Steve Garn, the Panhead That Tried to Kill Me, and Pee-Wee Herman??

 Build Your Own, Custom Bike Show, Motorcycle Rally, Press Release  1 Response »
Jul 142010
 

We interrupt this little series of articles to bring you this very, very special announcement.  As you know, Pee-Wee will be in Sturgis this year… you can read a recent post if you missed the news… but what you may not know is that he is getting a NEW BIKE!!  And one of the legends who has been selected to work on a bike for Pee-Wee is my good friend and amazing bike builder, Steve “BrewDude” Garn!

Man, I can’t wait to pull up on my Panhead to watch the unveiling of what Steve and a small handful of other amazing fabricators come up with for this one!

Congrats Steve and Good Luck to All the Participants!  We know you will all make Pee-Wee proud!

L&R,

ArtBiker

Sturgis News

As part of “Pee-wee’s Big Sturgis Adventure” at The Legendary Buffalo Chip Aug. 8 and 9, a mix of nationally renowned and local South Dakota builders of motorcycles and bicycles are taking part in an “extreme makeover” of Pee-wee Herman’s iconic 1947 Schwinn at the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Schwinn has donated TRANSIT 3-Speed Electric bicycles to be redesigned and fabricated especially for Pee-wee. Each participant will have only a few weeks to transform these electric bikes into high-tech, tricked out, ultra cool rides uniquely suited for Pee-wee Herman.

All entries will be presented at The Legendary Buffalo Chip’s Event Center on Sunday, Aug. 8, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pee-wee will choose his new bicycle, and then autograph all the other entries for a fundraising auction of these unique one-of-a-kind Pee-wee collectibles to benefit The Kids & Chrome Foundation, who supports various Black Hills children’s charities and The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.

The following day, Pee-wee will inaugurate his “New Ride” as Captain of the Buffalo Chip’s Annual Legends Charity Ride that starts in Deadwood on Monday, Aug. 9 at 3 p.m.

Pee-wee says: “My old red Schwinn is my best friend, but I’m ready for something new. I’m so grateful to Schwinn and all the cycle builders for their amazing donations. I’m really proud to be a part of this fundraiser, and can’t wait to be a part of all the fun at Sturgis.”

Fabricators include Steve “Brewdude” Garn of BREW Bikes, LLC. BREW has been building custom bicycle frames since 1987, and 2008 BREW received the Easyrider Old School Builder of the Year Award.

Bryan Schimke of TPJ Customs started his custom bike building business in his garage. Bryan builds only handmade bikes with the highest quality parts to withstand the abuse of the real world.

Jesse Hansen founded Rushmore Mountain Sports from his love of bikes and people and it soon became everyone’s favorite local bike and outdoor shop located in beautiful downtown Spearfish, South Dakota.

Recycled Cycles started out in 1978 selling just used and reconditioned bicycles today they are a full service Schwinn dealer located in Fort Collins Colorado.

Playing host to the largest and most prestigious motorcycle music festival of its kind, the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s 2010 Sturgis Rally Week musical lineup is guaranteed to provide visitors with the ultimate Sturgis experience.

Mount up that Harley-Davidson! To celebrate Sturgis Rally Week’s 70th Anniversary, Sturgis’ premier entertainment venue and motorcycle travel destination has not only rounded up an enormous selection of legendary musical acts but offers its guests an array of accommodations, created to suit any travelers’ needs. The Chip boasts a cozy selection of campgrounds and RV areas as well as travel trailer and cabin rentals.

Also set to perform at the Chip’s infamous outdoor amphitheatre are Bob Dylan, ZZ Top, Kid Rock, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, The Doobie Brothers, and The Scorpions. Visit www.buffalochip.com to make your reservations for Sturgis Rally Week 2010- you simply can’t miss this!

A New Bicycle in ArtBiker’s Future?

