Diamond Posse at Arizona Bike Week 2011

The Diamond Posse, a veteran outreach program from Milwaukee, Wisconsin is at Arizona Bike Week on a fundraising mission. They hope to raise at least $20,000 in 2011 in order to provide a trained service dog at no cost to a disabled combat veteran.

Members of the Diamond Posse will be at the Team Diva Booth all weekend (March 31 to April 3rd) at WestWorld, where you can also meet this year's celebrity rider, Sturgis Hall of Fame member Betsy "Gypsy" Lister. WestWorld is at 16601 N. Pima Road in Scotsdale, Arizona.

"The women riders in the Diamond Posse have a deep heart-felt gratitude for combat veterans, who have made our freedom possible by way of their sacrifices," said Gypsy.

The public is invited to stop by to say hello to these women, check out their bikes and learn more about the Diamond Posse and the non-profit program, NEARDS that trains service dogs.

The Diamond Posse rode every day to honor veturans during National Armed Forces Week in 2010. They hope to share their passion for riding with everyone, while also raising awareness and support for disabled veterans who have proudly served the United States of America.

Women are also invited to join the Diamond Posse's Ride to this year's 9-11 rally in September in Kansas City. Members of the Diamond Possee will ride from Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Park City, Utah; Dallas, Texas and Boston, Massachusetts, arriving in four separate waves on Saturday, September 10th with each group saying Thank You for their privilege to Ride Free. To register to ride, visit www.diamondposse.us/

The Diamond Posse is a non-profit veteran outreach program that consists of Vicki "Spitfire" Sanfelipo, "Diva" Amy Skaling, and Cat Hammes RN, their "One Legged Blonde". The Diamond Posse was formed in 2010 to honor veterans by giving hope and encouragement to veterans who are facing challenges as a result of their service to the United States of America.

NEADS is a non-profit program established in 1976 in Princeton, Mass. to train and provide independence to people who are deaf or physically disabled through the use of canine assistance. These assistance dogs become an extension of their owners and bring security, freedom, independence and relief from social isolation to their human partners. Details at www.neads.org/

Kimmy Chapman Memorial Sunday at WestWorld

Arizona Bike Week will pay tribute to one of its greatest supporters, Kimmy Chapman at 1pm Sunday, April 3rd at WestWorld. Kimmy died at the scene of a motorcycle crash around 5pm Saturday, March 26th after spending her final day in life helping at a community fundraiser. Her life companion, Mark Tapp is at John C. Lincoln Hospital recovering from serious injuries.
Kimmy helped to establish the rally and was the founding editor of Biker Information Guide -- a business she started in 1997 in Arizona that has expanded to 10 other states. She received the Arizona Bike Week "Hero" Award in 2009 for her years of dedication to the rally.
"We want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers," said Dave Shafer, media director for Biker Information Guide in a statement issued on the company website. "Kimmy had such a wonderful personality and everyone who knew her, loved her. She was someone that would bend over backward to help whenever she could. She was so full of life and it is so sad that we lost her. Her passion was Biker Information Guide and for that reason alone Kelly, Jim and I will continue to do what Kimmy loved doing. I’ve worked with Kimmy for over 12 years and there was never a better friend. I will truly miss her."
Hundreds of rally fans, friends and family are expected to celebrate her life during the memorial service on Sunday. "Due to the amount of people expected to show up, we decided to use the Big Tent at Bike Week for the Celebration of Life event," Shafer said in an update on Tuesday. “Unfortunately due to contractual agreements, a $10 gate charge will apply to get into WestWorld. Please keep in mind that if you bought a week event pass or if you participated in the Logan's Run, then you have already paid the $10 gate charge.”

Barb Heller of the ArmedZilla Angels American Legion posted this updated regarding an ongoing police investigation: I spoke with the Lead Detective Pitts on Kimmy's case, a bike rider himself, who is working on her case and keeping in close touch with Kelly and other family members. He feels he owes Kimmy's family a full and thorough investigation. He called in the state expert on impairment to investigate any signs of impairment of the driver and to provide them with the 'probable cause' needed to issue an order to draw blood. They found none. This state investigator is the same one working on the dump truck case from a year ago, which is still ongoing. He wants everyone to know that this is far from over and the only thing they haven't shown is 'criminal intent'. The police department can ONLY charge the driver with a 'Violation', such as in this case 'Failure To Yield'. Any other charges will come AFTER the investigation is through. Detective Pitts said that once everything is turned over to him to review, then it goes to the 'review unit' and then it is turned over to their Supervisor for Final Review and then passed on to the County Attorney's office. That is where the final charges will be filed if any. We need to stay on top of the County Attorney's office. Detective Pitts also said that he would be willing to come to any organizations meeting to explain the process and answer questions that he can at that time. Please contact Barb Heller at 602-505-8760 or ltlwtduv@cox.net to set this up.

The crash one year ago in Phoenix - on March 25, 2010 - was so horrific that the president of the American Motorcyclist Association made a public statement of condolence to the families of the nine bike riders that were injured or killed when they were struck from behind by a dump truck while they waited for a light to change at an intersection in Phoenix. Read the story.

Arizona Bike Week "Hero" Kimmy Chapman Killed in Crash

Many at Arizona Bike Week are in shock and deeply saddened by the death of Kimmy Chapman in a Right of Way violation crash yesterday in Arizona. She received the Arizona Hero Award in 2009 for her devotion to the rally. She was the founding owner of the Biker Information Guide. Her life companion Mark S Tapp was seriously injured. Kimmy was a passenger on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was traveling eastbound on Bell Road, according to Phoenix investigators. When they entered the intersection at 43rd Avenue the driver of a Nissan Rogue failed to yield and made a left turn in front of them. Tapper is in serious condition. There are plans underway to honor her during one or more events at Arizona Bike Week & WestWorld Cyclefest. - The bike community is also outraged because the 22-year old driver is not expected to be charged in the crash. There is currently only pending legislation (HB2523) that would create a vehicular manslaughter charge in Arizona. Under the current state law, Arizona drivers who cause fatal accidents can only be charged with a misdemeanor crime, even if they're supposed to be off the roadways due to a license suspension.

