Despite the countless motorcycles still in hibernation in garages across the country, the countdown has officially commenced.
Now only over six months out, the Legendary Buffalo Chip has already begun preparations for the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2010. The epicenter and purveyor of the ultimate Sturgis experience; the Legendary Buffalo Chip has once again set out to provide rally-goers an array of entertainment, art, vendors, food, amenities and a myriad of raucous memories.
By bikers and for bikers, The Legendary Buffalo Chip has consistently proven itself as the best party in Sturgis. Synonymous with providing patrons a world-renowned assortment of musical acts, this year’s lineup is sure to deliver. Locked, loaded and ready to grace the Chip’s infamous main amphitheatre stage is rock and roll luminary, ZZ Top. That little ol’ band from Texas is sure to deliver the familiar and intricate riffs that landed them in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in the hearts of fans the world over. The notoriously bearded blues-rock power trio will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary next year and is looking forward to ringing in this musical achievement with a rowdy crowd of Chipsters.
Another musical powerhouse booked for this year’s festivities is hard-hitting American rock band, Disturbed. Since the band’s inception in 1996 they have sold over 11 million albums worldwide, making them one of the largest grossing rock bands in recent years. They have also released three consecutive studio albums that have debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
An additional can’t-miss attraction at this year’s Sturgis Rally Week is Michael Lichter’s 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit. An internationally renowned exhibition showcasing the works of the most influential master builders and artists in motorcycling, Motorcycles as Art has become the token exhibition of the annual Sturgis Rally. The exhibit curated by legendary motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter, has been successfully captivating rally-goers for the past decade and has effectively touched on a variety of relevant and significant themes within the motorcycle community.
Last year’s 2009 exhibit entitled “Rebel Rousers- Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” inspired thousands of enthusiasts to come out and witness for themselves an array of revered images and sacred memorabilia central to the biker culture. Quickly becoming the most eagerly anticipated exhibition of its kind, the Motorcycles as Art exhibition provides Sturgis rally-goers with an unforgettable experience. This year’s theme soon to be announced, is guaranteed to follow in the rich and unforgettable Motorcycles as Art tradition.
The Third Annual Legends Ride has also been confirmed for Sturgis Rally Week 2010. The Legends Ride is your ticket to join celebrities, world-class bike builders and over 500 riders on a stunning, 50-mile ride from historic Deadwood, SD to the Legendary Buffalo Chip. All proceeds from the ride benefit two local Black Hills charities including the Black Hills Children’s Home and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Within the past two years, the Legends Ride has quickly become the premier charity-celebrity ride of the motorcycling community and has raised nearly $100,000 for local charities. The ride is scheduled for Monday, August 9 with details still being worked out.
The Legendary Buffalo Chip offers visitors the ultimate Sturgis experience- there’s really no reason to go anywhere else. The countdown has officially begun so visit buffalochip.com now to secure your reservation for Sturgis 2010. Join ZZ Top, Disturbed, Michael Lichter and thousands of rowdy bikers at the Legendary Buffalo Chip for Sturgis Rally Week 2010 and join in the celebration. It’s going to be a wild ride!
You may have heard that last week Massachusetts had a history-making special election to fill the late Ted Kennedy’s senate seat. Massachusetts, mainly consisting of Democrats, elected Republican Scott Brown to fill that empty seat. Something that hasn’t happened since 1972.
Recently I learned that I have yet another reason to be glad that I voted for Scott Brown: he rides a motorcycle, a Victory at that. Senator “Beefcake” (we’ve all seen the Cosmo centerfold that he was in 20+ yrs. ago) may be the bain of MA democrats and causing Washington to back pedal in a major way, but I just want to gather some of my fellow biker buddies and go for a long ride with him leading the way!
Senator elect Scott Brown a.k.a Senator "Beefcake"
Senator-elect Scott Brown & his Victory (photo lifted from bostonbiker.com)
Sure, our senior senator John Kerry, also rides a bike. He used to ride BMWs until he ran for president in 2004, when he made the switch to Harley-Davidson to appear like a True American. But somehow I just don’t get the impression that Kerry would be as cool to hang out with. I guess I still have a bad taste in my mouth from his presidential campaign run.
John Kerry going for a spin on an HD
Undoubtedly, two senators have differing opinions when it comes to politics, but I bet they can share a story or two about a past time that we can all get behind. I wonder if having two motorcycle riders for senators will help federal motorcycle rights legislation…
OK, it’s been a few months since the end of season 2. We had the holidays to distract us from our separation anxiety. And a lot of us have season 1 on dvd, which gets us through the empty voids of bikes, sex & violence. But the majority of us like to look to the future and so we wait like hungry dogs for any scrap of meaty info about the upcoming season of Sons of Anarchy.
