Laughlin 2004 Revisited

Laughlin is the flip side of the coin as
compared to Laconia. Where colors are welcome in Laconia, the only
color co-ordinated group this year at the Laughlin Bike Week were the
local law enforcement agencies.

Huss had flown in early to Las Vegas and was met by Jay ___ whom he
met last year in Sturgis. Jay had graciously offered Huss a 2002 Low
Rider for the week to explore Nevada, Arizona, and California.

Last trip our photohog rode across a couple snow covered mountain
passes to reach Laughlin, so the idea of skipping the chilling part
and getting right to the warm weather riding sounded great to him.
Arriving a week early gave our northern rider time to tour a chunk of
Arizona and Nevada. Here they partied til the sun came up in exotic
locales like the Cottontail Ranch.

Two years ago Huss barely missed getting locked down in the notorious
"crime Scene" at Harrah's. Unlucky guests and patrons were sequestered
for 12 hours while the mayhem was investigated. From the great numbers
of officers posted on every street corner, it was clear they were
keeping a tight rein on the bikers this year.

In fact, there were such great numbers of COPS, that it was
detrimental to the overall enjoyment of the local sights. Is there
peace in the valley, you know it, but at what expense.

Arriving in Laughlin on Thursday night, they found the atmosphere so
restricting that they returned to Las Vegas the same night and decided
to ride to the coast instead of returning to Laughlin. Huss tells us
that stretch after stretch of motorcycle heaven can be found along the
Cali coastline, but be prepared for expensive meals and such. In our
writer's opinion, still a better value than gambling in the desert.

CCRyder

CCRyder ; The World of Wheels

Running From the Devil
CCRyder

Back last February, a couple of good old boys from Red Deer Alberta, loaded their winters handy work into their trailer and hauled the load to the 2004 World of Wheels in Calgary. A total of four bikes were hauled to Calgary and four classes were won giving the guys plenty of hardware to return home with.

Bob Plunket owns this soft tail chopper, and hails from Delborne, Alberta. The ‘04’ World of Wheels was the first show Bob ever entered the bike, and won the ISCA North American Custom class. He has been hauling in trophies at every show since. At Slack Alice’s in Penticton, he had the Best Radical coming 2nd overall behind Roger Goldammer.

Poorboyz Choppers out of Red Deer did the build over a period of six months. Bob showed up on Poorboyz doorstep with a frame, motor and a dream. He pretty well knew exactly what he wanted so it was up to Warren’s crew to match his visions to reality.

He wanted an every day rider that could still win the shows. To accommodate handling he didn’t want an extreme front end, hence the nineteen inch Hallcraft front wheel instead of a twenty-one inch, and a 180 series Avon in the rear instead of a wider tire. This allows the driveline to remain in the centre of the frame, which relates to better handling.
The rake is only two degrees over stock, which kicks the front end out slightly, but retains the handling.

Bob Plunket 403-357-9869
Home 403-749-3697

CC Ryder The Road Hog

In light of the recent rash of motorcycle fatalities I’ve decided to share this story in hopes that I may raise some awareness.
After touring most of the continent I am very accustomed to being pulled over when passing through small town America. Although it doesn’t occur so much in the summer, in the off season I have often been tag teamed by various law enforcement agencies. Usually they just want to know who is on their turf. Most are even friendly about it but I do recall this one sheriff in Kansas who showed me the quickest way out of his state. Two years ago in I woke up a sleeping officer with my pipes who chased me down the road and ranted on about me going thru a yellow/red light. When he asked me what it was, I calmly replied, “Whatever you say it was”. That was all he needed to continue his rant, but after seeing another cruiser go down the road with lights flashing, he decided that he had better things to do and returned my paperwork. Before departing he actually told me,

“I better not catch you in my town again”.

One sunny day a few weeks ago, I had just passed small town Alberta when I noticed a RCMP cruiser heading my way. Having ridden a Harley for many years I’m never surprised when pulled over for no apparent reason. Today was no different. After we passed on the roadway I checked my mirror to see the cruiser pull a u-turn, hit the flashing lights and quickly close the distance between us.
I will say at this time that the officer remained cool but polite throughout the conversation. The standard questions followed. Where are you headed? Where are you from and so on? He then went on to inform me that a complaint had been "called in" regarding the speed I was traveling and the fact that I had forced a car over to the shoulder.
Mystified as I was I asked him if he was sure he had the right bike. Oh yes, he explained, the caller made mention of the out of state plate and its origin. He further informed me that the caller in question said I had passed on a solid line, was going between 140 – 150 kph, and they still managed to take note of the foreign plate. Truly amazing.
They also said that because of my unsafe passing, I forced a lady coming the other way off to the shoulder. Furthermore the officer informed me that the caller was willing to attend court. I produced the appropriate paperwork and the officer retired to his cruiser. As I watched him on his cell phone (must have been speaking with the caller) a second cruiser pulled up and this officer conferred with the first before returning to his cruiser to simply sit there.
When the officer returned to my bike with paperwork in hand I jokingly added,

