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Bikernet Event Coverage: IMS 2017: International Motorcycle Show hits New York

 
Javits Center, New York lit up with the grand show of all shows – the Progressive International Motorcycle Show from 01-03 December 2017. The show rocked from afternoon Friday to the evening. Saturday was an all day spectacle from morning to night. Show wrapped up on Sunday with the center open from morning to evening. Ticket prices were just $20 per head with free entry for kids below 11 years of age. Progressive is sponsoring IMS since 2010. Accumulating awesome giveaways and gear at IMS is easier when you have a convenient Progressive® show bag. These were offered free to every attendee, as well as directions to the Progressive Parlor and info on how to get your hands on more swag. In addition, Progressive customers are given directions on how to receive their very own VIP gift. You can subscribe to email notifications to receive news from across the powersports industry, show promotions, discount ticket offers and more from IMS.

This year, the refreshed Progressive® Parlor presented its own cultural community within the IMS shows, providing a new and unique destination for attendees. Progressive is combining an array of award winning services and experiences, including motorcycle service and maintenance seminars, tech talks, a custom motorcycle sweepstakes and all within a single space, acting as a beacon for education and entertainment.

On stage were tech talks from a variety of intriguing guests; from motorcycle craftsmen, to industry leaders and local motorcycle garages sharing their story about the city you’ve grown to love. A front-row seat here gets you a first hand experience in motorcycle culture. Professional custom builders participating in the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show shared their expertise and story behind their builds on the stage.
 
 
A unique Grease and Gears Garage introduced bikers to do it yourself fixes and custom building. Topics included: Building a custom exhaust, Flat Tracker Conversions, Carb Rebuilds, Fat Tail Install, Hand and Foot Control Upgrades, and much more. Technicians did live work, answering audience questions and sharing some newfound knowledge.

“Adventure Out” was a new space on getting out on two-wheels and having fun. Visitors can kick back at the moto campsite, check out adventure and touring product displays, interact with experienced riders and listen to their stories and tips, and find all the gear, parts and accessories you need for your next trek or tour from participating Adventure Out! Exhibitors. Husband and wife, Steve and Amelia Kamrad are 2-wheel off-road endurance junkies who hosted this space throughout the weekend. People had a chat, asked questions and just hang out for their talks on all things Adventure Riding.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday saw a Presentation on: How to Launch – finding a local ride or trails, how to prep, how to connect with other ADV riders
Saturday Presentation was on: What to buy first: the most important gear choices and Women Adventurers/Get Together: How to get (your significant other) started

Special Guests at these presentations were Steve Kamrad who shared his dirtbiking experience and his love for his 2012 Triumph Tiger. Better half, Amelia Kamrad learnt to ride on a Honda CB550 and transitioned to dirtbiking on a DR200. Amelia has completed 20 events across the East Coast as well as out to Colorado, Utah and California. In 2017, Amelia joined 3 other adventure related women on the REV’IT ADV Women’s Team, helping to represent women riders tackling off-road challenges.
 
 
IMS Holiday Gift Guide featured products and services from exhibiting brands that are holiday gift ideas and specials for IMS attendees to take advantage of either online or on the show-floor. Participating brands included: Abel Brown, AGV / Dainese, ALMS NYC, BajaBoard, Bell, Breaking Hearts & Burning Rubber, Click Heat, Cycle Gear, D73, DTV Shredder, Edelweiss, Fusar, J&M, JetSurfer, REV’IT!, Sena, Stealth Electric Bikes, Stompgrip and Techmount.
 
I checked out the cool J&M ROKKER® XXR EXTREME Custom Installation Kits for 2014-2018 Harley® Baggers. AGV Helmets had a pretty matt black Corsa R helmet made from carbon-fiberglass shell with adjustable vents, reversible crown pad, removable nose guard and wind deflector – burning a hole in my wallet at $799. Vermont Boots is a classic laceup boots for fashionable ladies riding the rough outdoors with a flat $100 discount – Made in NY, USA. TechMount TechGripper Stem Mount Kit keep your smartphone in view while riding as it clamps onto phones ranging from 2.1″ to 4.2″ wide and the tapered stem mount wedges into steering stems ranging from 13mm to 24mm.
 
J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show
The J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is world’s largest motorcycle builder competition, featuring more than 350 motorcycles and $100,000 in cash and prizes across the IMS Tour in New York, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Dallas, Chicago and Washington DC.

Professional and amateur builders compete at their local IMS for cash, prizes, recognition and a chance to move-on to the Championship Round in Chicago – where $70,000 in cash and prizes is up for grabs.

 
Classes:
– Freestyle
– Modified Harley presented by Harley-Davidson
– Modified Retro
– Custom Street

Category Awards:

– People’s Choice: Voted by the IMS Attendees!
– Best DYNA / FXR
– Best Chopper
– Best Bagger
– Editor’s Choice: Selected by Jeff Holt of Hot Bike Magazine
– Editor’s Choice: Selected by Chris Callen of Cycle Source Magazine
– K & N Award

Bikers, Riders and Fans could bring the family to the show Friday, Saturday & Sunday and enjoy the Kids Zone presented by Allstate, where young children, aged 18 months – 5 years old, explored life on two wheels. This environment allows kids to experience the challenge and thrill of riding a bike on unique terrains.

IMS 2017 had a new lifestyle inspired space to Explore, Shop, Socialize and Experience. Visitors can check out a rad selection of brands that are both new and known to the industry, many of which play across multiple channels; all of which offer a fresh prospective about life on two wheels and beyond.

Riders from the XDL National Championship (XDL), the world’s premiere street bike freestyle championship series, performed a variety of stunts ranging from wheelies, acrobatics and high speed stoppies. XDL combines the world’s best riders and some of the most complex and difficult tricks for an unmatched street bike performance. This lasted all three days so you just can’t miss it.


 XDL National Championship Riders:
•Chris McNeil (AKA “Teach”): 2-time XDL East Coast Champion and 2018 Stuntwars World Champion, has won or been on the podium in virtually every competition in the past 7 years
•Aaron Twite (AKA “Twite”): An active competitor on the XDL Championship series for the past 10 years and travels the world judging international competition and performing across Asia
•Chris Theis (AKA “Tice”): Been announcing XDL Competitions since 2008 and performing XDL Street Jam events since 2012

SWEEPSTAKES:
Motorcycle enthusiasts can download the IMS App for a chance to win a 2018 Husqvarna 701 Enduro, Indian Scout Bobber or Kawasaki Z 125 PRO. Once you’ve downloaded the app, play the IMS Challenge at the show for your chance to win a guided motorcycle tour of the Alps from Edelweiss Bike Tour and a customized leather jacket from REV’IT. Visit the Adventure Out! and Shift at IMS booths with your mobile app to enter.

The Marketplace presented by Cycle Gear hosts an interactive retail space allowing you to touch, test, and buy the latest gear, parts and accessories from key aftermarket brands. Specialists are on hand to educate, introduce products, answer questions and help you finalize your purchase.

IMS Vintage showcased the very best of vintage, classic and retro-style motorcycles from vintage bike clubs from across the country. All IMS Tour cities are represented in this vintage attractions with clubs and AMCA Chapters.

Lot of cool motorcycles were presented for the very first time. This included Vanderhall Edison2 Electric Autocycle, the 650cc Royal Enfield Interceptor and Continental GT Café Racer. Urals and Indians were also in the limelight. Visit your nearest IMS Event and write to us about your biking experience at wayfarer@bikernet.com or leave us a note in the comments section below.
END
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Police Violate Fourth Amendment Rights

A December 2016 traffic stop in Austin, Texas, is getting lots of views on social media lately. In a video posted on the Motorcycle Profiling Project’s Facebook page,1 a motorcycle club member is detained after a police officer observed him neglect to use a turn signal on his motorcycle. That traffic violation amounted to probable cause to pull the motorcycle rider over. Once detained, the traffic stop took on a whole new perspective.
 
A traffic stop in essence is a seizure because the driver is not allowed to leave after committing a traffic violation. Once detained, certain Fourth Amendment rights apply to the rider regarding search and seizure. Almost at the top of the video the officer explains that the rider is not under arrest and he is not going to receive a citation. At that point, unless the officer observed any other criminal activity, had reasonable suspicion that the rider had committed a crime or was about to commit a crime, the rider should have been free to leave.
 
Instead, the law enforcement officer insisted on taking photographs of the rider, including asking him to remove his vest and shirt so any chest or back tattoos could be photographed. When this video appeared, there was instant outrage at the police activity, accusations of profiling, and many questions about the legality of this traffic stop and the photographing of the rider.
 
It was clear from the onset that this stop was more about gathering information, including photographic documentation of the rider, than it was about a traffic violation. The initial stop was legal, because probable cause existed when the officer saw the cyclist fail to use his turn signal. Relevant to the traffic stop, any investigation must be reasonably related to the cause of the stop, or it violates the Fourth Amendment standard of reasonableness as articulated in Terry v. Ohio2. The police can legally photograph you at a traffic stop under something called the “public exposure doctrine.” The problem here is that photographing tattoos or other distinguishable marks had no relation to the reason for the stop in the first place. Also, the question arises about how long this photo session extended or prolonged the traffic stop.

Unlike mug-shot books that contain photos of people “arrested” for various crimes that can be used in the future to identify further offenses committed by these people, photographs at the scene of a traffic stop or other field investigation, where no crime or arrest took place, are digitalized and can be stored in some database for future use.
The big question that looms over the use of digital photographic database storage is why are people who have not committed a crime being placed in some database? Further, in the case of motorcyclists, is this an attempt at further profiling motorcycle club members by placing them in some database like GangNet of CalGang? Even though a person like the club member who was detained in Austin committed no crime, the possibility of his photograph being stored and subsequently viewed by victims or witnesses of future crimes presents the danger of wrongful identification. If you think that’s overreacting, ask the Innocence Project what their opinion is. In fact, the Innocence Project explains that in more than seventy-five percent of convictions overturned with DNA evidence, eyewitness misidentification was a cause of the wrongful conviction in the first place3.

The stop in Austin constituted what I believe to be an illegal “search” of the motorcycle member. First, he was told to remove his helmet, which could be determined to be a search in itself. Second, by removing his vest and shirt, his person was being searched also. Unlike a simple pat-down for officer safety, allowed under the reasonableness standard in Terry v. Ohio, removing articles of clothing to effect collecting photographs of person and/or tattoos goes beyond reasonableness, especially since no reasonable articulation can be made about how tattoos relate to a traffic violation stop. Viewing this from a different perspective, we can agree that law enforcement has a job to do in crime detection. But there is a huge difference between what police did in Austin and what another agency did in New York.
 
In September 1994 in the town of Brandt, New York, a car failed to use a turn signal and was pulled over similar to what happened in Austin. The officer in this case had been monitoring radio traffic from the Lancaster Police Department about a possible assault that took place that morning at a racetrack in Lancaster when he noticed a car with out of state license plates driving away from the direction of Lancaster. There was reasonable suspicion after the traffic stop to suspect the five men in the vehicle might have been involved in the Lancaster event, based on the fact the radio transmissions talked about motorcycle club involvement and the men in the car appeared to be motorcyclists. The traffic stop progressed into a criminal investigation when weapons were seen in plain sight within the vehicle. The men were photographed as were the weapons, and all five were arrested at the scene for weapons violations.
 
