Hey,

It’s been an odd week. Remember, this is supposed to be the kick-off to our Roaring ‘20s and now we’re locked down. Plus, the Governor of California said recently about opening that everything will change in the future. No more major sporting events, etc.

What about dances and parties, will we all wear masks? Tough to smoke a joint or take a shot of Jack with a mask on? WTF, over.

Here’s another odd one. This Pandemic bodes well for individual transportation, like cars and motorcycles. All those folks who want us out of our cars and stuffed into electric subways or busses are going to need to rethink their plans. It also doesn't work for a homeless population left to hang out wherever they want. 

Let’s hit the news and see what else floats to the surface. At the end I’ll report on all the shop projects and the kick-off to another Chance Hogan book.


The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Las Vegas Bikefest, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Most recently Quick Throttle Magazine came on board.





The Veterans of Foreign Wars Unmet Needs Program offers grants up to $1,500 to eligible Veterans, service members and military families.

Since 2004, the VFW has provided more than $5 million supporting Veterans and military families who face an unexpected financial hardship related to their military service. The VFW program can directly pay eligible expenses with no obligation of repayment. VFW also provides referrals to other organizations should additional assistance be required.

After five combat tours in the Marine Corps, Sergeant Dustin Ellison was suffering from the post-war effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and severe PTSD.

“I thought [Dustin’s discharge date] would be the happiest day since he came home from service… I was wrong,” explained Heather Boyd, Dustin’s sister. “It was 100 [times] harder after war. It breaks my heart to watch my brother go through life like a ghost carrying guilt from serving for his country.”

Heather hoped Dustin’s struggles would end after being accepted into a 12-week program specifically designed to treat military-related TBI and PTSD. But when the severity of his condition and medical complications requiring surgery unexpectedly extended Dustin’s treatment, Heather feared her brother would leave the program if he was unable to keep up on his bills.

After learning about the VFW’s Unmet Needs program during a wounded warrior PTSD focus group, Heather reached out to VFW for help. An Unmet Needs grant came through just in time.

“I personally had depleted the money in my bank account… this was not only a relief for myself, but it allowed him the opportunity to focus on treatment and not stress about his lack of income,” said Heather.

Receiving an Unmet Needs grant provided the assistance Dustin needed to stay current on his bills. More importantly, it provided him the freedom to focus on his health – culminating with his graduation in January.

Heather explained that while Dustin still has work to do and will likely face daily struggles for the rest of his life, thanks to the VFW Unmet Needs program, he’s functioning better than ever.

VFW Unmet Needs Eligibility
Applicants must be the service member, Veteran, or eligible dependent listed under the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

The financial hardship must be due to one of the following:

Currently on active duty, whose financial hardship is a result of a current deployment, military pay error, or a discharge for medical reasons.
Discharged on or after Sept. 11, 2001, whose financial hardship is a direct result of military service connected injuries and/or illnesses.
The financial hardship cannot be caused by:

Civil, legal or domestic issues, misconduct, or any issues that are a result of spousal separation or divorce.
Financial mismanagement by self or others, or due to bankruptcy.
All grants are paid directly to the creditor and applicants must provide the most current bills due.

Household expenses – mortgage, rent, repairs, insurance.
Vehicle expenses – payments, insurance, repairs (major repairs for vehicles over ten years old
will not be considered).
Utilities.
Food and clothing.
Children’s clothing, diapers, formula, school or childcare expenses.
Medical bills, prescriptions & eyeglasses – the patient’s portion for necessary or emergency
medical care only.

Credit cards, military charge cards or retail store cards.
Cable, Internet, or secondary phones.
Cosmetic or investigational medical procedures & expenses.
Taxes – property or otherwise.
Furniture, electronic equipment or vehicle rentals.
Any other expenses not determined to be a basic life need.

The eligible and ineligible expense lists are not all inclusive. Each case will be carefully reviewed. Upon approval, payments will be made directly to the creditor. All applications are individually reviewed and the VFW reserves the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. For more information, contact Unmet Needs at 1-866-789-6333.

The application is provided online only. To apply, click here to start your application.The process can take up to 20 business days while a caseworker reviews the application and supporting documents. Include the most recent bills due and the assigned caseworker will reach out to the creditor to verify all expenses. Payments will be mailed directly to the creditor after research is complete.

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on part of the VA.

Aristeo Hernandez, Joseph Cardinal and Alyssa Morford are student interns working with VA’s Digital Media Engagement team.

--VA News





Harley-Davidson lays off staff, cuts salaries, amid coronavirus outbreak--The announcement comes weeks after the motorcycle maker withdrew its earnings forecast for this year, saying pandemic-induced disruptions could dent its ability to supply and sell motorcycles.

Harley’s shares were last trading down 5.7% at $18.25.

With the pandemic hitting their revenues and drying up cash flows, companies of all sizes are trying to conserve cash and bolster liquidity.

