Hey, Suddenly there’s a ton of action happening in Sturgis for the 85th. This was a wild week, as we scrambled into July. Suddenly we feel non-stop pressure to prepare for the 85th annual Sturgis Rally. Other than Arlin Fatland, who owns TwoWheelers on Main in Sturgis the rest of us don’t know what the fuck we’re doing. We also don’t know what the fuck to expect. He does and he’s super cool about it. He’s owned his shop on Main for over 40 years. He’s seen it all from shoot-outs to rampant police over-reach. The new City Council is lost between religious zealots who want the rally turned into a bible study group to nude riders and everything outlaw from our wild choppers to burnouts. I get it. It’s not like Sturgis is host to an American Indian Tribal Dance to celebrate the squirrels who call the Bear Butte home. It’s more like the wildest party on the planet, celebrating the knife-edge of freedom in the Black Hills tied to gunslingers and gamblers of Deadwood and the open roads surrounding the Devil’s Tower. This whole puppy celebrates our chopper history, outlaw past, rock and roll and all makes and models of racing. Hang on!   Let’s hit the news. Happy 4th of July! The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Rogue, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew. The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Here comes a One-For-The-Record-Books 85th Sturgis Rally BUFFALO CHIP lineup that touts… 151 combined Top 10 singles 482 double platinum, diamond and gold records 84 million monthly combined Spotify listeners 13 bike shows and exhibits Two days of Daredevil Stunts 25+ contests and games Multiple days of racing And wayyyyyyy more All at The Best Party Anywhere®… Nickelback, Jason Aldean, Five Finger Death Punch, Marilyn Manson, ZZ Top, Stone Temple Pilots, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, KISS’ Gene Simmons, Buckcherry, Hinder, Josh Ross, Saliva, Pop Evil, Citizen Soldier, AMA Arenacross, Ultra4 USA Racing, DRT’s Flat Track Racing, STIL RUNNIN, Scotty Hasting, Peach Street Revival, Cordell Winter, Cody Lee Meece, Krysten Knievel, Big Skillet, Goodfire, Cönaxx, and Van Zeppelin. Revealed on the 2025 limited-edition post “This year has been full of deep fakes, fake art, phishing scams and virtual overload. But the Chip? It’s still 100% real. Flesh, rubber, engines, grit,” says Sturgis Buffalo Chip President Darrel Woodard Jr XXVI. “That contrast is the theme of the 2025 poster. In a world that’s run by bots, riding your bike to the Chip, hanging with friends, and sweating through a real concert under the stars isn’t just fun—it’s a revolution.” ONLY 150 POSTERS PRINTED PRESIDENT TRUMP ROLLING INTO THE STURGIS RALLY– GOP senator invites Trump to ‘an appreciation event like you’ve never seen’ in deep-red state Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., extended an invitation exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital to the president to attend his home state’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Rounds left the door open for Trump to either come to the rally’s 85th anniversary this year, or to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year. FIRST ON FOX: Every year, the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota, explodes from just a few thousand residents to hundreds of thousands of people making the pilgrimage to the Buffalo Chip campground. There, they participate in the nation’s largest motorcycle rally, where camaraderie, motor oil and rock and roll permeate the dusty campground. And one Republican senator wants President Donald Trump to be the headlining guest. “South Dakota is Trump Country,” Rounds said. “We’d love to introduce you on stage during one of our premier concerts, in front of tens of thousands of fans, and we’re thoroughly convinced you’ll be impressed with the reception.” “This year, the event is our 85th Anniversary — which will draw rally-goers from every corner of the country and throughout the world,” he continued. “Next year, the 250th anniversary of our country will also be a blow-out event. We’d be honored to host you whenever it may work in your schedule.” Story by Alex Miller NEW 85TH RALLY 5-BALL PRODUCTS IN THE EMPORIUM— Hang on for this. We’ve worked hard and quick to develop a few special 85th Anniversary products. Check the proof. Holy shit, they forgot the King’s Chopper. We have it straightened out now. Here’s Danial’s original art. It’s going to be killer. If you can’t make it to the Rally, all these pieces will be available in the 5-Ball Garage shortly. We will have a few solid brass custom Silver Skull jewelry pins. –Bandit FREEDOM ISN’T FREE–BUT THIS RIDE IS WORTH EVERY MILE This Independence Day, don’t just wave the flag — RIDE FOR IT. This is your call to action, and it’s about time we show up, stand up, and FIGHT BACK! While you’re chillin’, and before you light up the grill, think about the meaning of July 4th. Think about what it takes to preserve liberty, rights, and even the future of motorcycling. For 41 YEARS, the Meeting of the Minds Conference has been The Place for motorcyclists’ rights advocates – Freedom Fighters — to gather, to network, to plan legislative strategies, and attend a host of workshops tailormade for motorcyclists’ rights advocacy. Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is our voice — our defense — against the constant erosion of our freedoms on two wheels. And this year… we make it louder, we make it stronger, we make it undeniable, and with you, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE! The 41st Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference is set for September 25-28 at Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino in Shreveport, Louisiana. We know you care about the future of motorcycling, about OUR RIGHTS, about freedom, and what it takes to preserve it — YOU NEED TO BE THERE. This isn’t just another conference. This is THE battleground for motorcyclists’ rights. It’s where the fight for our freedom gets real. Legislative threats, rising roadblocks, incessant profiling because of what we wear or who we ride with, and unscrupulous regulations are trying to keep us off our streets and highways. We cannot let them win. And we won’t. If you’re passionate about the cause, if you’ve got the grit to stand against those who would take what’s ours, then this is your time. Be there. Share your knowledge. Fight for change. Learn how we can protect our freedoms, our roads, and our way of life. The MRF is counting on YOU to be part of this battle. It’s time to take a stand. Don’t let them take what we’ve earned. It’s time to pack this conference with passion, power, and purpose. We ride for freedom. We RIDE TO WIN. See you in Shreveport. SEPTEMBER 25 – 28, 2025 AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY KICK-OFF COUNTRY CELEBRATION TO FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY —-THE OAK RIDGE BOYS, LEE GREENWOOD, LARRY GATLIN & THE GATLIN BROTHERS, THE BELLAMY BROTHERS, EXILE, T. GRAHAM BROWN, SHENANDOAH’S MARTY RAYBON, RESTLESS HEART’S LARRY STEWART, TIM RUSHLOW, EDDY RAVEN, DAVID FRIZZELL & LISA MATASSA America’s Monuments, National Parks, The Liberty Bell, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and more to be highlighted throughout televised program 250th Birthday Kick-Off Celebration To Air July 4th at 1 PM (ET) and 6 PM (ET) With An Encore Broadcast on July 5th at 7 PM (ET) On RFD-TV NASHVILLE, Tenn. – America’s 250th birthday, which officially is July 4, 2026 (1776-2026) and will commemorate and celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, will have a full year-long lead up celebration kicking off this July 4th with a 250th Anniversary Kick-Off Country Celebration that will feature country music hitmakers of the 80s and 90s era performing in Nashville, Tennessee, in a pre-recorded concert. “Country music comes from the heartland of America,” says Frank Matassa, executive producer. “We have brought together several artists from the 80s and 90s era to perform one of their most recognized hits for this special, which makes this a sing-along for Country music fans.” Throughout the special, several of America’s notable and historic places will be highlighted including the Gettysburg National Military Park, Liberty Bell, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, The Alamo, George Washington’s Estate in Mount Vernon among others. “We live in the greatest nation in the world,” says T. Graham Brown. “To be able to perform with so many other great artists and friends to honor America is very special to me.” The one-year countdown to America’s 250th birthday will kick off at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, with a Salute to America celebration featuring remarks by the President of the United States. The event will also feature patriotic entertainment and fireworks. LAW TIGERS CELEBRATES–Made in America. Trusted by Riders. This Independence Day, we’re celebrating freedom and craftsmanship by spotlighting some of the motorcycle industry’s finest brands proudly manufacturing right here in the USA. These legends don’t just make parts, they build passion, performance, and pride into every bolt. Use the codes below for exclusive July 4th deals from our all-American favorites: (Valid July 1–7) Baker Drivetrain Drivetrain products for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles. Built for performance. Engineered to last. Made in the USA. HOFMANNJULY4 Hofmann Designs With a simple vision, creating quality products and unique motorcycles. LedSled Customs Supplying high-quality American-made chopper components executed with precision. Namz Custom Cycle Products Your source for premium motorcycle electronics and more Let’s ride into the 4th celebrating American roads, American bikes, and American-made gear. Support Local. Ride Loud. Live Free. Happy Independence Day from The Law Tigers. MORRIS MAGNETO HITS BORN FREE– A big thanks to all the builders and attendees who use our parts and visited our booth at Born-Free 16. The weather was incredible, and the crowd was fantastic. It was wonderful catching up with friends and meeting new customers. We’ll see you in 2026! “I trusted Magnetos for a decade.” — Bandit STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM ACTION– Grand Opening on July 5th! After months of preparation and hard work, we’re thrilled to announce that the museum will fully reopen on July 5th! With brand-new exhibits, a refreshed look, and a renewed energy, we can’t wait to share everything we’ve been working on. While a few surprises and exhibits are still being finalized for the 85th Sturgis Rally, the museum is open and ready for your visit. Come experience the new chapter of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame! Plan Your Visit Now! We’re excited to unveil a fresh lineup of merchandise just in time for the grand reopening of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame on July 5th! From stylish new hats and shirts to unique gift items, there’s something for every motorcycle enthusiast. It’s not just the exhibits getting a new look—our merchandise is getting a revamp too. Be among the first to see it all in person during your next visit to the museum! Can’t make it in right away? No problem! You can still grab your favorite items online through our website. Don’t miss your chance to own exclusive Sturgis Motorcycle Museum gear—check it out today! Hall of Fame 2025 Inductees Meet N Greet 08.07.25 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Missed your chance to get a ticket to our world-famous Hall of Fame Inductee Breakfast? Don’t worry, there’s still an opportunity to meet this year’s inductees! Stop by the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame to meet the 2025 Inductees and congratulate them in person. 