The photographs of the five arrested in Brandt were legal because an arrest occurred. The Austin case was different in that there was no arrest made. The “public exposure” doctrine means the expectancy of privacy does not exist when a person is in the public eye. That’s why photographing motorcyclists at events or a funeral using telescopic lenses or drones is perfectly legal. That is different than using telescopic lenses to peer through windows of a home to take pictures, where there is an expectancy of privacy. The same holds true about lifting a shirt to see tattoos on a chest or back that are not exposed to the public view.
 
The Austin traffic stop was a seizure in that the cyclist was not free to go. Instead, he was told to submit to photographs or he would be “taken” to the police station and photographed. A reasonable person at that point would not feel that he was free to go. This was not a consensual police contact, because the rider was held against his will, thus he was seized. For this stop to be constitutional, the reason for the stop had to be justified, which it was, and the continued detention and investigation had to be reasonably related to the reason the stop happened, which it was not. Reasonable articulable suspicion is a standard of proof necessary to justify the stop under Terry v. Ohio.
 
Police might reason that because there has been a history of problems, including in Texas, among motorcycle clubs, it was prudent to investigate any movement or activity of motorcycle club members. The problem with that thinking is the Sixth Judicial District Court of Nevada said any investigative technique employed at a stop must relate to the immediate reason for the stop, and police could not alter the nature of the stop. If police decided to photograph and “search” the rider without his consent because of some theory about motorcycle club violence, they altered the nature of this stop and it was unconstitutional.
 
Although it didn’t appear to happen in this case in Austin, another consideration is whether the stop was prolonged because of the investigative techniques employed. On this, the court is somewhat unclear. No actual time limits seem to have been adopted, although there is a reference in some cases that place the reasonableness between twenty and ninety minutes, depending on individual circumstances.
 
In conclusion, it is unconstitutional for police to stop a vehicle or pedestrian solely for the purpose of taking photographs and establishing identity without reasonable suspicion or probable cause that a crime had been or is about to be committed. If a permissible stop takes place, any further investigation has to be relevant to the reason the stop first occurred, unless other probable cause or reasonable suspicion is discovered during the stop. Police are allowed to photograph individuals or items that are in the public view. Removing clothing to see tattoos is not public, and doing so constitutes a search and is illegal unless consent is given.
 

1. https://www.facebook.com/motorcycleprofilingproject/videos/1071675339635527/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_v._Ohio

 

For more information on cases involving profiling of motorcyclists, visit the Motorcycle Profiling Project http://www.motorcycleprofilingproject.com/

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L.A. GUNS Hits Sturgis 2017

Speed, the word of the day – Thursday, August 10th, 2017, Sturgis, SD.

You never know what’s gonna show up in Sturgis, or should I say who, is gonna roll on through the rally, especially on Thursday, August 10th, which was the “Sons of Speed” race held at the Pappy Hoel Campground Racetrack, across the field, from the Full Throttle Saloon. 
 

 

After parking Onxx and Dirty Girl, Rogue and I headed out to meet Chris Doyle, who was passing through Sturgis with the L.A. Guns Band, finishing up the last leg of their August tour – heading from Sioux Falls to Three Forks, MT. The boys had a day off, and where better else to spend it then in Sturgis – sure beats a truck stop!

Tucked away at the side of the main stage at the Full Throttle, sat a jet black RV, with a Whizzer (motorized bicycle) parked out by the door. We definitely knew this wasn’t an entry into the Sons of Speed race! But it did belong to Phil Lewis, lead vocalist from the LA Guns, who is definitely familiar with speed and horses (both, iron and power). 

Same goes for master shredder, guitarist Tracii Guns. These two haven’t played together in 15 years, and recently regrouped to breathe life back into L.A. Guns . They brought in Johnny Martin on Bass, Michael Grant on Guitar, and Shane Fitzgibbon on Drums to solidify their line-up. 

 

And rock on to a masterpiece they did, as their new album, “THE MISSING PEACE,” hits the shelves on October 13, 2017 via Frontiers Music Srl.
 
Tracii added that “this new album is High-energy adrenaline, preserving Classic Rock at it’s finest!“ The album has a very modern ’70s vibe and they credit Deep Purple as an influence. Their first single, Speed, has been picked up by NASCAR and will be debuted at the Talladega Races in October. This song definitely kicks ass and takes it full throttle – check it out here:

“Speed” – (Official Music Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxzNSEyQfAw&feature=youtu.be

Throughout the years, Tracii and Phil both have foraged into the biker world and have taken part in Charity Rides and other events while on and off tour. They both have a preference for vintage, in both metal and iron. They have played at Bike Week in Daytona, Sturgis and other events around the country. Phil reminisced that when he first moved to LA, he only had motorcycles for 3 years. After he started generating revenue in the rock and roll world, he went out and bought a Sportster, and vivdly remembers riding it across the Golden Gate Bridge sometime in 1989. Phil, in his off time, likes to ride dirt bikes on the desert trails close to his home. The Whizzer is a happy “road alternative” for him when traveling – and he’s added on 400 miles on it since Memphis. It travels easy, and is quick and easy to repair – not the same as previous motorcycles that he brought on the road that got damaged by transport and band equipment/cases. 

Tracii, on the flip side, has a wish list started that includes a Ural Side car, so he can spend more time with his son, in the wind. Tracii recalled his ’76 FXE, one of his favorites, and an old Triumph TR-7 in his collection. 

Vintage is big to the band as well, and they have opted to release, “The Missing Peace,” on Double Gate Vinyl! Yes, Vinyl. Seems this is a new trend with bands – bringing back the “old fashioned” album (that we all listened to back in the day)! 

L.A. Guns is well known for a variety of hard, classic rock varying between three minute “fast” songs and 10 minute instrumental odysseys. Their energy and vibe with the new songs and album get you right off the line, and, well, that damn speed – you know how it is……”.A little speed’ll make you want a little more!”

You can get more: “Speed” and “Sticky Fingers” are available now. 

Pre-order here: http://radi.al/MissingPeace
• Frontiers: http://www.frontiers.shop (LTD. Gatefold 2 Black Vinyl/180 Gram available)
• iTunes: http://radi.al/MissingPeaceiTunes
• Amazon: http://radi.al/MissingPeaceAmazon
• Google Play: http://radi.al/MissingPeaceGooglePlay
• Spotify: http://radi.al/MissingPeaceSpotify

L.A. Guns Official website: https://www.lagunsmusic.com

BAND LINEUP:
Phil Lewis – Vocals
Tracii Guns – Guitars
Johnny Martin – Bass
Michael Grant – Guitar
Shane Fitzgibbon – Drums

L.A. GUNS LIVE ON TOUR:

9/1: Litchfield, MN @ Meeker County Fair
9/2: Sioux City, IA @ Anthem @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
9/23: Lawnton, OK @ Comanche Nation Fair
9/30: Macul, Santiago, Chile @ Santiago Rock Festival
10/6: Salt Lake City, UT @ Liquid Joe’s
10/7: Denver, CO @ Herman’s Hideaway
10/14: Sacramento, CA @ Holy Diver
10/27: Knoxville, TN @ The Open Chord
10/29: Pekin, IL @ Rock N Skull @ Avantis Dome
12/14: Houston, TX @ Proof Bar
12/31: Los Angeles, CA @ The Whisky W/Faster Pussycat
2018:
1/27: Anaheim, CA @ The Parish @ HOB Anaheim (Namm Event)
2/10: San Juan, Puerto Rico, @ Shannan’s W/Loudness
2/11-2/16: Miami, FL @ Monsters of Rock Cruise
2/16: Jacksonville, FL @ 80’s In the Park @ Lexington Hotel
2/17: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Culture Room

For More Info Visit:
http://www.lagunsmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/LAFknGuns/
https://twitter.com/laguns
https://www.instagram.com/laguns/
https://www.facebook.com/traciiguns/
https://twitter.com/traciiguns
https://www.instagram.com/traciiguns/

“Sticky Fingers” (Official Audio) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FN5HTSiOt4&feature=share

“The Missing Peace” Track Listing:
1. It’s All The Same To Me
2. Speed
3. A Drop Of Bleach
4. Sticky Fingers
5. Christine
6. Baby Gotta Fever
7. Kill It Or Die
8. Don’t Bring A Knife To A Gunfight
9. The Flood’s The Fault Of The Rain
10. The Devil Made Me Do It
11. The Missing Peace

12. Gave It All Away
 

 

From Tracii, Phil and the band: “Thanks for listening to our fucking music and thanks to all our fans!”

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STURGIS GRANDSON RUN 2017

Sturgis is a major endeavor each year. It’s the epicenter of the custom motorcycle industry. Hell, the Chip held five custom bike shows, five concerts, two wet t-shirt contests, an industry party, and Michael Lichter’s stellar art exhibit and bike show, plus a helluva lot more. That’s just scratching the surface. New camp facilities pop up every year and this was no different with the latest Elk Ridge facility and a very together travel center.

Year before last, on the 75th, I had the pleasure to meet the Smoke Out crew for a pre-rally run through the Badlands. We arrived two weeks early and I met Rich Worley of American Biker in Charleston, SC where I bought my 2014 Indian Chief Classic. Polaris only built 10,000 of this first-year Indian. Rich customized it slightly with his patina paintwork, lowered it, made new bars (’46 Indian style) and we modified a few other pieces. I can’t leave anything alone.

Then, since he has never been to Sturgis, he rode it out. We arrived, Rich picked up an Indian loaner and I straddled my ’14 Chief for a great time in the Badlands with the bros. We stayed in a vacation cabin up a gravel road in Spearfish. I rode the cross-country Chief home to Wilmington in Los Angeles. Terrific ride. We covered the whole tamale on Bikernet.

The next year, I rode the Chief again out to Sturgis and back with fellow Hamster Mike Stevenson, about 3,000 miles. This year we pondered our options. At one point, four of us were going to truck vintage choppers to Sturgis for the rally, but as these difficult planning operations go, the program constantly changed, flexed and blew to dust.

I was in the process of searching for a new vehicle, with four comfortable seats and a box capable of carrying two bikes. Then we could trailer two more and be golden. I never found such a vehicle, so my plans started to alter like a snake in tall grass looking for a way out or the next rat to swallow.

As August neared, I had my 2004 Chevy Express tuned and new Firestone tires installed. I was beginning to lose confidence in this puppy. But it had performed admirably for several years, thanks to Richard Kranzler, our deceased Bikernet Baggers editor. The maroon van made two trips to the salt flats a delight. That puppy was the shit and a Kendon trailer completed the team.

I also had the trailer serviced. Willie, the master mechanic, borrowed it often and I called him to get it dialed in for the run.
“Bring it over,” Willie said, “and I’ll be glad to check it out.

“It’s not at your pad?” I panicked.

“Nope,” Willie said. “Some guy picked it up. I don’t remember his name, but you said it was okay.”

“What did his truck look like?” I stammered.

