Growing up as we did, part of most saturdays involved baseball practice, war games, “road runner” cartoons and the newest comic books shared with brothers, friends and even a stray sister if she was cool. Hot Rod and Motorcycle rags took those innocent minds to places, events and situations we’d just imagined as rednecks in the country. They exposed us to locations that we thought we’d never see; cars we hoped to drive one day, women we’d only dreamed about and situations we either dreaded or looked forward to in anticipation. Regardless of the reasons we read these paperback “escape” rags, we all enjoyed the brief transport to another world that awaited us at the turn of each page or the arrival from the drug store.
Hey, thanks for coming back! Great to see there are a few of you out there that have taste and style! Seriously, thanks for visiting. If you know of stories you think people would be interested in, shoot us a line C'ya!
Granted, the majority of us will never see the acclaim that celebrities, politicians or musicians deal with or have the worldwide visibility that comes along on a daily basis. As most of us have seen by now, life at the “Top” ain’t always so grand. Being at the center of media attention, if (in Jesse’s case, when) things go bad, they go terribly bad–and everyone just has to know about it. Not sure about you though, but i for one don’t want or need to read or see anything having to do with any celebrities’ personal life. And i’m sure they wouldn’t mind either if their “affairs” were kept private as well–and right about now, none more than Jesse James! After watching his interview with Vicky Mabrey of Nightline regarding his recent divorce with wife Sandra Bullock as well as very candid confessions about his personal feelings regarding the affair with Michele “Bombshell” McGee that he was caught up in, what i felt (and saw) was a “remorseful and broken” James coming to terms with his own shortcoming and taking responsibility for his actions. So, seeing his confessions, honesty and remorse just reinforced my resolve to stay out of celebrities lives even more. But also a new found respect for the man.
What i witnessed (and i hope others did to) was a man coming to grips with his own shortcomings (as well as as a man trying to make changes) and ammends. I don’t care what you say, that’s “Man-ing up” to your failures and you cannot take that away from him, no matter what you feel about him. And while we are sure to see labels attached to Jesse (ie. some already are “Most Hated Man in America“; sexual addict, etc) and see those that would seek nothing better than to kick a man when he’s down, I hope in some way what we really get to see in the future is Jesse just being called “a man in progress“….which we ALL are if we’re honest and realistic with ourselves! Jesse, good luck with the road ahead of you.
Part of any industries (and societies) maturation is the response of those members to the information and challenges that they face on a daily basis. And regardless of those challenges an industry is measured (i.e. judged) by the response of it’s participants to those changes/challenges. Some recent examples; the costs of healthcare and uninsured citizens, or illegal immigration or the environmental challenges facing the world. One challenge that this writer has had to face recently is the biases we as an industry/individual (hmmm, yeah, this writer) have towards women. Granted some of these were not even “recognized” as biases, as they were part of the very fabric of who i am as a red blood male and we as an industry have by history…..but biases still the same. Thus as an industry, i have to believe we haven’t been able to really “see the forest from the trees” as it relates to women, their influences and importance to the growth in our industry. In doing research for a class project (yeah, i’m trying to “educate” myself, and get my masters), I came upon some interesting information that made me seriously look at how males (and the motorcycle industry) views women and their influences/role on our industry. I then started to put fingers-t0-keyboard and write my Final Term Paper on the subject of “Diversity in the Motorcycle Industry”. I’ll be posting snippets of this paper here for you to read and comment on over the next few weeks. Oh, Betsy, thanks for such a great photo too.
“The white, male majority labor pool has historically dominated the American workforce, and especially the motorcycle industry. For a variety of complex social and economic reasons, women did not begin making inroads into the mainstream motorcycle industry (i’m not referring to riding here, but rather the industry as a whole) until the mid-late 1990s—(in comparison Carly Fiorina had already risen to the very top as CEO of Hewlett-Packard from 1999 to 2005, computers being also strongly male dominated). Still, in most cases minorities (ie. women in this case) are still viewed as second layer castings and/or “bait” to attract the “real” target consumer-i.e. males, and few things are proactively done from the major players to embrace and accommodate them. While on a grass roots level, a number of dealerships, magazines, organizations, associations and manufactures are taking steps to “include” or address the woman consumer, there is still a lack of “leading by example” from the major motorcycle companies themselves. Which is a lost opportunity for these companies. If the motorcycle companies were to study more in-depth the habits and the “reach” of the women consumers influence, they would quickly see that women not only take the lead in the decision of consumables directly, (85% of ALL brand purchases are made by women), but are having an indirect influence on the motorcycles industries direct target market, (ie. male) in the decision on 1) whether to even purchase a motorcycle, and 2) what type (cruiser, touring, off-road, dual sport, sports, etc) or brand (Honda, BMW, Harley Davidson, Yamaha, etc) of motorcycle to purchase.
