Critters Corner
| What is ARM all about... Many a well meaning old timer said we had to hang up our leathers, sell our bike, and cut our hair to stay sober. We know different. .A.R.M. is the world's largest group of clean and sober bikers. We are bikers who have chosen to remain clean and sober without forsaking the lifestyle of brotherhood in the wind. We have been able to grow through our respect for other MC's in our areas and by respecting the individuality of our members. We do not require members to ride a specific brand of motorcycle nor do we ridicule the members personal choices. We do not claim our modified lifestyle to be the only truth, nor do we suggest that any other lifestyle is inappropriate. We are bikers who have chosen abstinence because it is what we believe in for ourselves. For some of us, it is the only way we can continue to survive. The Association of Recovering Motorcyclists is not affiliated with any 12-step program. .A.R.M. members attend these meetings and respect the traditions. We are not bound by the tradition of anonymity. http://www.arm-intl.com/ |
| Critter is the Maritime Representative of A.R.M. - he shares some stories with me from time to time and I will post them here for everyone to read.. |
FIRST CANADA, NOW AUSTRALIA - AUSTRALIAN BIKERS SHARE SAME LICENCE FEE PROBLEMS AS CANADIANS.
1000 motorcyclists and their machines converged on Parliament House today demanding the State Government scrap massive price
hikes in licence fees.
The SA Motorcycle Riders Association says the almost triple price increase in the compulsory Rider Safe program would force young
unlicensed riders onto the road. "Young people are overrepresented in crash rates,'' MRA spokesman Peter Mount told the rally.
Under the new fees that came into effect on July 1 the cost for a learner's permit increased from $90 to $290 and and the fee for
advanced training increased from $75 to $255.
1000 motorcyclists and their machines converged on Parliament House today demanding the State Government scrap massive price
hikes in licence fees.
The SA Motorcycle Riders Association says the almost triple price increase in the compulsory Rider Safe program would force young
unlicensed riders onto the road. "Young people are overrepresented in crash rates,'' MRA spokesman Peter Mount told the rally.
Under the new fees that came into effect on July 1 the cost for a learner's permit increased from $90 to $290 and and the fee for
advanced training increased from $75 to $255.
CANADIAN LEGAL SYSTEM UNDERGOING TESTS BY BIKERS RIGHTS - October 2006
CANADIAN CITY INSTITUTES "NO COLORS" POLICY
"Wearing colors of known criminal biker gangs is now officially unwelcome on city property," reported the Alberta Daily Herald Tribune,
as Grande Prairie Mayor Wayne Ayling put up the first no-gang-colors policy sign on the front doors of City Hall to officially start the
city's public campaign against criminal biker gangs.
"We believe it is inappropriate for people to advertise that they belong to a criminal gang on city property," said Ayling. He said
although Grande Prairie is the first city in Western Canada to have such a program in place, three other major cities in Ontario -
Barrie, Durham, and Toronto - already have similar programs.
The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) has long fought against discriminatory legislation and opposes dress codes in public
accommodations that unfairly discriminate against bikers. NCOM supports anti-discrimination laws that prevent establishments from
discriminating against motorcyclists based on style of dress or mode of transportation
CANADIAN CITY INSTITUTES "NO COLORS" POLICY
"Wearing colors of known criminal biker gangs is now officially unwelcome on city property," reported the Alberta Daily Herald Tribune,
as Grande Prairie Mayor Wayne Ayling put up the first no-gang-colors policy sign on the front doors of City Hall to officially start the
city's public campaign against criminal biker gangs.
"We believe it is inappropriate for people to advertise that they belong to a criminal gang on city property," said Ayling. He said
although Grande Prairie is the first city in Western Canada to have such a program in place, three other major cities in Ontario -
Barrie, Durham, and Toronto - already have similar programs.
The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) has long fought against discriminatory legislation and opposes dress codes in public
accommodations that unfairly discriminate against bikers. NCOM supports anti-discrimination laws that prevent establishments from
discriminating against motorcyclists based on style of dress or mode of transportation
CANADIAN COPS MOVE IN ON CRIMINAL ORGANIZATION PATCHES ONTARIO, CANADA - September 2006
Snitch Leads Cops To The Arrest of 15 Suspected Hells Angels Members
Friday September 29, 2006
They were turned in by one of their own.