Rolling Through the Decades with Ron Finch

The absolute high point of my 70th Daytona Bike Week experience was an interview with legendary bike builder Ron Finch, published in a limited edition of the Daytona Beach Ratty Rag. The 20,000 commemorative copies disappeared into the wave of rally fans at the "world's largest rally."

But here is the entire article (c) 2011 By MJ Reynolds & RH Swan.


May 27, 2004 - Ron Finch, Billy Lane and Indian Larry leave Ron’s Studio in Pontiac to ride for 10 or so miles together with dozens of their friends and a film crew to Boomer’s Bike Night in Waterford a suburb of Detroit, Rock City – 1,000 bikes! The three famous bike builders are signing autographs with felt markers across tank tops worn by big-breasted young women. The place is packed to the rafters. Everyone loves them! Billy and Larry have just finished a couple of Biker Build-Off reality TV episodes and Ron is next up in 2005.




Here's Ron at home in Michigan with his Biker Build-Off bike, "Double Cross."






And here's the Boomer's Bike Night video - produced in Detroit City by Brad Bloch & Lyle Brous - Music by KISS







Fast forward to 2006 – Ron is rolling down the highway (at age 67) from Kansas City to Vegas in the cold rain with bike builder, Paul Yaffe and John Green after the Easy Rider Show. “You’ve gotta be tough,” says Ron. “I can put up with cold, but cold and wet is too much. I don’t have anything to prove anymore, so when our friend Bean’re had a bike breakdown, I rode with him in the truck for a hundred miles or so.”


Ron Finch launched his career back in the ‘60s about the same time that Arlen Ness and Dave Perewitz were starting to customize motorcycles.


“I was just doing my own thing,” said Ron. “I learned to pin stripe when I was a boy, living at home but spending a lot of time hanging out at Paul Hatton’s paint shop. I used to come home and pin stripe the refrigerator. I had a piece of glass that I used to pin stripe and then wipe off and pin stripe again. Later, I started striping for customers and working on their motorcycles. Until now, today, I can do anything with a bike – except, I don’t modify engines. That’s something Indian Larry did. On the other hand, I always encouraged Larry, and he was inspired to do a lot of metal work fabrication and metal sculptures by what he saw me doing.”


In 1969 - Ron built “Odin’s Axle,” which introduced the concept of asymmetrical motorcycle design. One side of the bike is completely different from the other side, including the front forks. Covering the bike’s sheet metal, he also introduced the 3-dimensional metal “rod work” patterns that have become his signature.


In 1970 - Odin’s Axle debuted at the Detroit Autorama in January 1970. Later that year by request, Odin’s Axle was exhibited at the Michigan Artists Exhibition in the Detroit Institute of Arts, the first motorcycle ever in a museum!


In 1971 - Motorcycle World Magazine named Odin’s Axle “Best U.S. Custom of the Year.” Restored in 2005, for Donna and Darryl Smith of Rochester, New York, Odin has recently traveled to shows and museums, including the Clinton Presidential Library in 2009.


Ron was a Rat’s Hole judge in the 70’s and 80’s. - Click bike images to enlarge.


In 1982 – Ron built “Aorta,” a custom 1970 Ironhead Sportster. The rods that make up the frame of “Aorta” were designed to flow towards the motor, the heart of the motorcycle like the main artery of the human heart. Ron also refers to this bike as his “suitcase motorcycle” because the frame is actually two-parts held together by the engine. It can be disassembled in three parts and literally be carried away in a suitcase. The rear fender houses the gas tank and is molded with flame tips and a “Frenched” license plate. The oil tank is a 1950’s aluminum cylindrical tank, modified to clear the one-off custom straight pipe exhaust. The front end is an old Harley JD Springer. The handlebars are custom made to eliminate the risers and stimulate a tiny windshield. The headlight is an unknown, purchased by Ron at an antique auction. The 1000 Cu. In. engine has polished cases, a Joe Hunt Magneto, S & S carb and Sifton cam. The air cleaner was hand formed in the shape of a heart with arteries made of metal rods. Leatherman of Flint, Michigan molded the leather seat in the shape of a human heart. The battery is incased in leather that has been dyed and molded to match the seat and the grips are braided in leather.


One Year After Serious Injury - Aorta was finished in the spring of 1982, one year after a serious motorcycle accident. The motorcycle Ron was riding was rear-ended by a drunk driver traveling 50 MPH. Ron suffered a crushed pelvis and a broken hip socket and doctors predicted that he would never walk again. Ron was walking and riding within three months!



In 1987 - Ron built “Loophole,” sourced from a 1973 Shovelhead – Evo Custom 96ci HD bagger. But after a long ride to Sturgis in 1989, Ron decided that he needed more power so he replaced the motor and added an S&S car and a Morris magneto. It features an exhaust system that loops through the cylinder chambers in the frame above the motor, a gas tank in the rear fender, and custom rod work over the front fender and floorboards. Like a loophole in the law, this custom motorcycle stretches the legal limits of imagination and creativity!
Loophole’s frame was machined with a milling machine in the neck and seat area for a layered look. Rod work forms the struts and wraps around the leather saddlebags. Chromed rods were used to create the headlight shroud and the front fender that is accented by blue stained glass facets. The seat mount, six-pack carrier, bag tops and footboards are chromed rod work for balance and contrast. Blue anodizing was done on the headlight; derby cover and shock mount covers. The blue theme was carried to the primary cover with the use of blue flexi-glass. The gas tank was built “Finch Style” into the rear fender. The oil tank was built like an old-style chrome cylinder with concave and convex ends. Finch finished off Loophole with a candy blue paint job with multi-colored blends on the rod work, with black to accent the layered frame.