Yes, while males today make most motorcycle purchases predominantly, the industry fails to recognize the ‘veto’ power of the female in the purchase decision. For every man that owns a motorcycle there are possibly ten that want one and have not purchased because of strong opposition from the women in their lives. The motorcycle industry does nothing to directly market to these women’s objections, whether that is safety concerns or image perceptions. Browse through any motorcycle magazine, the industry still uses ‘women’ as either eye candy or in a provocative poses. Practices that have not been seen in car advertising (TV, Websites or Print) for decades. In the fear of losing its existing male market share, the motorcycle industry is stuck between being current and relevant and fixated on the mindset of “yesterday” that by nature isolates them from the current consumers. Basically a vicious struggle between “Past Habits” verses “Present Opportunities”.
How many of you have even heard of the show “Then Came Bronson”? Yeah, that’s what i thought. Well anyway, at this time of our history the big screen hit, Easy Rider had hit the stage (1969) and show cased two young counter-culture cyclist looking for the “real” American. Perhaps Middle America was not quite ready for that story on the small screen, but Then Came Bronson expressed some of the themes of that movie in a way more palatable to the mass audience (NOTE: the pilot movie was completed beforeEasy Rider hit the screen. Also, the show only lasted 1 year and had 26 episodes).
The idea of getting back to basics was definitely “blowin’ in the wind” at that time. “Natural” food, ecology and hippie “love & peace” communes were other expressions of this philosophy. Bronson had all the necessities of life so he owned only his motorcycle, his bedroll and the clothes on his back. Those clothes usually consisted of corduroy pants, black tee shirt, leather jacket, and watch cap. Here is excerpts from the first episode:
Taking a trip?
“What’s that?” “Taking a trip?”
“Yeah.”
“Where to?”
“Oh, I don’t know…wherever I end up, I guess.”
“Pal, I wish I was you.”
“Really?…well, hang in there.”
The businessman smiles wistfully and nods. The light changes, and off goes the laconic motorcyclist, gunning it out of the city, toward open space and adventure. The cyclist is Jim Bronson. Although he’s not known for much conversation, he is a recent “ex-newspaperman”. The reason for this cross country quest for Bronson? A friend, Nick, had recently committed suicide right before his eyes. Jim had been unable to stop him jumping from a bridge. Before Nick leapt, he asked Jim to buy back the motorcycle from his soon-to-be widow. Jim had originally owned and customized the bike, then sold it to Nick when he became a reporter. He began thinking about the meaning of his own life. He decided to quit the rat race, simplify, see the country, visit some old friends and discover what life would put in his path.
Isn’t that what we all aspire to do? Find out the meaning of life? On, and by whatever vehicle we see fit for our journey through this life? SO, what’s your journey look like these days?
Ok, we’ve gotten a fair amount of people asking us “hey, why the hell has the Guilty Guy been so delinquent in updating this blog?!” Well, we figured it was time to bring you guys/gals up to speed. First we’ll rule out what were not: We’re not pregnant or a new father! Nor moving to Europe or folding up shop. We don’t have scabies, herpes or going blind. We did however shave off our beautiful locks (lol) for a more “stream lined and updated fashion statement”
So, here’s the deal: we have been dealing with some health issues since moving to SoCal…(i.e. breathing and blood pressure issues). So the doctors have run us through the supposedly required gamut of tests these past three months such as esophageal manometry, eco-cardiogram, blood test, stress tests, etc, etc. What we’re doing now is addressing the doctors diagnosis of heart disease, esophageal issues and lung issues. At this point, we’re still working with the doctors in therapy and further tests. As some at the Limpnickie Lot know, we’ve not been able to attend a few of the events back east this year, however…we do plan on being at Sturgis and other events on the West Coast in the next few months. We can’t promise we’ll be as studious as before in updating the blog, however we’ll do our best. So deal with it! Ride safe and eat your vegetables!
In reading another blog called 2200 Questions the other day I actually had to stop and applaud the writer as he verbalized what i’ve been feeling for months.. in responding to those people that seem to enjoy pointing fingers and/or blaming others, as well as the President for our nations problems. I’ve posted his comments here (with some editing for language).