1st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Raffle The long-awaited Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Raffle is here! Come see if your ticket is the golden ticket to one of the many incredible prizes. There’s still time to get yours! With over $125,000 in prizes up for grabs, this is your chance to win big while supporting our mission to preserve the legacy of motorcycle culture and enhance our exhibits and educational programs. www.SturgisMuseum.com ROBOTAXIS IN TEXAS– In late June 2025, Tesla launched its Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, deploying vehicles equipped with Full Self‑Driving software but with human safety monitors on board. Several concerning incidents have already been reported. Videos document robotaxis entering left‑turn lanes but proceeding straight, other robotaxis crossing double‑yellow lines and even robotaxis entering oncoming traffic for several seconds. Additionally, there have been reports of abrupt phantom braking, especially near police vehicles. Although no major accidents have been reported yet, local lawmakers have taken notice. Texas legislators are contemplating stricter permitting rules related to this technology. Federal regulators are also aware of the reports out of Austin. In a statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency said, “NHTSA is aware of the referenced incidents and is in contact with the manufacturer to gather additional information.” In March 2025, Waymo confirmed plans to launch a human‑free, fully driverless service in Washington D.C. starting in 2026. Some view the idea of bringing this technology to the doorstep of Congress, NHTSA and other federal regulators as a bold move. Any high-profile events involving this technology on the streets of our nation’s capital would draw massive media attention and could easily spur action and stricter oversight. Global market share of Robo Taxis The Motorcycle Riders Foundation continues to educate officials in D.C. about our concerns regarding the deployment of these vehicles. Examples like the ones out of Austin, further demonstrate the need for robust testing to ensure motorcyclists and other roadway users are not collateral damage in the rush to commercialize these vehicles. As always, stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. –MRF LANE SPLITTING FINDS FREEDOM–Minnesota Motorcyclists get new rules Riders can now share lanes with cars, dodge traffic jams The safety message of “Start Seeing Motorcycles” will take on more meaning in Minnesota on Tuesday as lane splitting and filtering for motorcyclists become legal. Passed in the 2024 legislative session, the law takes effect on Tuesday. “Our concern is for the safety and the lives of riders and drivers all across the state,” said Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson on Monday. “Remember that safety is a shared responsibility. Everybody is going to have to practice and proceed with caution, awareness and patience.” Phil Stalboerger, of Eagan, advocated for the changes after he was rear-ended on his motorcycle while in traffic. His wife was a passenger and sustained seven fractures to her leg. He told legislators about the crash as a way to keep it from happening to other people. Here’s what to know about the new law, which Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center’s Jay Bock calls “lane sharing” overall. It “allows motorcycles to share a lane with vehicles when it is appropriate, at the proper speed,” he said. What is lane splitting, when does it apply? Lane splitting allows a motorcycle to pass another vehicle in the same direction of travel and in the same traffic lane. It’s permitted when two or more lanes of traffic are traveling in the same direction and traffic is moving. Motorcyclists can lane split at no more than 15 mph over the speed of other traffic. For example, if traffic is crawling along at 5 mph, a motorcyclist’s maximum speed for lane splitting would be 20 mph. Under all circumstances, the maximum speed for lane splitting is 25 mph.What is lane filtering, when does it apply? Lane filtering lets motorcyclists move through traffic that is stopped. It’s allowed when there are two or more lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. It can be used in situations such as a traffic jam or drivers stopped at a traffic light. At a demonstration on Monday, motorcyclists slowly pulled up between vehicles stopped at a red light at Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services Eagan-South Metro Exam Station. They then advanced ahead of the vehicles when the light turned green. Motorcyclists cannot travel more than 15 mph when using lane filtering. When are lane splitting and filtering not allowed? The new law does not apply to: • Round-abouts.• In a school zone.• In a work zone when only a single travel lane is available.• On an on-ramp to a freeway or expressway. Why did this become law? The bills were chief authored by Sen. Julia Coleman, a Republican representing Carver County, and Rep. Dan Wolgamott, a Democrat who represents Benton, Sherburne and Stearns counties. Stalboerger grew up riding motorcycles and has been a lobbyist for the last 32 years, but he didn’t combine those interests until after the crash in Bloomington in October 2022. “It was really about making sure that nobody else has to go through what anybody that’s been in an accident has to go through,” said Stalboerger, treasurer of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. He said after he attended Monday’s Office of Traffic Safety press conference, he was riding his motorcycle and got stuck in traffic on Interstate 494. A motorist rolled down his window and said, “You know it’s legal for you to go in between?” Stalboerger responded, “Not ’til tomorrow.” The American Motorcyclist Association supports lane splitting and filtering, and cites a University of California, Berkeley, analysis released in 2015. It “found that lane-splitting is relatively safe if done in traffic moving at 50 mph or less, and if motorcyclists do not exceed the speed of other vehicles by more than 15 mph. Minnesota’s law says motorcyclists can’t travel more than 25 mph while lane filtering. “With this new ability to filter through slow-moving traffic and at stoplights, riders in Minnesota will benefit from increased safety on the open