In 1988 - Ron made his first trip to Europe with “Big Daddy” Karl Smith of Rat’s Hole Bike Shows to exhibit his bizarre 3-wheeler, “Trilogy” at bike shows in Essen, Germany and Paris, France. Trilogy is sourced from a 1971 Triumph Trident – 836cc and features triple gas tanks, triple rear fenders, triple exhaust, suspended handle bars, and a rare 5-speed transmission.


In 1993 – Ron created “Outspoken,” one of the first bikes in the US with 80-spoke wheels from Sweden. This would be Ron’s personal ride for the next six years. It features a 96ci S&S engine, chrome moly frame, gas tanks in the floor boards, and rod work fenders with stainless inserts painted in multi-colored candy paint by Finch.


The gas tank is in the floorboards are made from after-market Corvette exhaust covers! The filler cap is at the front of the frame. The covers also serve as exhaust guards toward the rear. The extended swingarm matches the frame with rod work between the tubes. It requires a 178 tooth belt, which gives the motorcycle an extra long wheel base. The shocks are early FLH mounted under the seat, providing a comfortable cushioned ride. The custom stitched leather seat and braided grips and cable covers were made by Leatherman of Flint, Michigan. The front fork is a stock H.D., with hand-made triple trees that are billet aluminum, machined at a 38 degree angle, making them parallel to the ground. These were made by Finchman, Chuck Kehoe. The headlight is hand-rolled into a cone shape and mounted on rod work between the trees. Finch used extruded aluminum to cover the oil tank and air cleaner. The bike has an overall “industrial look” with the black paint, stainless steel and aluminum. A special effect was achieved with tiny brass hands that hold the cables, made by jeweler, “Shamey” from Pennsylvania.


“This was the first motorcycle in the U.S. to have the large rear tire and the 80 spoke wheels,” said Ron. “Riding Outspoken is a whole different experience!”


In 1990 & 1993 – Ron made two more trips to Europe with Karl of the Rat’s Hole to exhibit bikes at the Essen Show. They also brought the bikes to Sweden and the Netherlands. The bikes chosen for the shows were “Aorta,” “Loophole” and “Outspoken.”


“I’ll never forget those trips,” said Ron. “We traveled all over Europe and drank beer in three different countries one day. It was before the Euro, which made it a mess trying to sort out the money – mostly coins. Me and Big Daddy went up in the Eiffel Tower in Paris together and we took the El train out into the countryside and had dinner. Another time, we were traveling for some reason with a guy named “Jumpin’ Jessie” who would literally blow himself up with dynamite. He was kind of a cool nut.


"We traveled up to Sweden, where they called him Yumpin’ Yessy. The first place we stopped was at the best clubhouse I have ever seen in my life. It was in Sofia and the club was Sofia Hogs. I still have the T-shirt they gave me. It was a place converted from an old horse farm with all of the stalls converted for use as custom bike building stalls. They had a party room, a fully equipped machine shop that all of the members could use, and a super-modern spray booth. They already had all of the emission laws over there that we are getting hit with now. I was almost ready to go over there to pursue a dream, because they were getting top money for their work over there.”


2005 - Competing with the top builders of today at the Biker Build-Off Finale in Las Vegas, Ron was awarded the “Biker Blacksmith” Award for extreme metal fabrication.
2006 - He received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the V-Twin Biker’s Ball in Daytona Beach. He gratefully accepted the award, but assured the crowd that he has not finished building bikes.
2008 - He received the House of Kolor Prestigious Painter Award for the paint on his creation, “Finicky.”
2008 – Invited to display 12 of his best custom bikes in the in the Milwaukee Art Museum during the celebration of Harley Davidson’s 105th Anniversary and his METALife sculptures were sold in the Harley Museum store.


2008 to 2009 - Ron’s historic 1969 Panhead chopper, “Odin’s Axle” was exhibited in the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas as part of a show that included many of the bikes that Tom Zimberoff wrote about in his books, “Art of the Chopper I” and “Art of the Chopper II.” His work has been featured in hundreds of magazines and has inspired such headlines as “Michigan’s Mysterious Motorcycle Madman” (Ed Roth 1968), “The Fabulous Finch” (Cycle Guide 1969), “The King of French” (Custom Chopper 1973),”Finch Effect”(Bike Bible 1976), “King of Custom” (American Iron 1991), “Mad About Metal” (Supercycle 1995), “Michigan Magician” (Easyriders, Japan 1998), and “ Ron Finch is Nuts” (Easyriders 2004), “Finch Fest” (Easyriders 2007), “Got Finch?” (Tailgate 2008) and “Ron Finch Gets Finicky” (Barnett’s Magazine Oct. 2008).


His custom bikes have been appreciated in museums and art galleries, and in shows throughout the U.S. and in Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Labeled as “too extreme” by some, the work of Ron Finch appropriately proclaims the freedom and individualism that is so often associated with the motorcycle lifestyle.



2011 - Ron's newest build is "Outsider." With all of these adventures behind him, Ron is currently showing off his first-ever side car bike, called “Outsider.”





It is an ultimate expression of his steel 3-dimensional rod work with the gas tank, oil tank, and radio hidden in the trunk. “There is a very good chance it will be at the Daytona Show,” he said… AND IT WAS!


Finch’s Custom Styled Cycles
http://www.finchscustoms.com/

April: Leesburg Bikefest, Central Florida

The 15th Leesburg Bikefest (April 7 to 10, 2012) featured 40 free concerts on eight stages, the Rat's Hole Bike Show, Wall of Death, Extreme Bike Demos, bikini contests, tattoo contests, Mr. Lucky Man Contest and more.

Traffic on Main Street in Leesburg, Florida is always "motorcycles-only" during the 3-day rally that draws 200,000 to 300,000 bike enthusiasts to the little town in Central Florida.

