Hey,
This coming week is going to be a strange one. I know the whole world is trying to grapple with this Covid mess, while I hide out in the Badlands surrounded by peace and nirvana, deer and pine trees.
We are still two weeks from the rally, but tourist and bikers are everywhere. This morning five of our bikes are being delivered to the Bikernet Covid Hide-Out in the Badlands by Haul Bikes. I’ve got the shop set up and ready for minor repairs and already have a brazing project on the bench, maybe two.
I’ll need some help hoisting the peashooter into the livingroom a couple of flights of steps from the street. Every day is exciting when it involves motorcycles. My grandson is trying to coerce a couple of buddies to ride from LA to Sturgis to escape the madness and mayhem. It’s interesting. When we need fresh air, fresh outlooks, or new adventures, just mount up and ride. Let’s hit the news.
The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.
DIRECT FROM THE WHITEHOUSE–
Pfizer in pact to provide U.S. with 100 million COVID-19 vaccine doses–Pfizer said Wednesday it has signed a $1.95 billion pact to provide the U.S. government with 100 million doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Americans will receive the vaccine for free, the pharmaceutical company said.
The deal for the vaccine, which is being developed with BioNTech, includes the right to purchase up to an additional 500 million doses, Pfizer said in a statement. Pfizer said it’s on track to start the next safety and efficacy trial later this month and is aiming to seek regulatory review as early as October. It could manufacture up to 100 million doses by the end of 2020, it added.
The deal represents the latest government effort to lock up treatments and vaccines for the disease caused by the coronavirus, which has infected about 4 million people in the U.S. and stalled the economy. It’s also part of President Donald Trump’s “Operation Warp Speed” vaccine program, which aims to develop multiple COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously.
“Now those would, of course, have to be safe and effective” and be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said on Fox News.
Nearly two dozen potential vaccines are in various stages of human testing worldwide, with a handful entering necessary late-stage testing to prove effectiveness.
LATEST PAUGHCO ACTION–10% OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER!
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BLACK GIRLS RIDE MAGAZINE REPORT—Meet LaShundra Rucker of SportBike Chic! BGR interviewed her and learned so many fun stories she shared. Like how she randomly stumbled upon motorcycle riding, tales of very eventful cross country trips, and even created a women’s motorcycle apparel business catering to size variety. Keep reading to learn more about her journey and passions! Check their web site.
For International Female Ride Day 2020, BGR is hosting All Girls On Ground, in honor of our Fallen Female Riders.
All Riders Are Welcome!
Yes, Men, you are invited! We welcome your support!
Click here to read more info on our website.
SAFETY NEWS FROM THE LEADER—P.S. If you like the bling of chrome – and the security of knowing your phone, GPS, camera, etc will never fall off – Check out our CRAZY COVID CHROME SALE for deep discounts on some of our most popular items!
Don’t Let Your Phone Distract You!
Do you ever have problems seeing your phone’s screen while riding?
Needless to say, you don’t want to be distracted from driving because you’re futzing with your phone.
Some people solve this issue with Bluetooth in their helmet. I’m not as high-tech as that (not to mention I’m cheap), but I do have some tips to make reading/seeing your phone easier (and therefore safer).
First: a high-quality motorcycle phone mount. Yes, that’s what we do here at Leader, but the truth is still the truth. You don’t want to worry about your phone falling out of its mount (so check out our selection today)!
Organize: Set up your initial screen with the apps you need the most when riding to minimize the number of swipes required
STURGIS FXR SHOW –Finished up this seat to be raffled at the FXR Show at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis. Very excited to be a part of a cool show and somebody is gonna score a cool seat.
–AC
Dime Bag Leather
309-532-5081
THE NASH MOTORCYCLE BARS OF THE WEEK–Creepsters are perfect for adding a little evil flare to your front end and giving your bike an awesomely uncanny look. You can get them in several finishes including: raw, matte black, gloss black, chrome and copper.
Made from 1-inch steel tubing with reinforced corners for extra added strength. Available in black, chrome, copper plating, and raw finishes. Made in the USA. Available in sizes 12, 14 and 16″. 11″ base, 30″ grip to grip, 5″ pullback.
If you’re ordering one of our sticky throttles, we can cut and prep your bars so they’re ready and the throttle is in when you get them as an additional option.
*If adding a Cable Kit to your order, please specify at checkout what bars you are currently running & also what type of bike you have.*
Here is the link
https://nashmotorcycle.com/collections/handlebars/products/creepsters
Customization Explained. Go to the Nash Web Site for Handlebar Options and
Throttle Prep Options
LECTRON CARBS LIVE–
Lectron is the only metering rod fuel system with two circuits. This means no harsh transitions compared to a jetted carburetor, while still having two independently adjustable circuits for bottom end and top end. You can run leaner metering rods for crisp response off idle while making massive peak horsepower numbers.
Due to our high order volume, this product currently has a two-week lead time.
We can build a carb for any Harley. If you aren’t sure what you need or have a custom application, order the kit and send an email to sales@lectronfuelsystems.com with a few pictures and a good phone number to discuss any further details.
