Biker Chick's Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge-Raiser

Biker Diva Dawn Santucci hopes to raise $5,000 for a sick little boy named Aidan in Brooklyn, New York by offering to plunge into the icy waters of Coney Island wearing nothing but a thong and tassles at noon on New Year's Day 2012, during the annual Polar Bear Club event.

Aidan Jack Seeger is the beautiful 7-year-old son of Bobby and Elisa Seeger of Indian Larry Motorcycles. Aidan was diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in June of 2011 and he is currently in Duke University Children’s Hospital.

ALD is a rare, inherited disorder that untreated leads to progressive brain damage, failure of the adrenal glands and eventually death. Learn more at:

AidanHasAPosse.org

To show your support and make a difference for Aidan and his family over the holidays, donate $1, $5, $10, $50 or more at the event:

Diva Dawn’s “PLUNGE 4 AIDAN”

New Year's Day - Coney Island, NYC

On any given New Year's Day off of Coney Island, the waters of the Atlantic Ocean average 25-35 degrees. Given Diva Dawn’s aversion to being frigid ANY time of year, this promises to be quite an event... and here's the deal:

$300 raised gets DIVA to plunge in a thermal DRY SUIT.

$500 raised gets DIVA to plunge in a FULL PIECE Bathing Suit.

$1,000 raised gets DIVA to plunge in a sexy (barely there) Tarzan/Jane COSTUME.

$5,000 raised gets DIVA to plunge in TASSELS and a THONG!

IT’S NOW UP TO YOU!!!! 

** UPDATE DECEMBER 11, 2011: Donations now top one thousand dollars at $1,658.

100% of ALL DONATIONS WILL GO TO AIDAN!

(minus the 3.5% fee that GoFundMe.com takes to maintain this website)

NOTE: The Official Coney Island Polar Bear Club New Year’s Day Plunge raises money for Camp Sunshine, which helps ill children and their families. 

"Indian Larry" Desmedt (1949-2004) was an active member of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club!!! 

THIS “PLUNGE-RAISER” has been created for AIDAN and his FAMILY and is in addition to the donations we hope everyone also makes to Camp Sunshine.

TO FOLLOW THIS EVENT - Diva Dawn’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Diva-Dawn/180213115406872

Toys in The Sun Run, World's Largest Toy Run, Dec. 11th

The 24th Annual Toys in The Sun Run - The world's largest toy run - gets underway at 9:45am on Sunday, December 11 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Two interstates are closed for this motorcycle toy run that draws 30,000 riders, including many of the top bike builders and more than 50,000 spectators.

Hosted by the South Florida Presidents Council to benefit the Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital and thousands of local needy children, the lineup begins at 6:45am at Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale, Florida.

The ride departs at 9:45 am for Marham Park in Sunrise, Florida.  Each rider will donate $20 or $10 plus one unwrapped toy. Cars and trucks are welcome but please go directly to the Park, where there will be over 100 vendors and an international food court.

Dennis Rodman and a host of other celebrities will join Travis Tritt & David Allan Coe, Congressman Allen West, Richie Sambora & Rob "Vanilla Ice" Van Winkle, along with many local acts on stage at Marham Park.

Details: ToysinThe Sun Run.com

2011 Biker Build Off Europe, December in Germany

The International Custombike Championships, December 2 to 4, 2011 in Bad Salzuflen, Germany will spotlight 500 radical custom bikes, the Biker Build Off Europe with live customizing, as well as Wall of Death thrill shows, tattoo and piercing contests, and miss custom bike contest.

Marco "Sic" Simoncelli Killed in MotoGP Crash

MotoGP has lost a star: Marco Simoncelli

Friends all over the world are morning the death of Italian Superbike racer Marco Simoncelli, who died in a crash Sunday in the first lap of the MotoGP race in Sepang, Malaysian.

The 24-year-old Honda rider, affectionately known as "Sic" lost control and veered across the track into the path of riders Colin Edwards and Simoncelli's compatriot Valentino Rossi. His helmet was knocked off in the collision that left him face-down and motionless on the asphalt track.

