Broken Spoke Campground 2010 Flyer
Hoka Hey Challenge. Two Bikers Arrive Together In Homer, Alaska. Are They The Winners?
This early Monday morning June 28, 2010 (4.20 am local time), and much sooner than expected, Frank Kelly from South Carolina and Will Barclay from Highland Beach, Florida, rode together under the finish banner of the Hoka Hey Challenge in Homer, Alaska. The 2 riders didn’t know each other until they met at the last checkpoint Sunday afternoon. To avoid a risk of accident while racing each other (and a disqualifying speeding ticket) they decided that they would ride together at legal speed and cross the finish line at the same time (which is mathematically impossible!). Other riders next to finish are stated as being at least one day behind the 2 finalists. Still, both riders need to pass a drug test, a motorcycle inspection, a polygraph, a verification of gas receipts and road logs to be declared as winners.
And of course the Hoka Hey controversy has restarted on multiple levels. 1- Organizer Big Jim is not yet sure if finishing together and sharing the $500,000 prize is authorized under the rules he implemented! (my opinion is that if it’s not forbidden, it is authorized). 2- Many are already challenging the fact that both riders would have logged a total of 8250 miles during their 6 1/2 days trip on back roads (interstate riding was forbidden) where the speed limit is never above 60 mph and very often much less (many participants have reported riders using highways.). It is an equivalent of close to a 50 mph average, not counting time spent eating, refueling, restroom time, etc 3- The official winner(s) is (are) now supposed to be be officially announced at a celebration starting at 3 p.m. July 4 at the Stone Step Lake Estates in Homer. No more in Sturgis…(again conflicting information.). But it seems that the small city of Homer has no drugs test lab and no official polygraph equipment. 4- At this day, the Challenge claimed at least the life of one rider who died in Casper Wyoming on Saturday June 26, and several others who have been more or less injured in accidents. (photo Michael Amstrong)
LimpNickie Lot Footprint to be made in Sturgis
Overseas dad sends graduation message
Daughter surprised during ceremony
Updated: Thursday, 10 Jun 2010, 7:36 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 10 Jun 2010, 7:36 PM EDT
CLEARWATER – Graduation day was bittersweet for Countryside High senior Chelsea Jusino. Unlike many of her classmates whose parents proudly sat in the stands during the ceremony, Chelsea’s father was in Afghanistan, serving another tour of duty in the U.S. military.
But, to Chelsea’s surprise, her father found a way to be at her graduation after all—from halfway around the world.
In December, Chelsea’s father, Edgar Jusino, recorded a video message for his daughter at Countryside’s television studio, a surprise she never expected. Her mom and several faculty members knew about it, but managed to keep the video a secret until her graduation.
During the ceremony, the graduates were presented with what was described as a “special video message.” When all eyes turned to the JumboTron at Bright House Field, Chelsea’s father appeared, delivering a speech to Chelsea and her classmates full of inspiration and love.
“Chelsea, I want you to know I will be there for you in your hardest, difficult times, most lonely times. I will be there to pick you up when you fall,” Edgar Jusino told his daughter.
Chelsea watched the video with tears in her eyes.
“Just seeing him made me feel so good. Everything felt better,” Chelsea said.
Armed with her diploma and the support of her dad so many miles away, Chelsea is now ready to take on the world.
**********
Vagabond is proud to announce that we also have a high school graduate, Desiree .
We are so proud of you and love you very much! We will miss you at the shop while you are in college.
Congratulations!
Hurry Up, send in your submissions to win The Garage Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover, Carlisle Edition brought to you by GEICO powersports.
Just a reminder to send in your submissions for your chance to win the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover. Deadline is May 10th 2010.
Contestants (guys and girls) must submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com by May 10, 2010. Submissions will be narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls and Carlisle Events. Once the final 4 are chosen, the public will then be allowed to vote online at www.garage-girls.com for who they feel most deserves the Ultimate Biker Makeover. Two winners will be selected Prizes will include products from the following companies, Mustang Motorcycle Seats, Harley-Davidson Footwear, Spectro Oils, Wizards cleaning products, IronWorks, 7 eye, Vavavroom, Kuryakyn and many more.
