Women, motorcycles, food, entertainment, free gifts and riding in Daytona. What could be better! Seems Vicki Gray of MOTORESS.com,has team up with Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona along with The Bikers Guide and Image Makers Advertising to bring to women riders the first annual celebration in the Volucia County area. The event starts at 6:30PM (note, the time) at Rossmeyer’s in Ormond Beach, FL where there will be safety seminars, fashion shows, bike contest, raffles, give-a-ways, live entertainment and riding exhibitions by Daytona H-D Drill Team. From Destination Daytona, a police escorted Moonlight Ride will leave at 9:00pm, traveling to Main Street via the Main Street Bridge. Attendees can register to win a 3 day/2 night weekend getaway. The first 250 women riders participating in the Moonlight Ride will receive Welcome Bags upon their arrival. More than 10 bars and restaurants on Main Street will be open for celebration into the night.

Fab Kevin makes some cool stuff! One of the coolest products is this slick little set up to hide the battery inside the primary. While this isn’t new, it is worth considering if you’re looking for that product that can give your build the “stealth and cool” feature. It’s his “Battery-In-A-Box” kit where you can put a small battery right inside a BDL primary for Evo’s or Shovel 4 speeds. Pretty slick. Of course this is using a small moto-cross battery (you have to bring your own). Included in the kit is the battery box with clamp and rubber isolator pad, outer plate to hide the battery, and the associated mounting hardware, stand-offs, etc. Retail Price-$325.00. You can find them at Fab Kevin’s site HERE.

So, if your planning (or wishing) on going to Sturgis this year why not go on someone else’s “dime“! The folks at Sturgisbikerallynews are giving some lucky person the chance of having an all expense paid trip to “biker heaven” this year. Here are the details. Log onto www.SturgisBikeweek.com and register. The drawing will be July 4th, 2008. The Grand Prize Winner will receive $500 in Cash, 2 VIP Wristbands for Glencoe CampResort, Free Admission to all events at Rock’n the Rally, Free Admission to ThunderRoad, plus a $300 shopping spree at the Sturgis Bike Week Superstore in downtown Sturgis. An additional 50 winners will receive a Limited Edition Sturgis Bike Week 2008 t-shirt. Now, that’s a sweet deal!

If you keep up with economics (or even the current gas prices) your more than aware that times are tight. And the custom motorcycle/parts business isn’t immune to the slow down in the economy. Just take a look at the amount of shops closing over the past 2 yrs. So, part of any smart business owners plans for survival should include some form of diversification of income streams. Which is where Colleen Swartz comes into the picture. You’ve probably recognized that name as the attractive freelance motorcycle photographer who regularly contributes to magazines such as Cycle Source, The Horse, American Iron and many others. Due to her connections in the industry as well as insight into the needs of builders, Colleen has started a new business called “Master Link International” for the purposes of exporting custom motorcycle parts overseas.

The idea behind the venture is pretty simple. Builders here in the states hate shipping oversea! Especially small shop. We just don’t have the manpower, resources, time, money etc! You have to deal with shipping, taxes, tariffs, governmental regulations, insurance, language barriers, etc etc….you get the idea. So after talking with an initial group of builders (Leroy Thompson, Fab Kevin’s, Guilty Customs, Kundratic Kustoms, Matt Daniels Union Cycle, Nash Motorcycles, Walter Siegl, led Sled Customs, Cook Customs and Rich Phillips) who all expressed frustration as well as wanting ways to widen our income opportunities, Colleen teamed up with Eiji Kumagai who worked as a Harley mechanic while in the states; was from Japan and recently having returned to Japan, is working in one of Japan’s largest and well known chopper shops, Satsuma Cycle Works. Satsuma will be our exclusive dealer of “Made in the USA” parts to Japan and will be sharing space with Master Link at shows to display the parts from participating builders. So, as of March 17th 2008, the first shipment of parts left the US headed for the Joints Chopper Show in Nagoya Japan on April 20th, 2008.