The race at Sepang International Circuit was immediately red-flagged and later cancelled.

Marco died of head, neck and chest injuries, and cardiac arrest at 4:56pm, Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011. With only one remaining race in Spain left in the MotoGP Championship, he was in fierce competition for the top position with Casey Stoner, who is now the undisputed 2011 world champion.

Ironically, his career ended at the same track that was the scene of his 250cc world championship victory in 2008.

American Honda team racer, Colin Edwards reportedly suffered a separated shoulder as a result of the crash, when he fell on the track Sunday. Rossi, who rides for Ducati, made only brief contact with the bikes on the track. He was uninjured but emotionally devastated by the loss. 

"Sic for me was like a youngest brother. So strong on track and so sweet in the normal life. I will miss him a lot," - Valentino Rossi said in the early hours of Monday morning, Malaysian time via his official Twitter account @ValeYellow46.

The last fatal crash in the world motorcycling championship was last year when Japan's Shoya Tomizawa was killed. MotoGP is the world´s premier motorcycling championship, with a season of 18 Grands Prix in 13 countries bringing together the world´s top motorcycle manufacturers.

Meet London Tattoo Artist Kamil Terczynski

Meet Kamil Terczynski of Kamil Tattoo in London UK,
who designed this full back as well as this snake tat.

"I did my apprenceship with Robert Lypik in Krakow, and after a year moved to London and started working at Evil from the needle. I stayed there for 4 years and then went on to open Kamil Tattoos."












The studio is located at Unit 208A, Belgravia Workshops, 159-163 Marlborough Road, London, N19 4NF. You can reach Kamil via email: mocet666@gmail.com .

Or visit his website: KamilTattoos.com.

Bike Builder Joe Palermo Wins Big At Biketoberfest 2011

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Florida bike builder Joe Palermo's newest custom bike, "Rocket Ship" is making a clean sweep of bike shows. Congrats on "Best of Show" wins at the  Biketoberfest 2011 Boardwalk Show and Rat's Hole Show, this weekend in Daytona Beach.

"Rocket Ship" is Joe Palermo's streamlined tribute to BMX bikes. A 3.5 gallon gas tank is tucked away under the seat. An electric pump moves gasoline through the arched double rail frame. Oil is fed to the 120” Merch Engine via the down tubes of the frame. The bike has a modified Harley Springer front end and 21" wheels. Details: World Class Customs.

Earlier this year, Rocket Ship took 1st place at the Daytona Bike Week Boardwalk Show and 1st place radical at DeLand Bike Rally, along with 2nd place over 1000cc radical in the Daytona Bike Week Rat's Hole Show.

Here's a list of trophy winners at the 21st Annual Boardwalk Classic Bike Show
Friday, Oct. 13, 2011 at the boardwalk in Daytona Beach.

Best of Show:  Joe Palermo, Edgewater, FL; 2009 Custom "Rocket Bike"
The Judge's Trophy went to Will Robertson, St. Petersburg, Florida for his 2001 Yamaha Custom "Star of the Orient"

First Place Winners:
People's Choice:  T.D. Ward, Chesterfield, MO;  2012 Rods & Rides Custom
Special Custom:  Tony Chrome, Canton, MI;  2003 Harley Davidson FLHTI
Evo/V-Twin:  Pam Miller, FL;  2005 Ridley Autoglide (the pink bike)
Radical Evo:  Shane Phillips, Pataskala, OH;  2011 Custom Bagger
Radical Softail:  Enno Gogolin, Alpharetta, GA;  2005 Daytec Chopper
Shovelhead:  Shawn Hart, Altoona, PA;  2011 Custom/' 73 H-D
Panhead:  Scott Fox, Shelbyville, IN;  Capone's 2011 Bobber
Sportster:  Mel Moore, Webster, FL;  H-D Sporty
Radical Sportster:  Beth Roberts, Highmore, SD;  '93 Sportster
Dresser:  James Bradwell, Sanford, FL;  2001 Roadglide
Paint:  Will Robertson, St. Petersburg, FL;  2001 Yamaha Custom
Sport Bike:  Stan Nitkowski, Boynton Beach, FL;  '95 Sporty
Vintage:  Shawn Hart, Altoona, PA;  '73 H-D
Chopper:  Kim Brandell, Key Largo, FL;  Custom Trike
Trike:  Roy Maxwell, Daytona Beach, FL;  '10 Gateway Custom
Metric:  Lee Cara, Brandon, FL;  2001 Yamaha Road Star
Radical Metric:  JBA Custom Cycles, Cape Coral, FL;  '09 Hayabusa
Rat:  Larry Mason, Yulee, FL;  '94 Sportster H-D

