One of the regular blogs we visit is our friend Genevieve Schmitt’s place called “Women Riders Now“, as we try to keep our hand on the pulse of the women motorcycle industry.  Recently she featured this news update on my favorite personal trainer, (ok, i have to admit she’s as hot as my wife!) Jillian Michaels from the “Biggest Loser” show. Seems Jillian has teamed up with H-D and National Garage Party Month to promote women ridership.  Here is the full release.

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.

Hey, thanks for coming back! Great to see there are a few of you out there that have taste and style! Seriously, thanks for visiting. If you know of stories you think people would be interested in, shoot us a line C'ya!

Well, since we didn’t have enough drama in our life over the past year, we figured it would be great to update everyone on the situation of the “Hard  Rock Cafe Guilty Guitar Saga“.  Some will remember about 5 months back we were asked to participate in the Hard Rock Cafe exhibit that features guitars painted and/or modified by builders in the industry.  We feel very fortunate to be among those participating as there are some great names represented  on this traveling exhibit: (Bling Cycles, Lead Sled, Nash Motorcycles, Bare Knuckles, French Kiss to name a few).

The initial unveiling of the “Guilty Guitar” (or “GG” for short as we call her) was to have happened last month at an event in southern Florida.  But alas, that was not to be….seems we’d had a paint malfunction prior to the final assembly and we got jammed up and didn’t make the deadline.  But, thanks to Steve O’Brien of Liquid Illusions of Sanford, we’re now up and running again.  And with all the problems resolved, we’re now reassembling and shipping this bad boy off to the appropriate parties to become part of their traveling display.  As you can see we chose a traditional “Flame Job” tastefully done by Steve and highlighted with pin stripping done by Darren-Did-It (who by the way has done all our pin stripping over the years!). And check out that flying-motorcycle-riding-eyeball.  Sick huh? So, when your out and about throwing your money around at the casino’s or attending an upcoming motorcycle event, make sure and stop by the Hard Rock Cafe and check out the guitars. You won’t be disappointed.  And yes, they do have to be “player friendly”.

Well, after much anticipation (on our part at least), we’ve gotten the new banner for the Push’n Pavement Blog…(uh, this blog your reading!). Your welcome to download the picture and use as a link from your site to ours, (or email us and we’ll send you one).  We also have an animated one that is really cool too for you high tech guys/gals too.

Anyway, just another advancement forward in the never ending story of our blog and hopefully it’s growth. We’d like to give thanks to all our readers (old and new) that are giving us good feedback on content and direction for the blog.  Every little bit helps guys!

The Vagabond Chopper Company’s 2010 Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Tour, a traveling showcase dedicated to women motorcycle riders, recently rolled out their new 44-foot event trailer sponsored by Mitchell Motorcycle Transport. This rolling tribute to women bikers will offer a mix of on-site how-to seminars, fashion shows, book signings and special guest appearances with a feminine flare.

The tour officially kicked off during the 2009 Toys in the Sun Runwith featured guests the Motor Maids, Leslie Kay of Leslie Kay’s Insurance and Jeffrey Phipps of Jeffrey Phipps Custom Saddles. The Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Tour is a traveling display of what is available for women motorcycle riders, from clothing and parts to motorcycles styled with the woman rider in mind. The tour will feature Athena “Chickie” Ransom and her unique hand-crafted custom motorcycles as well as featured special guest appearances by an array of other unique women in the motorcycle industry.

Formulated specifically for women, it also gives men an opportunity to see “the other side” of a culture commonly associated with males. Validating the concept that women riders are more than just a “chick on the back” within the motorcycle industry, the tour also provides a forum for ladies to express her likes and dislikes in a setting that is not full of skulls, iron crosses and spikes.

The tour will include 12 national event stops throughout 2010 including the Heavy Hitters, Daytona Bike Week, New Orleans Bike Week, Sturgis Rally, and coming to an end at the 2010 South Florida Bikers Bash and Toys in the Sun Run. Look for the Vagabond set up at rallies near you. Or you can check out www.vagabondchoppers.com or www.chicksruleandboysdrool.com to see the tour’s scheduled stops for 2010. Go Athena!

