Many of the long time followers of Bikernet are familiar with the Run for Breath in Charlotte, NC. Bandit has been a huge supporter of this run in many ways, and the celebrity guest for the two previous years. For those not familiar with the run it starts with the story of Mike Pullin and his son, Justin. Justin, who seemed to be doing well with his asthma, had an unexpected attack one night and died before being transported to a hospital. Mike forced himself to answer the question, "Why am I still alive and what do I do now? He founded the Run for Breath, a charity ride for the American Lung Association.

Mike Pullin, the founder and a living God, according to his girlfriend.

Event proceeds support kids with asthma. Camp Air Care, run by the American Lung Association, educates youngsters with lung related problems. A terrific outdoor opportunity and facility, including camping and canoes, it also houses a medical staff arming these kids with serious knowledge about fighting the disease. Each day kids receive life-saving classes that empower them to deal with their illness or lung related illness in others. Time and knowledge is critical when anyone is struck with a breathing related attack. Move quickly and the attack concludes without, so much, as a hiccup.

I rolled out to this run three years ago. It was the first time I met Bandit. I confirmed is ability to get top off a bottle of Jack, which he tossed into the weeks in 100 degree humid heat. He knows his way around a Panhead. It's amazing he knows anything. However, if any women quizzed me about any other women with him, I denied everything. I hit it off with the scoundrel, and he has been like a mentor to me since. He's not just substantially older...

This year the poker run launched Sunday, July 27th. The crowd gathered at Ben's V-Twin where Ben Edwards fired up the grill and cooked up morning grub. Ben rode an Ol' Skool bike basically unchanged since 1972. Check out the cocktail shaker exhaust coming off the '47 Knucklehead engine. The chrome springer front end was reported to be the original, and the black lion paint job was very cool.

The event featured killer bikes at the show, some of which had a definite HORSE, Backstreet Choppers, thing going on. The run ended at Tumbleweeds where the bike show was held along with grub and live bands. All of the trophies where hand made and most featured old bike parts. Mike said he got the idea from the Smoke Out Chopperfest. The trophies were built by a veritable who's who in the bike world. Bandit, of course, welded up the Best of Show unit.

The highly coveted Best Of Show award.

Additional contributors included (noted Bikernet low life) Jose from Caribbean Customs, Kendall Johnston, Grandeur Cycles, Ben Edwards, Southside Street Rods and Billy from Eastside, Mike Newton from Magnum Cycles and Mike Marquart from Redneck Engineering. The trophies were freaking amazing and will make this event a sought-after custom competition. Mike and his lovely lady "Meanest" are members of the Charlotte H-D staff or Harley-Davidson of Charlotte. I can never get it straight, but the dealership stridently supports this event.

Even the cops were cool. They escort to pack to Ben's every year. That's always the chrome on the suicide knob to have a police escort.

I was asked to be the "Celebrity Guest" this year, which was also amazing. I pen a few articles and founded the Smoke Out, but on those very rare occasions when someone asked for an autograph, I looked over my shoulder to see if Billy Lane was in sight. I have never been the guest of much, still it was a huge thrill.

Bandit's "Best of Show" trophy went to an amazing chopper. Bandit did a hell of a job constructing the massive steel-fisted trophy, and it was a kick for me to hand it to the new owner. Kick ass bike.

Best of Show Winner.

The bike was entered, and trophy was accepted by Ben Jordan. Fourteen minutes into a conversation with Ben J, he mentioned it was his roommate's bike. Christian Gordan built the bike but happened to be out of town, so Ben J. hit the streets.

"Christian, great job on the bike. Make sure you get the trophy and hide your keys."

That's it for this year's Charlotte success. May this run grow year after year. May it assist many kids with this life-threatening disease and may Mike feel some closure, if ever, from losing his son Justin.

--Edge