Hey,
It’s another beautiful day in paradise. I heard that Saturn will align with Jupiter this summer and we will have 18 months of abject prosperity. Get ready for good times.
I’m going to test ride the 5-Ball Factory Racer later today. We are working with our official Bikernet artist, George Fleming on a logo for the 15th Anniversary of Bikernet, which is this year. I’m working with Chris Kallas on the concept drawing for the dual FXR build and my mudflap girl bikes for the Sturgis ride. My son, Frank, the tattoo artist, is working on the Mudflap girl/Hardball tattoo mascot art.
I spent most of the weekend working with my subject for the 1%er book. I’ve got just two weeks to turn in my manuscript. It’s a helluva story. I’d like to tell you more about it, but there’s a twist. The bike club might be bad, but the true evil comes from another side. Hang on.
Let’s hit the news, the sun is shinning and I need to hit the road.
TOO CLOSE TO THE TRUTH TO BE FUNNY–“Winston, come into the dining room, it’s time to eat,” Julia yelled to her husband. “In a minute, honey, it’s a tie score,” he answered. Actually Winston wasn’t very interested in the traditional holiday football game between Detroit and Washington .
Ever since the government passed the Civility in Sports Statute of 2017, outlawing tackle football for its “unseemly violence” and the “bad example it sets for the rest of the world,” Winston was far less of a football fan than he used to be. Two-hand touch wasn’t nearly as exciting.
Yet it wasn’t the game that Winston was uninterested in. It was more the thought of eating another TofuTurkey. Even though it was the best type of VeggieMeat available after the government revised the American Anti-Obesity Act of 2018, adding fowl to the list of federally-forbidden foods, (which already included potatoes, cranberry sauce and mince-meat pie), it wasn’t anything like real turkey. And ever since the government officially changed the name of “Thanksgiving Day” to “A National Day of Atonement” in 2020 to officially acknowledge the Pilgrims’ historically brutal treatment of Native Americans, the holiday had lost a lot of its luster.
Eating in the dining room was also a bit daunting. The unearthly gleam of government-mandated fluorescent light bulbs made the TofuTurkey look even weirder than it actually was, and the room was always cold. Ever since Congress passed the Power Conservation Act of 2016, mandating all thermostats-which were monitored and controlled by the electric company-be kept at 68 degrees, every room on the north side of the house was barely tolerable throughout the entire winter.
Still, it was good getting together with family. Or at least most of the family. Winston missed his mother, who passed on in October, when she had used up her legal allotment of live-saving medical treatment. He had had many heated conversations with the Regional Health Consortium, spawned when the private insurance market finally went bankrupt, and everyone was forced into the government health care program. And though he demanded she be kept on her treatment, it was a futile effort. “The RHC’s resources are limited,” explained the government bureaucrat Winston spoke with on the phone. “Your mother received all the benefits to which she was entitled. I’m sorry for your loss.”
Ed couldn’t make it either. He had forgotten to plug in his electric car last night, the only kind available after the Anti-Fossil Fuel Bill of 2021 outlawed the use of the combustion engines-for everyone but government officials. The fifty mile round trip was about ten miles too far, and Ed didn’t want to spend a frosty night on the road somewhere between here and there.
Thankfully, Winston’s brother, John, and his wife were flying in. Winston made sure that the dining room chairs had extra cushions for the occasion. No one complained more than John about the pain of sitting down so soon after the government-mandated cavity searches at airports, which severely aggravated his hemorrhoids. Ever since a terrorist successfully smuggled a cavity bomb onto a jetliner, the TSA told Americans the added “inconvenience” was an “absolute necessity” in order to stay “one step ahead of the terrorists.” Winston’s own body had grown accustomed to such probing ever since the government expanded their scope to just about anywhere a crowd gathered, via Anti-Profiling Act of 2022. That law made it a crime to single out any group or individual for “unequal scrutiny,” even when probable cause was involved. Thus, cavity searches at malls, train stations, bus depots, etc., etc., had become almost routine. Almost.
He wondered what might have happened if the public had stood up while there was still time, maybe back around 2010, when all the real nonsense began. “Maybe we wouldn’t be where we are today if we’d just said ‘enough is enough’ when we had the chance,” he thought.
Maybe so, Winston. Maybe so.
–from Buckshot
BIKERNET NEWS GUESS THAT PHOTO CONTEST– T. E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, owned several of these machines and died from his injuries after crashing on one in 1935… Another beautiful bike is this Imme (Germany), with a single side suspension.