“Damn, I don’t remember,” Willie said and hung up.

Fuck, what the hell? It took some memory searching and trying to stay calm phone calls. For years, I’ve been trying to install a clipboard in the shop to list when someone hauls off something or borrows a tool. Just recently, we put it together, but Jeremiah writes down what he takes then scratches it out and writes, “Fuck you.” Then he storms out of the shop. He never returns anything…

The trailer never made it to the list, but within 48 hours I happened to call Brad Olsen, and while talking about his Panhead, I asked him about the trailer. “Yeah, I’ve got it.”

He greased the wheels and while checking tire pressures discovered a highly damaged spare bolted to the underside of the frame. I noticed how low the trailer rode several times. We reached out to Pep Boys and ordered a new tire. “Just throw the spare in the back of the van,” Brad said, and I cut off the bent posts that held the spare under the trailer.

The narrow, flimsy, tongue on the Kendon bike ramp was always a problem and I welded a slice of tubing to the end of the ramp for a more secure ramp. It worked like a champ. Our Sturgis vehicle team came together as we tinkered with the bikes.

Both of these scooters were built around ‘20s flat side tank vintage style and both seemed to have issues. The 1984 Shovelhead, which I called the 1928 Shovelhead, with 21-inch tires front and rear, was finally dialed in when Kyle wrecked it. I patched it back together and made more improvements, but didn’t ride it much. The tanks were European re-pop JD tanks from the ‘20s with the oil tank incorporated into the left side.

We messed with it and replaced the bars with Paughco Hollywood flat track bars and their new solid brass dogbone risers, and Franky started riding it every weekend. I also waited for years to re-register it in California. I bought it originally from Arlen Ness. It was a Mexican Police bike. JIMS rebuilt the engine and trans, and I shipped the components to Rick Fairless in Dallas with additional parts to build this little puppy.

It took about a year and the bike was titled in Texas. I kept the Texas registration going for a few years. So, when I kicked it around the California DMV this time, they didn’t like it. Of course, they don’t like anything. Anyway, we got it handled, titled, registered and insured so Franky could ride it.

The 5-Ball factory racer was constructed about 2009 with mostly Paughco components, frame, front end and a Chica rear fender. It was one of my favorite builds, but it didn’t run right. It had a new 100-inch Crazy Horse engine, but it sputtered badly. I tried everything. I switched out the carb, the pipes, the ignition, you name it. But recently I tinkered with it and it came to life and hauled ass. I tuned it some, rode it some and thought, what the hell. It would be a terrific bike to ride around Sturgis. It fit the atmosphere.

We loaded and planned, planned and loaded. We took tools, oil, funnels, rags, you name it, even the paperwork and insurance cards, but we forgot the ignition keys. Some 25 miles out of town it dawned on me. We had carefully made sure to have all the proper documentation, but forgot the goddamn keys. I immediately called the Redhead of Redheads on Thursday night while rolling toward Vegas. Could she overnight the keys to Deadwood on a Friday.

She didn’t bat an eye, but was on the case after wandering through the dark shop looking for two sets of keys. How the hell does Jay Leno deal with all his vehicles? I know, he has a crew, but still it can be daunting to keep up with all the projects, pieces, paperwork and keys. I would rather put a toggle switch on each bike and beat anyone who touches it.

We left Thursday night, and I’m glad we did. That cut 300 miles to North Las Vegas off the 1,339 miles to Deadwood. We stayed at the Cannery Casino on the north side of town to avoid morning traffic. Some terrific art in this casino, old bomber girl murals and art from ‘40s agricultural wooden box paintings.

In the heated morning desert we peeled north on the 15 toward Salt Lake City, then east on the 80, following our Mapquest directions until they faltered. Then we backed up our navigation system with phone GPS and maps. For some reason, I’ve always liked to see the big picture with a paper map.
 

 

I’m not a fan of Utah, although one of the best biker bars in the country is located on the main drag in Salt Lake City, The Barbary Coast, run by a longtime biker and Easyriders supporter…But as soon as you shift east on the 80 and head toward the Continental Divide and Flaming Gorge, it’s a beautiful run.

We stayed on the 80 to Rawlings and spent the night. The hotel was rough and run by a pleasant Indian woman from India. We couldn’t find a place to eat anywhere, including the truck stop Denny’s (the damn thing was closed). I try to avoid franchise food joints. I could go to Denny’s down the street in LA, why the hell would I go to a Denny’s in Wild West Wyoming. We ended up eating salads and snacks from the truck stop. I asked for whiskey and the large truck stop owner shook his head but offered the keys to his motorhome out back. He was kind enough to offer me a slug from his private stash, no charge.

The next morning, we rolled toward a major junction of the 80, 30, 287, and 789, while looking for a local place for breakfast. We discovered a Veterans Pancake Breakfast and I knew it would be a score. We found a place to park and for five bucks we received slabs of ham and two massive pancakes to share with the locals in a Lions Club solid brick hall, a fundraiser for local veterans. The food was terrific and the people very cool but constantly complaining about getting old.

 

Franky, at 23 and covered with tattoos, began to feel out of place, but no one whispered a word. Everyone was friendly. The town prepped for a rodeo parade and we made a quick U-turn back into town to catch the 789 north but were headed off by a local obese cop blocking the street.

The cop wouldn’t give us an inch of helpful information, just barked orders in the hot sun and Franky, with tattoos around his neck, kept fucking with him. I’ve been working on his cop behavior. The cop had more guns and backup than we stored in the back of the van. Besides, we didn’t want him coming near the van or we might spend the rest of our lives in the Rawlings prison just up the street.

We got the hell out of the cop’s way, but at every corner spotted another cruiser. Maybe big boy dropped a dime on us. We crept through the backstreets of town until we found a connection to Wyoming 789, turned right and passed the prison on Highway 287 North without incident.

Then we turned east on the 220 toward Riverton, but that’s where our directions got hazy. Just on the edge of Casper, Wyoming, we shifted north on the 25 and the Express Van check engine light started to flash. We kept going. What else could we do? I started to check fluid levels at gas stops.

We ran across a sign touting Edgerton 387 and rolled past it, but turned around and headed back. Our Map Quest direction seemed to push us back towards Casper. Something didn’t jive and we decided to over-ride the computer and reach for the GPS on the phone.

As soon as we turned northeast toward Edgerton and Wright, we seemed to be back on track. “It depends on if you indicated for the shortest possible route or the quickest route,” Dr. Hamster said, trying to explain the error of our ways. But Casper was back the other direction. With no time to lose, we kept moving.

We needed to be firmly entrenched in Deadwood by Saturday evening. We had shit to do on Sunday. There was the Flying Piston Builders Breakfast, the FXR Show, the Chip industry party and Michael Lichter’s Chip art, photography and bike exhibit. Mike does a masterful job of assembling a classic custom exhibit with a theme each year.

This event should be branded with Easyriders. I gave him his first Sturgis assignment in ’79 and he has rolled to the Badlands every year since for the ER mag group. Unfortunately, there’s a disconnect with the company.

About Wyoming from Wikipedia: Wyoming is a state in the mountain region of the western United States. The state is the tenth largest by area, the least populous and the second least densely populated state in the country. Wyoming is bordered on the north by Montana, on the east by South Dakota and Nebraska, on the south by Colorado, on the southwest by Utah, and on the west by Idaho. The state population was estimated at 586,107 in 2015, which is less than 31 of the largest U.S. cities. Cheyenne is the capital and the most populous city, with population estimated at 63,335 in 2015.

–Wikipedia

I believe we headed north on highway 59 into Gillette where we caught the 90 toward Sturgis. It’s like old home week as soon as you roll onto Interstate 90. There’s Sundance and the Dime Horse Shoe bar and two of the cutest sisters in Wyoming. Sundance has turned into its own event. There’s the small town of Beulah and street drags until someone said quit. Then we hit the South Dakota border and we were home.

We ran into some Hamsters somewhere. They rode from the east coast to the west coast to hook up with the Western contingent and then rode back. Serious riders. The number of riders riding in the opposite direction has always blown me away. Either they are headed home after rolling through the badlands before the rally, or as one rider said, “I’m not a crowd person.”

Then we slipped through the Hamster home of Spearfish and up the short highway to Deadwood and Adrian’s castles. He owns a small Victorian house on the south or east side of town and another historic mansion on the upper west or north side of town overlooking Deadwood.

Adrian was a Hamster and built the Cottonwood Lodge in Spearfish. He’s a perfectionist, an artist, and a master construction guy and wood worker. He’s been carefully and continuously restoring and renovating the Rose house for over a decade. Every room is carefully brought to life with ornate details and a masterful selection of hand picked historic artifacts and antiques. He slows down from time to time when funds run short or he drinks too much.

If he would sell me the smaller house, I would move to South Dakota and hide out for the rest of my life. We arrived in the afternoon and met up with Mike and Dr. Hamster. They jammed over to the Hamster kick-off party while we unloaded bikes and slipped into Deadwood for a quiet dinner at the number 10 Saloon.

The next morning, the Flying Piston Builders Breakfast called to us. “Get your ass over here,” Sugar Bear said on the phone.

“The Flying Piston Builders Breakfast which raised $8000 for Tech Education Scholarships, supported Krystal Hess’s Motorcycle Missions – which reaches out to veterans suffering from PTSD to help them gain skills through motorcycling such as metal fab and mechanics,” said Marilyn Stemp, the queen of the Flying Pistons. “Local high school graduate Ryan Jones also received a scholarship toward his choice of educational opportunities in the industrial arts.”

We unloaded the bikes the night before, and in the morning attempted to fire the Shovelhead. It wouldn’t budge. I was sure it was electrical, but Mike immediately pulled a plug and the spark was fine. Maybe it was the fuel?

There was talk of removing lines and dumping fuel, but I knew the tank was full of fresh fuel.

Franky and I devised a strange funnel and removed the brass cap on the S&S E float bowel. Mike also tinkered with Adrian’s CV carb Softail.

We drained the Shovelhead float into a makeshift plastic container. The milky substance was piss-yellow with scattered sediment and bubbles of what looked like water. It was a mess. We dumped it into a green tea container and filled the bowl a couple more times and let it flush—clear as a bell. The bike fired right up.

We were missing the FXR Show. “We had 79 FXRs and 39 Dynas roll in and raised $8700 for LifeScape,” said Marilyn, the Princess of the FXR Show. “Thanks to an anonymous donor who doubled the funds. Big Joe came into town for the show after all, making the day perfect! Huge thanks to the Buffalo Chip for hosting, Lisa Showers for organizing, and the many sponsors who pitched in.”

Eric Bennett, from Bennett’s Performance won the FXR show. We covered the build of his bike on Bikernet, helluva machine.

Thunderclouds over the Badlands threatened so we rolled into Sturgis immediately and checked in at Arlin Fatland’s 2Wheelers on main. His shop is amazing. He hauls an inventory from 2Wheelers Denver and sets up for the week. I find it interesting to watch the inventory change over the years.

Donna does an amazing job with custom apparel and leatherwork, and for years the shop was an old building fulla needed parts and supplies. In fact, 2Wheelers saved my ass a couple of times over the years, once in Denver and once in the Badlands.

