THE WILD BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS—for May7th 2026

Hey,

This is one of those mornings, and shit is flying everywhere. I met with Doug from the Longmont Chapter of the Hells Angels. I’m testing their brand of Whiskey 81 Spirits and he slipped me the Longmont, Colorado community magazine with the club on the cover. The article explained their hot sauce and whiskey business and the club’s efforts to help charities in the community.

Could this be an indicator of a changing face of clubs?

Scott Lockhart and a group of locals are bringing the Sturgis Drag Strip back. Scott is the boss of Hose Clamp Customs, in Rapid City, SD.

That’s exciting. The Sturgis Mayor passed unexpectantly at 58, the city Administer resigned and so did the city attorney. An election is coming up and I’m trying to find out who is pro rally and pro cutting a deal to bring the ½ mile back. I will report in from the dark alleys of Sturgis.

Just today, we discussed the cover of ER #601 the issue devoted to our country’s 250 anniversary. We have a plan, but I can’t reveal it just yet.

We talked about the Easyriders logo and the color scheme. I just hired Prince Najar to be the Director of the Easyriders YouTube channel and he’s working the archives, interviewing me and cranking away building content.

You can imagine, for every element of progress, there’s a pile of hiccups. Like building a bike, I ran into a bunch today.

This is where the Easyriders mantra helps. We are all about blue-collar fun, building motorcycles, relaxing with the girls and enjoying the outdoors. In today’s world there’s a ton of obstacles, forms, requirements, fees, you name it. But if you’re an Easyriders reader or Bikernet, there’s always fun, the open road, creativity and romance and don’t you forget it.

Let’s hit the news.

The Bikernet News is brought to you by our resilient team: The Redhead, Wayfarer, Danial James, Sturgis Vicky, LA Laura, Palma, and Freak Show Kendra.

HAMSTER RUN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC—

It’s also Ed Kerr’s 83rd birthday and the Big Pines Run 2026 in Geneva on the Lake, OH, Thursday, June 25 – Sunday, June 28, 2026.

We’re looking forward to seeing everyone for the Big Pines Run!

Thank you,

The Rust Belt Hamsters

BURLY BRAND SHIT–MX-EVO FLOORBOARDS

From legacy to evolution, meet the all-new MX-Evolution Floorboards. Designed for the wild spirits, thrill-seekers, and everyday enthusiasts, these floorboards pay homage to the iconic motocross aesthetic of the 1970s, blended with a twist of modern ingenuity.

Square-shaped for a modern twist on the classic motocross aesthetic

Etched with the iconic Burly Brand logo for a distinctive look

Crafted from lightweight, high-quality aluminum alloy for optimal performance

CNC machined to precision, ensuring durability and a sleek finish

Set screws provide secure traction for various riding styles

AVAILABLE FOR: TOURING

WE ARE WORKING ON THE BIKER/WESTERN NOVEL AND HERE ARE SOME NOTIONS–

That’s a killer premise. Bikers as the new cowboys—roaring chrome horses instead of mustangs, outlaw codes instead of rancher honor, open highways instead of cattle trails. Wyoming is perfect for this: endless two-lane blacktop, harsh weather, sparse population, oil fields, ranches, Indian reservations, and that independent, “don’t tread on me” frontier spirit. The tension between tradition and the new breed writes itself.

Core Concept Ideas

The Club as the New Outfit: Your protagonists are a Wyoming-based MC (maybe “The Buffalo Riders,” “Iron Mustangs,” or “High Plains Drifters”). They wear cuts with a buffalo skull or lone rider patch. They “ride herd” on territory—protecting small ranchers from corporate land grabs, running security for underground fights or pipeline protests, or smuggling goods along I-80 and backroads.

Bikers vs. Cowboys Tension: Old ranch families resent these “loud, tattooed drifters” taking over saloons and backroads. Some alliances form (bikers helping drive cattle during a brutal winter or protecting against rustlers 2.0—meth cooks or land developers). Others lead to feuds: a retired sheriff who still wears his cowboy hat vs. the club president who used to be a rodeo bull rider.

