Hey,
I went to the Trailblazers annual banquet at the Carson Convention center for the show, and because Jerry Branch was being inducted into their hall of fame.
As the proceeding started instead of the pledge of alligiance or the Star Spangled Banner, we all stood and faced the flag as they play a country western song about the flag and Freedom. A one point the lyrics tooted: The flag will always stand for freedom and that’s why I love this land. Something like that.
Damn, I wish it did stand for Freedom, instead of more regulation. I believe we need to factor freedom into everything the government does, instead of the opposite.
Jerry Branch of Branch Flowmetrics success, is now 87 years old and still going very strong. John O’Keefe, a former employee, took over the business of modifying harley heads for performance. In fact we are porting the heads for my Mudflap Evo. But John, using Jerry’s technology is doing some amazing performance mods, including a formula for a shop in Japan. They add weight to Twin-Cam flywheels for additional torque, and John opens the heads for a 8.5:1 compression, and he modifies Keihin carburetors with new larger, reshaped venturis, for high torque, super responsive, long lasting motors. If you want to check this upscale shop in Japan, go to Sundance Cycle.
We will bring you more on this hot rod configuration and Branch O’keefe head work in the near future. Let’s hit the news.
WILD NEWSPAPER HEADLINES CONTINUED– Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant
See if that works any better than a fair trial!
War Dims Hope for Peace
I can see where it might have that effect!
If Strike Isn’t Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile
Ya think?!
Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures
Who would have thought!
–River Rat
SPITFIRE Girder Front End TO BE USED ON MUDFLAP GIRL BIKES BY BIKERNET–The new Spitfire Girder front end is made from the highest quality American DOM tubing. All of the parts on this front end are CNC machined for a precise assembly. They are available in 2? length increments from -2? to + 12?. We have designed this front end with two 300 lb coil over dampened shocks to maximize performance.
Comes complete with 3/4? axle and chrome hardware. Can be ordered with brake mount for 00-07 caliper CCI p/n 640263 Left or 640264 Right (must use 11.5? rotor on late model narrow glide hub). Also available are 3 & 6 degree rake top link kits. Headlight sold separately. Like all of our products, this front end is made in our facility in Rancho Cucamonga California USA. For more information, please go to https://www.spitfiremotorcycles.com/
–Lisa M. Ballard
PUBS ON AUSTRALIAN BIKE RUNS TARGETED– Pubs at the end of motorcycle runs, like the recent Gypsy Joker annual poker run could be targeted under new legislation in South Australia.
Changes to licensing laws hand the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner the power to shut down licensed venues for up to three days on the basis of police-provided secret “criminal intelligence”.
The Commissioner does not need to give reasons for the decision, unlike in other situations where the licence holder is entitled to an opportunity to respond.
Consumer Affairs Minister Gail Gago said the changes were in line with interstate laws.
Licensees may appeal against the order, she said, although they could not appeal criminal-related closures.
Two clubs hit the road in SA
Monday, 04 April 2011
Huge police resources were directed at motorcycle riders on Saturday as two motorcycle clubs hit the roads in SA.
The Gypsy Jokers motorcycle club left Gawler late Saturday morning on their annual Poker Run, stopping at Birdwood for lunch.
Police shadowed the run, setting up the first of two mass roadblocks at Eden Valley.
More than 140 riders were each individually drug and alcohol tested at the roadblock under the watchfull gaze of local media and helicopters.
The police set up another roadblock just out of Gawler on the return leg of the ride – then escorted the group to the Old Spot Hotel, where prizes for the day were handed out.
It is believed there were no infringements for drug or alcohol recorded and only one defect (for handlebars) issued during the ride.
Meanwhile Finks motorcycle club members from across the country met in Broken Hill on Friday, and 63 members rode to Adelaide yesterday with a police escort.
The Finks were holding their national run in Adelaide – It is believed to be a protest against the Rann governments ant-biker/ anti-association legislation.
