California Born-Free 2014 To Feature Japan Bike Show Winner

The hottest old custom at Mooneyes' 22nd Customs Show on December 1st in Yokohama, Japan will win the Born-Free Award and a trip to the Born Free 6 bike show event, June 28-29 in Silverado, California.

We just returned from an awesome trip to Japan. The hottest bikes in Japan will be at this show - Details: yokohamahotrodcustomshow.com 

The California Born-Free Show is about the love of old motorcycles and like-minded individuals coming together to have a good time and enjoy these bikes from the past. It is also a family event for young and old alike. The show is meant to unite people from all walks of life, who share a passion for these old machines -- and this year it's a two-day event, June 28th and 29th at Oak Canyon Ranch.

That's two days with thousands of old bikes, top quality vendors, great music and friends. The list of invited builders, special guests, the giveaway bikes, and additional new changes to be announced -- Details: Born-Free 2014

David UHL's Exclusive Artwork For The 110th Harley-Davidson Europe Celebration in Rome

We are here in Rome for Harley-Davidson's 110th European Celebration, June 13 to 16 that promises to be uniquely Roman, right down to a "Blessing of the Bikes" by Pope Francis at Saint Peter's Square in the heart of Vatican City.

Official oil painter for Harley-Davidson, David Uhl created this stunning portrait of a 48' Panhead entitled "Chance Encounter" for the event. Participants will be able to buy a postcard print for 15 Euros to commemorate the 110th -- and you can purchase a limited edition print of the painting now through August at the David Uhl Studio website: www.uhlstudios.com.

A series of unique Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary activities will take place across multiple sites in Rome for motorcycle enthusiasts and fans to experience and explore including a 3,000-strong bike parade through the historic streets of Rome on Saturday and a bike blessing by Pope Francis on Sunday at Vatican City. For more information on the Harley-Davidson 110th anniversary celebration in Rome, please visit: www.harley-davidson.com

Here are a few sightseeing pictures... Enjoy.

Roma sits on seven hills, lined with sculptured pines. A transportation route known as the GRA circles the city.

More than 1,400 Harley-Davidson motorcycles are expected to arrive Sunday, June 16, 2013
  to Vatican City for a "Blessing of the Bikes" by Pope Francis.

Friday Mass at St. Peter's Basilica  will be attended by 2,000 HD owners.
Blessing of the bikes in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City - This traditional blessing is normally open to the public, who arrive on foot to St. Peter's Square. But 1,400 lucky owners of Harley-Davidson motorcycles will win the opportunity to bring their own bikes to Piazza San Peter. 

The road leading to St. Peter's Square and Via della Conciliazione, will be closed and will be available for the parking of motorcycles only on the day of blessing.

Trevi Fountain is in the historic downtown district, about a 40 minute walk east of Vatican City.

Bikes are everywhere in Rome year round because they are easier to maneuver in traffic and easier to park. 

Picture of the marble statues that circle the playing field at the stadium in Rome, built to host the 1960 Olympics.

The sports complex north of Rome is one of the major venues for the HOG Europe 110th.

Rome has clean water, rich in calcium and lots of public drinking fountains like this one designed by the sculptor Bernini -- you just dip your hands under the flow of water and grab a sip.

We traveled 30 miles west of Rome to Ostia on the Mediterranean.

Ostia - the beach of Rome - will be the starting point of Saturday's parade of 3,000 motorcycles into the historic city of Rome -- or as we say "Roma".

Bikes On The Streets Of Paris

We have been in Paris for six days and these are some of the bikes you will find on almost every street -- From Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower, to the French Pantheon and the Latin Quarter to the high winding streets of Montmartre.


Click images to enlarge.

This cool old Harley was along Rue Amber near the Paris Opera.

This National Motos Honda Varadaro was parked just outside the
 Justice Building in front of the French Pantheon.

This Yamaha was outside a neighborhood cafe near the Eiffel Tower.

It is really beautiful in Paris in May
with lots of spring flowers - 45 to 70 (F)

Photos (c) MJ Reynolds, MJR Media.

