Bikes, Blues & BBQ: Largest US Charity Rally

More than 400,000 rally fans made their way to Northwest Arkansas last year to enjoy the best in riding, music and barbeque at the Bikes Blues & BBQ Rally in Fayetteville, Arkansas. "This is our 12th year and we have added a fourth venue, more vendors and more entertainment," said the event's director, Joe Giles.  The 4-day rally kicks off Wednesday, Sept. 28th.

"Over the last eleven years we have seen the rally grow from a small poker run to one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country," said Giles. In 2009, the rally extended from Fort Smith to Rogers and over to Eureka Springs. From the Randal Tyson Track Center in south Fayetteville to Dickson Street and up to the Northwest Arkansas Mall where concerts take place at the Arkansas Music Pavilion.

Demo rides at the 2011 BBB Rally at Baum Stadium will include the new Harley-Davidson models, along with Can-Am's new three wheeled cruiser and sport models, plus Yamaha and Suzuki. The Victory corporation, in conjunction with Freedom Powersports, will be bringing the 2012 Victory Vegas’s, Hammers, Jackpots, Visions, and Kingpins.  

Bikes Blues and BBQ has more than doubled its fan base in 2 years on Facebook, which is also a common hook up for rally organizers and volunteers.

Rally bar tender, Kimmy Cruz (center in this photo) is always front and center at this rally that is in her home state, Arkansas.

Rally with a Purpose
From the very beginning, the founders of Bikes, Blues & BBQ realized that although the three festival components of the rally — bikes, blues and barbeque — would be enough to put on a great event, so much more was possible. They wanted to hold Bikes, Blues & BBQ to a higher standard and give it a greater purpose. With that in mind they designated Bikes, Blues & BBQ as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting local charities with funding raised during the rally.

The Miss BBB Bikini Contest with $1,500 up for grabs kicked off Friday, Aug. 19th with semi-finals Sept. 28 & 29 and the finals on Saturday, Oct. 1st. Click the poster image to enlarge for details.

Poker runs hosted by Fayetteville Fire Department leave for Eureka Springs on Friday morning and for Devil's Den State Park on Saturday morning.
Bikes - Loaded with chrome and dripping with attitude - Battle of the Bikes Show opens at noon Saturday, Oct. 1 at the main beer garden venue, (Walton Arts Center parking lot.) A bike parade begins at 3:30pm Saturday at College Avenue and Dickson Street, including a children's bike parade at 3:40pm along a section of Dickson Street.


Blues - A new partnership with the Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) in 2009 brought national and regional talent to the rally, including Blackfoot, Molly Hatchet, and The Marshall Tucker Band. Joe Giles was the official BBB Music Coordinator and emcee.

Candlebox and Jamey Johnson will be in concert Thursday & Friday night at AMP in 2011.

Some of this year’s great bands will include Little Hoojin, Trick Bag, Kory Montgomery, The Nace Brothers, Dante and the Hawks, Louisiana Crossroads, David Kimbrough, Jr. (That’s right, the son of Blues legend Jr. Kimbrough.) For the 2011 rally, Saturday will be “All Blues and Rhythm ‘n’ Blues Day”. "We’ll have some folks who will really put a little jump in your rump all day and night long," said Giles. 

BBQ - Every year some of the best BBQ teams from around the country come here to compete in the KCBS Barbeque Cook-Off and the Arkansas State BBQ Championship. Starting Friday morning the air will be filled with the smoky aroma of barbequed chicken, ribs, pork, and beef brisket!


Details at: Bikes Blues and BBQ.

Sturgis Saloon in Skandia, Michigan

The 71st Anniversary of the Sturgis Rally has ended, and now, hundreds of thousands of people are forced to look back on memories and wait until next August for their next Sturgis experience. However, there is a place where you can  experience the fun of Sturgis all year long! The Sturgis Saloon, located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan opened just two months ago (June 2011) to rave reviews by people who know what a good time is all about!

Built on the theme of "Spring Break For Adults," they have been keeping the party going non-stop with classic car nights, bike nights, mechanical bull riding, live cagefighting and oversized-glove boxing events.  They are even starting a dodgeball league!

Sturgis Saloon offers a menu full of fantastic options, and possibly has the best burger in the Upper Peninsula. They also have great boneless wings and sweet potato fries, all made fresh with high quality ingredients at great prices! They have a huge selection of cold beverages, and the bartenders are super friendly!

Sturgis Saloon features live entertainment on weekends, and has a huge fenced in outdoor area with a volleyball net, horseshoe pit and plenty of room for special events. They're open every day except Christmas, noon 'til 2am Monday thru Saturday, and noon til 11pm on Sundays.