Admission is free to all venues and all concerts. The 2012 concert schedule included: Slaughter on Friday night and Jackyl on Saturday night, with opening act, The Greg Billings Band (formerly of Stranger.)

Also on stage Saturday night was the AC/DC tribute-band Highway to Hell.





The rally was a joint venture from the beginning between the Leesburg Downtown Merchants and Rat's Hole Custom Bike Shows. The 15th Leesburg Bikefest featured the largest number of Rat's Hole custom-built bikes ever on display at a rally bike show.


Leesburg Bikefest kicked off at Gator Harley Davidson on Thursday morning with vendors and entertainment.


The Opera House Saloon Early Arrival Party on Thursday was 3pm to 2am Friday.


The Rat's Hole Bar Kick Off Party was hosted by Rider NOW Magazine, 3pm Thursday to 2am Friday.




For more details, visit the official website.

Harley-Davidson Supports Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Efforts

A Japanese man recovers his classic 1950s Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was washed away with his home in the recent earthquake and tsunami destroyed town of Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture in northeastern Japan Sunday, March 20, 2011. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

To assist in the disaster relief efforts, the Harley-Davidson Foundation has made a $250,000 donation through the Red Cross.

To support the disaster relief efforts in Japan, please visit the Red Cross website to make a donation: http://rdcrss.org/eys4CP

UPDATE: In the name of trying to "get it right," a reader noted that the bike is not a 1950's Harley but more likely a shovelhead, mix match.

About 400 comments later on the harley-davidson fan page, consensus is the bike is a 1960's shovelhead or manybe pan bottom. But thousands of people applaud the efforts being made to help the Japanese people recover from the recent earthquake and tsunami.

"Thanks Arizona" $65,000 Charity Bike Giveaway at 15th Arizona Bike Week

The lucky winner of a fully-loaded 2011 Bourget Fat Daddy Chopper - valued at $65,000 - will be revealed on the final day of the 15th Arizona Bike Week, Sunday, April 3rd at The Hideaway Grill in Cave Creek, AZ.





The 1st "Thanks Arizona" Bourget-Bradshaw Charity Bike Raffle was announced during the Hideaway Grill's 12th Anniversary Party in October, 2010.

Brigette Bourget of Bourget's Bike Works and Mark Bradshaw of the World Famous Hideaway Grill - both Arizona natives - wanted to do something over the top for Arizona Bike Week and at the same time show appreciation to the Phoenix Firefighters. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the United Phoenix Firefighters/IAFF Local 493 Charities. "The money from this raffle will go to help the Phoenix Fire Fighters in their efforts to make our community a better, safer place for children of all ages, races, and walks of life!," said Brigette Bourget "These fire fighters risk their lives by running into burning buildings and they are our first responders to traffic accidents, drownings, heart attacks, etc. They help our community 24/7 -365 days a year AND they volunteer on their days off to work in the community and raise money to help those who need it most."

Raffle tickets can be purchased in person during Arizona Bike Week at the Hideaway Grill. Raffle tickets are: 1 for $20 – 3 for $50 – 5 for $85 – 6 for $100. You do not have to be present to win and you can purchase raffle tickets on-line at http://www.bourgets.com/.

Baddest Bagger in AZ Bike Show at 15th Arizona Bike Week

Are you heading to Arizona Bike Week & Westworld Cyclefest?

Then be sure to check out - "The Baddest Bagger in AZ Bike Show," presented by Bagger Nation and American Bagger Magazine. "That’s right. Baggers are finally getting their due!" said Paul Yaffe of Bagger Nation. Don’t miss your chance to have your Bagger featured on the cover of American Bagger Magazine. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be presented on stage in 3 classes: Original (no frame mods) Modified (OEM Frame modified) Ground Up (aftermarket frame)The show is Saturday, April 2nd.


It's the final countdown!! Arizona Bike Week starts one week from today! The forecast is calling for some incredible riding weather and the party is about to begin. Pre-Rally events begin Friday, March 25, 2011.

This year the five-day event pass to $40. That's a $10 discount from last year's pricing and still includes all the concerts and events that Westworld Cyclefest has to offer. Skid Row will be in concert on Wednesday, March 30. Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation presents Warrant on Thursday, March 31. Buddy Stubbs Harley Davidson presents Heart on Friday, April 1.

Chester's Harley Davidson presents Buckcherry on Saturday, April 2. Everyone’s favorite Sunday afternoon Cyclefest band, Mongollon will close on April 3.

In addition to the HandleBar Saloon, two new party tents have been added this year: The ABW Roadhouse and Cyclefest Cantina. Throughout the rally, catch acts by local bands: 74th St. Band, Cell Phone Cowboys, Coverz Inc. Hawg Wild, Hellbound, Jasmine Cain, Men Without Shame, Pat Roberts and The Heymakers, and Sludge’s Build a Band.

All Premium and Gold RV packages are sold out, but a few Silver RV and tent spaces are available, and there are still rooms offered by sponsoring hotels at significant biker discounts for the rally, with no minimum nights required.

Arizona Bike Week is all about riding in the desert, and the 15th Arizona Bike Week has some big rides and a poker tournament starting Sunday, March 27th.

Sunday, March 27: Leather and Luck Poker Tournament at Fort McDowell - Limited to 250 entrants.

Wednesday, March 30: Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson's Riding Kids Run - Shirts/Pins given to the first 725 entrants.

Thursday, March 31: T-Bar Trail Run - Save $5 when you pre-register online.

Friday, April 1: Hamster's Dry Heat Poker Run - Save $5 when you pre-register online.

Saturday, April 2: Chester Harley-Davidson's Torch Ride - Save $5 when you pre-register online.

Sunday, April 3: Logan's Run - Get a free t-shirt when you register online.

