Crazy,
From Thanksgiving to New Years we’re riding on the cloud of goodness and light, then suddenly it’s all over and the grind awaits. It’s like coming off some wild drug while in bed with your favorite redhead. There’s heaven on earth, and reality hits you in the mug when you wake up.
The key is to jam as much pleasure into your daily existence as possible. If, from time to time you can’t find that pure euphoria in daily life, come to Bikernet for a shot of custom motorcycle nirvana. It’s our code; Have fun or die trying. Let’s hit the news.
NOSTALGIA ROCKER BOX COVERS– Like the timing cover, these rocker box covers have been CNC machined from a forged aluminum blank, then brilliantly chrome plated. Sold as a pair, the covers include all hardware.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON CAPITOL DRIVE POWERTRAIN OPERATION REVS UP TO FIGHT HUNGER– Santa Claus loaded up and delivered the gift of food to Hunger Task Force in a Harley-Davidson semi on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The plant ran a competition among departments to fill an entire truckload of food for Milwaukee’s needy. This month-long food drive benefited the Hunger Task Force and resulted in a donation of more than three tons of food.
“Because of this food drive competition, just imagine how many holiday hams and turkeys we can put on the table for people who would otherwise be without,” remarks Sherrie Tussler, executive director at Hunger Task Force. “It is such a cool thing Harley-Davidson is doing to put smiles on the faces of people who may not have much to smile about these days.”
Hunger Task Force just released their November numbers that reflect the economic downturn in our community. More than 2,000 visitors obtained food from network pantries in November compared to October, which is a 25-percent increase over this time last year. With food donations down this fall, the local anti-hunger agency is feeling the pinch and concerned about the first quarter of 2009.
Tussler states, “Without the caring and kind individuals, organizations, and corporations supporting our mission, we would ultimately fail in providing food free of charge to the hungry in Milwaukee County. We just need folks to see that they can make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate, and Harley’s goodwill gesture is just one example.”
CHICKIE’S THOUGHT FOR 2009– Wishing you every happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. Thank you for being part of our extended family and we look forward to enjoying and sharing the many wonders of 2009 with you.
Measure who you are by the compassion, endurance and strength you hold within. Cherish every experience, the good, bad and ugly, for it will truly add to your worth- which by the way you cannot measure with a monetary ruler. Don’t forget to share a smile with others, stop and smell the flowers ( even if it is in the grocery store ) and reach out to help someone when you can.
Say a prayer for our soldiers, Be Safe and Ride Forever…
–Athena ” Chickie ” Ransom and the crew at Vagabond Chopper Company
SEMA MEMBER ALERT– As a SEMA Member Company, we have received an Urgent Legislative Action Alert from the association. You may be interested in this legislative alert and the possible impact it will have on your hobby.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is a non-profit trade association composed of more than 7,800 member companies involved in all aspects of the automotive industry, from manufacturers to car clubs and race teams.
The SEMA Action Network (SAN) protects your hobby from unfair or unnecessary legislation on national and local levels. Through distribution of information and the collective voice of automotive enthusiasts and businesses, the SEMA Action Network has successfully impacted legislation concerning scrappage laws, equipment standards, registration classifications, emissions regulations, and more.
The following information is directly from SEMA. If you would like to contact the lawmaker, follow the instructions in the alert.
Thank you for your time, Your Friends at Summit Racing Equipment:
Washington lawmakers are drafting a large economic stimulus package to help create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. They want to include a nationwide scrappage program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in older cars to have them crushed, as a misguided attempt to spur new car sales. The lawmakers need to scrap this idea.
The stimulus package is being drafted right now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wants to introduce the bill on January 6 and have it approved by Congress by January 20, so that President Obama can sign it into law after he is inaugurated.
Contact House Speaker Nancy Pelosi IMMEDIATELY To Oppose Cash for Clunkers!
Call: 202-225-0100
Click here to send an electronic message: http://speaker.house.gov/contact/
Talking Points:
Feel free to use any of the statements below as a starting point for your message to Speaker Pelosi.
* I am [calling/writing] to urge lawmakers not to include a ?Cash for Clunkers? provision in the economic stimulus bill. Owners who turn in vehicles for crushing would receive a “minimal” payment to purchase a new car. This is a misguided attempt to spur car sales and claim that the country?s air quality or fleet fuel mileage is being improved.