Perhaps it is that we’ve been lied to so much and so often that when a genuine word slips past one’s lips we analyze it for the lie as apposed to for the message. Where you heard “I’m fighting for health care, spend spend spend, stay the course, I want bipartisanship,” I heard “get off your lazy apethic asses, TELL these fools to stop f*** around with your money, with your health, with your nation – all for their f*** votes and their power trips – FORCE them to do right by you, and TAKE what you want from these a*holes who have been STEALING from you for the past however many decades. Because I can only say what ever I want to have done, I can only lead you there – I cannot walk for you.” Perhaps some of you should revisit the State of the Union Address, now..
Instead, we stand still, looking to this one man to solve all of our problems. Then look at him cynically when he expresses his desires for something to be done. We give him that “nigga please” look when he calls to us to move beyond….. We blame him (or the government) for our Very Own Feet not moving. Well hell, as I see it, you can not help people who do not want to help themselves. Yes government is flawed. Yes congress is a bunch of men and women catering to their self interests before the American people. But if the nation’s willing to accept that as “the way things go”, even when your Leader is telling you - screaming to you – “You know, it doesn’t have to be this way.. You yourselves have the power to change this,” then those people are not the ones to blame. We are. We are failing ourselves by looking to anyone other than our very selves to find our promise.
We as a people have lost sight of what a leader is actually supposed to do. A true leader doesn’t carry the entire world on his shoulders to move it by him/herself. That leader merely gives the world a direction – the world itself needs to move its feet to find progress. A true leader doesn’t allow us to always cater to what is easiest. He shows us that beyond any struggle their’s a brighter day that we’re fighting for. A true leader doesn’t accept what we 300million people cannot do – a true leader knows in his very heart and soul that there is no single solitary thing in this world or all of existence that we cannot do. Impossible is naught. A true leader imparts such belief to his masses.
I have faith in our President. I have much less in our nation.. If we falter, it is not because he failed us.. It is because we fail ourselves. As a people we are ignorant sheep. And those who have any knowledge twist it to their own gain, as to control their own subset of sheep. As a leader he only asks that we move forward. He can not promise change that we the people are unwilling to adapt to. He can not move a mountain that we hold in place. He can not make us better than we ourselves see a reason to be. For those of you who cannot remember after only a year why you voted for him – for those who can’t think of a single reason as to why beyond him being black or “a different face” or “not McCain” – that is why: because he promised without words to be a great leader. Not to wipe your a888. Not to drag you kicking and screaming into greatness. But to show you a door, and tell you what greatness is beyond it if only we thought to walk through it, instead of just scratching and clawing at the same wall.
With all the love I have for all of the world I must tell you all – wake the f*** up and listen. Grow up and think. Open your eyes and see. He’s already proved to you that we’re all capable of change – he’s our President. Now that we see it’s possible – what in the world is stopping us? Better still…What in the world Can stop us?
In todays world where women are more accepted as equals (ok,it may not be in certain circles), and their riding abilities are equal to (and even surpass) some or most men, it’s easy to forget those ladies that actually forged the trail for the modern women. Especially those women that went into the all male dominated world of “Drone Riding” aka Wall of Death. Where rider and machine battle gravity and speed, and skirt death at every turn of the throttle. Case in point….Lillian LaFrance. You can find out a lot more about her life at this neat website too. Click HERE.
“It was the thrill of risking my life that made me to take to drome riding. I was the girl who flirts with death. From childhood I was inspired by wanderlust. I was always alone, dreaming of adventures– how to ride a pony out West, to follow my calling to fame. This was my secret. I shared it with no one.”–Lillian LaFrance
In a simpletons mind (mine), there have always been two types of people; The one who wakes up and says ‘Good Morning, God‘ and the others who say ‘Good God, Morning?’”. I do have to admit, sometimes i’ve languished over and in, the latter. Waking up in the morning having to face a stressful and tiring set of circumstances just doesn’t bode well with me sometimes. And thus, starts the self absorbing spiral which leads me to be less mindful of the continued blessings my family (and this great country) have been given by our Maker. And yet, as soon as I kick my ego to the side and honestly look at the way’s i’ve been blessed (family, friends, freedom, career, health, etc) and acknowledge the gratitude I have in my heart…my day is off to a great start. I know… sounds a bit “hokie” but hey, after 52 years you’d think i’d have this down pat (never said i was real smart guys!), however now i can say, (with a bit of satisfaction) that the trivial things do seem to pass me by a bit quicker now! Maturity? Maybe.
So on this Thanksgiving Day, being apart from my family (but spending with friends here in SoCal), i’m mindful of a humble person who’s words help refocus my vision on what is important. Wendall Brown. Mr. Brown lives in Brentwood California, and is a homeless veteran who sells poems on the street corner. So, with a donation, you receive this beautifully written and forceful poem (as well as a lesson in humility) from Mr. Brown.
