Hey,

As you know life is nuts and has been headed downhill fast. When I’m forced to sit and ponder this American trial, I come to one major conclusion: Leadership. We need leadership, but we don’t need just political leadership. We need media leadership and this news item popped onto the screen today. Sounded like a breath of fresh air and maybe scientific transparency will abound. We can hope. Here’s a clip:



New CNN president announces different direction for network, vows to be a ‘beacon’ for journalism

Perhaps no company has had a worse year than CNN, but according to its new president, Chris Licht, the network will be turning away from cable news “extremism” in a bid to become a “beacon” for journalism.

Speaking at the Warner Bros. Discovery upfront presentation at the Theater at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, Licht announced a new direction for the embattled network, who’s multi-million-dollar CNN+ streaming service folded just weeks after it launched, Variety reported.

Licht stated that he saw the mega-merger between Warner Bros., formerly CNN’s parent company, and media giant Discovery, as an opportunity to chart a new path in a sea of cable news competitors, such as Fox News Channel and MSNBC, who Licht sees as partisan.

- May 19, 2022, Melissa Fine
American Wire News.com

Let’s hit the news:



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.







BIKERNET NEWS RELEASE--Keith Ball's Bikernet Blog Website Breaks into World's Top 25 Motorcycle Sites

Deadwood SD - May 16, 2022 - Bikernet.com's Blog, the brainchild of publisher, writer and freedom fighter Keith Ball, reached #25 in Feedspot's list of the 100 top motorcycle blogs and websites earlier this year.

The Bikernet Blog, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, was one of the first sites to focus on the custom motorcycle market. It now includes not only custom bikes of all brands, but also technical material, travel information, legislative updates and commentary on issues of importance to motorcycle riders. Bikernet's editorial approach is to provide the perfect mix of motorcycle hardware and culture, along with imagery that captures the artistry of custom and performance motorcycles and the people who ride them.

"Bikernet has consistently been ranked in the Top 30 sites on the Feedspot list, and this year we made it to #25 in the rankings, ahead of many well-known titles," said Ball. "We don’t care if we’re considered relevant or not. We just do and publish what we love, and hope to ride free till the end."

Ball's background is as varied as the site. He's a Viet Nam-era Navy veteran who served as an electronics technician on a heavy cruiser, then, upon his return to civilian life, he was a staffer and editor at a host of motorcycling and automotive titles. He eventually became Executive VP for Paisano Publications. His understanding of motorcycles and the motorcycling culture helped him develop and lead publications like Easyriders and In The Wind, which became the top newsstand titles in the industry, along with Hot Bike, Hot Rod Bikes, Quick Throttle, American Rider, Street Chopper and several other titles.

Ball's resume is lengthy. He drove the founding and growth of motorcycle rights organization ABATE and was appointed as National Director of the organization. His motorcycling experience has made him a draw for top TV shows including roles as a team member in Monster Garage and as a judge on American Chopper. ABC News interviewed Ball for newsmagazine show 20/20. His racing resume includes being part of four successful motorcycle land speed record attempts and his honors include induction into the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame (2006), Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame (2016), the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame (2018) and the Cycle Source Man of the Year (2006).



"Breaking into the Top 25 is a great honor for our site," Ball continued. "But our mission won't change. We'll continue to provide a great mix of bikes, racing news, tech and opinion pieces to entertain people who love building and riding custom bikes."



ABOUT BIKERNET BLOG
Bikernet.com is a top-rated website that delivers content to motorcycle riders and fans of the motorcycling experience. Established in 1996, Bikernet is consistently ranked in Feedspot's Top 30 worldwide motorcycle web sites and blogs, with monthly rankings as high as #25.





NEWS FROM THE NMA--Motor City should be Renamed Speed Hump City

The city of Detroit recently identified more than 2,000 new speed hump locations. The plan is to install 3,000 of the traffic obstacles by the end of 2022.