Colleens plans for Master Link are to firm up relationships with dealers in Europe, New Zealand and Australia along with any other opportunities that come her way. If you would like more information on how to become part of Master Link International, you can contact them at Colleen@digitalmagicbigshots.com. Or by phone at 414-380-9005.

If you’ve seen the other film works from Scott Di Lanna and Zack Coffman (ie. Choppertown, The Sinners), you probably have some high expectations of their newest film called “Brittown“ The Brittown DVD is coming out next week (March 27th) and the premiere showing is in San francisco at the Roxie Cinema, (located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, at 3117 16th Street between Valencia and Guerrero). Showtime is 6:30pm, 8:30pm and 10:30pm. There is FREE parking for motorcycles in front of the theater. Tickets are available online or at the door.

You’ve undoubtedly heard the rumbling already with over 50 builders vying for bragging rights at S&S’s 50th Anniversary Event happening June 27th to June 29th, 2008. (with some preliminary events taking place on Thursday, June 26th as well). The official location will be at the Oktoberfest grounds adjacent to the Mississippi River in downtown La Crosse, WI, (other venues are offered throughout the region as well). Several motorcycle-related and general interest events are already planned such as S&S facility tours, the 50 builder/50 bike build-off for $50,000, dyno shoot-outs and street drags, historical rides, a La Crosse Area Harley-Davidson® sponsored ride, La Crosse City Brewery tours, riverboat tours and cruises, concerts, baseball games, fireworks, and much more. “When I think back to 1979, when I joined the business, who would have thought that we would have 50 builders from all around the world building motorcycles to participate in a competition celebrating our 50th,” said S&S Chairman of the Board, George Smith.

Just some of the builders participating: Kiwi Motorcycles, Kris Krome, Bill Dodge, Chica, Cook Customs, Sucker Punch, Kim Suter, Redneck Engineering, Donnie Smith, Brian Klock, Kendall Johnson, PCC, Rick Fairless, Scott Long, and the list goes on and on! George, you and your crew should be commended for building the best engines in the business and having probably one of the industries most anticipated event for 2008. See ya’ll there!

With the “2nd half” of Bike Week has started for us here at the Limpnicki Lot at Stone Edge Skate Park, and we’ve been part of some cool activities, watched celebrities work on one of our bikes, attended worthy fundraisers. One such fundraiser was the Biker Fusion party at The Dog House where the builders (and crowd) raised money for the “Soldiers’ Angels Fund“. This was the biggest group of custom builders ever seen on one stage to show support for the troops. (and yeah, we’re in there, right besides Dave Perewitz, Roland Sands and Biker Chick Athena).

We watched as Ami James (from Miami Ink) tried his hand at pin-striping one of Guilty Customs newest builds called “1/2 Pint” under the watchful and encouraging eye of famed painter and pinstripper George Sedaki. Ami’s talents as a tattoo artist really did help him in his first ever venture into pinstripping. Great job Ami! Thanks.
Traditional activities included 25 or so of us from the “Limpnicki Lot” riding to check out Willy’s Tropical Tattoo’s bike show. Some other activities (note: we were “innocent by-standers” for all activities) such as parking lot burn-outs, getting ladies to sit on Lucky Charms custom “Vibrator equipped” seat for free shirts or having Ralph Randolph (Knockout Motorcycle Co) and his guys drive their newest (and wildest) bike creation into the living room for a 3:00am “wake-up call” for all guests and neighbors to hear. We’ve even taken some serious timeout for saying hello to editors of various industry magazines (American Bagger, Hot Bike and IronWorks) and catching up with builders we respect. If your wanting to browse through more pic’s go HERE.
On a serious note. We feel very blessed to have participated in this years Daytona Bike Week and especially happy to have participated in the “Limpnicki Lot” which was put together by Tabor from Nash Motorcycles and Chris Callen the editor of Cycle Source Magazine. This one event, we feel, has the potential of bringing Daytona Bike Week back to it’s roots and we’re anxious to participate next year. Till then, ride safe!