A Day To Be Thankful I’m thankful for Thanksgiving Day Because it brings to mind The gifts I’ve had along the way And blessings, every kind.
I’m thankful that I live my life
In this great land of ours.
That I’ve not had to give my life, And sleep beneath the flowers.
Much thanks must go to all who fought To keep us safe and free. Their sacrifice has dearly bought Our peace and liberty.
We should remember all who came Before us through the years They kept our country much the same By action, sweat and tears.
Not ever does a day go by That I forget my folks. My mother baking apple pie, My sister with her jokes.
My dad was like a magistrate, Who ruled on each dispute. The claims must all be free from hate. He’d grant or he’d refute.
I owe a debt of gratitude To teachers that I’ve had. They helped to shape my attitude And spanked when I was bad.
The Bible says Our Father, God Will give us daily bread, But I would not believe it odd If two days passed instead.
There are so very many things We should be thankful for. It’s good we have a day which brings God’s harvest to our door.
Regardless of the times, one thing should always remain. Showing appreciation for our Veterans. Those individuals that sacrifice not only life and limb for their fellow man and country, but also time with families, friends and loved ones for their country. Growing up as a ‘Military Brat’ (and a brother serving) we’re more than aware of the privileges we have each and every day because of these brave men and women. As John F. Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them” or Otto Von Bismark, “Anyone who has ever looked into the glazed eyes of a solder dying on the battlefield will think hard before starting a war.”
Now for a little history lesson: Ninety years ago today, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the very first Veterans Day celebration. Veterans Day (also known as Armistice or Remembrance Day in other countries) is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11. This is the day seen as the end of World War I. The first World War ended on November 11, 1918.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation. In 1971 the observance date changed. It wasn’t until 1975 that President Gerald Ford returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. Every generation, it seems, has its calls to arms and those who stand up and serve are due all the respect and thanks we can give them. So, thank a veteran today, and every day!
Being raised in the military (also having a brother still serving), we are keenly aware of the sacrifices our troops make everyday to protect this country. What we are continually reminded of too, is the bond that soldiers carry with them throughout their lives, and even beyond. Such is the case with the news that twelve highly motivated men (in two man teams-one being Ash Spurlin whom Guilty Customs was fortunate to build “Errant 2” for) will relay march over 800 miles, from San Antonia TX to Destin Florida carrying 50 lb. ruck sacks and a memorial plaque for (USAF) Staff Sgt Tim Davis a USAF Combat Controller killed in action on February 20, 2009. This relay is in honor of him and all Special Tactics (ST) teammates who lost their lives in the line of duty, to include Tech Sgt Will Jefferson, and Tech Sgt Scott Duffman. The teams are looking to raise awareness and support for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). The SOWF provides full scholarship grants, educational and family counseling to the surviving children of special operations members who die in operational or training missions. They additionally provide immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations members and their families. SOWF currently has 119 students in colleges and universities across the country. Their official website is http://www.specialops.org/.
The 824 journey will begin October 6, 2009 at 0500 hours (5 am for you civilians) at the Combat Control Selection Course Lackland Air Force Base (San Antonio), TX. The mission will be completed approximately eight to nine days later at Hurlburt Field (Fort Walton Beach), Florida, October 17, 2009. Tim’s name will be added to the Combat Control Memorial at the Hurlburt Field Air Park. You can find out more about the route, fallen soldiers and their efforts for this march, HERE. So, help spread the word by reposting this blog or emailing to friends and family.
As a company that builds custom bikes, Guilty has the opportunity on a regular basis to meet some of the industries most respected and admired. And we are constantly reminded of their trail blazing efforts whether that be in design, fabrication or business practices. One such person is Randy Simpson from Milwaukee Iron. Randy is one of those people that has always been an inspiration and a fine example of a company that exemplified “quality Made-In-America” parts. With all the stuff swirling around in the industry, Randy has weathered the test of time. He never drank “his own koolaid” or listened to the media’s hype, but rather forged through on his own vision and mission in life, all-the-while never forgetting about those that walked that road with him. Like all businesses, though, the economic down turn facing our nation has taken it’s toll. Which is why Randy has decided to close the doors of Milwaukee Iron. On August 27th of this year the company will go up on auction and everything is for sale. If you want to reach Randy whether to wish him the best in his next phase of life or inquire about purchasing some of his inventory, you can contact him at: 434-385-1044.