The kit includes:
Harley Carb with our Gen II idle circuit.
33″ Barnett Throttle Cable to fit Harley style throttles
3 Bolt Air Filter Adapter (Universal bolt patterns)
2 Bolt Manifold adapter (will also fit stock manifolds)
Metering Rod Adjustment Tool
Shims to adjust spacing
Note: When upgrading from a smaller carburetor to an HD 400 kit, you may need to purchase a larger intake manifold.
*Lectrons provide superior throttle response and power delivery by utilizing our patented metering rod.
*Our simple design does not incorporate multiple jets to replace.
*Our taper bore squeezes the air to increase speed and create fuel lift behind our flat metering rod.
*Lectrons are a great choice for riders seeking performance, fuel economy, simplicity and smoother power delivery.
*Our new idle correction circuit helps maintain good idle while still having a good throttle snap off low RPM so there is no need for an accelerator pump.
*Lectron is a competitive advantage to 4 stroke engines used for all racing and off road applications.
These products are for racing use only!
“Wild Bill” Hickok, one of the greatest gunfighters of the American West, was murdered in Deadwood, South Dakota.
Born in Illinois in 1837, James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok first gained notoriety as a gunfighter in 1861 when he coolly shot three men who were trying to kill him.
A highly sensationalized account of the gunfight appeared six years later in the popular periodical Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, sparking Hickok’s rise to national fame.
Other articles and books followed, and though his prowess was often exaggerated, Hickok did earn his reputation with a string of impressive gunfights.
After accidentally killing his deputy during an 1871 shootout in Abilene, Kansas, Hickok never fought another gun battle. For the next several years he lived off his famous reputation.
We will start to share Deadwood history as we stumble across it. Check the full story of Wild Bill, who was murdered when he was only 39 years of age.—Bandit
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=14674&id=14674
A LESSON FROM THE MASTER–
Student – How may I enter the Way?
Teacher – Do you hear the murmur of the mountain stream? There you may enter.
–Sam Burns
CYCLE SOURCE NEWS–Can’t Go To Sturgis This Year? No Problem We’re Bringing It To You!
Source Media Group Presents – Sturgis Live! 80 Years In A Day
With the pandemic nearly canceling the most significant motorcycle rally in the world, Cycle Source Magazine brings you “Sturgis Live” 2020, 80 Years In A Day. A backstage pass to The Sturgis 80th Anniversary with hosts Pat Jansen, Jack Schit, and Chris Callen, who will scour the rally to bring you a look behind every curtain.
You will take the most epic rides with them, visit the monuments and parks, ride down Main Street, and of course, go to the legendary parties that make Sturgis what it is today.
There have been motorcycles coming to the Black Hills of South Dakota for over eight decades to enjoy the scenic rides, the brotherhood of the sport, and the good times surrounding the Sturgis Rally.
This year, it came down to the wire as the American Motorcycle Culture, and the industry that supported it started to get ready for the 80th running of Sturgis, it looked like it might not happen. In the end, the city of Sturgis voted to move forward with the rally but the questions loom, who will be there, what will it look like and how will this year add up in the history books of the Sturgis Rally.
Join Cycle Source Magazine’s Chris Callen, a 25-year veteran in the motorcycle media and events world, who has assembled a team of lifelong riders who also happen to be among the most prominent voices in the industry.
Pat Jansen has represented some of the biggest names in motorcycling and, at the same time, has built bikes and cars under the name Sin Central Garage.
Jack Schit has walked onto the biggest stages on the planet, to emcee some of the largest and longest-running motorcycle events.
Together these three will not stop until every question is answered. Join us as we go through 180 minutes of discovery into a part of this great country that bore pioneers, outlaws, gamblers, and statesmen, and of course, became the epicenter of the motorcycle universe. This is Sturgis Live 2020, 80 Years In A Day.
All of this is possible through a partnership with FITE TV, the global network responsible for the recent Moto Fite Club, and Flat Track Fite Club Pay Per View events.
So how can you watch it? Anyone with Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, The Internet, or Smart TV can bring up FITE TV or go directly to our program at https://www.fite.tv/watch/sturgis-live-80-years-in-day/2p7s9/ and get in on the action.
You can pre-purchase this program now on FITE TV for $14.99 or anytime up until Aug 19, 7:00 PM EDT when we go live, just days after the rally ends. Find out for yourself what the 80th in Sturgis really was.
–Heather Callen
Managing Editor
Cycle Source Magazine
Office – 724-226-2867
www.cyclesource.com
Cycle Source on Facebook
WE ARE COOL BY THE CLIMATE DEPOT–No, June 2020 Was Not the Hottest June on Record
By Anthony Watts
Climate Realism.com
The Washington Post and other media outlets are claiming June 2020 was the hottest June on record. Not surprisingly, that is fake news and a lie. Let’s set the record straight.
