East Coast - West Coast Connections at Motorcycle Event News

For the last several years, I have enjoyed writing about major motorcycle events and rallies all over the world and I've made some great friends. Two of my favorite industry friends live on opposite coasts in the USA and they have agreed to become contributors. ~ May 31, 2011 ~ MJ Reynolds, editor and owner of MJR Media.

Jeff Darwell - the good looking guy on the right, pictured with the Ice Cream Man From Hell, Jimmy Trotta - is the owner/editor of Bars4Bikers.com.

His website is based in Orlando, Florida but it features biker bars and biker-friendly places all over the world.

Jeff will be featuring one of his favorite bars from somewhere in the world on a weekly basis right here on the "Motorcycle Event News" bike week news blog.

Bars4Bikers... where IT IS about the destination.

WEST COAST & Beyond - Lisa Ballard, the west coast editor of Cycle Source Magazine and Cycle Source Blog is also the marketing director for Limpnickie Lot builders. So get ready for news from the west coast and beyond from a true insider! This photo of Lisa (BTW) was take of her with the Source guys at Daytona Bike Week.

Her husband is Duane Ballard - DBCustomLeather.com  and she is friends with some of the coolest young-to-old builders on the planet. We share a special interest in biker art, so also look for her posts on Motorcycle Art Shows. More about Lisa at her blog: TheShinySide.

The Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson Club

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The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that the Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson Club has been selected as the Classic Club for 2011 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 22-24, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.

“Motorcycling history is rich with distinctive relationships that produced some of the most interesting examples of motorcycle technology,” said Jack Penton, AMA director of operations and Motorcycle Hall of Famer. “The Aermacchi/Harley-Davidson line of 1961-1978 certainly fits that description, and we’re pleased to provide attendees of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days an opportunity to appreciate these special motorcycles.” ... Read more

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24th Rolling Thunder First Amendment Ride Through Washington

This was the scene of Rolling Thunder XXIV, May 29th 2011!
Rolling Thunder began in 1987 as a demonstration to bring awareness to the plight of prisoners of war (POW) and to those missing in action (MIA). Rolling Thunder originated when four Vietnam Veterans, exercising the First Amendment "Right to Petition and Assemble," organized the first group of 2,500 motorcycles to ride through the streets of Washington, DC. This first Rolling Thunder run was made in an attempt to petition the government to take responsibility for the soldiers that were abandoned after the Vietnam War ended.

Thanks To The Brave!! And Thanks to Southern Bike Night TV for posting their season finale - Rolling Thunder XXIII interview in 2010 with Artie Muller, national executive director and one of the founders of Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration. 

There was an official count of 500,000 motorcycles in the demonstration and in the parking lot, with an estimated crowd total of 900,000 for the 2009 Ride Through Washington and that number was expected to top one million by 2010 or 2011. 

Rolling Thunder 2011 - Former vice presidential candidate, Sarah Palin announced last week that she would be kicking off a new "One Nation" bus tour over Memorial Day weekend 2011 in Washington DC. 

There was speculation that she might join the Rolling Thunder First Amendment Ride Through Washington, and she did.The 24th Rolling Thunder Run was Sunday, May 29th and Ms. Palin was among riders close to the front, riding on the back of a black Harley-Davidson. She apparently did not make prior arrangements with organizers of the massive ride, creating a lot of confusion and delaying the ride, when she came to the front of the Pentagon's north parking lot, where event staff and press were assembled. 

“I’m very not appreciative of the way she came in here,” Ted Shpak, Rolling Thunder’s national legislative director, said in a press interview. “If she wanted to come on the ride, she should have come in the back.”

Rolling Thunder has evolved to be not only a demonstration for the POW/MIA issue but also a demonstration of patriotism and respect for soldiers and veterans from all wars. With the approaching 10th anniversary of 9/11 there is even more emphasis on the broader cause of honoring patriotic heroes.

Related Rolling Thunder video post  

This year, about 80 riders including U.S. Rep. Allen West, NBC4's Jim Vance, and 105.9 The Edges' Mike O'Meara participated in a ride on Friday to RFK Stadium, two miles east of DC to kick off a new 4-day event, Stars, Stripes & Spokes  that also featured military equipment and vehicle displays, camping, concerts and vendors.