Over the years, bikes changed and so did Arlin’s inventory until it was mostly fun stuff with dicey valve caps, mudflap girl accessories, tin signs and slinky clothes. But with the upsurge of bobbers and choppers parts are returning for early makes and custom bikes. We’ll see what happens next.

As we wandered the slightly less populated streets, I took inventory of the shops and stuff to do. I’ve never been a shopper, and it started to look like the options were limited to shopping for junk, except 2Wheelers, bars, food, patches, leather and tattoo parlors. Something hit me. This can’t represent the Sturgis rally.

Chris Callen set up at the massively cool educational display at the Iron Horse Saloon on Lazelle and kicked off something Billy Lane started years ago. The saloon was once branded the Easyriders Saloon but unfortunately it didn’t stick. Chris created a vibrant educational stage to show guys how to bend sheet metal, weld, fabricate, and even pinstripe and engrave. Franky and I are itching to try our hands at engraving.

I liked the notion of artisans lining the streets entertaining, selling their arts and training onlookers. David Uhl had a similar gig in Deadwood, where he works on one of his masterful originals in the Gold Dust Casino while discussing anything to do with art with folks from the streets.

Next door, Scott Jacobs performed similar duties with his whole damn family in their completely renovated art gallery in downtown Deadwood. Most of his family are now artists and willing to discuss anything with anyone. His gallery also includes his ‘30s cannonball racers and other antique bikes. Amazing.

Makes sense if we are no longer getting drunk and chasing whores, we might as well learn something. Seems my mom, who passed away last year, said something of this nature over and over to a younger me as I was caught fucking up. Maybe not exactly those words…

We slipped out to the chip and found the Michael Lichter Art exhibit containing art and bikes built by builders who were under 35 years of age. Rod Woodruff, who owns the Chip, built a building exclusively for Mike and his art exhibits. Michael does a masterful job of recruiting builders and artisans every year for his themed exhibits and he now has a home as he roams toward his 20th year and possibly retirement.

Builders from Motorcycles As Art: Old Iron Young Blood were the featured guests and it was heartening to see this group of 35-and-unders connecting with guys like John Reed and Rick Fairless, while also meeting each other and laying the foundation of their own networks. Emcee Bob Kay interviewed Rod Woodruff, Michael Lichter, Cris Summer Simmons among others.

 

 Frank and I attended Woody’s industry party and Bikernet was recognized.

Real briefly, those who’ve demonstrated the backbone, skills, determination and cojones to start a business, grow it and prosper amidst difficult economic challenges in an intensely competitive marketplace have earned respect and recognition.

The Buffalo Chip would like to give some love to those in the motorcycle industry who’ve achieved milestones. The Motorcycle Industry Reception held on the first Sunday of the Chip’s annual Industry party.

–Rod Woodruff
CEO Buffalo Chip

We were having a blast riding two jockey shift scooters around the Badlands. Rain looked foreboding as we departed the Chip and headed back through town and into the Jack Pine strewn hills to Deadwood and a barbecue at the Rose lodge.
 

 

 

I fortunately hooked up with Bikernet Betsy in the rugged, grass strewn, Chip parking lot and Franky met her tattooed friend. A connection was made and the next day, he spent the day scooting the suicide clutch Shovelhead through the hilly streets of Deadwood chasing the brunette.

David Uhl offered to allow Franky to come to one of his artists’ sessions in Denver and she offered him a pad to hang in. Couldn’t be better.

Franky had a blast jamming up and down the streets of Deadwood, but we forgot to consider something. Both bikes were sorta old in ways but new builds. We should have followed the Eddie Trotta break-in code more closely.

They needed to be checked thoroughly for loose shit, shifted shit, or bad shit. We tinkered and tuned Monday and our missions included the mandatory Hamster Charity Banquet in Spearfish. Each year, the rodents collect over $200,000 for the Rapid City Children’s Hospital.

For years, half of the proceeds went to the Sturgis motorcycle museum until some politics crept into the mix. That cut any contribution to the motorcycle industry from this motorcycle group. Now, with more Hamsters and motorcycle folks on the Sturgis Museum board, some of us hope the Hamsters will contribute to the new museum.

Tuesday, we met with a leather manufacturer, Aaron from 1st Manufacturing and a longtime Bikernet contributor, David Campbell, who rode out from Ohio to crash at the Glencoe Campgrounds and enjoy the wild campgrounds action. That’s where the shit is really happening.

The weather was more than perfect and we dodged thunderstorms on our way in to the rally. I have a strange sense when is comes to weather. If you pay attention to the sunny heavens, they will guide you to safety. Don’t focus on the clouds, but on the clear skies around them. If no clearings exist, hide out.

 

 

We had one more mission, to attend the Sturgis Museum Hall of Fame breakfast. It was massive and kept selling out, even though there was an element of controversy, growing pains and major plans for the future.

I have taken my grandson to two Trailblazers banquets, which are absolutely inspirational and professionally produced. The Sturgis Museum faced issues in the past, but with some new motorcycle industry board members, hopefully they will find the right path moving forward.

Here’s the recent release regarding the Hall of Fame Breakfast, which Bikernet sponsored:
Sturgis, South Dakota, August 21, 2017 – Between the standing room only Class of 2017 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the Pappy Hoel Speed Classic races and the brand new block party with bands going live at five on the Glencoe Stage every day, the 77th Sturgis Rally was rocking for the entire rally week! Better weather and a full schedule of events helped bump up attendance to more than 376,000 people this year.

“Come for the races, stay for the entertainment,” said Myrick Robbins, Executive Director for the Sturgis Museum & Hall Of Fame. Appropriately, things kicked off at the very same historic dirt track where it all began back in 1938. Backed by Coca Cola and area grocery stores, the Pappy Hoel Speed Classic roared into the Meade County Fairgrounds in downtown Sturgis on August 3-5.

“We were twisting the throttle to the stops with the Speed Classic, the inaugural Block Party co-hosted by our friends from Monster Energy and the annual Hall Of Fame ceremonies,” said Robbins. “But that is what the Sturgis Rally is all about. Founder J.C. ‘Pappy’ Hoel started with a race, and a week-long spectacle just sort of evolved from there.”

Also evolving was the Sturgis Block Party. For the first time this year, merchants on the newly revitalized Main Street teamed up with the Museum and Monster Energy to host a week-long event right in the heart of downtown. “Motorcycles, music and more… it was rocking,” said Robbins.

However, the Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony presented by Strider Sports was definitely the highlight of the week. John Paul DeJoria, philanthropist co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair products and Patrón Spirits (as well as a Hall of Famer himself) emceed the class of 2017 induction ceremony in his own inimitable style… he even passed along some business advice to everyone in the room.

“I’d like to give you a little secret to building something,” said the man who went from being homeless to becoming a billionaire. “However you participate, whether it is as a rider, builder, or any way you participate in this industry, make sure the quality of what you personally do or the quality of the product you produce or the quality of the words you say are the finest quality in the world.”

When DeJoria started Patrón in 1989, it was the quality that made the difference. “Quality reaps longevity. Quality continuously keeps something going… and it is the quality of these people that will keep the industry and the Museum going.”

“The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame recognizes individuals or groups who have made a long-term, positive impact on the motorcycle community,” added Robbins. “We honor our Hall of Fame members by telling their stories and history, showcasing their contributions and accomplishments. In doing this, we hope to inspire our visitors and the riding community.”

The class of 2017 may have been the most influential and inspirational yet. From Lifetime Achievement honoree William G. Davidson to the Pappy Hoel Award winner Rod Woodruff, founder of The Buffalo Chip, the Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, South Dakota, was packed with the best and brightest in the motorcycle industry. Colleen Barnett-Taylor and Mike Taylor, Cory Ness, Mark Shadley, Jim Thiessen and Terry Vance comprised this year’s inductees.

“I get excited every year at Sturgis… I jump up and down a lot and I yell and scream and I blew out my voice, “said Lifetime Achievement honoree Willie G. after being introduced by his son and current director of the Harley Davidson Museum, Bill Davidson. “I would like to thank the Sturgis Hall of Fame for honoring me and I will always remember a day like today.”

Blown out voice or not, Willie rallied to conclude the ceremony, shouting a message near and dear to all the honorees, past and present: “Ride free! Sturgis forever!”

To keep the quality up as suggested by John Paul DeJoria and to keep Sturgis forever as Willie G. called for, any and all donations are welcome. Donate through http://www.sturgismuseum.com/Contribute

We started loading bikes and gear Tuesday. We had a mission to return for a special party celebrating Franky’s sister heading off to college on Saturday. Franky was under pressure, so instead of riding to the breakfast, we loaded and prepped to peel out as soon as the breakfast was over.

Adrian came with us to hang out and visited with the bros. Traveling bros recommended several scenic routes, including through Escalante, Bryce, Hatch, Zion and St. George, but we faced family pressures. I wanted to show Franky more of the Badlands, but we couldn’t take the time. We hit Interstate 90 west to Buffalo, then off at the 16 to Woreland, where I hit a deer in 2001 and ended in the Casper Hospital.

We spent the night in Thermopolis where I tried to reach my Wyoming love, Deborah Wood, another redhead who owned several hair salons. She was returning from Salt Lake and radiation treatments for cancer. She grew up on crop-dusted farms dusting the pesticides off her shoulders as she worked in the fields. Over 14 members of her family faced the onslaught of various cancers; half of them have died so far.

She showed up at our motel room door near the Thermopolis hot steam baths, bald, but with a gleaming smile. We shared a few moments and she moved on toward home. The cancer death and money machine was taking its toll on her, but we will keep the faith.

We moved on the next morning through one of the best mountain pass rides in Wyoming heading toward the Boysen reservoir. It winds comfortably along the Big Horn River against jagged stone walls and through cool mountain tunnels. Often, a massive thundering freight train pulling 50 cars will pace us on the other side of the canyon.

We kept chugging along through Riverton and Lander on Highway 28 heading to Farson and beyond toward Kemmerer while looking for a place to eat. We found it, while searching the triple-town dinky area of Frontier, Kemmerer and Diamondville. None of these small, scattered burgs exceeded the 2,000 population mark.

A tiny roadside stucco restaurant called the Caribou Café jumped at us from the road’s edge, and her delightful smile kept saying, “Come back sometime.”
 

 

 

Raquel couldn’t speak much English but her dark thick wavy ponytail, broad smile and bright brown eyes held great enthusiasm for the menu and I couldn’t resist an Avocado omelet and pumpkin pancakes. Franky and I shared the sizzling pancakes, and when I asked for a card her eyes lit up one final time as we departed. Damn.

We drove around the block and back onto highway 189, heading for the 80 in Evanston and the 6,780-foot pass into Salt Lake. It was our mission to skirt the city, avoid the 15 and stay on the 80 due west across the flat salty brine for 100 miles into Bonneville for a brief glimpse and then into Wendover, Nevada.

The trip was winding down as soon as we turned left or south on the 93 in Wells and began slicing through Nevada. That’s when our issues started with the trailer. We hit a bad patch of construction on the two-laner as soon as we entered highway 93. I attempted a nap when Frankie announced, “We need to pull over!”