Well we are here at Daytona for Bike Week. We’ve unloaded our trailer that contains the four bikes, two front ends (Kiwi Motorcycles and Durfee Girders), one raw frame (US Chopper), our tents/chairs and all the literature and t-shirt/hats that people here like to grab and take home. We’ve got our location at the Limpnikie Lot here at Stone Edge Skate Park. This event, put on by Nash Motorcycles and Cycle Source is one that i’m confident you’ll see/hear more from (and Guilty will participate in) over the next few years. Withstanding some minor glitches in musical group scheduling, the event (and location) has proven for this attendee to be successful, rewarding and eye opening. Hey, where can a small shop like Guilty Customs get to rub shoulders with the likes of these other attendees?
The walk through traffic has been steady, the weather comfortable, the people friendly and inquisitive about our products so what more could we ask for? How about some more help at the trailer buddy! It’s just me here during this event except for a few hours each day when Mike and some others are able to stop by and lend a hand. Seriously thought we’ve got a pretty busy schedule this upcoming week with skate board exhibitions starting Monday, The Speed Channel setting up shop here on Wednesday, then the Cycle Source Bike Show on Friday and probably getting some riding in with the guys snuck in there somewhere. There has been rumors that this years Bike Week is in a bit of a “slump” in attendance but from this participants view, we can’t see it. Of course the rest of the week will tell a lot too as the “officials” speculate the attendance to be between 400-500 THOUSAND over the week.
Well, we’ll update you as we can over this upcoming week. One other note: We want to thank Kerry at Gatorz Eyewear for their participation in helping us get to the event by participating as a sponsor for the event and providing prizes for the winners at the Cycle Source Bike Show! Thanks guys, we’ll make ya’ proud!

Ok, the guards must have been lookin’ the other way, been on a donut break or someone paid them off cause Guilty Customs is now parking their butt for Bike Week at the Limpnickie Lot at Stone Edge Skatepark along with other builders such as Nash Motorcycles, Bling Cycles, French kiss Kustoms, Barenuckle Choppers, Street Smart Cycles, Sucker Punch Sallys, Led Sled Customs, Detroit Brothers, Keino Cycles, Lucky Charm Choppers, Rich Phillips Cycles and Duane Ballard Leathers! We had previously posted that Guilty Customs was going to be at the infield at Daytona Motor Speedway however this gig sounded better and didn’t take such a chunk out of our wallets! We’re still wondering why in the world they’re letting the Guilty Gang IN!?

Come out see your favorite builders, check out cool merchandise, and get your chance to win some cool prizes! The Best of Show winner at the Cycle Source Bike Show win’s a complete roller from Sucker Punch Sallys. And there are other prizes given by various sponsors! We’ll be keeping a low profile cause we don’t think they really know we’re there!…shhhh.

Having visited the Maggie Valley, NC “Wheels through Time Museum” we can only say, this place is one every motorcyclist should see in order to grasp motorcycling history. One ongoing show that has caught our attention is the “World of Women on Motorcycles”. It’s a historical perspective through the lenses of unknown photographers who have captured memories of their loved ones who helped pave the road for todays women riders. You’ll not only find these trail blazing women remarkable, but will also be able to gawk at some of histories most notable pieces of rolling art. Check them out online at the Wheel Through Time website. And if you have photo’s you’d like to share with the world, Wheels Through Time would like to hear from you too!

If your looking for something different at this years Bike Week, as well as exciting, head over to the Stone Edge Skate park (off of Ridgeway), where some of the next generation of Bike Builders are coming together to give you a true motorcycle experience. The event combines a cool chopper show sponsored by Cycle Source Magazine (March 7th from 12-5pm) with skateboarding exhibits by Benji Galloway and The Bacon Skate Team and autographing signing by world famous photographer Josh Kurpius. Your sure to have some fun and if up to it, do some skating too. The Limpnickie Lot is Sponsored by H & H Trailers, Baker Drive train, Wellendorf Performance, Dealer Transport, Millers Motorcycle Parts, Kronik Energy Drink, Knuckleheads Clothing, and Cyclops Distributing. These builders will be on hand all week; Nash Motorcycle Company, Led Sled Customs, French Kiss Kustoms, Blings Cycles, Detroit Bros, and Bare Knuckle Choppers. Click here for more information on the event.