Biker Musician Pat Savage Films New Show in Thailand

Pat Savage's newest CD, "Wind & Fire" is dedicated to fire fighters all over the world, and was recorded during the filming of an upcoming episode of "Savage Roads" in Thailand. The title track is a haunting tribute to the daily trials and tribulations of fire fighters everywhere, who are often on the front line of local, state and national disasters.

"Wind & Fire" is Pat Savage’s 7th solo album in a 30-year career rockin’ around the world and features 11 original tracks: Harley Rock & Blues, a little Country and even some Spanish guitar to keep you rollin' down the road.

My favorite song and favorite lyrics, in fact are from "Keep on Rolling" ... A Harley man is what I am round the world, across this land -- I gotta keep on rolling, Ride to Live, Live to Ride. It's the feeling down deep inside, gotta keep on rollin' keep on rollin'.

Pat's new "Savage Roads" adventure series will take riders to exotic places in the world to enjoy the local culture and entertainment and to ride the country's best back roads. Shows are initially being filmed in Thailand, Norway and South Africa. The series is being independently produced for a pay-per-view and TV audience.

During the filming of "Savage Roads" in Thailand, Pat took the opportunity to record the "Wind & Fire" album with ex-South African rock producer Gary Crause, at his Legend Music studio in Phuket.

Pat is the international celebrity ambassador for Wind & Fire MC, a united group of more than 4,500 fire fighters in 49 states and 24 countries who ride Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Pat wears the W&F colors with pride on his concert tours that have taken him to Iron Horse events, Ride for Sight rallies, Arizona Bike Week, Daytona Bike Week, the Celtic Warriors Birthday Bash in Godmanchester, the Hamburg HD 100th, National Norwegian HD, National Spain HD, National South African HD, and other HOG bashes all over the world.

It was Pat’s third solo release “Hog Wild” that secured a  major record deal with SONY in Europe. He subsequently relocated to Europe, basing himself there for six years, before returning to live in Toronto, Canada in late 2009.

Pat Savage headlining the northern most
HOG rally in the world at Ballangen, Norway

In the last three years Pat has taken a much needed break from almost three decades of relentless touring at the largest Harley Davidson events, as well as major rock and blues festivals from Norway to South Africa and from Iceland to Dubai!

He took time to realize one of his dreams in 2010, releasing a great Progressive Rock album called "Dream of Odin" that was recorded at Vancouver’s prestigious Emerald Ridge Studios with producer and famed Canadian drummer Phil Krawzcuk. He closed 2011 with a two-night concert at "Bikerfest" in Osoppo Udini, Italy.

His time for the most part, away from major world tour shows has been an introspective time.

"It takes a sensitive ear to tune into the silence of the heart, but it is there in each one of us," he said recently to Google+ friends. "Am I busy now? You better believe it!"

"Will start soon pre production developing my new acoustic unplugged CD "Savage Steel" with Eddie Sorez , Larry Scerri & Fred Steele! Title song for my biker TV series "The Savage Roads" has just been written for me by Gary Crause & Robert Cooke my writing partners who wrote "Big City Lights" & "Coolest Place Is In The Shade" for "Wind & Fire". The track "Savage Roads" is killer! Working to edit the preview for the final presentation to the program director of Travel Channel & setting up our pay-per view channel."

With a brand new album and video series, Pat Savage is back on the road, and it’s safe to assume that he will once again be rocking his fans all over the world in 2012.

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.

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.

AMD World Championship Sturgis 2011 Show Results

Japanese bike builder Ken Tabata came to Sturgis as an unknown to win the 2011 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, on Wed., Aug. 10th. Tabata of Tavax Engineering, Yao City, Osaka, worked for more than 3 years on "TAVAX 2011V," a bike with dynamic movement and power, "designed to look like a Cheetah about to pounce."