The root of the claim that June 2020 was the warmest on record comes from an announcement from European Union climate scientists. Yet the scientists don’t say that June 2020 was the warmest June on record. Here’s what they actually said:
“Globally, temperatures last month were 0.53°C warmer than the average June from 1981-2010, almost tied as the warmest June in this record and with the Siberian Arctic experiencing the most above-average conditions. In Europe, temperatures were far above average in the north but below average in the south, overall tying as the second warmest European June in our record.”
Since when does a finding of “almost tied as the warmest June” allow ostensibly factual news organizations to breathlessly exaggerate and claim “almost tied” is the same as being “the hottest on record.” Again, the Washington Post simply printed “fake news” to further its ideological agendas, as well as generate unprofessional click-bait.
Similarly, in late June we were told that Verkhoyansk, Russia experienced the hottest ever temperature above the Arctic Circle, with some media outlets claiming the Arctic is “literally on fire.”
We pointed out here on Climate Realism that not only was it a weather (not climate) event, but we also pointed out that such extremes are normal for the region.
For example, a warmer, 100-degree F temperature was reported above the Arctic Circle over 100 years ago, before “climate change” ever became a cause.
Here’s another interesting note about the Verkhoyansk, Russia, being “on fire” last month – two weeks later, it snowed in the very same place that was “on fire” two weeks ago. The mainstream media didn’t report on that, however, because it didn’t fit the alarmist warming narrative.
As it turns out, the brief high-temperature weather event in Russia caused a skewing of the global temperature record. We are being told by some media outlets that the globe had the hottest-ever June on record, but as you can see in Figure 1, that isn’t true at all.
There are many places on the globe that are in the blue, i.e. “below normal”. Only where the arrow points in Siberia do we have highly warmer than normal temperatures. Most of the rest of Russian, by the way, was cooler than normal.
Figure 1: Surface air temperature anomaly for June 2020 relative to the June average for the period 1981-2010. Data source: ERA5. Credit: Copernicus Climate Change Service/ECMWF.
As you can see, had that area not experienced a weather event that created a localized heat wave, the global temperature wouldn’t be mathematically skewed high. When making claims about “global warming”, being a problem, you can’t really accurately say the entire globe set a record, because we’re dealing with a skewed mathematical average that went off the scale because of one small region.
Looking at other data, such as that measured by NASA satellites, we don’t see a global record for June this year at all. In fact, according to the satellite measurement data, June 2019 was warmer than June 2020. Dr. John Christy, senior scientist in charge of that data at the University of Alabama, Huntsville, said in an email “June was not a record for Global, Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, or the Tropics.” You can read his Global Temperature Report here.
So, who do we believe when you have conflicting data? For me, it is an easy choice; the Washington Post clearly lied, and I wouldn’t trust them to report on anything climate related as they have been blinded by the climate alarmism agenda.
The European Union climate scientists used the flawed and warmly biased surface data, which reads warmer than normal, and is prone to urban heat island issues, and also weather station siting problems that create warmer temperatures. The EU also tends to be prone to political bias on the climate issue. And even they refuted the notion that June 2020 was the warmest June on record.
It seems the NASA satellite data has none of those problems, nor does that data suffer from warm biases or an agenda. It also says there’s no global record for June 2020. That’s the data I trust.
[page break]
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
THE BEST TIMES BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for July 9, 2020
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/THE_BEST_TIMES_BIKERNET_WEEKLY_NEWS_for_July_9_2020.aspx
Micah in the Hall of Fame? ‘Bout time Fucking A!
— Paul Harris
austinruby@hotmail.co.uk
Abingdon, OX, United Kingdom
Virus Buster Run – Planet Chopper
Planet Chopper is a motorcycle tour business founded by father and son Mark and Ben Van Leewarden from New Zealand. The company operates in The United States, New Zealand and India.
Their motorcycle fleets include custom motorcycles, Harley-Davidsons, Triumphs and Japanese cruisers. Annual tours run to Sturgis, Route 66, and from the North to the South Island of New Zealand.
Planet Chopper has canceled their 2020 tours due to Covid-19 but has taken the situation in New Zealand and turned it into a positive by organizing the “Virus Buster Run” in 2021. They have pre-selected bars in 10 locations throughout New Zealand for riders to meet as they make their way to The Burt Munro Challenge, the world’s southernmost motorcycle rally.
People are free to join for the entire trip or meet at the nominated bars. This ‘Gypsy Run’ style means that riders from anywhere in the country can join in. It’s not just for motorcycle riders though, everyone is welcome to come to the bars.
Planet Chopper will run a raffle at each location and sell Ratfink-style t-shirts to generate donations for the Salvation Army’s Foodbank Project.
The purpose of this run is to “twist the throttle on the economy,” by bringing business to New Zealand’s hard-hit hospitality and tourism sectors.
Given that international travel is not currently an option in New Zealand, this tour gives the motorcycle community something to look forward to, bringing riders together in a new and meaningful way. The company is looking to roll out a similar model in the USA towards the end of the year, which will start and end at their Roadhouse in Woodlawn, Virginia.