Our friends over at Bikes In the Fast Lane had an update we wanted to pass along to our women readers. August 19th to the 22nd has AMA hosting International Women & Motorcycling Conference at the Keystone Resort & Conference Center in Keystone, Colorado. The 4 day event is meant to educate and inform women on the joys of riding a motorcycle. There will be several seminars, with topics like solo riding and touring, preparing for a ride, dealing with dealers, accident management, etc. There will be several guest speakers, one being Carla King (Motorcycle Misadventures) Regular readers of this blog know we’re big supporters of women riders (we have daughters that ride) and close female friends in the industry, but more than that we see everyday their impact on this industry. And it’s good to see supports such as Harley, Buell, BMW, Yamaha, Bell, and EagleRider stepping up to the plate and supporting.
We were recently introduced to this builder in the UK Mac Motorcycles, and were blown away with what he’s using to build his bikes. Their bikes are powered by the Buell® single cylinder, air-cooled, 2-valve, 492cc, 5-speed ‘Blast‘ engine. Most of you know (if you’re a regular follower here) that we have done a few Buell’s in our past and am even coming out with a line of frames to accommodate this awesome engine. With the Blast, we can also understand this builders affection (with their automatic valve adjustment and hydraulic lifters). And, with the transmission down low, (thus giving a low centre-of-gravity) not only do you get some great handling, but you can make some cool looking bikes. While the Mac bikes exploit the power-to-weight ratio principle with this great little motor and a very light rolling chassis, it may not appeal to those “big thump, thump V-Twin” engine lovers out there. BUT, for for our bucks and those more economically minded or interested in something other than Big Twins, this should be on your short list. Of course now the question on our mind is “does it come with fries” and “can i upload my iTunes to it?”. Nah, didn’t think so!
Looks like Zack and Scott from One World Studios are at it again! Leveraging off the success of their previous releases the guys are definitely on a roll now. We’re always excited to see the stuff coming out of their crafty hands/minds and this film looks like it definitely won’t disappoint anyone! The teaser is HERE. The release date is scheduled for July of 09 so keep track of their site. The Harbortown Bobber Website has some pretty cool pic’s of the bike also. Great job guys!
As some of you know, we here at Guilty Customs have had the privilege of building some bikes for a few of our troops. One sad note though is the increasing number of military personnel getting killed once they hit home and start riding their bikes. In an effort to curtail that trend, the Marine Aircraft Group 39 officials launched an initiative using a motorcycle simulator to combat these fatalities. The motorcycle simulator provides Marines with an opportunity to learn basic riding skills, improve their techniques and fix bad habits in a safe, controlled environment. Marines can now learn and make mistakes without the risk of damaging their motorcycles, personal property or themselves. 3rd MAW now requires all motorcyclists to hone their riding skills on the simulator at least once a year. All new and future riders must use the simulator before they can take the Basic Riders Course. To read more about this effort, go HERE.
Growing up as we did, part of most saturdays involved baseball practice, war games, “road runner” cartoons and the newest comic books shared with brothers, friends and even a stray sister if she was cool. Hot Rod and Motorcycle rags took those innocent minds to places, events and situations we’d just imagined as rednecks in the country. They exposed us to locations that we thought we’d never see; cars we hoped to drive one day, women we’d only dreamed about and situations we either dreaded or looked forward to in anticipation. Regardless of the reasons we read these paperback “escape” rags, we all enjoyed the brief transport to another world that awaited us at the turn of each page or the arrival from the drug store.
We were recently introduced to this builder in the UK 
Looks like Zack and Scott from One World Studios are at it again! Leveraging off the success of their previous releases the guys are definitely on a roll now. We’re always excited to see the stuff coming out of their crafty hands/minds and this film looks like it definitely won’t disappoint anyone! The teaser is 
As some of you know, we here at Guilty Customs have had the privilege of building some bikes for a few of our troops. One sad note though is the increasing number of military personnel getting killed once they hit home and start riding their bikes. In an effort to curtail that trend, the Marine Aircraft Group 39 officials launched an initiative using a motorcycle simulator to combat these fatalities. The motorcycle simulator provides Marines with an opportunity to learn basic riding skills, improve their techniques and fix bad habits in a safe, controlled environment. Marines can now learn and make mistakes without the risk of damaging their motorcycles, personal property or themselves. 3rd MAW now requires all motorcyclists to hone their riding skills on the simulator at least once a year. All new and future riders must use the simulator before they can take the Basic Riders Course. To read more about this effort, go ![[Google]]( http://www.pushnpavement.com/wp-content/plugins/easy-adsenser/google-light.gif)