Police said extra officers were rostered on and left on standby as Finks’ members gathered at their clubhouse.
Free Australia Party spokesman Paul Kuhn said whilst the party was not involved in either of the runs, it supported the individual clubs’ right to ride.
Mr Kuhn went to Gawler to see off the Gypsy Jokers run, and said many members of the public lined
the streets to have a look at the bikes. “People were generally lining up to see the guys,” he said.
“Their support was for the bikers, not the police.”
Mr Kuhn said the police discrimination against the bikers was extraordinary.
“The use of executive resources for legislative reasons is beyond a joke and borders on corrupt – certainly ethically and morally,” he said.
Police released a statement saying officers were monitoring the riders.
BANDIT COMPARED TO ANOTHER WRITER, STEVE EARLE–
I thought the excerpt had that “Chance Hogan” vibe to it with his character “Doc”
And of course the subject matter is way different
Steve Earle was a major user for years, I guess a person writes from their perspective.
He is one of my favorite song writers. I disagree with his past use and sometimes political views. However to each his own
–Anson
Here’s an excerpt from his latest book:
Doc woke up sick, every cell in his body screaming for mor-
phine — head pounding — eyes, nose, and throat burning. His
back and legs ached deep down inside and when he tried to sit up
he immediately doubled over, racked with abdominal cramps. He
barely managed to make it to the toilet down the hall before his
guts turned inside out.
Just like every day. Day in, day out. No pardon, no parole. Un-
til he got a shot of dope in him, it wasn’t going to get any bet-
ter. Doc knew well that the physical withdrawal symptoms were
nothing compared with the deeper demons, the mind-numbing
fear and heart-crushing despair that awaited him if he didn’t get
his ass moving and out on the street. The worst part was that
three quarters of a mile of semi-molten asphalt and humiliation
lay between him and his ? rst ? x, and every inch would be an in-
sistent reminder of just how far he had fallen in the last ten years.
In the old days, back in Bossier City, all Doc had to do was sit
up and swing his needle-ravaged legs over the edge of the bed
and his wake-up shot was always right there on the nightstand,
loaded up and ready to go.
Well, almost always. Sometimes he would wake in the mid-
dle of the night swearing that someone was calling his name.
When morning came he was never sure that it wasn’t a dream
until he reached for his rig and found it was empty. Even then, he
had only to make his way to the medication cabinet in his offi ce
downstairs to get what he needed — pure, sterile morphine sulfate
measured out in precise doses in row after tidy row of little glass
bottles. And he was a physician, after all, and there was always
more where that came from.
“But that was then,” sighed Doc. The sad truth was that, these
days, he had to hustle like any other hophead on the street, trad-
ing his services for milk-sugar– and quinine-contaminated her-
oin that may very well have made its way across the border up
somebody’s ass.
San Antonio, Texas, was less than a day’s drive from New Or-
leans but Doc had come there via the long, hard route, slipping
and sliding downhill every inch of the way. Consequences of his
own lack of discretion and intemperance had driven him from his
rightful place in Crescent City society before his thirtieth birth-
day. In one desperate attempt after another to escape his not-so-
distant past he had completed a circuit of the Gulf Coast in a little
over a decade, taking in the seamier sides of Mobile, Gulfport,
and Baton Rouge. But when he landed in Bossier City, Shreve-
port’s black-sheep sister across the Red River, he reckoned that he had finally hit bottom.
But he was wrong.
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QUICK THROTTLE ART, BIKERNET ASIAN CORRESPONDENT HEADS TO THAILAND BIKE WEEK IN PHUKET–Well I finished up the remaining 12 hours in Bkk and headed out to Phuket. Here now.
It’s hot and humid – Hottest I have been in Thailand in years.
So after e-m yesterday I went back to the from to repack.
Surprisingly got everthing I Needed into the carry on bag at less than 15 kilo (33 lbs).
