Billy Gannon, 59, passed away on December 24th following a
courageous battle with cancer. Billy was a member of the
original Meeting of the Minds Steering Committee and one of the
founders of what would become the Motorcycle Riders Foundation
located in Washington D.C. Billy was key in convincing
motorcyclists rights representatives from the east coast to
attend the first Meeting of the Minds. Billy took over from
Michael "Balls" Farabaugh as the organizations Chairman in 1987
and then served as Co-Chair with Michael in 1988. One of the
first messages I received about Billy's passing was, "Billy
Gannon has left this world to ride with those who have left
before us. Every motorcyclist lost a freedom fighter today".
S
neak
Peek
Here is a sneak peek to a series of
articles beginning in this months issue that we are doing on the
restoration of a special TZ250
To comment on the Motorcyclist's Post or this site,
Click here
News Flash
FREE classified
ads section on the Motorcyclist's Post Forum!
The Motorcyclist's Post now has a FREE classified ads
section on the MC Post Forum. It is now open for you to use.
So, it's time to clean those garages and sheds and sell some
left-over items. Members can post items for free, guests can
view items.
Check it out at the....
Exciting News
from the Motorcyclist's Post
The Motorcyclist's Post Forum is up and running. So stop by
to register and start contributing.
To get to the MCP Forum, click on the Forum logo that looks
like this at the top right-hand side of this page.
There's much to talk about at the MCP
Forum...your trips, working on your bike, pics of your ride,
your favorite places to eat or stay and a whole lot more. So
join the conversation with your MCP Post friends at The
Motorcyclist's Post Forum!
News Flash
AMA Pro Flat Track
officials in Tragic Accident
Dave (left), Tyler (center) and Darrell (right) Brintlinger
Photo-Flat AMA
Very Sad News in the Dirt Track Society
- 9/10/12
We are saddened this morning to hear of a
tragic accident that happened last night. AMA Pro Flat
Track crew members David and Darrel Brintlinger (know as the
twins) and Davids son Tyler were in an automobile accident
last night. After speaking to a close friend of the family
this is the best of what we could make of what happened.
Returning home from the Knoxville race
they got into an accident with a deer at which time they
were run over by a tractor trailer from behind. David was
killed instantly and his son Tyler passed on the way to the
hospital, Darrel is busted up pretty badly with some broken
bones and bruising but remains stable and in shock. At this
time this all we know and will keep everyone updated as we
know more.
Our prayer go to the Brintlinger families
Funeral Viewing - Monday, Sept 17th in
Grove City, OH at the Nazarene Church from 2pm to 8pm.
Kenny Roberts
returns his medal.
Jack Mangus quits committee.
Dean Adams explains.
Hall of Fame Chairman issues findings of investigation.
Charles Falco not satisfied.
Falco and Jeff Smith resign committee seats.
Dick Klamfoth and Ed Fisher return medals
Chuck Myles of
Chuck Myles Indian Co, Sloansville, New York passed away
Indian dealer Chuck Myles on his Indian hillclimber in the
mid 1990's
Photo from Indianchiefmotorcycles.com
Chuck Myles of Sloansville, New York passed away on Tuesday
June 26, 2012 at his home with his wife at his side.
Chuck was born and raised in Sea Cliff Long Island, New York
and later in life moved to Sloansville. He graduated form
Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. (home of Indian)
where he received a degree in Physical Education and Special
Education. He taught school in Sea Cliff and Amsterdam, New
York and ran his business. Later on he went full time in
the motorcycle business repairing and selling parts for
Indian, Harley - Davidson, and Royal Enfield. Later opened
the Chuck Myles Indian Co.in Sloansville. His main hobby he
started when he was 10 years old and was still active until
the end was pigeon racing which he enjoyed.
He willed his body to science at Albany Medical Center,
which will help new doctors. Even in passing Chuck was
thinking of others by willing his body.
His wife will continue to run the business just like Chuck
did!
Symtec sponsors motorcycle ride honoring U.S. armed forces
Symtec sponsors
motorcycle ride honoring U.S. armed forces
Transcontinental Patriot Tour pays tribute to troops and
raises funds for wounded vets
Minneapolis, May 2, 2012 – Symtec Inc., a Minneapolis
company that manufactures Heat Demon heated accessories for
motorcycles and ATVs, will sponsor Nation of Patriots’ 2012
Patriot Tour in an effort to support men and women who have
served in the military.
“Nation of Patriots has done a great deal for U.S. troops
over its three-year history, raising thousands of dollars
for struggling veterans and their families,” said Riley
Harlan, president of Symtec. “We’re proud to support their
efforts.”
The annual three-month ride crosses the U.S. with stops in
96 cities. Riders from various Harley-Davidson dealerships
cover each leg of the tour, passing an American flag from
one location to the next. Last year, the tour raised $10,000
for struggling families of wounded veterans. The Nation of
Patriots is hoping to raise $50,000 on this year’s tour,
which begins in Oconomowoc, Wis., on Saturday, May 26.
“The Patriot Tour is a united effort that requires the
coordination and dedication of thousands of individuals,”
said Bill Sherer, executive director of Nation of Patriots.
“We couldn’t pay tribute to our troops on this level without
the support of our sponsors and volunteer riders.”
Symtec, Inc.
manufactures a complete line of heated accessories for ATVs
and motorcycles distributed under the Heat Demon brand -
www.symtec-inc.com -
www.heatdemon.com
Audi Aquires Ducati
Chairman Rupert Stadler: "As a sporty, global
premium brand, Ducati is an excellent fit for Audi."
Ingolstadt/Bologna, April 18, 2012 – AUDI AG is acquiring
from Investindustrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian
sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.,
which has its registered office in Bologna. The transaction
will be completed as quickly as possible once authorized by
the competition authorities. The Supervisory Boards of AUDI
AG and Volkswagen AG approved the acquisition today in
Hamburg. Ducati is known worldwide as a leading brand in
motorcycle manufacture, with outstanding expertise in engine
development and lightweight construction.
Alongside the traditional Italian brands Lamborghini and
Italdesign, Ducati is now a third pillar for AUDI AG in
Northern Italy. Another building block in the Company's
growth strategy thus falls into place. Rupert Stadler,
Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, declared: "Ducati
is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle
manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty
motorcycles. It has great expertise in high-performance
engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the
world's most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes
Ducati an excellent fit for Audi." The progressive control
systems and special combustion chamber process of Ducati
engines, their resulting sporty character, and Ducati's
extensive know-how in lightweight construction thus offer
great potential for AUDI AG and the Volkswagen Group.
Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of AUDI
AG, explains that the employee representatives of AUDI AG
support the Company's sustainable, codetermined growth
strategy. "We must use the opportunities offered by
globalization for Audi – and that's exactly what we're
doing. Everyone at Audi is looking forward to working with
our new colleagues from Ducati," commented Mosch.
Ducati is a globally active company and has manufacturing
operations at its headquarters in Bologna and at its own
factory in Thailand. It maintains a series of importer
companies in strategic markets. Experts predict that the
motorcycle market will enjoy strong growth over the next few
years, especially in Asia. In 2011, Ducati sold around
42,000 motorcycles and generated revenue of some €480
million, employing around 1,100 people.
The company was founded by Adriano and Marcello Ducati in
Bologna in 1926. Known originally as Società Scientifica
Radiobrevetti Ducati, it initially built parts for radios.
It ventured into the manufacture of motorcycles in 1949.
Ducati has been actively involved in motorcycle racing for
many decades through its racing division Ducati Corse. Its
racing activities are currently focused on the Ducati
official factory team in the MotoGP class of the Motorcycle
World Championship and in the Superbike World Championship,
supporting competitive private teams. Ducati won the
manufacturers' championship in this latter class 17 times in
21 championships and the pilots' 14 times.
