Motorcycle Event News

Biker Musician Pat Savage Films New Show in Thailand

2012-02-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

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.

Now, 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.

Daytona Bike Week 2012 Willie's Chopper Time Show

2012-02-04T16:26:00.000-08:00

Daytona Bike Week 2012 : It's Chopper Time Again - Thursday, March 15th - noon to 4pm at Willie's Tropical Tattoos, 825 S. Volusia Street (US1) Ormond Beach (north of Daytona Beach.) The lot is always packed with the biggest, badest collection of Old School Bikes you have ever seen in your life!

Click here to see 2011 Chopper Time Gallery. -- 65 photos by Tom Tobin, Dreamweaver photography.

2012 New York Ultimate Builder - Steampunk wins FreeStyle

2012-02-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Copper Mike Cole: 2012 Freestyle Winner in the AMD Championship NY Ultimate Builder Show, January 22, 2012 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. - Photos by AMD World Championship. (Click to read all AMD news posts.)

Here are the AMD World Champion Show Results - New York Show, Jan. 20 to 22, 2012.

FreeStyle
1 – Copper Mike Cole, Gravesend Cycles – Steampunk, 2011 Gravesend Cycles
2 – Stu Speigal, Stu’s Auto – 1989 Custom Chopper
3 – George Stinsman, Chaos Cycles – Model “33”, 2011 Chaos Cycle

Mod Harley
1 – Steve Iacona, Iacona Custom Cycles – Challenger, 1996 H-D XL
2 – Ron Cirocco, Thundercycle – thunder Bagger, 2008 H-D Street Glide
3 – Eric Schoder, Tribal Iron Choppers – Facet, 05 Buell SB12R

Performance Custom
1 – Roman Levin, Full of Hate– FOH Café, 2002 Suzuki
2 – GIO, Blacksmith Motoring Co. - El Patron, 2003 Suzuki Volusia
3 – Harold Bracero – Sephira, 2008 Hayabusa

Retro Mod
1 – Fred Montalto – Spitshine – 1960 H-D Panhead
2 – Dennis Harold, TT Cycles – 1970 Triumph T120R
3 – Steve Baufeder, TT Cycles – Tri Flyer, 1970 Triumph Tr6R

Performance Custom
Roman Levin builds highly detailed street fighters that are extremely light and powerful. His personal motorcycle, FOH Café, took first in the Performance Custom class. The bike started out with a 2002 v-twin Suzuki 998cc engine on his hand built jig. He then fabricated the frame and added a Triumph-based single-sided swing arm. The tank and tail section is made from carbon fiber and then painted so that panels of the flawless carbon can be seen.

MOD Harley
The AMD World Championship alums are unstoppable as last year’s second place finisher, Steven Iacona’s Challenger, took first place in the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show MOD Harley class. His bike is built off a 1996 XL and sports a Springer front end with Invader wheels front and back.
Steve hand formed the fuel tank, rear fender tail section, oil tank, exhaust pipes, handle bars and mounts, rearsets, headlight number plate, seat suspension, tail light, battery box, steering damper mounts and motor mounts.

The ignition coils are located near battery box along with all electrical connections. Brake and oil lines are hand formed stainless steel. Oil cooler has been mounted behind front number plate. The frame has been converted to a hardtail. Engine rebuilt using Buell heads and cylinders, dual 30mm Mikuni carburetors, Stainless steel hardware has been powdercoated.

FreeStyle Class
Copper Mike Cole of Gravesend Cycles brought his latest piece of rolling art called Steampunk to the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and took 1st place in the ultra-competitive FreeStyle class. The 1973 Harley-Davidson Shovelhead features a rebuilt engine with engraved heads and 10:1 compression. The Copper-one re-purposed numerous antique gauges and parts and rebuilt them into functional pieces. He built a hand clutch with an old Harley mouse trap. The bike is fabricated from equal parts copper and brass.

