
Hey,
Interesting times. According to some the recession is caput, and we are on an upswing. I’ll believe it when the unemployment rate drops and consumer confidence pops. In otherwords, when the party starts, I’ll start to party. I’m up for it, as I’m sure most of the guys in our industry are praying fair weather and open roads.
We are still in the midst of planning for next year, and everyday I eek closer to a 2010 Blueprint. I wish I could spill the pinto beans today, which reminds me. Paughco is publishing a biker cookbook and I need to write down my recipe for Pintos. I only know how to cook a couple of items, Pinto Beans with red onions, ham hocks and jalapenos, and Top Ramen. That’s it.

Back to 2010, I’d like to make an announcement this week, but I think I’ll hang until the end of November. I’m hoping we’ll see an upswing in motorcycle industry action. Plus, I’m going to the SEMA show in Vegas, first week in November and I’ll test the action levels at the hot rode convention. I’ll report back. In the meantime Sin Wu is cooking pancakes and I need to wrap up the news:

MOTORCYCLE GROUP UPSET FOR PROFILING– A motorcycle checkpoint in Holly Ridge earlier this month has raised the ire of motorcycle rights activists.
Singling out motorcycles on the highway is discriminatory, said Janice MacKay, director of the N.C. chapter of B.O.L.T. (Bikers of Lesser Tolerance).
State officials said traffic checkpoints targeting motorcycles help save lives and ensures compliance with the law.
The Holly Ridge checkpoint netted 19 charges against motorcyclists ranging from driving while impaired to non-compliant helmets. The checkpoint was the second statewide and part of a new initiative by the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
Onslow County is ranked No. 1 in the state with the number of motor vehicle crashes that involve motorcycle fatalities, said Holly Ridge Police Sgt. Keith Whaley.
MacKay said stopping a motorcycle just because it is a motorcycle is equivalent to pulling over a black man for driving while black.?
“This is an enforcement operation by cops with guns and tasers who target motorcyclists for unconstitutional harassment, interruption of our right to travel unencumbered, detention, illegal search and seizures, and detention,”MacKay said. “It is blatant discrimination, not against a racial minority but against a societal subculture.”?
The Governor’s Highway Safety Program supports impaired driving, seatbelt and motorcycle checkpoints to save lives and to educate drivers, said David Weinstein the programs director in response to MacKay’s complaints.
“The studies have shown that this method of traffic law enforcement is most effective in encouraging voluntary compliance with highway safety laws,”? he said.
By LINDELL KAY
–from Rogue



BIKERNET HISTORIC INSTITUTE RESEARCH PAPER–Here’s some more Native American lore from the Old West:
There was once an Indian tribe that had a long-standing custom associated with the marriage of a brave and a squaw. The squaw would choose what type of hide she and her husband would consummate their union on during their wedding night.
It so happened that one spring, three weddings occurred at the same time. The village shaman asked the first woman what she wanted.
“Sachem,” she replied, “I wish to spend our wedding night on a buffalo hide.”
“And you?” he asked of the second.
“A bear hide, sachem,” she answered.
“What do you prefer?” he asked the third squaw.
“On my wedding night, sachem, I would join with my husband on a hippopotamus hide,” said she.
So hunting parties were organized and dispatched, the requested beasts were slain, the hides prepared and presented to the newlyweds, and the meat roasted and consumed in a celebratory feast.
Nine months later, almost to the day, the first two squaws each gave birth to a son. The third, however, delivered twin sons.
The reason for this is that the sons of the squaw of the hippopotamus are equal to the sons of the squaws of the other two hides.
–from Bruce Snyder