The narrow highway wasn’t designed with an emergency lane, but a small gravel strip a couple of feet wide. We pulled over and discovered a broken strap, but we tide it securely and the extra strap material held it solidly in place. We discussed nefarious intent at our last stop by a slippery young character, who quizzed us about the bikes.

Then I looked down at the trailer fender and discovered an annihilated taillight. The case was destroyed, the red lense gone and the wires disconnected. Again, we discussed the bad guy until I looked at the tire. The tread delaminated, separated from casing flew over the fender and shattered the taillight. Unfortunately, wiring ran under the fender, so it was gone with the power to the other taillight.

We went into action changing the tire and fixing the strap. The van’s jack worked like a champ to lift the trailer and we were on the road in a matter of 30 minutes. We had 140 miles to reach Ely where we might crash for the night.

This is where I made my first mistake, but the time issue pressed my mind. Later, I spoke to Steve Massicotte, from Paughco. “Anytime I lose a trailer tire, I have the damaged one fixed at the next Walmart.”

I dislike what Walmart has done to small business in our country. I won’t go there, but Pep Boys, or maybe any tire shop could possibly have done the trick. We blazed into Ely in the late afternoon through broad spans of desert and low hills.

Ely (EE-lee) is the largest city and county seat of White Pine County, Nevada, United States. Ely was founded as a stagecoach station along the Pony Express and Central Overland Route. In 1906, copper was discovered and Ely’s mining boom came later than the other towns along US 50. The railroads connecting the First Transcontinental Railroad to the mines in Austin, Nevada and Eureka, Nevada have long been removed, but the railroad to Ely is preserved as a heritage railway by the Nevada Northern Railway and known as the Ghost Train of Old Ely. As of the 2010 census, the population was 4,255.

–Wikipedia

We cruised through town discussing the road ahead, the desire to roll on into Vegas another 150 miles or finding a place. We stopped and topped off. I asked Franky to ask the frumpy girls in the station for motel recommendations. They didn’t have much and described a historic hotel with a Denny’s restaurant on the Southern edge of town. There had to be something better or more unique.

They didn’t mention the Prospector Casino just three blocks behind us, so of course we went there. It looked serious with the lot full of rigs and vehicles. Upon entering the lobby we immediately noticed Harleys on display, antiques and bronze sculptures of massive Dobermans. Western art by Tim Cox adorned the walls and the clerk at the counter was more than upbeat and helpful.

I’m mentioning these items, because we ran into less than stellar facilities in some towns. I could stay in a shed if the smiling girl at the counter offered assistance and a reasonable price. Too often, since we didn’t negotiate with a myriad of facilities before entering town, they would hit us with restrictions and a heavy price.

This woman made sure we had a room overlooking our rig and proper parking for our trailer. The in-house Mexican restaurant was locally operated and the staff bent over backwards to make weary traveling bikers comfortable. This could possibly be our last stop on the road. This place was very well thought out, from the amenities to the room design.

We got up the next morning, grabbed coffee, toast and hit the road. This was the juncture of our excitement meter. We thought we were cool rolling south on Highway 6, the shortcut off Highway 93. It merges onto the 319 for 94 miles to Hiko. We were cool and comfortable, trying to get the hang of playing the harmonica, when I noticed the trailer fender on my side bouncing. I should have pulled over immediately but noo, and then the tire exploded about 30 miles from Hiko.

There’s no help in Hiko. The tire delaminated, 86’d the fender taillight and we discussed plan A to panic in the desert, eat peyote buttons from the cactus and trip out. Or plan B, take a bike off the trailer, the Shovelhead, which Franky would ride to lighten the load on the damaged tire we could not swap out, the spare already in use.

We removed the Shovel and Franky fired it up. It ran for a minute then started to squeal like a baby without a drop of milk. It had oil and the oil gauge indicated pressure. We shifted to Plan C; pull the factory racer off the trailer and loaded the Shovelhead.

We did, he fired the racer and I drove slowly, hoping the trailer tire would hold for 30 miles to reach Alamo and help. It made it five miles then exploded. We pulled off the highway again in the hot desert. I heard rattlesnakes communicating in the tumbleweeds. We were surrounded. Buzzards circled overhead in the blistering sun.

This time the tire tread not only shredded the taillight but also mangled the fender. We stood looking at the wreckage. Frankie took a screen shot of the trailer to capture the location of the carnage. Bits of tire carcass peppered the highway.

I started to talk about plan A. We were still at least 30 to 50 miles to any service area. We could leave the trailer and go in search of another tire and lose a couple of hours if we were successful. The trailer was so damaged we could not drive at night. Replacing the taillights would take additional retail resources and a couple more hours. Even with a new tire and new taillights, the left fender would need to be removed and beat back into some kind of useable shape, before we could install a new taillight.

Plan B called for measuring the Shovelhead to see if it would fit in the back of the van. I keep a wheel chock between the two passenger captains seats in the van at all times. You never know. We measured the Shovelhead from the new Paughco higher handlebars to the ground and from tire to tire. A miracle, it would fit. We unhooked the dying trailer and shoved it aside. We grappled with the steep ramp and Franky crawled into the back of the high-top van and pulled on the front wheel.

The front 21-inch tire started to slip into the chock, but the front end ran into the arms on the leather chairs.

“Gramps,” Franky said, “not sure the front end will fit between the chairs.”

“Fuck it,” I said. “We’re burning daylight. Give it hell.” I knew it would work—sorta. Or we could release one of the chairs for additional room. We shoved, the chock held the wheel straight and the thick arms held the springer front end absolutely tight. It worked once before with a smaller bike; why not? We didn’t need any straps. The Shovelhead locked into place. It didn’t budge.

We reloaded the van and paused again to look at the mangled trailer and then we shoved it off the emergency lane into the creosote brush and I turned it so the plate wasn’t immediately visible from the road. Later, I knew I should have removed the plate, but we were moving fast.
 

 

Franky climbed aboard the Factory Racer after we topped off the tanks and headed toward Alamo. No service existed between us and the small town of 1080 folks along highway 93. Some 90 miles separated Alamo from Vegas. My fingers were crossed. Part of Plan B was a longtime friend of mine in Vegas, Joe Zanelli, who owns Rocky’s 24-hour sports bar on Maryland Parkway.

If we could make it to his location in 107 degree heat through Vegas traffic, I could leave the bike with Joe and get Franky back to LA in time for his sisters going-to-college party, which we thought was a dinner gathering on Saturday. We thought we were golden to stop, have dinner with Joe and crash for the night, or…?

Franky rode the Racer into Alamo about 55 miles from where we left the trailer in the weeds. We grabbed a bite to eat, cooled off some and he straddled the racer and kept going into the desert. Five miles out of town he rolled off the highway. My heart raced.

 

 

The highway held another two-foot gravel space then a sharp decline into a drainage ditch. I couldn’t pull over. More and more trucks and massive construction equipment thundered toward Interstate 15. I searched the road for a wide spot and found something 100 yards ahead. I walked back. Out of gas, I trudged back to the van for our 5-gallon tank.

I had explained the reserve tank to Franky, but he didn’t react quickly enough. We refilled all the tanks and he kept rolling, but only for a mile or two then pulled off again. Again, I couldn’t stop, but found a spot ahead. My nerves were on edge. My brain constantly recalibrated distances to the Loves Truck Stop at the interchange and the additional 50 miles into Vegas.

The racer reacted to the empty tank and caught an air bubble in the lines. We cleared the issue and he moved along again. Once more it blubbered. I was out of plans if the racer didn’t make it to Vegas. I scoured thoughts of strapping the racer to the back of the Van knowing full well is wasn’t in the cards. This vintage looking scooter with dinky tanks had to make the grade.

We rolled into Loves and topped off again. This time he drove the van, which now felt light and agile without the trailer. I straddled the Crazy Horse 100-inch V-Twin and shifted the tank shifter into gear. It desperately needed a tune-up, chain adjustment, you name it. I rolled onto the freeway surrounded by semis, construction equipment and luxury cars, all in a hurry.

I nailed it and it sputtered like before when I fought tuning issues. I backed off and turned the throttle gingerly to prevent the sputtering, in hopes to make the final 45 miles into town. Just barely on the outskirts of glitter-town traffic backed up. Hot as hell, I tried to keep moving, although lane splitting is not allowed. I still found constant openings and darted from lane to lane in the bumper-to-bumper traffic. Just once I was forced to put a boot on the pavement.

Franky knew what off-ramp to take. He couldn’t keep up with me. I pulled off the wide sizzling concrete freeway at the South Point Casino, made a left and looked for a place to pull over and wait for Franky and the van.

I immediately turned off the ignition switch. Way too fucking hot to let it idle, my legs sizzled from the oil tank heat and the engine. I spread my legs and placed my leather boots on the pavement. In less than five minutes I spotted the Bikernet high-top van at the intersection and fired up the Racer.

Just five miles to go to find a friendly smile, a safe storage spot, a very cool drink and terrific food at Rocky’s. Walking inside from the extreme dry heat was like a reprieve from hell’s holding cell. We stowed the bike, washed our hands and faces and hit the bar.

During dinner at about 7:00 pm Franky said. “I’ll drive.”

I took him up on it. The van held enough gas to take us from the outskirts of Vegas to the Bikernet Headquarters about 275 miles without a stop. We blazed and made it in exactly four hours.

As we rolled along, Franky said, “Are you bummed about the trailer?

“Fuck no,” I said, “Our mission is complete. Besides our next mission is Bonneville 2018 and we will need a new trailer for the Salt Torpedo.”

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First Drive — 2018 Polaris Slingshot

 
You come to Bikernet to get your two and three-wheel motorcycle (trike) news, right? So why are we about to bang on about Polaris Slingshot? Admittedly, this contraption looks more like a car or an autocycle than a motorcycle or even a trike. In the eyes of the law in the US, it actually is a motorcycle, and that’s why we’ll see us driving it on the streets wearing a helmet (we drove it in California). Anyway let’s get hit the ‘Go’ switch on the 2018 Polaris Slingshot line of open-air cockpit roadsters. Whether you think it’s a car or not, it looks like it could be fun…
 
 
Introduced to the public by Polaris in 2014, the Slingshot family keeps getting bigger. For 2018, the Slingshot lineup includes models S, SL, SLR and SLR LE. Notable changes include the 7-inch multi-touch Ride Command that’s optional on the Slingshot S, and comes standard in SL, SLR, and SLR LE models. Ride Command is a whizzbang system with features like phone integration, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and customizable vehicle information screens. It also offers turn-by-turn navigation in the SLR and SLR LE models as standard equipment and can be added as an accessory upgrade to the S and SL models. 
 
 
The latest accessory now available is the Slingshade, featuring a polycarbonate window with 70 percent tint for better sun protection and a gull-wing door design that’s designed to maximize entry and exit. This color-matched top offers additional rider comfort and will comfortably fit an adult up to 6’ 4”. The Slingshade is available for all 2017 and 2018 models at local dealerships for purchase and installation.
 