That is in addition to the 5,500 humps added throughout the city in 2021. When this street obstacle program started as part of Detroit's Complete Streets program, the city only had 400 in place. If plans meet expectations, Detroit will have more than 10,500 speed humps to disrupt traffic before 2023.



Should Detroit's nickname be changed to reflect the new reality?

Speed humps are different than speed bumps and cushions. They are generally 12 to 14 feet long, spanning the width of the road and ranging from three to four inches high. The shapes can be parabolic, circular, or sinusoidal. Speed humps are typically placed on residential streets, mid-block between intersections. One is often deemed insufficient.

A series of two or three speed humps set 350 to 550 feet apart are commonplace to prevent drivers from speeding up between them. Warning signs are typically displayed ahead of the road hazard. Even with the signs, the lower visibility conditions of bad weather, or dawn/dusk can cause some very unpleasant surprises for drivers on speed hump streets.

This graphic comes from California Member Stacey Charlton, who wrote How to Fight Speed Bumps, Humps, and Cushions Part 1 and Part 2 that was featured in December 2021 on the NMA's Driving in America Blog.

Detroit’s public works department uses the following criteria for the placement of speed humps:

• Local residential streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less
• Nearby schools and parks
• Streets with a record of speeding and traffic accidents
• Streets with cut-throughs to or from arterial roads
• Areas with block housing density
• Areas with numbers of children present
• Resident support on the block and a valid request made to the city

While some neighbors might like the speed humps, not all do. Detroit resident Pamela Foster exclaimed, "It's too many of them…they're putting them in spots that we don't need." Often the residents reconsider after the humps have been in place for a while and have to be dealt with daily. Be careful what you wish for.

It will be interesting watching for reactions by Detroit commuters as the hump count continues to grow.

Is this a safety measure or motorists profiling in the wars on cars, which includes motorcycles.--Bandit?





CHIX on 66 Presented by Harley-Davidson--
Teams Up with Road Guardians/Accident Scene Management

Riveter Chapter of the AMCA welcomes Road Guardians/Accident Scene Management as a Chix on 66 ride sponsor. As a result of this sponsorship, Chix on 66 will be able to provide live entertainment for an event taking place during the ride on Sunday, June 12, in Pontiac, Illinois.

Chix on 66 is a cross-country ride being held June 11-25, comprising 40 women that will follow the entirety of Route 66 from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, adhering to the original alignment to the extent possible.

For every day of the two-week, 2,500-mile journey, the group will begin and end together, but each woman can make the journey into what she wants it to be. The route will cover anywhere from 100 to 300 miles per day, with most days around 200 miles, allowing for an easy pace and ample time to stop for photos of the iconic points of interest along the Mother Road.

Riveter Chapter President Karan Andrea says, “I am doubly pleased with the support we have received from Road Guardians/Accident Scene Management. While the company leads the industry in accident scene training and motorcycle safety, co-founder Vicki Sanfelipo is a Riveter Chapter Board member.”



Accident Scene Management is the leading motorcycle trauma training organization in the world and the only accredited non-profit Bystander Program in the U.S. Road Guardians is a membership program that supports Accident Scene Management's mission to reduce injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists through first response education.

Co-founder Vicki Sanfelipo states, “Road Guardians is proud to support the AMCA Riveter chapter's Chix on 66 ride. Being a part of something groundbreaking and so fricking cool gives us great joy, and I will be joining the group on a portion of the ride. As an organization, we look forward to following the adventures on WomenRidersNow.com, Facebook, and Instagram.”

www.chixon66.com @chixon66 @chixon66
www.roadguardians.org @RoadGuardians · Specialty School @accident_scene_management





MSF ANNOUNCES ADV RIDERCOURSE-- The Motorcycle Safety Foundation will help adventure and dual-purpose riders looking to learn fundamental off-road skills through its newest offering, the AdventureBike RiderCourse (ADVRC).

The course features 12 exercises and an adventure prep discussion that will help riders better understand and control their motorcycle so that they can gain off-road riding confidence and be ready to take on bigger adventure challenges, more advanced training, and participate in more tours, events, and rides.