Second Place Winners:
People's Choice:  T.D. Ward, Chesterfield, MO;  2012 Rods & Rides  (different bike)
Special Custom:  John Shipley, Bloomfield, IN;  2011 Custom Bobber
Evo/V-Twin:  Michael Sweeney, Edgewater, FL;  '06 Streetglide
Radical Evo:  Cory Edwards, Oak Hill, OH;  1985 Harley Davidson
Radical Softail:  Bill Gastovich, Port Orange, FL;  '06 Rucker Predator
Shovelhead:  Donald Laird, Pt. St. Lucie, FL;  2011 Shovelhead
Panhead:  David Machesny, Pompano, FL;  '52 H-D
Sportster:  Karen Robey, Daytona Beach, FL;  '97 Sporty
Radical Sportster:  Bernie "The Warrior" Tatro, Edgewater, FL;  '74 Sporty
Dresser:  Bad Dad Adam Robinson, Ft. Wayne, IN;  '07 Harley
Paint:  Jeri Exner, Clearwater, FL;  '07 Custom
Vintage:  Jason Grimes, Windham, ME;  '82 Sporty Custom
Chopper:  Enno Gogolin, Alpharetta, GA;  '05 Daytec Chopper
Trike:  Leona Jones, Ocala, FL;  '04 Suzuki
Metric:  Jim Harvey, Summefield, FL;  '07 Honda Trike
Radical Metric:  Will Robertson, St. Pete, FL;  '01 Yamaha

Third Place Winners:
People's Choice:  Sandy O'Connell, Deland, FL;  '97 Softail
Special Custom:  Tom Winter, Dyersburg, TN;  '02 Boss Hoss
Evo/V-Twin:  Tinker, Arcadia, FL;  '97 Electraglide Classic
Radical Evo:  Carol George, McKeesport, PA;  '07 Ironhead
Radical Softail:  Mario Masse, Quebec, Quebec;  '89 Softail
Sportster:  John Shipley, Bloomfield, IN;  '08 Custom Bobber
Dresser:  Bad Dad Jacob Hinsey, Fort Wayne, IN;  '03 Road King
Paint:  Jeri Exner, Clearwater, FL;  '06 Custom Chopper
Vintage:  Rex Fox, Williamsburg, OH;  '59 Cushman Super Eagle
Chopper:  Streamline Design, Stuart, FL;  2012 Streamline Design
Trike:  Jim Harvey, Summerfield, FL;  2007 Honda Trike
Metric:  Moe Roberts, Tampa, FL;  1969 Honda CB750

Sponsored by Full Throttle Magazine, Pepsi-Cola, and the Daytona Beach Boardwalk Merchants - Trophies sponsored by the Vasilaros Law Firm
Promotors:  Dino Paspalakis and Bill Chaffin
Emcee:  Bill Chaffin
Trophy Girl:  "Crystal", Bloomfield, IN
Special Thanks to the judging team from Springfield, VA

Artistry in Iron Builder Reports on 2011 Las Vegas Bikefest

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"If you are at Las Vegas Bikefest, come say hello to us today from noon to 2pm at the Cashman Center. Then get ready for Saturday night's Bikers and Strippers Ball," said New York builder, "Copper" Mike Copper.
                                                                        Lady Gaga chose his "Precious Metal" one-of-a-kind motorcycle (covered in platinum leaf, 14K gold, and his trademark copper) to accompany her on stage for the release of her new album, “Born This Way,” in New York’s Union Square earlier this year.            

