Hey,
There I was slicing my way home from the Chop N Grind Headquarters in Yucca Valley, on the notoriously congested Interstate 10 through Yucaipa, where the famous Rip-a-roo lived. Even nearing midnight the snarling traffic poured onto the freeway from every direction like drunken locust heeding a mating call on the other side of city.
I often wonder where the hell everyone is going at some ungodly hour. I wonder how many folks are returning home after sordid affairs, or if they’re drooling over the thoughts of reaching her side. Then there’s the kids looking for a drug deal and the drunks, with just one-eye open, hoping to survive the dash home.
At one time, the late hours belonged to bikers, screaming across open roads, at break-neck speeds, to meet a new girl, and to open her eyes to the life of another two-wheeled outlaw. It never ends. Let’s hit the news:
Mexico Legalizes Drug Possession By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS– Mexico enacted a controversial law on Thursday decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and other drugs while encouraging government-financed treatment for drug dependency free of charge.
The law sets out maximum ?personal use? amounts for drugs, also including LSD and methamphetamine. People detained with those quantities will no longer face criminal prosecution; the law goes into effect on Friday.
Anyone caught with drug amounts under the personal-use limit will be encouraged to seek treatment, and for those caught a third time treatment is mandatory ? although no penalties for noncompliance are specified. Mexican authorities said the change only recognized the longstanding practice here of not prosecuting people caught with small amounts of drugs.
The maximum amount of marijuana considered to be for ?personal use? under the new law is 5 grams ? the equivalent of about four marijuana cigarettes. Other limits are half a gram of cocaine, 50 milligrams of heroin, 40 milligrams for methamphetamine and 0.015 milligrams of LSD. President Felipe Calder?n waited months before approving the law.
–from Rogue
BACK TO OUR BIKERNET LOUISIANA LESSON– The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local gossip and LSU football…
You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.
You find 100 degrees “a bit warm.”
You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas.
Going to Walmart is a favorite past time known as “Goin’ Walmartin” or “off to Wally World.”
You describe the first cool snap (below 70 degrees) as good gumbo weather.
Fried catfish is the other white meat.
We don’t need no dang Driver’s Ed. . . if our mama says we can drive, we can drive.
You understand these jokes and forward them to your Louisiana friends and those who just wish they were from Louisiana !!!!!
–from Donna O.
PEREWITZ IGN SWITCH RELOCATOR– If you?re installing a custom tank on your 2000-up Softail, you?re going to want to get your hands on one of these slick IGNITION SWITCH RELOCATORS. Just released by Master Builder, Dave Perewitz, the handy new mount allows you to position your stock ignition switch at the factory horn bracket.
This means you can retain your stock wiring and eliminate many of the headaches encountered when wiring an aftermarket switch. The Perewitz IGNITION SWITCH RELOCATOR is precision fabricated from steel plate, finished in flawless show quality chrome and installs in minutes.
For complete details call 508-697-3595 or 508-586-2511. Catch them on the Web at www.perewitz.com
‘Uh-Oh They’re Here’ A persistent blogger annoys police — and winds up in jail– A 34-YEAR-OLD woman, the mother of a 12-year-old girl, has been locked up in a Virginia jail for three weeks and could remain there for at least another month. Her crime? Blogging about the police.
Elisha Strom, who appears unable to make the $750 bail, was arrested outside Charlottesville on July 16 when police raided her house, confiscating notebooks, computers and camera equipment. Although the Charlottesville police chief, Timothy J. Longo Sr., had previously written to Ms. Strom warning her that her blog posts were interfering with the work of a local drug enforcement task force, she was not charged with obstruction of justice or any similar offense. Rather, she was indicted on a single count of identifying a police officer with intent to harass, a felony under state law.