“Adventure and dual-purpose motorcycles open a whole new world of riding possibilities,” notes Erik Pritchard, president and CEO of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. “Sales in this category have increased more than 46% since 2019. Creating a course to help those new, or a bit rusty, to riding off-road is a need we are excited to meet.”

“The AdventureBike RiderCourse will make core off-road skill building available nationwide and help these riders explore the capabilities of their motorcycles,” adds Corey Eastman, director of rider education expansion. “We hope riders take this knowledge and go on to discover thousands of ADV riding opportunities.”

In fact, more than 100 MSF coaches are working to become certified to teach the AdventureBike RiderCourse by year's end. The msf-usa.org site will be updated regularly as new training sites come online.The MSF AdventureBike RiderCourse is currently available in 12 states through various private- and MSF-run training sites, and under the Adventure Touring Rider Course name through participating Harley-Davidson Riding Academy locations.

The course is a single-day experience taken on a student's personal ADV or dual-purpose motorcycle. All instruction is done on an MSF-recognized riding range under the guidance of MSF-certified ADVRC rider coaches. As availability of the course spreads nationwide, it will be easier than ever for riders to gain core off-road skills.

RiderCourse Overview:
• ADV Familiarization - Motorcycle equipment and features
• Basic Controls - Motorcycle controls for starting, stopping, straight-line riding, turning
• Controlled Loss of Traction - How and when to use it
• Standing Up - How, when, and why
• Pivot/Rider Posture - Shifting weight and posture for bike control
• Risk Management - Understanding risk offset and applying “SEE” strategy
• Counterweight - Maneuvering for slow, tight turns
• Straight-Line Braking - Controlling a rear tire skid, threshold braking
• Rear-Wheel Steering - How and when to use rear-wheel brake or throttle to steer
• Obstacles - How to cross over obstacles effectively
• U-Turn on a Hill - How to make a U-turn when going uphill
• Traversing a Hill - How to ride across a hill
• Adventure Prep - Tips for going out and having an adventure

Click here for more details:
https://msf-usa.org/AdventureBikeTraining.aspx#active-facilities-link





WHEELS THROUGH TIME MUSEUM OPENING--Dale's Wheels Through Time is open for the 2022 season, and we can't wait to see you! The museum's hours are Thursday through Monday, 10AM to 5PM, and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

When you visit this year, one of the first new things you'll see is the "Kennybuilt 9-Wheel Harley Rig." A completely custom-built machine, it pays homage to the familiar Harley-Davidson Factory Semis.

Many of you have probably already seen the video where we took the Miller Light plane out of the museum, fired it for the first time in museum history, and Matt taxied it through the parking lot. If you haven't seen it, be sure to check it out on our YouTube page. After filming, we placed the plane into an all-new exhibit that displays it in a way that pays honor to its history and purpose. We have also enhanced our "Homemade in America" exhibit, which features a variety of custom-made machines and inventions powered using Harley and Indian motors.

And of course, our newest exhibit, "The King of Old Motorcycles: Dale Walksler, The Man Behind the History," has had an overwhelming response! Giving you a chronological look at the life of Museum Founder Dale Walksler, this exhibit features never before seen photos, a biographical timeline, and select motorcycles that were keystone moments in his life.





NAMZ TAILLIGHTS FOREVER--
Interested in purchasing one of our taillights with integrated turn signals but don't know which one is right for you?

We have four options for plug-and-play taillights with integrated turn signals, for models '99 and up. See details below.

LLC-SLTL-ST
SO-LO Slantback Low-Profile LED Taillight, 100% Plug-n-Play, SMOKE LENS, clear license plate window & fits HD models with squareback taillight from ’99-Up with built-in amber turn signals.

LLC-SLTL-RT
SO-LO Slantback Low-Profile LED Taillight, 100% Plug-n-Play, RED LENS, clear license plate window & fits HD models with squareback taillight from ’99-Up with built in amber turn signals.