road,” American Motorcyclist Association Central States Representative Nick Sands said in a statement last year. By Mara H. Gottfriedmgottfried@pioneerpress.com OUR LEGAL LESSON OF THE WEEK–Register of Copyrights By Jeffrey E. Jacobson, Esq. with Sarah Simonis The Register of Copyrights is the main director of the United States Copyright Office, appointed by the Librarian of Congress. The Copyright Office develops regulations surrounding copyright law, ranging from music licensing to types of applications filed with the Office. Frequently, the Copyright Office collaborates with government agencies to establish policy and provide guidance on copyright-related questions that arise. As the director, the Register of Copyrights serves as a principal advisor to Congress, providing expertise on both national and international copyright matters, assisting members when drafting legislation, and typically testifying on these issues before Congress. Since 2020, Shira Perlmutter has served as Register of Copyrights, a position she held until this year, when President Trump unlawfully removed her and the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden. Perlmutter subsequently sought a temporary restraining order (TRO), attempting to block the firing, arguing that President Trump’s overstep was unlawful and ineffective. A federal judge ultimately denied Perlmutter’s TRO, stating that she did not meet the “high burden” necessary. Additionally, Perlmutter’s complaint alleges that two Department of Justice (DOJ) officials attempted to access the Copyright Office, claiming that Todd Blanche is the acting librarian and Paul Perkins is the acting register. President Trump claims his right to remove comes from the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, which allows the president to appoint a temporary replacement to serve in a position without Senate approval if the position is an executive officer. However, as the Library of Congress is a legislative entity, the staff refused to comply with the DOJ officials. As of now, Perlmutter is seeking a preliminary injunction to hopefully block the fire; while the Copyright Office has no clear leader. As there is no official register, those with pending or recently issued certificates are concerned, as they may be challenged on their validity since there is no Register of Copyrights to sign them. On its own, it is not a significant problem as the signature is not a requirement for a registration certificate. However, when examining Section 410 of Title 17 in more detail, the register must determine copyrightability; failing to do so creates an easy target for defense attorneys to argue validity in the certificate. As the register doesn’t individually review every registration that comes through, technicalities may result in invalidation. The Supreme Court precedent holds that “good faith” mistakes in registration do not invalidate it. Having a registration printed during this time is hardly a “bad faith” mistake, and courts typically do not go out of their way to punish litigants for factors beyond their control; however, the situation is unprecedented and uncertain. The likely resolution will be to issue new certificates once a register is lawfully appointed. –The Jacobson Firm BABES RIDE OUT HIT DEADWOOD– For the love of all things holy, I think we could all use an adventure right about now….fraccckkk! Babes Ride Out is thrilled to partner with Harley-Davidson to present our 2nd annual Babes in Deadwood July 10-13th 2025 in Lead, SD. That’s right! 3 nights and 4 days!  If you are ready to ride motorcycles through some of the most gorgeous and awe inspiring landscapes in the world without the Sturgis traffic or “vibe”, we welcome you to join us!  We are so excited to have much more space for campers and have a hotel + cabins + restaurant + bar + open air pavilion all on site! The location is unreal and right next to one of our favorite rides through Spearfish Canyon and short rip to Deadwood proper. The area is rich in wild west history and we plan to showcase it all. Our absolute favorite thing is the open roads with hardly any traffic on them as we traverse Iron Mountain and Needles Highway, usually so congested during Sturgis you can barely move. Because our dates are before the massive take over, you can take a soulful ride through Lakota Nation and the vast Badlands on a Harley-Davidson demo or go on a guided tour with the Pan America experience off-road on hard packed 2 track that brings you into the areas that remain untouched during peak riding conditions. We are proud to have Starr Chief Eagle, Lakota Artist & Hoop Dance Extraordinaire, welcome us Thurs evening with a cultural experience as well as the Deadwood Commerce Division with some story telling of “Women of South Dakota / Deadwood”. Line dancing 101 on Friday night and Saturday is campfire hangs to keep it chill before you ride off to  your next destination on Sunday afternoon. Hotels, cabins, and RV + tent camping are available but almost full! Grab your spot, a ticket, and see you in South Dakota! HISTORY LESSON FROM COMPETITION DISTRIBUTING– Back in the early days of American motorcycling, the Cleveland Motorcycle Manufacturing Company was one of the true pioneers. Founded in Cleveland, Ohio, they started building bikes in 1915 and quickly earned a reputation for quality and innovation. Their early models ran on small two-stroke engines, cleverly mounted lengthwise in the frame, which made them stand out from the crowd. By 1921, Cleveland had upgraded to a slightly larger engine and improved the design with a bigger tank and more comfortable seating. During World War I, Cleveland motorcycles even served on the front lines as courier machines for the U.S. military. In the years that followed, they pushed forward with new ideas, introducing four-stroke singles and eventually taking a bold step into four-cylinder models. These bikes were ahead of their time, but the market was tough, and the competition fierce. By 1929, Cleveland launched the impressive “Tornado” and “Century” models, hoping to capture riders with promises of speed and cutting-edge engineering. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t have been worse. The stock market crash that same year brought the company’s story to an end. Still, the legacy of Cleveland motorcycles lives on today. They were builders, risk-takers, and true believers in the spirit of the ride. STURGIS MUSEUM FUNDRAISING REPORT– Just a note: I’m working on the next fundraising committee meeting agenda. Of course we will cover all our on-going programs, but I have a couple of additions. 1. We need to start a capital fund raising program. The Iron Horse is still for sale. I was hoping for 3.2m. 2. I’ve attached a list of bikes currently on display at the Petersen Museum. This exhibit will run until 2027 at which time may be sold. The Petersen Museum has suggested a bid. The Barber Museum is preparing a bid for some of the bikes. We have been offered an opportunity to bid and perhaps a chance to have the exhibit delivered to Sturgis. 1909 Harley Model 5-A 1908 Indian Camelback Twin 1911 Excelsior 1898 Cleveland tricycle 1903 Orient 1904 Thomas Rambler/Auto-Bi 1905 Nelk 1911 Marvel 1912 Pierce Arrow 4-cylinder 1912 P.E.M. 1913 Iver Johnson 1914 Sears 1914 Pope Model L 1922 Henderson Model K 1904 Thor Camelback Endurance 1908 Indian Single 1914 Flying Merkel Twin 1914 Shaw Purpose-built racer 1925 Indian “Altoona” Hillclimber 1936 Crocker Speedway 1904 Steffey 1905 Johnson Motor Wheel 1917 Dayton Motor Wheel 1920 Evans Power Cycle 1911 Minneapolis Tri-Car 1910 Michaelson w/sidecar 1915 Militaire 19XX Crocker Motorcycles Factory Sign 19XX Pope Motor Cycles Sign 19XX Crocker Clock 3. The next item includes Darcy’s 24m ultimate expansion and funding plan. 4. We need to kick off the HOF fund raising effort inspired by Ari. Let’s see when we can get together to have a meeting. All the best,–Bandit 4TH OF JULY BARGAINS FROM NASH MOTORCYCLES– LEATHER CODE: hide25 HANDLEBARS CODE: bars35 SALE STARTS NOW! AMERICAN MADE HANDLEBARS BUELL 2025 FREEDOM EDITION HAMMERHEAD 1190– Performance, the American Way. The 2025 Freedom Edition Hammerhead 1190 represents the pinnacle of American motorcycle engineering, proudly hand-assembled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This machine harnesses the most powerful American V-Twin engine available, delivering performance that showcases our nation’s legacy of innovation. The Stars and Stripes design flows along the Hammerhead’s aerodynamic profile, while raw carbon fiber shines through the transparent BUELL emblem, testament to lightweight American craftsmanship and unrelenting performance. Built for those who ride with pride to honor this great country, with a power-to-weight ratio unlike any other. Beneath this striking livery, the Hammerhead 1190 retains its formidable performance. Powered by Buell’s liquid-cooled 1190cc V-twin engine—originally developed for AMA super sport racing, delivering 185 horsepower and 102 ft-lbs. of torque while weighing just 419 lbs. This is your ultimate racing companion, engineered to conquer every road and track you travel. Buell Hammerhead 1190 Buell 1190cc V-Twin engine 185 Horsepower 102 Ft-lbs of torque 419 lbs weight (dry) Carbon fiber body work standard MSRP $20,995 DIRECT FROM THE LOWBROW GANG– What started out as an endurance challenge quickly morphed into so much more… And honestly it’s one of the best events I’ve had the pleasure of participating in… But we had no idea how hard Pennsylvania’s backcountry would fight us every step of the way! TEXAS WEATHER REPORT— Anyway got to find a local city or county representative to give it to, figured if I set it off they’d show up anyway. Could you fix my stupid smart phone spelling to perimeter, I kept looking at it thinking something isn’t right On Jun 27, 2025, at 2:25 PM, Richard Roesler <rwr25@icloud.com> wrote: I guess my dad took parameter security seriously, I’ve been bouncing the medium sized box marked Chevy parts around the storage unit for years!  Finally decided to go through it & keep throwing what I assumed was an old electric motor of some sort around inside the box as I threw stuff away. Finally decided to see what it is & noticed the thin metal point, sliding the cardboard tube off I find this, with the pin more on the “I’m leaving” side!  Don’t know if they were ever available through military surplus?  My dad did 2 years in Germany in the ’50s (I ended up at the same base 20 years later, different building).  No stateside duty, so I guess it might have came from there?      Anyway got to find a local city or county representative to give it to, figured if I set it off they’d show up anyway.  — RFR-FXR Life & Trip Flares 2 QUOTE OF THE WEEK— “Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.” — Bruce Lee Amateur Nationals – Amateur Half-Mile & Short Track LIVE NOW: Tuesday – Friday, July 1 – July 4 on FansChoice.tv! Amateur Nationals – Amateur Half-Mile & Short Track is LIVE NOW, Tuesday – Friday, July 1 – 4, on FansChoice.TV. Tune-in to watch the future of the sport in high-speed action! July 1 – July 5: Going Live at 10:00 AM ET Tuesday, 7/1: Amateur TT Wednesday, 7/2: Amateur TT Thursday, 7/3: Amateur Half-Mile & Short Track Friday, 7/4: Amateur Mile Subscribers will also enjoy on-demand access to these events, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. GARY BANG PASSES–We lost a major icon in the industry this week. Gary lead the industry in so many respects, as a builder, a shop owner, a industry leader, a collector and alway a friend. Anytime I ran into him he would say, “Bandit, are you still boot tough and rattlesnake mean?” Sorry to see you go brother! –Bandit TRAINING WHEELS ARE OUT. CONFIDENCE IS IN!  Here’s the truth: training wheels slow kids down. Strider bikes teach balance first, the skill they need most, so your child skips the struggle and gains confidence faster.  