Plus the carry on feature of any weight smallish grocery bag with heavy camera and magazines.
Wasn’t really hungry so I had some BBQ meats on a stick from the street vendor – 60 bht.
820 Mandarin GG as it had a 65 bht special on any regular drink – Hieniken Semi busy with bargain hunters. A few lookers.
850 Angelwitch – quietest I have ever seen it. Still a decent lineup though. Some TTSF
930 – Pretty Lady – Another bargain with a 69 bht draft – had a small glass availabel for 49. Some TTSF.
1010- Met the massage girls and took them to the old Hollywood. They were amazed at the shows.
I had plans but they got a call from their boss and needed to go meet her for something. 680 bht with 1 LD.
Maybe they do after hours massaging???
That’s all for now. I’m sure left some stuff out but I want to get out of here.
–Art
We will try to bring you images, and we’re in preliminary discussion with some official for a ride from Malaysia to Thailand next year for Bike week. Could be interesting. It would be a kick to ride a chopper into Vietnam.
BANDIT TO RIDE VICTORY TO THE SMOKE OUT–Smoke Out XII, June 24-25, 2011 (Rockingham, NC),12 noon to 11pm Friday & 10am to 11pm Saturday
SUPPORT THE BURT MUNRO PROJECT!
Mission Statement: The Smoke Out is about choppers. It is about builders, from professional builders to those bloody-knuckled guys (and ladies) burning the midnight oil in an unheated shed to build a chopper they can call their own. Chops of all makes are featured, American, British, Japanese, everything. The event is about riders, cross-town to cross-country in a rainstorm. The event is a full week to look at fine chops, listen to good music, relax, catch up with old friends or make new friends, eat good food, take a couple nice putts in a pretty countryside, drink some beer, shop the vendors wares,… and on and on…
There are two distinct groups of people at the Smoke Out. The first group is the readers, builders and riders known as THE HORSE world network of operatives. The core of the chopper world. This is the place to be for the Chopper World State of the Union Address.
The second group of invited guest is those that want to observe the core of the chopper world. This year a group of riders is meeting in New Orleans and riding to the Smoke Out. Should be a blast.
See you there.
–Edge
CHICKEN HAWK RACING’S DIGITAL PRO-LINE TIRE WARMERS: USED BY AMERICA’S TOP
AMA PRO ROADRACERS–RED HOOK, N.Y. (April 8, 2011) — Chicken Hawk Racing’s Pro-Line tire warmers are used by most riders in the AMA Pro paddock to help their tires generate instant traction when the green flag flies.
Designed and built in the U.S. with American-sourced materials, the Digital Pro-Lines are distinguished by their super-tough and great-looking aluminized, Kevlar exterior that reflects the heat of the tire warmers back into the tires, making them the best-insulated tire warmers built. More than bike bling, these Shimmering Chrome warmers feature technology that allows them to outperform all competitors.
Featuring nearly 100 feet of heating elements in each warmer, Chicken Hawk Racing’s proprietary alloy wire is spaced to conform to tires’ contours, ensuring proper surface contact and providing slow, even heat. Uniquely flexible, they stand up to years of bending as the tire warmers are in use and rolled up for storage.
Digital Pro-Line tire warmers have trick, digital controllers that display actual tire temperature as the units work their magic. Temperature set point is adjustable with the push of a button–from ambient to 212 degrees. When setting tires’ hot pressure in the pits, the resulting higher temperatures make tires track-ready. Lower settings are used to maintain optimal temperature between track sessions, limit heat cycles over a tire’s life and safely warm tires of different compounds, including ultra-sensitive rains.
Like all Chicken Hawk Racing warmers, the Pro-Lines utilize a tough, patented DuPont Nomex melt-proof inner liner and felted Nomex insulation to keep heat in. Digital Pro-Line warmers come with a foam-filled, impact-resistant, injection-molded carrying case. They’re available for all popular sportbike tire sizes, as well as 125 GP and dirt track applications. The standard color for Chicken Hawk’s top tire warmers is Shimmering Chrome, but other colors are available and logos can be integrated into custom designs.