LLC-SQTL-SA
Squareback Smoke LED Taillight, 100% Plug-n-Play, Fits ALL models with OEM squareback taillight from ’99-Up. Has optional/integrated turn signals, WITH license plate window.

LLC-SQTL-RA
Squareback Red LED Taillight, 100% Plug-n-Play, Fits ALL models with OEM squareback taillight from ”99-Up. Has optional/integrated turn signals, WITH license plate window.

We have two options for hardwired taillights with integrated turn signals, for models '84-'98. See details below.



LLC-SQTL-ST
Squareback Smoke LED Taillight, easy to install, Fits ALL models with OEM squareback taillight from ’84-’98. Has optional/integrated turn signals, NO license plate window.

LLC-SQTL-RT
Squareback Red LED Taillight, easy to install, Fits ALL models with OEM squareback taillight from ’84-’98. Has optional/integrated turn signals, NO license plate window.

"We make it easy for you to do it right!"








SEMA ACTION NETWORK NEWS--Court Allows Lawsuit Protecting Off-Roading at Oceano Dunes to be Heard

A San Luis Obispo County Superior Court judge ruled in favor of the nonprofit organization Friends of Oceano Dunes, allowing a "quiet title" lawsuit against the California Coastal Commission (CCC), California State Parks, and other government groups to move forward. The suit contends that off-roading and camping access to Oceano Dunes is protected by an "implied-by-law dedication" since off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts and campers recreated on the land for decades before the government entities acquired the properties.

A quiet title lawsuit is usually brought against a private landowner in a dispute over who owns the land. Friends of Oceano Dunes, however, is not disputing who owns the land but rather that the land was specifically designated for use for beach driving and camping. The case is set for trial in March 2023.







QUICK, New Bikernet Reader Comment!--
BAKER DRIVETRAIN REVERSE INSTALL WITH D&D EXHAUST

https://www.bikernet.com/pages/_BAKER_DRIVETRAIN_REVERSE_INSTALL_WITH_DD_EXHAUST.aspx

I hope I can get this installed on “Dirty Girty” sometime soon. Thanks for explaining in plain English how to install the Baker Reverse attachment.

Keep up the great work.

-- Danny Seybold
Indianapolis, Indiana







--Beethoven



BIKE FEATURE OF THE WEEK—My grandson, the master tattoo artist, Frank Ball Jr. is building a wild chopper and we’ve discussed styling and finish options.





This is classic from Itll Ride Choppers. Makes a brother think about a chrome frame.












It fits perfectly and the quality is amazing! The 5- Ball stickers look great on my helmet too! I had a couple extra ones, so I put one on the back of my old ladies helmet. Now she knows which way to put it on!!

Thanks again,

--Ken Burnett







NEW FROM LE PERA--Gold Text Snapback Trucker Flat Bill Hat
Regular price $29.99

• Trucker Black Mesh Cap
• Structured, Five-Panel, High Profile
• Flat Bill with Black Undervisor
• Sewn Eyelets
• Snapback Closure
• 7 Snap Adjustments

Fifteen women ready for 2022 BUILD. TRAIN. RACE. opening round this weekend at Virginia International Raceway.

Milwaukee, WI (Tuesday, May 17, 2022) – Women racers and builders are reaching new heights in road racing in 2022, where the groundbreaking Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. (BTR) program is getting ready to ignite the biggest season yet. Fifteen women from across the country from different age groups and varied backgrounds will come together for the six-round exhibition series, starting this weekend, May 20-22, as part of the MotoAmerica venue at Virginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia.

“This is a landmark year for Build. Train. Race.,” said Breeann Poland, Marketing and Communications Lead – Royal Enfield Americas. “Last year was incredible; we received such support from fans and the industry. And this year, everything is twice the size—our field of riders, our schedule and our presence in the MotoAmerica paddock. We’re really going to wow people with a full grid of riders from all levels of experience. Among our new and returning riders, we can already see that the level of competition has come up. These ladies are going to put on a great show this season.”