The guys at Guilty are ALL about having women riders with us. Whether they are on the back or on their own, we like em! So, women take note! If your wanting to try two-wheeling on for size you have a special place to go at the country’s biggest traveling public motorcycle exhibition. It’s women only in this curtained-off area, where female riders, one-on-one and in mini-seminars, will share their tips on getting started, what to look for in a motorcycle and more.

Moto Makeovers
Starter Bikes
Riding Gear for Women
Virtual rides on the new SMART Trainer
“A Girl’s Guide to Motorcycle Shopping”

WHERE: The Discover Today’s Motorcycling Women’s Studio starts Friday at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018 www.rosemont.com

WHEN: The Women’s Studio will be open for media starting noon on Friday, Feb. 8. Open to the public and media at these times:

Friday, Feb. 8 @ 4 pm - 9 pm
Saturday, Feb. 9 @ 9 am - 9 pm
Sunday, Feb. 10 @ 9:30 am - 5 pm

BACKGROUND: The latest Motorcycle Industry Council Owner Survey found that nearly 10 percent of bike owners in America were women. And roughly one-third of the students in Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoursessm are female. To learn more about how to get started the right way, visit www.motorcycles.org.

“A good cause, good people and good bikes.” - Craig Vetter 2004

Event:The Ninth Annual Riding into History, May 17-18, 2008

Location: World Golf Village, St. Augustine, Florida

Make plans to participate in the Ninth Annual Riding Into History event, one of America’s premier vintage motorcycle events. The fun includes the Concours d’Elegance, the ever-popular Biker’s Ball, Charity Rides and the Historic Ride (for Concours participants). Riding into History will return to the World Golf Village near St. Augustine, Florida May 17-18, 2008. The proceeds from Riding into History benefit Buddy Check 12, the breast cancer early detection charity, a partnership between Baptist Health and First Coast News. Riding into History has contributed in excess of $130 thousand dollars to Buddy Check 12 since the inaugural event.

The Grand Marshal for 2008 is Mert Lawwill, the American Motorcyclist Association Grand National Champion of 1969, as well as one of the top professionals on the AMA national circuit during the 1960s and 1970s. In 1969, Lawwill was voted AMA’s Most Popular Rider of the Year and was ultimately inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998. Lawwill is perhaps best known for being one of the featured riders of the early 1970s movie classic “On Any Sunday” which chronicled Lawwill’s bid to defend his AMA Grand National title during the 1970 racing season.

Riding Into History keeps the excitement high every year as each marque selection draws an increasing number and variety of motorcycle enthusiasts. This year we celebrate “Racy Competition Bikes” a category that includes vintage bikes ridden for road racing, motocross, flat track racing, and trials. Between 300 and 400 antique, vintage and classic motorcycles from all over the country are expected to enter the Concours. Thousands of spectators are anticipated to attend the event, which also includes exhibitors, entertainment, clubs and a variety of food. Admission is still only $10 at the gate for the Concours. Various packages are available for the Concours, Biker’s Ball and Charity Rides, which are posted on the website.

Internationally known motorcycle artist Don Bradley will provide the original artwork for the posters, which have become collectors’ items over the years. Posters, t-shirts and other items will be available at www.RidingIntoHistory.org and at the event. The event is presented by the Riding into History Committee, which is entirely composed of volunteer members from various motorcycle clubs, including the BMW Motorcycle Owners of Northeast Florida (BMWNEF).

Sponsorships for the event are available by contacting Cindy Hill (904) 477-6987. Current sponsors include Miller BMW of Tallahassee, Sargent Cycle Products, and Jacksonville PowerSports. Other supporters include Hagerty’s Vintage Motorcycle Insurance, Meguiar’s, Mercedes-Benz, MadMaps and more. The World Golf Village is located just north of St. Augustine on I-95, exit 323.