HUNGOVER, 8 Ways to Prevent Heartburn from the BIKERNET MEDICAL CENTER– If you suffer from frequent heartburn – twice a week or more – you may have gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This condition occurs in people whose lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly, allowing stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest and neck areas. It can also cause nausea, coughing, belching, a bitter taste, and respiratory problems, including aggravating asthma. Diet, stress, smoking and pregnancy can all trigger or worsen symptoms.
If you think you have GERD, see a doctor to rule out other concerns, such as angina, which has similar symptoms. Discuss any medications you are taking: some can trigger reflux. If you want to treat GERD naturally, try the following:
1. Keep a food and beverage journal. It can help you track and avoid triggers. Watch over-eating, eating late at night or while reclined. 2. Eat small, frequent meals.
3. Wear loose clothing and maintain a healthy weight. Both can prevent stomach constriction and help reduce GERD.
4. Avoid lying down after eating.
5. Practice relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises.
6. Sip chamomile tea. It can help soothe inflamed tissue in the esophagus.
7. Try sleeping on your left side. This may help move acid away from the entrance of the esophagus.
8. Experiment with DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), a supplement proven to be effective against GERD.

BIKERNET ENGLISH CLASS OPEN TO HELP BANDIT ON SUNDAY–Check this word: gaucherie goh-shuh-REE, noun:
1. A socially awkward or tactless act.
2. Lack of tact; boorishness; awkwardness.
If you find yourself sitting next to an obviously prosperous guest at a dinner party and your host introduces him (it will be a him) as a successful barrister, you will be guilty of a gaucherie of the crassest kind if you exclaim: How fascinating! If I promise not to call you Rumpole, will you tell me about your goriest murder trials?
— Nick Cohen, Don’t leave justice to the judges, New Statesman, December 13, 1999
Bandit can’t go out without drinking Jack Daniels in excess and performing a gaucherie and running the girls off.
–Snake, from his resignation from the Bikernet Staff.

DARWIN AWARDS FOR 2009, Semifinalist #2– Three Brazilian men were flying in a light aircraft at low altitude when another plane approached. It appears that they decided to moon the occupants of the other plane, but lost control of their own aircraft and crashed. They were all found dead in the wreckage with their pants around their ankles.


2010 Garage Girls Calendar– “All Killer, No Filler” again describes this year’s exciting 2010 Garage Girls Calendar photographed by Jim Gianatsis featuring a close-up look at this year’s most beautiful FastDates.com Calendar Kittens, but without the bikes getting in the way! The sexy Garage Cats include 3 beautiful cover supermodels: Rachel Bernstein, Playboy Playmate Athena Lundburg, and Hustler centerfold and adult teen film star Jayme Langford. We’ve got your wall covered, with them uncovered in little more than fur protectors, from very nice to very naughty!
Also getting dirty in this year’s Garage Girls Calendar are models Apple and Cora Skinner, two more of this year’s hottest Calendar Kittens. Garage Girls is the perfect companion to our other FastDates.com Motorcycle Calendars, Fast Dates and Iron & Lace, so you can keep up to date all year long, both in the Garage where you keep your tools, and in the House where you park your bike!
For mail order specify the calendar name, quantity, your name, address, and phone number. Mail with check, money order, Visa/MasterCard info for $16.95 each, plus $6 S&H per US order. Mail to: FastDates.com Calendars, c/o Van Leeuwen, 13275 Paxton Street, Arleta, CA 91331 USA. International orders should consult the FastDates.com website Contents page for a listing of International Distributors.


Flatty and Flatty – VINTAGE RETRO TAIL LIGHTS– We pulled all the stops out for our hardcore brethren with this retro beauty. Simple and to the point, this flat lens classic gets it done in style. If you’re wrenching for that simple vintage line, the Flatty taillight is just the ticket. All your buddies are going to be askin’ where you got such a gem.

Please Note — This light assembly has a clear bottom on the red lens to illuminate the license tag. The Flatty taillight is available in a high quality satin black powder-coat or chrome finish.
Web site www.lickscycles.com


CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY TO BE REPRESENTED AT SEMA IN VEGAS– Crazy Horse, JoAnn Bortels is getting ready for SEMA. “Got a bike in the House of Kolor Booth and I’m airbrushing at the SATA Spray Equipment booth,” said Joann. “I’ll be running all over the place, but be spending most of my time in the House of Kolor booth.
“I’ve been busting butt getting ready for this show. See you there.”