You will have a chance to see it at tonight's Bikers & Strippers Ball, 6 to 10 pm up on the rooftop at Larry Flint's Hustler Club. "Precious Metal" is one of four one-off customs built by Copper Mike/Gravesend Cycles that will be on display at the Biker Ball.

"I will be judging a few contests at the Bikers and Strippers Ball and it's only $25 per person to attend, including door, a drink and contest entries. Best of all, part of the proceeds will go to my favorite hometown charity, Contractors for Kids."

Copper Mike's newest build, Steam Punk in Artistry in Iron Show

UPDATE: Mike rolled into downtown Las Vegas on Thursday night for the custom builders cocktail party at Hogs & Heifers Saloon. He was busy signing autographs from noon to 2pm Friday at the Cashman Center, and his newest build, "Steam Punk" was a top entry in the 2011 Artistry in Iron Show.

Steam Punk features many antique copper industrial gauges, an old fire extinguisher and even an old maritime compass inset on the copper gas tank: Old Skool with bling appeal.
"A very huge congrats goes to Artistry in Iron 2011 winner for the second year in a row, Chris Richardson of LA Speed Shop!," said Copper Mike. "Tremendous talent and a great guy!"

The 2011 Artistry in Iron "invitation-only" custom bike show presented custom motorcycles by 20 of the hottest custom bike builders in the industry. Chris Richardson of LA Speed Shop was selected by his fellow builders as the 2011 Artistry in Iron Master Builders Champion. Copper Mike's “Steam Punk” was the people's choice winner!

American Cycle Magazine sponsored the show at the Cashman Center, on Friday and Saturday. But there were also many meet & greet, autograph sessions during the Vegas Bikefest, September 29 to October 2, 2011.

The 2012 Vegas Bikefest is set for October 4 to 7, 2012.

His bike, "7 Deadly Sins" is featured in the October issue of Playboy Magazine.

Visit his website for more details: Gravesend Cycles.

Reno & Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Violence

Gunfire errupted between members of the Hells Angels and Vagos motorcycle clubs at the Nugget Casino in Sparks, Nevada late Friday night, Sept. 23rd during the closing weekend of the 2011 Reno Street Vibrations Festival, just one month after members of the Hells Angels and Mongols rumbled in downtown Sturgis, SD during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Officials said that Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew, the 51 year old president of the Hells Angels chapter in San Jose, CA was called to the scene and died in a gun battle between the rival clubs at the casino in Nevada. He was also employed as a heavy equipment operator by the city of San Jose for more than 20 years.    

Wednesday, Sept. 28th, A first-degree murder warrant was issued against Ernesto Manuel Gonzaleza, a member of the Vagos motorcycle club, who police say is responsible for the shooting death of Pettigrew. Gonzalez is being sought on a charge of first-degree murder with a deadly weapon. The warrant carries no bail. Authorities say Gonzalez, 53, of the San Jose area, shot Pettigrew four times in the back at John Ascuaga’s Nugget. 

Saturday, Oct. 15th, Another member of the Hells Angels was gunned down in broad daylight at the funeral for Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew, president of the Hells Angels chapter in San Jose, California. Steve Tausan, 52, a bail bondsman and a sergeant-at-arms for the Hell's Angels was reportedly shot in front of dozens of law enforcement officers and thousands of mourners at Oak Hill Memorial Park. He died a short while later at a nearby hospital. An area state of emergency has been declared.

The Mercury News reports that two members of the Vagos club were injured in the casino shootout, but they are now in stable condition at a nearby hospital. "In the outlaw motorcycle gang culture, Jeff Pettigrew was a local icon in San Jose, a very well-respected member within the ranks of the Hells Angels," said San Jose police Sgt. Larry Day. "This incident could definitely result in retaliation against the Vagos, and a full-blown war that may result in deadly violence in San Jose and throughout California."

There was also the report of a drive-by shooting that sent a member of the Vagos club to the hospital with gunshot wounds to the stomach early Saturday morning, prompting law enforcement to shut down the event in an effort to prevent further violence. 