In 2010, Chicken Hawk Racing tire warmers helped AMA Pro racers score a pair of national championships, 30 race wins, 86 podiums and 16 pole positions. They’re built from the finest materials, are easy to mount, simple to remove and efficiently bring today’s high-tech rubber up to optimum temperature and hot pressure for safety and performance on the track.
Working directly with elite racers, top teams and the world’s leading tire engineers, Chicken Hawk Racing continues to prove–and improve–its products in America’s premier motorcycle roadracing series. For more information on how to lead the pack with Chicken Hawk Racing tire warmers and related products, log on to ChickenHawkRacing.com.
Chicken Hawk Racing Digital Pro-Line Tire Warmers
Retail Price: $490 to $540 per set
Set for 180-195 sized rear tires – $540.00
Set for 150-165 sized rear tires – $540.00
Set for 125 GP bikes only – $490.00
Set for 12″ Wheels Only – $490.00
Set for 19″ Dirt Track only – $540.00
Contact:
Chicken Hawk Racing
54 Elizabeth St., Unit 10
Red Hook, NY 12571
www.chickenhawkracing.com
866-HOT-TIRE (866-468-8473)
SCOTT JACOBS’ WINDING DOWN–Unique horizontal shape breathes life into this stunning Harley wine and sunset image in the proud tradition of At Journey’s End and Sunset Silhouette. Can you say “conversation piece?” Initial orders receive a special gift from Scott Jacobs Studio!
OPENING PRICE: canvas $950 (framing extra 40″x30″)
HOT LEATHERS NEXT RALLY STOP, LEESBURG BIKERFEST–
MANCHESTER, CONN (April 6, 2011) – Hot Leathers is packed up and headed to Leesburg, FL for one of the most highly anticipated bike rallies in the nation, the 15th annual Leesburg Bikefest. The industry leader in motorcycle apparel, synonymous for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road is looking forward to a large presence at the popular motorcycle rally destination held April 7-10.
A mainstay on the biker rally scene, once a year thousands of riders descend on Leesburg, FL for a long weekend of motorcycle revelry. Hot Leathers is a sponsor at this year’s celebration which promises to be an action-packed four days of motorcycle-centric festivities including parties, rides, vendors and live entertainment on eight stages. Leesburg Bikefest also provides the perfect opportunity for Hot Leathers to showcase a number of their superior products. Florida rally-goers will have the chance to browse amongst a significant selection of Hot Leather’s premier merchandise including t-shirts, hats and other products for men, women and children. Customers can also visit this link http://www.hotleathers.com/mailer/images/Leesburg-coupon-2011.jpg for a printable coupon good for $10 off a purchase of $50 or more during the Leesburg Bikefest.
Renowned for packing up their merchandise and visiting a number of rallies and festivals throughout the nation, Hot Leathers goes to great lengths to ensure that motorcycle enthusiasts from coast to coast have the opportunity to peruse and purchase the ultimate in riding gear at Hot Leathers’ simple one-stop-rally-shop.
Hot Leathers has been serving the motorcycle community for over 25 years. As a result, the company’s growing wholesale and printing facilities have earned it a place as one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers. Keep an eye out this summer for the Hot Leathers logo. It’s a brand you can trust with prices you can easily afford.
Follow Hot Leathers as they comb the nation, outfitting motorcycle enthusiasts with the quality merchandise that they desire and deserve.
Check out HYPERLINK “http://www.hotleathers.com”www.hotleathers.com to see their full 2011 rally schedule and to peruse their diverse and original merchandise.