Western Tropes, Biker Flavor:

The Saloon: A roadhouse bar called “The Last Chance” or “Rust & Chrome” where bikers and cowboys drink together uneasily. Pool tables, live country/metal bands, and the occasional bar fight that spills into the parking lot full of Harleys and pickup trucks.

The Posse: Club “enforcers” on baggers chasing down a rival gang or corrupt official—think a high-speed pursuit through badlands with dust storms and pronghorn scattering.

The Code: “Ride loyal, die free.” Brotherhood rituals with Western oaths—maybe a blood-in ceremony involving a branding iron shaped like the club logo.

Women in the Story: Tough ranch daughters who ride their own bikes, “old ladies” who run the clubhouse like a frontier homestead, or a female prospect proving herself on a long run.

Uniform / Look Details (Tying Back to Wyoming Cops)

Your bikers could mock or mirror law enforcement:

Cuts over Western shirts: Denim or leather vests with club colors (maybe black and forest green, nodding to WHP), 1%er patches, Wyoming-specific rockers (“High Plains” or “Wyoming Outlaws”).

Cowboy-Biker Mashup: Black cowboy boots (with spurs for some old-timers), leather chaps over jeans, Stetson or black ball cap under a half-helmet, bandanas with cattle brands or club symbols.

Tats & Jewelry: Sleeve tattoos of barbed wire, longhorns, and piston skulls. Silver concho belts mixed with biker rings.

Vs. The Law: When they clash with Wyoming Highway Patrol (green uniforms, campaign hats) or a local sheriff in tan/black, it feels like classic Western standoffs—but with engines idling and lights flashing.

Plot Hooks for a Novel

Range War 2.0: A big energy company is buying up ranches. The MC sides with holdout families, turning into modern regulators/heroes (or anti-heroes).

The Long Ride: A cross-state run from Cheyenne to Yellowstone that goes wrong—rival club ambush, crooked cops, a blizzard.

Legacy: An aging cowboy-turned-biker president is dying; his son (straight-laced deputy?) has to choose sides.

The Takeover: Bikers start “branding” small towns—controlling bars, mechanics, even a custom bike shop on an old ranch.

Practical Tips for Authenticity:

Research real Wyoming MC culture (respectfully—it’s territorial) and classic Westerns (The Searchers, No Country for Old Men vibes).

Weather and landscape are characters: freezing winters that freeze bikes, summer thunderstorms that flood arroyos, vast emptiness where you can disappear.

Dialogue: Mix biker slang (“cage” for car, “colors,” “patch”) with ranch talk (“fixin’ to,” drawls, profanity about “government men” or “suits”).

This has huge potential for gritty, mythic storytelling—like Sons of Anarchy meets Hell or High Water or The Power of the Dog.

What part do you want to develop next—specific characters, a chapter scene, club hierarchy, rival factions, or how a confrontation with those green-uniformed troopers plays out? I’m all in. Let’s make these bikers feel like they belong on the Wyoming range.

WE MET THE BIKERNET MONK ON THE ROAD–DSS – Desired Superior State

Are you living as a wandering generality… or a meaningful specific?

A Desired Superior State begins with clarity. We cannot arrive at a destination we have never defined. Too many of us live on “someday isle”, someday I will do this, someday I will become that. Yet someday is not a day on the calendar.

Today is.

Within each of us lives an Infinite Power, a Divine Presence that knows no limitation. This Presence is not separate from us; it works through us, as us, guiding every step when we choose to listen and act. We are not lacking ability, we are often lacking direction.

Take time today to clearly define your goals. Write them down in every area of your life, spiritual, mental, career, financial, health, relationships, and family. Give your desires a form. Bring them out of thought and into expression.

Begin your day by reading these goals. End your day by reading them again. Let them become part of your consciousness. As you do, something powerful happens, clarity replaces confusion, direction replaces doubt, and purpose replaces hesitation.