 A Stars, Stripes & Spokes custom bike was built by Sterling, Virginia Hardcore Choppers and is being raffled off to benefit veteran programs at Walter Reed Hospital.

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Photos courtesy of friends at the 2011 Rolling Thunder and Stars, Stripes & Spokes.




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

Bandit's BikerNet Celebrates 15 Years

Keith Ball owns a company called 5Ball Inc. based in Wilmington, CA and for the last 15 years he has been producing Bandit's Bikernet at Bikernet.com -- a free digital news website with a subscription based "Cantina" zone.

I have not met Keith face-to-face, but over the years, I feel like we have become online friends. He was the first website editor to extend a "welcome" and offer encouragement when I popped up on his radar as a new bike website editor... He is in California and I am in Florida. He doesn't miss anything!

Since then, I have heard countless stories about his kind encouragement of fellow-authors and web editors. If he can directly help a media friend in any way, he will immediately! He is a beautiful man, inside and out!

Where the ride begins and the
Adventure never ends

Bandit is writing the 15-year epic history of Bikernet... and he says, "Good god what a daughting task. I had to figure out when we built the Blue Flame, when I hit the deer, and when we moved into our existing 1923 building. It's nuts, but for new readers; it will spell out the big steps we took to get to this point."


I read a lot of motorcycle news, but I really enjoy the Thursday news by  Bandit, Scott Jacobs, Bob T., Gypsy Raoul, Mark Blackwell, Norm, Don Smith, Billy McCahill, Tim Porter, River Rat, Uncle Monkey, Mike Pullin, Ron, Vickie Kelly, Dennis Johnson, Rogue, Cigar Marc, Sin Wu, and the whole gang at Bikernet.com. - Thanks Bandit "Ride Forever!"

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

Vintage Motorcycle Helmets

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Remember the era when many Motorcycle Helmets were nearly the size of space helmets?

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Rolling Thunder XXIV POW-MIA Ride Through Washington

"Run For the Wall" riders from as far away as California and Texas will again join fellow riders on Sunday, May 29th for the Rolling Thunder XXIV Ride Through Washington.. an event that draws more than 300,000 to the streets of DC.

Rolling Thunder -- the largest annual event in Washington D.C.  -- is a First Amendment demonstration run that takes place during Memorial Day weekend for POW/MIA awareness. Here are some of the activities planned for the weekend.

Friday, May 27th - 9pm Candlelight Vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Saturday, May 28th - 9am Thunder Alley opens at 22nd St & Constitution Ave
11 am - US Navy Memorial Wreath Laying, Navy Plaza, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
11 am - 3 pm - Saluting our Troops...speakers/musical tributes located on state between Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial.
Sunday, May 29th - 7 am - Reveille - bikers rally in North Pentagon Parking lot.
12 noon - Rolling Thunder XXIV starts...bikers depart the North Pentagon parking lot.
1:30 pm - Rolling Thunder Speaker Program - speakers  on stage between Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial.

Memorial Day, May 30 - 3 pm drawing for Rolling Thunder XXIV Raffle Bike 2011
at Thunder Alley, 22nd & Constitution Ave. NW. Tickets 3@ $10 available all weekend at Thunder Alley - Winner will be called by phone immediately after the drawing.


This year, there is also a free 4-day event, "Stars, Stripes & Spokes" at RFK stadium, two miles east of the Capitol.

"We ride for those who can't" is the motto of the organization, Run For The Wall.

Click the flyer below to learn more about the RFTW mission to bring veterans on a cross-country journey to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall & Rolling Thunder Ride. 

RUN FOR THE WALL
By: Jennifer Jensen Walker
 
Thunder in the streets,
Tears in the eye,
As our love and honor
...Go to the ones that die.
We remember them,
We always hold them dear,
As they serve their country
Through their blood and fear.
Some families still wonder
Where their brothers may be hid,
But all we can do is honor them
For the service that they did.
So raise the flag up high!
Keep it ever from the dirt!
Help the soldiers in your life to see
We never want them hurt!
POW ... MIA ...
We pray that hearts will mend!
We cry for you, we ride for you,
Our vigil will not end!
Run for the wall!