If you purchase your Cyclefest event pass online you'll get a $5 coupon for the Arizona Bike Week Official Merchandise booth. Details and tickets: azbikeweek.com

English Don "Old Crew Reunion Run" NYC, March 26, 2011

New York, New York! A big reunion is in the works for March 26th when English Don returns to NYC for an Old Crew Reunion Run.



"For anyone wanting to join the run in Brooklyn....We will be stopping off to film with Paul Cox and Bob Seeger Jr. Bob has thrown out the welcome mat at Indian Larry motorcycles to gather there early afternoon. The pack will leave there at 2pm sharp. Those riding from the start, stay tuned for Queens assembly and gathering point," English Don told friends Saturday night, as he prepared to embark on his return trip to America.

A limited edition Old Crew Reunion Run T-shirt will be available only at Buckley's Inn, located at 159 S. Franklin Ave., Valley Stream, NY. Doors open at 1pm with English Don's ETA at 3pm. The NY Chopper Scene in the 1990's - English Don and Indian Larry - The Grease Monkey Tour - Sideshow Promo.

Here's a video of the Grease Monkey Tour 1998 .

Harley-Davidson Salutes Women Riders

Harley-Davidson is promoting activities throughout the month of May at nationwide dealerships in the USA to celebrate their involvement in the 3rd Annual Women Riders Month.

Women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists, as well as about 12 percent of new motorcycle sales for Harley-Davidson. To inspire even more women to participate in motorcycling, Harley-Davidson and its nationwide dealership network is staging a series of initiatives over the next several months including Garage Parties, Women Riders Month in May and the first-ever Biker Boot Camp for Women.

Harley dealerships throughout the country will also host a series of women-only rides on Saturday, May 14, 2011. H-D sponsored two huge rides in 2009 in Milwaukee and New York, and produced this video of the rides and women ride events all over the world.




Although Harley-Davidson has been an active participant in the past, their rides in the U.S. do not coincide this year with the 5th Annual International Female Ride Day that will include women riders across the USA and Canada, Europe/UK, China, Japan and Russia on Friday, May 6, 2011.

"We're very proud of the efforts we've made as a company to pave the way for even more women to turn their dreams of riding into reality," said Karen Davidson, great-granddaughter of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson and Creative Director, General Merchandise, Harley-Davidson. "But we know there are still thousands of women out there who dream of riding their own motorcycles, which is why we're committed to inspiring them to take the first step, as well as providing them with the necessary tools and support they need."

Women Take Daytona
Kathy Davidson led more than 100 women in the Women's MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) Ride during Daytona Bike Week 2011 from Riverfront Park in downtown Daytona Beach, north to Bruce Rossmeyer's "Destination Daytona" Harley-Davidson dealership in Ormond Beach.

Harley-Davidson again this year had more of a street presence and was more focused on women riders and the riding experience during the 70th Daytona Bike Week, March 4 to 13, 2011. There were demo rides and interactive motorcycle displays at Daytona International Speedway. There was also a women's area at Riverfront Park on Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach that offered bike-lift demonstrations and the opportunity to meet Cris Sommers-Simmons (wife of the Doobie Brother's Band member, Pat Simmons.) Cris was there with her 1915 Harley, "Effie" that she rode cross-country in the 2010 Cannonball Run.

During Daytona Bike Week and at other rallies throughout the country in 2011, groups of women riders will be able to visit four informational stations set up in the Harley-Davidson women's area:

•'Motorcycle Orientation' - a basic introduction to the motorcycle controls, as well as all of the models in the Harley-Davidson family.
•'MotorClothes Gear' - to discover the important attributes needed in head-to-toe motorcycle gear, from helmets to protective leather to proper boots.
•'Motorcycle Fit and Function' - to learn how to customize a motorcycle to reflect a rider's personal style and ergonomic needs.
•'Bike Lift' - a hands-on demonstration that proves picking up a bike – even a Harley-Davidson – isn't as hard as you might think.

During Women Riders Month, the Motor Company also plans to stage the first-ever Biker Boot Camp for Women at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. The special camp is designed to take women's dreams of riding to reality by immersing them in the culture of Harley-Davidson, participating in the Rider's Edge New Rider Training Course and celebrating with other new women riders. Details: www.harley-davidson.com/womenriders. The site also includes a calendar of women events scheduled throughout the country.

Washington DC Memorial Day Weekend Rally Announced

[Wikimedia commons image by Christiano Del Riccio of the Rolling Thunder ride crossing the Memorial Bridge in Washington, DC on May 24, 2009]

This Memorial Day Weekend, for the first time ever, Stars & Stripes & Spokes™ -- “America’s Memorial Day Rally” will provide a new destination and gathering place for the more than 300,000 motorcycle enthusiasts who make the annual pilgrimage to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.

This free outdoor rally begins Friday, May 27 and continues through Monday, May 30 at the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s Walter Reed Society Warrior & Family Support Fund.

In a departure from the customary fare at other motorcycle events, various branches of the US armed forces will be displaying numerous military vehicles and other equipment for public access. Experienced crews will be present to explain and educate the public on the use of the vehicles and equipment to give attendees a better sense of exactly how the troops carry out their missions. There will also be live music, hundreds of vendors, lots of food and cold beer, and free bike parking. The legendary Blues and American Roots band, The Nighthawks will be playing Monday afternoon.


RFK Stadium is just two miles from the US Capitol Building and there will be signage for out-of-town visitors, not familiar with the Washington, DC area.

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority is a partner in this endeavor. The RFK Stadium Grounds are Metro accessible and there will be 14 acres designated exclusively for RVs. Visitors can come for the entire weekend and stay in DC with their campers. The campers must be self-contained. No tent camping is allowed.