TEXAS WEATHER REPORT–
Only a bit before 9, but my old 110v Craftsman compressor is really loud! Seeing as I haven’t even been here a month, guess I’ll finish pulling primary tomorrow.
I have a buddy who drilled a hole in his apartment laundry room floor and ran a 220v extension cord down to his garage below. My frickin laundry room is above my neighbor’s garage! And the JIM’s tool I’ve had for too long and never used don’t fit either. I’m gonna buy a bike just for that tool!
Mid controls tomorrow, here’s a PSA…”People Stop Putting Forward Controls on Dynas,” unless you’re really tall.
Now I’m just hoping I ordered the correct rear belt. Should have her back together tomorrow?
–RFR
SADDLEMEN SEAT OF THE WEEK–1958-1984 FX-FL Profiler™ Seat
Saddlemen’s® classic slammed seat for two features narrow styling, a thin profile, and low riding height. Specially designed base allows the seat to drop down into the bike for the lowest riding position possible. Surprisingly comfortable, the Profiler was developed using Saddlemen’s® famous combination of variable density foam and SaddleGel™ in the driver’s position, easing tailbone pressure and improving circulation for a smooth, comfortable ride.
Don’t accept anything less as you cannot buy a better seat. Winning show bike looks in a low, sleek seat plus top quality and innovative features, combined with comfort designed and engineered specifically for real riders– all great reasons to choose Saddlemen®
This seat features narrow styling, a thin profile and low riding height. The specially designed base allows the seat to drop down into the bike for the lowest riding position possible.
The Profiler features one of Saddlemen’s greatest contributions to motorcycle comfort technology- SaddleGel. SaddleGel uses an exclusive formulation developed to provide superior cushioning that’s especially beneficial for thinner seats where foam alone just isn’t sufficient enough to provide the maximum amount of comfort for long rides.
Gel-Core technology is engineered to dampen, divert, and deflect energy from the road. This technique combines a specially formulated polymer known as SaddleGel with the latest co-molding comfort technology foam to reduce engine vibration and the effects it has on your body while riding.
Scientifically engineered AND proven to increase the amount of time you’re able to spend on your motorcycle. The SaddleGel can also conform to all body shapes, sizes and it contours to reduce pressure points and eliminate those dreaded hot spots. This combination reduces tailbone and hipbone pressure. Each seat has been meticulously shaped and ride-tested for comfort and control issues that haunt the motorcycle’s original stock seat.
Instructions are a breeze and you’ll have your seat installed in just 5 easy steps. If you’re looking for a quality seat that’s made right here in the USA at an affordable price, pick up the Saddlemen Profiler today!
Brand Fitment: Harley-Davidson
Model Fitment: FX-FL
Year Fitment: 1958-1984
Driving for Opportunity Act–
None of us ever want a traffic ticket, but at least many of us can afford to deal with the ticket either by fighting it or paying the fine.
You might believe that if you violate a traffic law, no allegedly about it, you should pay the fine. But what if the only recourse for paying means reducing your monthly family budget for essentials like food and rent?
A California red-light camera ticket, for example, is nearly $500, and it’s nigh impossible to defend yourself in traffic court. Luckily, in California, you won’t lose your license if you can’t pay, but if you’re poor, the $500 fine would likely be challenging to pay. Motorists in other states aren’t so lucky. Today at least 11 million people across the country have suspended driver’s licenses because of unpaid fines.
Last year, the US Supreme Court unanimously upheld the Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause against state actions. The case before the Court, Timbs vs. Indiana, involved civil asset forfeiture, but the ruling bolsters arguments against debt-based license suspensions.
Did you know that all 50 states may suspend a driver’s license for a violation that has nothing to do with driving? Offenses might include failure to pay child support, defaulting on alimony, student loans and property taxes, underage drinking, and non-driving drug convictions. Forty-three states will suspend your license for unpaid fines and tickets. Only four states require proof from the state that the driver could pay and did not.
The cost of reinstating a suspended license can vary from $20 (Arizona and Idaho) to $1200 (Massachusetts). A 2018 Reason Foundation report noted that 95 percent of Michigan’s license suspensions were due to non-driving offenses.
A federal bipartisan bill called the Driving for Opportunity Act, US SB 4186, was introduced last week by Senators Chris Coons (DE) and Roger Wicker (MA). A diverse coalition of criminal justice, law enforcement, civil rights, and conservative advocacy groups join the NMA in supporting this bill.
If enacted, the Driving for Opportunity Act will provide grant incentives to states that do not suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a driver’s license of a person or refuse to renew a vehicle registration for failure to pay a civil or criminal fine or fee.
NMA President Gary Biller noted in a recent press release, “Families, and society in general, are burdened, not benefitted when a driver’s license suspension threatens a person’s livelihood in support of his or her family. The financial hole to dig out of becomes that much deeper, particularly for lower-income individuals.”
For years, various state legislatures have tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to change its laws with regards to driver’s license suspensions. A national law would allow uniformity and, hopefully, help many of those caught in this downward spiral to be able to get back on solid ground.