So what do we already know? We know that season three will be back in September and that Kurt Sutter is already back in the writing room. And that he has offered “Coco” a guest spot on the show, which would be surreal but awesome!
I’ve casually scraped my news reader and perused the usual spoilerish sites that would have some juicy morsels to share. I’m not claiming that I am the end all, be all source of SoA news, but here’s a lil sumpthin’ sumpthin’:
From EpisodeInfo:
In an interview conducted with NJ.com, [Kurt] Sutter said that in the 3rd season he wants “to take them into a world that is outside their own, where they don’t have any control, where they are subject to other people’s laws and beliefs and parameters, where they aren’t quite the big fish in the small pond.”
Sons of Anarchy Season 3 Character Spoilers (Buddy TV):
Chief Unser: According to TV Guide, Unser will step down from his post next season, consequently leaving Hale as Deputy Chief. Series creator Kurt Sutter hints that Hale will be put on a tight spot on Sons of Anarchy season 3 and is forced to make tough decisions just as Unser did in the past.
“Unser came to understand… that you have to create relationships with these gangs and turn the other way sometimes and set parameters,” Sutter explained. “You can’t go by the letter of the law or you’re f—-d. Hale [will] have to learn those lessons and how much he’s willing to bend.”
Jax: Losing baby Abel will definitely affect Jax and his relationship with Tara on Sons of Anarchy Season 3. Series creator Kurt Sutter says he wants to “explore what happens to a couple when they’re faced with a tragedy like that….To be honest with you, I don’t know where it’s going to go. Does Tara blame herself? Does Tara blame Jax? Does Jax blame Tara? But that will be a very real dynamic in their relationship.”
Sons of Anarchy episode 2.3 "Fix"
From E! Online:
Kurt Sutter just headed back into the writers’ room and would only tell us this of season three: “I have a baby to find, and that’s all I know.” As for Gemma’s future as an outlaw, Katey Sagal doesn’t seem too worried. “I don’t think it will alter the family bond, but there are so many things that have to be addressed,” she explains. “Gemma obviously doesn’t know what’s happened to her grandson, and she’ll probably go insane when she finds out. I wouldn’t put anything past her. I’m sure she’ll take care of business.”
Kurt Sutter
If you got the scoop on some info, spoilers or news about Season three, leave a comment and share with the rest of the class. I will post updates as I stumble across them.
Motorcycle Authors Ed Milich and Photographer Christina Shook embark on week long Northern California book tour.
What do you do in January when it’s too wet or chilly to ride your motorcycle? How about heading out for a night of motorcycle related literature and photography? Christina Shook and Ed Milich will be touring motorcycle destinations in San Francisco and northern California beginning January 26 2010 to promote their recently released motorcycle books: Milich’s “Wrenched: Man and Machine” and Shook’s “Chicks on Bikes“. Milich recently completed a 10-day West Coast book tour in December of 2009 with Mark Gardiner (Roadracer X, Classic Bike), author of Riding Man. Shook shared the Werkstatt SF tour stop with Gardiner and Milich, and the idea for January’s “Wrenched Words and Chick Pics” Tour was born.
Christina Shook is a San Francisco East Bay based professional photographer. “Chicks On Bikes“, Shook’s first book, compiles her photographs of and writings on female motorcyclists drawn largely from the San Francisco Bay Area’s diverse population of female riders. The book depicts female racers, commuters, cruisers, and mechanics in their natural environments from San Fransicso’s streets to dirt bike trails, to the racetrack. The hard bound “Chicks On Bikes” is 154 pages and is $24.99 from chicksonbike.us.
Chicks on Bikes by Christina Shook
Wrenched: Man and Machine by Ed Milich
Ed Milich is a Los Angeles based writer and contributor to Motorcyclist Magazine, Café Racer Magazine Sports Car Market Magazine, a national roadracing champion (WSMC, AHRMA), proprietor of motorcycle websites Guzzitech.com, Ducpower.com, and Motobastard.com and a professional Mechanical Engineer. “Wrenched, Man and Machine“, the first book from the Los Angeles based Milich, documents his motorcycle racing, wrenching and riding experiences in largely unrhymed free verse. In March of 2009, Milich debuted “Wrenched” at the Daytona International Speedway Bike Week Vintage Races where he punctuated the book release by winning four out of four races. *Wrenched, Man and Machine* is 142 pages and is $15 postpaid at wrenchedbook.com.
If you live in the N. California area I highly recommend you go see these guys and show them your support!
Hot Leathers is doing its part to assist in ongoing emergency relief and recovery efforts in Haiti.
On January 12, a series of earthquakes with magnitudes ranging from 6.5 to 7.3 devastated Haiti.
Hot Leathers will donate $1 from every web order placed now through February 14 to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief and Development Fund. This donation will support the ongoing emergency relief and recovery efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include deploying personnel, sending relief supplies, and providing financial resources.