Oscar by Alpinestars by Adam Wright

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Josh Alverson

Dimitri Coste

Jeff Decker

Roger De Coster

Cole Foster

Len Higa

Mitsuhiro Kiyonaga

Drake McElroy

Photographed and selected by Adam Wright

Paying homage to roots in early motocross and motorcycle culture, Oscar by Alpinestars exists as a classic, rugged collection punctuated by modern materials, processes and features.
Drawing inspiration from the nearly 50 year old heritage of the Alpinestars brand and fusing it with the technology of today, Oscar is the embodiment of traditional motorcycle styl e from a contemporary perspectiive.

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Motorcycles at Coos Art Museum

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Thunder at CAM

An exhibition of motorcycles and motorcycle art

June 10, 2011 – July 23, 2011, Opening Reception June 10, 2011: 5 -7pm

Coos Art Museum will be exhibiting "Thunder at CAM an Exhibition of Motorcycles and Motorcycle Art" from June 10 to July 23, 2011.

Since their invention, motorcycles have been a focus of popular interest and expression which now crosses generational and gender lines. This exhibition visually explores the public’s fascination with motorcycles and motorcycle culture.

The exhibition combines vintage motorcycles with examples of contemporary art about motorcycles. Following a jury process 62 art works by 36 artists were selected for the show... Read more

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World's Most High-Powered Superbike: MV Augusta F4 RR

The Italian superbike manufacturer – MV Augusta has begun production of its latest superbeast and the F4 RR is expected to hit the dealerships by June 2011. Tagged as being the most high-powered bike at the moment, the F4RR rocket has 201bhp and costs around £18k ($29k). 

Las Vegas Bikefest 2011, Sept. 29 to Oct. 2nd

Fred Vaillancourt of The Rat Shop Custom Bikes in Quebec won the People's Choice Award at the 2010 Artistry in Iron Bike Show at Las Vegas Bikefest. Photo courtesy of Jack McIntire.

Artistry in Iron is a competition of builders, judged by each builder. It’s a gathering of usually 20 of the world’s best builders and their creations and will be one of the featured events at Las Vegas Bikefest, Sept. 29th to Oct. 2nd 2011. Details: Las Vegas Bikefest.

Here's a link to Jack's 600-plus images of The 2010 Las Vegas Bikefest.

Laconia's 5th Annual Peter Makris Memorial Run

David UHL designed and donated this beautiful logo for the Peter Makis Memorial Bike & Boat Run around Lake Winnipesaukee that will kick off the 88th Laconia Motorcycle Week on June 11, 2011. 

NASWA Resort started the event five years ago to pay tribute to the life of Peter Makis, who was a devoted community leader, US Marine, biker and boater.

Proceeds from the event help to fund the Laconia Fire Department's Life Saving Fund and Water Rescue Unit that was originally launched by Peter Makis. The motorcycle and boat run has raised more than $120,000 over the past four years.

"We enjoy dad's run as one of the traditions at the NASWA," said his eldest daughter, Karen Makris. "We consistently have over 300 bikes participating," said Cynthia Makris, president of the family business. "They come from all over the country and Canada to share my father's passions and pay their respects in a way that would have made him so very proud."

Early registration is $40 and includes a buffet breakfast and lunch, commemorative T-shirt and drink chip. An all-day and all-night party with live music will follow at NASWA's NAZBar Beach Bar.Details at: www.naswa.com


Laconia 2011 Schedule of Events

Upstate NY Car & Bike Show for CURE Childhood Cancer

The Pittsford International Car & Motorcycle Show in upstate New York will, once again help CURE Childhood Cancer Association reach more than 2,500 people in the Rochester area who have a child diagnosed with cancer, said Ron Bajorek of Bajorek Insurance Agency, the presenting sponsor.

The 2nd Annual Pittsford International Car and Motorcycle Show is being staged, Noon - 5pm on Sunday, June 12th behind the Pittsford Library on State Street.

Admission is free. This is sure to be a fun filled event for the whole family. Pittsford Varsity Cheerleaders will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets to benefit CURE with chances to win the 50/50 or other great door prizes. This year we have great prizes supplied to us by many great local and national companies. We expect an even bigger turnout this year and we look forward to seeing everybody there. Food and Drink vendors will be on hand.