Violence also errupted in downtown Sturgis, SD during the 

 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.



The witness who recorded this video from the balcany of One Eyed Jack's on Wed. August 10, 2011 said he was talking on his cell phone watching the Hells Angels Sturgis headquarters across the street when all hell broke loose! 

"I heard popping noises and looked down. Probably 20 Hells Angels and Mongols were going at it, fighting, etc. Within a minute, the Sturgis Police were at the scene, guns drawn and taking control. Notice the women in the clubhouse coming out with their hands over their heads. We had noticed the Mongols eating outside at the restaurant while walking in. Wonder if it was a turf deal since the restaurant is directly adjacent to the Hells Angels clubhouse?"

There were numerous arrests and six people were injured.

Buffalo Chip: Lynyrd Skynyrd Band Announced for Sturgis 2012

LYNYRD SKYNYRD TO ROCK THE CHIP -- Southern Rock’s most influential band, Lynyrd Skynyrd rocked the "new" stage in 1999 at the Legendary Buffalo Chip and they are the first band announced for the Sturgis 2012 Rally. 

Sturgis biker music fans from around the world have for years been riding America’s highways to the sounds of “They Call Me The Breeze,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird,” and “Gimme Three Steps.” In helping to invent the Southern Rock genre, Lynyrd Skynyrd also helped invent a related genre - biker music.

From humble beginnings in the summer of 1964, three kids from Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, Florida, Lynyrd Skynyrd has become one of the most respected bands in rock, helping to create and sustain the southern rock genre. The band will play at the Legendary Buffalo Chip during the official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally week, Aug. 6 through Aug. 12.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was named for a high school physical education teacher, Leonard Skinner. The band changed the spelling to draw attention to the band members’ southern accents.

“Gimme Three Steps,” was their first hit in 1973, and Sturgis Rally bikers have been treated to a string of rock anthems that followed, including “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Gimme Back My Bullets,” “They Call Me The Breeze,” “I Know A Little,” “Saturday Night Special,” “What’s Your Name,” “You Got That Right,” “Swamp Music,” “Smokestack Lightning,” “Truck Drivin’ Man,” and “Free Bird.”

Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2006

New Motorcycle Trail Dozer At Work In The Black Hills

A new motorcycle trail dozer, donated in part by Yamaha Corporation is being used to open up additional "Motorcycle Only" trails in Black Hills National Forest.

Nearly half a million motorcycle enthusiasts attend the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota and many come to enjoy riding in the Black Hills that stretch into Wyoming.

Millions of park visitors every year enjoy viewing the rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, and deep blue lakes.

September 20, 2011 - The U.S. Forest Service announced the opening of 10 miles of new single-lane trails in the Mystic Ranger District. The Black Hills National Forest covers an area that is 125 miles long and 65 miles wide. (map provided by the U.S. Forest Service)

“These new "Motorcycles Only" trails require advanced riding skills,” said Bob Thompson, acting deputy forest supervisor for the Black Hills National Forest. The new motorcycle trail dozer will be used to create additional new trails that will open this fall.

The new dozer can be driven or operated remotely, and specializes in creating motorcycle trails, although it will also be used to build and maintain other off-road vehicle trails.

The motorcycle trails have markers placed on each end and along the way to help users know where they are, but riders should also carry an official Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) of the area that designates all roads, trails and areas available for public motorized travel in the National Forest.

For more information on the map and on the Black Hills National Forest, go to www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.

Guaranteed Lowest Hotel Rates at Motorcycle Rally Destinations

I am very pleased to announce an affiliate relationship between Motorcycle Event News and Discount Hotel Reservations -- DHR.com that will allow you to find the absolute best hotel rates near major motorcycle events, worldwide!

DHR.com operates from New York, Istanbul and Manila to offer over 150,000 hotels in over 198 countries, backed by a "Best Rate Guarantee."