Winners must be present at the Carlisle Bike Fest on Saturday, July 24th, 2010 to collect their prizes.
For more information, rules, eligibility and submission procedures, visit www.Garage-Girls.com or www.CarlisleEvents.com.
Famed motorcycle industry photographer Michael Lichter recently announced the title of his yearly Sturgis exhibit at the Opportunity in the Wind seminar during the Cincinnati V-Twin Expo. Lichter’s 10th annual Motorcycles as Art exhibit is titled Eternal Combustion 30 in the Wind and will be on display from August 7-13 at the world-famous Buffalo Chip Campground.
Based on the ‘explosion of interest and the passion for custom motorcycles seen over the last 30 years,’ the show will feature 30 custom motorcycles and a collection of Lichter’s photography. He has been covering The Rally for the past 30 years, so it is only fitting that 30 custom motorcycles, built by 15 pairs of custom bike builders, be featured in the show. Some of the best shots from Lichter’s archive of limited edition prints will also be showcased, including many images making their premier.
“This exhibit has been a total labor of love for me as it has been for nine years,” explains Lichter. “Working with these builders to pair them up, occasionally into a seemingly unlikely pairing at their request, has been great. It will be great to watch their progress in the coming months.”
The list of custom motorcycle builders who have been paired together include: Arlen Ness & Paul Yaffe, Carl & Matt Olsen, Dave & Jody Perewitz, Donnie Smith & Brian Klock, Eddie Trotta & Todd Silicato, Kevin Baas & his Kennedy High School Chopper Class, Gard Hollinger & Satya Kraus, James & Dave Kaye, Jerry & David Covington, Kirk Taylor & Brian Schimke, Roland Sands & Drake McGillroy, Ron Finch & Ron Maurer, Ron & Hunter Simms, Sugerbear & Count’s Kustoms, Laura Klock & Athena “Chickie ” Ransom. The builders have been paired together based on family ties, friendship, apprenticeship and good ol’ mutual respect.
The exhibit will be on display in a 6,500 square foot venue at the Buffalo Chip Campground called the Lichter Exhibition Hall in honor of the famed photographer. Lichter’s artistry behind the lens has graced countless industry mags, books and articles. His work has been featured in numerous galleries and museums, iconic images like the humorous Busted in Daytona or the unforgettable black-and-white shot of the one-legged biker in Sturgis’ City Park called Early Morning.
This is the tenth year that Lichter has been curator of a Sturgis exhibit. His first exhibit, called Biker Generation, featured 54 photos by Lichter and the work of 13 custom bike builders, including Jesse James, who rode his bike into the museum and gallery during the reception. For more information go to www.motorcyclesasart.com
Don’t miss one of the most awesome events in the country,
The Horse Backstreet Choppers Magazine is getting ready for the world famous SMOKE OUT 2010 – You can attend in the West or in the East, or if your ready you can attend both. All the info can be found here.
ARE YOU IN ?
Ready For The Ride Of A Lifetime? 
Well here is your shot, join the Cycle Source Magazine Crew & The LimpNickie Builders at the 2nd Annual Big Mountain Run…
This year the Big Mountain Run is scheduled for May 19th through the 23rd, 2010 and the line up is outrageous. To give everyone that wanted to do this last year and couldn’t make it, we are keeping the gypsy run almost exactly the same. Wednesday may 19th we will meet at Tilley’s Harley-Davidson in Statesville, NC where we leave at noon. From there we will take a two day Gypsy Tour through the Smokey Mountains stopping the first night at the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley. These cats roll out the red carpet for us with a complete tour of the best motorcycle museum in the world. Camping is right on site that night and the next morning we take on the Dragon. US 129, the most notorious motorcycle road known to man. Then we cross the Cherahola Sky way and wind down through the hills to Reliance Tennessee for a three night party at Hiawassee Outfitters campground right on the river. At the campgrounds there will be live music all weekend featuring Crank County Daredevils, Last Vegas, Final Drive, Knucklehead, and Super Potent Death Baby just to name a few. There will be food vendors, The Cycle Source Chopper Show, mini bike racing and some of the best riding in the entire country. All this is included in your camping pass, just 10 dollars for one night, 20 for two or thirty to stay the whole time. For information on being a vendor or for general info on the run go to www.bigmountainrun.com
STOP THE PRESSES!!!!!