N.H. Senate
passes motorcycle noise reduction bill
More here
Pioneer Cornerworker
Passes On
Bob Cole at Daytona during the 1998 CCS Race of Champions
Bob Cole passed away on April 14 of cancer. Bob was a
founder of the U.S. Marshals, and a pioneer in
corner-working techniques. He was always conducting research
on new clean-up material and was the first to find an oil
absorption material to clean up oil even in the rain. Bob
contributed quite a bit to motorcycle racing. His legacy
lives on in his son, Scott, who is a corner marshal at New
Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.
Bob Cole was born and lived in Malden, Massachusetts and
died at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford,
Massachusetts. He was 58 years old.
A private service for family and friends will be held on
Saturday, April 21st.
From a press release issued by Laura (Cole) Snyder
Sure Sign It's Riding Season
Sure signs of the start of the riding season are robins,
forsythias in bloom and Maggie settled into her tour pack
and ready to ride. Maggie, who has graced the cover of the
Motorcyclist's Post a couple of times, belongs to Bill
Thomas of Maine. Bill is a long-time friend of the Post and
takes Maggie everywhere on his motorcycle. She is an old pro
and has logged more miles than a lot of bikers. So it's
Spring and Maggie is in the wind...so what are you
waiting for...it's time to ride!...MCP...P.S. This season
Maggie is sporting a very cool pair of "camo" doggles.
A
Triumph Scrambler Adventure with Ernie Vigil
Watch as freestyle superstar
Ernie "EDUB" Vigil takes a specially modified Triumph
Scrambler all the way from a hot lap to a hot date.
Norton Commando Transformer by Steve Twist
Steve Twist:"Major
Project for my BA (Hons) Computer Visualisation and
Animation undergraduate degree at Bournemouth University (NCCA).
8 months of work from concept to completion. CGI produced in
Houdini 9.5, composited in Shake."
Honest Harley Davidson Commercial
Maine motorcycles to display inspection stickers
AUGUSTA, Maine —
Motorcycles in Maine will soon have to display vehicle
inspection stickers for all to see.
More here
Shanya Texter named Motorcyclist’s Post
Woman Racer of the Year
Shayna racing photo -Flattrakfotos.com, Insert photo by
Larry Lawrence
Shayna recently earned the distinction of being the first
female to win an AMA Pro Singles Grand National when she
took top honors at Iowa’s Knoxville Speedway.
Congratulations from the Motorcyclist's Post to Shayna for
her great racing accomplishments.
Malcolm Smith for President!
New Sweatshirts with Motorcycle Awareness
Message
CheckTwiceSigns.com
has just released a new sweatshirt with a motorcycle
awareness message aimed at the non-riding public, These
highly visible "message" sweatshirts are available at
www.CheckTwiceSigns.com.
Pete Giammalvo aka Sideways Pete
Passes Away
“Sideways Pete”
P
eter
Giammalvo in the winners circle at his short track on Rte 12
in Winchendon, MA with the nights winners. Pete was the
“Spark Plug” that kept the sport of motorcycle flat
track alive in New England. Peter suffered a Stroke on
December 24th and passed away while being treated at MA
General Hospital in Worcester, MA on Tuesday the 27th of
December. Pete was 52 years old at the time of his passing.
Funeral arrangements posted below.
I’m sure I speak for many when I say that Peter’s passing
will be leaving a huge hole in the sport of motorcycling in
New England. I man who leaves a legacy of accomplishments in
the sport he loved and brought to countless thousand is a
man that never really dies! Peter Giammalvos legacy will
live on, the mark of true greatness! On behalf of all our
readers I would like to give my sincerest condolences to
Pete’s wife Connie and family and his countless friends. God
Speed , “Sideways Pete”!