–Sarah Wozniak
TECH WRITER TO ATTEND LA CALENDAR SHOW–I happened to check out Cyril Huze” blog today and I read about this year’s LA Calendar show. There you were smack dab in the middle of half of the photos from last years’ iteration. Why am I not surprised? I also noticed that you are a sponsor for this year’s extravaganza. Cool. I haven’t attended in a few years. I’ve got a jones to go this year. The eye-candy, both metallurgic as well as feminine, is drawing me back like a siren’s song.
I’m trying to remember if I mentioned that I’d be test riding and reviewing a device that helps prevent lock-up during panic braking. It’s a pressure relief valve that replaces the banjo bolt on the calipers. The manufacturer who sent me the TCB (Traction Control Braking) system has recently up-graded the product. He’ll be sending me the new model in a few weeks. I’ll submit my findings along with photos as soon as possible. I’ve included a photo using my thumb for scale. I was gonna’ use my cock, but I’m not sure that juxtaposition would have given you an accurate comparison. Heh, heh.
Hope to see you at the B.A.D Ride June 5th.
–PJ
US HOUSE PASSES Bill to Limit EPA Power to Regulate Green House Gasses–Thursday, April 7, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill (HR 910) that would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating green house gasses (GHGs) as an air pollutant. The most common GHG is water vapor followed by carbon dioxide otherwise known as CO2.
The bill would add a new section to the Clean Air Act (PL 101-549) exempting greenhouse gases from the EPA’s purview, while repealing numerous agency actions to implement new emission restrictions.
The bill immediately effects all producers of GHGs except motor vehicles, including motorcycles.
The bill holds in place the existing motor vehicle rule from 2011 until 2016, but removes EPA”s authority to regulate greenhouse gases and issue rules on mobile sources after 2016, as it relates to GHGs. The bill also removes the waiver provided to California. Should the bill become law, it would strip the EPA’s ability to limit tailpipe emissions in 2016, until then all motor vehicles are subject the Agency’s regulatory control.
However, the future of this bill is bleak as the Senate voted earlier this week on similar language and it failed.
The Kids Just Want to Ride, The Senate Version
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) has filed an amendment (S. 264) that replicates the House language (HR 412) that exempts youth motorcycles and ATVs from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s lead ban. The amendment, 1 of 104, is filed to the Small Business Innovation Research Reauthorization Act (S. 493). There is no way to know if and when the amendment will be called.
Call your Senators and ask them to vote ‘yes’ should it come up for a vote. You can reach the US Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Federal Highway Administration Undertakes Research into Motorcycle Safety
Recently the Motorcycle Riders Foundation participated in a project with the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The project is a “scan” of motorcycle safety programs and initiatives being carried out by States and Organizations. The purpose of the “scan” is to gain insight into what’s happening in the motorcycle safety community, what works and what else needs to be done. The individuals asking the questions, some of whom ride, are genuinely interested in making a difference and not just prescribing safety laws as a silver bullet. A full report will be available with a year.
CRUISING WEEKENDS EVERY OTHER SATURDAY–I have a Car/ Motorcycle/vintage plane cruise that I am hosting on the Second Saturday morning of every month and I would certainly appreciate it if you could post it up or mention it on your web site.
–George Hayward
PDL Packaging
Retail Packaging and Display
PO Box 12224
Westminster, CA 92685
C (714) 920 9204
F (714) 897 2934
george@pdlpackaging.com
www.pdlpackaging.com
HELLS ANGELS PAY $6M FOR MEMBERS–
A MASS defection of Bandidos bikie members to the Hells Angels in Sydney came with a price tag of $6 million in an extraordinary peacekeeping deal struck between the two former rival gangs.
The payout to secure the defections, aimed at bolstering Hells Angels ranks in NSW, is believed to have included the formal signing of a contract.
NSW Gang Squad police have learned that the recruitment of 60 Bandidos members from three of its Sydney chapters in February, including the entire Bandidos Parramatta branch, cost the Hells Angels $6 million. That would translate to $100,000 for every Bandido adopting the flying skull logo of the Hells Angels.