–NMA
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY ECONOMICS CLASS–Frugal versus Cheap.
Dear Rich Lifer,
I’m not sure why, but our culture seems to revile people who try to save a buck.
In fact, Americans largely celebrate the opposite: People who spend beyond their means, take on more debt than they can handle, and generally make the worst financial decisions possible.
Maybe nothing embodies that spirit more than the now-ubiquitous acronym, “YOLO,” which stands for “you only live once.”
I hear this type of logic all the time from people…
“You can’t take it with you.”
“Life is short.”
“Carpe Diem.”
And so on.
There’s no doubt that all of that is true. And I am all for enjoying life… having great experiences… and owning some of the finer things. But only in proportion to what I can afford, and never at the expense of my longer-term financial future!
Moreover, it pays to shop for the best deals.
I wear nice clothes but I always buy them at substantially discounted prices.
I’ve bought plenty of furniture at yard sales.
I consistently ask for a better price when I’m buying things.
Heck, my wife and I have furnished a few of our houses with stuff that other people were leaving out on their curbs!
And even THAT’s not the most extreme thing I’ve done to save some money.
Eight years ago, my wife told me she wanted a new Volvo station wagon… even after all my pleading to consider more frugal options like keeping the car we already had.
“Okay,” I figured. “I can at least make sure we get a killer deal on it.”
I started by doing all the usual research to figure out what a dealer’s rock-bottom price would be. Along the way, I discovered a $2,000 cash-back incentive for current Volvo owners.
Once negotiations began, I implored the dealership to give me the same price break even though I wasn’t a current Volvo owner.
“If you want me to buy my NEXT Volvo, you need to sell me this one first,” I argued.
Yet they just couldn’t do it because they wouldn’t get reimbursement from their corporate headquarters without proof that I actually owned another Volvo.
Now, at this point, I could have just thrown my hands up and paid the extra $2,000.
But that’s not what I did. Instead, I went and bought ANOTHER Volvo to get that darn discount!
The short version goes like this:
First, I found a non-running 1988 Volvo GLE for a couple hundred bucks on my local Craigslist.
Second, I had the owner meet me and sign over the title.
Third, I used this proof of ownership to get the loyalty discount.
And fourth, I donated the 1988 Volvo to a worthy charity. The charity picked it up from the old owner’s house and I got a nice tax break in the process… bringing my total savings back up toward the full $2,000 mark.
That might sound like a lot of work. But I figure the entire process took less than six hours of my time.
I will gladly work for $300+ an hour any time I can find the opportunity!
And frankly, I enjoyed the challenge of pulling it off — especially since almost everyone involved benefitted in some way.
Is this an extreme example? Sure.
But I’m telling you the story to prove a point: That rather than being embarrassed about our frugality and good sense, we should be proud of it.
Because in the end, the more you save, the more you can actually do!
We actually still have that Volvo right now – eight years later. It’s got well over 100,000 miles on it and it’s running just fine.
That brings me back to what I said earlier – there’s nothing wrong with buying quality stuff.
Indeed, I see a big difference between being frugal and being cheap.
One of my favorite examples? Kitchen knives.
See, I grew up in a house with an entire drawer full of crappy, half-sharpened cutlery.
In my house? We have just ONE 8-inch blade chef’s knife.
“That much for a knife?” she said.
Yes, it was more than $100.
However, we have had it for 11 or 12 years now.
I sharpen it regularly.
It takes up very little space.
And it does every single job required flawlessly every single time.
Compare that to a drawer full of $5 or $10 knives – ones that can’t ever hold an edge or sharpen back up properly.
For me, the rich life is all about quality… frugality… longevity… ingenuity… and splurging on things or experiences that hold real value whether tangible or in memory only.
To a richer life,
–Nilus Mattive
MRF ALERTS–What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?
After the repeal of the federal mandatory helmet law in the mid 1970s, and a vein attempt to start a national bikers’ rights organization — A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments – many fledging state motorcyclist rights organizations took the ABATE name but focused on the matter at hand – modifying state mandatory helmet laws.
By the mid 1980s, a handful of motorcyclists’ rights activists, led by Michael “Balls” Farabaugh from ABATE of Indiana, decided that it was time to hold a “meeting of the minds.” Joining Balls on the original Meeting of the Minds Steering Committee were Jim Baker – Utah, Bill Durning – California, Bill Gannon – Massachusetts, Clay Johnson – Iowa, Nancy Lewis – New York, Sundance Mitchell -Texas, Rob Rasor – Ohio, Lee Richardson – Georgia, Jim Rhoades – Michigan, Howard Segermark – Maryland, and Linda Stewart – Florida.
With backgrounds deeply entrenched in the early days of biker right and freedom rallies, these men and women knew there were others across the U.S. with similar backgrounds and they reached out to find us.
What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?