Among the many vendors are Hot Leathers, Bob’s BMW, Biker Apparel, Stinger Trailers, Condor Products, Navy Federal Credit Union and Speeds Performance Plus. Look for full page ads in the following magazines: Laconia Rally News, AMA, Thunder Press, Fast Lane Biker, Motorcycle Monthly, Thunder Roads – Virginia and Vietnam Magazine. You will also find links to this rally on the following websites:

• Rolling Thunder®

• Harley Davidson of Washington

• Ride of the Patriots

“You owe it to yourself to witness the birth of what is sure to be a new tradition, the first-ever Stars & Stripes & Spokes™ Motorcycle Rally that we hope will provide a comfortable staging area for the many thousands of riders and DC tourists who are in town to pause and acknowledge the service of our fellow citizens who serve our nation under arms,” said Bruce Bieber, one of three rally co-founders, along with Walter Layton and Harold Bingham. The three DC area riding buddies have attended rallies together all over the country for years, and have been planning this event for three years.

“Stars & Stripes & Spokes™ will be open for business for four full days so you will have plenty of time to visit many of Washington, DC’s memorials, museums and other attractions,” said Bieber. “Washington is a great place to visit at least once in your lifetime because almost all of the museums and memorials are free and open to the public.

“While this event is new, we are building on a 24-year tradition of motorcycles gathering in DC for the ‘Ride to the Wall.’ You can drop by the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds before or after you participate in the annual Ride to the Wall on Sunday.

"Signs will be posted all over town clearly marking designated routes to and from the RFK Stadium Festival Grounds.

“Going into this first-year rally, we have the benefit of the participation and advice of Charlie St. Clair, the long-time Executive Director of Laconia Motorcycle Week, the oldest of the big, national motorcycle rallies, going into its 88th year," he said.

“Everyone is welcome to attend. You do not need to own a motorcycle to participate and enjoy this event. There will be enough food, music, shopping and special events to have broad appeal to motorcyclists, tourists and the local community. We really want this to be ‘America’s Memorial Day Celebration.’”

A portion of the funds from this rally will be donated to the Walter Reed Society’s Warrior/Family Support Fund that is used to assist service members and their families when support provided through Invitational Travel Orders (ITO) does not meet their immediate needs during a patient’s treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC.) The Walter Reed Society was established to support activities and fund projects to benefit the soldiers and staff at WRAMC. They also provide good stewardship of the funds donated and grants awarded to assist service members and/or their family members with unexpected financial needs and provide specially identified equipment and services related to patient care at WRAMC when other resources are not available.

For details, visit http://www.stars-stripes-spokes.com/ or email info@stars-stripes-spokes.com

Quail Ride, Motorcycle Gathering & Auction, May 13-14 in Carmel, California

The 'John Edgar Lightning,' aka the 'Bathing Suit Bike,' will be exhibited on May 14, 2011 at the 3rd Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Carmel, California.

To kick-off The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, enthusiasts are invited to participate in the Quail Ride on Friday, May 13. The Ride, limited to 50 participants, will wind through 100 miles of the backroads of the Monterey Peninsula and conclude with a private dinner. The fee to participate in the Ride is $250 per rider, and includes a gift bag, lunch, track time at the legendary Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and admission to an intimate dinner reception featuring special guest speakers, and a private sneak preview of the Bonhams & Butterfields Auction motorcycles. Ride participants also will receive a ticket to The Quail Motorcycle Gathering and an invitation to display a bike as an entrant.

The Bonhams & Butterfields live auction of rare motorcycles and memorabilia will include Steve McQueen's 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross, which he famously rode shirtless on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1971. The auction will also feature a custom Yamaha R1, signed by World Champion Valentino Rossi, with proceeds to benefit Riders for Health. For more information about the Bonhams & Butterfields Auction, please visit www.bonhams.com/quailbikes.

click image to read John Edgar Lightning bike story.

This year's event theme, "A Century of Racing at Isle of Man" will showcase fine motorcycles from the past, present and future. Tickets to The Motorcycle Gathering are $65 per person, $15 for children 12 and under, and inclusive of a Southern BBQ gourmet lunch and live music!

Live To Ride, Ride to Live... Live Your Dreams

"Live to Ride, Ride to Live ... Live Your Dreams" has never been better expressed, in my estimation, than in this video based on the true story of a group of "Dream Rangers," average age 81!!

These five senior riders in Taiwan prepared for six months and road for 13 days together, night and day, 1,139 kilometers from the North to the South of Taiwan. One has hearing problems, one has cancer, three have heart disease, all have degenerative arthritis. Why did they do it? To keep their dreams alive!!

As one of the more than 1.7 million viewers commented, "my husband has cancer, but when we ride, cancer doesn't ride with us." Here's the video.



Created by Ogilvy Taiwan - Creative Director: Jennifer Hu
Copywriter: Jennifer Hu, Justin Chia
Art director: Leah Chen
Producer: Abby Ku
Director: Thanonchai

Bravo! This is an excellent example of sponsorship funding!

A New American Motorcycle Company is Born: Motus Motorcycles Unveils MST Series of American Sportbikes

DAYTONA BEACH, Fl - March 10, 2011 - After months and months of fabrication and development, a new American sportbike engineered from the ground up was introduced to the public at the 70th Daytona Bike Week.

This comfortable touring machine is powered by the mighty KMV4 "baby block" engine, a gasoline direct injected, 90 degree V4.


Motus Motorcycles, a 2-year old company based in Birmingham, Alabama introduced the Motus MST series to a crowd gathered at 2pm Thursday at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show at the Ocean Center. The Motus MST series focuses squarely on performance, comfort and range.

Along with a team of engineers, co-founders Lee Conn and Brian Case are personally riding the MST's on an "American Sport Tour" around the US to make sure the pre-production machines are of the quality and durability they demand. They intend to be seen at more than 250 events across the USA.

"There is just no better way to make sure the MST's meet our standards of durability, comfort, and performance than to personally ride the machines and iterate them as we identify issues. Along the way, we are meeting with friends, supporters and high quality dealers that have inquired about carrying Motus in their area," said Brian Case, vice president and director of design.