Sturgis Saloon, "where the rally never ends!" is located at 9271 US41 South, in Skandia, Michigan, about 20 miles southeast of Marquette. Be sure to check them out!

Tell them Jeff from Bars4Bikers.com sent you!

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.

Craig Metros' Bikes, Hot Rods & Motorcycle Art Shop

Factory 6: Craig Metros from Fuel Tank TV on Vimeo.

Craig Metros is a Detroit born car designer, artist and hot rod builder. Craig moved to Melbourne, Australia five years ago on an international work transfer and recently opened a shop with some fellow Ford Motor Company design buddies.

The six-man shop produces custom motorcycles, hot rods and Craig's brand of art that is heavily influenced by his love of bikes and rods. This brand new video interview with Ford Chief Designer, Craig Metros was co-produced by Luke Ray (Fuel Magazine) and Tom Broadhurst (Bandit Films) for Fuel Tank TV in Melbourne. Enjoy!

Ride for the Cure, Oct. 1 with Grand Marshall Brenda Fox

Please join the New England Walkers4Knockers for the 2nd Annual Ride for the Cure & After Ride Bash

m, After Ride Bash from 5pm on at the
$25.00 per person - includes breakfast & lunch by Texas Roadhouse, the ride, the after ride bash, a chance to win $500 cash and some great prizes. The ride begins and ends at Seacoast Harley-Davidson, 17 Lafayette Road, North Hampton, NH.

Free T-shirt for the first 300 to register
Click the poster image to enlarge for details

Registration is 8:30 to 10:30am - kickstands up at 11am on Saturday, Oct. 1st 2011. at Seacoast Harley-Davidson, North Hampton, New Hampshire. Breakfast & Lunch provided by Texas Roadhouse, Newington, NH. After Ride Bash at the Chop Shop Pub in Seabrook. 
 

Don't miss your chance to meet and ride with legendary motorcycle spokesperson, breast cancer survivor and Grand Marshal of this event for a second year: Brenda Fox.... and if you can't make the ride, please buy the 2012 "Women of Hope" Breast Cancer Calendar.
Motorcycle Event News is proud to be a media sponsor for the ride and calendar.

Click here for calendar details.

Iron Tails Saloon - Acton, Maine

Iron Tails Saloon is the hottest new thing to come to Maine since lobster and chowder. Iron Tails has only been open since early May, but has already become a destination stop for riders all over New England! With a great menu, full bar and an awesome open air front porch, Iron Tails is where the party is every night except Tuesdays!

Iron Tails' menu features all that is required from a good biker bar, like wings and nachos, but adds a Maine flair with selections like Buffalo Maine Shrimp and baked haddock. Try the 2 Dogs In Heat, their oven baked version of chili cheese dogs, or the "Old School" Haddock Jack, a fresh haddock filet topped with special seasonings, garlic, Jack cheese and tomato slices. They'll have you coming back over and over again.

Iron Tails Saloon has a daily happy hour, with drink specials and discounts on appetizers. Wednesday night is "Take It In The Can" night, with discounts on canned beer. Sunday nights, they have fresh oysters on the half shell. They've got live entertainment on weekends, and an Open Mic night on Thursdays.

If you happen to get up to the northern New England area, be sure to check out Iron Tails Saloon! It's located in Acton, Maine, it's only about a half hour away from Laconia and about a 2 hour ride from Boston. Iron Tails Saloon, it's where the Soft Tails roam! Tell them Jeff from Bars4Bikers.com sent you!


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.

Central Iowa BACA: Bikers Against Child Abuse

The Central Iowa Chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse invites everyone to attend their 2nd Annual Biker Bash on Saturday, August 20th at The Ridgemont, 7460 Hickman Road in Windsor Heights, a subburb of Des Moines, Iowa  to raise awareness and funds to help battle the epidemic of child abuse.

Click the flyer to enlarge.

"Entry to this event is free, so come learn about who we are and what we are about all while enjoying all sorts of entertainment and specials inside," said Adam "Psycho" McNeely, merchandiser and events coordinator for Central Iowa BACA. "Come on out and party with B.A.C.A., check out our vendors, get some new ink, feed your belly, grab a cold one, and rock out to some great live music... and don't forget to bring a dirty bike." The event starts at Noon on Saturday, Aug. 20th and ends at closing time (2am) Sunday.

Beer Garden with drink specials
Food specials
Tattoos by Ink Addition,
Sound Quality provided by Gadgets of Executive Services
Live Music by: Double Barrel

Bikini Bike Wash, Vendors, Raffles and much, much, more

B.A.C.A. was founded in Utah in 1995 by John Paul "Chief" Lilly, a licensed clinical social worker, part-time faculty member of Brigham Young University and registered play therapist, who had spent nearly two decades advocating for abused children.