It’s time to learn about the early days of the MRF and see how we have transcended egos, lack of funding, and a never-ending siege against our rights, our motorcycles and our lifestyles. We held true to our beliefs, compromised without surrendering our rights, and have endured 35 years! Use this link and register at Meeting of the Minds 2020. Hotel info is on the same site.
Meet legendary freedom fighters like Mark Buckner & Charlie Umbenhaur and new activists like Rocky Fox and Cathy Brush. Meet the future of motorcyclists’ rights as you’re introduced to this year’s Young Activist.
What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?
In the mid-eighties most of us were no older than this year’s Young Activists Award recipients and yet we were not daunted by a “bunch of old bikers.” We came together in a cheap hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, and built lasting friendships, began the framework for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and were undeterred by the naysayers.
What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?
By 1989 we faced another federal mandatory helmet law. We faced a total ban on “super bikes”, a ban on motorcycles in HOV lanes… and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation was barley two years old! It may go against conventional wisdom, however, as it is sometimes said, “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend”
What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?
“The Legend”? The shirt off the back of an MRF board member auctioned to a lady from Arkansas for $1,500.00!! And… another $300.00 thrown in for good measure for the limited-edition tie from the MRF V.P. of Government Relations!!! Yeah, that’s the fact. “The Legend”? A silver ring — the center of a live auction bidding frenzy by two MRF board members, and when it was discovered there were two rings, the bid losing board member ponied up and bought the second ring for the auction price – well over $500.00!!
What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?
The Meeting of the Minds has survived 35 years. It has survived disharmony in the ranks. It has survived a budget so thin it looked liked mayonnaise on white bread. And now… we’ve endured the lockdown. We social distanced. And the MRF has never forgotten why we were founded – to advocate and protect the rights of all motorcyclists.
The 2020 Meeting of the Minds provides you with the tools to help protect your rights, your motorcycle and your lifestyle!!! Use this link and register at Meeting of the Minds 2020. Hotel info is on the same site.
See you in Indianapolis!!!
KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN–What’s better than a dad bod?
A father figure.
Now that I’ve lived during a plague, I understand why most Renaissance paintings are of chubby women laying around without a bra.
–Sam Burns
Officially Certified Librarian
Bandit’s Cantina Bad Joke Library
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS UPDATE–
I am excited to report that Apocalypse Never is a national best-seller! We were the 7th most purchased book on Amazon, and we are now in our fifth printing.
And today, The New York Post has dedicated an entire page (also pasted below) to Apocalypse Never, and the response to it.
As expected, anti-nuclear climate alarmists are on the warpath. They have attacked the book, bizarrely, as promoting “white supremacy.”
The reason is obvious: Apocalypse Never exposes how first-world Malthusians have sought to deny poor nations cheap energy for over 50 years
They have similarly attacked nuclear energy, which offers effectively infinite cheap energy, which they rightly view as a threat to their efforts to control food and energy production.
But the tide is clearly turning in our direction:
– Last month, Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Zion Lights quit her organization to work for Environmental Progress
– Two weeks later, dozens of pro-nuclear activists protested in front of anti-nuclear Greenpeace headquarters in Paris, France
– EP organized climate scientists, scholars, environmentalists and others to urge the British Government to triple the number of full-sized new nuclear reactors under construction, which would breathe new life into nuclear power in the West.
Now, EP is mobilizing pro-nuclear activists in over 30 cities to Stand Up for Nuclear!
However, we cannot succeed without your help.
Please:
– Buy copies of Apocalypse Never for friends and family
– Sign-up to participate in a Stand Up event near you. If there is no Stand-Up event in your city, please organize one!
– Donate to Environmental Progress to support our work!
We will continue to stand strong and tall in the face of these attacks.
As always, I am grateful for your support.
–Michael
Author
Apocalypse Never
[page break]
THE READING REPORT–
You remember a story from ER about a guy taking his bike out of a glass case because they had been outlawed and firing it up to go for a ride, that was Sam Chopper Orwell.
That one and another about a couple getting ambushed on the road or something? He can’t see, but the girlfriend is giving him driving instructions, they get to help but she’s actually dead. Those two always stuck with me. Sure, wish I still had them all and the center folds!
Then there was a show called Max Headroom, I thought it was great! But they used electronic credit instead of cash. A friend recently was someplace that wouldn’t take cash, just Apple pay. Life is strange.
Still trying to figure out how to get the Bronco moved, throw parts at it, PCM is $120 and may not be it, buy a 3 ton chain hoist from Harbor Freight for $100+trailer rental$50 or tow for 275-300 and I can’t bring it here till it runs.
This image is the 1974 edition, not that I ever partook or inhaled.
–RFR
Longtime MRF Office Manager passes
We were informed over the weekend by her husband Bob that Beverly Waters Garrett passed away in Annandale, Virginia.
Beverly was our Washington D.C. Office Manager from 1994-2004. She worked with four lobbyists in that time; Carol Simpson, Wayne Curtin, Steve Zimmer, and Tom Wyld.
She was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame at the same time as Tom Wyld in 2002.