 
 
No different than their previous vintage, the 2018 Polaris Slingshot three wheelers look like Batman’s Go-Karts. They boast a modern and choppy styling featuring razor-sharp, menacing lines. The monochromatic S base models are somewhat subdued, while the SL, SLR and SLR LE Slingshots proudly fly their freak flag, displaying an assortment of bold colors. We didn’t come here to blend in, said a fellow journalist, during our press ride. He got that right!
 
Slingshots are powered by a 173HP GM Ecotech DOHC 2.4-liter four banger motor that’s mated to a 5-Speed manual transmission. With a curb weigh a little North of 1,700 pounds, this is plenty of power. This year, there a number of upgrade options for the Slingshot too, including premium 200-watt Rockford Fosgate audio kit, quilted comfort seats for the weatherproof interior or a new rear fender. You can also add the Ride Command system to the Slingshot S, or enhance the S or SL’s capabilities by adding the Ride Command Navigation system. I will be honest and tell you that I completely ignored these electronic features as I was far more interested (and certainly more focused) on driving the snot out of this low-slung three-wheeled screamer that is the Slingshot. 
 
 
Time to get in the saddle. You don’t have to lift your leg much to get into the Slingshot. Actually it feels more like something you wear than something you drive. You have to be pretty nimble to get in and buckle up, but it should no problem for anyone who’s ever been in a small sports car like a Miata, a Lotus or a Triumph. 
 
I took off with our group of journalists for a day of spirited driving. The engine fires to life and has a nice, rowdy sound. It’s peppy and ready to jump, making jackrabbit starts loads of fun between stoplights. But I was initially put off by the slow response provided by the Electronic Power Assisted Steering. It’s set up so you need to put lots of turning input before things start happening and the nose of the Slingshot points where you want to go. It takes getting used to, but you soon get over it. I suspect that this is a deliberate engineering choice, in an effort to keep the Slingshot from acting too twitchy, especially at the hands of less experienced drivers. I was also somewhat taken aback by the pedal feel on the ABS disc brakes. Once again, if you’re ever driven a race car, this is actually something you might grow to enjoy. You can modulate the brakes, but will have to put some muscle into it. The Slingshot is definitely not a run-of-the-mill passenger car with one wheel taken out; things are bound to get much more interesting for you as you embrace driving it. 
 
 
After a painful wade through morning traffic out of Venice Beach and onto the Pacific Coast Highway headed North toward Malibu, our group proceeded to get away from civilization and cut a dusty trail toward the sinuous canyon roads that tower over the coastline. This is where I got to experience how the Slingshot can take vicious bites out of a road. Thanks to the Slingshot’s ultra wide front track and its super low center of gravity, I was able to really dig into every curve. I drove through roads I am very familiar with, and I find these back roads rather challenging on two wheels. Some are very narrow, featuring a succession of treacherous reducing radius curves, and they often offer very poor surfaces. In short, they can make for a white-knuckle ride, even on the best day. On a motorcycle, I usually negotiate many of these turns very gingerly. With the Slingshot however, it’s a different experience. There’s no need to be shy: you can really work the throttle to blast through the curves while the front end just bites down hard on the asphalt. The suspension’s engineering is amazing. With a nose down in the weeds and a wide track, nothing feels squirelly thanks to the traction control as the Slingshot just rips away, carving the road with confidence. I loved the clutch feel and the short throw shifter on the 5-speed transmission. The responsive throttle response on the aluminum Ecotech engine brought in all the power and grunt needed for the ride. The engine is your best ally in exploring yours and the machine’s limits. What a blast! 
 
 
As the day progressed and I got to know the Slingshot, I started hoping it had more power. But that’s a slippery subject, you see… I am told people have been hot rodding their Slingshot with the addition of a turbo or a blower, and that some folks even went as far as transplanting a V8. But I sense that these mods are likely have a negative impact on the Slingshot’s engineering and balanced performance. After all, a single rear wheel can only deliver so much torque before it brakes loose. I guess that would be cool if you’re into just pimpin’ and doing burnouts… 
 
I got an answer to my wish by turning off the traction control, opening a new world of possibilities for me and the Slingshot. But I refrained from indulging too much in the ‘track’ mode, as we were driving open roads with rock walls on one side and steep cliffs on the other. I guess we’ll save the gonzo switch for a day at the track…
 
 
You should check out one of these Slingshots in September at a dealer near you and make sure you ask for a test ride; that should help you make up your mind. You can start having all the fun as low as  $19,999 with the Slingshot S. This base model comes only in black, but it is every bit as fast and as much fun as the next models. A pretty good bang for your buck. Next is the SL. The SL comes in Navy Blue and Sunset Red and at starts at $25,499. One notch above is the SLR starting at $28,999. It comes with a new Electric Blue color. Finally, the top of the line model is the Slingshot SLR LE, starting at $30,999. The ultra-premium SLR LE model is loaded with goodies such as a Bilstein10-way adjustable suspension, 200-Watt Rockford Fosgate audio, premium sport seats with color-matched side bolsters, two-tone Ghost Gray with Lime Squeeze painted accents, and special edition graphics. 
 
 
 
More information on the slingshot Website
 
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To The Friends I Love & Miss

 
My name is Betsy Huelskamp and I am NOT an alcoholic. In fact, I have not had a drink since I was a sophomore in college ~ 37 years ago! Nor do I smoke, do drugs, have tattoos or gamble. I could have been a poster child for Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” campaign. It’s the single most important decision I have ever made in my life. Yet here I am caught in the web of a chronic addiction.
 
 

Addiction doesn’t just affect individuals, it seeps into the lives of anyone and everyone around them, especially those that love them unconditionally. Sadly as is my family’s experience, the more you love them, the more susceptible you are to the disease yourself. My little sister has suffered lifetime of one addiction, or another. I live while I live in California she has remained in our native Minnesota. I am separated from her addiction only by miles in the legal ramifications that keep her from Legally leaving the state. I wake up everyday to Sunshine and birds singing. Yet every single day my family lives with the worry that this will be the day that my sister doesn’t wake up at all.

 
 
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Buy it for a Nickel(Plated)

   Yep, it’s a trick question in a couple of ways. But yes, nickel plays a major part in the build and the opportunity to own it. Bottom line, for 200 nickels aka ten bucks you have a chance to take this tasty 100% nickel-plated 1950 Triumph home. That’s thanks to a raffle offered courtesy of the Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club as part of the festivities celebrating their 10th Annual Rally and Bike Show, the event taking place on Saturday, September 16 in Venice, CA, of course.

   With club officers Jeff Verges, Dayne Ashbaugh, Eddie Nicholas and Mel Clemens guiding the way, the rally has continued to grow in popularity, attendence and the quality and diversity of its showcased motorcycles… vintage, classic, custom, café racer, radical, you name it. And for the past several rallies, a one-off custom bike has give away to some lucky guy or gal.
 
 
   Case in point this legally California titled 1950 Triumph given the name “El Dorado” after the fabled city of gold the Conquistadors searched for back before California was on the map.
 
 
   Now back to the nickel thing. In addition to its golden bodywork color, much of the bike’s glimmering surfaces is not chrome, in fact there’s not a drop of that stuff to be found. Instead it’s the widespread treatment in warm, lustrous nickel plating, something bike builders a hundred years ago were fond of using.
 

 
   The team that built El Dorado consists of VVMC members Farin Hoover and his friend Matt Rowe, both also playing in a band together. We spoke with Farin to get the build details and learned that he’s actually from Akron, Ohio, now developing his career in SoCal as a audio enginer working on commercials. He’s a young professional working in the creative arena as are many of the members of the VVMC. Also it turns out his first street bike and which he restored is a 1971 Honda 500-4 previously owned by his grandfather, the bike shipped to L.A. from Ohio. It also turns out that his grandfather who worked for Goodyear was literally the guy that cast the race tires for the legendary Bobby Unser when he won the 1975 Indy 500.

   While Farin has previously wrenched on a number of bikes, he’s quick to credit Doug Stedman, who previously built raffle bikes for the VVMC events, for all his guidance in getting them up to speed to tackle the new build. He also gives a shout out to “El Capitan” Shannon Sweeney, one of the VVMC’s OGs and national recognized bike builder. More salutes go to Julian at Deus ex Machina, the Venice establishment a longtime VVMC sponsore, Julian himself a major Triumph fan.
 

    Says Farin, “The reason we wanted to try a Triumph is because the company had just come out with their new take on a hardtail bobber, so we thought, hey, let’s build a real bobber, in fact a pre-unit one. We found a guy in Long Beach who had a Triumph with ’50 parts bolted on a ’59 frame. A bit leaky and crusty, but we felt it had a basically solid frame and motor, so we bought it and started tearing it down last February. The project kinda took on its own life at this point…going far beyond our initial plans, and dealing with challenges we couldn’t predict when youre dealing with an old pre-unit. But we went the full nine yards, and I guess you could say, for a mix of pain and pleasure.” He laughs and adds, “Matt and I decided when we first started that if we messed up big time, we’d just go to the rally and raffle off a box of shiny, cool parts.”
 

   Things started heating up after Farin and Mike cut the frame which had came with a four inch stretch and a two-inch drop plus a 16-inch wheel in the rear. They decided to graft on a new rear section made with a two-inch stretch and two-inch drop and an 18-inch wheel to bring everything tucked up together for a more aggressive stance. Then the VVMC rally sponsores kicked in to help, like Lucky Wheels Garage in L.A. who handcrafted the custom oil tank that prompted a ton of scratch built mounting brackets for it, the motor and everything else that went into the build which transpired at Matt Rowe’s house in Venice.
 

   The 650cc 6T twin motor, itself bored .80 as part of the full makeover by pre-unit guru Wes White at Four Aces Cycle , also spins a stouter ‘60s Triumph crank, all fed by a single stock Amal 900, the fuel housed within a new repro Triumph ‘68-70s gas tank.
 
 
   Saving the weight of a battery, the kick-start only bike runs off a Triumph mag-dyno, rebuilt with help by Bob Gregor from Moto Classic Garage (Inglewood, CA). The electrical system was upgraded from the stock 6V to 12 via a solid state regulator hidden under the tankin order to run brighter lights especially the trick LED taillight Farin and Matt wanted to integraed into the rear taillight that snorkels up off the rear fender behind their hand fabbed mini-sissy bar. That’s also nickel plated along with the T140 model handlebars sourced out of North Carolina Factory Metal Works, another VVMC rally sponsor who also contributed the levers and grips as well as the aforementioned frame’s hardtail section. The list of components brought into the build also included new clutch packet, new sprockets, shortened and resprung fork springs, and stainless spokes set in nickeled MK I rims wrapped with a 21-inch Allstate Safety Stripe up front, an 18 inch Allstate Dirtman on the rear.
 

 

   As stated there’s not a drop of chrome on the bike, the nickel plating handled by Supeme Plating in Inglewood, that part of the build sponsored by Triumph of L.A. There’s also some shiny polished pieces including the primary cover, rockers and cam cover plus a couple polished brass accents like the vintage auto auxilliary lamp repurporsed into the bike’s headlight. The nickel plating extands to the bars, the forks, even the exhaust’s stock header pipes and the seat springs beneath the vintage Bates style saddle upholstered by the Virginia based Rivers Seat Company, another VVMC sponsor. “Yeah, we went all over the place for this bike,” laughs Farin. “Half of the bikes at the last Born Free had their seats.”
 