BACA Mission Statement

Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children. We exist as a body of Bikers to empower children to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. We stand ready to lend support to our wounded friends by involving them with an established, united organization. We work in conjunction with local and state officials who are already in place to protect children. We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.

What started as a way to reach one frightened 8 year old boy, became a circle of bikers with chapters in Utah, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Texas, then across the country and in other parts of the world. To locate a B.A.C.A. chapter in your state or country, with links to BACA Nation Radio Forums and more, visit (bacaworld.org) BACA International, "Breaking the Chains of Abuse."

Hells Angels and Mongols Fight at Sturgis Rally 2011 (Video)

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has always been considered a neutral zone for members of motorcycle clubs -- But that was not the case at the 2011 Sturgis Rally. Video shot from the balcony of One Eyed Jack's, Wednesday night (Aug. 10th) of a fight in downtown Sturgis. The witness who shot this video said he was talking on his cell phone watching the Hells Angels Sturgis headquarters 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?"

A member from both groups was stabbed during the downtown Sturgis gang fight between the Mongols and Hells Angels on Aug. 10 , which may also have been a contributing factor to smaller crowds at the 71st Sturgis Rally, Sheriff's Chief Deputy Tom  Wilts told the rapidcityjournal

Today, more than half a million people attend the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and with few exceptions, the rally has become a non-violent "neutral zone." There was a shooting in 2006 at Custer State Park and a shooting in 2008 at Sturgis' Loud American Roadhouse. There was also a fatal stabbing on a shuttle bus in 2006.

Back in the 1970's only a few thousand riders came to Sturgis. "During that time, we had mostly gangs and hard-core bikers," said Russ Hilton, who served as Sturgis police chief from 1974-1978. "There wasn't much of a family affair, like it is today." 

In 1976, a "near riot" broke out in city park. "They started the highway on fire with gasoline and then started running the bikes through it. We had a pretty tough time for awhile there," Hilton said in a "70 Years of the Rally" story for Legendary Sturgis News.

The 60th Sturgis Rally in 2000 drew the biggest crowd so far, an estimated 633,000. The 70th anniversary rally drew an estimated 466,769. Sturgis is "aging out" as a rally, according to a recent survey: 61% of the Sturgis crowd is age 41-65, which is why there is an emphasis at The Buffalo Chip and other campgrounds to attract a younger crowd.

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.

Jailhouse Saloon - Spring, TX

Spending a night at the jailhouse is usually something a person would like to forget. But in Spring, Texas, going to the Jailhouse is always a night to remember! Located a block or two from the heart of Old Town Spring, a complex of restaurants, bars and shops that bring you back to the early 1900's, The Jailhouse Saloon was once the actual town jail and courtroom. Iron bars still serve as doors for an office and a storage area that used to be the jail cells. Nowadays, local bikers flock to the Jailhouse for good times, cold beer and great live music.

The Jailhouse Saloon is a true biker bar. Even before you park your bike you'll see the "All Hawgs Welcome" slogan on their sign. Inside, painted flames on the walls and a red chopper above the bar let you know that here, bikers come first. The main bar area is small, but they have a large outdoor bar area, with live music on weekends and an 6 hour long Jam Session on Sundays. During the week, Jailhouse Saloon keeps the joint jumping with weekly lingerie shows, poker nights and a Girls of the Jailhouse model contest every other Thursday! They have Happy Hour all day on Mondays, and from noon to 7pm Tuesday through Friday.

The next time you're in the Houston area, be sure to check out the Jailhouse Saloon. They're open 7 days a week, and are always serving up a great time! No Appletinis here, they serve beer and wine only. The Jailhouse Saloon, a great place to do time! Tell them Jeff from Bars4Bikers.com sent you!





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.

Buffalo Chip Video Spotlight: Iron Cowgirl Missy

Last night was opening night of Sturigs 2011 and  "Iron Cowgirl Missy" Covill's first night on stage at the Sam Kinison Showcase Stage at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Playing guitar and singing original music on stage in front of a bunch of bikers is what she likes best. I met her last year up in Michigan and I can tell you, she's the real thing: A true biker who rides cross-country on her Harley softtail and will offer you a campsite and share a meal with you. The Sturis 2010 Rally was the fullfillment of a dream to play at the Buffalo Chip.