The River Rat was our first winner, but she’s a Bikernet staffer, so she was kicked to the curb. Rapidly we received winning entries from several readers, see below.
Actually, last night I turned on C-span to see an interview with Michael Korda, who recently wrote a book called HERO, about T.E. Lawrence. I would be very interested to read this book, but the stack of books next to the bed is growing too fast.
First Winner:
T.E.Lawrence of “Lawrence of Arabia” on his Brough Superior which he crashed at the age of 46, then died 6 days later. Same brand motorcycle that was the top $$ maker in the MidAmerica Auction in Las Vegas last weekend…selling for $256,800.00, unrestored.
I am, of course, assuming I do not win….grin..
River Rat
Second Winner:
Lawrence of Arabia aka T.E. Lawrence.
–Rhys H. Ralston
Third Place
Yo Bandit,
Ain’t that Lawrance of Arabia on his Brough Superior?
Later big guy,
–Bill Siemer
SEVEN KINDS OF SEX– Results of recent research shows that there are 7 kinds of sex.
The 1st kind of sex is called: Smurf Sex. * This kind of sex happens when you first meet someone, and you both have sex until you are blue in the face.
The 2nd kind of sex is called: Kitchen Sex. * This is when you have been with your partner for a short time, and you are so needy you will have sex anywhere, even in the kitchen..
The 3rd kind of sex is called: Bedroom Sex. * This is when you have been with your partner for a long time. Your sex has gotten routine, and you usually have sex only in your bedroom.
The 4th kind of sex is called: Hallway Sex * This is when you have been with your partner for too long. When you pass each other in the hallway you both say ‘screw you.’
The 5th kind of sex is called: Religious Sex. * Which means you get Nun in the morning, Nun in the afternoon and Nun at night. (Very Popular)
The 6th kind is called Courtroom Sex. * This is when you cannot stand your wife any more. She takes you to court and screws you in front of everyone.
And; Last, but not least, The7th kind of sex is called: Social Security Sex. * You get a little each month. But not enough to enjoy yourself.
PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO TELL ME WHAT STAGE YOU ARE IN.
I have enough problems of my own
BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS DEAL OF THE WEEK–Here is the deal of the weekend! An 05 Wide Glide, low miles and very clean. Check out the Bikernet Classified section, you will be glad you did. Over 400 bikes for sale or trade! Check it out, you will find something you like. If you have a bike to sell , post it, with over 2.7 million viewers a day there is nothing to lose. Bikernet Classifieds. The New Way to sell your bike!
Drop me a line, if you need a hand with classifieds, or you want a shop deal.
–MIKE the STEALTH
V.P. Bikernet Motorcycle Classifieds Department
mikethestealth@hotmail.com
THERE’S WORLDWIDE OPTIMISM OVER MOTORCYCLE SALES ACCORDING TO CLUTCH AND CHROME NEWS– With struggling sales closing dealerships across America, it’s hard to understand the optimism coming from the rest of the riding world.
Motorcycle sales were considered as making a turn for the better in Australia when industry experts released the final numbers for 2010. The same could be said in Britain.
Although sales figures were still declining, they didn’t decline as much as previous years, causing some to call it a good sign for the upcoming year.
But is this the turnaround hoped for from the manufacturer’s factories to the dealership’s showrooms or just a wonderful example of biker optimism?
“The market showed early signs of a recovery in the last quarter of 2010 providing us with some hope of a turnaround in the New Year,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said. Official figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that 105,766 motorcycles, scooters and all-terrain vehicles were sold last year – a decrease of 8.9 per cent (10,354 units) over 2009.
And while they aren’t as robust as the sales increases seen in India and other relatively new markets currently the apple of motorcycle manufacturers eyes, England might be enjoying two-wheeled comeback as well.
Motorcycle registration statistics released by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) for the end of 2010 show that despite battling against the economic recession and bad weather the figures aren’t all bad news.
Once again, experts are taking the ‘glass half-full’ approach judging motorcycle sales and where they ended compared to where the figures started. Industry experts in the United Kingdom note the beginning of 2010 started with a 41% drop in total registrations, however over the year a gradual slowing down of the decline in new powered two-wheeler sales seems enough to give hope to many.
The official finish to 2010? Total number of registrations was only down 14% compared to 2009.