 

   As far as paint, like chrome, don’t look for it. The bike benefits from top class powder coating courtesy of Safe Way Sandblaster and Powdercoating in Culver City, another of the bike build’s sponsor. Says Farin, “That two-tone golden color they helped us choose is called Illusion Dorado which turned into the inspiration for the personality of the bike, Matt and I having always wanted to build like an old desert racer.” Icing on the golden cake so to speak was the pinstriping and brass goldleaf artwork created by L.A. artist Sonny Boy whose work has been commissioned by Roland Sands, Powerplant Choppers and Heroes Motorcycles among others.

 

   Summing it up Farin says, “This was supposed to be finished in August, but we’ve been working on it up until the last minute time for the rally…that’s why the photos show the bike minus the drive chain, that ‘s now in place. El Dorado is up and running, looking forward to meeting its winner since someone will be taking home the gold.”

    Keep in mind the raffle sales procceds go toward the rally expenses and also to this year’s charity, the Ride for Children’s Pediatic Cancer fund. Here’s a link to both the VVMC event and a way to grab your own raffle tickets and maybe the bike as well. Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club at www.venicevintage.com and www.venicevintage.com/store/vvmr10-raffle-ticket

 

 
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CARPE DIEM Camping

Editor’s Note: Commander Edge of the SmokeOut knows the Chopper Code. He knows what it’s like to ride a minimalist chopper on the long road, and he is constantly studying the mission. Last time he wrote a piece about the smallest tool bag possible.

http://www.bikernet.com/pages/5Ball_Racing_Bagger_ProjectPart_7.aspx

Let’s see how he does with camping.

Carpe diem, a phrase that comes from the Roman poet Horace, means literally “Pluck the day”, though it’s usually translated as “Seize the day”. A free translation might be “Enjoy yourself while you have the chance”. For some people, Carpe diem serves as the closest thing to a philosophy of life as they’ll ever have.

 

 Carpe Camping

Mark Farrar knows where the bodies are buried. He has been supportive of all my good ideas and more importantly supportive through the consequences from my bad ideas since the 5th grade. We have touched the infinite, experienced the good, seen beauty, and debated truth. We’ve had brushes with death and brushes with the law. I introduce him as a friend from college because, well… friend from the 5th Grade just sounds weird. He called me when he found out he had Esophageal cancer. He called me a couple weeks later when more results showed it was in his lymph nodes and the cancer had gone into his liver.

We have been blessed with lives of epic adventure, decades spotted with nights in tents under starry skies. A post chemo motorcycle trip seemed like something that needed to be planned. We planned but I wasn’t sure if it would happen. I hoped. Camping would have to be part of this adventure as a salute to many past camping trips. We needed to get back to something we did as kids.

So… this isn’t about that trip really, except one night. One night when we didn’t camp, which I know is a little weird because this is about camping. It should be nice in South Carolina in March and it was for the two weeks before we left. It was beautiful. We had perfect camping weather and then, days before we left it got colder than a well digger’s ass. I have this image of a bearded old sea Captain talking about a Nor’easter.

It snows every third year in Columbia, SC and it was snowing the day Mark, Jeff Najar and I bungee corded the bags to the bikes and left. The snow kept falling and it just seemed to keep getting colder as we rode. Rich from American Biker, the Charleston Indian Dealer, was waiting with a speed boat when we hit the Atlantic Ocean. The plan was to camp on Wolf Island which is only reachable by boat. I was miserable, shaking and I hadn’t gone through months of chemo. Rich was excited. Wolf Island is just that cool. It was a tough call NOT to camp that night.

We felt, actually we knew, we were missing out on something great. But, as it always seems to happen when we stay open to the whims of the universe, we had an incredible night. We started with dinner at a four-star restaurant in Charleston and then Rich talked us into “one drink.” We met Rich’s friends, most of them in their 20s, including Montel William’s wonderful daughter, Maressa Williams, gave Mark a lot of encouragement for his battle with cancer. We fought with a claw arcade game that stole our money. We listened to the struggles of the next generation. We closed the bar and then we stood on the outside deck and we all sang Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” together at 3:00 am. The moment that we seized wasn’t meant for camping… not that night.

We camped the next three nights. It never really warmed up but we had a blast as our Harleys bounced around Florida before we stopped in Daytona.

Everyone who has camped enough has a story about the night they planned to camp and didn’t. This idea is… well, the opposite of that. This is about having a warm and comfortable bed that you don’t use. Staying open to the whims of the universe. Being ready to camp when you encounter a night that has to be celebrated with nothing between you and the stars. It’s getting back to something you did years ago maybe… but without the associated hassle.

I realized on a perfect night, you need very little equipment to camp comfortably. This concept is to pack just a few things and be ready to take advantage of ideal conditions, staying open to small but epic adventures.

This is everything you need for a comfortable night under the stars. The Coke can is just in there for a reference, so you can see just how small this kit is.

For me, naming ideas can be really helpful. The first name that came to mind was “68 degree” camping. The day is a perfect 68 degrees and it’s starting to cool just a little with a light breeze as the sun sets. Basically, this is just camping when the conditions are perfect.

Then I thought of the name “Inadvertent camping,” to separate it from the idea of deliberate camping. I still do some deliberate camping, as in camping is my primary plan, and I bring all the necessary stuff. It takes a lot more stuff when it could be cold or hot. When it’s a rain or shine proposition, you need lots of stuff. You have to have a shelter for rain and a bigger bag in case it’s cold, plus all the stuff for meals. There is a lot of stuff to prepare and a lot of stuff to put away when you get back. I do very little deliberate camping now. I have found a better way. This is ideal for people who used to camp and haven’t in years because of the hassle.

Take advantage of great days in great places. This picture of George Miller in Hawaii actually has almost nothing to do with this article.
 

Then I thought of maybe calling it “Luck” camping. It’s cliché but true. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. You encounter a perfect night, but you can only make the most of it if you are prepared with the essential gear.

However, I eventually settled on “Carpe Camping.” Most are familiar with the Latin phrase, “Carpe Diem” which is typically translated into English as “seize the day.” Carpe more literally means “pluck” like you might pick a piece of fruit, at the moment of perfect ripeness. This idea is to keep the most minimal amount of stuff on your motorcycle to camp when these opportunities arise, and seize it.

Most people can make a list of the advantages of camping. Getting back to nature… ya da ya da. They are all true and important but there is no reason to repeat them here. Getting “back to nature” really can’t be overemphasized. Connecting to the infinite shouldn’t be sold short. However, I want to add a few reasons… to the list of reasons to camp.

We need to get out of our comfortable beds and our comfortable houses sometimes to reset our comfort meters. Anything that takes measurements needs to be re-calibrated occasionally. We can get acclimated to any level of comfort, regardless of how plush or soft. In my twenties, I could sleep well on cement. Back in the day, sitting up on any airplane was an invitation for a good power nap. Good sleep has gotten more elusive as I’ve aged. Part of this is because I have a type of arthritis that can affect different joints at times. It’s not just that though, because too many of my friends tell me the same thing. I’ve seen tons of articles about how to get a good night’s sleep with special mattresses or sheets and even the smell of lavender helps… or whatever. Those articles are written for someone who ran out of whiskey.

A good mattress (or whatever) can allow you to sleep more comfortably, but I do not think that’s the entire solution. I bought a Termperpedic mattress years ago and I couldn’t believe how much better I slept, at first, but after a while I wasn’t sleeping as well again. I slept even worse on crappy hotel mattresses.

 

Oddly enough, I found an answer where I wasn’t looking for one. In a place that seems unrelated. “Asceticism” is the idea of a self-disciplined avoidance of all forms of indulgence. It could be argued that our predominate culture today doesn’t understand the need for suffering and that many people ultimately believe the purpose of life is for all people to be comfortable, to avoid suffering. That’s a notion that I reject entirely but that conversation is best suited for an adult beverage in front of a crackling fireplace.

Regardless, the idea of “asceticism” is pretty unpopular today and it’s seen as archaic. My personal experience is that some fasting is what really wakes up my taste buds. Go without food for just a day and suddenly almost everything taste great. Sleeping on the floor can do a similar thing.

The last several months I have sleep on the floor one night a week. It’s a chance to try out camping blankets and pads but really, it’s a way to offer a small sacrifice and it’s an attempt to develop some self-discipline (which I know I desperately need). No surprise, I don’t sleep as well on the floor, and I can be achy the next day. The big surprise is that I sleep so much better the other six nights. I “rediscover” how great my real bed feels again. I didn’t see that coming.

In a way, I think this is why everyone should consider camping occasionally. If you want to rediscover the wonder of a modern bed or indoor plumbing 15 feet from your bed, camp out.

Allow me one more, seemingly unconnected deviation. I’m a planner. I wrote detailed operations orders in the military with alternate and contingency plans for when something went wrong with the first plan. Generally speaking, spontaneity, surprise and mystery are not highly prized goals of a good military operation, or any life-or-death plan really. Coming from my background, I have to consciously make an effort to not over plan my road trips because spontaneity, staying open to the possibilities of the moment, is the difference between good road trips and great road trips. Carpe Camping is spontaneous. Being ready for a possible moment makes pulling the trigger more likely.

One more tip though. The more people involved the less spontaneous you can be without total chaos ensuing. Unplanned, or less planned, trips are easiest alone but for me it’s a lot more fun to have a cohort in crime. The ideal partner has a good sense of humor when nothing works out well. The ideal for me is two people, three at the most.

Trail Pro pad, tech quilt and a pillow.

So, on with it: Here is the gear I recommend. Less is more. Adding something unneeded is as bad as forgetting something. Extremely minimal gear. Simplicity. Getting by with less stuff is part of beauty of Carpe Camping. Practically speaking, if your kit is too big you will end up leaving it at home. I’ll give you my list and then provide a few comments on each piece of gear.

This is also everything you need (actually more) to crash on a hotel room floor when the hotel prices have doubled during popular motorcycle rallies. This money saving point alone may make it worth getting a kit together.

Sleeping Pad
Tech Blanket or Quilt
Pillow sack (maybe)
Esbit pocket stove with fuel tabs
Lighter
Stainless steel cup
Hot cocoa, soup mix, instant coffee
Spoon
Flashlight (probably don’t need a headlamp)
Wysi towels (don’t need a trowel)

Pick up water and food
Optional – poncho and some cord
This assumes you already have a knife and a bandanna.

For me, the most important item on this list is the sleeping pad. If you’re some young buck who can get a good rest on cold cement, god love ya. I’m not. I’m about to talk more about this subject than you may ever want to know.

I’m also going to talk exclusively about ThermaRest products. I’ve tried more than my fair share of other products and I have been let down more often than not, even with some very expensive products. One expensive pad was so slick I would wake up several times a night after I slid off of it. I’m also probably a little biased in the sense that I remember the old, thin, closed cell foam pads we would use in the Army and when I got my first ThermaRest, it was like some magical device that had to have been manufactured by elves. We would purchase the ThermaRest pads to replace the army issued pads with our own money.