For additional information go to http://www.RidingIntoHistory.org , email info@RidingIntoHistory.org or call 904-730-9719

Well, we’re at the airport in Cincinnati heading back after 4 days at the V-Twin Expo and shortly will begin preparing for Bike Week 2008 in all it’s glory. Or should i say “hectic”, traffic jammed, overcharged and wild week”? Seriously, we’re definitely taking stock of whether we will either participate 100% or do some modified appearance at this years event. With builder friends willing to share some space and encouraging us to attend, along with the opportunity to catch up with friends and meet new ones, it looks like we’ll be located somewhere in the in-field of the Daytona Speedway. With 4 bike builds going on now, and hopes of having at least one finished before the end of the month, we hope to bring something besides our glowing personalities to the event. Here is the official news release for the event.

Daytona Beach, FL, United States, 01/25/2008 - Daytona Bike Week 2008 events updated daily at Bikeweek.com. Follow the New Smyrna Beach (NSB) Trail for a ride to the swap meet in DeLand, with a stop for cold beer at the Cabbage Patch in Samsula, on the way back to Chases on the Beach. Daytona Bikeweek 2008 kicks off Feb. 29 with opening day practice, qualifications and competition at Daytona Beach International Speedway, followed by nine days of racing, demos and other activities.

With its roots in motorcycle racing, Daytona’s Bike Week has drawn crowds for more than three decades, and a million or more motorcycle enthusiasts from around the globe. Bikes that once raced on the compact sand of the World’s Most Famous Beach, now race annually at the Daytona Beach International Speedway.

The Harley-Davidson Women’s Ride into Daytona is slated for March 4, concluding at the Ocean Center with Women’s Day activities. Harley-Davidson will be offering women-only demo rides on select 2008 Harleys and Buell motorcycles 4:30 to 6 pm March 5 at the speedway. Included in the lineup of events is the 20th Annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s “Friendraising” breakfast with icon custom bike builders Arlen Ness and Russell Mitchell.

The 36th Annual Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show has expanded to a 3-day event, wrapped around the First Annual Big Daddy Rat’s Party that will include an All-Metrics Custom Bike Show on Thursday; Old School Bobbers Show with a rock-n-roll band on Friday; and the main event with entertainment on Saturday. Women’s Cole slaw wrestling at the Cabbage Patch in Samsula has expanded, too. It’s scheduled for Wednesday, as well as Saturday during the Daytona rally.

The largest Harley dealership, Destination Daytona, has drawn crowds north on the beach. The 150-acre complex has attracted new restaurants, lodgings and bars that cater to the motorcycle enthusiast. The dealership is near Interstate-95 in Ormond Beach.

About Bikeweek.com
Initially established years ago to cover the annual Daytona Bike Week event, Bikeweek.com now provides first hand and sourced content of major bike week events nationwide, as well as tips, tools, and connections for these enthusiasts no matter where, what, and when they ride.. “Bikeweek.com was re-launched in 2007 with more emphasis on motorcycle enthusiasts and their passion for the ride,” said Oliphant. “We will be launching our eBay-style 2Wheels Auction later this month.”
Bikeweek.com will combine online information and tools (Events, Auctions, Trail Sharing, Photo galleries, TV/Videos, and News) with traditional media (Direct Mail and a Magazine) for the motorcycle community.

Whew, what a weekend! Hmm, lets go down the list of accomplishments this weekend. Catch up with friends; Done. Meet various suppliers we’ve worked with over the past year: Done. Meet new suppliers to work with this upcoming year: Done. Get my hands on “almost all” interesting and new products: Done. Get some advice from some industry leaders on how we can make Guilty Customs more marketable and recognized in the industry: Done. Party, eat, drink, laugh, hear great music by Joey Justice band at MC Advantages party: Done. Watch Super Bowl game on wide screen with 1000 of closest friends at Drag Specialties party: Done. Try to stay warm while walking 8 block after drinking too many shots provided by those crazy Hawaiians: Done. Get back to house without getting arrested, having an accident or getting lost: All DONE! Couldn’t have asked for better time. We’ll be putting info up over the next few weeks on products that we’re testing and plan on using as well.