Second European URAL Meeting Zweites Europisches Ural Treffen– For those lucky and proud, who participated at the Second European Ural Meeting, it is a must have in any case.
All others see here, what they missed: The DVD about the Second European Ural Meeting will appear soon: On 1st of December we will be able to offer a great movie with all the stars of the Meeting and the Roadbook-Rally – 90 minutes pure Ural Feeling! Order now for only EUR 15,– (plus shipment) from your local Ural dealer or directly from office@ural.at


BIKERNET THURSDAY NEWS REVIEW– Bandit! Great job on the Thursday post! Lots of good info, super tech…those forward controls look great. But the chick in the blue dress with the best caboose I have seen this week was the capper!!!
Keep up the good work!!
–Mike


ANOTHER VOTE FOR BETSY– I just wanted to take a moment to say how great it is to see you capture Betsy and bring her to Bikernet. I have always enjoyed her writing and look forward to her input to your already great site.
Please pass my welcome on to her….and damn, not only does she write great pieces, but she is hotter than the door knockers on the gates to hell.
–Fly
The Bikernet Board of directors threw an adhoc meeting Friday night after the Cantina Happy Hour and just before the 5-Ball Racing Team Meeting. We spent all afternoon in an editorial planning session and needed a break.
The adhoc, emergency meeting was called to determine Betsy’s Bikernet title. This was heavy business, since most of the staff are male bastards and the rest are extremely jealous, control-freak broads and bimbos. Tough call. Then Betsy threw in an innocuous obstacle. She uses the name Calamity in her e-mail address, and we previously decided on Calamity Correspondent. We were drunk and confused, whether to call her Calamity Betsy, or Betsy Calamity. I’ll cut to the chase. She is now, officially and profoundly Bikernet Betsy. The girls are now planning her prospect period and the indoctrination ritual. Hang on for more reports–Wilburn Roach


Would BikerNet members benefit from a discount at Motel 6 Nationwide?–Why the fuck not? Motel 6 would be pleased to offer nationwide discounts to your members! We also have programs to help support your organization!
With over 1000 Motel 6 locations at the lowest price of any national chain, we are ideal for the budget-minded traveler.
You can count on Motel 6 to provide a comfortable stay at a great price!


THURSDAY NEWS COMPLAINT– Good work again this week. But – did you forget one or two shots of the “Madonna”-Bike with fitness-girl Jule? Think your readers would’ve liked that.
–Andreas
We saved her for the Post, how’s that?–Bandit



Vindicta Wednesday Night Ride– After reading about this new Houston-based V-rod group, Vindicta; I decided to catch up with them and finally go for a ride last night. First off, it was raining like crazy off and on all day and the ride looked to be a bust, but there were 6 D’s, 1 AW, and 1 Triumph Bonneville that showed up for the ride.
I met the President (Reid), VP (Shawn), Sergeant at Arms (Pepe), and Road Captain (Cisco). My first introduction was chasing Cisco down 59 south at 80 miles an hour in the pouring rain. We all met up downtown for steaks and a few brews. While the conversation casually bounced from engine mods to road trips, a constant theme was reiterated over and over throughout the night; brotherhood.
Vindicta is a new riding club whose bike of choice is the V-rod, but the main goal is a brotherhood between motorcycle enthusiasts who like to ride. And man, let me tell you, they ride. Closing on 130 mph isn’t a boundary as much as it’s a tradition. I learned of several standing orders such as riders position, where to pull over, and who gets a ticket. Yeah, I think I may have found a home. Keep your eyes posted for my updates as I traverse deep into a new riding club focusing on one of Harley’s best.
–Johnny Humble
Houston, Texas


SHOVELHEAD TECH CONNECTION– Since the last time we spoke I’ve picked up a ’79 FLH-80. It was a bit beat, so I pulled the top end. Leaks from every path 🙂 Anyway I been hanging out on a Shovel forum too and met a guy named Mike Sorensen in Canada. Mike has designed a new head for shovels that produces numbers like evos and TC’s. He’s got a video up showing a 93″ motor making 100 RWHP on pump gas, 87 octane. I’ve got a set (the first ones) of his heads coming in end of next week. I’ll have to pull the bottom end now too and get it rebalanced due to the pistons being a lot lighter.
He’s just getting ramped up on the heads. He’s also got evo conversion lifter blocks, a set of Panheads coming next and if that’s not enough he’s building a 130 RWHP 127″ Shovelhead. It’s got an Ultima bottom end, Mike’s billet cylinders (big bore :)), billet heads, and evo cams. We’re all having a hell of a time watching him build the thing.

