South Park Takes On Harley-Davidson

South Park Episode 12 - Harley Hatin'

Life imitates art or is it the other way round?  It turns out the “inconsiderate douche bag’s on Harley’s” are creating noise as they ride up and down the street wrecking everyone’s quite time on South Park.

It’s a protest movement in episode 12, where Cartman calls out a pack of bikers whose loud Harleys prove most irritating for the height challenged, truth-blurting, foul-mouthed characters. As the motorcycle noise escalates, the so-called “kids” take the matter into their own hands with graffiti and lobbying to have the dictionary definition of the term “f*g” changed to “annoying, inconsiderate Harley riders.”

There’s been plenty of Harley hatin’ on this blog comments section about raucous exhausts and loud bikes.  And regardless of your stance on the noise debate as to whether or not loud pipes do anything for safety, you’ll likely find humor (or irritation) in this episode that’s become rather controversial.  So much controversy in fact, that the New York Times has reported a gay advocacy group is protesting the episode.

Watch the 22-minute show here.  The show adds a new dimension to the anti H-D stance and I’m sure someone in the motor company is reevaluating advertisement placements.

Photo courtesy of Comedy Central/South Park.

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Motorcycle Calendars

Organizing your schedule shouldn’t be a burden.

I use a number of calendars both paper and electronic as I suspect many of you do the same.  Personally I think paper is easier, always available and generally more portable.  I was looking around for a new calendar and ran across the 2010 Big Dog Biker Calendar.  Should be no problem keeping track of important dates as the calendar has oversized date boxes providing plenty of room to write in important events as well as 12 months of inspiring images. However, don’t be fooled because most of these ladies aren’t the ‘gas chick’ on the back seat type… they ride motorcycles for personal enjoyment.  Go figure!

That’s what impressed me about this calendar.  I must be getting old(er) as many of the models are “real” women! Mature women who ride their own bike.  There is real beauty in maturity versus the plastified bimbo’s with platform shoes that are too fake, too overdone.  To each his own… I suppose.  I’ve made every effort to avoid sleazy and keep it classy.  It’s a challenge, but someone’s got to do it.

Photo courtesy of Big Dog Biker.

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Supporting Veterans

On this Veterans Day we still feel the shock of the 13 who were killed and the 43 injured on the base of Fort Hood just 6 days ago.

I have not been injured or nearly killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq.  Nor do I personally understand the trials and long road to recovery that the injuries of war demand.  In war, these events are called battles.  In our own country, by the hand of an American soldier, these events are called a massacre.  The victims were hit not by an exploding IED, responsible for close to 85 percent of the injuries and deaths in Afghanistan, they were hit by bullets, dozens of shots fired from a pistol by a psychologically disturbed individual.  The victims of this tragedy are not only those who were physically harmed, but also their families, loved ones and comrades.  They will need our support, on Veterans Day, and beyond.

Today I say thank you as we commemorate, remember, and honor those who have put themselves in harm’s way for their country.

Photo take in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, HI.

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Motorcycle Discrimination

Craig Bramscher (Brammo CEO) and Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden

Equal treatment from the state and federal government.  It’s a topic that many motorcycle groups and individuals invest a lot of time to ensure.

Whether it’s fighting against profiling of average citizens who ride motorcycles or “anti-gang bills” that defines a gang as “an association of three or more individuals who share a symbol or name either formally or informally.”  Or maybe it’s calling out press organizations who use motorcycle club sensationalism to sell advertising which has the added benefit of isolating the motorcycle riding segment of our population from the mainstream and tries to “criminalize” motorcyclists in the court of public opinion.

But, today economic factors have me advocating on behalf of the motorcycle “Eco-Activist”.  Specifically the manufacturers that make electric two-wheeled vehicles.   They have been largely discriminated against and cannot benefit from the numerous government incentives designed to spur the growth and adoption of electric vehicles.  Remember the Clunker Program?  Motorcyclists need not apply!

However, there are some positive signs with HR 3246, which is called the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act.  The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the amendment giving two-wheel electric vehicles manufacturers access to Department of Energy funding for further development of electric vehicles.  For the EV industry this will allow, for the first time, two wheel vehicles to benefit from federal Department of Energy funding which automobiles enjoy.