That revelation has many in the Hells Angels fearing what may come next.
The O.P.P. have now officially revealed what led them to arrest 15 members of the biker gang in a series of early morning raids on
Thursday. The suspects face a range of charges for drugs, weapons and even murder.
Cops are ecstatic that they've been able to get inside information from an entity that normally doesn't allow for a traitor.
"The significance of this investigation is that we've utilized a Hells Angels member to infiltrate this group," relates Det. Supt. Don Bell.
"This is an opportunity that we took ourselves to use this member to gather evidence.
Detectives say the amount of methamphetamines they discovered was especially staggering.
Overall 27 people were hauled down in the sweep which police nicknamed Operation Tandem. Authorities are convinced they've dealt
the organization a major blow.
"These are long-term outlaw motorcycle gang members, sophisticated criminals and I don't believe that this investigation will result in
these members being replaced," Bell predicts.
How badly has this hurt the Angels? Organized crime expert Yves Lavinge calculates the effects of having a rogue informant in police
hands has replaced their usual swaggers.
"You notice there's no one mouthing off today with their patch on," he points out. "They're concerned because they don't know exactly
what this rat has on them. They just don't know what the cops have. And there might be another rat."
Among those arrested, 42-year-old James Earle Boudreau of Harwood, Ont., who was charged with first-degree murder in the death of a
man from Cobourg, Ont.
A 29-year-old man was also charged with allegedly plotting a murder in the Peterborough area.
Two other men faced charges of conspiracy to commit murder in connection with an alleged murder plot in Maple, Ont.
This week's arrests come after a court ruling in Barrie, Ont. last year where a judge deemed the biker club to be a criminal organization.
Snitch Leads Cops To The Arrest of 15 Suspected Hells Angels Members
Friday September 29, 2006
They were turned in by one of their own.
That revelation has many in the Hells Angels fearing what may come next.
The O.P.P. have now officially revealed what led them to arrest 15 members of the biker gang in a series of early morning raids on
Thursday. The suspects face a range of charges for drugs, weapons and even murder.
Cops are ecstatic that they've been able to get inside information from an entity that normally doesn't allow for a traitor.
"The significance of this investigation is that we've utilized a Hells Angels member to infiltrate this group," relates Det. Supt. Don Bell.
"This is an opportunity that we took ourselves to use this member to gather evidence.
Detectives say the amount of methamphetamines they discovered was especially staggering.
Overall 27 people were hauled down in the sweep which police nicknamed Operation Tandem. Authorities are convinced they've dealt
the organization a major blow.
"These are long-term outlaw motorcycle gang members, sophisticated criminals and I don't believe that this investigation will result in
these members being replaced," Bell predicts.
How badly has this hurt the Angels? Organized crime expert Yves Lavinge calculates the effects of having a rogue informant in police
hands has replaced their usual swaggers.
"You notice there's no one mouthing off today with their patch on," he points out. "They're concerned because they don't know exactly
what this rat has on them. They just don't know what the cops have. And there might be another rat."
Among those arrested, 42-year-old James Earle Boudreau of Harwood, Ont., who was charged with first-degree murder in the death of a
man from Cobourg, Ont.
A 29-year-old man was also charged with allegedly plotting a murder in the Peterborough area.
Two other men faced charges of conspiracy to commit murder in connection with an alleged murder plot in Maple, Ont.
This week's arrests come after a court ruling in Barrie, Ont. last year where a judge deemed the biker club to be a criminal organization.
THE MAGGOT REPORT BATHROOM FAUCETS IN THE SHAPE OF MOTORCYCLES.
- Motorcycle Style Faucets [ god help us all].
www.cyclefaucets.com
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/06/24/cyclefaucets-motorcycle-style-faucets/
This is pretty high on my list of "things I've never seen before." MFX, Inc. is a company built around an idea that
popped up in the head of Rob Parrette. Rob was sitting around one evening talking to his brother about
motorcycles (probably lots of beer involved!) and up pops this idea about making a faucet that's styled to look like
a motorcycle gas tank and handlebars. He had never seen one and thought it had some potential. As often
happens, the idea sat for years until finally Rob decided to do something with it. After finding two partners to help
get the company off the ground, they got a patent on the design, found a manufacturer and the result is the MFX
Classic, their first product.