“That sure was a long time to write a warning ticket”. Again he mentioned the caller but told me that he was only going to give me a ticket for doing 119 kph in a 100 kph zone, such generosity, seeing that I was traveling behind two vehicles when I noticed him coming and made a point of maintaining a speed of 110 kph from then till he pulled me over. Basically I thought at that speed I was safe. He had also put on his lights as soon as he turned so I found it difficult to see how he could have clocked or caught me on radar at any speed (especially with two large flat targets for his radar to find before my small bike).
I informed him that I write occasionally and presented him with a free copy of the latest issues featuring my writing. I explained to him that I do not pass on solid lines as I feel they are there for our safety. I further went on to explain that in fact I do hug the center line for a variety of reasons. First, you are more visible to the vehicle in front of you. Second, by hugging the center of the road, I know when cars coming my way see me. They should move over a few inches out of basic survival instinct, if they don’t move than they are day dreaming or whatever it is they do instead of paying attention to the road. Quite often I will be leading a group of bikes and this style of riding helps protect everybody. My next point was that after waiting for an opportunity to pass, most motorcyclists will do it quickly. The rule of thumb is you should pass within five seconds, or you are taking too long.
Finally I mentioned that possibly the operator of the vehicle I was supposed to have pushed off the road was gabbing on the phone. So may not have been paying the attention they should have been and got a start when they suddenly noticed for the first time, a large black motorcycle encroaching on their space. Obviously the caller was on a cell phone as they were driving given the fact that the RCMP was able to attend this serious call within minutes.

Usually I would have pictures to go with this story but after receiving the ticket I politely asked the officer if he would pose in a picture for me. He didn’t think that was a good idea. In fact, he forbade me to take any pictures at all. Talk about ‘police state’. I made mention that I had pictures of law enforcement officers from all over the continent.
They are all available for viewing at http://www.harleydavidsonman.com. This seemed to have no effect on the officer and he further explained to me that although he appreciated the magazine, I was not going to take any pictures of the two cruisers sitting with lights flashing, he had no way of knowing where they would end up. The manner in which he said this left me with the impression that he meant outlaw bikers, not a magazine or newspaper.

Who can blame him though, I mean, I was riding a Harley, right?

I briefly considered furthering my cause but seeing that the officers had me out numbered two to one, and they had guns, I decided to keep my thoughts and camera to my self. Of course, if I had been thinking, I would have shot first and asked questions later.
As I was putting my paperwork away I bent over (way over), to view my license plate, which is tucked under the luggage rack. Straightening up, the thought crossed my mind as to how a vehicle that I had allegedly passed so quickly and dangerously, yet the caller was still able to identify the origin of my plate. I personally find that extremely difficult to fathom but it must be because cops don’t lie, do they?
The people of Alberta should sleep well at night knowing how quickly their police force responds to complaints on the road, and with such force. Unfortunately I think that the response may not have been so quick if I had been in a car or even on a Japanese style bike. Maybe they thought I was a lone outlaw biker and one gun wouldn’t be enough.
Normally I would let this slide but with the recent head on collision involving motorcycles I felt compiled to write this letter. I felt that if I could raise the awareness of travelers, both on two wheels and four, maybe I can save a life down the road. If you are riding two wheels you always have to be aware of your surroundings because in any collision; you lose. Even experienced riders take a couple weeks to get in the groove.
If you are in a cage, for God’s sake, get off the phone or spend fifty dollars to purchase hands–free set up. It is amazing how many people talk constantly on the phone while driving. If the police want something to crack down on, that would be my first choice.
Just yesterday I had a small truck with tinted windows jump in front of me and belch a cloud of black smoke trying to pick up speed to pass. When I pulled up beside the truck I saw a teenage girl with her left arm casually resting on the door and a phone in her ear. Looking over I visualized this girl sitting in her room gabbing on the phone and could not help feeling that was where she belonged. I waited til she finally took notice of me and sadly shook my head. She was totally indifferent to the collision she could have easily caused. Many people briefly check their mirrors for large objects and change lanes without really looking.
I’m not writing this to whine or bitch but hopefully save a life down the road. We reintroduce motorcycles every year at this time and we all have to be more aware, not only on our roads, but on the farms, in the playgrounds, on the water, and where ever mechanical equipment comes into play.

CCRyder

The Bow Valley HOG Chapter

October in Bow Valley

The Bow Valley HOG Chapter had a busy month in October. As always, the Sunday brunches at Kane’s Harley Diner, which is followed by a ride, and Wednesday night stomps at Canada’s #1 honky-tonk, The Ranchman’s, were well attended. Some members originally had problems with Wednesday’s location but being a country boy myself, and owning horses since childhood, I had no such prejudices.