Plug IN America was instrumental in getting this legislation passed in the house, but as you may recall a bill must pass both the House and Senate and then be signed by the President.  And while it’s gratifying to see the House of Representative approve and show support for electric motorcycles, the Senate needs to follow suit.  I encourage motorcyclists to take a moment to tell their U.S. Senator’s to support and pass this measure when it comes up to vote. A complete list of Senators and their contact information can be found here.

Photo courtesy of Brammo.  Full Disclosure: I don’t work for or have an investment or ownership in Brammo.

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Veteran Disturbia

The Fort Hood, TX., shooting spree yesterday by Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is disturbing.  He had duties as a psychiatrist to help treat soldiers returning from combat with P.T.S.D. and it’s being reported that he shouted “Allahu Akhbar” (phrase meaning “Allah is great” in Arabic) as he opened fire on returning soldiers assembled from combat duties in the middle east.

The commander-in-chief was being constantly briefed on the shooting situation and stated “Let’s not jump to any conclusions” during publicized remarks in the wake of the shooting.  This from the same person who said a couple months ago that police in MA., were “stupid” for arresting a Black college professor – who was a personal friend – and was thought to be breaking into a home?!  The contradiction is disturbing.

And instead of a somber commander-in-chief offering expressions of sympathy and compassion to the Veteran’s and their families, the President maintains his previously scheduled meeting and makes inappropriate and light-hearted remarks at the Tribal Nations Conference.  Backslapping and providing “shout-out’s” to attendees.  A full three minutes into the speech the President finally spoke of the shooting – one of the worst killing’s in military base history!  They should have cancelled the meeting realizing a disconnect between the horrific killing played out at home and the light hearted banter coming from President – the Frater Infinitas (“brothers forever”) disconnect is disturbing.

But I digress.

In a few short days another Veteran’s Day will be celebrated.  It’s about honoring military veterans.   There will be parades large and small celebrating those who stepped forward to serve our nation.  I can’t forgive Hasan for the betrayal and I’m not going to allow a psychologically disturbed individual cast a shadow on remembering them either.   I have a lot of respect for our soldiers and appreciate the service you do for this country.

Photo courtesy of itmon.

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Green Is The New Black

American Bombshell - Marisa Miller

Didn’t you know?

Critics argue that “green” is a passing fad. But, don’t tell Harley-Davidson because the marketing professionals have rolled out a military green marketing and media campaign with “American Bombshell” Marisa Miller.

I’m not talking about an “Inconvenient Truth” or environmental type of green.  Yes, Virginia — I’m talking fashion and the wearing of or riding a Green colored motorcycle. The color comes in all shades and the fashion experts suggest/hype that it’s as fresh as Peppermint!

Yesterday, H-D announced that Marisa Miller expanded her relationship and will salute active and retired U.S. military personnel during the month of November.  This is part of the company’s first-ever “Military Appreciation Month” campaign.  Cool and just in time for Veterans Day!

Sporting minimal clothing, Ms. Miller will be sitting alongside H-D motorcycles in military-themed (read Green) creative, including print and digital ads, posters, postcards and calendars throughout the month of November.  In addition there will be a special section of the H-D web site where anyone can create an electronic postcard with artwork of Miller and Harley-Davidson motorcycles along with a personal message of gratitude that you can send to an active or retired member of the U.S. military.

It’s unclear just how carbon neutral, this ad campaign will be – meaning eliminate or offset all of the greenhouse gases it produces worldwide.  I predict a lot of heavy breathing by teenage males when filling out those postcards!  What do you think?  Is green the new black or is it just the flavour du jour?

Photo courtesy of H-D.

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It’s All About Kids

The 8th Annual Musician’s Toy Run Benefit is set for this Saturday, November 7th at Trails End Saloon.   The ABATE/Shriner’s Toy Run is a motorcycle event sponsored by ABATE of Oregon where hundreds of riders take toys to the children at Shriners Hospitals for Children.  The actual Toy Run will take place on December 6th.

Like previous years, all toys collected and funds raised during the Musicians Toy Run Benefit are donated to the ABATE Toy Run which benefits Shriner’s Kids.  Last year’s musical event was a huge success, raising over $5000 and 6 large bags of new toys for the ABATE/Shriners’ Toy Run.  The venue for this year’s event is at Trails End Saloon in Oregon City, 1320 Main Street. The party will start at 3pm and entertain you untill 1am.  More information is available on musicians and the schedule is located HERE.