This year we will also have a pre-run party on Tuesday night, put on by Wicked Willy’s Choppers. The party starts 6pm featuring live music and free camping on site. If you want to hang out with the cats from the Source the night before and then travel to Tilley’s with us the next day, meet us at Wicked Willy Choppers at 95 2nd Avenue N.E., Taylorsville, NC, 28681. wayne@wickedwillychoppers.com or call them at 828-303-0422.
Get your free BMR T-Shirt with advance ticket purchase !
| One, Two Or Three? |
Keith R. Ball, aka Bandit, aka K. Randall Ball’s impact on the biker culture around the world cannot be understated.
He’s walked the walk and his hand penned novels and technical writings reflect the trials, tribulations, excitement, brotherhood, thirst for true freedom and rejection of authority that go with the territory.
Ball’s latest tale, Harbor Town Seduction, opens the door to an ongoing series which will follow a young chopper rider, Chance Hogan, in his quest for romance and inner peace in a world full of intrigue and corruption. In this first novel, Chance rolls the romantic dice and starts life over in the lurid, bustling seaside village of San Pedro, on the Los Angeles Harbor. Once you’ve turned the first page you’ll be hard pressed to put this one down as it has it all; Murder, Treachery and Too Many Women. Harbor Town Seduction makes for an electrifying literary ride from cover to cover. This is a must on table tops and in saddle bags throughout the biker community and in the hands of millions who wished they’d gone down the freedom road the first time they encountered a pack of bikers jamming down the freeway, their menacing hair frantically dancing like flames in the wind. Published by 5-Ball Inc., Harbor Town Seduction retails for $19.95 and can be ordered from just about any reputable book store on the planet or on line at www.Bikernet.com
![Bikernet-Logo_color[1]](http://vagabondchoppers.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Bikernet-Logo_color1-300x201.jpg "Bikernet-Logo_color[1]"){kind=logo}
Vagabond Chopper Company Featured in The May 2010 Cycle Source Magazine
Hurry & get it before the newstands are all sold out…
The hottest chopper magazine in the world!
The Chickie Joins The Limp Nickie Collective
These are the leaders in the new version of the American motorcycling industry. Their version of their riding/custom culture is clearly not of the biker stereo type. They are making the industry something anew by applying their generational influence and qualities. These qualities are innately part of their ways. They are not old companies attempting to re-brand themselves into something young. The Limpnickie members are young outfits completely of the new scene. They are successful leaders and trendsetters, and they are here to stay.
And now they have the Chickie as a participant in what the collective represents, this should be good!
For more info check out the Limp Nickie Lot!
There is a new national magazine hot off the presses and guess who is on the cover of the premiere issue…
Introducing Throttle Gals Magazine
The Motorcycle Cannonball Run Has A Major Contender
Cristine Sommer Simmons
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!”
Cris is also a Motor Maid, www.motormaids.org
For more information about the Motorcycle Cannonball Run, visit www.motorcyclecannonball.com.
Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Tour
PRESENTED BY Vagabond Chopper Company
Vagabond Chopper Company has rolled out the “New” Forty Four Foot event trailer sponsored by Mitchell Motorcycle Transport for the Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Tour.
The tour will feature Athena “Chickie” Ransom and her unique hand crafted custom motorcycles, as well as featured special guest appearances by other unique women in the motorcycle industry. Each tour stop will offer a rolling showcase of what is available for women motorcycle riders, from clothing and parts to motorcycles styled with the woman rider in mind.
Diversity is key when targeting the female motorcyclist so a mix of on site how to seminars, fashion shows, book signing’s and special guest appearances will mix it up with a feminine flare.
The tours official kickoff during the 2009 Toys In The Sun Run was a huge success with the Motor Maids, Leslie Kay and Jeffrey Phipps of Jeffrey Phipps Custom Saddles as featured guests. The tour will include twelve ( 12 ) National event stops throughout the 2010 year including the heavy hitters, Daytona Bike Week, New Orleans Bike Week, Sturgis Rally, and ending at the 2010 South Florida Bikers Bash and Toys in the Sun Run. Look for the Vagabond set up at rallies near you . You can also check out the events pages on the web sites for scheduled stops in 2010.