It’s fair to say that Ms. Strom was unusually focused on the Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement task force, a 14-year-old unit drawn mainly from the police departments of Charlottesville, Albemarle County and the University of Virginia. (Her blog at http://iheartejade.blogspot.com In a nearly year-long barrage of blog posts, she published snapshots she took in public of many or most of the task force’s officers; detailed their comings and goings by following them in her car; mused about their habits and looks; hinted that she may have had a personal relationship with one of them; and, in one instance, reported that she had tipped off a local newspaper about their movements. Predictably, this annoyed law enforcement officials, who, it’s fair to guess, comprised much of her readership before her arrest. But what seems to have sent them over the edge — and skewed their judgment — is Ms. Strom’s decision to post the name and address of one of the officers with a street-view photo of his house. All this information was publicly available, including the photograph, which Ms. Strom gleaned from municipal records. The task force’s officers may have worked undercover on occasion, but one wonders about their undercover abilities, given that Ms. Strom was able to out them so consistently. Chief Longo warned Ms. Strom that her blog posts were scaring off informants and endangering the officers and their families, but he provided no evidence. At no point did Ms. Strom’s blog express a threat, explicit or otherwise, to police or their sources. Ms. Strom is not the most sympathetic symbol of free-speech rights. She has previously advocated creating a separate, all-white nation, and her blog veers from the whimsical to the self-righteous to the bizarre. But the real problem here is the Virginia statute, in which an overly broad, ill-defined ban on harassment-by-identification, specifically in regard to police officers, seems to criminalize just about anything that might irritate targets. It should not be a crime to annoy the cops, whose raid on Ms. Strom’s house looks more like a fit of pique than an act of law enforcement. Some of her postings may have consisted of obnoxious speech, but they were nonetheless speech and constitutionally protected. That would hold true right up through her last blog post, written as the police raid on her home began at 7 a.m.: “Uh-Oh They’re Here –from the Washington Post –Rogue
CAPTURED FROM THE BIKERNET BLONDE VAULT– A blonde was driving home after a game and got caught in a really bad hailstorm. Her car was covered with dents, so the next day she took it to a repair shop.
The shop owner saw that she was a blonde, so he decided to have some fun. He told her to go home and blow into the tail pipe really hard, and all the dents would pop out.
So, the blonde went home, got down on her hands and knees and started blowing into her tailpipe. Nothing happened. So she blew a little harder, and still nothing happened.
Her blonde roommate saw her and asked, ‘What are you doing?’ The first blonde told her how the repairman had instructed her to blow into the tail pipe in order to get all the dents to pop out.
The roommate rolled her eyes and said, ‘Uh, like hello! You need to roll up the windows first.’
–from Buckshot
BIKERNET BANDANA ROAD-TESTED TO THE BADLANDS– Hey Bandit, I took youR bandanna with me to Sturgis like you said, but you didn’t show up! You missed a good year! But hey, you already know that! Here’s a shot of myself an two buddies from central IL.
–Captain america
BIG BEAR MOTORCYCLES Canadian Certification, New Canadian Distributors?New Model Launch– Big Bear Choppers and its Canadian Distributors announce Transport Canada certification for all Big Bear Choppers models including carbureted and EFI engines.
??We realized that making such a large investment in time and money to obtain Canadian certification was a risk, especially during a recession and credit crunch, but we are convinced that this will pay huge dividends as we will stand out as the leader in international market for high-end American motorcycles…?
–Kevin Alsop, CEO
BBC is thrilled to announce the signing of two world class Distributors:
Insane Customs- Edmonton, Alberta
Azz Kikr ? Vancouver, BC
??We spent a lot of time and energy to obtain certification on all of our models before our competition, to help coordinate product launches, and to support dealer grand openings…I am proud our first class team of dealers, distributors and employees that were able to accomplish this in time for the riding season in Canada?we will work with Insane Customs and Azz Kikr to extend our product presence throughout the Canada according to our expansion plan??
–Rick Urban, Director of Dealer Development
In a show of support and commitment to the Canadian market, owner Kevin Alsop attended each of the product launches and dealership grand openings.
??The response has been overwhelming for our motorcycles in Canada, in fact in less than a month after our certification we have already sold more than a dozen motorcycles with the first proud owners being ?.. The fact that we have launched the first stand alone Custom dealerships in Canada speaks volumes and underscores the demand for Big Bear Choppers.
–Mona Alsop, Executive VP
In recognition of the great Team in Canada, and the time, effort, and dedication they have shown, Big Bear Choppers is launching a new ? international ? model: ?Mayhem?. The Mayhem motorcycle design follows suit with BBC?s brand, with its bold profile and old school flavor, featuring our proprietary power 100 SMOOTH engine, and utilizing a Baker 6-speed transmission, sleek billet primary drive, billet wheels, 4 piston caliper brakes, among many other notable components.
BIKERNET MEETS WITH CONFUCIOUS IN COLTON, CALIFORNIA MASSAGE PARLOR– Man with holes in pocket, feels cocky all day.
Man who fight with wife all day, get no piece at night.
Virginity like balloon-one prick, all gone.
Girls who rides bicycle, peddles ass all over town.
He who farts in church, sits in own pew.
Baseball all wrong, man with four balls can’t walk.
–from Bernard S.
BIKERNET REPORTER EMBEDDED IN AUSTRALIA TO BRING US NEWS ON NEW MOTORCYCLE LAWS– Just took a ride over to see some mates at the Odin’s Warriors motorcycle club. While I was on the road in America, they had their national run. Remember we were talking about the new legislation going into place with the new “bikie laws?” Well, this is what happened on their national run.