Visit them on the web at hotleathers.com to not only browse their remarkable selection of quality motorcycle apparel and accessories but to also make a difference in Haiti.
As I was perusing my news reader the other day I came across this list on another site and I enjoyed it, so I thought it would fun to share with you guys. I take no credit for the compilation and commentary of this list (the author is Gracie Murano on Oddee.com). Just consider me the vessel of delivery.
That being said, if you know of some other kooky, concept-type motorcycles: share with the group!
Predator Motorcycle
Predator motorcycle
Are you a tough guy that likes intimidating people just by passing close to them along the highway? Then, this awesome and scary skull-covered design is just the right one for you! The Predator motorcycle was made as a commission, by Pitstop Motors, a custom bike shop in New Jersey. (Link)
Jaguar Motorcycle
Jaguar concept bike
This cool Jaguar “leaper” cat logo concept bike was created by Barend Massow Hemmes of Massow Concept Cycles along with Polar cycles of Doncaster UK. Professional computer illustrators and even a sculptor contributed to get this truly unique final result. (Link)
World’s Tallest Rideable Motorcycle
Biggest rideable motorcycle
Do good things come in small packages? Not in this case! This massive motorcycle was built by Greg Dunham and is 6,500 pound heavy, 15 feet tall and 20 feet long. The huge design has entered the Guinness World Records, as the world’s tallest rideable motorcycle. It took 3 years to have it finished and its price is $300,000.
Suzuki Biplane (Motorcycle)
Suzuki Biplane concept motorcycle
This futuristic Biplane concept motorcycle was presented in 2007 by Suzuki in Tokyo. Due to the awesome aircraft-inspired design the rider is supposed to have the same feeling as being in an open-canopied biplane. (Link)
World’s Biggest Single-Cylinder Motorcycle
Biggest single cylinder motor on a motorcycle
This outrageous motorcycle was built by Franz Langer, a retired German engineer who had his name written in the Guinness Book of Records for building the biggest single cylinder motor on a motorcycle. (Link)
Flying Motorcycle
Flying motorcycle
If you are a thrill seeker, you will love this one! A flying bike called the Super Sky Cycle, created by former test pilot Larry Neal of Boyd. This original machine can go as fast as 70 mph in the air and 60 mph on the road. The price? About $ 25,000! (Link)
F15 Fighter Jet Motorcycle
Fighter jet motorcycle
This oddity is actually an Honda Goldwing motorcycle that has been modified to look like a mini F15 Fighter Jet! Who would have thought?
Uno Motorcycle
Uno cycle
Wait a minute… isn’t one of the wheels supposed to be in front of the other? Not when we talk about The Uno. This orange and grey colored machine made its first appearance in the 2008 NationalMotorcycle Show in Toronto. It was invented by 18-year-old Ben J. Poss Gulak, who also gave the unique motorcycle certain interesting features, like running on electricity and being controlled by body language. (Link)
World’s First Motorcycle
This one’s really a collection piece. The First Motorcycle was created in 1885 in Stuttgart, Germany. It was designed and built by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. The invention was also the first petroleum-powered vehicle. (Link)
Electric Motorcycle
OCC's electric motorcycle
Take a look at The Smart Chopper, an awesome electric motorcycle presented a few months ago by Siemens. It is charged in 5 hours when plugged into any 110-volt socket but this could be reduced to even one hour when plugged into a higher-voltage station, according to Siemens.The Smart Chopper has a countrywide tour scheduled for next year, in order to promote sustainable and green technology. (Link)
Shoe Motorcycle
Marshall's shoe motorcycle
Now, this is an original one! The orange shoe motorcycle was spotted by Dale Murray around Chicago downtown. The unusual machine was promoting a shoe sale at Marshalls. (Link)
Cartoon Motorcycle
Rat Fink "cartoon" motorcycle
Are you the kind of person that wants all the attention on you? Well, you would love a ride on this one! This crazy cartoon-inspired motorcycle took part in a Motorcycle Rally. The event, that gathers motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world, presents the weirdest of motorbike designs once a year in Sturgis, South Dakota. (Link)
The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse’s Biker Fusion party is sure to be the hottest event in Daytona during Bike Week 2010. The event will be held on Thursday, March 4 and will benefit Soldiers’ Angels, an organization committed to increasing the morale of deployed troops, assisting in getting soldiers home safe and healthy and comforting soldiers wounded in action.
Biker Fusion charity event in Daytona 2010
The Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse and motorcycle industry elite have once again teamed up for the third installment of Biker Fusion. Last year’s event raised more than $24,000 to provide backpack care packages for Black Hawk Medevac Units. An opportunity for enthusiasts to rub elbows with motorcycle builders and industry elite, this year’s event will consist of a live auction, bikini contest, a number of great bikes from an impressive line-up of builders, and an opportunity to give back to those who are serving us overseas.
