Monthly Archives: December 2011
Respect?, By Sara Liberte
“Men are respectable only as they respect” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
So today is Dec. 8th 2011, 7 years since guitar genius Dimebag Darrel was shot to death onstage while performing with Damageplan at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. To pay my respects I started my day off with some Pantera, and just as “Walk” started to methodically pace out my day, so did the lyrics. The words surfaced thoughts I have been having about the “show”, (I reluctantly hate to admit) I watched the other night. I really didn’t want to play into all the hype and shit that was going on over it. Seems totally ridiculous to me, when it’s only feeding the monsters that created it and giving them exactly what they want. I try to stay away from BS like that. But the thing that was sticking in my head wasn’t the “show” or lack of, it wasn’t the bikes, or lack of, and it wasn’t the builders, or lack of, it was the people and the crap they were saying about each other for not agreeing on who/what bike should have “won”.
As a member of the motorcycling culture family, the motto to live by is RESPECT your Brothers. Look out for one another and treat each other right. Everywhere you look you see people tooting the message, see it on blogs, in print, on websites, everywhere. Everyone just loves to throw this around. Well, after all that went down I’m sitting here and the only thing that comes to mind is where the hell did all the respect go?
I’m completely appalled at the shit being thrown, embarrassed to call myself a part of this community…. Seems to me those shouting the message, don’t even really know the message… I think some are confused……
Respect isn’t an allegiance. No, it’s not a loyalty or devotion to some person, group, cause, or the like. No, you see Respect has NOTHING to do with that. It is To consider worthy of esteem; to regard with honor. When did it become ok to confuse the two? When did it become ok to chose one over the other? I believe the two should exist inside you at the same time. A true MAN (used for both male and female) is able to comprehend and exhibit these two traits.
These days people are willing to “drop you”, or lose “respect” for you if you don’t have the same thoughts, opinions or allegiance as them? Really, what is that? I believe what I believe, I like what I like, I trust what I trust and I have faith in what I have faith in. YOU may not agree or share the same allegiances I have, but guess what, that doesn’t mean I’m going to “drop you”, that doesn’t mean I’m going to hate you and it sure as hell doesn’t mean I am going to lose any respect for you. How would I ever expect you to respect me, if I don’t respect you… Just because we have different ideas of what is “cool” or “right” doesn’t mean we have to be disrespectful to one another.
This topic comes up with everything in life, politics, religion, education, etc… blah, blah, People will make decisions about others and treat them with respect or lack of respect simply because they confuse respect with allegiance. That is sad, very sad, especially sad in a community that boasts the morals that the motorcycling community does.
You stand for other countries’ anthems, but do not sing them. You bow your head during the prayers of other religions, but do not recite them. All these are valid ways of showing respect without pledging allegiance.
So why don’t we behave this way to one another who have a different view of lets say something not that grand in the overall grand scheme of things in life such as a motorcycle, or the way it was built…… ?
Through pressure of conformity, there is freedom of choice, ( but usually nothing to choose from). If we chose different does that mean I deserve no respect from you, or you deserve none from me?
Don’t get me wrong, yes of course express how you feel, express what you believe in, Don’t ever be bullied into silence, don’t conform, don’t accept what you don’t like. Just don’t do it with lack of respect for others who carry just as strong an allegiance towards something different than your own.
And with that I leave you with these lyrics…..
Respect, walk. what did you say?
Respect, walk. Are you talking to me?
Run your mouth when I’m not around
It’s easy to achieve.
Chopper Live on Discovery Channel; Jr, vs. Sr. Vs. James
So wow, like everyone is talking about this show huh? Some excitement is coming back to the motorcycle tv shows, too bad it’s only going to boost ratings for the overly redundant OCC and American Chopper series…. Not sure about you guys but I’m just not interested in watching those guys on tv anymore.
But this series is different, having Sr. go against Jr. and Jesse James on a 3 way build off that ends up with viewer’s deciding who the winner will be. All the voting goes down here.
Last night we saw the bikes being built, Jr. taking his “theme” bike to a new “high” with an airplane inspired build, Jesse going balls out with a straight up hand built hard core chop, and Sr. with a ummm what the f*&^k was that thing? So, anyway guess we will see tonight who will be crowned best builder… really?, not sure if I would go so far as to say it should come down to these 3 guys as being the best builder in the world… I personally know tons of craftsman out there that can dance circles around all 3 of these bozo’s. Anyway, watch tonight and give us your feedback, what did you think of the bikes, who will win… lets hear what ya got?
Wheel Stands!!!!!!!!!
Confederate Motorcycles Unveils Third Generation Hellcat
The company’s founder and CEO, H. Matthew Chambers, described the new Hellcat by saying, “This is the motorcycle we were conceived to execute when I founded the company 21 years ago. I have every confidence that we have delivered all we ever dreamed of giving.”