They started with an initial run of 500 individually numbered MFX Classic Faucets which they are slowly rolling out
and introducing at various motorcycle events in the northeastern U.S. The faucets will fit any sink with standard 4
inch centers. It is a bit heavy at 14 pounds, so you'll have to be sure your sink can carry the weight of the
mounted faucet but it looks like it's a very high quality fixture.
If you want to "bring some of that feeling of the ride inside" as they like to say, you might want to look them up.
- Motorcycle Style Faucets [ god help us all].
www.cyclefaucets.com
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2006/06/24/cyclefaucets-motorcycle-style-faucets/
This is pretty high on my list of "things I've never seen before." MFX, Inc. is a company built around an idea that
popped up in the head of Rob Parrette. Rob was sitting around one evening talking to his brother about
motorcycles (probably lots of beer involved!) and up pops this idea about making a faucet that's styled to look like
a motorcycle gas tank and handlebars. He had never seen one and thought it had some potential. As often
happens, the idea sat for years until finally Rob decided to do something with it. After finding two partners to help
get the company off the ground, they got a patent on the design, found a manufacturer and the result is the MFX
Classic, their first product.
They started with an initial run of 500 individually numbered MFX Classic Faucets which they are slowly rolling out
and introducing at various motorcycle events in the northeastern U.S. The faucets will fit any sink with standard 4
inch centers. It is a bit heavy at 14 pounds, so you'll have to be sure your sink can carry the weight of the
mounted faucet but it looks like it's a very high quality fixture.
If you want to "bring some of that feeling of the ride inside" as they like to say, you might want to look them up.
UNREAL POWER ON A MOTORCYCLE FRAME. WORLDS FIRST DUAL AXLE V-10 ENGINE MOTORCYCLE, BY
DODGE.
TOMAHAWK MOTORCYCLE - THE WORLDS FIRST DUAL AXEL MOTORCYCLE, V10, 500 HORSEPOWER.
DODGE DEVELOPS MOTORCYCLE, DUAL AXEL UP FRONT AND BACK, MASSIVE ENGINE FROM DODGE VIPER.
"The Viper-powered Dodge Tomahawk concept vehicle shatters all the barriers of conventional thinking about
personal transportation. This four-wheel, single-passenger vehicle is a sleek, rolling sculpture that combines
art-deco styling with extreme engineering. The 500 Horsepower Viper V-10 engine powering the dual rear wheels
gives this radical vehicle a potential top speed of nearly 400 miles per hour - for anyone who wants to test it. The
Tomahawk roared into public view at the North American International Auto Show."
http://motorcyclecity.com/Concept/Dodge_Tomahawk.htm
DODGE.
TOMAHAWK MOTORCYCLE - THE WORLDS FIRST DUAL AXEL MOTORCYCLE, V10, 500 HORSEPOWER.
DODGE DEVELOPS MOTORCYCLE, DUAL AXEL UP FRONT AND BACK, MASSIVE ENGINE FROM DODGE VIPER.
"The Viper-powered Dodge Tomahawk concept vehicle shatters all the barriers of conventional thinking about
personal transportation. This four-wheel, single-passenger vehicle is a sleek, rolling sculpture that combines
art-deco styling with extreme engineering. The 500 Horsepower Viper V-10 engine powering the dual rear wheels
gives this radical vehicle a potential top speed of nearly 400 miles per hour - for anyone who wants to test it. The
Tomahawk roared into public view at the North American International Auto Show."
http://motorcyclecity.com/Concept/Dodge_Tomahawk.htm
Big problem for bikers in Canada, Massive Licensing fee increases.
Quebec bikers protest planned licensing fees hike
Canadian Press MONTREAL -- Thousands of Quebec bikers braved the rain Sunday to protest a planned hike in
motorcycle licensing fees in the province.