People NEED to hear about this stuff.
— Rebel
We asked Rebel what the hell happened to his Buell/Softail project. Scroll down for the answer.


Harley Ready to Rock Tokyo– This upcoming weekend, the 41. Tokyo Motorshow will open its doors to the public and Harley-Davidson will be one of the few remaining exhibitors in the motorcycle hall. Having been a booming show for years as the gate to the Asian market for American and European manufacturers, the show’s once impressive lineup of exhibitors appears to have been syphoned off by venues in Shanghai and Peking. While the market for gizmos and gadgets is going through the roof in Japan, the motor-crowd has apparently moved on to the new and upcoming Chinese market place, where everybody wants a piece of the pie and hopes to be able to tab into the huge resources of the vast population with growing desire for foreign lifestyle and luxury. Nearly all American and European manufacturers have scratched Tokyo from their schedule this year, reducing the Tokyo Motorshow to a local event from the international fair it was in recent years. The worldwide economical crunch is doing the rest.

While the Tokyo Motorshow as a venue has taken a hit and may need years to recover, Harley-Davidson’s sales in Japan still appear to be going strong: With retail sales in Japan well exceeding the 10,000 mark for the past couple of years in Japan, in 2008 just barely missing 15,000 sold bikes, the recently announced financial report indicates retail sales for the past nine months already breaking into the 10,000s again ? despite an obvious shift of the market to the Asian mainland and a refocus of the marketing effort by most big players.
– C.S. Berg



BIKERNET OPENS PETTING ZOO– IF you thought the legend of the horse whisperer was impressive, here’s an animal tale with even more bite. Rather than trying to tame wild stallions, fearless Costa Rican fisherman Chito prefers a playful wrestle in the water with his best pal Pocho – a deadly 17ft crocodile.
The 52-year-old daredevil draws gasps of amazement from onlookers by wading chest-deep into the water, then whistling for his 980lb buddy – and giving him an affectionate hug.

Crazy Chito says: “Pocho is my best friend. This is a very dangerous routine but we have a good relationship. He will look me in the eye and not attack me.
“It is too dangerous for anyone else to come in the water. It is only ever the two of us.” Chito made friends with the croc after finding him with a gunshot wound on the banks of the Central American state’s Parismina river 20 years ago. He had been shot in the left eye by a cattle farmer and was close to death. But Chito enlisted the help of several pals to load the massive reptile into his boat.
He says: “When I found Pocho in the river he was dying, so I brought him into my house. “He was very skinny, weighing only around 150lb I gave him chicken and fish and medicine for six months to help him recover.

“I stayed by Pocho’s side while he was ill, sleeping next to him at night. I just wanted him to feel that somebody loved him, that not all humans are bad.
“It meant a lot of sacrifice. I had to be there every day. I love all animals – especially ones that have suffered.”
It took years before Chito felt that Pocho had bonded with him enough to get closer to the animal.
He says: “After a decade I started to work with him. At first it was slow, slow. I played with him a bit, slowly doing more. “Then I found out that when I called his name he would come over to me.”
At one point during his recovery, Chito left the croc in a lake near his house. But as he turned to walk away, to his amazement Pocho got out of the water and began to follow him home. Chito recalls: “That convinced me the crocodile could be tame.”
When he first fearlessly waded into the water with the giant reptile his family was so horrified they couldn’t bear to watch. So instead, he took to splashing around with Pocho when they were asleep.
Four years ago Chito showed some of his tricks to friends, including getting the animal to close his eyes on command, and they convinced him to go public with a show. Now he swims and plays with Pocho as well as feeding him at the lake near his home in the lowland tropical town of Sarapiqui. The odd couple have now become a major tourist attraction, with several tour operators, including Crocodile Adventures, taking visitors on touring cruises to see the pair.
–Ray Russell

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