I first discovered DHR.com (formerly GtaHotels.com) several years ago and was very impressed with the rate they offered us at a four-star beach resort in Sandestin, Florida. We later took them up on an offer to stay at the Wellington in NYC, and when we had to cancel the reservation there was no service fee for processing the refund. They also offer B&B lodging, all inclusive travel packages, group and tour rates.

DHR.com books lodging accomodations in over 15,000 cities across Europe, US, Canada, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America & the Pacific Rim. And more destinations are being added every month, making them the ideal choice for booking travel to H.O.G. Europe and other Harley-Davidson Rally destinations, worldwide.

Here are some of the many reasons why shoppers choose DHR.com:
* Best Rate Guarantee- If the customer finds exactly the same deal online elsewhere for less DHR will match the other price and refund the customer 100% of the difference.

*Huge Selection of Hotels- choose from over 150,000 hotels in over 198 countries

*Convenience- search for rooms by price, ratings, location, customer reviews and more.

* Hotels sorted by themes including Business, Spa, Luxury, Budget hotels and more.

* No service fee or amendment fee.

Oasis Bar & Grill Whaleyville, Maryland

Oasis Bar 'N Grill halfway between Salisbury and Ocean City, Maryland has been voted "Best Biker Bar" four year's running and it's a definate party spot during the spring and fally rallies on the Delmarva Peninsula that stretches along the Delaware and Maryland coastline.

Oasis Bar N Grill at 7539 Old Ocean City Road in Whaleyville, MD was one of the main venues during this year's Bikes To The Beach Rally.

Events included Bikini Babe Boxing, Kangaroo Boxing, professional arm wrestling, a cornhole tournament, bikini contest, hotdog bite, slow ride, barrel push and other traditional biker games, as well as poker runs. Michael Ballard and Angie from Full Throttle Saloon dropped by, and Oasis was home base for Strip Club Choppers.

Oasis Bar N Grill has live music all weekend, plenty of parking, and even has a shuttle bus to help you get around during the spring and fall bike weeks. The action happens both inside the bar and outside, and there are lots of beautiful bartenders ready to serve you up some cold libations.

For more information on Bikes To The Beach or Delmarva Bike Week, go to www.oceancitybikestothebeach.com or www.delmarvabikeweek.com/

To find more biker-friendly bars & saloons, visit Bars4Bikers.com. Bars4bikers brings together biker friendly bars, pubs and saloons from all over the world. Bars4bikers.com reminds you to drink responsibly, and don't drink and ride.

New Cafe Racer Class in Rat's Hole Biketoberfest Show

Café Racers have become almost as popular today as they were in the 70's and they will be included as a new class at the 19th Annual Biketoberfest Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show, Saturday, October 15th at Daytona Lagoon, 601 Earl Street in Daytona Beach.

The show will include 21 classes with 100 trophies to be given away, and a special invitation is going out to all Cafe Racers.

"The top three Café Racers will be invited to participate in a Café Racer Showdown judged by the public at the 40th Rat's Hole Show during Daytona Bike Week in March 2012," said show owner, Ted Smith.

As usual, there will be plenty of magazines, tv and radio shows present. Registration for the ride-in bike show is 8 to 9am. Line up on Ora Street and proceed to the pre-registration table to get your show card. No bikes will be accepted after 10am, when judging begins. Trophies will be presented at 5pm. All bikes must fire at the gate. 

European Motorcycle Events: 2011 & 2012

Here are video highlights of the 14th European Bike Week - Faaker See Rally and AMD Affiliate Bike Show, September 6 to 11, 2011. Europe's biggest and open bike event saw more than 70,000 bikes from all over the world circle the shores of Faaker See in Austria. 



Top winners in the AMD Affiliate Bike Show will be heading to compete in the AMD World Championship Custom Bike Show in August at the Sturgis 2012 USA Rally.

More ...European Motorcycle Event News




The 20th European H.O.G. Rally and Croatia Harley Days, May 2011 

Returning for a second year, the 20th European H.O.G. Rally & Croatia Harley Days 2011 were staged in the beautiful coastal region of Carinthia near the Italian border.