I started out on horses, as a young child my Dad would put me on the back of his Quarter horse for day rides. I remember clinging to the back lip of his saddle praying I wouldn’t loose my grip and go flying off as ‘Pride’ cantered down the trails. After Grade 2, Dad got me my own horse, and for years to follow, ‘Nipper’ was my main companion during the long days of summer.

When the need for speed exceeded what my horse could offer, I moved up to mechanical horses. So for me, the transition from one to the other was natural evolution. Happily, the two groups have blended very peacefully and the Chapter has even picked up a few new members along the way.

Shawn, the bar manager, and the staff of stunningly beautiful cowgirls make every effort to show true western hospitality to all. As noticed on page 17 of the Oct. issue of Can Biker, pretty girls can sure look great in old cowboy hats. Free food and drink, as well as secure parking, has helped make Wednesday nights a popular gathering.

Fittingly, Cowboy (chapter director) and his wife Bev, hosted the fall BBQ. Over a hundred bikes showed and many members camped out on the acreage. In true biker style, some of us just partied ‘all night long’. Sunday saw lots of action during the bike rodeo and Bev even got most of the kids involved, with games like the ‘egg toss’.

I thought I’d have a good chance to win the ‘slow race’ since I’m still riding a 1980 Honda Custom 900 to all the HOG events (why, you ask). My luck wasn’t with me, as I hit a slow speed wobble (believe it) and was beat by an old nemesis, Gerry. To rub it in, he also kicked my ass in the keg push final.

The same weekend saw some of the more responsible members volunteer for a highway cleanup and I heard they could have used a little more manpower. With limited help, they still managed to finish in time to catch most of the games.

The next weekend saw the annual fall poker run have some of the best weather we’ve had in years. No rain, hail, or sub zero temperatures, just sunshine and a little wind. Being a Johnny come lately, I have over the years got in the habit of riding with Mick Cawthorn, the owner of Kane’s H-D.

After everyone else has departed, we head out, and see how many we can pass. Even though Mick offered me a new H-D to ride for the day, I opted to stay with my trusty vintage jap bike. I like to let the naive tease me at the frequent stops, then blow by them with nary a wave in the 3 digit speeds. This usually shuts them up pretty good.

October 18, saw many of us gather for the Calgary Stampeders final home game of the year. This is another long time tradition. Since bikes get free parking, it is advantageous to ride to the games and some of us have been known to ride in extreme weather, myself included. The theory is, if the players can hack 3 hours on the field, we should be able to ride to the field. Every game, someone cooks up their specialty for the tail-gate party, which often gets rocking so much that a few always seem to miss most of the game.


JD Boyd

CCRyder April Showers

April Showers
By JD Boyd

Well, I finally did it, finally reached my limitations, or should I say the limits of my Dunlop 401’s. Although much of my time is spent in Calgary I regularly travel to the family farm an hour north of the city. Usually one doesn’t have to be overly concerned about weather changes when heading out for a mere hour ride. Crossfield boasts the highest elevation between Calgary and Edmonton. Because of this, the weather often changes abruptly at this point. The high land mass causes approaching clouds to dump the moisture they have built up within their silver lining.

Approaching the Crossfield area, I pulled over to take a shot of the threatening grey clouds that consumed the sky in front of me. By the next overpass I was forced to pull over to don my winter gear and plug in. Coming out from under the overpass I was immediately running through an inch of slush. Fair enough I thought, and headed up an exit the wrong way. Once I can’t keep up to the flow of traffic on the main highway, I prefer to travel the secondary roads. The winds are usually less and it decreases the chances of getting rear ended by some high-speed cage.

After traveling this corridor for a decade one would think that I know how drastic the changes can be and act accordingly. That means having enough intelligence to turn around and head back to Calgary when the going gets tough. In my case, when the going gets tough, I slow down, but seldom turn around.

Unfortunately God gifted me with more stubbornness than brains and also made me just a little bit chauvinistic. So when one old woman starts throwing that dirty weather at me, I merely pull my bandanna a little higher over my face, slouch slightly more in the seat, and squint my eyes to protect them from as many direct hits of hail/snow/rain as possible.

Many times my traveling companions and I have been caught in torrential downpours. Interestingly, I always seem to be alone when I get caught in these Alberta snowstorms. I wonder? Anyhoo, we always continue onward even when other vehicles are pulled over. Why you ask. Very often the dump is isolated to the cloud you are under so the simple thing to do is keep moving.

So here I am, the beak of my leather ball cap pulled down and my head tilted towards the oncoming wind. The tricky part is that you can’t see through a snow covered windshield so you have to raise your head just enough to have a clear line of sight over the shield while at the same time trying to protect your eyes.