An estimated 20,000 motorcycle enthusiasts tied up traffic for hours in the downtown core, where they rallied in front of
the Montreal office of Premier Jean Charest.
"It's not fair," one biker told Radio-Canada's all-news channel ahead of the rally.
The provincial insurance agency is poised to raise the current $253 registration fee to $430 next year for most
motorcycles or as high as $957 for some sport models.
Registration and licensing fees are going up across the board but bikers say quadrupling the fees for sport bikes is
outrageous.
The provincial agency says it has a $500 million annual deficit and without increases, won't have the funds to pay for car
accident injuries.
Expenses at the agency have outstripped revenues since 1982, say agency officials, and the proposed increases would
put an extra $300 million into the agency's coffers in 2007 and 2008.
"It's been a long time since (fees) have gone up so we were waiting for them to go up," another biker told reporters.
But with such huge increases, "what's going to happen is people won't have licence plates on their motorbikes and
they're going to go out anyway."
Similar protests were planned for Quebec City, Val d'Or, Rimouski, Alma and Sept-Iles, Que. There are 141,000
motorcycles registered in Quebec.
Quebec bikers protest planned licensing fees hike
Canadian Press MONTREAL -- Thousands of Quebec bikers braved the rain Sunday to protest a planned hike in
motorcycle licensing fees in the province.
An estimated 20,000 motorcycle enthusiasts tied up traffic for hours in the downtown core, where they rallied in front of
the Montreal office of Premier Jean Charest.
"It's not fair," one biker told Radio-Canada's all-news channel ahead of the rally.
The provincial insurance agency is poised to raise the current $253 registration fee to $430 next year for most
motorcycles or as high as $957 for some sport models.
Registration and licensing fees are going up across the board but bikers say quadrupling the fees for sport bikes is
outrageous.
The provincial agency says it has a $500 million annual deficit and without increases, won't have the funds to pay for car
accident injuries.
Expenses at the agency have outstripped revenues since 1982, say agency officials, and the proposed increases would
put an extra $300 million into the agency's coffers in 2007 and 2008.
"It's been a long time since (fees) have gone up so we were waiting for them to go up," another biker told reporters.
But with such huge increases, "what's going to happen is people won't have licence plates on their motorbikes and
they're going to go out anyway."
Similar protests were planned for Quebec City, Val d'Or, Rimouski, Alma and Sept-Iles, Que. There are 141,000
motorcycles registered in Quebec.
NO BRAINER HERE. FUEL PRICES DRIVE MOTORCYCLING
As summer days approach, motorcycle enthusiasts expect to use their Harleys, Kawasakis and Hondas more often and
for longer periods of time than they did a year ago. Gas prices and a strong passion for riding are two of the main driving
factors behind the increased desire to ride, according to a new survey by Nationwide Mutual Insurance.
According to the survey, 35 percent of motorcyclists said they will ride their bikes more over the next year as a result of
fuel prices, turning their hobby into an everyday form of transportation. Survey respondents reported they spent 26
percent of their total riding time last year commuting to work.
While most riders have insurance, one in three indicated they are unsure if they have adequate coverage, and more
than one in ten surveyed indicated they are not insured. Among insured riders, one in five said they are not covered for
liability and one-third are not covered for collision or medical payments.
More than 30 percent of motorcyclists surveyed don't believe they have enough insurance to cover the replacement
value of their bikes and 14 percent said they would rather take their chances than pay to fully insure it.
The survey conducted by Brandware of 2,544 motorcycle, power boat, bass boat and ATV owners shows that both male
and female motorcyclists expect to ride their bikes for approximately 22 more hours than they did in the past year. Male
motorcyclists expect to ride 172 hours over the next year, while female riders expect to ride 146 hours. Motorcyclists are
so passionate about their fuel-efficient bikes they indicated they will pay $3 to $4 more per gallon before they stop riding.
According to the survey, both male and female motorcyclists committed over half of their total money spent on leisure
activities to accessories and improvements to their motorcycle over the past five years. Male riders invested more than
$7,000 on their bikes over this time period, more than any other group of powersport enthusiast.