Three-time Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee and author of the newly published book, The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900–1950, Cristine Sommer-Simmons today announced that she will be riding in the Motorcycle Cannonball Run next year, (Sept. 10-26, 2010). Sommer-Simmons will be one of only two women riders in the cross-country endurance run of the century. The Motorcycle Cannonball Run is gathering momentum to launch a pack of riders on vintage motorcycles for an historic ride across America in September 2010.

The Cannonball Run is the brainchild of Lonnie Isam, Jr., promoter and owner of Jurassic Racing in Sturgis, South Dakota, The Motorcycle Cannonball Run of 2010 requires that participants ride classic pre-1916 motorcycles such Pope, Sears, Flying Merkel, Excelsior, Henderson, Indian, Triumph, and the Harley-Davidson’s Silent Grey Fellows. Sommer-Simmons will make the 3,320-mile transcontinental ride on September 10 on the east coast in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on her 1915 Harley Davidson.

“This is the thrill of a lifetime!” exclaims Simmons, “It’s an honor to be a part of such a historic and monumental race, and even more exciting to be the only American woman registered for the event!”

For more information about the Motorcycle Cannonball Run, visit www.motorcyclecannonball.com.

We found this over at our friends site Knucklebuster and wanted to share as a friend of ours is featured. This is Volume 2 of GodSpeed, which is a quarterly collection of photographs documenting bike builders, their work and their workspace. This latest issue features Kutty Noteboom, Rick Fodrey, John Copeland, Jeffrey Schad, Duane Ballard, Nelson Kanno, Josh Mills, Lock Baker and Yoshi Kosaka.

Independently photographed, designed, and published,  this volume is a 8×10 hard bound book with 160 Pages. While a little pricey ($75) and with photographs that leave something to be desired regarding quality, (but that may be contributed to copy quality to website too, as we’ve not seen the actual book) the composition and content is right-on which means you’ll have a kickin’ piece of art in your collection.

This recent issue of GODSPEED 45/06 features our friend Duane Ballard of DB Custom Leathers and his hot Honda Chopper that features a Freddy Hernandez frame wrapped around one of Duanes slick Honda 750 power plants.  Don’t think you can go wrong with this book and we’re ordering it when we get off this blog.

THIS YEAR has been a time of challenges at every corner it seems. Many people have lost their jobs and/or businesses, which had consequences for the financial welfare of their families, their community, this industry and as well this nation. And due to this atmosphere of uncertainty, many have been affected by crime and hunger.  It does beg one to question “Why do these things happen“?

Our personal philosophy is “No one understands the ways of God“, regardless of how hard we try.  And still today when people go through difficult times in their life, many still look to God for strength and answers. Regardless of what they may say outwardly.

So, Our wish for you and your family this year, (especially this year) is that you take time to remember the blessings that have been bestowed upon you.  And they are many if you live in the USA!  Merry Christmas friends (or not), family and readers. God has blessed us all again this year.

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

We’re all more than aware that with the economy still in such a state of “dis-repair” people need to get away from life’s issues and stress (aka why people are riding more).  So it was appropriate (and timely)  that Barnett’s Magazine did a special issue (October) focusing on “Budget Customs“.  When the magazine approached us on this special issue we were not surprised as we’ve been building bikes for the everyday guy for years.  So it wasn’t anything new to us as almost all of our bikes land in the mid 20’s. Complete!

So here is the bottom line people…”There are still a lot of us out here in motorcycle land that don’t build billets barge and trailer queen bikes“!  There are builders out here that build economical, dependable and cool bikes.  Which was quite evident in this issue in Barnett’s.  Thanks Barnett’s for reminding people. So guys, gals, go check them out.  They are a great magazine!

Over the years in this business of building bikes, we as business owners are inevitably drawn into the void of the “routine”.  The routine of designing and building bikes and/or parts, tracking down overdue bills, paying over due bills, determining or orderings parts for builds, dealing with painters, magazines, shippers, etc, etc.

One thing that never loses its “magic” however, is seeing a build go from concept to life.  And when a customer starts up their bike and rides off for the first time, there is no better or more fulfilling sense of pride and satisfaction than that….and very few people can/have experienced it.

That sense of pride takes on a whole new level of meaning when we are able to build a bike for someone we love.  Which is the case with this father who will start a build for his daughter, Lindsay in the next few weeks. What’s exciting too is that this build will be documented here on this site and will also be a multi-part series in a well known motorcycle magazine (thanks IronWorks).