Top 3 in the Freestyle class: Satya Kraus of Kraus Motor Co (left) (3rd place), newly-crowned World Champion Ken Tabata of Tavax Engineering (center) and Larry Houghton of Lamb Engineering (2nd place).    Click images to enlarge.

TAVAX2011V effortlessly combines sculpted aluminum bodywork with one-off hand-made pieces that form the suspension and replace the stock engine and transmission covers. At the rear of the bike the swingarm pivots from behind the rear cylinder, arcing over the transmission, and carrying a linkage system operated single shock, a design similar to that found on many modern sports bikes.

At the front of the machine the suspension begins at the axle as a leading link fork, which then changes via a pair of links to finish as a Springer fork.

To demonstrate the performance potential of his bike Ken has forgone tall and wide wheels, favoring instead a pair of Marchesini 17in sport bike rims carrying floating rotors and Lockheed brake calipers.

Taking a less complex styling route, Larry Houghton, of Lamb Engineering, secured second place with Son of a Gun. Based around a 1951 BSA single cylinder engine (found on eBay) and Talon motocross wheels. Larry built the rest of the bike himself, often collecting material from the scrap bins of friends in the engineering trade. His careful recycling of material meant that he was able to build a World Class custom motorcycle for less than $9,000, including the gold candy silver metalflake paint wrap.

Third place winner Satya Kraus believes in the bare essentials, aptly demonstrated by his entry, "Bolide." He achieved his aim by putting a 93ci S&S Shovelhead motor in a one-off frame carrying a mono-shocked swingarm, telescopic forks and 17in Alpina spoked wheels shod with Metzeler sport bike tires.

1st Place - Performance Custom Class was won by Jim Giuffra and the girls of AFT Customs, who rebuilt a 1970 Honda CB750 café racer styled custom, complete with RaceTech suspension, Beringer brakes and numerous one-off pieces.

1st Place, Production Class: The influence that café racers are having on the current custom scene can also be seen in the design of the top placed Production Manufacturer class bike. Best known for its line of Chops and Bobbers, Darwin Motorcycles has built what it describes as an American muscle bike. Powered by a 132ci S&S X-Wedge V-twin, the RLX carries a full range of top spec components including Öhlins suspension, Beringer brakes and BST carbon fiber wheels.

Italian Sidecar Bike wins AMD Modified Harley Class: A first in 2011 for the World Championship was the entry of a sidecar outfit and it was this outfit, Abnormal Cycles' Union, that took the honors in the Modified Harley class. The Model 'U' powered outfit features a stock frame fitted with a custom sidecar body and a leaf spring Indian style front end, which includes a pair of handlebars created to also look like a leaf spring.

The World Championship of Custom Bike Building exists to showcase and promote international custom motorcycle design and engineering quality, craftsmanship and innovation; and to promote the evolution of custom motorcycling in ways that will help secure the unique enjoyment of custom motorcycles for future generations of riders.

The World Championship is a free-public-admission four-day event that opens on the first Sunday of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, culminating in an awards ceremony at 3:00 pm MST on the Wednesday of the Rally. The whole event, including the awards ceremony, is broadcast on the internet and you will find photos of all of the top bikes at www.AMDChampionship.com.

70th Daytona Bike Week Images at Rat's Hole Show

I Love Daytona Bike Week! My first bike week was in 1969 and I was there for the 70th Daytona Bike Week and the 39th Rat's Hole Daytona Show, March 12th 2011! To register a bike for the Sturgis Buffalo Rat's Hole Show, go to http://www.ratshole.com/.

What a fun day with friends:
Bike builder Ron Finch, (me) MJ Lloyd-Reynolds and painter Dixie Olin in this photo.

This is Tako Siccasso's new "Death" chopper in the Rat's Hole World Showdown!

Here's a link to 2011 Rat's Hole Show photos at Bike Week.

Here's a link to 2011 Willie's Tropical Tattoo Old School Show photos at Bike Week. 

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Best Trike - Lithuania 2011 Super Rally

This trike by Virginijus Mickevicius took Best of Show/Trikes at the Lituania 2011 FH-DCE Super Rally. Every year the Super Rally is staged in June in a different country, organized by a different member club of the Federation of Harley-Davidson Clubs, Europe.