20th European H.O.G. AMD Bike Show Winners, May 28, 2011.



European H.O.G. Rally 2012 moves to Cascais, Portugal
Watch the video preview.

Heroes Painting Unveiled at 10th Aniversary 9-11 Rally

Michael Knepper's “Heroes” depicts a group of riders going to ground zero. The number 343
signifying the number of firefighters who died that day while trying to get
 thousands out of the burning buildings in NYC.

Honoring the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives on September 11, 2001, world renowned artist Michael Knepper unveiled "Heroes" during a  10th anniversary 9/11Tribute Rally that was hosted by the International Firefighter's Association Motorcycle Group and Orange County Choppers (Sept. 9 to 11, 2011) in New York.

Michael Knepper is inspired by bikers right out of the biker scene. Bike Builders are often his primary subjects. Among them are Paul Cox and Keino of Indian Larry fame, Russell Mitchell of Exile and from Germany, Fred Codlin and the husband-wife team of Tomas and Dani Habermann. Knepper's studio is in Hamburg, Germany but you will find him at rallies and motorcycle events all over the world.

All of his paintings are available as posters or fine art canvas prints.

9/11 Heroes Across America Ride & Rally Images

Thousands of firefighters joined a "Heroes Across America Ride" to a 9/11 Tribute Rally hosted by the International Fire Fighter's Association Motorcycle Group and Orange County Choppers to "Always Remember & Never Forget" the 347 IAFF members, including 343 FDNY fire fighters who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 during terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, DC and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

They came together from  as far away as British Columbia and California to share the 10th anniversary of that terrible day.  

Details and more photos available at: www.911tributerally.com/

They gathered at OCC headquarters in Newburg, New York, where Paul Teutel, Sr. lead a charity ride on Saturday and unveiled a 9/11 Tribute Bike.  

More than 3,700 motorcyclists rode together on Sunday, Sept. 11 from Newburg to the FDNY Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial in New York City.





They included members of the FDNY Fire Riders Motorcycle Club, Motor Maids, Rolling Thunder and Patriot Guard Riders, led by IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.

 

Photos courtesy of Lisa, Brent, Jess & Justin from Sexy Skins Suede & Leather Fashions

We Will Never Forget The Real Heroes of 9/11/2001

The firemen, policemen, airline pilots & passengers, rescue workers, doctors and nurses and people from all walks of life who risked their own safety in order to save the lives of fellow Americans.

Sucker Punch Sally's Owner Christian Clayton dies at 40

A sad day in the motorcycle world, on 9/9/2011 Christian Clayton from SuckerPunch Sallys passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at home in Phoenix, Arizona.  He was 40 years old.

Christian loved bikes, hot rods and guitars.. pictured here with his Fender Telecaster on a SPS Traditional.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Created in 2002 by custom bike builders Jeff Cochran and Donnie Loos, Sucker Punch Sally was the first limited edition manufacturer in the industry to specialize in old school stripped down bobbers and choppers sold at reasonable prices.

Geri and Christian Clayton joined the company in 2003, moved operations from Ohio to their manufacturing facility in Scottsdale, Arizona and later became co-owners of Sucker Punch Sally Motorcycles. 

In this photo, Christian is pictured with his good friend, SPS artist Sara Ray.

R.I.P Christian you will be missed...

The Hideaway Grill, Cave Creek AZ

Arizona Bike Week is quickly becoming one of the largest bike rallies in the country. Celebrating its 16th year in March 2012.
Hundreds of thousands of riders trek to the Phoenix area for a week of early season riding and partying before continuing on to CycleFest at WestWorld in Scottsdale.


For many people, the party doesn't start until they pull into The Hideaway Grill, just outside of Phoenix in Cave Creek, Arizona. Mark Bradshaw opened The Hideaway Grill back in 1998. He wanted a place where bikers could get out of the city, get some wind in their faces and relax with some great food and a frosty beverage. For 13 plus years, The Hideaway has continued to attract more and more of the Arizona Bike Week crowd.... and become quite possible the perfect biker bar!