Strider’s balance-first design means: – No tipping over on uneven sidewalks – No frustration from “stuck” pedals – No fear of falling  Instead, your child gets: – Freedom to ride on their own terms – Confidence in every stride – A smooth transition to a pedal bike, no training wheels needed Just glide, grow, and GO. It’s the easiest way to get rolling this summer. Shop Balance Bikes Now OH, THAT’S NOT ALL–By a longshot. I thought 2024 was the weirdest year of my life. Then this year came along like a Shakespearean play. The twist and turns, the personalities, the business failures all around the Easyriders brand name. I just wanted to help save it. Easyriders is an iconic brand, but it’s been kicked and beat on since the stock market crash in 2008. Strange cats have surfaced, pounded their chests and failed. We’re going to sell the magazine at the Emporium and it features Danial James art. But wait there’s hope still for this amazing brand. Hang on for the next episode. This one could stick and bring freedom back to the newsstands. Speaking of Easyriders, I’m working hard to deliver the Easyriders Streamliner to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. This is the bottom of the last platform, the one built for the skids. It’s ready, but we have an issue with the tires. They’re flat and we need to remove the wheels and maybe add inner tubes. While road-testing the VLXAFL, I ran into an issue. My shift lever wasn’t centering itself. Fuck, I had to dismantle the transmission, which was a five-speed in a 4-speed case from S&S. Rich pointed out that we could handle this without removing the trans. I went to work. I removed all the primary components and started to remove the sprocket. Rich pointed out that the final gear didn’t need to be removed. That was cool, because with my bad right arm could not loosened the sprocket nut. I blew up my right shoulder. I tried all sorts of ways to unleash the sprocket nut, fortunately nothing worked and I stopped. Then I discovered the trans issue. A simple washer was missing from the shifter shaft. Without it, the shifter shaft could move just far enough to disengage the spring. I fixed it, and bada bing, the shift arm centered. Rich Ryan of Shamrock Fabrication pointed out the error of my ways. Okay, so as of right now I need to fix some wiring and If I can lift my arm high enough, another road test will happen this weekend. We have a crew working on the basement including mudding and painting. then we will set them up for rally folks including my son and his hot wife. This is going to be a photo-finish. Shit is happening fast and all the vintage shit is already selling. This is going to be wild. Our real-deal bedrolls are going fast. Anson Alexander sent this shot from somewhere in the south. Holy shit. Should I escape to the Caribbean, Save Easyriders, go for a ride, prepare for Bonneville, rock the rally or what. Hang on for what happens next. In the meantime, ride fast and free forever. –Bandit The post THE MASSIVE BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for July 3rd, 2025 appeared first on Bikernet.com - Online Biker Magazine.

July 4th, 2025 Each fourth of July we celebrate the birth of American Independence. We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to recognize that freedom is not and has never been free. We thank those in our armed forces for defending all of our freedoms. Perhaps Patrick Henry said it best in 1775 when he declared “Give me liberty or give me death!” Why we celebrate on July 4th: In June of 1776, representatives of the thirteen colonies, already fighting for 15 months in the revolutionary struggle, considered a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence. Then, two days later, on July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally severing ties with Great Britain. Join The MRF — visit website at http://mrf.org What Are The Modern Threats To Freedom?What Can Be Done To Preserve Freedom And Your Rights? REGISTER FOR MEETING OF THE MINDS – CLICK HERE ROOMS ARE LIMITEDALL ROOMS MUST BE BOOKED BYSEPTEMBER 10th, 2025 The post Celebrating America’s Birthday appeared first on Bikernet.com - Online Biker Magazine.

Long Road 2025 registrations are due August 11, include your shirts size (M or F). The 17th Long Road will continue with the traditional one night stops/Gypsy ride tradition. We’ll have five days of riding, no “kickstands up” times, just ride with as few or as many others as you want and meet up every night for some drinks around the fire. All first timers must check in with Mike Allen or Brian “Uncle Ben” Sauer at each stop to qualify for the highly coveted, internationally desired, carried by riders on at least four continents, Long Road medallion. FACEBOOK PAGE — https://www.facebook.com/LegionOfTheLongRoad/ Registration this year is $45. and are due by August 11. USD. Make checks or money orders payable to (and include you shirt size in men’s or women’s):Mike AllenPO Box 53Canon City, CO 81215 or, use PayPal.me/TerreHeroux Here’s the basic details:Sunday, August 31, we meet at Riverview RV Park in Vidalia, La. No reservations required, just let them know you’re with “Long Road.” There’s plenty of hotel rooms in Vidalia or Natchez, Ms for anybody not camping. Monday, Sept. 1, we meet at Purdie Creek Campground in Grenada, Ms. Our route that day will take us past Windsor Ruins and the “Devil’s Crossroads” where legend says Mississippi Delta Bluesman, Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his musical talents. If you’re looking to rent a cabin, try Grenada Lake Charters 662-417-1783, Grenada Crappie Den 662-445-3367 and you can try Hugh White State Park 662-226-4934. Again, no reservations needed, just show up and check in. Tuesday, Sept. 2, we ride to Lake Guntersville State. No reservations needed for tent camping, if you want to rent a cabin, call 256-505-6621 for reservations. Wednesday, Sept. 3, we return to “Bobarosa Saloon” in Del Rio, Tn. They put some hard work into reopening after being destroyed by Hurricane Helene last year. Their number is 423-613-9726 if you have any questions about cabins or rooms. Tent space needs no reservations. Thursday Sept. 4, we ride to “The Roadhouse” in Woodlawn, Va., home of several historic