Hey,

We have lots to report today, and I want to just let it fly. I spoke to Dr. Hamster, my best friend and brother recently. He’s a successful Chiropractor and recently decided to sorta move to the desert. Then his plan expanded to opening a series of treatment centers. He put himself in the position of a 120-mile commute twice a week. Not good.

The other day he looked at me and said. “The plan has issues.” We made a pact to evaluate our lives and figure out how to reduce over-burdening projects and ride and race more. Hang on for the results.




As always the Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by Cycle Source Magazine, Iron Trader News, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Born To Ride and the gang at ChopperTown.








HILLSBOROUGH BANS WORKERS FROM BIKER GANGS-- TAMPA — Hillsborough County is banning employees from participating in certain biker gangs and other criminal groups after a firefighter associated with the Outlaws motorcycle gang was accused of taking part in a bar fight in Key West.

In a memo Friday, County Administrator Mike Merrill outlined a new policy effective immediately barring membership in groups or gangs considered criminal organizations by the state or federal government.

Involvement in these organizations "will not be tolerated as these affiliations are contrary to the mission of public service," Merrill wrote. "This directive is a reminder of our continuing obligation to represent all the citizens of Hillsborough County."

The list of banned organizations is guided by the 2015 FBI National Gang Report, and it includes the Outlaws, as well as Crips, Bloods, Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and the Pagans.

Violating the rule can result in termination of employment.

The announcement comes after an arrest warrant was issued in Key West for Clinton Neal Walker, a Hillsborough County firefighter and suspected member of the Outlaws motorcycle gang. He is accused of taking part in a September bar fight involving as many as 15 Outlaws members.

Walker, 33, of Bradenton, is wanted on a misdemeanor battery charge. According to an arrest warrant, Walker and other Outlaws members beat up the manager and an employee at a downtown Key West bar.

Walker was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

According to the warrant, Walker is a "confirmed active member" of the Outlaws, considered by authorities to be the state's dominant motorcycle gang. It is strongest in South Florida but has chapters in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Hillsborough County officials have known for months that Walker and at least one other firefighter were suspected members of the Outlaws. In August, Fire Rescue Chief Dennis Jones said the county was close to issuing a policy regarding association with biker groups but discussions were complicated by concerns over constitutional rights.

Jones said Thursday those conversations were on hold while county officials wait to see if the Florida State Fire Marshal asks lawmakers in Tallahassee to address the issue. He said participation in biker gangs by fire and rescue personnel was a "broad issue that impacts fire departments across Florida."

Apparently, the county decided not to wait on the state to act.

The city of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County do not prohibit employees from participating in motorcycle gangs.

"However, should the need ever arise, we would certainly be open to discussing a human resources policy change to address it," said Benjamin Kirby, a spokesman for St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman.

--By Steve Contorno
Tampa Bay Times

--from DMac










A DISCUSSION WITH THE NATIONAL MOTORIST ASSOCIATION-- Maybe the plan should Change. China put 20 percent of their energy profits in renewable energy efforts. Tesla just powered an island with solar and batteries and shut down the diesel fuel generating system. The locals still have jobs but clean ones.

Great to hear from the NMA. I’ve been involved in Motorcyclists Rights for over 40 years. I’m old. I’ve been pushing to take on the EPA for over 5 years.

My initial contention revolved around freedom, motorcycling and building motorcycles. The footprint created by custom motorcycles or modified motorcycles is minuscule.

Then the EPA tried to ban all performance products for autos and motorcycles. As you know it was stopped, but they said they would come after us and they have.

The attack on Harley and the connection to CARB is nasty.

Then I watched Cowspiracy a documentary about the agricultural industry. Amazing. I’m waiting to watch Climate Hustle.

And finally as many of us believe, climate change has happened since the planet came into being. The human footprint was pushed by the Obama administration. It needs to be revisited. The climate will continue to change long after we eliminate every car on the planet.









DON’T MISS 5-BALL FOR XMAS— We still have a cool line of leather and ballistic nylon vests. We have some amazing books and a couple of trinkets. We ship daily.