Named after the legendary F6F Hellcat fighter plane of WWII, the X132 Hellcat is the result of an uncompromised design and manufacturing approach. The centerpiece of this approach is the Hellcat’s billet aluminum case. Instead of the usual casting method, the Hellcat’s case is machined from two blocks of billet 6061 aircraft grade aluminum. Chambers said, “This new case unites America’s best Vtwin technology and America’s superior powertrain technology into a singularity. Although this is the most expensive material selection and craft methodology, it is simply the best approach for maximizing strength and guaranteeing permanence.” Confederate’s lead designer, Edward Jacobs, said, “We’ve always dreamed of designing the core of the machine. For the first time in our 21 year history, we’ve been able to do that with the unitized case of this new Hellcat. The result is the first pure and undiluted Confederate.” The company’s uncompromised approach does not end with the case. “Because we design and craft each Confederate motorcycle to be a multi-generational heirloom product, we require that each component, from the carbon fiber wheels to the smallest stainless steel bolts, be of the highest quality, no matter the cost. Our clients deserve nothing less,” said Clay Morrison, the company’s Director of Marketing.
With over 40 units already pre-sold, the company is set to begin production in January at a rate of two units per week. Pricing for the X132 Hellcat is set at $45,000 through February 29, 2012. The price will rise to $49,500 on March 1, 2012. Orders may be placed online at www.workandcycle.com.
For the past the 21 years, Confederate Motors, Inc. has designed and crafted uncompromised heirloom motorcycles for the motoring purist. For more information, please visit www.confederate.com.
2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference set for July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev.
Nowhere is the passion and dedication of women motorcyclists more apparent than at an AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference. The popular event returns July 26-29, 2012, this time in Carson City, Nev. — one of the West’s premier motorcycling destinations.
The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference focuses on educating, encouraging, inspiring and mentoring women in the lifestyle and sport of motorcycling. Early registration of $125 is available now exclusively for AMA members at this site. After April 30, 2012, registration will increase to $175 for AMA members and be available to non-AMA members for $235.
“Regardless of bike brand, riding preference or background, women motorcyclists are bound together by their common passion for life on two and three wheels,” said AMA Marketing Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. “The AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference provides all of us the opportunity to connect with, and learn from, other women riders. Through seminars, activities, training classes and organized rides, we’ll work together to gain knowledge and skills to better navigate where the road or trail leads next.”
Carson City Mayor Pro Tem Shelly Aldean said the conference is a welcome addition to her city’s 2012 calendar of events.
“Carson City is delighted to be hosting the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference in July 2012,” she said. “We look forward to accommodating the attendees participation in the conference. We hope that during their visit, conference goers will spend some time exploring what Carson City has to offer and, as a result of our hospitality, will feel like honorary members of our community when it’s finally time to say goodbye.”
Previous AMA International Women & Motorcycling conferences have been held in Keystone, Colo.; Athens, Ga.; Buckhannon, W.Va.; Athens, Ohio; and Westerville, Ohio. They featured targeted attractions for women motorcyclists such as seminars, workshops, speeches, product and motorcycle displays and demonstrations, recreational riding and networking.
“I am personally looking forward to this special gathering of the women’s motorcycling community, a community that has increased significantly in recent years,” Tsujikawa said. “The 2009 event was an unforgettable experience, and the 2012 conference will offer even more camaraderie and fun.”
Tsujikawa added that men are encouraged to attend the conference as well.
“Motorcyclists are known for their welcoming attitudes, and the AMA International Women and Motorcycling Conference is no exception,” she said. “Women are encouraged to register their spouses, partners and friends, who can attend all activities. And for those just along for the ride, even if they aren’t participating in the conference, there are ample entertainment opportunities in Carson City, on and off a motorcycle.”
The sixth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference will be held in Carson City, Nev., on July 26-29, 2012. Event and lodging information is available at www.womenandmotorcycling.com.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com
A Boot To Ride In!
By, Penny Osiecki
photo credit; Derek Richard Osiecki
In 1994 a magazine had asked me to do a test ride on a middleweight cruiser. I was a new rider test riding a motorcycle that belonged to the manufacturer. After the test ride was complete I was backing the motorcycle into a parking spot that had remnants of oil throughout. Because I was not wearing the correct riding boots my foot slipped on the oil and I dumped the bike. Unfortunately, I ended up with reconstructive shoulder surgery from the fall. Since this incident I would never think of wearing anything other than real riding boots, and prefer H-D Footwear boots because of the rubber outsoles.
My previous boots were similar to the “Faded Glory” H-D Footwear design that had the round toe and tied up the front. This time I decided to go with the style “Jean” stock #D84431 that has a zipper and a square toe for a different look. This boot also has a full-length cushion sock lining for comfort. Most importantly, I made sure it was a riding style boot for safety with an oil resistant rubber outsole. Quality is a huge issue with me as well. When I first started riding I went through a few different non-Harley boots and they didn’t last very long. I do an average amount of riding and would say I had my last pair of H-D Footwear boots for at least 6 years.
I’ll have to be honest, it took my last pair of H-D boots quite a while to break in but the “Jean” boot was broken in within 3 or 4 times of wearing them. The zipper is easy to zip and unzip and they fit under my jeans with ease. The toe of the boot fits perfectly between my peg and shifter without feeling bulky and the rubber outsole performs perfectly.
I would highly recommend H-D Footwear to any rider or non-rider that’s looking for a quality riding boot that performs well and is stylish. Head over to the website or your local dealer to check out the options they offer.