This year's FH-DCE Super Rally® was June 9 to 13 on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea in Klaipeda, Lithuania.

Harley-Davidson riders in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium used to meet in the 1960's at the Pinster Rally, organized by the Harley Netherlands' club, H-D C Utrecht.  

In 1973, the Pinster Rally was renamed "Super Rally" with plans for a Paris Super Rally in 1974. Those plans failed, but there was a Super Rally the following year in Kastelree, Belgium. 

Click images to enlarge.

Rally fans will probably return home from the 2011 Lituanian Super Rally with pieces of Amber that can be found along the shoreline.

Next up in Europe is the FH-DCE's PIT STOP Super Rally in Poland.

July 15 to 17, 2011

Click poster to enlarge for details.

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Kickstands Up 2011 Begins With 100 Miles of NC Twisties

Decorate your bike in pink or "ride naked" to the Kickstands Up 2011 launch ride on Saturday, June 18 that begins at Motorcycles of Charlotte and takes in 100 miles of twisties to Robbinsville, North Carolina.

"Sunday morning we’ll ride Tail of the Dragon and then I’ll keep going to Chattanooga, TN — you’re welcome to go as far as you’d like with me," said Tamela Rich, from her blog "Leaning into Life." 

The middle-aged motorcycle adventurer, who took up riding at age 48, will be blogging down the highway, learning "lessons from the road" on a "Conga" across 20 US states and 4 Canadian provinces to raise money and awareness for "The Cause" -- breast cancer research. She will travel about 10,000 miles before her "Kickstands Down" on July 28th.

Conga for the Cause is an ad-hoc fundraising and awareness-building initiative by Canadian and American motorcyclists who raise money in the fight against breast cancer. It’s called “Conga” because it resembles a Conga Line (you may have joined one at a wedding) where people drop in and out as the line snakes around the ball room.

It all begins at 9am June 18th 2011 with coffee and donuts at Motorcycles of Charlotte.

"Motorcycles of Charlotte has graciously provided us with a ride captain, Rich Lodge, who will place us in manageable groups, provide maps, etc. Please email him directly if you plan to ride with us so he knows what kind of crowd he’s in for. Also, if you’d like to take advantage of the group rate we have at the Microtel, go through Rich," said Tam.. the details are on her blog.

Bling your bike!


Please consider decorating your bike in honor of The Cause (breast cancer research) because Motorcycles of Charlotte will donate $25 for every decorated bike!


"If you decide to “ride naked” I ask that you donate $25," said Tam. "Decorated bikes are a great way to raise awareness and money for a disease that afflicts one out of every eight women."

Tam’s Conga 2011 Itinerary: 

Kickstands UP 6/18 to Robbinsville, NC 240 miles.
Sunday, 6/19 Begins with Tail of the Dragon, passes through Chattanooga, TN ends in Florence, AL, 300 miles.
Monday, 6/20 en route to Dallas area (Irving), TX.
Tuesday-Wednesday 6/22 with Conga rider Jenni in Irving, TX.
Thursday, June 23 to Amarillo, TX (1/2 way to Albuquerque – 311 miles).
Fri, 6/24 Albuquerque 300 miles reunion with Conga rider Dusty.
Sat, 6/25 layover w Dusty, fundraiser for The Cause. Will be with Dusty until Wyoming.
Sun, 6/26 Flagstaff, AZ 430 miles.
Mon , 6/27 San Bernadino, CA 485 miles.
Tues, 6/28 to Thursday, June 30 PCH to San Francisco, meetup with Christina Shook and the San Francisco Motorcycle Club.
Monday, 7/4 leave San Francisco for Canada. Meet Nadine in Portland, OR 7/6 or 7/7.
Thursday, 7/14 Arrive Shell/Greybull WY for Conga meetup. Christina Shook will join us there to photograph us.
7/22 Winnipeg, Manitoba with Baha’i friends. From there I’ll head to St. Paul, MN and ride along the mighty Mississippi River to Iowa then cut inland via Indiana to make my way home in Charlotte.
7/28 Kickstands DOWN at Carolina Breast Friends’ Pink House between 5-6pm.