As summer days approach, motorcycle enthusiasts expect to use their Harleys, Kawasakis and Hondas more often and
for longer periods of time than they did a year ago. Gas prices and a strong passion for riding are two of the main driving
factors behind the increased desire to ride, according to a new survey by Nationwide Mutual Insurance.
According to the survey, 35 percent of motorcyclists said they will ride their bikes more over the next year as a result of
fuel prices, turning their hobby into an everyday form of transportation. Survey respondents reported they spent 26
percent of their total riding time last year commuting to work.
While most riders have insurance, one in three indicated they are unsure if they have adequate coverage, and more
than one in ten surveyed indicated they are not insured. Among insured riders, one in five said they are not covered for
liability and one-third are not covered for collision or medical payments.
More than 30 percent of motorcyclists surveyed don't believe they have enough insurance to cover the replacement
value of their bikes and 14 percent said they would rather take their chances than pay to fully insure it.
The survey conducted by Brandware of 2,544 motorcycle, power boat, bass boat and ATV owners shows that both male
and female motorcyclists expect to ride their bikes for approximately 22 more hours than they did in the past year. Male
motorcyclists expect to ride 172 hours over the next year, while female riders expect to ride 146 hours. Motorcyclists are
so passionate about their fuel-efficient bikes they indicated they will pay $3 to $4 more per gallon before they stop riding.
According to the survey, both male and female motorcyclists committed over half of their total money spent on leisure
activities to accessories and improvements to their motorcycle over the past five years. Male riders invested more than
$7,000 on their bikes over this time period, more than any other group of powersport enthusiast.
Story here - too big to put on this main page.
POSTAGE STAMPS READY TO BE RELEASED. " Both Harley and Indian get licked
By the Newstaff of Clutch and Chrome April 26, 2006 Come early August, 85 million classic American motorcycles will
begin to roll out in mint condition on commemorative postage stamps, each guaranteed to make it across the country for
just 39 cents. The first of these stamps, along with the actual cycles the stamps are modeled from, will kick-start the 66th
Anniversary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, SD, Monday, Aug. 7th. The stamps will be available nationwide Tuesday
Aug. 8th,
A 10 ft. image of the stamps will be unveiled as part of the stamp dedication ceremony that takes place across the street
from the Sturgis Post Office in front of the Community Center at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 7. To immortalize this historic event,
stamps will be postmarked on the cycles that posed for the images with the official "First-Day-of-Issue" cancellation. When
not in use during the Rally, the Cleveland, Indian and Harley will be on display at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
<http://www.sturgismuseum.com>
By the Newstaff of Clutch and Chrome April 26, 2006 Come early August, 85 million classic American motorcycles will
begin to roll out in mint condition on commemorative postage stamps, each guaranteed to make it across the country for
just 39 cents. The first of these stamps, along with the actual cycles the stamps are modeled from, will kick-start the 66th
Anniversary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, SD, Monday, Aug. 7th. The stamps will be available nationwide Tuesday
Aug. 8th,
A 10 ft. image of the stamps will be unveiled as part of the stamp dedication ceremony that takes place across the street
from the Sturgis Post Office in front of the Community Center at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 7. To immortalize this historic event,
stamps will be postmarked on the cycles that posed for the images with the official "First-Day-of-Issue" cancellation. When
not in use during the Rally, the Cleveland, Indian and Harley will be on display at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
<http://www.sturgismuseum.com>
MOTORCYLE COMPANY CATERS TO HANDICAPED PERSONS.
RIDLEY MOTORCYCLE COMPANIE.USES CENTRIPICAL CLUTCH
TECHNOLOGY
The Ridley Motorcycle company, out of Oklahoma. All they make is automatic
shifting motorcycles. The bikes are all 750 cc, but incredibly fast and very
easy to ride at 80 mph for long periods of time.
If you have arthritis, or a disability of using your hands you may want to check
this out. All the bikes are straight thru mufflers, they have a very heavy throat
to them . The bikes only weigh in at 400 pounds. check out the motorcycle
section of this web page http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com/html/main.htm
RIDLEY MOTORCYCLE COMPANIE.USES CENTRIPICAL CLUTCH
TECHNOLOGY
The Ridley Motorcycle company, out of Oklahoma. All they make is automatic
shifting motorcycles. The bikes are all 750 cc, but incredibly fast and very
easy to ride at 80 mph for long periods of time.