Long Road artifacts, including the infamous ten foot long red bar/table from the notorious yet tasteful “Long Road Lounge” made infamous by being targeted for raids by law enforcement at the Rockingham Dragway, “we didn’t do it!” The Roadhouse has tent space available for $10./person and bunk space upstairs for $20./person. Call our fellow Long Road rider, Tracy at 276-237-0557 to make arrangements. Friday Sept. 5, we ride to the Smokeout in Salisbury, NC for the final check-in at the Long Road Lounge. Plan on a group photo/medallions at the Lounge at 6pm. As always, the internationally highly coveted Long Road Medallion will awarded to all first time riders/passengers after completing Long Road by checking in at the start point and all stops on the ride. Hope this covers it well enough for now, check back here for any updates. CheersMike Registration this year is $45.USD. Mail checks or money orders and shirt size (mens or ladies) to: Mike AllenPO Box 53Canon City, CO 81215 or use:PayPal.me/TerreHeroux The route for 2025 Long Road is set. Here’s the stopsAugust 31, River View RV Park, 100 River View Pkwy, Vidalia, LA 71373. Just across the bridge from Natchez, Ms. Sept. 1, Purdie Creek Campground, 12833 US-51, Grenada, Ms 38901 Sept 2, Lake Guntersville State Park, 1155 Lodge Dr., Guntersville, Alabama 35976 Sept 3, Bobarosa Saloon, 2299 US-25 70E, Del Rio, TN 37727 Sept 4, The Roadhouse, 1203 Woodlawn Rd, Woodlawn, Va. 24381 Sept 5, The Smokeout, 1560 Julian Rd., Salisbury, NC 28146 You don’t have to make reservations unless you want one of the bunks at The Roadhouse or cabins along the way. Anybody interested in meeting up on the way to Natchez and camping at The Rattlesnake Saloon in Tuscumbia, Alabama on Friday, August 29 then Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Ms, let Mike Allen know. The post Long Road 2025 registrations are due appeared first on Bikernet.com - Online Biker Magazine.

This is the third year of this event which started off to simply honor those who have gone on before us. The first year many of us met at Accurate Engineering in Dothan Alabama to make the ride, but because people were coming from all over the country, after the first year it was decided that it would be better to meet at a central location which this year was SUN STUDIO in Memphis Tennessee ABOUT SUN STUDIO Sun Studio is known worldwide as “The Birthplace of Rock’n’roll”. It is the discovery location of musical legends and genres of the ’50s from B.B. King and Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis; from Blues and Gospel to Country and Rock’n’roll. Today our goal is to spread the story of Memphis’ history and culture through the music that put Memphis on the map.  ​Stand in the very same spot that Elvis first recorded. Your tour guide will tell you the inside stories of B.B. King, Howlin’ Wolf and Ike Turner before Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, & Roy Orbison who were all drawn to the new Sun Sound. ​See the priceless memorabilia from the musical legends that blended blues and country music to explode in the “big bang” of Rock’n’roll. ​Hear the voices of musicians who still haunt this studio, as you listen to outtakes from recording sessions and feel the energy of the music created here.  ​The studio is open for 40 minute guided tours every day from 10:00 am to 5:15pm. The tour is $20 for adults, $18 for students and $15 for kids ages 5-11. After day time operations close down we begin recording nightly starting at $200 per hour. The places we visit are different every year and very interesting. This year one of our own was there as Elvis. This is part of a fun group having a good time while traveling to our final destination the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale Mississippi –  https://www.shackupinn.com/ The Shack Up Inn is party central and where the original time capsule is. It is full and a new one was made for this year. Berry said – Projects, projects, projects. Heck, it seems the only way I could afford this idea I had for the new Rough Boys Time Capsule was to purchase a metal body resonator guitar that needed repair. Even using that angle it still took me months to find one. I figured my local luthier could fix this cracked neck. Nope. Apparently to get the glue to release from the body and then to reattach the neck is more than my local guy wanted to try. It’s hit and miss as I understand it. Sheesh, they should try welding 100-year-old crankcases. Well, we strung the resonator in light gauge strings, and it still wanted to separate at the once repaired crack. It’s time for the motorcycle builder guy to step in. Pilot drill back of neck, through the cracked area . 2. Counterbore for future dowels to cover screw heads. Pressure inject wood glue into crack. Insert wood screws into drilled holes and get down with a hollow ground screwdriver. Crack pulls up tight, excess glue comes squishing out, glue gets wiped off with finger, finger gets wiped off on jeans, and viola! I’m a luthier and it ain’t even noon yet. Play until your pea pickin’ heart is content, Rod Balch. Our Unintentional Pilgrimage Rough Boy Time Capsule resonator guitar is on another journey, this time to Georgia. Our favorite pin stripe artist, Chastin Brand is going to throw down on it. All told I’ve sent this precious piece of Rough Boy cargo about 8,000 miles and I ain’t done yet. It’s all to honor our past loved ones. Bikes, blues, and breaking bread with our loved ones, past and present. Even after all that, it had one more place to go, Rob ElTigre for engraving. EITigre Engraving, Metal That Matters, 6039 S AR 9 HWY, Melbourne, Arkansas eaglesinflight@live.com It is a work of art and is a beautiful addition to the previous time capsule. Quote from Berry Wardlaw, “It’s not often that so many people come from every corner of the United States just to be with one another and to honor our dear families and friends, both past and present.” During the day riders go to many of the places that are part of the “BLUES” Music History.This year it was to