GLOBAL WARMING SONG OF THE DAY-- "Our Love Is Here To Stay"

It's very clear, our love is here to stay
Not for a year but ever and a day
The radio and the telephone and the movies that we know
May just be passing fancies and in time may go

But oh, my dear, our love is here to stay
Together we're going a long, long way
In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble
They're only made of clay but our love is here to stay

In time the Rockies may crumble, Gibraltar may tumble
They're only made of clay but our love is here to stay

--Nat King Cole Lyrics
George and Ira Gershwin music

Bikernet Special Report: Doug Mr. Sidecar Bingham: The Last Round-Up


Thank you so much for the article, stumbled on this while trying to find a Bingham S/C for sale. Don't want to burst your bubble, But that picture was my first race with Doug, and must have been in about 1980.

Doug had an idea for a "dual sport" class of Sidecar racing. So we put together a Yamaha 500 with a mark one sidecar, and were wildly successful in the smallbore class.

There are too many stories of our adventures to get started here. I do miss my friend.



--Mike Moore
Phoenix, AZ






TRAILBLAZERS NEWSLETTER

We hope that you all had a happy and belly filling Thanksgiving. The holiday season is upon us and we sincerely wish that you enjoy it with your family, friends and neighbors. Turn the dial to some festive music and feel the joy, and drown out the traffic noise.

TRAILBLAZERS BANQUET
The banquet will be held at the Carson Center on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Online registration will open up on our website on January 4th. (www.trailblazersmc.com). Tickets are $75.00 each or $750.00 per table. Tables seat 10. You must register and pay for your tickets before contacting Mr. Bill for a seat. More information will be sent before the 1st of the year. If you are paying for guests, please have their contact information and use the pull down tab to register them.

YOU ARE INVITED
8TH ANNUAL RACER PARTY
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2017
Kim Keen and the Donelson are again hosting a celebration of the greatest era of flat track racing. Rooms are available at the Embassy suites (11237 Lone Eagle Dr.) (314) 739-8929. Tell them you would like to book with the Donelson Cycles group.

Don't miss it. Besides the great group of racers that show up, there is plenty of delicious food and drink and a wonderful Flat Track museum. Come join the fun. For more info call Kim Keen at (314) 427 1204 or (314) 369 8342. Donelson Cycles Inc., 9851 Saint Charles Rock Road, Saint Ann, Mo 63074



DAN ROUIT R.I.P.

So very sorry to report that Trailblazer Hall of Famer Dan Rouit passed away on November 16th. Dan had a love of motorcycles from an early age and competed in amateur and pro flat track events, excelling in Short Track.

In 1978 he suffered a broken neck in a fall while hiking, which changed his life forever. He and his dad had dreams of a flat track museum and in 1991 Dan and his soon-to-be-wife, Kathy, pooled resources and constructed a building to display historic motorcycles and memorabilia. It soon filled up but thanks to the generosity of his cousin Joe, a 30 by 60 foot building was added and the Dan Rouit Flat Track Museum was ready for visitors to enjoy.

Another expansion, with an additional 30 by 60 feet, soon followed. Today it holds approximately 90 flat track motorcycles and lots of memories. Dan was a remarkable man who was a quadriplegic for 38 years, but continued to live and love life. Our condolences to his wife Kathy and his many, many friends who will miss him dearly.

MEMORIAL FOR DAN
Dan's memorial will be held on Sunday, December 4th 2016 from 11am to 3pm at the Dan Rouit Museum. Mike Keith, and others, are helping with the service and set up. The Holley Gang, neighbors, will be doing the cooking. Please join Kathy and friends in remembering Dan. 309 W. Rialto St., Clovis, CA 92612-4331 More info at http://vft.org/rouit.html



AMAZING VICTOR MCLAGLEN MOTOR CORPS
1935-2014

Wendy Perry recommends this book written by Ruth Fisher, widow of Commander Harry Fisher, who led the group from 1979 until he died in 2014. Harry was a Trailblazer and a positive force in the motorcycling industry. The 275 page paper back book is available for $24.75 on Amazon.com.