If you have arthritis, or a disability of using your hands you may want to check
this out. All the bikes are straight thru mufflers, they have a very heavy throat
to them . The bikes only weigh in at 400 pounds. check out the motorcycle
section of this web page http://www.ridleymotorcycle.com/html/main.htm
HARLEY OPENS SHOP IN CHINA.
Harley-Davidson has appointed its first authorised Chinese dealer.
The Beijing dealership will sell and service the bikes, offer related products including clothes and collectibles and will provide rider
training.
The company said it expects market entry into China to be a 'gradual process.'
Last year, Harley-Davidson sold 266,500 motorcycles in the US and 62,500 through its global operations.
Harley-Davidson has appointed its first authorised Chinese dealer.
The Beijing dealership will sell and service the bikes, offer related products including clothes and collectibles and will provide rider
training.
The company said it expects market entry into China to be a 'gradual process.'
Last year, Harley-Davidson sold 266,500 motorcycles in the US and 62,500 through its global operations.
PAINT THAT IS ILLUMINATED FROM THE SUN FOR NITE DRIVING. NEW PAINT USED AT YAMAHA.
Yamaha develops "light in the dark" motorcycle technology = Yamaha has developed a special surface film for motorcycles that
stores energy from the sun's rays and emits it in the form of dim light after dusk. The technology involves pasting a thin film on
which graphic patterns are printed onto the exterior of a motorcycle's components in a vacuum chamber.
Yamaha will trial the technology on a special version of its EC-02 electric-powered motorcycle. A Yahama official said, "If the
product proves popular, we will consider applying the new technology to other new motorcycle models."
Yamaha develops "light in the dark" motorcycle technology = Yamaha has developed a special surface film for motorcycles that
stores energy from the sun's rays and emits it in the form of dim light after dusk. The technology involves pasting a thin film on
which graphic patterns are printed onto the exterior of a motorcycle's components in a vacuum chamber.
Yamaha will trial the technology on a special version of its EC-02 electric-powered motorcycle. A Yahama official said, "If the
product proves popular, we will consider applying the new technology to other new motorcycle models."
Ontario Biker Wars: 8 Murdered
Eight Bandidos bike gang members and associates have been found murdered and stuffed in several abandoned vehicles. All eight
were found dead in a remote farm area. This incident seems to be an internal cleansing" within the Bandidos gang.
"I don't think there are a lot of people left in the Bandidos," Ontario police Det.-Supt. Ross Bingley said. The victims of this crime
have been postively identified and are associated (with), or belong to, the Bandidos motorcycle gang."
Police announced that murder charges have been brought against five gang members. Charged are: Wayne Kellestine, 56, a
full-patch member of the Bandidos who lives near the murder scene; Frank Mather, 32, of Sutton-Dunwich Township, Ont., Eric
Niessen, 45, Kerry Morris, 56, and Brett Gardner, 21.
Eight Bandidos bike gang members and associates have been found murdered and stuffed in several abandoned vehicles. All eight
were found dead in a remote farm area. This incident seems to be an internal cleansing" within the Bandidos gang.
"I don't think there are a lot of people left in the Bandidos," Ontario police Det.-Supt. Ross Bingley said. The victims of this crime
have been postively identified and are associated (with), or belong to, the Bandidos motorcycle gang."
Police announced that murder charges have been brought against five gang members. Charged are: Wayne Kellestine, 56, a
full-patch member of the Bandidos who lives near the murder scene; Frank Mather, 32, of Sutton-Dunwich Township, Ont., Eric
Niessen, 45, Kerry Morris, 56, and Brett Gardner, 21.
Critters Corner - page two
More Critter News - see here
LARGEST BIKE SHOW IN NORTH AMERICA. TORONTO.
Jan 29, 2007
OSHAWA , CANADA-- Mike Yurko is no stranger to winning big at bike shows -- but this time he wasn't even trying.