For the reasoning for the enthusiastic optimism, one has to look beyond the headlines, according to experts who note there are some important trends developing in motorcycling.
For example, there is a growing interest in the use of motorcycles for commuting, something that could become even more popular if gas prices once again experienced a significant increase.
A reason given for the growth in England is the ‘Get On’ campaign driven by the British motorcycle industry which encourages everyday people to consider motorcycles and scooters as a form of transportation.
“The industry’s Get On campaign is helping more new riders start to enjoy the practical and financial benefits of riding on two wheels,” explains Steve Kenward, MCI’s CEO, “Since the campaign started 21,000 people have booked a free one-hour ride with a local trainer.”
Many feel the campaign has helped with the upward trend in smaller machines with lower capacity bikes (up to 125cc) gaining a 10.4% increase in their market share. ‘Scooters’ also had a 9.3% increase in their market share in the United Kingdom.
According to recently released figures, overall interest in motorcycling remains strong in Britain and the most recent Government statistics show that there were 1.3 million motorcycles licensed for use on the road, a significant increase of 77% since 1995.
“Although the motorcycle industry has been battling the problems associated with a poor economy and the exceptionally bad weather, the industry as a whole is not in decline,” Steve Kenward, MCI’s CEO notes, “It currently employs 65,000 people and generates annual turnover of more than £2 billion to the UK economy.”
For American riders, a better idea of how kind 2010 was to motorcycle manufacturers will become clearer by the end of January when both Harley-Davidson and Polaris Industries (parent company of Victory Motorcycles) releases their year-end financial information. This report not only includes the companies own sales figures but also cites industry trends and information.
While not new motorcycle sales, NADA guides announced earlier this week that its motorcycle sections experienced more visitors, seven percent more to be precise, compared to the year before. This increase of web traffic, and more importantly interest is contrary to the decrease in sales of more than 15 percent reported by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC).
However, none of those results may matter to some who are happy to find optimism in the simplest of observations.
“To sell more than 100,000 motorcycles in any year is a good outcome,” Australia’s FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar recently considered.
BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER CAUGHT DOCTOR WEIL WITH WASABI–Wondering about Wasabi? Wasabi comes from the root-like stem (rhizome) of wasabia japonica, a mustard relative that grows in streams and moist, shady areas of Japan and is now being cultivated in North America, especially in British Columbia. When freshly grated, authentic wasabi forms a light green, coarsely textured paste that is pungent and much more flavorful than the mix of horseradish, mustard and green food coloring billed as “wasabi” in many restaurants.
In addition, genuine wasabi has interesting therapeutic effects, including antibiotic properties and anti-inflammatory activity, and appears useful for relieving symptoms of seasonal allergies.
I am a great fan of wasabi – check out our photo slide show of my garden where I grow wasabi.
–DRWeil.com
FRED’S FRAMES HAS MOVED–I just spoke to Freddy Hernandez and he wants you to know that his shop, Fred’s Frames he has joined forces with 807 Customs
Here’s a report from The Iron Horse Magazine:
Lil’ Freddie Hernandez is one of the pioneers of choppers, especially in the way of long bikes. Over the last few decades his bikes have been in countless magazines. He’s still talked about among old timers and his newer fans of today. Still providing his skills as a bike builder t the chopper enthusiast, I’ve considered him on the best-kept secrets in California.
Another little-known fact is that Freddie was one of the guys behind Denver’s Choppers in its heyday (having built most of Denver’s Harley-powered choppers).
“Denver had a Triumph. He actually liked the Honda’s more. He was really into the CB750’s. I personally did two CBX’s, the 6 cylinder Honda. They were so fast that your skin would pull back on your face when you rode it!” said Freddie.
DEPARTURE BIKE WORKS RICHMOND, VA SWAPMEET–Re: Motorcycle Swap Meet March 6, 2011 Richmond VA. Don’t miss it. Be There, Be There.
MRF Board of Directors Seats Newly Elected Directors–At our January Motorcycle Riders Foundation Board of Directors meeting, a motion was made, seconded, and carried to seat the three Board members elected by their constituencies since the close of the MRF Board meeting just prior to the Meeting of the Minds in September 2010. Those members are; Jim “Legs” Korte, MRF State Reps Representative, elected by the MRF State Reps at their meeting during the Meeting of the Minds conference, CindyHodges, MRF Member Representative, elected by a mail vote open to all MRF members, and Dave Dwyer, Sustaining State Motorcycle Rights Organization Representative, elected by a mail vote by our Sustaining State Motorcyclist Rights Organizations. All three ran un-opposed for a two year term.