FMX rider Jim McNeil dies at
Texas Motor Speedway Freestyle motocross rider Jim McNeil
passed away today from injuries sustained in a crash during
practice for a Freestyle MX
demonstration for a NASCAR race at the Texas Motor Speedway.
The 32-year old McNeil was a regular on the FMX demo circuit
and the Red Bull X Fighters tour. More info as we get it.
Cartoonist/Author Releases 3rd Children's Book on
Motorcycling
BIKERS are
ANIMALS 3 - On the Roadby Cartoonist Author Paul Jamiol
is the 3rd in a series of
children's books that brings youngsters into a world of
cartoon animals who love to ride their motorcycles and be
with their friends.
In his first two books, the author
introduced his cartoon animals on “cool” motorcycles to show
children and their parents that those involved in
motorcycling are intelligent and caring.
In his third book, using detailed and
vibrant illustrations, Jamiol takes children even further
into his cartoon world with a riding adventure that is fun
and which has his menagerie of riding critters planning and
working together to make their ride possible.
Their journey takes them from their homes
and into the city, then they head out of the city and hit
the open road for a ride to the mountains. Their destination
is a cabin on a lake, courtesy of one of their riding
buddies, for an overnight stay. As with an actual motorcycle
ride, there will be different roads traveled and stops along
the way. This adventure will expand a child’s imagination
with a unique vision of a group of critters doing what they
love to do most – ride their motorcycles with their friends.
A child will feel that he or she is
welcome to ride along with these critters, and will also
learn that working together, respect and friendship are
paramount with this cast of characters.
This is not just a book for kids in
families with motorcycles. It's for young ones everywhere
who gaze at a passing rider on a motorcycle and are curious
about what this “thing” rolling past is all about.
Jamiol’s characters run the gamut of the
animal world as do their choices of motorcycles. They are
young and old, and male and female. They like each other,
respect each other, and have fun doing things together but
are not afraid to do things on their own. Their independence
stands out even in a large group.
With Bikers are Animals 3 – On the
Road, the message is clear... doing things together
with friends, respecting who they are and not what they are,
and riding down a road unafraid, are good things. For the
child to get that message through a motorcycle ride that's
totally fun, reinforces this message.
The author encourages parents to join
their kids on this ride and meet the characters. This is a
reading adventure parents and children can share together,
over and over again.
The whole Bikers are
Animals series are also available at Google eBooks for your
Android or Mac device.
Harley-
Davidson recalls more than
308,000 motorcycles
Harley-Davidson is recalling
more than 308,000 motorcycles to fix a switch
problem that can cause failure of the brake lights
and possibly even the rear brakes themselves.
The
brake light switches can be exposed to too much heat
from the exhaust system. The brake lights can fail,
and the problem also can cause fluid leaks and the
loss of rear brakes.
Affected
models include Touring, CVO Touring and Trike
vehicles from the 2009 through 2012 model years.
Owners
will be notified by Harley
of the recall. Dealers will install a rear brake
light switch kit free of charge.
Shawn
Farnsworth (1975-2011) Pro Hillclimber Succumbs to Injuries
By: Larry Lawrence
(Photo by Jeff Whitehead)
Shawn Farnsworth, the 2009 AMA Pro
Hillclimb Unlimited Class Rookie of the Year who raced for
Tom Reiser's Harley-Davidson team, died Monday in Dayton,
Ohio. He was 36.
Farnsworth crashed Sunday in the AMA Pro Hillclimb
Championship season finale at the Devil's Staircase in
Oregonia, Ohio. He was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital
with critical injuries. He succumbed to his injuries last
night.
Farnsworth was a third-generation hillclimber and his family
was well known in the hillclimb community for promoting the
sport. The Farnsworths promoted the national hillclimb held
in Canaan, New Hampshire.
Farnsworth is thought to be the first pro hillclimber to die
from an accident in a national competition.