It is unclear if the money went into the coffers of the remaining Bandidos branches or has been paid to each defector.
The recruitment drive is aimed at boosting the Hells Angels’ ranks before the High Court decides if NSW Police moves to outlaw the club under anti-gang legislation are lawful.
Bolstering Hells Angels numbers to form new chapters in Kings Cross, Haymarket and Parramatta is also believed to counter the Comanchero and Nomad gangs, who have taken in members of the now defunct Kings Cross gang Notorious.
It is understood the recruitment deal was organised by Felix Lyle, a former Bandido who is a rising force in the Hells Angels. Offers were also made to members of other clubs.
Switching clubs is considered a serious transgression and often leads to violence; hence the payout.
The Hells Angels and Comancheros have been feuding since the Comancheros firebombed a Hells Angels tattoo parlour in 2008.
The fatal airport brawl of March 2009 and subsequent revenge shooting of Hells Angels member Peter Zervas were allegedly results of the firebombing.
But with the increase in Hells Angels ranks to more than 100 members in NSW has come the retirement of at least six long-serving members last week, including Peter Zervas, whose brother Anthony was allegedly bashed to death in the airport brawl.
Another retiree was Anthony Wainohu, an original member of the Hells Angels’ first Sydney chapter, formed in Guildford in 1975.
Since its inception in the United States in 1940, the Hells Angels – which now boasts 230 chapters in 27 countries – has adopted a corporate approach to its business dealings despite a ruthless reputation.
The gang carefully guards its name and skull logo, which are trademarked.
In 2006 the Californian chapter of the gang sued Walt Disney for trademark infringement, complaining its logo was used in the film Wild Hogs.
In 2009 the former owner of clothing maker Mambo was forced to apologise to the Hells Angels in Australia for two trademark breaches involving children’s clothing emblazoned with ”Heavens Angels” and a skull with wings.
BIKERNET FAMILY COUNSELING MEMO: The Buttocks– A married couple was in a terrible accident where the man’s face was severely burned. The doctor told the husband they couldn’t graft any skin from his body because he was too skinny. So the wife offered to donate some of her own skin. However, the only skin on her body the doctor felt was suitable would have to come
from her buttocks.
The husband and wife agreed they would tell no one about where the skin came from, and they requested the doctor also honor their secret. After
all, this was a very delicate matter. After the surgery was completed, everyone was astounded at the man’s new face.
He looked more handsome than he ever had before! All his friends and relatives just went on and on about his youthful beauty! One day, he was alone with his wife, and he was overcome with emotion at her sacrifice.
He said, ‘Dear, I just want to thank you for everything you did for me. How can I possibly repay you?’
‘My darling,’ she replied, ‘I get all the thanks I need every time I see your mother kiss you on the cheek.’
–from Don Wills
BIKERNET AUSTRALIAN CONNECTION DEVELOPS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL WATER SEPARATOR–Unfortunately last Friday whilst crossing a street (walking) in Frankston I was struck by a car hence laid up a bit.
Despite my accident we were able to install a Separator today at Rye – absolute bugger of a job which ended up us having to install under the house.
The water at the house is drawn from an underground water storage tank and was not fit for human consumption.
Within 30 minutes of installation of the Separator we were drinking water which was simply first-rate.
–Ramon
FANTASTIC BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS SUNDAY DEAL– A 1981 Electra Glide, very clean, Ape Hangers, Fishtail exhaust, nice paint, a very sharp bike! Priced right to move fast! Check out THE BIKERNET CLASSIFIEDS, where the adventure is just waiting to begin!
$8,000.00
All numbers match
’81 Harley Davidson Electra Glide
Shovelhead,
Lapera seat,
18″ apes,
Lots of chrome,
New battery in fall,
Matching color saddle bags,
Motor rebuilt 4 years ago,
42700 total miles
Comes with original front faring with windsheild and rear storage painted white and original seat.