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

AMD Show - Swiss Harley Days - European H.O.G. Rally 2011

Swiss Harley Days finds a home in Lugano for 2011 The official announcement by Harley-Davidson management for a repeat of Swiss Harley Days was made. The city of Lugano will once again host Swiss Harley Days - This year's rally is July 8th & 9th 2011.

Also just announced. Harley-Davidson Switzerland confirmed that, this year's event at Campione d'Italia/Lugano, Switzerland will be a Modified Harley-Davidson World Championship affilate event.

With the Campione d'Italia/Lugano Modified Harley Class winner receiving prize money to be able to compete at the world Championships at Sturgis, USA courtesy of Harley-Davidson Switzerland. The affiliation represents another opportunity for a European authorised Harley dealer or private customer to "mis-it" with America's best and try to follow the trail blazed by current Modified Harley-Davidson World Champions Shaw H-D from the UK.

Here's the video of European H.O.G. Rally 2010 in Lugano!

Related Article: Photos & Story of Swiss Harley Days - European H.O.G. Rally 2010

Born Free 3 Vintage Chopper Show, California

The Born Free Show on June 25th 2011 at Oak Canyon Ranch in Orange County, California is about the love of old motorcycles and like minded individuals having a good time enjoying each others company & these bikes of the past. The list of participating builders is international - from professional to home-built. This is a family-friendly event - young and old a-like are welcome to come out and enjoy the day.The show is meant to unite people from all walks of life by bringing the passion that we all have of these old machines together for one day.If you come out to the event please be prepared to have a great time,enjoy some vintage bikes..lots of vintage bikes in a peaceful friendly family environment. There will also be a ride to the after-party  a few miles down the road.

You can also buy the event poster for a chance to win at $25k knucklehead.

Details: Born Free Blog.

Here's the updated list of builders from all over the world who are planning to attend:

Andy, Pangea Speed, Triumph -

Barons Speedshop UK/Factory Metal Works Pre Unit Triumph

Bryan Thompson , Pre Unit Triumph - Caleb Owens, Cro Customs, HD

Dave Barker, Speedmetal, Panhead - Dave Polgreen, St Paul, Knucklehead

Gaku Okomizu, Hawgholic, HD - Harpoon, FMA, Knucklehead

Ian Barry, Falcon Motorcycles, Vincent - Irish Rich, Shamrock Fab, HD

Jason Craze, Eternal Combustion, Knucklehead

Jason Weber, ATR, Knucklehead

Jeff Leighton, Wing Nuts MC, Knucklehead

Jeffro, White Knights, Triumph

Jeremiah Armenta, Love Cycles, HD

Joe Lingley,Panhead Dragbike

John Copeland, White Knights, Shovelhead 

John Edwards, Old Tyme Custom Paint, Panhead

Jon Rispante, Las Vegas, Triumph/BSA - Kim Boyle, BCM, Triumph

Kosuke, Sunrise Cycles, Triumph - Max Schaaf, 4Q, Panhead

Mike Olsen, Vista, Knucklehead - Robert Hernandez, AZ, HD

Scott Craig, Chopperville, Knucklehead

Shawn Donahue, Chino, PanShovel

Todd, Small City Cycles, Triumph - Warren Heir, JR Cycle Prod, HD
Event details: http://www.bornfreeshow.com/

2011 Born Free 3 was another great success!               "We had just over 100 vendors at Born-Free 3 and I think everyone had a ball and did well. This is mostly due to us tailoring the show to our wants and desires, attracting people from all over the globe, and not charging an entry fee," said Grant of Born Free. A $50 discount is being offered for "early bird" vendor sign ups. Born Free 4 is coming to Oak Canyon Ranch, California on June 30, 2012.