I would spend weeks sleeping on the ground and a lot of times we would move locations almost every day. The ThermaRest pad was literally life changing. In the last several years the military did extensive test to choose a self-inflating pad to issue the troops. ThermaRest got the contract, which is a huge statement. Even if you don’t go with Thermarest though, the criteria I use to discuss which pad to select will be useful for pads manufactured by any company.

So let’s talk about sleeping pads. First, there are basically three types of pads, closed cell foam, self-inflating (with a foam core) and the ones you inflate (blow up) that don’t have a foam core.

The closed cell pads have come a long way and they are way more comfortable these days. They are far less expensive and they are definitely the most durable. A sharp little rock you failed to notice isn’t going to defeat this pad. I also do not like to leave the other two types rolled up indefinitely so I have a Z Lite Sol pad that stays in my truck. The downside is they don’t pack down so you have to have space for them. I don’t care for them for this application, (Carpe Camping) because I want something that packs up small.

Self inflating pads have a foam core that smashes down when you roll them up. When it’s time to get ready to use them, you just leave the valve open and in about 20 minutes the pad is within a breath or two of the proper inflation level. They roll down “fairly” small.

The inflating pads without a foam core used to be a bit of a pain to inflate (and get the air out of in the morning), however, the advent of the “SV,” speed valve, has been a game changer. These new pads with a speed valve inflate and deflate easily and quickly. However, if they do get punctured they are basically worthless for that night until you can amend things with a repair kit. These pads pack up the smallest and that is the main reason this type of pad is my first choice for “Carpe” camping. However, if I’m sure I will camp I grab the foam core pad. I still find the foam core pads a bit more comfortable. It’s close.

So, I will try to make some quick recommendations. None of these pads are designed specifically for motorcycle travel and the number of choices on the ThermaRest website can be daunting. I think I spent two weeks comparing specifications. Then I purchased several and I continued to swap pads around and sleep on each about one night a week for about half a year. The following is what I think I know but you might not feel the same way. I do think my experiences are a good starting point though.

The first thing you have to decide is size. Definitely full body length. Don’t even think about the short pads with nothing under your legs. Trust me. However, there are 20” wide pads and 25” wide pads. I am a pretty big guy at 6’0” tall and around 200 pounds and I move around a lot in my sleep. The 20” is adequate for me, as long as it is a complete rectangle. Anything that tapers down and I am opting for the 25” wide pad because I’ll sleep on my side at times and I want my knees on the pad. Base this call on your size.

So here is my thought process. I don’t care about the weight of a pad for motorcycle travel, it’s completely irrelevant. The more durable fabrics weigh more but hardly take up any more space. Pads come in fabric like 30D, 50D and 75D. Seventy-five D is the most durable. Durability is a big deal and I have subjectively determined I want 75D on the bottom and at least 50D on top.

R-value is how well the pad insulates you from the ground. The suggestion is at least an R2 for summer camping and I will say that I prefer an even higher R value, at least R3. I’ll use a pad with rounded edges in a hammock on occasion and I do appreciate the experience of the pads with a higher R value. It’s also noticeable on cold concrete.

As far as the thickness of the pad, I have tried pads from 1 inch thick to three inches three inches thick, in half inch increments. I like to sink into my pad a bit and less than two inches thick definitely feels less comfortable to me. However, over two inches thick doesn’t seem to add much comfort for me though (in most pads but not all). The pads with no form core start to give me a less comfortable “pool raft” experience, even though they are definitely much more comfortable than an actual pool raft.

So, based on the criteria above all the choices on the ThermaRest website come down to this. There is only one mattress in each category that meet all of my criteria for motorcycle Carpe camping. My first pick is an inflatable pad (with no foam core). I recommend the “Trecker SV.” It’s comfortable, durable and packs down ridiculously small.

 

The smaller Trekker is on the left, Trail Pro on the right.


For a self-inflating foam core pad the “Trail Pro,” is the pad that meets all of the above criteria. This pad does have a larger packed size than the Trecker pad. However, I’m willing to give up the extra couple inches if I am “pretty sure” I’m camping because I find this the Trail Pro, super comfortable.

I’ll deviate for just a second and mention that the Trail Pro is one of the two Thermarest pads offered in the Areostitch catalog and I’m not surprised. I’ll spend months contemplating the smallest, most minute, details before I routinely carry one piece of gear over another. Every trip I take I’m evaluating some piece of kit and taking notes. After a while I started to realize a ridiculous number of times the piece of gear that I pick as “the best” is in the Aerostitch catalog. After this experience, I have conceded they must have a madly efficient testing protocol and I wrote myself a note to check what’s in Areostitch catalog first, before I start testing anything now. Just saying. I realized a long time ago anyone who got all of their riding gear from just the Aerostitch catalog would be pretty well set knowing they have the best of the best.

Tech blanket

First let me say I am a fan of natural materials and I have spent a long time trying Mexican blankets, wool blankets and a host of other things but I finally just gave up. These technical materials are just too good. These new tech blankets pack small and they are comfy as a grilled cheese sandwich and hot tomato soup on a cold rainy day.

 

The Chorus HD Quilt is on the left. The Argo is on the right.


I have a large, ThermaRest, Corus HD quilt that is somehow cool when it’s warm and ridiculously warm when it’s cold. The only downside is that it is pricey. I can also recommend the ThermaRest Argo tech blanket. It is more than adequate for nice nights and hotel room floors. It actually packs smaller than the Corus quilt and is comparatively inexpensive.

Stove – Esbit pocket stove with fuel tabs. Inexpensive, small, works great. Keep it in a separate plastic bag with two packets of bug deterrent. The fuel tabs fit inside the stove.

The tiny Esbit stove is inexpensive and works great.

Lighter – mini Bic. 


Wysi towels – sometimes you just need a something like this and they stack nicely inside a waterproof matchstick case. This also fits in the canteen cup with the other stuff.

Hot cocoa, soup mix, instant coffee and spoon – Even just being stuck somewhere it’s nice to just relax with a hot beverage.

Flashlight – just something minimal. 
 

A canteen cup is wide and I can pack the stove, lighter, bug repellent packets, soup mix, coffee, hot chocolate and a flashlight inside.


Stainless steel cup – There are all kinds of cups in the world that will work fine. My personal preference is the military issue canteen cup. I don’t care for the superlight, cool cups that fit nicely around the bottom of a Nalgene water. I don’t find them useful in this application. I don’t carry water or food in case I might camp. If I decide it’s a great night for the outdoors I’ll hit a store and pick up some bottled water and whatever food I’m feeling at the time. What I really want is something tough that sort of doubles as a pot for soup.

 
I throw the canteen cup in a used Crown Royal bag and call it a day.

Adding a tarp with some cord and I have all the equipmet I need to camp in the rain but this is almost transitioning to real camping.

That is all the necessary equipment to camp in ideal conditions but I also need to say just a few words about where to camp. Once you get in the right mindset you start to realize there are great spots, for just a pad and a tech blanket, in all kinds of places.

Walk 100 yards down a wooded path and quite often you will find a flat, comfortable, secluded spot quicker than you might imagine. Even relatively urban areas have flat inviting spaces tucked away. Next time you are at a shop party, ask yourself, “Where would I crash if I had to sleep here tonight?” It a fun mental exercise that prepares you for Carpe Camping.

This is the opposite of finding a hotel on a really miserable night that you planned to camp. This is about recognizing a beautiful night and ditching the hotel room for a change. This is reconnecting with something you used to do… and maybe reconnecting with a younger version of yourselves.

This started with a camping trip after the news of a friend’s battle with cancer, which it appears, against all odds, he has won. That trip got me camping again but now I camp in a more mature, should I dare to say, “distinguished” fashion. Carpe Camping has allowed me to “reconnect,” with something I used to do. More importantly it allows me to seize the moment.

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German Bike Builder Bottles Harley-Infused Gin

 
The bikernet.com staffers and their work-release crew of not-yet-paroled freelancers have been around the block, done some things, seen what can’t be unseen, but never in anyone’s memory have they tasted Harley-Davidson flavored liquor. Was this another attempt by the Motor Company to trademark the un-markable? Rather than a distinctive syncopated sound, was the factory trying to brand an exclusive taste? The taste of old motor parts soaked in gin?
 

 

There have been office incidents, of course—a splash of motor oil gone awry, a dribble of fork lube miraculously finding Editor Ball’s breakfast beer—you know, the usual accidental cocktails. Leave it, however, to German builder Uwe Ehinger, who with driven purpose and sober intent, built bottles of gin around unearthed Harley parts, American Picker style, by digging through barns and bunkers and such. There’s a reason why they call him “The Archaeologist,” or that’s what he calls himself, we’re not sure, but after a few shots of liquid motor manna at about $42.00 per shot, we didn’t care.
 

 

We had to look once and taste twice to believe it. Okay, full disclosure—starting at $1,058 for a 750 ml bottle, we didn’t actually purchase and pour, swirl and sniff the subtle steel notes of a 1939 Flathead camshaft, but after some unscientific experimentation with spare parts, we got the idea. Harley banks on nostalgia, and what better way to experience years of Milwaukee tradition than drinking up some history.
 
 
Ehinger has created three varieties of his premium priced gin based on bits and pieces of a 1939 Flathead, 1947 Knucklehead and 1962 Panhead, a vintage year for sure. Each bottle comes with the part’s backstory and from what far corner of the world it was exhumed. The period-look packaging of waxed paper and cardboard was printed on a 1931 Heidelberg Tiegel printing press, according to a spokesman for Hamburg-based Ehinger Kraftrad, which builds customs based on vintage Harleys.
 

 

Using old and gritty Harley parts to make liquor is nothing new. My grandfather was a bootlegger in the 1930s and used to refer to the process as “cooking up some oil pan stew,” which was family code for making moonshine. Grandpa was an avid motorcyclist in the first half of the last century, riding Indians, Harleys, Excelsiors and pretty much anything else he could drag from the junkyard and restore to life. Story goes, some engine parts didn’t make it back into the engine but instead were used to “add character” to the batch. Seems he believed the porous parts held a hint of burnt oil, which he swore with a mischievous smile gave his shine a “distinctive smokey flavor.”
 

 

So if your beer is tasting a little bland, just stir in a greasy bolt or two, garnish with a bit of chrome and enjoy. In the entrepreneurial spirit of free thinkers like Grandpa and Uwe the Archeologist, perhaps it is time to fire up the family business, serving those citizens who want a bold taste of the biker life. Just have to dig through some old piles of parts to find Grandpa’s old oil pan.
 
 
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Tips For The Taller Rider on a Dyna Low Rider

For ‘taller’ folks that own a Dyna Low Rider the Le Pera ‘Daddy Long Legs’ seat along with some other minor changes might be just what the doctor ordered.
 

 

If you’re a 6 foot old fart like me and have a bad knee you might also want to consider replacing the front foot pegs with Harley pegs part # 51327-08 LEFT and part # 51323-08 RIGHT…they’ll give you a wee bit more stretch

 
I also found that Biltwell’s ‘Clubman’ handlebar gave me a different look and a wee bit more room and I didn’t have to change cables…

Peace

Ride Safe

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