The run was to leave Darwin, and make it’s way to Townsville. Most of the members rode from their coinciding places of residence, some flew in and picked up their bikes that were trucked in. The ones who flew, were of course, met at the airport in Darwin by law enforcement, and escorted to a destination just out of town to be interrogated.
The 60 or so members who rode in, were first met at the Queensland border by a couple of Queensland cops, stopped, questioned, no real problem. The real fun started when they made their way into the northern territory. The official count from club sources was, four all terrain vehicles, with four special forces cops in each. four unmarked cars, each containing four CIB crime task force members, three marked cars containing a total of 14 officers, two dog squad vehicles each with two officers and two dogs, grand total of 50 police and four dogs.
This entourage, followed them for over a thousand miles, as well as camping in the vicinity of the camps and motels along the way. They followed them and kept the club circled whilst in hotels (pubs) and in the towns. The “certs” were flown in from interstate, as there is none in northern territory, not to mention the highly paid CIB.
The total in fines from a total of 363 interceptions over the two weeks was a fabulous $1500.00 Australian dollars. There were even unsubstantiated “stories” leaked to the press about all number of alleged offences. Do you think things are going too far in Australia to try to push a point?
–Nicole
V-RODS ATTACK BIKERNET– After that VRod bagger feature recently, thought I’d send a photo of a VRod Bagger that was built by Bob McKay for Duke’s H-D in Blenheim, Ontario, Canada- the ad was in an on-line buy and sell-
Description : Duke?s commissioned Bob McKay of McKay?s Cycle Creations to customize 2 ?bagger? prototypes based on the V-Rod & Dyna? models.These unique motorcycles are a numbered limited production. Addressing the absence of a light weight touring motorcycle, they feature: hard saddle bags, full front fairing,& custom fenders (front & rear). These machines will be merchandised on a personal order basis, can be personalized to the customer specifications & WILL NOT be duplicated. * Harley-Davidson Credit Qualified,* Extended Service Contract Qualified. (Please inquire for more details)
I can send other pics if you’re interested.
-Keith
We are currently checking this bike in with our V-Rod editorial staff based in Texas in the Bikernet V-Rob Laboratories outside Houston.–Wilburn Roach
RAY “MR SPEED” WHEELER READIES FOR BONNEVILLE– Going after the M-AF (Need loot) MPS-AF (have money for) Both records are open and waiting . Found two guys on line that are selling pre-paid entrees at cost 400 instead of 650 at the meet per class .
Bonneville Inn still has rooms at 35.00 per night and they are remodeled , stayed there last year .
–Ray c wheeler
San Jose , Ca.
BIKERNET TO DELIVER EXCLUSIVE ROAD TEST NEXT WEEK–Please find attached Klock FLARE windshield test. Pics to follow. World exclusive to Bikernet ? tested across two continents in two hemispheres!
–Doc
CMDRA ALL BIKE DRAG RACES – AUGUST 22-23, MISSION RACEWA–Y Check out the hottest show on two wheels this weekend, August 22 & 23, at Mission Raceway Park (www.missionraceway.com) when the CMDRA’s All Bike Drags Western Series presented by Drag Specialties/Parts Canada rolls into town for race #5 of their 6 race series.
Come check out everything from 8 second Pro Street bikes to Top Fuel Nitro Harley’s burning up the quarter mile at over 200 mph. Spectators are welcome to walk around the pits and meet the racers and crew that make it all happen!
The CMDRA is looking forward to another action packed season of racing featuring the fastest, most exciting ALL MAKE motorcycle drag racing action in Canada including the Screamin’ Eagle Top Fuel Series, Screamin’ Eagle Pro Fuel Series, Screamin’ Eagle Pro Dragster Series, Pro Modified Series, Pro Stock Series, Modified Series, Triple J Pipelines Super Gas Series, Screamin’ Eagle Stock XL (883) Series, RCC Turbos Pro Street Series, McNeney & McNeney Super Bike Series, Mission Springs Brewing Company Street Series, Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod Destroyer Series, Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson Hot Harley Series, Drag Specialties Gas Shootout and the All Steel Builders/Time Machine Motorsports Fuel Shootout.
SATURDAY
9:00am – FREE Race School, sponsored by
Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada & the Trev Deeley Foundation
9:30am – Test & Tune
12:30pm – 1st Round of Qualifying
SUNDAY
10:00am – Test & Tune
12:30pm – 1st Round of Eliminations
ADMISSION
$20.00 day pass
$30.00 weekend pass
More information on their upcoming races can be found here: www.cmdra.com or through the office: Canadian Motorcycle Drag Racing Association Phone: (604) 580-9008 or 1-877-580-9008 Email: info@cmdra.com
BIKERNET MAD SCIENTIST COMPETITION– FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.