From the excruciating process of handpicking participants over the winter, including new and returning racers, the BTR crew assisted each woman in the “Build” phase of the program. Generous sponsorship comes from Parts Unlimited, S&S Cycle, Harris Performance, Dunlop, Maxima Racing Oils, BOXO USA, Öhlins USA Suspension and Arai Helmets.

Each of the 15 participants received a Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 motorcycle that they spent three months designing and building. The “Train” phase included a recent test session at Barber Motorsports Park with Sportbike Track Time, where the BTR Road Race women all got on the track together for the first time.

With some guidance and mentorship from Melissa Paris, racers were able to dial in their Continental GT 650 motorcycles, and the entire field demonstrated that they are ready to race.



“It was so nice to get to meet all of my new teammates and see the returning ladies, who have become close friends of mine,” said returning rider Trisha Dahl (31, Minneapolis, Minnesota). “I’m proud of how fast I’ve progressed, but this new crop of ladies has far more experience, and it shows. Our first race is coming fast, and competition will be fierce, but we’re all coming together as a team to represent Royal Enfield North America, and it will be a beautiful sight when we all line up on that grid for the first time this season.”

For first-time participants such as Jessica Martin (38, Savannah, Georgia), the upcoming VIR race is fast arriving. “The opening round seemed so far away, now it’s here and I’m overcome with emotions,” said Martin. “The Build and Train portions were very encouraging and confidence inspiring. You could say I believe in me more than I ever have. The camaraderie among the team is what stands out most. We are here to help each other reach our goals, while also competing. It’s very amazing, intense and enlightening. And now, it’s go time!”

Above all else, the Build. Train. Race. paddock represents an atmosphere of support and encouragement for women racers, nurturing talent and inspiring both new and veteran riders to get out on the track. In a hotbed of national-level competition, the inviting nature of BTR continues to attract the attention of fans, industry and sponsors to the unique concept, now in its second year within the MotoAmerica FIM North American Road Race Championship.



THE RIDERS
Find bios on all 15 BTR Road Race women at the Build. Train. Race. website.

2022 BTR Road Racing Roster

• Kayla Theisler, 26, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Michaela Trumbull, 29, Sheridan, Wyoming
• Alyssa Bridges, 31, Orange County, California
• Trisha Dahl, 31, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Bridgette LeBer, 29, Port Angeles, Washington
• Ash Truxal, 31, Oakland, California
• Chloe Peterson, 31, Steger, Illinois
• Cora Tennyson, 36, Brandenburg, Kentucky
• Crystal Martinez, 34, Thousand Oaks, California
• Hannah Stockton, 23, Kansas City, Missouri
• Jenny Chancellor, 46, Tumwater, Washington
• Jessica Martin, 38, Savannah, Georgia
• Kayleigh Buyck, 30, Sodus, New York
• Nicole Pareso, 34, Carrolton, Ohio
• Patty Paul, 57, Berrien Springs, Michigan

THE SCHEDULE
2022 Royal Enfield BTR Road Racing Schedule

• May 20-22 (Rnd 1) Virginia Int’l Raceway, Alton, VA
• Jun 3-5 (Rnd 2) Road America, Elkhart Lake, WI
• Jul 29-31 (Rnd 3) Brainerd Int’l Raceway, Brainerd, MN
• Aug 19-21 (Rnd 4) Pittsburgh Int’l Race Complex, Wampum, PA
• Sep 9-11 (Rnd 5) New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ
• Sep 23-25 (Rnd 6) Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL

More information 2022 MotoAmerica
THE SPONSORS
The 2022 Royal Enfield Build. Train. Race. programs (Road Race and Flat Track) are made possible by the participation of our generous sponsors. Our continued thanks to all our supporting companies behind BTR.

2022 Build. Train. Race. Sponsors

• Parts Unlimited
• Harris Performance
• S&S Cycle
• Dunlop
• Maxima Racing Oils
• BOXO USA
• Öhlins USA Suspension
• Arai Helmets