 American Motorcycle, ArtBiker's Thoughts, Custom Motorcycle, Motorcycle Industry News, Product Reviews, Uncategorized  1 Response »
Nov 022008
 

Living life on two wheels occasionally gives me a chance to enjoy the day on a pedal variety bike.  For such occasions, I purchased ride from what is perhaps the coolest bicycle manufacturers on the planet, Electra.  Their latest selection of bikes includes models like the Rat Rod, Hellbilly, Straight 8, Punk, Betty, Karma, and Flying Sue.  However, my ride of choice is the Rat Rod.  Fashioned in homage to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth himself, this green monster of a chopper bike has got style coming out of its ape hangers.  I happen to have the original version but they are now on the second edition and each is a limited production run.  My bike has whitewall tires, white and green handgrips, and a sweet white seat.  The new model has changed the white to orange for the rims and black for grips and seat.  A minor change in the frame styling as well, but other than that, it is the same machine.

Electra produces an amazing product with state of the art gear systems and way cool, vintage styling.  The internal hub that is used on all Electra bikes comes from Shimano.  This company has created a totally contained hub that houses the gears, bearings, and brakes all in one.  Because everything is located on the inside, there is never a need to adjust any of the components.  Plus, the shifting is as smooth as a Harley paint job.  You can even change gears while the bike is stopped!  Try doing that on a traditional multi-speed bicycle. 

Besides the coveted Cruiser line of bike by Electra, they have a line called the Townie.  This is actually what had me perusing the website this evening.  I remember taking the Townie for a test ride before I bought my Fink.  It was smooth, stable, and very easy to ride.  Electra attributes this to their “Flat Foot Technology,” which is simply the ability to place one’s feet flat on the ground at a stop.  What it means to us as riders is that the seat height is low, our center of gravity is low, and the pedals are pushed out and placed more in front of the body than on a traditional bike.  This allows the rider to sit upright and still gain the benefits of proper leg extension and maximum torque from each stride. 

So, here I am, on the Electra website (www.electrabike.com) looking at the Townies, trying to decide if I should sell my beloved chopper bicycle in favor of comfort, style, and perhaps the ability to strap one of the younglings to the back, when my mind wanders… this is nothing new, I seem to have an attention deficit problem.  So what do I do?  Well, thinking of the kids of course, I start looking at motorcycles.  I find a bunch of sidecar rigs that I think are butt ugly and then get interested in comparing the Ural to the Royal Enfield.  So, I shoot on over to a dealer’s website and lo and behold, they sell Urals, Enfields, and Ridleys.  Yes, those automatic motorcycles that have begun to come of age with aesthetics, but still have a funny little engine in them.  Anyway, I digress.  I see something that makes me shoot on over to Ridley’s homepage (www.ridleymotorcycle.com).  They have a bicycle with an engine!  Not like the pedal scooter I used to ride and my grandparent’s house in Myrtle Beach, but like the classic, original motorcycles.  A part time, combustion powered bicycle!  And are they ever sweet.

There are four models and each comes standard with a 49cc engine capable of approximately 24mph and gets about 120 miles per gallon. The models include the 1903 which sports a single speed with springer front end and shorty fenders, the Chief with its three speed transmission and distinct lack of fenders, the single speed Twin with its full length fender with license plate mounts in front and back, and the Desert Patrol with three speeds, full length fenders, a headlight, luggage rack, and leather roll bag behind the seat.  Now you can’t beat that with a stick!  But say you are a bit of a speed demon.  Well, there is the optional 70cc engine that will propel you to a whopping 33 miles per hour.  And there is no cost for that upgrade!  But hey, when your ride looks this cool, do you really want to go whizzing by so fast people can’t get a good look?

MSRP for all four models is just $1999.  However, I have noticed that if you put in an order now with Ridley, they are going for $1499.  Talk about a bargain.  Now, if I can just convince all of you wonderful folks to visit the ArtBiker store and get yourself a shirt, or perhaps order a limited edition ArtBiker print, perhaps I can get one of these babies in the garage.

 

Love, Respect, and Ride Safe,

ArtBiker

A New Bicycle in ArtBiker's Future?

