For those of us that aren’t hip the “Limpnickies” are a bunch of the young bike builders revolutionizing the sport. These young guns aren’t your Daddies style of bike builders. Even in the world of radical customs these guys are radical. Their bikes are as radical looking as the builders themselves are with their shaved heads, Mohawks, goatees and multiple body piercings.
As you’ve probably noticed by my posts and stories in IronWorks magazine, I like to get out on the road and ride, a lot. I like hearing about and talking to other riders who go for rides longer than around the block. There are rides and then there are rides. This sounds like a ride. It’s the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.
In a true test of man and machine the participants of this long distance ride will be shooting for gold and glory (and probably Epsom salts). We’re talking about a 7,000 mile ride through some of the most scenic and desolate areas of 2 counties. The challenge starts June 20, 2010 in Key West, Florida. The first rider to arrive at the final checkpoint on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska gets the prize, in Alaskan Gold on July 4, 2010. The runner up receives a slap on the back and a wait till next time. They don’t give second place trophies in NASCAR do they?
While perusing the December issue of IronWorks there was a story that really caught my eye. The story is about flywheels, rods and pistons and the crankshaft and how they all work together to create the power to move the motorcycle. Normally I give such technical articles a quick glance over because I am what they call now-a-days, mechanically challenged. I’m not a wrench. I can change the oil and the spark plugs and that’s about it. Don’t get me wrong, I do know the basics and with the help of a service manual can perform some things but I would rather let someone who really knows what they are doing do it.
All of you who have read my work in IronWorks magazine know that I love music. I start all my columns with some verse from a song that usually relates to the subject matter of the column. I’ve been fond of music since a little kid my passion for motorcycles came later.
Now I like all genres of music but the blues rates near the top with me. My buddy Paul Holdsworth turned me onto James Solberg and sent me one of his CDs, “Real Time”. It has twelve blues and rockin’ blues tracks on it and I just can’t quit listening to it.
The December issue of IronWorks magazine will be in your mailbox pretty soon and on the news stands in early November. Boy is this issue packed with stuff! The feature bikes include Svenmeister’s radical Ironhead Sportster (pictured below). Just as radical is David Cokers’ cool hot rod Panhead and matching “Rat Rod”. We also get a look at Skeeter Todds’ Sporty built to celebrate S&S’s 50th Anniversary.
Do you think your motorcycle is hot? Well, here’s your chance to show off your pride and joy. We’re looking for a few good machines! We have a section of the blog called Reader Rides where you—the readers—get a chance to upload pictures of your bikes. Most of the bikes online now are owned by the staff of IronWorks, but WE want to see your rides. There’s a chance that your bike might get entered into the American Idle contest and wind up in the magazine.
If going fast on a crotch rocket is your cup of tea then Pro Italia will give you a chance for just that kind of bike. Well for $25. That’s what a ticket costs for a chance on a brand new Ducati Monster 696. Or if your stocks did really good on Columbus Day you can get 5 tickets for $100. The proceeds of this raffle go to the Rhett Syndrome Foundation. You can get tickets online at www.proitalia.com but hurry because the last day to get tickets is October 24.
Now if you want a chance on a more stylish motorcycle you can just subscribe or renew your subscription to IronWorks magazine and you’ll be entered to win a custom built bike from Brass Balls Bobbers. Not only will you get a chance on to win the bike but you’ll get a years worth of great reading material too. Now that’s a deal. Subscribe online at www.ironworksmag.com