Trust the Divine within you to guide the “how.” Your role is to set the intention, take the steps, and find joy in the process. The path may not unfold exactly as imagined, but it will always unfold perfectly when you remain open, willing, and faithful.

Know this today:

There is no lack. There is no limitation.
You are free from all sense of bondage.
Strength and courage are your Divine birthright.
You are here to express your highest self.

No matter the challenge, the solution already exists within you. You are supported, guided, and equipped to fulfill your purpose.

Stand in this truth:

I do what I choose, where I choose, with whom I choose, how I choose, and when I choose.
I expect, accept, and express my God-given gifts and talents today.

Make a decision:

I am focused.
I am consistent.
I am persistent.
I hold unshakable faith that all is unfolding in Right and Perfect Order.
Each day, I elevate my desires, expand my expectations, and deepen my acceptance of good.
I maintain unwavering faith.
I believe the Invisible is becoming visible in my life.
I remain consciously connected to my Higher Self throughout this day.

This is my Desired Superior State.

________________________________________

Contemplative Questions

1. What specific vision do I truly desire for my life, and have I clearly defined it in writing?

2. Where in my life am I still living in “someday,” and what one action can I take today to move forward?

3. How can I deepen my trust in the Divine within me and allow it to guide my daily decisions?

The most powerful thing you can do is believe in yourself. When you trust your journey and embrace your potential, you unlock a strength you never knew you had. Keep pushing, keep dreaming, and never let doubt silence your greatness.

–Yale

2nd Performance Bagger Show brings sport and racing cruiser back to 40th Biker Fest International

The second edition of the Performance Bagger Show celebrates the “steroid-powered” cruisers – now even featured alongside MotoGP with the Harley-Davidson Bagger Cup – showcasing the most cutting-edge and race-oriented trend in the custom scene

Originally designed to cover long distances in maximum comfort, baggers have evolved into aggressive, track-ready machines. These large cruisers, recognizable by their imposing fairings and hard saddlebags, have transformed into Performance Baggers – a phenomenon that, following the success of series such as the American King of the Baggers and the Bagger Racing League, has even earned a place alongside MotoGP with the Harley-Davidson Bagger World Cup.

Structured across six rounds in North America and Europe, the championship is also set to arrive in Italy during the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello. This event will take place just days after Biker Fest International (May 14-17), which is seizing the opportunity to make its 40th anniversary even more special by hosting the second edition of the Performance Bagger Show, scheduled for Saturday, May 16, in the Luna Park Area of Lignano Sabbiadoro (Udine, Italy).

For the second consecutive year, Europe’s leading motorcycle rally will showcase some of the most advanced and sought-after sport and racing baggers built in Italy – true representatives of the hottest and most innovative trend in today’s custom scene. A jury experts will award three outstanding models, with the support of partners such as FG Gubellini, Faster96, Simpson and La Pacheca.

The inaugural edition of the contest in 2025 featured as its standout star the Indian Challenger from Team Nexum Racing. The twin-cylinder machine, built by Bologna-based Thirteen Garage and powered by a massive 1,834 cc V-Twin delivering over 170 horsepower, was one of the key protagonists of BRL Europe – a championship it later went on to win with italian rider Manuel Grandi.

The Bagger Racing League itself will be an official partner of the event, with the presence of spanish rider Rubén Xaus, a major figure in World Superbike and MotoGP throughout the 2000s and 2010s and now promoter of the first European series dedicated to racing baggers, currently in its second season. Xaus will present the awards to the contest winners on the main stage of Biker Fest International at 5 pm of Saturday, May 16.

Participation in the 2nd Performance Bagger Show is free of charge. Builders and customizers interested in taking part can apply by sending detailed photographs and technical specifications of their motorcycles to: danilo@editricecustom.it.

SPUD 500–is coming

Start: 0530 Saturday Morning, 8 August, 2026

Finish: 05:30 Sunday Evening, 9 August, 2026.