Special Ops veteran, Romy
wounded Special Ops veteran, Romy, will be presented with the Lefty Brothers Special Ops Sidehack
A special highlight of the night’s festivities this year will include a presentation of the Lefty Brothers Special Ops Sidehack built specifically for wounded Special Ops veteran, Romy. The Post 911 Foundation and biker community assisted in raising money to build the Sidehack and the Special Forces Motorcycle Club will be in attendance to support fellow comrade, Romy and award him the custom-built ride. Bike builders Bryan Fuller of Fuller Hot Rods, Paul Wideman of Bare Knuckles Choppers and Izzy of Left Brothers will also be featuring bikes throughout the week at Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse.
"ROMY" by Lefty Bros. Cycles
Exceptional motorcycle builders along with key media figures and motorcycle icons will be making appearances to chat with guests and show their support for our troops. The Biker Fusion event is by invitation only but the general public can buy entrance for just $50, which will benefit Soldier’s Angels. The Third Annual Biker Fusion Event is sure to be a good time with a purpose.
In November Sucker Punch Sally’s in conjunction with Progressive Insurance kicked off their 2009-2010 International Motorcycle Show Tour. Announcing their continued partnership in 2009, Sucker Punch Sally’s, the premier old school motorcycle builder and Progressive Insurance, the country’s number one motorcycle insurer set off on an 11 city IMS Tour.
IMS attendees and motorcycle enthusiasts across the country have been visiting the booth in droves in order to catch a glimpse of this year’s impressive 50-foot trailer and two new bikes including Flo’s Flyer, the Progressive Custom Bike built by Sucker Punch Sally’s and named after perky Progressive spokeswoman, Flo. In addition consumers can register to win a Progressive custom bike built by Sucker Punch Sally’s. Not even halfway through this year’s tour, Sucker Punch Sally’s is reporting a huge increase in participation and customer response due to the booth’s lounge atmosphere where bikers can relax, enjoy the bikes and learn more about Sucker Punch Sally’s and Progressive Insurance.
Sucker Punch Sally's owner Christian Clayton with SPS giveaway bike
Progressive custom bike built by Sucker Punch Sally's
The weekend of January 8-10 the IMS Show Tour was in Greenville, SC where the booth boasted another impressive showing. The IMS Tour’s remaining destinations include: Washington DC, Jan. 15-17; New York, NY Jan. 22-24; Cleveland, OH Jan. 29-31; Minneapolis, MN Feb. 5-7; Chicago, IL Feb. 19-21 and a final stop Daytona, FL March 3-6 during Daytona Bike Week.
If you’re in the area make sure to drop by the IMS Show Tour and visit the Sucker Punch Sally’s and Progressive booth. As always the booth will be staffed by SPS and Progressive representatives who are ready to answer all of your old school chopper questions as well as insurance inquiries. The IMS Show Tour’s next destination is Washington DC, the weekend of January 15-17. To get a peak Flo’s Flyer and the wide array of bikes that SPS has available, all of which include genuine SPS style visit suckerpunchsallys.com.
Update 2/2/10: Harley-Davidson is extending its Competitive Bike Exchange trade-in program through February 28, 2010
The holidays are over and now we’re launched head first into the long stretch of winter where we get cabin fever and our claustrophobia starts to make our brains get a little crazy. We start to get antsy. We daydream about doing something crazy. Then boom: the next thing we know we’re doing something a bit spontaneous and a little irrational. We’ve just made a large purchase. Like, say, a brand new motorcycle! Sure we loved our old ride. It was perfectly fantastic on those hot summer days. But in the dead of winter we just need something to perk us up and get us through until spring.
If this perfectly describes what you’re going through then Harley-Davidson has an incentive that might give you that extra push you need to dump open your wallet. They just launched a new program called the Competitive Bike Exchange. Dealers will accept competitive bikes and provide $500 over the trade-in value toward the purchase of a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Harley-Davidson's Competitive Bike Exchange website
The website not only has some drool-inducing photography of the many different models, but also has a fun lil quiz that you can take to find the right Harley-Davidson that fits your personality. It’s kind of a cool thing for anyone who is having trouble figuring out what model will work for them. I took the quiz and got 5 different bikes for my soul: Wide Glide, Fat Boy, Street Bob, Softail Deluxe and the Crossbones. Pretty accurate for me, I’ve always said I wouldn’t mind a Fat Boy if I ever went the H-D route…
Anyway, even if you’re not in the market for a new bike, let alone an H-D, it’s still fun to peruse the site and waste a few fun minutes taking the quiz. And if you’re in the shopping kind of mood this will provide some good incentive.