Willie G. Davidson provided an endorsement on the back cover. Check out the video at https://www.youtube?v=lDfjzEgOY7k
Did you know they are still active and recruiting new members? The group is based in LaPalma, California. www.thevmmc.com/
Great Christmas gift.

LUCAS OIL RACING TV
Lucas Oil Racing TV is the first 24/7 on demand motorsports network. 200 plus hours of US, national and international racing, car shows, behind the scenes action and live-streaming events online without commercial breaks. For more information visit: lucasoilracing.tv

CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR JIM McMURREN
A celebration of the life of Jim McMurren will be held on Saturday, January, 7th @ 1:30pm. 13951 Sprint Lane, Jamul, CA 91935. Please call or text Nancy or Kelli to RSVP or if you have any questions. Nancy (619) 318 0222 Kelli (619) 318 0221.

COLLECTION OF RARE BROUGH SUPERIOR MOTORCYCLES
Bill Heins forwarded a website about the collection of eight rare Brough Superior motorcycles, made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. They were discovered in a barn in Bodmin, Cornwall. An urban myth proven true.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3359441?Collection-rare-Brough-Superior-motorcycles-discovered-barn-gathering-dust-50-years.html?ito=email_share_article-bottom

MOTOAMERICA 2017 SCHEDULE
MotoAmerica's 2017 schedule includes two new stops, Sonoma Raceway and Pittsburgh. Round 1 will include a Super Bike double header at Circuit of the Americas on April 20-23, followed by Road Atlanta April 28-30.
Round 3- Virginia International Raceway May 12-14
Round 4 - Road America June 2-4
Round 5 - Utah Motorsports Campus June 23-25
Round 6 - Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca July 7-9
Round 7 - Sonoma Raceway August 11- 13
Round 8 - Pittsburgh International Race Complex August 24-27
Round 9 - New Jersey Motorsports Park Sep 8-10
Round 10 - Barber Motorsports Park Sept 15-17

WOW 1 I SEE WHERE I NEED MORE PRACTICE........
http://uncrate.com/video/toni-bou-moto-trials/

4TH ANNUAL KURT CASELLI RIDE DAY AT GLEN HELEN RACEWAY
Glen Helen is the place to go on Saturday December 10th. Gates open at 9am. Ride day benefits the Kurt Caselli Foundation. Ride the MX track with flaggers, off road loop, special kids practice, Pee Wee track, Enduro special offroad semi tours. $25.00 at the gate or $20.00 prior on line. www.kurtcaselli

U.S. MILITARY MOTORCYCLES
Read to the bottom of the article.
http://blog.jpcycles.com/2016/11/motorcycles-in-the-u-s-military/?cid=reddit_motorcycles

THE BICENTENNIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Good article by Larry Lawrence in Cycle News issue 41. In 1976 Jay Springsteen came from behind to win the Championship. It was an exciting year and Larry brings it alive again. Read the whole article in Cycle News for free.

BOB NICHOLS STILL AT IT AT 95
Nichols had a great year despite spending 5 weeks in the hospital. His vintage Indian won 36 races in a row, including the 1/2 mile, TT and drags at Sturgis. The bike was piloted by Jim Ottely, who also races two of his own motorcycles. Bob is working on a new one with a goal of 10,000 rpms.

GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP ICE RACING
The 2017 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship is scheduled for February 17-19 in Cadillac, Michigan. It will feature a grand prix race on Friday and oval track racing on Saturday and Sunday. Lots of classes so start loading up your tires with metal screws and pick up an extra pair of long johns. For more info: www.whitelakeracing.com or www.d14ice.com

JOE PARKHURST
Larry Lawrence has written a wonderful article about Trailblazer Hall of Famer Joe Parkhurst. Joe died at 74 in 2000 and left a legacy in motorcycle journalism that is hard to beat. He launched Cycle World in 1962 and it became, and remains, the largest motorcycle magazine in the world. He was also a very nice guy. Loved the photo. Read about it in issue 46 in Cycle News. www.cyclenews.com

