Clarke replaced Izzy Stradlin in Guns N’ Roses in November 1991, and remained with the band for the next three years. In addition to releasing several solos albums, he’s played with Heart, Nancy Sinatra, and the reformed MC5 on the group’s 2005 European tour, as well as other artists. He’s also produced such bands as L.A. Guns, Ladyjack, and Bullets and Octane, among others. Traci Guns, guitarist for L.A. Guns and a friend of Clarke’s,  in a Facebook posting said, “Gilby got nailed on his motorcycle last night (Jan. 10). His leg is broken in three places. I’m gonna try to go see him tonight – he will be ok.”

Harley-Davidson Motor Company is partnering with TV’s The Biggest Loser host Jillian Michaels to encourage women to gear up and get behind the handlebars of their own motorcycle. Michaels, a life-long motorcycle enthusiast and licensed rider, is teaming with the Motor Company to spotlight National Garage Party Month, which features a special promotion that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend and an opportunity to meet Michaels.

“Learning to ride a motorcycle was an empowering experience for me, so I want to share that with other women,” said Michaels who’s been empowering people through her wellness books and DVDs for years. “That’s what Garage Party events are all about. Women get to learn about the sport from other women in a non-intimidating environment, which is why I’m excited to be a part of this effort.”

Harley-Davidson dealerships across the country are gearing up for National Garage Party Month in March 2010. Garage Party events provide a fun, social environment for women to learn about the sport of motorcycling, as well as meet other women who are interested in riding. Dealers host the events year-round, but the Motor Company has declared March as a special focus to bring national awareness to the events, which have encouraged thousands of women to learn to ride in the last few years.

During National Garage Party Month, the Motor Company is also hosting a sweepstakes that will reward one lucky woman and three of her friends with a transformational weekend in Los Angeles. The weekend will feature participation in the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider Course, spa treatments and a motivational talk with Michaels on how to live a better, healthier life. To find a Garage Party near you, visit Harley-Davidson.com/womenriders.

In todays world where women are more accepted as equals (ok,it may not be in certain circles), and their riding abilities are equal to (and even surpass) some or most men, it’s easy to forget those ladies that actually forged the trail for the modern women. Especially those women that went into the all male dominated world of “Drone Riding” aka Wall of Death. Where rider and machine battle gravity and speed, and skirt death at every turn of the throttle. Case in point….Lillian LaFrance. You can find out a lot more about her life at this neat website too.  Click HERE.

“It was the thrill of risking my life that made me to take to drome riding.  I was the girl who flirts with death.  From childhood I was inspired by wanderlust.  I was always alone, dreaming of adventures– how to ride a pony out West, to follow my calling to fame.  This was my secret.   I shared it with no one.”–Lillian LaFrance

There’s a biker saying Ride to Live, Live to Ride. I personally could say Ride to Shoot, Shoot to Ride. Chicks on Bikes has given me the opportunity to ride around on my motorcycles (I have 3) and meet amazing women. A lot of the book is shot here in the San Francisco bay area because that where I live. I’m absolutely in love with San Francisco and I’m going to say it’s the motorcycling capital of America where we ride all year on the most spectacular roads. I run a portrait photography business and sometimes show up for sessions on a motorcycle to the shock of my clients. My two little girls think motorcycles are really cool, but they haven’t been any further than the end of our quiet street.

Well if ya ask us…we just think women riders are cool (and hot)!

In an effort to bring some culture to the deranged, demented and somewhat crazy souls that frequent Sturgis during the rally, Jay Allen is announcing the addition of a fine art gallery to the Broken Spoke, Sturgis County Line, located on route 79. The Broken Spoke Saloon has been a long-time supporter of the artistic community within the motorcycling world and Jay has created a unique space in the upper portion of the main bar to display the work of some of the industries leading artists. You’ll see work from David Uhl, John Guillemette, Jeff Cochran and Colleen Swartz along with bikes from Billy Lane, Ron Finch, Samantha Morgan and the BSS Worlds Fastest Indian and two more to be announced later. 

The Legends Gallery opening will be on Sunday, August 2nd at 6-9 PM following the conclusion of the Michael Lichter Ride at the Sturgis County Line. You are welcome to join the curator, Jay Allen along with the legendary artists, bike builders and iconic industry guests for a hors d’œuvres reception. The Gallery will be open throughout the Sturgis Rally from Noon until Midnight. Jay, thanks for bringing this to us at the Broken Spoke.  We’re excited to see this!

New Low Rider in Town!

So, what do Jesse James of “West Coast Choppers”, Kat Von D of “LA Ink” and the Los Angeles County Coroners Office have in common?  Yep, a “Coffin Couch”. This SoCal company, called “Coffin Couches”  believes in “Recycling”. Literally. Their niche: 18 gauge steel coffins collected from local funeral homes since health and safety laws forbid funeral homes from reselling used coffins to the general public. Rest assured though that the coffins are not used for burial due to slight cosmetic inconsistencies.

Coffin Couch reconfigures and modifies the coffins for a  ”unique one of a kind coffin couch”.  As as an added bonus, you get your own biohazard insignia too!  Right there on the six cast iron legs are embossed the universal biohazard insignia. The reason?  We’ll let them tell you. Quoted from their website: “If you are not aware, once a human body is placed in a coffin it is considered biohazard tissue. The legs have the embossed insignia for precautionary reasons in the event body fluids are exchanged on these coffins. Perhaps you would feel safe knowing that you are in designated biohazard scene!“.  Funny.  

So what type of uses would you have for such as fun piece of furniture.  Hmm, as they suggest on the website: Retirement Parties, Game Rooms, Custom Company Logos, Small intimate hook-ups, Team Sports. Just to name a few.  The price: $3500.00.  “Dude, slide over will ya?! I need to rest a bit…got a slight headache and ringing in my ears.”

Estimated GTOW = 1400 LB (Gross Take-off Weight)
LENGTH = 15’- 6”
WIDTH = 5’- 6”
HEIGHT = 5’-1”
SEATS = 2 (side by side)
SPEED = 90+ mph on wheels – 134 mph cruise flying
RANGE = 880 miles ground, 340 miles air
MPG = Estimated 60 mpg ground, 22 mpg air
WINGSPAN = 23’ – 5” main, 5′ 6” canard.
WING LOADING = 20 psf
ENGINE = 120 hp Freedom Motor twin rotor (or applicable motorcycle engine)
ESTIMATED TBO = 2500 hours (Time Between Major Overhauls)
FUEL = regular unleaded automobile gasoline (any fuel capable – freedom motor)
FUEL CAPACITY = 16 gallons including reserve
STALL SPEED = 70 mph