"Shawn's loss is not just a loss for our family and for New
England Hillclimbing, but for the sport as a whole," said
Shawn's older brother Michael Farnsworth, himself a former
pro hillclimber. "He meant so much to so many people. He was
friends with everyone from the top pros to the guy coming
out to try his first hillclimb. He was a great guy who just
wanted to help people get into the sport."
Farnsworth was one of the leading hillclimbers running with
one of the best teams in the country. He finished third in
the Unlimited national standings in his rookie pro season of
2009 and won the national at his home hillclimb in Canaan,
N.H., last year. He was ranked fifth in the class coming
into yesterday's event and reportedly clocked the third best
time on his fateful last climb. An empty spot on the podium
was left open in honor of Shawn in Sunday's awards
ceremonies at Oregonia.
"Shawn had a broad smile and encouraged and mentored other
riders," said Jeff Whitehead, of ProHillclimb.com. "At the
Jefferson Climb this summer I asked Pro Sport rider James
Green how he managed to win his first hillclimb and he said
(referring to Farnsworth) 'I won it by listening to the
boss. He's like a father to me.' That's what kind of
influence he had on other riders. I don't think you'd find a
single rider out there who wouldn't have a good thing to say
about Shawn. He's going to be missed."
Farnsworth's hometown was Rumney, New Hampshire and he was
married to Yarrow Farnsworth. The couple has two boys,
fourth-generation racers Sheldon and Roman. The family has
not yet made funeral arrangements..
Cycle News
Shayna
Texter wins Knoxville Pro Singles Main!
Photography By: Larry Lawrence
Shayna Texter makes history
in Knoville, Iowa as she becomes the first female to win an
AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Pro Singles Main Event.
Video of Shayna Texter on top of the
podium after becoming the first female to win an AMA Pro
Racing Flat Track Pro Singles Main event.
Two-time AMA Grand National Champion Gary Nixon
Dies
Gary Nixon on the cover of the July 1970 Motorcyclist's Post in
the winners circle at Loudon.
Two-time AMA Grand National Champion Gary Nixon
died today at a hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. The man simply
known as "Nixon" was 70 years old. Nixon took ill while
spectating at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca and
was admitted to hospital after returning to his home in
Maryland. He suffered a heart attack on July 29 and died from
complications from that heart attack. He had been in ICU at St.
Joseph's Medical Center in Baltimore after undergoing surgery to
place two stents in his arteries.
2011 Chad Reed
Crash-Millville(Official Speed TV
Feed)
Tibby's
Harley-Davidsonto Close
Owners Proud of Dealership's
History and Community Involvement SPRINGFIELD, June 10, 2011
- Tibby's Harley-Davidson of Springfield announced today that it
will close its store after over 55 years in business. The
owners, Jason and Jean Thibodeau, say Tibby's Harley-Davidson is
fortunate to have served many loyal customers over the years.
Tibby's Harley-Davidson opened in
1956 and sold their first bike in February that year, a 1956
Indian Fire Arrow which sold for $445 with $1.20 in sales tax.
Annual photographs were taken each year to show the progression
of the family and business. These photos can still be seen today
proudly displayed just inside the front door. Three generations
of the family have been employed at the dealership, along with
countless other talented individuals over the years.
Tibby's also sponsored the local
Harley Owner's Group (HOG) for over 25 years. This involvement
has resulted in tens of thousands of dollars of donations and
funds raised for local charities such as Cancer House of Hope,
and NEADS. One year they even purchased a thermal imaging device
for the Springfield Fire department.
Tibby's has also been proud
supporters of the MMA, the Melha Riders, and the Patriot Guard.
"The decision to close has been a personal decision for us since
many of the employees, HOG members and customers are considered
close friends. It's been a pleasure serving our customers and we
thank them for their many years of loyalty," said Jason
Thibodeau. Tibby's notified Harley-Davidson of its plans to
close June. Harley-Davidson, at this time, has no plans to
replace the dealership in the Springfield area. Customers can
find other nearby dealers by using the Dealer Locator tool at
www.harleydavidson.com.