Of course as you can imagine with any child, there is always the possibility of “enthusiastic” (aka heated) creative discussions and disagreements;  however one thing we both agree on….it will be cool riding together as dad and daughter on our bikes around town.  My daughter, Lindsay, has even agreed to attending various events/shows with Guilty over the next year so people can meet her and see her new ride. We’re equally excited that the magazine (IronWorks) has agreed to do a story on this build as it hits on a subject close to our heart, which is building fun bikes for people to enjoy and doing something for people we love.

If your familiar with the bikes rolling out of the shop you’ll quickly recognize the influences for her bike, which will be the “1/2 Pint”, which has been featured in numerous magazines and has been a hit with many riders (male and female).

And on a personal note guys, don’t let that sweet pretty face fool you either!  She’s very adept at kickboxing and sarcasm and can handle herself very well on any playing field and on two wheels!  And no, she’s not interested in dating any of you guys either!  (I try to keep her away from bad influences)…But she will race you on her new bike!

Being part of the Limpnickie Lot is something a lot of us in the group see as not only a great blessing but something that gives us the ability to “give back” to the community that so enthusiastically supports and embraces our efforts and more specifically our goals.  That goal is to bring motorcycles back to the grass roots where people not only ride but enjoy and understand their motorcycles.  Thus the reason (we believe) we’re gaining so much momentum.  One group that has been a major contributor of this resurgence is the AMCA (Antique Motorcycle Club of America).  For those that attended the 2009 Daytona Bike week (and the Limpnickie Lot specifically), you had the opportunity to see (and participate) in learning how to kick start a 1956 Harley Knucklehead and a 1945 Indian Chief. Something most people have NEVER done! We’re glad to announce that for the 2nd year in a row at the Limpnickie Lot, the AMCA will host an Antique Bike Show on Wednesday of Bike Week 2010. (March 3rd), and rally goers will not only be able to gawk over and fondle old machinery but interact with them in a way most never have….getting one started!  Our friends (and vintage motorcycle experts) Matt Olsen and Rocky Halter will be the guys guiding those interested in learning about these machines.

The AMCA Bike Show and the Kick-start Demo will run from 1 to 5 p.m. March 3 at the Limpnickie Lot in the Stone Edge Skate Park, 1848 S. Ridgewood Ave. in South Daytona. And as an added treat, (in case you can’t make it to the demo) plan on getting there on Friday, March 5, for the  Cycle Source Magazine Ride-in Bike Show with AMCA sponsoring the antique class and handing out the best Antique Chopper, Bobber, Survivor and Restored bikes.  Something everyone should see!

So, what do you get when you have legendary Freddy Hernandez (Freddy’s Frames) build you a custom single down-tube frame; a customers kickin’ little iron head donor bike; you design and develop your own springer front end for production and custom handlebars being built along with Jimmy back at the shop working on the build?  Well this! This little gem is going to be a head turner for sure.  We’ve already had a bit of drama on this with getting a frame to fit to parts getting ordered, but we’re definitely beyond that now. Now it’s just a matter of some custom fabrication for some parts and Jerome Reed (customer) will be rollin’ in style in a few weeks.  We’re stoked!

Yep, that’s right, those of us in the Limpnickie Lot have gotten through another year without any injuries and/or lawsuits and what better way to show our appreciation than to come out with a 2nd round of the, “Limpnickie Lot Builders Manual“.

Now you may remember we rolled out our first maiden catalogue last year at the Easyriders V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati to a load of surprised attendees and happy builders.  Now we’re doing it again and giving everyone enough time to consider their marketing budgets and to get their ads ready.  So, read closely guys and gals.  Deadline is January 15th so don’t delay.  We’ll be sure to kick some butt again this year and set the V-Twin Expo on it’s ears again.  So stay tuned.

Expanding on his relationship with Brian Klock and Klock Werks Kustom Cycles, Mike Tomas plans to move Kiwi Indian Motorcycle Co.’s new engine manufacturing, engine rebuilding and motorcycle restorations and repairs to Klock’s South Dakota facility in 2010. Tomas earlier this year moved all Kiwi Indian parts distribution Klock’s Mitchell, S.D., as part of a joint venture between the two companies.