Start & Finish are the same location: Boise, Idaho

Registration fee: $100. Start point & further instructions will be e-mailed after receiving your entry fee. You will receive a start pin with your map to the first check-point. At the finish point, you check-in, then receive your finish pin & patch.

There will be check-in points along the way. Each check-in point will open & close at designated times. You have to make each point to get the map to the next check-point.

This is not an endurance run, not a race, not a competition & not an Iron Butt Run. You may encounter forests, mountains, animals and all kinds of weather. Come prepared.

Entries received by 1 July, 2026. To enter: text or e-mail your information prior to 1 July to notmyflub@gmail.com or (208) 241-3502. No credit cards. Or submit information, check or money order to:

SPUD 500, 76 Clear Creek Drive, Boise, Idaho 83716

–Just Russ

THE DAV REPORT–Hey Bandit,

Thank you for your service to our country. In honor of Military Appreciation Month, we’re celebrating all those who served and sacrificed for our nation … like Steve Visco.

Steve is a retired Air Force colonel who served our country for 27 years, including multiple deployments. During a deployment in Saudi Arabia, he stayed in a tent near toxic burn pits.

In 2023, Steve was diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. When he filed for disability through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the claim for the cancer came back approved—but at 0%. Lymphoma of any type is a presumptive condition under the PACT Act, groundbreaking legislation DAV helped pass in 2022 that expanded VA care and benefits for veterans exposed to harmful substances during their military service.

Thankfully, Steve reached out to DAV for help. A DAV benefits advocate reviewed Steve’s claim and quickly found an error. Within hours, she had worked with the VA to get Steve the proper rating—and the essential benefits he had rightfully earned.

When our men and women in uniform take an oath, our country makes them a promise. But too often, when veterans return home, they’re unable to access the critical benefits and support they’ve earned through their service. DAV is here to keep our promise to veterans like you.

Read more about Steve’s story and how DAV is fighting for all veterans. Thank you for being a member of DAV—and for all you do for our veteran community.

–Coleman Nee,
DAV National Commander

P.S. Steve Visco will be joining our DAV Stakeholder Call. Tune in on May 27 at 6:30 p.m. EDT by dialing 888-652-0383 to learn more about Steve’s story and how DAV made an impact in his life.

HANG ON FOR THE LATEST ROYAL ENFIELD COMPANY AWARD–Royal Enfield recognised as World’s third strongest auto brand

Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250cc–750cc), has been ranked the 3rd strongest auto brand in the world by Brand Finance, in its Automotive Industry 2026 report. The recognition places Royal Enfield amongst the world’s most admired automotive names and strengthens its position as a truly global Indian brand, one that continues to shape the future of motorcycling while staying true to its timeless spirit.

Royal Enfield achieved a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 88.9/100 with an AAA rating, while recording a remarkable 30% surge in brand value to USD 1.2 billion.

As the oldest motorcycle brand in continuous production with a legacy spanning 125 years, Royal Enfield has evolved into one of the world’s most iconic motorcycle brands, loved by generations of riders for its timeless design, authentic character, and philosophy of Pure Motorcycling. Today, the brand has a presence across 80+ countries, supported by a growing retail network of over 3,200 stores globally, seven international CKD assembly facilities, and vibrant riding communities around the world.

Royal Enfield holds strong market positions globally, from Melbourne to Munich and Rio to Bangkok, and continues to build deep emotional connections with riders through its motorcycles, immersive experiences, and culture-led community platforms.

Its portfolio spans 14 internal combustion engine motorcycles across Heritage, Cruiser, Roadster, Adventure, and Pure Sport categories, each reflecting the brand’s ability to blend heritage with modern relevance for riders across markets. More recently, Royal Enfield has also marked its entry into electric mobility with Flying Flea, its new city+ electric mobility brand, launching the Flying Flea C6.