* I work for [company name] located in [city and state]. My company is part of the specialty automotive industry, an industry which enables consumers to enhance their vehicle?s appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and safety. ?Cash for Clunkers? programs deny our small businesses the availability of older cars necessary to develop and market their products and services. The programs will hurt my company and our customers.
* ?Cash for Clunkers? programs threaten enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects. The programs also risk destroying classic, historic and special-interest vehicles, our American heritage.
* Cars turned in for scrappage often barely run, or are rarely-driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.
* ?Cash for Clunkers? programs will reduce the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts used by low-income drivers. It will also compete with the Salvation Army, the Purple Heart and other charities that rely on vehicle donations to raise money.
* ?Cash for Clunkers? ignores better policy options. If Congress wants to act, support for repair and upgrade is a better choice and a win-win for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and repair shops. Significant emissions and fuel economy improvements can be achieved in older vehicles through relatively simple and inexpensive means: repaired/replaced exhaust systems, tune-ups, etc.
* We hope we can count on you to reject ?Cash for Clunkers.? Thank you for your consideration on this very important matter.
If you choose to send a message to Speaker Pelosi, please send a copy of your message to SEMA also:
E-mail: briand@sema.org
Fax: 202/783-6024 This
The Japanese have been doing this for about 30 years in order to protect/prop up their automotive industries. I have always wondered how long it would take to make it to the US. Watch out, Harley would be on board next too.
–Mike
NASH EL GRINGO BARS– Designed after our El Gringo bike, these one of a kind bars feature a 5″ pullback and a 10″ base. They measure 29″ grip to grip and have a 4″ height, with a welded cross bar and unique corners.
These bars are sure to give your bike that one of a kind look you want. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call, (360) 693-4225.
FREEDOM FIGHTER DOWN– As it?s last act of defiance, 2008 took the life of a dear friend and Motorcyclist?s Rights Pioneer Penny Walker Schmidt who died yesterday, December 31st from Respiratory Failure. Originally from the Manchester, New Hampshire she lived the last few decades of her life in Kansas with her husband Glen and was active with Kansas ABATE.
We all knew Penny as a legendary freedom fighter who was active in the first days of the Motorcyclist?s Rights Movement back in 1972. She and Wanda Hummel were the only women involved in the early movement. And she teamed up with folks including Wanda, Sherm Packard, Charlie Simon, Big Al Hogan and Ron Roloff organizing at home & travelling back and forth to Washington D.C. to battle and overturn the nation?s first Federal Helmet Mandate.
Penny went on to join the AMA as a Congress member and later as Government Relations Liaison. I was fortunate enough to work with Penny from 1989 through 1994 while Penny was on board with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation where, again, we overturned the second Federal Helmet Mandate. She was just a great Lady as kind and generous as anyone I ever met.
I?ll never forget going to a weekend MRF meeting in January 1992 at AMA Headquarters in Westerville, OH. Penny made everyone?s reservations and always put the meeting agendas together. She got us reservations at the fancy Harley Hotel (no relation to the motorcycle company but we still stole everything that wasn?t nailed down that said ?Harley? on it). That was also the same time that the AMA opened up their Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. We got an advance tour and one of the first exhibits to open the museum was entitled ?Woman and Motorcycling.? The exhibit included images and bios of woman rider notables including Wanda, also friends Cris & Jo, and of course Penny. It was a proud moment for her to be recognized so honorably— and in front of her MRF peers that weekend.
In 2001 Penny was inducted into the National Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Sturgis, South Dakota. I know so many of us have wonderful anecdotes about time shared with Penny. I have many but today one stands out in my mind. In 1990 the entire MRF Board and Officers were out at the Sturgis 50th Anniversary Rally organizing the grassroots effort and raising funds. Big Al & I were preparing for our 2,000+ mile ride back to the East Coast and we were all saying our goodbyes. I was lamenting over not having procured a can of Sturgis 1990 vintage Harley Beer for my collection (I had waited too long and even Harley ran out of it at their private events). It was all sold out. Penny told me she would see what she could do. Seven weeks after, we rode down to Carlyle, Pennsylvania for the MRF Meeting of the Minds. Penny was already there when we rode in and immediately gave me a bag containing an entire six-pack of Sturgis 1990 vintage Harley Beer. I am holding a can of that beer as I write this.