“Brian and I are close friends who share the same work ethic and long-term vision about the future of our respective businesses,” said Tomas in a press release. The founder of Kiwi Indian remains the sole owner of the company currently based in Riverside, Calif.

Both Klock and Kiwi have participated in televised custom build-offs and continue to garner their share of magazine coverage. The two builders say they have a mutual respect between one and other and both have a desire to share designs and concepts in an effort to keep innovating.

“This is a project Mike, my wife Laura and I have talked about for three years, so in light of the economy, yes it’s a good move. But more so there’s an interest for both entities in working more efficiently and a desire to be gentlemen of the industry,” said Brian Klock. “I have long held Mike and his wife Carolyn in high regard for their upstanding moral outlook on business; thus Laura, I, and our team at Klock Werks are proud to be associated with them.”

Both companies are still financially strong, the release stated and the venture makes Kiwi’s parts line more centrally located providing access to parts distribution routes, and positions him to more easily reach many industry events.

“One warehouse, better shipping contracts, and improved customer service are all goals we hope for,” Tomas said. “Yes, growth and change are difficult in any setting, let alone a down economy. Our families and teams have prayed for guidance and thought the time was right. We all are smiling about this new venture and look forward to the challenges ahead. The camaraderie that is motorcycling lives on!”

Tomas added that his company has and will continue to put quality ahead of price. “Our level of product testing and development tops efforts of classic Indian companies around the world. Our parts are designed for the Indian owner that rides, including myself,” he said.

Kiwi Indian manufactured crankcases and Kiwi supplied cylinders were recently approved for SCTA land speed racing. The company’s catalog features a detailed collection of exploded view drawings of every assembly of the motorcycle, clear descriptions and accurate year of fitment, ever created.

In a simpletons mind (mine), there have always been two types of people; The one who wakes up and says ‘Good Morning, God‘ and the others who say ‘Good God, Morning?’”.  I do have to admit, sometimes i’ve languished over and in, the latter.  Waking up in the morning having to face a stressful and tiring set of circumstances just doesn’t bode well with me sometimes.  And thus, starts the self absorbing spiral which leads me to be less mindful of the continued blessings my family (and this great country) have been given by our Maker.  And yet, as soon as I kick my ego to the side and honestly look at the way’s i’ve been blessed (family, friends, freedom, career, health, etc) and acknowledge the gratitude I have in my heart…my day is off to a great start.  I know… sounds a bit “hokie” but hey, after 52 years you’d think i’d have this down pat (never said i was real smart guys!), however now i can say, (with a bit of satisfaction) that the trivial things do seem to pass me by a bit quicker now!  Maturity? Maybe.

So on this Thanksgiving Day, being apart from my family (but spending with friends here in SoCal), i’m mindful of a humble person who’s words help refocus my vision on what is important. Wendall Brown.  Mr. Brown lives in Brentwood California, and is a homeless veteran who sells poems on the street corner.  So, with a donation, you receive this beautifully written and forceful poem (as well as a lesson in humility) from Mr. Brown.

A Day To Be Thankful

I’m thankful for Thanksgiving Day
Because it brings to mind
The gifts I’ve had along the way
And blessings, every kind.

I’m thankful that I live my life

In this great land of ours.

That I’ve not had to give my life,
And sleep beneath the flowers.

Much thanks must go to all who fought
To keep us safe and free.
Their sacrifice has dearly bought
Our peace and liberty.

We should remember all who came
Before us through the years
They kept our country much the same
By action, sweat and tears.

Not ever does a day go by
That I forget my folks.
My mother baking apple pie,
My sister with her jokes.

My dad was like a magistrate,
Who ruled on each dispute.
The claims must all be free from hate.
He’d grant or he’d refute.

I owe a debt of gratitude
To teachers that I’ve had.
They helped to shape my attitude
And spanked when I was bad.

The Bible says Our Father, God
Will give us daily bread,
But I would not believe it odd
If two days passed instead.

There are so very many things
We should be thankful for.
It’s good we have a day which brings
God’s harvest to our door.

. . . . . Turkey and Pumpkin Pie . . . . .
. . . . . . . . And Friendship . . . . . . . .

You can find out more about Mr. Brown’s story HERE.