However, worries about the impact of the highly contagious virus, which causes a respiratory illness called COVID-19, on Harley’s business have prompted both Fitch and Moody’s to downgrade its credit ratings.

Harley has yet to quantify the impact, but Fitch says the company could see a 25% decline in sales this year.

Separately, Moody’s expects declining sales to undermine Harley’s liquidity position. At the end of 2019, the Milwaukee-based company had $2.6 billion in cash and committed credit facilities, which the rating agency says would marginally cover the $2.3 billion of debt that is due to mature in the coming twelve months at Harley’s financial arm.

As part of the cost cuts, Harley said it would “significantly” reduce all non-essential spending.

Its chief executive officer and board of directors will forgo their salaries, the company said, though it didn’t say for how long.

Salaries of the executive leadership would be cut by 30%, while most other salaried employees would see a reduction of between 10%-20% in their paychecks.

Outside the United States, it will take similar actions.

Harley said salary reductions will be reassessed at the end of the second quarter.

The company said it will also not hand out merit increases for 2020 and will freeze hiring.

Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Nick Zieminski
WWW.reuters.com





QUICK, OPEN THE BANDIT’S CANTINA COVID ASSESSMENT BUREAU-- Until further notice the days of the week are now called thisday, thatday, otherday, someday, yesterday, today and nextday!

Can we uninstall 2020 and reinstall it again?... I think it has a virus …

Just asked a 6-year-old if he understands why there is no school. He said yes because they are out of toilet paper

On the bright side, I am no longer calling this shelter-in-place. I am an artist-in-residence.

After years of wanting to thoroughly clean my house but lacking the time, this week I discovered that wasn’t the reason.

Where is your next travel destination?
- Las Kitchenas
- Los Lounges
- Santa Bedroomes
- Porto Gardenas
- Los Bed
- Costa del Balconia
- St Bathroom
- La Rotonda de Sofa

You’re not stuck at home, you’re safe at home. One word can change your attitude and one cough can change your life.

Coronavirus has turned us all into dogs. We roam the house all day looking for food. We’re told “no” if we get too close to strangers and we get really excited about car rides.

If you thought toilet paper was crazy ... just wait until 300 million people all want a haircut appointment.

2020 is a unique Leap Year. It has 29 days in February, 300 days in March and 5 years in April.

Wearing a mask inside your home is now highly recommended. Not so much to prevent COVID-19 but to stop eating.

--Dr. Sam Burns
Chief Physician
Bikernet Medical Center





BOOK DEAL OF THE WEEK--For the next 3 days, Kozmoto offers Bikernet readers a FREE download of his prophetic adventure thriller,THUNDERTAKER:

Zac and his sultry sidekick, Liz are on a motorcycle adventure in the Himalayas. They’re warned by Tibetan monks of an impending global pandemic launched by an underground Chinese faction to create financial destabilization.

Operation “Thundertaker” battles the evil faction, toxoplasmosis mind-control, and a hidden agenda that shakes humankind to its core.

Go to WWW.KOZMOTO.COM SCROLL DOWN AND CLICK ON (Send Me My Book)






LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK--2016 FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide for $12,995.00

see it here: https://www.lifestylecycles.com/default.asp?page=xPreOwnedInventoryDetail&id=8613395

The 2016 FXDWG pays homage to its predecessor yet embodies present technology. The Twin Cam 103 is an awesome power plant and with the weight to power ratio this Wide Glide kicks to 110 mph very quickly.

The safety of standard ABS brakes confidently slows you down.
Absent from the Dyna line in 2009, the FXDWG returns for its third tour of duty with a down-’n’-dirty, old-school-chopper-inspired look. The long, low look is largely a product of new suspension that has been shortened by 1 inch at both ends.

A black “wire? sissybar, which helps give the Wide Glide a 1970s street-chopper vibe. The black steel swingarm is controlled by a pair of preload-adjustable Showa shocks.



ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDE:

Charcoal Pearl with flames and raised tank logos is like new. Vivid black console with chrome fuel caps and gauge accent ring. Vivid Black 12" TBars, black mirrors, chrome hi-reflective blinkers, vivid black headlamp with chrome bezel, chrome fork, polished crossties, lower legs on vivid black 6 twin spoke cast wheels.

ABS anti-lock braking system. DanMoto black 2:1 exhaust. Chrome open stage one air cleaner. Black powder motor and covers including timing with vivid black H-D cover, trans with 'six speed', chrome horn / 103 derby covers, vivid black coil cover and battery case with chrome 'wide glide' band. Solo seat, pillion, forward controls, passenger pegs and very mini sissy bar.

Vivid black fender supports, swing arm, chrome adjustable shocks / chain guard, and black drive sprocket with a polished rim. LED stop / turn / tail rear lights with side license plate and good tires...

This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 101 point safety and mechanical inspection. Whether your looking to commute to work, ride the coast or take that dream vacation, this bike is ready to roll!!!



EZ FINANCING-SHIPPING AVAILABLE!!

Fill out an online application and ride today!!!