Of learning of her passing MRF Board member then and now, Fredric Harrell, had this to say, “Bev was another one of those true believers who we were fortunate to have had with us in the early days. She was organized, understood our dedication-and egos-and was able to work with us when money was scarce, and she did her job through thick and thin. We were lucky.”
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Bev’s family and friends.
About Motorcycle Riders Foundation
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.
LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2020 Harley-Davidson® FXFBS – Softail® Fat Bob® 114 for $20,995.00
see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=9154974
This bike is in great condition and an eye turner with super low miles
ONLY 2475.00 Miles !!!!!
Performance Orange 2020 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob 114 (Model)
Some of the features/Add-on’s on this bike
* V2 Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine 94.0 HP @ 5020 RPM Torque: 114.3 ft.lbs @ 3000 RPM
* Rake (fork angle) 28.0° Trail: 5.2 inches
Front suspension Telescopic fork
Rear suspension Twin shocks with hand adjustment
Front tire: 150/80-16
Rear tire: 180/70-B16
* Front brakes Double disc. ABS. 4-piston.
* Rear brakes Single disc. ABS. 2-piston.
* Wheels are Denim black, Structure cast aluminum with laser etched graphics
* S&S Exhaust
* Saddleman Orange stitched seat
* Color matched fairing
* T-Bars
This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to go!!!
EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!!
Fill out an online application and ride today!!!
**Open 7 days a week**
***90 day/1000 mile in house limited warranty!
Just $20,995.00 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155
Looking forward!
–Dan Leadbetter
Director of Marketing
Lifestyle Cycles
(714) 490-0155
Moving motorcycle monument unveiled–EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – Former Wisconsin State Senator Dave Zien unveils a new, mobile monument.
The moving monument includes two, four foot by eight foot double sided tribute signs mounted on a trailer, which can be hauled by a motorcycle.
Zien says part of the signs highlight incidents where bikers were killed.
He plans to take the mobile monument to motorcycle rallies across the country during the next few months.
“Education, awareness building, to think a little bit deeper. Especially when we got the looting and we’re tearing down monuments–hey this is a moving monument. This says in writing some of the horrific details of our past and how do we amend those, how do we change those, we can’t,” said Dave Zien.
In addition to the motorcycle rallies, the monument is also expected to be taken to functions for veterans.
FLYING PISTON BENEFIT AUCTION ITEM-– The combination of the buckle by Keith “Bandit” Ball and belt by myself is pretty fucking cool if I do say so myself.
The cut-out background is stingray, the skulls are painted with acrylic paint on top of the finest American tanned and sourced cowhide. I added a little detailing on the back of the belt and left room so if anyone wants a personalized message I can accommodate such a request.
Watch for more news about the Flying Piston Builder Breakfast and auction in the near future.–Bandit
COVID ALERTS–N.Y., N.J., Connecticut Now Say Travelers From 31 Hot Spot States Must Quarantine.
People traveling to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut from 31 other states are now required to self-quarantine for 14 days, after 10 states with significant community spread of the coronavirus — including Virginia, Maryland, Indiana and Alaska — were added to a travel advisory Tuesday.
“As infection rates increase in 41 other states, our numbers continue to steadily decline, thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers” and a cautious approach to reopening, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
“Yesterday, we had our lowest death toll since the pandemic began — and with no fatalities in New York City,” Cuomo added, after his state reported just two deaths from COVID-19.
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut first announced their travel advisory on June 24, as they sought to limit potential sources of coronavirus infection. At the time, New York was emerging from its status as the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S.
As of last week, 22 states were on the list of those requiring quarantines, but the advisory now covers well over half the country. Delaware, which was removed last week, is now back on the list. The state effectively swapped places with Minnesota, which has dropped off.
The mandatory quarantine applies to anyone arriving from states with a positivity test rate of 10% or higher over a seven-day rolling average. It also includes any state where the positive test rate is higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a seven-day rolling average. In New York state, the rules carry a potential $2,000 fine.
The initial travel advisory list included just nine hot spot states, such as Texas and Florida. But it has swelled as many states endure a sharp spike in coronavirus cases driven by economic reopenings and relaxed attitudes toward face masks and other precautions.
Earlier this month, Florida surpassed New York’s worst-ever day for new cases, reporting more than 15,200 infections. On Monday, New York saw less than 2% of its COVID-19 tests come back positive. By contrast, Florida’s positivity rate has averaged above 10% for the past month.
“I never thought it would be this bad,” Cuomo told NBC’s TODAY Show about the course of COVID-19 in the U.S.
Last week, New York stepped up its efforts to hold people accountable to the quarantine rules, deploying “enforcement teams” at airports across the state and urging people to fill out a traveler health form.
When Cuomo was asked on Tuesday whether his state’s quarantine policy is enforceable, the governor replied, “It is imperfect.”
The tristate area’s new travel advisory now covers these states:
Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
–NMA
There is so much political stuff going around I just had to send this for balance. Let’s do some philosophy and statistical work….