That?s just the type of person she was— totally dedicated to the cause and willing to go out of her way to be generous to a friend and colleague. As Penny always made our reservations for out out-of-town trips, she knew how I loved to bring home something for my kids. Thus she always scoped out souvenirs for my little girls and would even pick them up for me if she didn?t think my agenda would allow me the time to do so myself. She always knew what I would have picked for my girls. That was Penny.
Funeral Arrangements have not yet been made for Penny. Sadly, Motorcycling has lost another Legend and Women in Motorcycling have lost a precious role model on the last day of 2008. Ride in Peace my Dear Friend and my Love and Respect always goes with you. R.I.P. Penny Walker Schmidt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
–by Bill Gannon
–from Rogue
www.bikerrogue.com
SUNDAY NEGOTIABLE DEALS– Another Negotiable Parts Bike By Randy, 1979, $8000.00, no miles.
Mick’s Chop Shop, fresh, no miles, $10,500.00.
–Tim
Negotiableparts@aol.com
GOOD WORD ABOUT A REPUTABLE SHOP IN HOUSTON–LUCKY DEVIL’S– Here’s to you and hoping you have a great 2009. A Coincidence or just the way shit happens…? I started emailing you awhile ago I think from the COC in TexasK, hell if I can remember hahaha, I was working at Lucky Devil in Houston later on…turns out Kent and you are bros too…he is a good brother and an honest man….I heard he was building a bike for your old lady…
Anyway, I got shit to get ready for…just wanted to say thanks for the response and Happy New Year..
Strength and Honor
–TIMO SPS
Timothy M. Stinson
Ops Coordinator
Recon International-Camp Bastion Afghanistan
thorsps@yahoo.com
NEW MOTORCYCLE FILM COMING FROM INDIA, ONE CRAZY RIDE– As you might know, after completing our first film Riding solo to the top of the World, we were working on the second film – One Crazy Ride.
The post production of the film got over recently and the trailer is up on the website.
For better video and audio quality, download the high resolution version which is a link on the trailer page. http://dirttrackproductions.com/trailers/ridingsolo/index.html
Happy New Year.
–Gaurav Jani
Dirt Track Productions and 60kph family
THE US TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN PROVED THEY HAVE RETAINED THEIR SENSE OF HUMOUR– “YOU MAY BE A TALIBAN IF…”
1. You refine heroin for a living, but you have a moral objection to beer.
2. You own a $3,000 machine gun and $5,000 rocket launcher, but you can’t afford shoes.
3. You have more wives than teeth.
4. You wipe your butt with your bare left hand, but consider bacon “unclean.”
5. You think vests come in two styles: bullet-proof and suicide.
6. You can’t think of anyone you haven’t declared Jihad against.
7. You consider television dangerous, but routinely carry explosives in your clothing.
8. You were amazed to discover that cell phones have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.
9. You have nothing against women and think every man should own at least one.
10. You’ve always had a crush on your neighbor’s goat.
–from Bob Sofford
WEST COAST CHOPPERS MAY BE DOWN TO 5 EMPLOYEES–But Jesse has a new show brewing and you can get involved.
Jesse James/Spike TV and their new show “Jesse James is a Dead Man” need your help. Jesse has done it all he’s a speed junkie, he lives on adrenaline, he’ll try anything once. But now it’s your chance to tell him what to do for an upcoming episode of his new show, Jesse is handing over control to YOU.
Jesse wants your ideas for crazy, stupid, and ridiculously dangerous stuff for him to do. He’ll pick the wildest challenge, bring you out to LA to explain what it is on the show and then he’ll do the challenge on the show!
GOT AN IDEA FOR JESSE?
We want you to submit crazy, potentially deadly ? but not impossible ? ideas for Jesse to execute on his show, “Jesse James is a Dead Man.” But we don’t want you to DO them just TELL us about them. Leave the hard stuff to Jesse.
In your video, talk directly to Jesse. Challenge him personally to execute your stunt or activity.
Be as specific as possible in telling Jesse what your idea is, what he would have to do in order to complete it successfully.
If Jesse thinks your idea is crazy enough for his show, we’ll get you to Los Angeles so you can tell him about it in person on the show and then watch him try to do it without killing himself!!