Rosedale. It appears they are not use to such a large group of motorcycles showing up in town. But the friendly group of bikers won them over and they got in on the fun In 2007, the Mississippi Blues Commission placed a historic marker at Rosedale’s former Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad depot site, designating it as a site on the Mississippi Blues Trail. The marker commemorates the sites in the original lyrics of legendary blues artist Robert Johnson‘s song “Travelling Riverside Blues“. He traced the railway route which ran south from Friars Point to Rosedale among other stops, including Vicksburg and north to Memphis. The marker emphasizes that a common theme of blues songs was riding on the railroad, which was seen as a metaphor for travel and escape from poverty and Jim Crow in the Delta. It also commemorates another common blues theme, life on the banks of a moody river bank, a theme heard in Charlie Patton‘s “High Water Everywhere“. Locals claim Johnson sold his soul to the Devil at the intersection of Mississippi state highways 1 and 8, on the south end of town, and that he tells this story metaphorically in “Cross Road Blues.” Other artists have referred to his songs.[8] Johnson’s deal with the Devil is mentioned as occurring in Rosedale in 1930 in an episode of the TV series Supernatural. However, a number of other Delta municipalities claim that the transaction took place in or near their boundaries. Saturday Evening Ron Balch played the time-capsule guitar. Then by moonlight we dismantled it and added time-capsule items folks brought. We explained each item and why they rocked with some special rhythmic notion. After the guitar was reassembled we carefully secured it to the old wooden wall for all to see and enjoy Back to the stage room to listen to Deak Harp perform and enjoy the evening with friends. I should note that Berry and Vivian were also celebrating their anniversary, having been married here at the previous pilgrimage. Thanks to all who shared photos for this Three events are being promoted over the airways, including Memorial Day in JUNE 11-15, 2026 You can also find information on Facebook An Unintentional Pilgrimage To view the movie Rough Boys go to  https://youtu.be/5MnPEeqmOfE?si=mhrHPiGPy2gVVX8B I’m Watching You – Berry Parking Rogue’s Motorcycle A Book Of Past Pilgrimages by Felica Morgan was available and Very Popular. –ROGUE The post UNINTENTIONAL PILGRIMAGE 2025 appeared first on Bikernet.com - Online Biker Magazine.

Some motivation and some inspiration. Here are some quotes to ponder. Get on your steed and aspire for liberty, integrity and honor. * * * “Liberty has never come from the government. Liberty has always come from the subjects of it. The history of liberty is a history of resistance.” — Woodrow Wilson “Liberty has been planted here; and the more it is attacked, the more it grows and flourishes.” — Samuel Sherwood “Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be better.” — Albert Camus “You never completely have your rights, one person, until you all have your rights.” — Marsha P. Johnson “Freedom is fragile and must be protected. To sacrifice it, even as a temporary measure, is to betray it.” — Germaine Greer “A nation that forgets its heroes cannot sustain itself.” — Abraham Lincoln “We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” — William Faulkner “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like me, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” — Thomas Paine “Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.” — Herbert Hoover “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” — George Orwell * * *Get a dose of Freedom on Motorcycles in your inbox every week —— click to subscribe to a Free Weekly Newsletter from Bikernet.com The post Thoughts for the Weekend appeared first on Bikernet.com - Online Biker Magazine.

Climate Journalists Are In The Grip Of A Weird Religious Cult The failure of Texas to implement flood warnings, not climate change, caused those 27 deaths By Michael Shellenberger, courtesy of Public Substack (you can listen to Michael tell this story on Public Substack) https://www.public.news/p/climate-journalists Climate change caused the catastrophic floods that tore through Central Texas over the last few days, killing at least 27 people, including nine children, and turning calm rivers into violent torrents, according to the media. At Camp Mystic in Kerr County, the Guadalupe River surged from about three feet to nearly 29 feet in just 90 minutes, sweeping away cabins, vehicles, and people with little or no warning. Climate change caused a warmer atmosphere, which holds more moisture, and unleashed it in increasingly intense bursts. Volumes of precipitation were extreme. They had less than a 0.1% chance of occurring in any given year, according to the New York Times. Texas climatologists warned that the frequency and severity of such events have already increased and could intensify by another 10 percent by 2036. In East Texas, “the number of days per year with at least two inches of rain or snow has increased by 20 percent since 1900,” noted the Times. But that tiny increase in precipitation doesn’t explain the floods or the deaths in Texas. Over the past century, global flood deaths declined by more than 80 percent. That happened not because nations reduced rainfall but because they have learned how to live with it. They built levees, dams, and drainage systems. They developed early warning systems and evacuated people before the water arrived. Kerr County in Texas failed to do any of these things. Despite its location in one of the most flood-prone regions in the United States, the county had no formal flood warning system in place. There were no sirens, no automated text alerts, no rapid evacuation protocol. The river rose, and families had no idea it was coming. The IPCC has made clear that while global warming contributes to more intense rainfall, the impacts of these events are shaped by how societies respond. Bangladesh offers one of the clearest examples. