One of the regular blogs we visit is our friend Genevieve Schmitt’s place called “Women Riders Now“, as we try to keep our hand on the pulse of the women motorcycle industry.  Recently she featured this news update on my favorite personal trainer, (ok, i have to admit she’s as hot as my wife!) Jillian Michaels from the “Biggest Loser” show. Seems Jillian has teamed up with H-D and National Garage Party Month to promote women ridership.  Here is the full release.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is partnering with TV’s The Biggest Loser host Jillian Michaels to encourage women to gear up and get behind the handlebars of their own motorcycle. Michaels, a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and licensed rider, is teaming with the Motor Company to spotlight National Garage Party Month, which features a special promotion that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend and an opportunity to meet Michaels.

“Learning to ride a motorcycle was an empowering experience for me, so I want to share that with other women,” said Michaels who’s been empowering people through her wellness books and DVDs for years. “That’s what Garage Party events are all about. Women get to learn about the sport from other women in a non-intimidating environment, which is why I’m excited to be a part of this effort.”

Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are gearing up for National Garage Party Month in March 2010. Garage Party events provide a fun, social environment for women to learn about the sport of motorcycling, as well as meet other women who are interested in riding. Dealers host the events year-round, but the Motor Company has declared March as a special focus to bring national awareness to the events, which have encouraged thousands of women to learn to ride in the last few years.

During National Garage Party Month, the Motor Company is also hosting a sweepstakes that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend in Los Angeles. The weekend will feature participation in the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider Course, spa treatments and a motivational talk with Michaels on how to live a better, healthier life. To find a Garage Party near you, visit Harley-Davidson.com/womenriders.

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!

The Vagabond Chopper Company’s 2010 Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Tour, a traveling showcase dedicated to women motorcycle riders, recently rolled out their new 44-foot event trailer sponsored by Mitchell Motorcycle Transport. This rolling tribute to women bikers will offer a mix of on-site how-to seminars, fashion shows, book signings and special guest appearances with a feminine flare.

The tour officially kicked off during the 2009 Toys in the Sun Runwith featured guests the Motor Maids, Leslie Kay of Leslie Kay’s Insurance and Jeffrey Phipps of Jeffrey Phipps Custom Saddles. The Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Tour is a traveling display of what is available for women motorcycle riders, from clothing and parts to motorcycles styled with the woman rider in mind. The tour will feature Athena “Chickie” Ransom and her unique hand-crafted custom motorcycles as well as featured special guest appearances by an array of other unique women in the motorcycle industry.

Formulated specifically for women, it also gives men an opportunity to see “the other side” of a culture commonly associated with males. Validating the concept that women riders are more than just a “chick on the back” within the motorcycle industry, the tour also provides a forum for ladies to express her likes and dislikes in a setting that is not full of skulls, iron crosses and spikes.

The tour will include 12 national event stops throughout 2010 including the Heavy Hitters, Daytona Bike Week, New Orleans Bike Week, Sturgis Rally, and coming to an end at the 2010 South Florida Bikers Bash and Toys in the Sun Run. Look for the Vagabond set up at rallies near you. Or you can check out www.vagabondchoppers.com or www.chicksruleandboysdrool.com to see the tour’s scheduled stops for 2010. Go Athena!

Three-time Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee and author of the newly published book, The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900–1950, Cristine Sommer-Simmons today announced that she will be riding in the Motorcycle Cannonball Run next year, (Sept. 10-26, 2010). Sommer-Simmons will be one of only two women riders in the cross-country endurance run of the century. The Motorcycle Cannonball Run is gathering momentum to launch a pack of riders on vintage motorcycles for an historic ride across America in September 2010.

The Cannonball Run is the brainchild of Lonnie Isam, Jr., promoter and owner of Jurassic Racing in Sturgis, South Dakota, The Motorcycle Cannonball Run of 2010 requires that participants ride classic pre-1916 motorcycles such Pope, Sears, Flying Merkel, Excelsior, Henderson, Indian, Triumph, and the Harley-Davidson’s Silent Grey Fellows. Sommer-Simmons will make the 3,320-mile transcontinental ride on September 10 on the east coast in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on her 1915 Harley Davidson.

“This is the thrill of a lifetime!” exclaims Simmons, “It’s an honor to be a part of such a historic and monumental race, and even more exciting to be the only American woman registered for the event!”

For more information about the Motorcycle Cannonball Run, visit www.motorcyclecannonball.com.

Being part of the Limpnickie Lot is something a lot of us in the group see as not only a great blessing but something that gives us the ability to “give back” to the community that so enthusiastically supports and embraces our efforts and more specifically our goals.  That goal is to bring motorcycles back to the grass roots where people not only ride but enjoy and understand their motorcycles.  Thus the reason (we believe) we’re gaining so much momentum.  One group that has been a major contributor of this resurgence is the AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America).  For those that attended the 2009 Daytona Bike week (and the Limpnickie Lot specifically), you had the opportunity to see (and participate) in learning how to kick start a 1956 Harley Knucklehead and a 1945 Indian Chief. Something most people have NEVER done! We’re glad to announce that for the 2nd year in a row at the Limpnickie Lot, the AMCA will host an Antique Bike Show on Wednesday of Bike Week 2010. (March 3rd), and rally goers will not only be able to gawk over and fondle old machinery but interact with them in a way most never have….getting one started!  Our friends (and vintage motorcycle experts) Matt Olsen and Rocky Halter will be the guys guiding those interested in learning about these machines.

The AMCA Bike Show and the Kick-start Demo will run from 1 to 5 p.m. March 3 at the Limpnickie Lot in the Stone Edge Skate Park, 1848 S. Ridgewood Ave. in South Daytona. And as an added treat, (in case you can’t make it to the demo) plan on getting there on Friday, March 5, for the  Cycle Source Magazine Ride-in Bike Show with AMCA sponsoring the antique class and handing out the best Antique Chopper, Bobber, Survivor and Restored bikes.  Something everyone should see!

Ok, you “want-to-be” film makers, commentators and up and coming actors.  Here is your opportunity to shine. RockMoto is rolling out a creative idea to get you want-to-be actors or film makers working on something that can put some cash in your pockets.  Create a short video about what can be done on a motorcycle or scooter with a single tank of gas in one day. In 5 minutes or less, show what you would do, where you would go, who you would meet in one day on one tank. If you don’t have access to a motorcycle or scooter, use what you have: a bicycle with a cardboard motorcycle outline, animation, anything that will get your idea across. All we ask is that if you do show a motorcycle rider or passenger, they are wearing protective gear – including a helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and shoes – and not breaking any laws. You’ll have to submit your work as a video response to their contest video on Rockmoto’s contest video listed on YouTube (www.youtube.com/rockmoto) by December 31, 2009. Oh yeah, and the prize: $1,000 cash for 1st place, $500 each for 2 runners up and $250 each for 3 honorable mentions.  If you want to find out more or have questions, email RockMoto at onetankoneday@rockmoto.com.  Good luck!

If you ride motorcycles (and regardless of what type you ride!) your more than familiar with the “perceived” and misdirected media generated hype surrounding bikers and their lifestyles. Granted outlaw biker shows like  “Sons of Anarchy” doesn’t help to quiet the misconception either, but we won’t get into that topic right now.  Fortunately with help from an unlikely source, National Geographic, and their newest reality series called “Rescue Ink Unleashed”, people are able to see a completely different side to bikers.  Finally! “In 2007,” a gravelly voiced announcer says, “eight New York tough guys realized they had something in common other than tattoos and motorcycles: They all hated animal abuse.” You can check out one of their episodes HERE. Now this is something i can sink my teeth into.

Few things get us really excited (unfortunately) these days. We see bikes & events and “posers” on a regular basis as we travel across America.  And a lot of events seem to be run by those that just “don’t get it“!  Thats not the case with this event for sure!  FMA and Born Loser is hosting this event in Orange, CA (yeah, our newest location). Yeah, so we have to give support to the local guys too ya know!  So if your tooling around on a rippin’ vintage Triumph, Honda, Harley etc., take  a stroll over to this event and check out the other rides. Sure you won’t be disappointed!  We’re trying to make time in our travels to stop by and say hello to these guys too.

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.

We get stoked every time we hear or see news about the Limpnickie Lot. Just show’s we’re getting more and more into the fabric of this industry and with that giving the next generation of riders and builders something to consider when looking at this industry.  Whether it’s on national tv shows like American Thunder, or on video’s from industry people, “any press” is always good press!  Such is the case during the last Daytona Bike Week when the video crew came through the lot to shoot some footage on various builders and personalities.  Thus they gave yours truly a chance to talk a bit about my passions, ideas, impressions on the movement.  So here ya go.  Just goes to show ya, some media people will put anyone in front of the camera!!  See it HERE.

In an effort to bring some culture to the deranged, demented and somewhat crazy souls that frequent Sturgis during the rally, Jay Allen is announcing the addition of a fine art gallery to the Broken Spoke, Sturgis County Line, located on route 79. The Broken Spoke Saloon has been a long-time supporter of the artistic community within the motorcycling world and Jay has created a unique space in the upper portion of the main bar to display the work of some of the industries leading artists. You’ll see work from David Uhl, John Guillemette, Jeff Cochran and Colleen Swartz along with bikes from Billy Lane, Ron Finch, Samantha Morgan and the BSS Worlds Fastest Indian and two more to be announced later. 

The Legends Gallery opening will be on Sunday, August 2nd at 6-9 PM following the conclusion of the Michael Lichter Ride at the Sturgis County Line. You are welcome to join the curator, Jay Allen along with the legendary artists, bike builders and iconic industry guests for a hors d’œuvres reception. The Gallery will be open throughout the Sturgis Rally from Noon until Midnight. Jay, thanks for bringing this to us at the Broken Spoke.  We’re excited to see this!

 

 

 

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.

Now that the former “Thunder Road” is no more, the location has taken on new management by the name of “Monkey Rock”.  Aside from the cool name, the organizers are pulling out the plugs in an effort to gain some momentum.  Thus offering (from 11am to who knows when) live rock and country music acts, dancing girls, Worlds Largest Cocktail Party, girls, special guest appearances and autograph session, girls, motorcycle stunt riding, girls, Miss Sturgis Contest, wet t-shirt contests, girls, live radio broadcasts, girls, motorcycle tributes, games, fun, girls! Did we say girls?

While the listing of exhibitors includes such known builders as Eddie Trotta, Ron Simms Custom Cycles they will also include Titan Motorcycles, Rivco Products, Boss Hoss, Hellenbach, and hopefully others in the 200,000 square foot complex. One definite cool factor (especially if your tired of the “road kill” food vendors) is that Monkey Rock has partnered with Outback Steakhouse and will deliver the best food in Sturgis from 9am-11pm daily. “Nobody does food better than they do and there will be no compromise in Sturgis,” stated Monkey Rock Chief Operating Officer Chris Edwards. Just aim your bike to Highway 34 between August 1 to the 10th from 8am to 2pm. Updates and exhibitor information can be found on their web site www.monkeyrock.us

The Legends Ride, sponsored by the Buffalo Chip, kicks of the 2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Monday, August 3rd and the event will include Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler, and a host of the nation’s top bike builders, (see HERE) in addition to cigar aficionados and artist.

“The Black Hills have long been known as rider’s paradise, and the Legends Ride takes it one step further. You start in a town that’s infamous – Deadwood – ride through some of the nation’s best territory, and finish in the granddaddy of all motorcycle dreams – Sturgis and the Legendary Buffalo Chip; and you benefit charities,” said Rod Woodruff of the Legendary Buffalo Chip. “Every participant in this year’s Legends Ride is going to be talking about this very special event for the rest of their lives.”

The Legends Ride is hosted by the Legendary Buffalo Chip and the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce. The Legends Ride is a fundraiser for the Children’s Home of the Black Hills and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Last year’s event raised nearly $40,000 for charity.

Details and tickets are available at LegendsRide.com  or by calling (605) 347-9000. The 2009 Legends Ride is a $150 contribution, 100% of which goes to the charities. Contributing riders not only get to enjoy the ride but also a special souvenir gift pack, special parking privileges in Deadwood and the Legendary Buffalo Chip, meet-and-greet opportunities with master builders and celebrities, food and drinks at an invite only reception scheduled to be recorded for broadcast in a network television series and, to top off the experience, concert performances by rocker Lita Ford and country music superstar Toby Keith. The Legends Ride reception will be highlighted by a live auction featuring “The Deadwood Special,” a unique custom motorcycle built by Kyle Shorey of Shadetree Fabrications and a pinstriping demonstration by Buck Wild.

Last year we reported on this event and apparently people responded by riding their bikes to work, school and for leisure that day. All due to us here at Guilty Truth! Sure, yeah, right. Seriously, this movement has taken on quite a following over the last 18 years and we hope to help by spreading the word. But then again, our readers rarely need an excuse to throw a leg over their bike to ride. Check it out and participate. “Ride To Work Day“, June 15th.
Here is interesting facts:

On Ride to Work Day, there are an estimated 150,000 additional Ride to Work Day commuting motorcycles and 150,000 less commuting car, light truck and SUV’s. A 6 mile (avg) commute x 2 (both ways) x 150,000 commutingcar, light truck and SUV’s = 1,800,000 car, light truck and SUV miles. 1,800,000 car, light truck and SUV miles / 20mpg (avg) = 90,000 gallons. 90,000 less car, truck and SUV gallons – 30,000 more gallons used on Ride to Work Day = 60,000 less gallons of fuel used on Ride to Work Day. If every work day were Ride to Work Day, 60,000 gallons saved x 250 work days = 15,000,000 less gallons used per year.

Ok, you know now. So, get out there and RIDE!

Those of you that know Rick Fairless personally (Stokers Dallas) are more than aware that he’s one of the most giving people in this industry. Rick has listened to me ask countless questions as well as rant/rave about this industry and to me, he is a super role model for succeeding in this industry. Rick’s passion (one of many) is helping others and especially children. Thus no surprise that he’s been the driving force behind supporting the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children with the “Miles and Music Charity Ride“. The date is Friday May 15th. Silent Auction at 5pm. Ride at 7pm. Leaving from Strokers Dallas (9304 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas) riding to Billy Bob’s (2520 Rodeo Plaza, Ft. Worth, TX). With a donation of $25 per rider participants will receive the escorted ride, up front parking at Billy Bob’s, exclusive access to a post ride party in Billy Bob’s private Guitar Room Bar, and admittance to the James Otto concert. For more information visit the Strokers Dallas website www.strokersdallas.com