We thank our wonderful sponsors who share our love of motorcycles, to them we are grateful for all of their support.
Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Sponsors includes:
Mitchell Motorcycle Transport
BikerNet.com
Expose Yourself USA
Baker Drivetrain
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Ventura Salon Spa
Seminole Tribe Of Florida
JayBrake
Jeffrey Phipps Custom Saddles
Leslie Kays’ Insurance
Metzler Tire
BikerRogue.com
Gardner – Westcott
Vavavroom
Throttle Threads Shop Wear
Bikers’ Choice
AW Kustom Kolors
Harley Davidson Officially Announces Plan for Women Riders Month
Harley-Davidson is planning a two-day women’s event in May 2010 as part of Women Riders Month, now held annually. Today Harley-Davidson is officially announcing its plans to commemorate the 2nd Annual Women Riders Month by hosting women riders in its hometown of Milwaukee, Wis., on May 22 and 23, 2010. Women Riders Month is designed to celebrate the millions of women who have already grabbed life by the handlebars, as well as inspire more women to experience the freedom of the open road.
During the two day event, the Motor Company has planned a series of activities for women including demo rides at the Harley-Davidson Museum, new product displays and an opportunity to meet and speak with Karen Davidson, great granddaughter of one of the Motor Company founders. On Saturday, an independent ride featuring several stops throughout the city of Milwaukee and surrounding areas will give riders a taste of Wisconsin. An organized ride later that day will land at an evening block party featuring live entertainment.
“We are very excited to build upon the successful Women Riders Month events we hosted this past year in New York City and Milwaukee,” said Leslie Prevish, women’s outreach manager, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Of course, we’re especially thrilled about the opportunity to welcome female riders from across the country to our hometown.”
The Women Riders Month event in Milwaukee is open to riders of all brands of motorcycles and non-riders alike – women are encouraged to bring friends to join them in the various activities. A full schedule of activities and registration for the Women Riders Month 2010 event will be announced in early 2010 at Harley-davidson.com/womenriders.
SEMINAR GETS RAVE REVIEW FROM THE AMA AND ATTENDEES
Well, the reviews are in from the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference in Keystone Colorado, August 19- 22, 2009. Many seminars were given and a variety of valuable information was provided to more than 1,000 attendees. Top on that list was the “Making Your Motorcycle Fit You ” seminar given in part by Athena
” Chickie ” Ransom of Vagabond Chopper Company.
Attendees found the seminar funny, informative and inspirational to not only the female genre but also the men who attended. Chickie, who has over twenty years of experience makes it easy to understand the relationship between riders and their motorcycles. She also gives her perspective from a technician/builder aspect to assist riders in understanding the relationship needed in that arena. Let’s not forget her tidbits on leverage and maneuvering your motorcycle, which everyone found to be useful. ( Some were even practicing in the parking lot )
Chickie provided the new Harley Davidson Fit Shop Brochure to attendees as a guide to assist in the process of a fitment. As well, she discussed the need for choosing quality aftermarket parts when needed. When asked, “Is this seminar for all riders? ” Chickie responded, “This seminar is about the rider and the motorcycle, no matter what brand. Of course I grew up on Harley Davidson and believe in the product; all of my custom bikes have Harley color coded wiring, connectors, electrical systems, starters, brakes, belts, batteries and much more, so I use the reference a lot. But, I also work with companies who handle quality aftermarket parts that I offer to my customers and they are based on the same platform. Giving these seminars allows me to pass on some of my knowledge, which by the way I learned the hard way, and I feel good helping others. It is a magical experience to inspire them to have a real relationship with their motorcycles. In essence they end up motivated to ride more, and the best part is it truly applies to all brands of motorcycles because the core concept is the message that I send – I love all of my motorcycles and I enjoy sharing that love with others!”
Vagabond Chopper Company ( The Family ) has convinced Chickie to continue to share her experience and love of motorcycles with others . . .
… To have Athena “Chickie ” Ransom at your event, seminar or garage party please contact Desiree Froyd at Vagabond Chopper Company, ( 954 ) 360-0075 or eventscheduling@vagabondchoppers.com
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