–MIKE the STEALTH
V.P. Bikernet Classifieds
PROJECT BIKE JUST STARTED–
Just cranked her up, 82 cubic inches and runs strong. Don’t ask what year
just pick one, eighteen months of buying swapmeet parts. My wife laughs at
me, when I try to kick it off and says to put some lead in my pockets. I guess when the rings settle in it will get easier. I’m 61 years old, 5’7″,
160# and this will probably be the last kicker I’ll put together, but I love old
school.
Thanks to my buds that helped on this one.
–The Highlander
Panama City Beach, Florida
BIKERNET BETZY ARIZONA BIKE WEEK REPORT COMING– Back on the bike! I wrote a column and have 33 great pictures from Arizona Bike Week! Really beautiful riding!
I need to build a cheap rusted chopper out of a Honda 400 so I have transportation in California! Do you know anyone selling an old piece of shit Honda?
Come visit the Hacienda Hideaway on your way to Sturgis! It is pretty spectacular here!
— Betz
GOT TO LOVE THE IRISH!!!!!
A Utah Mormon was seated next to an Irish Catholic on a flight back to the
States from London .
After the plane was airborne, drink orders were taken.
The Irishman asked for a whiskey and a glass of Guinness, which was promptly
brought and placed before him.
The flight attendant then asked the Mormon if he would like a drink.
He replied in disgust, “I’d rather be savagely raped by a dozen whores than
let liquor touch my lips.”
The Irishman then handed his drinks back to the attendant and said,
“Me too, I didn’t know we had a choice.”
–Tandeman
13th ANNUAL SOUTHEND SHAKEDOWN– Dust off those winter blues, rev up and join Ace Cafe London’s first major ride-out of the year, the 13th annual Southend Shakedown, departing the legendary North London venue at 10.30am on Easter Bank Holiday Monday 25th April.
Being Easter, and as in previous years, this free to attend, fun day out at the seaside, with stands and displays, has always involved a charity aspect focusing on children. This years Shakedown is in aid of the registered children’s charity, the NSPCC, which depends for its funding on voluntary donations – either at the cafe, or on Southend’s seafront or via clicking on the below link. For details about ways you can support the local work of the NSPCC, contact the NSPCC team on: Tel: 01908 328 060.
There will also be the opportunity to meet Mick Duckworth, the author, who will be on the Ace stand at Southend signing copies of his recently published comprehensive new book “Ace Times – Speed
thrills and tea spills, a cafe and a culture”.
Route from Ace to Southend A406 east to A12 east, to A127 east and Southend Seafront.
www.virginmoneygiving.com/southendshakedown.
UCLA STUDY (very interesting and short)
A study worth sharing with friends both male and female:
A study conducted by UCLA’s Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ
depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle.
For example: if she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and masculine features.
However, if she is menstruating or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest with a bat up his ass while he is on fire.
No further studies are expected on this subject.
–from Irving Marsh
SENATOR SCHUMER “TAXING CLASSIC CARS” NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE REVEALED AS ONLY AN APRIL FOOL’S PRANK–The Shelby American Automobile Club’s annual April Fool’s gag reached a much wider audience that anyone could have predicted. Initially a four-page newsletter was emailed to every member. It contained stories about a perpetual motion ’68 Shelby, a ’69 GT350 that supposedly got 40 miles per gallon and a bogus front page recreation of the New York Times, dated March 28th, that had two stories.
One was a hoax about purported tax legislation being prepared by Sen. Charles Schumer, which would tax every collector car, antique, hot rod and race car in the country. This was, of course, concocted out of thin air. But it was, on the surface, believable and it hit numerous hot buttons of car owners.
As soon as some SAAC members read this they immediately went into full “Paul Revere mode,” posting the article on a wide variety of Internet car forums. Once on those forums, readers swarmed like angry killer bees, both posting angry comments about the unfairness of the concept and spreading parts and pieces of the original article in emails and postings. It was the classic definition of something “going viral.”