Remember, we don’t want footage of you actually doing the stunt or a part of the stunt just footage of you telling Jesse about it.
VIDEO TIPS:
Make sure we can see and hear you clearly. Check your shot to make sure you’re in focus and there’s enough light in front of you so we can see your face. If you’re shooting your video outside, make sure it’s not too noisy for us to hear you describe your idea. Don’t have any music playing in the background and no singing ? we just want to hear you. Don’t sit or stand too far away from the camera ? we should see you from about the waist up.
Be sure to read the full rules for all submission requirements!
GOVERNMENT BLUNDER– In 1990 the US Government seized the Mustang Ranch brothel outside of Reno, NV for tax evasion. As required by law, it tried to run it, failed miserably and closed it.
Today we are trusting the economy of our country and $850+ billion dollars to a pack of nit-wits who couldn’t make money running a whore house and selling booze.
If that doesn’t make you nervous, what does?
–from Rogue
BIKERNET FAMILY COUNSELING SESSION– A husband and wife go to a counselor after 15 years of marriage.
The counselor asks them what the problem is and the wife goes into a tirade, listing every problem they have ever had in the 15 years they’ve been married. She goes on and on and on.
Finally, the counselor gets up, goes around the desk, embraces the woman, and kisses her passionately.
The woman shuts up and sits quietly in a daze.
The counselor turns to the husband and says “That is what your wife needs at least three times a week. Can you do that?”
The husband says, “I can bring her in on Monday and Wednesday, but on Friday I go riding with my buddies.”
–from Art Friedman
EASYRIDERS KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH POMOMA EXTRAVAGANZA–This is going to be a wild year and John Green, the boss of ER Events, is making changes to support the economy and deliver a new hotter show series. Show bike registration is free as long as you buy an arm band for entrance into the event on January 10-11th. Hell, I could afford to enter bikes.
There’s going to be bands, girls, builders and a dresser competition. And of course if you win you have a shot at a bike feature in a national motorcycle magazine, big prizes and invitation to the Grand Daddy show at the end of the season. Be There, Be There, Be There!
BIKERNET/WOLFGANG TECH REVIEW– Just read the Budget twin cam upgrade off the home page and it’s the best install instructions I’ve ever read. I’ve got other Tim Remus-Wolfgang books, but this tops all. Please send my thanks to the right people.
–Pete(from florida)
UDEY, BIKERNET CONTRIBUTOR FROM INDIA TO REVIEW ONE WILD RIDE– I haven’t been on any of the 60 KPH adventures. They are really eXtreme with the rides they do. This North East India area is dangerous not just for the terrain and climate but also because of the Naxalite/ Terrorist threat there – the Communist Maoist rebels like to kill people for fun there.
This one looks even more beautiful than the Changthang Plateau of the Ladakh ride in their previous adventure. I hope you recall the article I did on that published on Bikernet http://www.bikernet.com/news/PageViewer.asp?PageID=1566
I’ll be glad to cover their recent film for Bikernet.
–Ujjwal Dey
MAJOR COMPANIES CHANGE THEIR LOGOS FOR 2009 FOR A FRESH NEW LOOK– Pespi’s new logo is one of the big name makeovers this year. M&M’s, Holiday Inn, Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Old Navy and Monopoly also made changes. 28 Big Name Makeovers are schedule to take place in the very near future. What’s it mean?
LET’S HAVE A HELLUVA 2009–Who cares about the crappy economy, let ride, build bikes, create new shit and party. Hell, I’ll take on extra jobs, paint the bathroom, or whatever it takes to get back to Bonneville, print my next book or bring you a report on our Freedom Film effort.
This year is already opening Bikernet up to new builds with Greg Friend’s Little Big Twin Project, part Big Twin, Part Sportster. We’ll start moving forward on our 1929 PeaShooter Bonneville project. Billy Lane is flying into Los Angeles tomorrow to visit Mike Egan about Crocker parts.
Shit, the list is too long, but it’s all going to be fun and covered on Bikernet on a daily basis. Next week we’ll bring you the first Little Big Twin Tech, another JIMS tool Tech, coverage of the David Mann Chopperfest, a Indian Larry tribute feature bike and much more. Hang on.
Ride forever,
–Bandit