 American Motorcycle, ArtBiker's Thoughts, Custom Motorcycle, Motorcycle Industry News, Product Reviews, Uncategorized  2 Responses »
Nov 022008
 

Living life on two wheels occasionally gives me a chance to enjoy the day on a pedal variety bike.  For such occasions, I purchased ride from what is perhaps the coolest bicycle manufacturers on the planet, Electra.  Their latest selection of bikes includes models like the Rat Rod, Hellbilly, Straight 8, Punk, Betty, Karma, and Flying Sue.  However, my ride of choice is the Rat Rod.  Fashioned in homage to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth himself, this green monster of a chopper bike has got style coming out of its ape hangers.  I happen to have the original version but they are now on the second edition and each is a limited production run.  My bike has whitewall tires, white and green handgrips, and a sweet white seat.  The new model has changed the white to orange for the rims and black for grips and seat.  A minor change in the frame styling as well, but other than that, it is the same machine.

Electra produces an amazing product with state of the art gear systems and way cool, vintage styling.  The internal hub that is used on all Electra bikes comes from Shimano.  This company has created a totally contained hub that houses the gears, bearings, and brakes all in one.  Because everything is located on the inside, there is never a need to adjust any of the components.  Plus, the shifting is as smooth as a Harley paint job.  You can even change gears while the bike is stopped!  Try doing that on a traditional multi-speed bicycle. 

Besides the coveted Cruiser line of bike by Electra, they have a line called the Townie.  This is actually what had me perusing the website this evening.  I remember taking the Townie for a test ride before I bought my Fink.  It was smooth, stable, and very easy to ride.  Electra attributes this to their “Flat Foot Technology,” which is simply the ability to place one’s feet flat on the ground at a stop.  What it means to us as riders is that the seat height is low, our center of gravity is low, and the pedals are pushed out and placed more in front of the body than on a traditional bike.  This allows the rider to sit upright and still gain the benefits of proper leg extension and maximum torque from each stride. 

So, here I am, on the Electra website (www.electrabike.com) looking at the Townies, trying to decide if I should sell my beloved chopper bicycle in favor of comfort, style, and perhaps the ability to strap one of the younglings to the back, when my mind wanders… this is nothing new, I seem to have an attention deficit problem.  So what do I do?  Well, thinking of the kids of course, I start looking at motorcycles.  I find a bunch of sidecar rigs that I think are butt ugly and then get interested in comparing the Ural to the Royal Enfield.  So, I shoot on over to a dealer’s website and lo and behold, they sell Urals, Enfields, and Ridleys.  Yes, those automatic motorcycles that have begun to come of age with aesthetics, but still have a funny little engine in them.  Anyway, I digress.  I see something that makes me shoot on over to Ridley’s homepage (www.ridleymotorcycle.com).  They have a bicycle with an engine!  Not like the pedal scooter I used to ride and my grandparent’s house in Myrtle Beach, but like the classic, original motorcycles.  A part time, combustion powered bicycle!  And are they ever sweet.

There are four models and each comes standard with a 49cc engine capable of approximately 24mph and gets about 120 miles per gallon. The models include the 1903 which sports a single speed with springer front end and shorty fenders, the Chief with its three speed transmission and distinct lack of fenders, the single speed Twin with its full length fender with license plate mounts in front and back, and the Desert Patrol with three speeds, full length fenders, a headlight, luggage rack, and leather roll bag behind the seat.  Now you can’t beat that with a stick!  But say you are a bit of a speed demon.  Well, there is the optional 70cc engine that will propel you to a whopping 33 miles per hour.  And there is no cost for that upgrade!  But hey, when your ride looks this cool, do you really want to go whizzing by so fast people can’t get a good look?

MSRP for all four models is just $1999.  However, I have noticed that if you put in an order now with Ridley, they are going for $1499.  Talk about a bargain.  Now, if I can just convince all of you wonderful folks to visit the ArtBiker store and get yourself a shirt, or perhaps order a limited edition ArtBiker print, perhaps I can get one of these babies in the garage.

 

Love, Respect, and Ride Safe,

ArtBiker

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