn’t qualify for the next heat race, but Hot Shot did admit to having the time of his life!

Hot Shot sends out thanx to the afore mentioned people and Billy Lane, for the opportunity to race in this historical event. A Hot Shot shout out to Ron Berman for creating a kick ass logo with minimal notice! Looking forward to the next race and “K.K.” and Team Hot Shot kicking some ass!

“PIT SHOTS”

[photo 94025]