The floor boards come from old fire extinguishers and the air cleaner is a brass box with a welded –in trumpet horn. Head light and taillight are sourced from a submarine. He also fabricated an analog GPS---a retooled dash mounted compass. The saddlebag is sourced from a leather Russian ammunition bag.

Retro Mod
Fred Montalto rolled Spitshine into the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and took 1st place in Retro Mod with his 1960 H-D Panhead. It sports a Harley 1200cc mil in a custom bobber frame with a pin-up girl integrated into the tank. Paint was handled by Hi-Tech Auto Care, Inc.

John Shipley of Hoosier Daddy Choppers left the Ultimate Builder show in Cleveland, Ohio on February 1st with $3000, a class winner's trophy and a guaranteed AMD World Championship spot after taking first place in the Freestyle class with 'Whiskey Bent', a heavily customized 1977 Ironhead featuring a bar stool seat and 102 year-old brass headlight. Last year's winner Jesse Bassett of The Gasbox was runner up with a 1949 Panhead, and Misfit Custom Cycles was third.

The AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building (click link to see all news posts)

The world finals will take place Aug. 5 to 8, 2012 at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at the World Championship of Custom Bike Building, 1205 Lazelle St., Sturgis, SD 57785 USA. Located on the lot at Lazelle & 3rd St. next to Lynn's Dakotamart.

Upcoming AMD World Championship Qualifying Shows:

Llunatica, Oropesa Del Mar, Spain Feb 2-5, 2012
Progressive International Motorcycle Show, Daytona, FL, USA Mar 14-17, 2012
Progressive International Motorcycle Show, Minneapolis, MN, USA Feb 3-5, 2012
Moscow Custom & Tuning Show, Moscow, Russian Federation Mar 30-1 Apr, 2012
Progressive International Motorcycle Show, Chicago, IL, USA Feb 10-12, 2012
Africa Bike Week, Margate, South Africa Apr 27-30, 2012
Progressive International Motorcycle Show, Charlotte, NC, USA Feb 24-26, 2012
Biker Fest, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Udine, Italy May 10-13, 2012
London International Classic & Custom Show, Alexandra Palace, London, UK Feb 25-26, 2012
Twin Club MC Norrtälje Custom Bike Show, Norrtälje, Sweden Jun 2, 2012

Diva Dawn's Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge in New York Post

2012-01-04T08:17:00.000-08:00

Old School Biker “Diva Dawn” Santucci was true to her word! She took the plunge into the freezing Atlantic on New Year's Day wearing tassels and a thong, after reaching a $5,000 fundraising goal on New Year's Eve for 7-year-old Aidan Jack Seeger, Jr. who is hospitalized with a rare brain disease.

You may know Aidan’s parents, Bobby and Elisa Seeger of Indian Larry Motorcycles, Brooklyn, NY, but what you may not know is that "Indian Larry" Desmedt (1949-2004) was an active member of the Coney Island Polar Bear Club and this event continues to be an annual tradition for the Seeger family and friends.

Aidan is currently in Duke University Children’s Hospital. June 2011, he was diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). ALD is a rare, inherited disorder that untreated leads to progressive brain damage, failure of the adrenal glands and eventually death.

Dawn had originally planned to participate in the New Years Day festivities with Coney Island Polar Bears and then decided to add a twist by raising funds for Aidan. The more money she raised… the less clothing she would wear! When the $5,000 mark was met on New Year’s Eve, her outfit (or lack of) was set in stone.

Members of Aidan’s immediate family and friends came down to cheer her on and also joined her in running headlong into the waves. On exiting the ocean Aidan’s Grandfather, Ed, literally gave Dawn the Indian Larry hoodie-off-his-back thanking her for her brave efforts and commitment.

As much as it looked like fun and games, she was serious about delivering what she promised to all of her supporters for Aidan’s fundraiser. Her enthusiasm was contagious, which resulted her image going viral in news stories around the world.

