MODS vs. ROCKERS at THE CHOP SHOP

Monday - Jun 11, 2012 1:06 pm

I was asked to cover this event and I had an idea what it was about and if any of you watch the television series CAFÉ RACER, then you too have an idea what it is about too! And since I was not sure exactly what to expect, I did a little research on this MODS vs. Rockers thing. You can kinda describe it as a feud between two families and it goes way back to the late 1950's; so, in a way, it is nothing new.

It all started in England. The MODS ride mostly Italian scooters and the ROCKERS, they ride British, Japanese and sometimes you will see a Harley or two. The ROCKERS bikes are Café Racers. The name Café Racer comes from the fact that they would ride … race from café to café. Also the bikes looked like and were styled after racers but the name Café Racer sometimes in certain circles was used as a knock against these bike s because it was said "That they only ride from café to café?" There was a story on CAFÉ RACER that said they would leave a café and ride to a certain point and turn around and come back … You say, "So what? What is the BIG deal?" Well the BIG deal was and is you have to do this while a 45 record is playing and you have to be back before it stops! This is where the TON comes in and I know a lot of you are asking "WHAT IS THE TON?" Well the TON is hitting 100 miles per hour on your bike! I do not advise you to do this but this is the story behind the story. Once you have hit the TON, then you are in the "TON UP CLUB!"   Read more...

A Father's Day Feature

Monday - Jun 4, 2012 11:48 am

June is the month of Father's Day, so I thought I would do a father and son bike feature. The story begins with me hanging out at Maddog's Custom Cycles one Saturday. A poker run is in progress and this spot is a stop.

When all of the bikes roll in, I take off for the parking lot to check out the sites. I come across this bad ass blacked out 98 Dyna. I never located the owner but I left my card and a couple of days later Geoffrey gave me a call. A plan was laid out to meet and shoot his bike. Geoffrey's dad Glenn showed up at the bike shoot with his Road King, that is when I came up with the father-son bike feature for Father's Day.   Read more...

BIKERS FOR BIKERS ANNUAL SPRING RALLY @ SHAKORI HILLS

Tuesday - May 29, 2012 4:31 pm

The Bikers For Bikers Foundation has become a passion for me so, I work the entire rally as a volunteer yearly. Many riders are still learning about this nonprofit & the events it holds. The rally unlike most rallies has its own unique qualities every year.

To start with, it is held at Shakori Hills Park just out of Pittsboro, NC. Shakori Hills is an old farm turned into a “green” park with a community center, art throughout the grounds, great camping, solar heated showers, & a huge rustic stage that all entertainers & visitors love. Most of the events there, including the rally feature music and the scenery alone sets for great camping & outdoor events.   Read more...

Looking at Boobs

Monday - May 14, 2012 4:01 pm

I overheard a group of women chatting just the other day about how funny it is that breasts are such a big thing with bikers, that motorcycles and topless chicks just seem to go together. They weren't actually complaining, just marveling at the overabundance of boobs in bike magazines, calendars, and every bike event known to man ... and if there are breasts involved, every man's gonna know about it .. and certain proud women will flock to be part of the show!
Breasts are queen. They reign supreme admired in art, poetry, and comedy as well as simply walking down the street. They get framed in beautiful lace, lifted up for accentuated notice, and flashed for fun and flirtation.   Read more...

Looking at Boobs From Tammy's Perspective - Breast Cancer, Mastectomy, & Reconstruction

Monday - May 14, 2012 3:39 pm

In May 1995, I lost my left breast. I was 24 years old with two young kids, a full time job, and dreams of a modeling career.

At 24, you don't expect your body to let you down. You are just starting out, your youthful self-confidence all tied up in your body image, your looks, living life. I hadn't always had it easy anyway after losing the most important person in my life, my mother Lulu, when I was 14. But I was healthy, fed, and loved by my wonderful family who picked up where she left off. My aunt and grandmother raised my sister and me. You see, I'm from a long powerful line of strong single moms - my mom, her mom, and my auntie - all strong women who filled me with the steady knowledge that I am special and loved. Even in the worst of it all, I knew deep down that my strength would carry me on.   Read more...