Hideaway Grill features a daily Happy Hour from 2 til 6pm, with free food and discounted drinks. Every day of the week is special, from Taco Tuesdays with 75 cent tacos to Blue Collar Night, with cheap PBRs and well drinks.

Bike Night is pretty much every night, but the official "Double Down" Bike Night is Friday, when you can make your drink a double for an extra 2 bucks. The staff is friendly, attentive and hard-working


The menu at The Hideaway ranges from  chicken wings and cheese sticks to salads, burgers, hot dogs and pizza. They recently added a breakfast menu and now open at 6 AM for those who want to get in a full day of riding!

Mark Bradshaw was honored as  Arizona Bike Week Hero of the Year in 2010. for his hard work, dedication and selfless contributions to the biker community. Congrats, Mark! Keep up the good work! 

If you're planning to attend Arizona Bike Week and Cyclefest, make sure you pay a visit to The Hideaway. Say Hi to Mark, get a picture with one of the bartenders, and grab a Quickie before an awesome day of riding (it's a breakfast dish). Don't forget to tell them that Jeff from Bars4Bikers.com sent you!


Click links below for:
Arizona Bike Week  Rally News
Early Rally in Phoenix
March 23 - 27, 2012
Cyclefest at WestWorld
March 28 - April 1, 2012
Scotsdale, Arizona
http://www.azbikeweek.com/


To find more biker-friendly bars & saloons, visit Bars4Bikers.com. Bars4bikers brings together biker friendly bars, pubs and saloons from all over the world. Bars4bikers.com reminds you to drink responsibly, and don't drink and ride.

September: Trail of Tears Rememberance Ride

Photographer Kelly Roper Gillespie shares her images of The Trail of Tears Remembrance Ride.

The Trail of Tears Remembrance Ride, every year on the third Saturday in September commemorates the forced relocation of American Indians in the 1830's from the Southeast to reservations in Oklahoma. For some it was a walk of 800 miles and a journey of three months without food or water. Many suffered from the elements, starvation and disease. More than 4,000 Cherokees and countless other Indians died along the way. Photographer Kelly Roper Gillespie - Bent Mind Photography joins many of her Native American family for this ride. "This truly is one event your soul feels clean leaving from," she said in a recent interview.

"Last year, I could not get over the colors of mustard yellow contrasting the blue sky and I was extremely impressed with the areas that were set up for the riders along the way."

"I truly was overwhelmed at the amount of bikes in one area. GREAT vendors, great shows and historical stories from the tribe members."

"It's just so hard to show the true amount of bikes and people, so for this reason, I am bringing a wide angle lens with me this year."


The ride was started in 1994 by Bill Cason of Whitwell, Tennessee in an effort to have the historic route recognized. "It started out, I just wanted to make enough money to put a sign up on the highway," Cason said in a video interview. "Now, 17 years later, we have hundreds of signs and more than $230,000 has gone to scholarships for Native Americans."

Click map to enlarge for details.

Join the ride en-route or join ride-ins  in Alabama, Georgia and Kentucky.

More than 150,000 motorcycle riders now participate in the original 225 mile ride from the historic Ross's Landing in Chattanooga, Tennessee to attend a Native American Festival PowWow at McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama. The line of motorcycles rolling into Florence was 50 miles long in 2007, according to local law officials.

But for the past 10 years, hundreds of members in this group have continued their ride to reach Native American destinations in Oklahoma. 

Trail of Tears Remembrance Association, Inc., created in 2007 continues to educate the public about the Trail of Tears Removal Act of 1838 and also provides Native American scholarships that assist the five civilized tribes of North America (Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Seminole nations) in the Southeast and Oklahoma.

Over a four day period this ride covers not just one trail, but several. The ride touches upon the Drane/Hood Route, The Bell Route, The Benge Route and The Northern Route and crosses eight states to create a remembrance of the many different tribes of Native American People.


This video interview with Bill Cason was made in 2010 by THV-Arkansas.

For more information go to these Trail of Tears websites: TrailOfTears-Remembrance.org
or AL-TN-TrailOfTears.net.