I wasn’t making bad time cause I was keeping the ½ ton in front of me in sight. He must have been drunk though, his tracks were all over the place and at one point did a nice fish tail towards the ditch. Then I thought, maybe it’s getting icy. The slush was near three inches over most of the road but I found if I stayed in the tracks before me the resistance to the front wheel was much less.

Things were going along just hunky-dory when the front wheel caught the edge of the tracks, and away I went. Now, I’ve pulled many 360’s over the years, but never on the side of a Harley. As a kid we used to practise dropping our bikes and sliding to a stop. The Classic is even more stable than my old Honda 90 Trail, that extra 600 lbs. keeps your momentum going straight and smooth, no bouncing around.

I just held on and enjoyed the slide. It was much like spinning down the hill on your Mother’s washer lid as a kid. The FLH even stayed to the centre of the road. By the time she came to a stop we were facing the other direction so I quickly jumped off and started waving to the truck slowly bearing down on me. Since I was blocking the whole road he had little choice but to help me get the beast upright.

There was so much snow and slush on the road that the only damage was to the soft lowers, and a displaced mirror. The fairing may be scratched but in the chill of the moment I never noticed. I did however take the time to get the camera out of the tour pak and snap a shot of the upright bike standing next to the spot where we stopped sliding.

I got turned around again and slowly continued on my way. The Snow Belt is only about 20 miles wide and I was hoping that the fierce weather would soon be behind me. One mile down the road I came to the junction of Hwy #791 and looking to my right, I saw the farm house where last May I was forced to abandon the Classic because 8 inches of snow had fallen in 10 miles of travel. I knew if I could get another 10 miles, I should be home free.

Heading north again now I came upon a tractor unit hauling a large farm implement, sitting on the shoulder contemplating the deep coulee in front of him. As I pulled around I noticed him smile and shake his head. I was tempted to tell him that after this next coulee the road would start to clear but I decided to leave him to his astonishment as I disappeared over the crest into the coulee below.

Moral of the story is that the Dunlop tires are as earning of their fine reputation now as they were thirty years ago when I used nothing but Dunlop TT100’s on my motorcycles. For the average rider, these are all you’ll ever need. Personally though, I’m thinking of having a set studded for next spring’s commuting.

Visit JD at www.ccryder.com

Harley Davidson Man Calgary H.O.G.

Jason Thorne (L) and Kenny Yoho fly over a jump

Jason Thorne (L) and Kenny Yoho fly over a jump at a bar in Samsula, Florida during Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida March 9, 2005. The annual ten-day event attracts motorcyclists of all varieties with over 500,000 expected this year. REUTERS/Rick Wilking

Pepper

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FireFox

Why Use Firefox?

“Beware of spyware. If you can, use the Firefox browser.” - USA Today

“Better than Internet Explorer by leaps and bounds.” - FORBES

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Harley Davidson Man descriptions of BAD people to work with!

• "Since my last report, this employee has reached rock bottom and has started to dig."
• "His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of morbid curiosity."
• "I would not allow this employee to breed."
• "This employee is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definite won't be."
• "Works well when under constant supervision when cornered like a rat in a trap."
• "When she opens her mouth, it seems that it is only to change feet."
• "He would be out of his depth in a parking lot puddle."
• "This young lady has delusions of adequacy."
• "He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them."
• "Somewhere a village is being deprived of an idiot."
• "This employee should go far, and the sooner he starts, the better."
• "Got a full 6-pack, but lacks the plastic thing to hold it all together."
• "A gross ignoramus - - - 144 times worse than an ordinary ignoramus."
• "He certainly takes a long time to make his pointless."
• "He doesn't have ulcers, but he's a carrier."
• "I would like to go hunting with him sometime."
• "He's been working with glue too much."
• "He would argue with a signpost."
• "He has a knack for making strangers immediately."
• "He brings a lot of joy whenever he leaves the room."
• "When his IQ reaches 50, he should sell."
• "If you see two people talking and one looks bored, he's the other one."
• "A photographic memory but with the lens cover glued on."
• "A prime candidate for natural deselection."
• "Donated his brain to science before he was done using it."
• "Gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming."
• "Has two brains: one is lost and the other is out looking for it."
• "If he were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week."
• "If you give him a penny for his thoughts, you'd get change."
• "If you stand close enough to him, you can hear the ocean."
• "It's hard to believe that he beat out 1,000,000 other sperm."
• "One neuron short of a synapse."
• "Some drink from the fountain of knowledge; he only gargled."
• "Takes him 1 1/2 hours to watch 60 minutes."
• "The wheel is turning, but the hamster is dead.

BIKE WEEK ‘05 ©

Pepper

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