Looking at Boobs From a Lactation Consultation's Perspective

Monday - May 14, 2012 3:27 pm

Anne Gessner sees women who use their breasts to feed their family. She's a Lactation Consultant - that means she knows a lot about boobs .. and she teaches about breasts and the milk they produce, the value of breastfeeding and breastfeeding how-to's! "There are so many benefits to feeding your child with breast milk!," Anne shares with an devoted motherly passion. She explained to me that when a mother is exposed to a germ, she makes antibodies to that germ and passes those antibodies to her baby through the milk of her breast. Wow! "Did you know that breast milk can change how the immune system works and therefore may help decrease the chances of allergies and serious infections throughout the child's life?," asks Anne, the breast enthusiast. "And did you know that there are 3 things connected with ear infections and they are, in this order: day care, not being breastfed, and being male?   Read more...

Looking at Boobs From Topless Dancers' Perspectives

Monday - May 14, 2012 3:16 pm

I reached out to some girls who take their tops off for money to hear what they had to say about boobs. Beth, a 20 year old college student shakes what her mama gave her to help support her education. "I began traditional dancing like ballet at age 9, and when I got to college and needed help paying tuition, it's the first thing I turned to because it came so naturally. I got hired at a boobie bar just before I turned 19." In the few minutes we talked, Beth told me several times how she sees breasts as a beautiful symbol of femininity. "Every female has them! I don't see breasts or any part of the body as obscene. It's just a body." Nevertheless, she sees the value that her boobs bring to the table and she pays her bills with the bills that get thrown at her. "The tips are absolutely amazing!," emphasizes the enthusiastic breast-exposing dancer. "I can make $200-$350/night.   Read more...

Looking at Boobs From Tiffany's Perspective - Thoughts on Breast Reduction

Monday - May 14, 2012 3:12 pm

In high school, I got extra attention from the guys. Not because of my great personality or athletic abilities but because I weighed 100 pounds and had C cup boobs. This is where the complex started. I had a boyfriend, good friends but the harassment that I got based on my body made me self-conscious. I would walk into a class and the guys would whisper and giggle. No one likes to be talked about. I could have embraced the attention but I was raised to be modest and a lady. My family is somewhat conservative and expected me to be the same. Guys in high school are obnoxious anyway when it comes to girls but for me, it was more than flirting. This one guy would not leave me alone no matter what I told him. He would try to corner me if he found me alone.   Read more...

Looking at Boobs From Trudy's Perspective - Breast Augmentation

Monday - May 14, 2012 10:49 am

Trudy is blonde with a big bright smile. She's naturally friendly, easily opening a chat with most anyone. You may have seen her at motorcycle events as part of The Carolina Rider street team encouraging you to sign up to win prizes and a free subscription to our e-Magazine. Her outgoing personality, interpersonal ease, and good looks brought her onto the team boosted by her love of bikes and the people who ride them! Visual appeal and personal confidence are main factors when we're hiring spokespeople. Trudy had these qualities. But, in keeping with her personal drive toward self-improvement, just last Fall she decided she'd like to augment her looks and today she's found an even stronger self-confidence as well!   Read more...

CROSSBONES

Monday - May 7, 2012 1:07 pm

The Crossbones for me was always a contradiction in terms. By that I mean it was billed as a bobber 40's-50's era style bike; something like out of the Marlon Brando THE WILD ONES movie. But for me it missed the mark. It was like the Crossbones had an identity problem, "Do I really want to be a bobber or not?" Oh, the flat paint scheme and the classic Springer front end said bobber (I am a Springer guy - I love those front ends) … but the fenders were a contradiction on the bike. The Cross bones only lasted three model years, if my memory serves me right.

I am not knocking the Crossbones or anyone who owns one. With a few changes it will SCREAM "OLD SCHOOL!" And if you love your Crossbones the way it is, that is cool. That is what makes this so much fun - everyone of us like different styles and that is a good thing. The fenders for me were always the biggest detractors from the lines and the style of the bike. The rear Fat Bob fender did not go with the bike and the front fender, well it was like an afterthought and no one could agree on it so they put something between a small short fender and a regular size fender.   Read more...