**Open 7 days a week**

Only $12,995 at Lifestyle Cycles (714) 490-0155






BIKERNET DEADWOOD HEADQUARTERS—Some you don’t know it, but we bought an 1880s Chinese Whorehouse in Deadwood, SD. We know Chinese stuff ain’t currently popular, but some of the guys around here still love the soft creamy skin of Chinese girls and we are searching for Chinese Brass dragons for the whorehouse restoration.

For years we shopped in Chinatown in Los Angeles and in particular Angie’s family store, Wing Wa Hing Gifts & Arts Co.

Unfortunately, the major of Los Angeles has jailed all Chinese restaurant, laundry and shop owners. I was told they were being tortured in the city’s underground sewer system.

We are praying for them in hopes we can find just the right Brass Chinese dragons we need. --Bandit





LONG ROAD UPDATE-- Hello everyone! Just a little update on the 2020 Long Road. I know we have all been going through some tough and scary times the last month or so. I hope and pray you are all well and that none of your family or friends health has been affected by what I shall leave unnamed as we are already pretty sick of hearing the name.

I’m really hoping we are still able to start the ride when we all meet at Nelson Ledges Quarry in N.E. Ohio on Sunday June 28th. I haven’t seen anything posted on LowBrow Customs website about them cancelling the GetDown from Fri. June 26th to 28th (for those who want to arrive early for the event) but I’m watching! The timing and progress of what’s going on makes things look like they may not happen at that time, but I’m keeping the date set at that for now.

If June 28th ends up becoming dead in the water as a start date, come HELL OR HIGH WATER, I still want to do a ride at some point in the summer and see as many of you as I can! We will all need something to look forward to, to brighten our spirits once this is over! Unlike the big events that are cancelling due to the tremendous logistical issues, we can be flexible as to a start date, provided the campgrounds actually open up AND, they open the borders so me and my fellow Canadians can into the US! Even if we have to schedule into late August or early September, I’m game!

My plan, as it sits, is still the same, starting at Nelson Ledges Quarry (whether the LowBrow GetDown happens or not), heading over to, and south along the Ohio River to the first stop. We then ride southwest through the heart of Kentucky to the Natural Bridges area about 40 miles southeast of Lexington. From there, we will head southwest through KY, into Tennessee, to a stop in the Crossville area, providing they’ve recovered from apparent tornados. Then, we will travel south into Alabama, where we will head west to the northwestern side of Alabama for a final night of revelry and debauchery!

Riding will take place with a departure from Nelson Ledges Monday morning to our final stop Thursday in Alabama, where we part ways Friday morning to head home.

I’d love to hear from each and every one of you, whether you are planning on doing the ride or not, just to hear that you and those around you are doing ok. I haven’t seen or heard from some of you in a number of years, so shoot me an e-mail, even if it’s only a couple of lines! Also, let me know how flexible you are on a future date or any other ideas!

Take care and stay healthy!
Uncle Ben (Brian Sauer) Guelph, Ontario, Canada





DAVID UHL ART WEARS A MASK--We are pleased to announce a very different, new piece by David Uhl. He plans to make this a series of watercolor paintings in different locales around the world, time stamped at these very interesting times we find ourselves in currently.

In David's words, "One of the most fascinating effects about these times we are experiencing is the empty cities and landmarks around the world. I thought I should commemorate this unprecedented phenomenon with a series. This is Duomo di Milano, which is normally a large mass of humanity... So the pigeons have it to themselves lately..."

"Live to Ride, Ride to Live"

We will be offering prints on watercolor paper in two sizes at great prices. Each piece will hand-signed by David Uhl, numbered and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The prices below are for the unframed prints. Framing is an additional $200.

** Image size appx 18x14, edition of 30 prints, $95 unframed

** Image size appx 24x18, edition of 6 prints, $325 unframed

Future pieces in the series will feature various cities and landmarks around the world.

Those purchasing this first piece in the series will have the first right of refusal for their matching edition numbers on future pieces in the series.

The original watercolor (measuring 20x15) is available. Please inquire.

You can place your order by return email, or by calling me at 303-913-4840.


--Greg Rhodes
International Sales Director

Uhl Studios
15801 W. Colfax Avenue
Golden, CO 80401
303-913-4840

Uhl Studios Website





THIS IN FROM THE CROFT LEATHER WHAREHOUSE--I have been working on Dimebag. I've got the steel templates almost complete. The wallets will now feature card slots. Also looking at leathers and three different size.

Dimebag logo steel stamps to fit the wallet, card wallet and watch cover. Once I get all the material this week, I will be able to finalize the first three leather pieces.
I got to visit with a lot of new friends in Dothan, Alabama. Thank you all.

I gotta say getting to meet Berry at Accurate Engineering was like meeting up with a longtime friend.



If anyone needs a custom leather seat, please call or text 309-262-3179
I wonder if Dimebag could be a Dimebag Chopper Shop?

All the Best
--Adam Croft