A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.
IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU’LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH.
YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE – WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN’T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN’T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.
REMEMBER – EVERYONE SEEMS NORMAL UNTIL YOU GET TO KNOW THEM.
IF YOU CAN’T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU’VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.
Big Dog Motorcycles Halts Production for Seven Weeks–
Dealernews received the following release from Paul Hansen, Big Dog’s marketing director:
As you know, the challenging economy continues to affect Big Dog Motorcycles and the entire U.S. motorcycling industry as retail lending practices tighten and consumer confidence and discretionary spending are still at historically low levels. Yet, we are still pleased to inform that we continue to be the leader in the high performance, high style motorcycle niche and have developed strategies to maintain this position over the long-term, which includes maximizing operational efficiencies, hunkering down to dramatically reduce costs, and accelerating our international distribution. All while keeping a keen focus on new product development.
To maximize efficiencies and reduce costs, Big Dog Motorcycles began a temporary production furlough on August 17, totaling seven weeks from today until the end of the year. The seven weeks are not taken consecutively and include an immediate four weeks combined with extended holiday leave. This is a result of the company adjusting production levels from now through the rest of 2009 and preparing for the model-year changeover. No layoffs were announced and all employees affected by the furlough are eligible for unemployment benefits.
All company staff also received a temporary 20% reduction in pay.
The furlough combined with a temporary reduction in pay allows the company to carefully control costs through what we predict to be a difficult fourth quarter for the motorcycling industry. With our international efforts and signs the recession may be coming to its long-awaited end, we expect spring and summer 2010 sales to be encouraging.
Our all-new high-end bagger ? the Bulldog ? has recently been approved for export to Canada, joining several other models. Canadian sales have exceeded our expectations and we anticipate continuing to name new dealers in several major Canadian markets. Our assault on the international market also includes advanced negotiations with distributors in Europe and the Middle East and aggressively seeking European compliance.
While the recent announcement was difficult to make and is never easy, it was a painful, necessary step as we work through the economic downturn and position ourselves to be the leader in our niche and a major force in the industry for years to come.
JESSE JAMES BACK IN THE NEWS– Jesse was kicked out of the Gear Grinders, and thus the SCTA, for his prior remarks. He recently wrote the following:
–Tom Rodan
Hey All… I would like to take a moment and address all the opinions flying around concerning my Hydrogen car. First and formost I would like to say I am sorry to the SCTA for calling them “dicks”. I would also like to say I am sorry to Louise for saying what I said to her in response to her personal attacks on me.
Six years ago I set out to build the worlds fastest Zero emissions vehicle. This project is a quest to build a fast car that does no harm to the environment, but keeps all the elements we love in a race car. I think most of you are missing the point. This car is Not about setting records or top speed. It is about changing the way we do things so we can keep racing.
We have had a lot of help along the way. I owe a big thanks to the following:
Al Teague
Ol’ Man Diest
Lil’ John Buttera
Charlie Hammil
Kurt Urban
Mike Cook
Mike Cook Jr.
Quantum
Don Fergusen
Jim Profit
BMW
West Coast Choppers Crew
Without these people,and the hard work they put in this car would not exist. I am prepping, and fully prepared to take the car to Bonneville and end this debate once and for all. I would like to thank the Gear Grinders for making me part of their club. I look forward to representing them in a positive way on the Salt.
Thanks
–Jesse James
I MISSED THE CANTINA WAITRESS–The good Doctor Hamster and I met an hour out of town at a faded plastic TA truck stop. I’ve frequented this truck stop for 30 years. Whatta fuckin’ dive. It rested all these decades at the corner of interstate 10 and the 15 to Vegas. We had another hour and a half ahead of us on our run to the Chop and Grind Performance Center behind Dr. P’s home in Yucca Valley.
You’ll see the whole surly tech next week as we tore into the ’89 FLH at 10:00 a.m. after riding 140 miles, repaired worn-out rubber mounts and installed a Compu-Fire, single fire ignition system, D&D fat cat two-into-one exhaust system and a K&N air filter over his S&S super E carb. This puppy has nearly 200,000 miles on the clock and needed some tender care. We didn’t finish until after 8:00 p.m. then rode home to the ghetto on the port of Los Angeles, where I broke down two miles from the Bikernet Headquarters, at midnight. You’ll see the whole operation next week.
Damn, I forgot my tool bag. Never do that. We stopped in Colton, California for dinner. What a strange berg on the outskirts of Riverside. We rode for miles looking for a place to eat, only to find a Massage Parlor or two on every block next to fast food joints. I think we’ll relocate there.
Ride Forver,
–Bandit