CHECK OUT THE NEW BIKES
Noticed while browsing through Cycle News that the new motorcycles are being introduced. Some pretty spiffy stuff, but a couple were in the "what were they thinking" category. www.cyclenews.com



50 YEARS AGO IN CYCLE NEWS
Main story was Hopetown race at Simi Ranch for the first "International Moto-cross scrambles ever held in this country" The Dirt Diggers and A.C.A. hosted it. Malcolm Smith, Bud Ekins and Paul Hunt were the only local men who could keep Torsten Hall in sight.

40 YEARS AGO
An audit found the California Parks and Rec mismanaged the 'Green Sticker' fund. The Sierra Club stopped the planned Gila Bend to Yuma off road race. Roger DeCoster won the Trans-AMA Motocross in Puyallup, Wa. Alex Jorgenson and Springer were on the cover battling for the win at Ascot National. Tom Brooks won the Check Chase Hare & Hound in Parker, Arizona.

AMA SUPERCROSS
The first race of the season will be on January 7th in Anaheim, California. Round two will be in San Diego on January 14th and then back to Anaheim for Round 3 on January 21st. They will finish out January on the 28th for Round 4 in Glendale Arizona. The Anaheim events will take place at Angel Stadium. Gates open for practice and qualifying at noon with the main events starting at 6:30pm.

2017 DAKAR
If you are planning on entering the Dakar race, you had better get hopping. It will start on January 2nd in Asuncion Paraguay and end on January 14th in Rio Cuarto, Buenos Aires. The route is very tough and will take the participants through three countries, Paraguay, Buenos Aires and Argentina. For more info: www.dakar.com

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FLAT TRACK ASSOCIATION
Two more races at Perris Raceway on Ellis.
Saturday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 17. From 2pm to 7pm. NO SPEEDWAY BIKES www.southerncaliforniaflattrack.com, (951) 443 7622, socalflattrack@aol.com

AMERICAN FLAT TRACK TT IN DAYTONA
March 16 begins the AMA Pro Racing American Flat Track 18 round schedule at Daytona with a TT. There will be six miles, seven half miles, two short tracks and three TT's. Four Nationals will be on the west coast. The Arizona Mile on May 13th, Sacramento Mile on May 20th, Calistoga Half Mile on July 29th and Perris Short Track on October 7th.

2017 ARENACROSS
The first race is in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 7-8, and then on to Grand Rapids, Michigan on January 13-15. It won't be until April 1-2 that the schedule brings them to Sacramento. The last one is in Las Vegas on May 5-7. www.arenacross.com

CALIFORNIA FLAT TRACK WINTER INDOOR SERIES
Races to be held at Chowchilla Fairgrounds in Chowchilla.
Friday December 2nd Practice
Saturday. December 3rd Round #2
Saturday, January 14th Awards Banquet & Practice
Sunday, January 15th Round #3
Friday, February 10th Practice
Saturday, February 11th Round #4
Friday, March 31st Practice
Saturday, April 1st Round #5
info@californiaflattrack.com (415) 320 7889 www.californiaflattrack.com


GLEN HELEN EVENTS
Saturday, December 3rd REM MX / MX Practice
Sunday, December 4th TWMX both tracks
Saturday, December 10th REM MX / MX Practice
Sunday, December 11th SRA Toys for Tots GP
Saturday, December 17th REM MX MX Practice
Sunday, December 18th SoCal OTMX main track
Saturday, December 24th MX Practice
Closed Christmas Day
Saturday, December 31st MX Practice
www.GlenHelen.com (909) 880 3090

VIEWING RACES FROM YOUR HOME
Most of the race events posted can be viewed from the comfort of your home. AMA Pro races can be seen live or later at www.fanschoice.tv. Check out https:/www.lucasoilracing.tv and mav.tv.com for more coverage.

todayscyclecoverage.com and vft.org will keep you informed. Both are great sites so check them out.





Anyone want to go mini bike racing?