The Motorcyclist's Post is The Voice of American Motorcycle
Riders
A Really Cool Video of
TT'97 with
Joey Dunlop onboard Honda (RVF750) RC45
on our Audio/Video page...click
here
Dirt-Track Family Mourns the
Passing of Wayne Hosaka, Former Dirt-Track Racer and Creator of
Flattrack.com
Wayne Hosaka
with long time vintage racers, Tom Horton, Jeff Johnson and Brad
Holt (photo -
http://www.vft.org/ )
Let's Put Wayne Hosaka and other
Legends of Flat Track on the Daytona 200 Monument before it's
too late! Only 20 spots left for the
12X12 inch Photo Engraved Black Granite Plaques.
Let me sweeten the pie...a
$500 donation will alsoget you a paving brick with your name
on it. $100 or more gets a free one
year subscription to The Motorcyclist's Post.
We have until mid February to get the
first $1000 in time to have the plaque made in time for Daytona
Bike Week. I have donated the first $100 so just match my
donation and we only need nine more people to donate. Or how
about 1 or 2 hundred people at $10 or $20 and we can get a
couple more Legends of Dirt Track immortalized on this beautiful
Monument on Daytona Beach! God Speed Wayne Hosaka and Rick
Hocking
MC Post publisher
interviewed on Biker Lowdown Radio
Leo Castell, publisher of the Motorcyclist's Post
interviewed on Biker Lowdown Radio with hosts "LJ" James and
Chuck DeCost
Click hereand scroll down to
the Audio Clips
To Comment on the Motorcyclist's Post or
this site, Click
here
Springfield
Mile and TT video clips
Watch the video highlights of the 2010
Springfield Mile Flat Track event courtesy ofFast&Dirty.com...Click
here for video.
Some really cool old pics
Some really cool old pics from famed
Sacramento, CA racer and long-time Harley-Davidson dealer
Armando Magri.Several
photos in the pile are of Babe
Tancrede and Ben Campanele...Click
Here
The Motorcyclist's Post online guide
Here are a
couple of screen shots and quick primer to help you navigate...
This is full page
view...
Try different arrows and
areas...It's pretty easy to navigate.
Let us know what you think.
I’ve been working for the Motorcyclist’s Post for
over 35 years, and when Leo took over the Post I became one of, if not
the longest living contributor. It’s been a great ride but it’s time
to really scale things back.
I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of the Post
and I am proud of that association. I’ve been lucky to have worked
with two of the best publishers/editors of any motorcycle
publication. The first part of my Post career was with Bob Frink and
the second part has been with Leo Castell. Both are rare individuals
who have integrity and who actually care about motorcyclists and the
motorcycle world. I owe both a huge thanks for putting up with an
opinionated cartoonist over the years. In the beginning, Bob took a
chance with me, and Leo let me try new ideas and trusted me enough to
go down some new roads. Thanks guys...I truly appreciate all you’ve
done.
I’ll still be working a little in the background and occasionally
will do a ‘toon or help out at a show but mainly I’ll be working on my
Bikers are Animals books as well as some new projects outside the
motorcycling world with my better half Linda. I also want to spend a
little more time on two wheels. The Post has some new blood with Ken
Degnan. I’ve gotten to know Ken over the past few months and he
deserves your support. On top of being a serious motorcyclist who
loves to ride, this kid is a class act and is cut from the same cloth
as Bob and Leo. So to all you Motorcyclist’s Post readers and
supporters...a big time thank you for your support and interest in my
work over this long ride. It’s rare to have that sort of thing in
one’s life and I really appreciate big time. MC Post readers are the
best! See you on the road...Paul "PJ" Jamiol
For a complete Tailgunner Exhaust review
click
here