At our September BOD meeting elections were held for President, Treasurer, Directors of State Reps Program, Membership and PAC. Candidates for these positions were nominated and voted on by all sitting BOD members with the exception of the President and the person, or persons, running for that position. The incumbents were re-elected to fill two year terms.
For 2011 we will be starting the election cycle once again with the following persons/positions up for election; Vice-President; Jay Jackson, Secretary; Paulette Korte, Conference and Events; Carol Downs, Rider Education; Jay Jackson, Communications; Eric Hampton, MRF Reps Rep; Graydon Wheeler, Member Rep; Wayne Wierson and SSMRO Rep; Larry Nielson. Details on the election process will be in the May/June and July/August issues of the MRF Reports.
Commenting of the recent elections MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard said “having now worked with this current Board of Directors I can state with confidence that we have assembled a fine group of dedicated motorcyclists from around the country who are working tirelessly on behalf of the motorcyclists of this nation to preserve our freedom and associated lifestyle and have observed first hand and certainly appreciate their efforts, contributions, expertise, leadership, and sacrifices they make day in and day out on behalf of the MRF, the State Motorcycle Rights Organizations, and motorcyclists they represent.”
Haulin Ass just moments after dark and the predicted crack of Dawn, destination Easyrider Show in Sacramento to join all of the NoCal riders that have once again discovered sunshine.
Fresh fluids and a wipe down, WTF? Here we go.
EASYRIDER SHOW SACRAMENTO BOUND
–Ray C. Wheeler
President Wheeler Racing
V.P. Bikernet Cantina Club Membership development
DEUS EX MACHINA NEW BLOOD CUSTOM–Based on a Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster, 2004 model, Aussie specialist motorcycle custom firm Deus Ex Machina’s New Blood custom shows a number of new components including a pair of clip-ons, Storz rearsets, a new 16-inch front wheel, plus a Ram Flow air filter, custom brake hoses, a solo seat and a custom exhaust.
That last item, the exhaust, helps draw the eye towards the rear of the bike and is one of the stand out design cues on the lightly customised model which is selling for $29,900.
The custom red-on-cream colour scheme with stylised ‘Deus Special’ lettering on the fuel tank combines with the street tracker image, and the little touches like the visor on the headlight and red rims contribute to the subtle design.
Apart from the exhaust it seems as though no changes to the 1200cc powertrain have been made.
Is Deux Ex Machina attempting to attract a new type of customer with the New Blood? The transformation from the standard Harley-Davidson 1200 Sportster is significant but not as radical as some of its creations. This new model will no doubt have more broad-spectrum appeal than some of Deus Ex Machina’s previous designs.
THE FLORIDA TAG OR PLATE CONTROVERSY HEATS UP–I have people of position in Daytona Beach and surrounding areas contacting heads of the different law enforcement agencies for their comment. I have also contacted the Daytona Beach Newspaper and as soon as I get answers I will let you know.
Lawyers have been known to have different opinions on what specific laws mean. It is the courts that eventually decide what attorney is correct. In the case of people attending Bike Week many from out of the area and state they may not be able to get back to court and or it would be Cost Prohibited to do so.
Cops giving out the tickets realize this when they are doing so. I will contact a legislator friend who rides and see what his take on this is as well.
— Rogue
GUN NUT REPORT FROM THE NRA–This week, the NRA and countless Americans offered prayers and condolences for those killed and wounded during the senseless assassination attempt on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.).
Yet, while those of us who defend the Second Amendment were respecting the heartache of the people of Tucson and waiting to learn the full facts of the case, anti-gun activists were renewing their push for more gun control laws. (“In the wake of these kind of incidents, the trick is to move quickly,” the Violence Policy Center’s Kristen Rand told MSNBC.)
Rand and other gun ban advocates were quick to push several schemes.
The most widely publicized is the proposal by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) to re-impose the 1994 ban on new manufacture of ammunition magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition, and to criminalize the transfer of existing magazines between law-abiding gun owners. These magazines are standard equipment for self-defense handguns and other firearms owned by tens of millions of Americans. Law-abiding private citizens choose them for many reasons, including the same reason police officers do: to improve their odds in defensive situations.