–Sam Burns
Dr. of Philosophy
Bikernet™ University
RUSH JOB BY DIME BAG LEATHERS– Had a rush order for a custom seat completed in three days. He owns a ‘38 Knucklehead built by Choppers Inc.
–AC
Dime Bag Leathers
309-532-5081
FROM THE CHOPPERS NEVER DIE STUDY-–
Here’s the ole Sucker Punch Sally build from 2007. “Sucker” still ridden every day in Alabama by a righteous brother who bought it from the Christian Boys Home I had donated it to in 2011. Says he still loves it.
Thanks again to Kent a weeks at Lucky Devil Cycles in Houston for putting the final touches on the build. I guess it’s true, The Devils in the details!
Here’s a pic from my latest garage project, changed my lowers and fork slider covers “cowbells” on my 2016 RGU. Not too bad a job, just take your time.
–Johnny Humble
BIKERNET READER REACHES OUT–Hey Bandit,
Glad to read you’re doing well amidst this crazy pandemonium.
I was wondering if you were going to write some details about the move to Deadwood for us stuck in the muck folks in California?
We’ve been considering a move out of California as so many are flying out in every direction. Care to comment and/or share your observations? Do we split and give up for greener pastures or stay and fight for the cause?
Thanks,
-Kolohe
If you’re going to stay in California fight for all you have to save the state. At one time it was cool.–Bandit
TxDOT Launches Motorcycle Safety Campaign--Beginning this week, TxDOT is launching its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign, which aims to alert drivers to the risks that motorcyclists face and suggests safety precautions motorists can take to protect both motorcyclists and themselves.
The campaign reminds drivers that motorcycles are small and can be hard to see. In 2019, 412 motorcyclists were killed in Texas, and more than 1,800 were seriously injured.
The highest numbers of fatal motorcycle crashes last year occurred in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Lubbock and Odessa.
—
CW39’s Courtney Carpenter
BIKERNET UNIVERSITY SCIENCE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT–Astrophysicists Have Made the Largest-Ever 3D Map of the Universe
This is the result of a 20-year collaboration of several hundred scientists from around 30 different institutions worldwide.
–By Satviki Sanjay
To answer some of the most pressing questions about the universe, scientists have revealed the largest 3D map of the universe ever created. The map, published on June 19, is the result of an analysis of more than two million galaxies and quasars (luminous galactic nuclei which have supermassive blackholes) covering over 11 billion years of cosmic time. It fills in the most significant gaps in our knowledge of the universe.
Announced by Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), the results come from the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS), an international collaboration of more than 100 astrophysicists and one of the SDSS’s main surveys. Within the eBOSS team, groups of scientists from different universities around the world focused on different aspects of the analysis. The map today represents their combined effort of mapping the universe for over two decades.
“We know both the ancient history of the Universe and its recent expansion history fairly well, but there is a troublesome gap in the middle 11 billion years,” said cosmologist Kyle Dawson, who leads the team, in a statement. “For five years, we have worked to fill in that gap, and we are using that information to provide some of the most substantial advances in cosmology in the last decade.”
The map depicts the Universe from when it was only about 300,000 years old. A close look at it reveals all the filaments and voids that define the structure in the Universe. The history that has been revealed in this map shows that about six billion years ago, the expansion of the Universe began to accelerate. Since then, it has only continued to get faster. Scientists say this accelerated expansion seems to be due to a mysterious invisible component called “dark energy,” something that they haven’t yet understood with their current grasp of particle physics.
The map even reveals cracks in the picture of the universe we have right now. In particular, the team’s measurement of the current rate of expansion of the Universe—what is commonly known as the “Hubble Constant”—is about 10 percent lower than the value we know. The scientists say that the high precision of the eBOSS data means that it is highly unlikely that this mismatch is due to chance.
There is no broadly accepted explanation for this discrepancy yet, but one exciting possibility is that a previously-unknown form of matter or energy might have left a trace on our history. The scientists leave these questions to future projects. The statement said, “In the next decade, future surveys may resolve the conundrum, or perhaps, will reveal more surprises.”
–Vice News
QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!
SAM’S BIKE PICKS OF THE WEEK
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/SAMS_BIKE_PICKS_OF_THE_WEEK.aspx
Great article! Describes my feelings about custom bikes to a T!
Thanks!
–Stealth
Charlotte, NC
WOW, I’M CONFUSED—And so are a lot of other folks. They say the cases of Covid are rising, but now one of the worst states experienced zero deaths. As testing spread, the number of cases is bound to rise, but what does it mean?
I would like to see the number of hospitalizations and how that is fairing around the country. Just this week in LA two folks who live together were tested. One came back with a positive. How’s that possible? They tested again and both were negative. Another brother stood in line for two hours and decided to split—never got tested.
I suddenly have five bikes in my garage and need to go for a ride. All of a sudden my life feels complete.
My first book Prize Possession is ready for reprinting, and I’m sorta excited all over again. Within another month it will be for sale in our shop. Watch for it. It’s based on a true story.
In the meantime ride, ride free and ride forever.
–Bandit