The Oshawa chopper shop owner headed to the North American International Motorcycle Show in Toronto earlier this month,
hoping to sell a few T-shirts emblazoned with the Yurko Custom Choppers logo. Instead, he walked away with a five-foot trophy for
his latest creation, the Banshee. "This isn't even a show bike, it's a personal bike built for everyday riding," he said this week. "But it
won. I think they liked the attention to detail and the fact that this bike is really amazing, but also really functional. Some of the stuff
you see is so off-the-wall, you wonder if people can even ride it." The Banshee, a gleaming red and chrome chopper chock full of
subtle details, took first place and best in show in the builder class, edging out about 30 other bikes for the honour. The annual
event is the world's largest consumer motorcycle show, according to the American Motorcycle Industry Council. The Banshee came
into being this fall, when Brooklin resident Tony Scott approached Mr. Yurko about building him a custom bike. "I'm Scottish, so we
looked for ways to tie in my heritage," he explained. "We went through some Scottish and Irish mythology and when I saw the
banshee I knew it was perfect." In Scottish folklore, the banshee is a ghostly woman who appears as an omen of death. For more
information click on, www.yurkocustomchoppers.com.
Jan 29, 2007
OSHAWA , CANADA-- Mike Yurko is no stranger to winning big at bike shows -- but this time he wasn't even trying.
The Oshawa chopper shop owner headed to the North American International Motorcycle Show in Toronto earlier this month,
hoping to sell a few T-shirts emblazoned with the Yurko Custom Choppers logo. Instead, he walked away with a five-foot trophy for
his latest creation, the Banshee. "This isn't even a show bike, it's a personal bike built for everyday riding," he said this week. "But it
won. I think they liked the attention to detail and the fact that this bike is really amazing, but also really functional. Some of the stuff
you see is so off-the-wall, you wonder if people can even ride it." The Banshee, a gleaming red and chrome chopper chock full of
subtle details, took first place and best in show in the builder class, edging out about 30 other bikes for the honour. The annual
event is the world's largest consumer motorcycle show, according to the American Motorcycle Industry Council. The Banshee came
into being this fall, when Brooklin resident Tony Scott approached Mr. Yurko about building him a custom bike. "I'm Scottish, so we
looked for ways to tie in my heritage," he explained. "We went through some Scottish and Irish mythology and when I saw the
banshee I knew it was perfect." In Scottish folklore, the banshee is a ghostly woman who appears as an omen of death. For more
information click on, www.yurkocustomchoppers.com.
BIKER RADIO IS A HIT.
Bikernet.com Radio Podcasts on Custom Harley-Davidson, V-Twin ...
www.bikernet.com/mediacast
Bikernet Radio the Harley-Davidson custom motorcycle radio show with Arlen Ness, Donnie Smtih, Branscombe Richmond, Billy
Lane and more Tune in and turn on
Bikernet.com Radio Podcasts on Custom Harley-Davidson, V-Twin ...
www.bikernet.com/mediacast
Bikernet Radio the Harley-Davidson custom motorcycle radio show with Arlen Ness, Donnie Smtih, Branscombe Richmond, Billy
Lane and more Tune in and turn on
AGEING BIKER GROUPS SHOWING MARKET DECLINE.
Aging Angels and quitters create vacancies in ranks
Vancouver Sun
B.C.'s most feared biker gang is suffering from the reality faced by many baby boomers -- key members are getting old and
no one is interested in joining them.
Norman Krogstad, 59, a veteran high-ranking Vancouver Hells Angel, was granted full parole last Friday after pleading
guilty to drug trafficking in late 2005.
As part of his release, he had to agree to a special condition -- not to associate with "anyone whom you know or have
reason to suspect is actively involved in criminal activity and/or the illicit trade in drugs."
Police say that means he will not be allowed to hang out at the chapter's Coquitlam clubhouse, where he used to be a
regular.
Rickey Ciarniello, an owner of the infamous clubhouse, is now 61 and complaining to B.C. Supreme Court that people are
being mean to him because of his public profile as Hells Angels spokesman. He is commenting less and less to reporters
about the infamous club to which he has devoted his adult life.