Also, Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) proposed to ban possession of firearms within 1,000 feet of the President, Vice President, Members of Congress or federal judges. Obviously, this proposal would be ignored by anyone who intends to harm a government official. But it would impose extraordinary burdens on honest gun owners, creating potentially hundreds of square miles of roving “gun free” areas throughout the United States.
Second Amendment Weekend At Cabela’s: Join NRA-ILA staff on Saturday, February 5th, 2011, for a day of important grassroots education. With what will no doubt be a very busy 2011, we must redouble our efforts to ensure we’re prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges we will face. Please make plans to attend NRA-ILA’s FREE Grassroots Workshop and NRA University to learn what you can do to become a better activist in the fight to protect and promote the Second Amendment!
Registration For SCI’s Fourth Annual Continuing Legal Education Course Is Now Open! Join Safari Club International for “Current Issues in Domestic and International Wildlife and Hunting Law” on Friday, January 28, 2011 from 2:00 P.M. – 5:15 P.M. at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia Street, Reno, Nevada.
The registration fee of $139.00 (same price as last year) includes seminar (3.0 hours of CLE credit – no Ethics), written materials, and single, same-day admission to the SCI Convention.
To register, use the State Bar of Nevada’s on-line registration, at: http://www.legalspan.com/nvbar/catalog.asp?ItemID=20101118-166130-124419
END OF THE ROAD FOR VALLEJO H-D– Another Bay area Harley-Davidson dealership is about to bite the dust. Harley-Davidson of Vallejo will close by the end of March, the dealership has announced.
The dealership has been open for 20 years, and Vallejo has had a H-D dealership for almost 100 years. But the owners just couldn’t survive the recession.
“After over 20 years of service, it is with mixed emotion that we announce to our customers, vendors and friends that Harley-Davidson of Vallejo will officially be closing its doors,” a notice on the dealership’s Web site says. “We sincerely appreciate your understanding in regards to the economical hardships that we, along with many businesses are now facing. With that in mind, we believe that a business should only operate at a level that would enrich and benefit customers at the highest standards possible.”
The dealer is wrapping up service contracts and taking only walk-ins until it closes. The store is also liquidating PG&A, offering 50 percent off obsolete and 30 percent off current Motorclothes, aftermarket parts and accessories in stock.
The dealership is the latest of several Harley dealers in the Bay Area to close over the last couple of years, including Golden Gate Harley-Davidson’s Novato and Corte Madera stores, and a dealer in Redwood City. The San Jose dealership closed temporarily.
–Posted by Holly Wagner
Published courtesy of Dealernews: www.dealernews.com
By close of the 3-day auction on Saturday night, the house had brought in $5,000,000.00. Yep, that’s 5 million smackers. Who says there’s a recession?
–River Rat
WANNA BUY A 4000 ACRE TESTING FACILITY?– CB Richard Ellis, is pleased to present a unique opportunity to acquire fee simple interest in the former Honda Proving Center which consists of ± 4,255 acres that includes the former American Honda West Coast test tracks, related facilities and improvements in Cantil, California.
LESSON FROM THE BIKERNET ONLINE COMPUTER CLASS– This one is priceless….A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong email address!!!! A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier.
Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day.
The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston , a widow had just returned home from her husband’s funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack. The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted.
The widow’s son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I’ve Arrived
Date: April 27, 2009
I know you’re surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I’ve just arrived and have been checked in. I’ve seen that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!!!! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.
P. S. Sure is hot down here!!!!
Stamped steel construction. Includes high beam indicator light and mounting hardware. 12 volt high intensity 50/35 watt DOT approved halogen sealed beam. This light is bottom mounting. Chrome Plated Complete Headlight Assembly. This is regularly priced at $39.06 but this week we’re selling it for $33.11. That’s a 15% savings!
This is really a sharp looking light. It measures 5″ long x 6 1/4″ wide x 2 3/4″ high. Includes 2 replaceable H3 style 55 watt halogen bulbs. Smooth (non-faceted) lens meets E1 requirements. Mount features 2 button head Allen pivot bolts that eliminate the conventional nut on one side. Aluminum construction and chrome plated. **Does not include a high beam indicator. This is regularly priced at $127.55 but we’ll sell it to you for only $72.31. That’s over 40% off. What a deal!
These high quality air shocks will lower your seat height approximately 1″ without altering the ride and they’re chrome plated for that extra bling.