The strength of the brand is further reflected in the recognition it continues to receive across quality and partner ecosystem benchmarks. Royal Enfield was ranked highest in overall two-wheeler initial quality in the J.D. Power 2025 study and secured the #1 position in the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) Dealer Satisfaction Survey.

About Brand Finance

Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. Headquartered in London, it operates in over 25 countries. Every year, Brand Finance conducts more than 6,000 brand valuations, supported by original market research, and publishes over 100 reports which rank brands across all sectors and countries.

Brand Finance also operates the Global Brand Equity Monitor, conducting original market research annually on 6,000 brands, surveying more than 175,000 respondents across 41 countries and 31 industry sectors. By combining perceptual data from the Global Brand Equity Monitor with data from its valuation database — the largest brand value database in the world — Brand Finance equips ambitious brand leaders with the data, analytics, and the strategic guidance they need to enhance brand and business value.

In addition to calculating brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics, compliant with ISO 20671.

Brand Finance is a regulated accountancy firm and a committed leader in the standardisation of the brand valuation industry. Brand Finance was the first to be certified by independent auditors as compliant with both ISO 10668 and ISO 20671 and has received the official endorsement of the Marketing Accountability Standards Board (MASB) in the United States.

LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK–2021 Harley-Davidson Street Bob 114 for Sale

Deadwood Green •

Used Motorcycles

The Harley Street Bob is your everything bike, no trip can stop this machine!

Stock# 14803C

2021 Harley Davidson FXBBS Softail Street Bob with only 5,571 miles!

Lifestyle Cycles couldn’t be more thrilled to see such a well built Street Bob go, we hope you enjoy all the rides this bike can offer!

* Harley OEM Deadwood Green Paintjob

* 114 Cubic Inch Harley Milwaukee 8 Motor

* 6 Speed Harley Transmission

* Thrashin Supply Black Risers and Low Bend Black Handlebar

* Arlen Ness Black 3-Piston Front Caliper

* Flo Oil Filter

* Baja Designs Shark Demon Headlight

* Arlen Ness Black Mirrors and Grips

* Short Black Clutch and Brake Hand Levers

This bike is only $17,995.00

Plus license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees. This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 103-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection.This motorcycle has not been refurbished and does not come with any warranty expressed or implied! EXTENDED WARRANTIES are available!

Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING

Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd,Anaheim,CA,92806. Open 7 days a week.

NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155.

Huge selection of Street Glides, Road Glides, Road Kings, Ultras, Sportsters, Softails, Dynas, and much more!

We are California’s pre-owned Harley Mega-Store with over 200 Pre-Owned Harley-Davidsons in stock! To view our current inventory,

Please visit www.LifestyleCycles.com or www.facebook.com/LifestyleCyclesUsedHarleys/

Paughco replica of captain America bike, when did they make them–They still are building ’em with Mondo

Paughco, a long-established aftermarket manufacturer of custom Harley-Davidson parts (founded in 1968/1969), has supplied many reproduction components for building Captain America replicas from Easy Rider for decades. This includes iconic elements like wishbone hardtail frames (with the signature 37° rake, stretches, and chrome finish), tanks (such as the U.S. flag-style peanut tank), sissy bars, exhaust systems (upsweep headpipes and fishtail mufflers), oil tanks, handlebars, triple clamps, and other trim pieces. Paughco did not produce complete turnkey “Paughco replica bikes” as a factory offering. Instead, they made (and still make) the key aftermarket parts and frames that builders and custom shops use to assemble highly accurate Easy Rider-style choppers. Their frames come in both 4-speed (for a closer match to the original movie bikes) and 5-speed variants (for modern updates with electric start and Softail-style drivelines). These parts have been available for “years” according to Paughco’s own descriptions, with ongoing production and build times listed as 3–8 weeks for frames (longer for custom chroming).

When Paughco Started Making These Replica Parts

Paughco has claimed involvement with parts for the original 1969 film bikes (though the primary builders were Cliff Vaughs and Ben Hardy using custom work on police-model Panheads).