"We decided early on that no corners would be cut with the MST series. Motus is about precision, quality and attention to detail rather than speed to production," said Brian Case, vice president and director of design. "We are more focused on building great bikes than rushing to meet artificial deadlines," said Case. "Rather than hype the brand with computer renderings of a bike we hadn't even built yet, we engineered the bikes to be functional and actually work first, and then show the world what we have done so far."



The Motus MST's were developed quietly and revealed privately first at the facility of Motus's partner Pratt & Miller Engineering in New Hudson, Michigan and then at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in the hometown of Motus, Birmingham, Alabama. (Video, Feb. 2011.)
"We are so proud to show the world the MST series," said Motus president, Lee Conn. "We poured our hearts and souls into these motorcycles and hope that it shows in terms of the quality and character of the machines. The MST's are exhilarating to ride - a very powerful experience unlike any other motorcycle I've ever ridden. There is usable power everywhere in rev-range, excellent feedback from the road, very responsive to inputs and...the sound of the KMV4 still gives me goose bumps every time one cranks," said Conn. The MST prototypes, including the base model MST and the premium MST-R, are scheduled to go into production in late 2011 after extensive testing and refinement.

Conceived and designed in Alabama and engineered in Michigan, the MST prototypes were built using a combination of sophisticated computer aided engineering tools as well as rapid prototyping processes. The transmission, chassis, and bodywork are all purpose built at Pratt & Miller Engineering for high performance, durability, all day comfort, and long range.

"Motus came to Pratt & Miller with some very ambitious engineering and technical challenges and we felt we had the right tools and resources to exceed their expectations in terms of a high level of work in a shortened period of time," said Brandon Widmer, director of business development at Pratt & Miller Engineering. "The MST project has been exciting and challenging allowing us to employ many of our core strengths including complex chassis engineering and optimization, gearbox design and testing, metal and carbon composite fabrication and vehicle validation that is taking place now."

"The MST project has been an absolute blast for us at Pratt & Miller. The work ethic and intensity of the guys at Motus meshes well with our mindset and it has been gratifying to apply some of the skills and technologies we have developed from our endurance racing programs to this new American motorcycle," said Gary Pratt, co-founder of Pratt & Miller.

Download full Press Kit with logos, pictures, FAQ's:
http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/press/presskit/2011/2011mar.zip

About Motus

Motus is strategically located in Birmingham, Alabama, in the heart of the growing southern automotive corridor with Honda, Mercedes, Toyota, Hyundai, and Volkswagen nearby. Birmingham is also home of the Barber Motorsports Park which houses a world class road course and the world's largest motorcycle museum. Founded in 2008, Motus is a privately held company preparing to enter the market with the first V4-powered American sport touring motorcycle. The MST series motorcycles and accessories will be sold internationally through a network of independent dealers and distributors.

The Motus MST series of comfortable American sportbikes have been engineered from the ground up for performance, comfort, and range. The MST concept is a fresh take on what an American motorcycle can be, with optimum rider and passenger comfort for extended, spirited journeys, and quality components for responsive handling. The Motus MST series, including the MST and the premium MST-R, are powered by KMV4 gasoline direct injected V4 engines that feature proven durability and range extending technologies.

For more information about Motus, please visit the website at www.motusmotorcycles.com or email info@motusmotorcycles.com

About Pratt & Miller

Pratt & Miller Engineering is one of the most sophisticated engineering companies in the world and a respected industry leader in the automotive, motorsports, military, and aerospace industries. Pratt & Miller's extensive design, engineering, manufacturing, and vehicle program management capabilities are well established through their numerous championships in the American Le Mans Series, Rolex Grand-Am series, NASCAR and six 24 hours of Le Mans victories in the GT1 category. In addition to motorsports, Pratt & Miller Engineering has played a prominent role developing commercial, aerospace, and defense projects.

For more information about Pratt & Miller Engineering, please visit the website at www.prattmiller.com or contact Brandon Widmer at or bwidmer@prattmiller.com

SOURCE Motus Motorcycles

V8 Motorcycle Parade & Bike Show Raises Funds for Children's Hospitals at Daytona Bike Week 2011

The crowd on Main Street was four-deep to watch the 7th Annual V8 Motorcycle Parade on Wednesday during the 70th Daytona Bike Week.

Photos - by Bruce Abowitt.

A record 127 of the V8 bikes and trikes participated in the parade and a scenic ride that finished with a free Rat's Hole V8 Motorcycle Show at Daytona Lagoon, across from the Ocean Center at 601 N. Earl Street in Daytona Beach.


All V8 owners are welcome to participate in the parade, scenic ride and bike show that is sponsored by Boss Hoss. The annual event is organized by Bill Taylor and other area V8 owners, who are united by their love of the big machines and a desire to raise money for the Shriner's Hospitals for Children.

The V8 owners rolled out for the parade at 1pm from the Custom Works, Boss Hoss dealership at 806 N. Beach Street.

"We had perfect weather and perfect escort help from both the Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach police departments for a scenic loop ride that was just outstanding," said Bill Taylor, who is president of the Midatlantic Chapter of the Boss Hoss Riders Association.



Last year, 105 V8 bikes and trikes from all over the country participated in the parade and ride-in V8 Motorcycle Show. "We met some V8 owners this year that live in California," said Taylor. "Each year, a few more new people join the parade and it just continues to get bigger every year."


Ted and Pam Smith led the parade and ride on their Rat's Hole V8 Custom Trike. They also played host to the V8 Motorcycle Show at 2pm at Daytona Lagoon. The show was open to the public and free to attend. Custom Works provided food and entertainment.


"Everyone loved the band, One Hit Wonder out of St. Augustine and the party continued until after 5pm," said Taylor. The V8 riders expect to donate more than $1,500 to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Donations will also be collected at the 39th Annual Rat's Hole Chopper Show on Saturday. Look for the purple buckets! Here's a link to more photos.