Be there for some great entertainment!

Photo courtesy Francinewest.com

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Stormy Monday

Allman Brothers Band

I was born in Georgia and “eat-a-peach” has always had a special meaning to me.

It was 38 years ago last week when Duane Allman kick-started his Harley-Davidson Sportster on an autumn evening in Macon, Georgia.

It had been only a couple months after the summer release and success of the At Fillmore East album which was one of the greatest and high-quality live performances ever recorded.  Stormy Monday (listen to it HERE) is the ultimate blues song.  Duane was taking a break from touring and recording while riding his motorcycle.  A few miles down the road, an oncoming Sam Hall & Sons construction truck was turning well in front of him, but suddenly stopped in mid-intersection and Duane clipped the rear end of the flatbed truck, sustaining fatal injuries. The lead guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band was dead on October 29, 1971 at age 24.

It’s easy to understand how this album is one of the all time great live performances with Gregg Allman’s gritty vocals and dual lead-guitars of Duane and Dickey Betts. The long improvisations on the album never get old.  It was also eerie when bass guitarist Berry Oakley who died in a similar motorcycle accident just 13 months later within 3 blocks of Duane Allman’s fatal accident. No matter what the circumstances, deaths in the world of rock and roll tend to be romanticized over the years and less to do with the tragedy than it does with having good memories.

Duane Allman was one of the most influential guitarists of our time and this post is to remember Skydog.

Photo courtesy of Def Jam Music Group.

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Now And Zen

As many of you know I’ve been on lock-down for much of October and posted few articles onto the blog.  Candidly, I experienced few withdrawal pains once I stopped constantly checking my iPhone for comments.

I waded through the good, the bad and the ugly during my semi-hiatus and debated whether to continue blogging or not.  I thought a lot about announcing retirement due to other responsibilities and the relentless pace needed to create fresh material for the hundreds of readers who visit the site each day.  Those of you who do blog know it is a challenge to have a mix of thoughtful, intelligent material on one hand and snarky, tongue-n-cheek on the other.  I plan to continue posting original material regularly, but it will not be as abundant.

In a world of motorcycle-based media and social networking I certainly commanded a chunk of the cyberspace, but the negative impact of being plugged into this virtual world is that it’s become perpetually superficial.  So, I’ve dumped the Facebook account and group pages.  I have enough friends.  Twitter might be next, but I’m still assessing what’s helpful about the remaining online activity and what’s a distraction.

You see somewhere along the way I think it just got the point where I couldn’t even hear my own voice over the din.  Instead of riding more, dreaming of dirt bikes and trying to eat well I was just waking up to more white hairs… as the noise gets louder, you pull the trigger, push, push,… twist and shout in this huge virtual conversation.

I’ve committed to blog, but will spend less time online.  Instead I’m going to sprint, pedal, paddle, serve, shuffle, shoot, stretch, and strum.  There’s a whole lot more happening than being “plugged” into H-D.  And a good buddy often reminds me that, “Analog beers face-to-face are golden.”

True that!

Photo courtesy of Flickr

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Harley-Davidson Brings Darkness To Talladega Nights

“Shake ‘n Bake”…  as the Harley-Davidson financial wizards turn off the Speedway lights and come on cost savings ideas like a spider monkey. 

I blogged in October 2008 that H-D reached an agreement with Chrysler to use part of the Arizona Proving Grounds facility. The facility is located about 25 miles south of Kingman, AZ on the old Yucca Army Airfield.

Given the dismal Q3’09 financial results and closure of Buell, they have now decided to further reduce operational expenses by closing the test facility in Talladega, Alabama, eliminating about 100 jobs. The testing facility was opened in January 1981 and had performed several kinds of vehicle tests including high-speed performance tests on Talladega SuperSpeedway.

The companies operational plans had previously committed to cease testing in Mesa, AZ (the GM Proving Grounds) by July 2009 because the testing ground had been sold for a variety of planned developments.  Consolidating test operations from Talladega; and Naples FL., to the Arizona Proving Grounds in Yucca, AZ., is new information.

Clearly the company is aggressively cutting costs where it can and must be necessary to align cost with the new economic reality of reduced sales. I’m truly starting to wonder if H-D has lost its way and offer up the movie opening title card as a reminder to H-D management: “America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, bad-ass speed. – Eleanor Roosevelt, 1936.”

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures.

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