Dedicated reproduction lines for Easy Rider Captain America components (frames, tanks, etc.) appear to have been actively marketed and available by at least the late 1990s or early 2000s, as evidenced by their use in prominent replica builds around that time.

They were prominently featured in the early 2000s when shops like Panzer USA assembled limited runs of complete replicas using Paughco frames and parts. One notable series was a 2001 Panzer/Paughco collaboration (150 units built, with a Neo-Pan engine), and another early-2000s Panzer limited edition (around 50 units) also relied heavily on Paughco chromed frames and components for accuracy.

By the 2010s (and continuing today), Paughco’s catalog explicitly grouped these as “Captain America Reproduction” parts, positioning them as a way to build an “exact reproduction” of the movie bike. Many custom Captain America replicas built since the 1990s–2000s (including those in museums or private collections) use or reference Paughco frames as the foundation. In short, while exact “first made” dates for the specific replica frame aren’t pinpointed in public records, Paughco’s Captain America-style parts have been in production and widely used by builders since at least the turn of the millennium (with roots going back to the company’s founding era around the time of the film). If you’re looking to buy or build one today, their website still lists the full kit of parts. Replicas using these components remain popular among collectors, though they vary in fidelity and value depending on the builder’s attention to movie-accurate details.

They are still building Captain America and Billy Bikes with Denver’s Choppers down the street.

THE OLSEN CROSS-COUNTRY RUN-–

Matt and Carl Olsen and a few others are riding ’36 Knuckles across the country in June. Matt’s riding the silver and green Knuck. We have a before shot.

His wife is riding the hot rod.

They are going to hook up with us in Sturgis as they pass through.

–Bandit

Rumour has it this place is selling antique motorcycle parts- I thought the AMCA locals may want to call. Tigger gave me this info.

–The Redhead

CHOPPER DESIGN CLASS FROM THROTTLE ADDICTION–There are 3 big pieces that went into achieving this stance on our giveaway chopper:

1) 16″ rear wheel, 21″ front. This has been a tried and true wheel setup for decades. It’s classic and looks great every time. We sell plenty of aftermarket wheels in these sizes, but the good news is that you can save a lot of money up front when you pick your donor Sportster. Look for a 1996-2003 XL1200 “Custom.” The “Customs” came from the factory with a 21″/16″ setup. All other Sportsters in that year range are going to be 19″/16″.

2) We’re running a 24″ chrome narrow springer (SKU: 59195-24). This bike left the factory as a “Hugger,” which means its front forks were about 2 inches shorter than standard. Adding some length with the springer gives the bike that aggressive angle where the bottom frame rails kick up slightly. To get this look without swapping out an entire front end, we sell fork cap extensions with +2″/+3″ for 39mm and 41mm hydraulic front ends. (SKU: 9096, 9097, 9183, 9184)

3) Of course we’re rocking our deluxe sportster hardtail kit. We manufacture this kit in our shop in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Swapping out a stock swingarm for a rigid hardtail is about the biggest step you can take to transform the overall look on a Sportster. One continuous line from the neck to the rear axle plates is such a clean look you really can’t beat it. (SKU: 6019 for hardtail only. We also offer kits with seat, sissy bar, oil tank and fender configurations)

Remember from now until May 20th every $1 you spend at Throttle Addiction gets you entered to WIN this chopper from us!

THERE’S NEVER ENOUGH–Time, space, parts or women.

We are going to pick up these pendants in Vegas. They look sorta rough to me. Let’s hope for more detailed polishing.

Here’s another cool scooter from the next issue. The owner/builder hails from the East Coast, but we have riding shots from Downtown LA.

I’m collecting bids for these Otto trucker hats embroidered with our famous Hal Robinson logo. We are working on new merch daily. Oops, I shouldn’t take credit. Many of the staff are working on product development including our CFO, Kelly. Hang on.

This event is coming right up. I know the bike in the poster is a Honda. This isn’t our event, so we didn’t control the art, but watch for more events in the future featuring the right bikes and cool folks riding them.