When readers on some forums recognized the whole thing as an April Fool’s joke and posted this, other readers seemed to look right past the warnings. We now know how Orson Wells must have felt after his 1938 “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast resulted in traffic jams as panicked people tried to flee New Jersey.
While we enjoy a good April Fool’s prank as much as anyone, we never envisioned that this one could spread so quickly or so widely beyond the Shelby American Automobile Club. We deeply regret if taking this story seriously has caused anyone any undue distress or embarrassment. To keep more of that from happening we would greatly appreciate it if you could forward this message to as many car enthusiasts as possible. If they forward it to others who can forward it to even more people, maybe this second message will catch up with and overpower the first one.
And finally, please do not contact Senator Schumer’s office. He already has his hands full with real issues of importance.
–Rick Kopec
Shelby American Automobile Club
–from Buckshot
AUTOMOBILIA CONSIGNMENTS NOW INVITED–
The Greenwich Concours d’Elegance – Collectors’ Motorcars and Automobilia
5 June 2011
Greenwich, Connecticut
A Mr. Bibendum ‘boxer’ mascot, French
Sold for $1,586
580 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103 7601 W. Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90046
2009, Bonhams Butterfields Auctioneers Corp. All rights reserved. Bond No. 57BSBES3248. Principal Auctioneer: Malcolm Barber NYC License No. 1183017
Bikernet Insurance Customers Send In The Best Notes. “Computers” – feminine or masculine?
As you all know, we love our customers. It is so nice to serve the motorcycle-riding community. One of our customers sent in the following note this week. The team laughed out loud when it first came in so we thought we would share it with you all.
Here goes. A Spanish teacher was explaining to her class that in Spanish, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine. “House” for example is feminine; “la casa”. “Pencil” however is masculine; “el lapiz”. One of the students asked, “What gender is “computer”?
Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class in two groups, male and female, and asked them to decide for themselves whether “computer” should be “feminine” or “masculine”. Each group was asked to give four reasons for their recommendation. Here are their answers:
MEN’S GROUP:
The men’s group decided that the word “computer” should definitely be of the feminine gender, “la computadora” because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic;
2. The native language they use to communicate is incomprehensible to anyone else;
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later retrieval; and,
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your income on accessories for it.
WOMEN’S GROUP:
The women’s group, however, concluded that computers should be masculine, “el computador”, because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can’t think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and,
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you had waited a little longer, you could have gotten a better model.
There you have it folks. Another learning moment from customers of Bikernet Insurance. They are the best. See yas on the road out there.
You are not just a policy number with us. We Care About You.
The Team at Bikernet Insurance
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THERE YOU HAVE IT– And a new week begins. Ray C. Wheeler, just called from the Mojave Mile. Over 150 folks were on hand for racing. Noonan made a successful pass at over 200 mph, then went down on the return pass, but he’s okay, up and moving around.
Hopefully, the majority of the Motorbooks project is behind me and I can concentrate fully on Bikernet and the Mudflap girl bikes for our Sturgis Run, beginning in Salome, Arizona. Brothers are already asking about accommodations for the run, but I haven’t shifted gears until the bikes are in better shape. Regarding the bikes, my engine should be completed this week and Paul said the frames and front ends should be ready toward the end of the week.
Looks like an exciting week coming up. I’m going to ship out the porthole cover to Heather New. George will wrap up the 15th Bikernet anniversary girl logo. The following week I’ll be hot after another Mudflap Girl report, and I need to wrap up a column for Heavy Duty Magazine in Australia. Plus, I’m editing the 26th chapter of the World Run book for the Cantina. Betzy’s Arizona Report will sizzle, and that Sporty feature should be completed by Johnny Humble in Texas.
So hang on. Never a dull moment at Bikernet.
Ride Forever,
–Bandit