Fits FL models 1997 and Later. Standard replacement for factory lowered models such as FLHRS or FLHX. Replaces HD# 54631-02B. We sell these regularly for $203.71 but this week you can get them for $150.04. That’s 25% off so don’t miss out.
We have dyno proven POWER HOUSE cams for maximum performance. From bolt in, for more all-around performance and touring to .620″ lift for those ground pounding street and strip machines. Hydraulic or Solid Lifters–Performance valve springs required. The best cam for higher compression 80 Cl 9:1/11:1 compression good for strokers up to 96 Cl wanting lots of torque. Stock or ported heads. Don’t forget you are going to need performance exhaust and ignition for these babies. Very strong mid-range with the ability to pull very hard up to about 6500 RPM depending on cylinder head air flow. Valve Lift .560″. TDC Lift (at valve) In. .182″ Ex. .182″. Duration (degrees) In. 248 Ex. 252. Timing @ .053″ 18/50 54/18. Grind Viper 560V. This is regularly priced at $172.00. This week it’s yours for $144.80. Save over 15%
Check out our “Peel Back
K and G Cycles…kinduvabigdeal!!!
Easyriders editor, Dave Nichols asked Beatnik and I to help Douche LaRouche members with some sort of award Dave had concocted Friday night at move-in. The blue Pan tagged with a Righteous Ones property sticker was Douche’s first choice, but the owner wasn’t present to accept it — at least that’s what I recollect happened.
For me the entire day was a flashback to the early ’70s when I had a Chosen Few patch with a Calgary bottom rocker, and was showing my ’68 XLCH from California to Alberta on the ISCA circuit. The blue RO bike had a horrendous gap between the frame, and its Cheetah King & Queen style seat. Maybe I’m one of those picky fuckers, but things like that don’t add up to clean. The lollipop kicker-pedal was faced out instead of tucked-in, and that reminded me of how picky bike show judges can be.
In 1977 I had a Nomad bottom rocker, and traveled north of the border to show my bike in Edmonton, and Calgary. In Edmonton, I took 2nd to a local bike that had gee-gaws, baubles, and shit stuck all over it like something Billy Lane would build a quarter of a Century later. In Calgary things went a little different where one of my bros in the Few was a judge.
John Donaldson told me the race for 1st place in my class was really tight between what I remember as a King’s Crew bike, and mine. John explained that stupid little things like clocking the Avon, and Goodyear lettering on my tires to where it faces the judges as they walk up might make the difference. Who knows how it really went, but I took 1st in Calgary, and it’s the only trophy I never threw away.
It’s a pretty neat process, Dave Nichols picks out feature bikes, and then Michael shoots them. Another new attraction was the appearance of Sons of Anarchy cast member Charlie Hunnam that plays Jax. In contrast to some of the celebrity welders that used to rake in the dough making appearances, Charlie really showed class. He was scheduled for two, or three hours, but wouldn’t stop until he had met everyone.
After the show I had dinner with Dave Nichols, and Kai Raecke. Dave said Charlie was exactly as one would like to imagine he would be. He rode to the show on his bike, and was the nicest person you’d ever want to meet. As it turned out there was more than a few Sons of Anarchy cast members in attendance. Motorcycle attorney, Steve Shapiro reported back that Emilio Rivera was super cool, and Baggers editor, Toph Bocchiaro saw Andy McPhee that plays Keith McGee walking around mixed in with spectators and said he was cool.
As it turned out I got a chance to meet Andy McPhee when I ran into my friend Brenda Fox, but it wasn’t until after they walked away I realized who Andy was. It was a surreal experience that really fucked me up. Andy was speaking in his native Australian accent instead of the Irish accent he has on TV. That added to the fact my TV set is only 3 feet off the ground, and Andy is real tall threw me off. Again, he was one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet.
The only real tension was when Beatnik said, “Jesus Christ, I hope a war doesn’t breakout between the SOA fans wearing Mayans T-shirts, and SAMCRO T-shirts!”
— Krylon John
PLAYOFF SUNDAY WRAP-UP–That’s it. Now I need to scramble to launch this puppy. We are also working on a couple of features, show winning bikes, info on the constitution, another piece of Travis Blues fiction from Uncle Monkey, and a tech with Rivera.
As soon as I finish the book, we will dive into building the FXRs with thoughts of riding to Salome, then Sturgis. Never a dull moment this year.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