Iron Cowgirl Missy Covill will also be playing at the new "Biker Belles" charity event for women riders. "We couldn't be more excited about this inaugural celebration of women in motorcycling in Sturgis.” said Laura Klock. “Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist, a curiosity seeker, or someone looking for a new change of pace, you are welcome to join us! “Biker Belles™ will be a day of real women, real stories and real fun!” Read more.

Video of Buffalo Chip's New Zipline at Sturgis Rally 2011

Sturgis Buffalo Chip, the largest music festival in motorcycling now has the longest zipline in South Dakota! This year rally fans can fly by a live concert by Toby Keith, Poison, Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alice Cooper, Jeff Bridges, Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty, or Tesla at the 71st annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: August 6 to 16th!

This link will take you to "The Hottest Events at Sturgis 2011" daily schedule of events.

'65 Harley Bobber "Just Add Violence" Ready for Sturgis 2011

Are you ready for Sturgis?

I will be posting photos from the 2011 AMD and Rat's Hole Bike Shows ASAP! Last year's Best of Show winner at the Buffalo Chip - Rat's Hole Show was "Courtesan" created by Abu Dhabi (UAE) builder, Mario  Kyprianides of Chopper Kulture.

Mario is back this year with "Just Add Violence," based on a 1965 Panhead. The bike was built before and after the Sturgis 2010 Rally for competition in the Biker-Build-Off Europe in early December 2010.  J.A.V. is for sure one of the top bikes to beat at Sturgis 2011. 

It won the AMD Middle East Championship, Best of Show, People's Choice, Free-style, and Best Paint Job at Dubai Bike Week in February 2011. Click on images to enlarge.

The bike was shipped to Daytona Beach at the end of February 2011 to compete in the World Series Showdown at The Rat's Hole Show during the 70^th Daytona Bike Week. It won against bike builders from the US, Canada and Australia, on top of winning Best Bobber.

The Harley panhead engine was rebuilt and customized by Billy at BB Racing. "We wanted to give the motor a more tech look," said Mario. "Billy and I medaled with the idea of making pan tops with glass so you can see the moving lifters  and splashing oil." Parts include an S&S oil pump and Jims hydraulic lifters. Wiseco pistons with 9:1 compression ratio with an Andrews J grind cam give the motor a little edge.

Rowe valves and guides were used and a mew aftermarket cam cover was sent to the engravers for some metal tattooing. The bike utilizes a Morris magneto G5 ignition and Cycle Electric generator. All the gaskets are from Cometic Gasket for a good no "spot marking" bike. With the glass tops on the heads, you can see the brass blocks below, with silver inscriptions: like FTW, FU etc. 
  

Because old Harleys have a unique thread size ¼’-24 that falls in the middle between coarse thread and fine thread, as well as bolts that have a unique and unusual taper of 82 degrees, all of the hardware was custom made from scratch in stainless steel by Jim from Diamond Engineering in Florida. For the transmission, Baker billet covers that look just like the original ones but polish really nice to give the whole unit a rich look.

A Chopper Kulture signature frame was used with a slight variation in order to position the drive train. Instead of the usual gooseneck, Mario decided to go straight up the backbone. "This frame has slightly more rake at 32 degrees and a slightly narrower rear end to house the 180 tire. The frontend is also a custom piece, with 2 inch stretch. The big difference is that it has the dampening springs in front of each other instead of side by side. This gives the whole bike a nice sleek look," he said. Wheels and brakes are from HHI.

The inverted "Cathedral" bars were knocked up from a straight tube and a perfect match for the previously made sissy bar, said Mario. "The forward controls were another special item that took a while to work out. They are the first and the debut of a line of Chopper Kulture forward controls. And what a perfect way to showcase them!"

"I wanted to keep the top of the transmission area clean, so I decided to combine the gas tank and oil tank," said Mario. "I came up with a two-piece idea that has a Frankenstein look, but also has the unmistakable look and feel of a Custom Kulture bike."

As usual, all of the chroming was sent to California MecLec. A seat pan was also sent to California, where Duane Ballard did the custom leather and tooling.

The frame and all important sheet metal parts were sent to Connecticut to be painted by Robert Pradke.  While Mario was showing "Courtesan" at the Sturgis 2010 Rally, Robert worked non-stop for six weeks (300 hours) on the candy tangerine metal-flake wrap. Custom brass units were made for all of the gas and oil fillers and sent to the engraver, along with the handle bar risers and shifter knob -- "Gas Hole" for the fuel and "Lube Hole" for the oil; and on the risers "Love" and "Hate." The brass shifter knob bears the inscription "Thug Life" ... Just Add Violence.

Written by MJ Lloyd Reynolds, owner of Motorcycle Event News at www.MotorcycleEventNews.com and MJR Media.