You can read more about Aidan’s Story at Aidanhasaposse.wordpress.com

You can also join more than 20,000 members of Aidan's Posse on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aidanjackseeger/

Biker Chick's Coney Island Polar Bear Plunge-Raiser

2011-12-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

AidanHasAPosse.org

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

Diva Dawn’s “PLUNGE 4 AIDAN”

New Year's Day - Coney Island, NYC

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

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

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

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

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

IT’S NOW UP TO YOU!!!!

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

100% of ALL DONATIONS WILL GO TO AIDAN!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2011-12-01T02:59:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Details: ToysinThe Sun Run.com

2011 Biker Build Off Europe, December in Germany

2011-10-31T05:07:00.000-07:00

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

Marco "Sic" Simoncelli Killed in MotoGP Crash

2011-10-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

MotoGP has lost a star: Marco Simoncelli

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet London Tattoo Artist Kamil Terczynski

2011-10-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

Or visit his website: KamilTattoos.com.

Bike Builder Joe Palermo Wins Big At Biketoberfest 2011

2011-10-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artistry in Iron Builder Reports on 2011 Las Vegas Bikefest

2011-10-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit his website for more details: Gravesend Cycles.

Deadly Gun Battle Shuts Down Nevada Street Vibrations

2011-09-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

Gunfire errupted between members of the Hells Angels and Vagos motorcycle clubs at the Nugget Casino in Sparks, Nevada late Friday night, Sept. 23rd during the closing weekend of the 2011 Reno Street Vibrations Festival. Officials said that Jeffrey "Jethro" Pettigrew, the 51 year old president of the Hells Angels chapter in San Jose, CA was called to the scene and died in the gun battle between the rival clubs. He was also employed as a heavy equipment operator by the city of San Jose for more than 20 years.

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

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

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

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

Thousands of motorcyclists ride through Nevada in September to attend the annual Street Vibrations Festival in northern Nevada, in the Reno area that is followed a week later by Las Vegas Bikefest in southern Nevada. There are no plans to cancel the Las Vegas event.

"While we are disappointed to hear of the incident that occurred earlier this week in Sparks, Las Vegas BikeFest will not let it dampen the festivities that will be occurring several hundred miles away in Las Vegas beginning this Thursday," said Rebecca Mitchell, an account executive for the rally. "Las Vegas BikeFest has never had an incident in its 10 years, and we work very closely with law enforcement and our own private security detail to provide a safe event for all attendees. We look forward to a great time and seeing everyone in a few days."

Tribute posted by Charlie Brechtel of BikersInnerCircle.com.

Just last month, violence errupted on the streets in downtown Sturgis, SD during the
71st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

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

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

There were numerous arrests and six people were injured.

Buffalo Chip: Lynyrd Skynyrd Band Announced for Sturgis 2012

2011-09-25T04:49:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Motorcycle Trail Dozer At Work In The Black Hills

2011-09-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guaranteed Lowest Hotel Rates at Motorcycle Rally Destinations

2011-09-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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* No service fee or amendment fee.

Oasis Bar & Grill Whaleyville, Maryland

2011-09-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Cafe Racer Class in Rat's Hole Biketoberfest Show

2011-09-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

European Motorcycle Events: 2011 & 2012

2011-09-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

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

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

More ...European Motorcycle Event News

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

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

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

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

Heroes Painting Unveiled at 10th Aniversary 9-11 Rally

2011-09-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

9/11 Heroes Across America Ride & Rally Images

2011-09-12T17:22:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sucker Punch Sally's Owner Christian Clayton dies at 40

2011-09-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

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

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

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

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

The Hideaway Grill, Cave Creek AZ

2011-09-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trail of Tears Ride: Sept. 17th 2011

2011-09-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Click map to enlarge for details.

Join the ride en-route or join ride-ins Sept. 16th in Alabama, Georgia and Kentucky.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bikes, Blues & BBQ: Largest US Charity Rally

2011-08-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

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!