Cedric Baxter Smith, who pleaded guilty along with Krogstad to selling almost 10 kilograms of cocaine to an undercover
officer, is 58. He was also released March 10 after serving just a third of his four-year sentence.
He is banned from associating with anyone in an outlaw motorcycle gang, according to parole documents obtained by The
Vancouver Sun.
Police say aging bikers may mean some attrition in the Hells Angels, a trend noted in an RCMP report last year.
"There are rules to being a Hells Angel. You still have to ride your bike. You still have to go on long runs. As they get older,
a lot of these guys have ridden a lot of hard miles," says Insp. Gary Shinkaruk, head of the RCMP's outlaw motorcycle
gang unit.
"A lot of these guys are hurting. Some of them are choosing to move on. They have had their time and maturity has taged
them, Many of them have started to realize they have lived there lives for nothing"
Shinkaruk said a member of the Hells Angels can retire from the club after 20 years in good standing.
"There is a steady turnover of guys. In the last few years, we have seen a lot of senior Angels retire and expect to see that
continue as these guys get to be 60-plus," Shinkaruk said.
Two weeks ago, as the Hells Angels chapter presidents from Western Canada gathered in Nanaimo for a meeting, there
was also a 60th birthday party for a senior club member. " What do you honor a senior biker criminal with, a get well card?.
"Like in a lot of organizations, they are looking at the new breed coming up and saying: 'Hey, these guys aren't cut from the
same cloth that we are,' and they move on," We are seeing this happen to most all biker type groups now, no one is really
interested in joining a group that has so little to offer, It just isnt enough to wear a piece of cloth and ride a motorcycle
anymore Shinkaruk said.
Aging Angels and quitters create vacancies in ranks
Vancouver Sun
B.C.'s most feared biker gang is suffering from the reality faced by many baby boomers -- key members are getting old and
no one is interested in joining them.
Norman Krogstad, 59, a veteran high-ranking Vancouver Hells Angel, was granted full parole last Friday after pleading
guilty to drug trafficking in late 2005.
As part of his release, he had to agree to a special condition -- not to associate with "anyone whom you know or have
reason to suspect is actively involved in criminal activity and/or the illicit trade in drugs."
Police say that means he will not be allowed to hang out at the chapter's Coquitlam clubhouse, where he used to be a
regular.
Rickey Ciarniello, an owner of the infamous clubhouse, is now 61 and complaining to B.C. Supreme Court that people are
being mean to him because of his public profile as Hells Angels spokesman. He is commenting less and less to reporters
about the infamous club to which he has devoted his adult life.
Cedric Baxter Smith, who pleaded guilty along with Krogstad to selling almost 10 kilograms of cocaine to an undercover
officer, is 58. He was also released March 10 after serving just a third of his four-year sentence.
He is banned from associating with anyone in an outlaw motorcycle gang, according to parole documents obtained by The
Vancouver Sun.
Police say aging bikers may mean some attrition in the Hells Angels, a trend noted in an RCMP report last year.
"There are rules to being a Hells Angel. You still have to ride your bike. You still have to go on long runs. As they get older,
a lot of these guys have ridden a lot of hard miles," says Insp. Gary Shinkaruk, head of the RCMP's outlaw motorcycle
gang unit.
"A lot of these guys are hurting. Some of them are choosing to move on. They have had their time and maturity has taged
them, Many of them have started to realize they have lived there lives for nothing"
Shinkaruk said a member of the Hells Angels can retire from the club after 20 years in good standing.
"There is a steady turnover of guys. In the last few years, we have seen a lot of senior Angels retire and expect to see that
continue as these guys get to be 60-plus," Shinkaruk said.
Two weeks ago, as the Hells Angels chapter presidents from Western Canada gathered in Nanaimo for a meeting, there
was also a 60th birthday party for a senior club member. " What do you honor a senior biker criminal with, a get well card?.
"Like in a lot of organizations, they are looking at the new breed coming up and saying: 'Hey, these guys aren't cut from the
same cloth that we are,' and they move on," We are seeing this happen to most all biker type groups now, no one is really
interested in joining a group that has so little to offer, It just isnt enough to wear a piece of cloth and ride a motorcycle
anymore Shinkaruk said.