The Show supports C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer Association - a nationally recognized innovator in peer support for families with children diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders. For nearly 30 years, CURE has been a forerunner in the concepts of parent advocacy, long-term educational assistance and peer-to-peer support. CURE encourages and assists children, young adults and their families in Rochester and the surrounding region to realistically face diagnosis and treatment, cope with their fears and believe in the possibility of life after cancer.

For more information regarding the show, to display a vehicle, or if you are a local business and would like to donate a door prize, contact Ron Bajorek @ 585-248-3810.

 
PLEASE NOTE: VEHICLES MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS. Please call to preregister if you wish to bring a vehicle to the show as there are only spaces for 50 cars and 50 motorcycles. "We have only a few spaces left, so we are looking for the unusual and unique," said Ron in an interview, May 20th.

Brad Lackey’s Nor Cal Classic Vintage MX

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MotoUSA just got done participating at the West Coast Moto Jam at Infineon Raceway. Peruse our racing pages for details on the roadracing action and electric bikes, but I spent my time out on the rolling grassy hills for the AHRMA vintage motocross event hosted by Brad Lackey. This was my first attempt with racing old dirt bikes but I can say that it definitely won’t be the last. I can’t believe how much fun it is.
... read more

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Commandospecialties Weblog

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http://commandospecialties.wordpress.com

They’re just some guys with a passion for old motorcycles (and new ones to be fair) specifically Nortons but any European marque will be considered. Here’s a few pics from their new location, walls need some pictures etc but the hard work is done!!!

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Racers

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Via the fabulous Lee Sutton Gallery : HERE

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1938 Brough Superior Best of Show at Quail

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The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, an avenue for motorcycle collectors, custom bike builders and enthusiasts to showcase immaculately restored vintage and historically significant motorcycles, was a roaring success this weekend. The intimate gathering at the Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club had an excellent turnout. The motorcycles entered in the concours were as varied and creative as their owners. Guest judges like The Vintagent’s Paul d’Orleans and the esteemed Kevin Cameron of Cycle World fame had their hands full as many bikes were worthy of the vaunted “Best of Show” title. But it was the Rolls Royce of motorcycles, an immaculate 1938 Brough Superior SS-80 owned by Gene Brown out of Colorado which took top laurels. The classic Brough impressed us even more when it fired up on the first kick when Brown rode it off stage. We’ll share the full experience of the Gathering with you later this week, but until then here’s a peek at the winner along with a list of winners in all categories... read more

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Indian Motorcycles: 110 Year Anniversary Today

Indian Motorcycle, America's oldest motorcycle founded in 1901, is celebrating its 110th Anniversary today (Saturday, May 14, 2011) at the company's exclusive Southern California Dealership, Indian Motorcycle Los Angeles in Harbor City.

Festivities include a concert, an antique Indian Motorcycle show, food trucks, surprise guests, and displays of the full line of 2011 Indian Motorcycles, including the Classic, Dark Horse, Bomber, Roadmaster, and Vintage.  Hours are from 10am to 5pm.  Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Indian Motorcycle - LA is located under the same roof as California Harley-Davidson at 1521 Pacific Coast Highway in Harbor City, one mile west of the 110 Freeway and 5 miles from Redondo Beach.

Indian Motorcycle of the Twin Cities, Minnesota celebrated the 110th Anniversary with the new dealership's first ride.

Indian was a major competitor of Harley-Davidson during its 52-year production run from 1901 to 1953.  After a brief return from 1999-2003, the Indian brand returned in 2006 and was recently acquired by Polaris Industries Inc.

Polaris Industries has been very successful with Victory Motorcycles and the Freedom V-twin engine that are now both manufactured at it's "Victory Motorcycle Center for Excellence" in Spirt Lake, Iowa. Polaris also manufactures ATV's and an off-road Ranger vehicle at Spirit Lake.

Polaris Industries Inc. announced its purchase of Indian Motorcycles on April 19th 2011 and also announced extremely strong first-quarter earnings. Analysts were expecting first-quarter sales of $421 million, according to Thomson Reuters. But Polaris reported revenue of $537 million, beating the earnings estimates by 64%! Let's hope they can do as well with Indian Motorcycles, which the company vows to operate completely separate from Victory.