More than 90 bikes have pre-registered for the Saturday, March 12th Rat's Hole Show. "We expect to see a couple dozen more bikes register on Saturday morning," said Ted Smith. This year's show features a "World Bike Showdown" with bike builders from Australia, Canada, USA and the EAU on stage with their newest bike builds. Everyone who attends the show will receive a ballot to cast their vote for a favorite bike in the special competition. A new Rat's Hole custom trophy will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in 22 classes.

American Touring Sportbikes to Unveil at Daytona Bike Week

Founded in 2008, Motus Motorcycles has developed the first V4-powered American sport touring motorcycles. The MST series motorcycles will be unveiled at 2pm Thursday, March 10th at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show at the Ocean Center during Daytona Bike Week.

The Motus MST's are sportbikes that were engineered for performance, comfort, and range.

The Motus MST series, including the MST and the premium MST-R, are powered by proprietary, direct injected KMV4 engines that combine low maintenance with high performance and a completely unique character. Here's the video release.

Motus is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama - the heart of the deep South- with Honda, Mercedes, Volkswagen and Toyota nearby. Also located conveniently is the Barber Motorsports Park which houses the world’s largest motorcycle museum and a spectacular race track.

"Special thanks to our team at Pratt & Miller Engineering as well as Pratt & Miller's Video Production crew," said Lee Conn, co-founder, president of Motus Motorcycles.

The Motus story is a pioneering American story that involves four friends coming together with the dream of creating a totally new motorcycle, designed and manufactured in the USA.

The faces of Motus Motorcycles: Brian Case, Steve Gorman, Sven Pipien and Lee Conn.

The MST series motorcycles and accessories will be sold internationally through a network of rider oriented dealterships and distributors.

For more information, email info@motusmotorcycles.com or find them on Facebook.

Ron Finch at Daytona Bike Week with "Outsider"

Ron Finch of Finch's Custom Styled Cycles is in Daytona Beach for the 70th Rally and you can see his new side-car bike "Outsider" at the 39th Rat's Hole Chopper Show - World Bike Showdown - Saturday, March 12th at Daytona Lagoon, next door to the Ocean Center at 601 Earl Street.


He is also featured in the Daytona Beach Ratty Rag, a limited edition of 20,000 free newspapers published by the Rat's Hole for the 70th Daytona Bike Week. Grab a copy on the street or at the bike show on Saturday.

For details or to register a bike go to http://www.ratshole.com/

Daytona Bike Week was originally the "Run To The Sun" Rally.
Click the newsapaper cover image for event details.

What a Blast From the Past - CK this out: Daytona 1980 Bike Week!

What's Happening at 70th Daytona Bike Week?

What a blast from the past! Check out this photo collection of Daytona Bike Week 1980!

Hard to believe that was 31 years ago! I was there, and I was also there in 1972 when Big Daddy Rat, Karl Smith presented his first-ever Rat's Hole Chopper Show.

The weather has been perfect for the 70th Daytona Bike Week! Nothing like last spring when women were running around in fur hats!

Here's a taste of Daytona Bike Week on RallyTV - Day 2 of the 70th. You can see Cris Sommers Simmons with her 1915 Harley-Davidson "Effie" at the Harley-Davidson Women's Zone on Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach, every day between 2 and 4pm. Her husband, Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers was at the rally with her for one night.

Fox Sports is in town, no doubt filming the Supercross and Daytona 200 motorcycle races. They also filmed some of the messages etched on paver bricks being installed in the new biker's Heritage Walkway at 316 Main Street Station.

The Main Street Station web-cam was live over the weekend and will be live again on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Noon to 8pm (March 10-12.) Click this link to watch video streams.


It was perfect riding weather, Saturday and several thousand riders headed west 25 miles to the DeLand Rally for the Pro-Am Bike Show. There was also a Church of Chop Bike & Hot Rod Show in nearby DeLeon Springs. A free 5:30pm Jonny Lang concert at Orlando Harley-Davidson was also a ride option.

Ryan Villopoto - Kawasaki won the Saturday night AMA Supercross series race at Daytona International Speedway, which is also an FIM World Championship race.

Don't miss the V8 Motorcycle Parade on Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach at 1pm Wednesday. More than 120 custom V8 motorcycles and trikes are expected to participate in the V8 Parade, a scenic ride of the loop north of Daytona Beach and a 2pm (free) V8 Motorcycle Show.

2011 Daytona Bike Shows: Still ahead is the International Motorcycle Show that opens Wednesday at the Ocean Center. The V8 Ride-in Motorcycle Show, next door to the Ocean Center at 2pm Wednesday at the Rat's Hole/Daytona Lagoon location. The Cycle Source - Limpnickie Lot swap meet and bike show, Tattoo Willie's Old School Chopper Show on Thursday, and a Sport Bikefest in South Daytona.

Confederate Railroad will be in concert at the Iron Horse Saloon on US1 on Wednesday, March 9th and Sons of Anarchy's Tommy Flanagan "Chibs" will be at Iron Horse from 4 to 8 pm Thursday the 10th to take pictures with rally goers, sign autographs etc. Jasmin Cain, JB Walker, Cheap Whiskey Band and Big Engine are also on the lineup for Bike Week 2011.

Main Street Entertainment: The Razorbacks are headlining nightly except Monday at The Bank & Blues Club. Full Moon is featuring RidlynGrip on its inside stage and Bad Manners on its outside stage. Dirty Harry's features classic and modern Rock including KGBLick and Crachrocket. Main Street Station bands include Broad Bent Betty, Smokin' Mirrors, From Out of Nowhere, Josh Adams and Microwave Dave. The Boot Hill lineup includes AD/DC Highway To Hell, Miss Hap and Liquor Box.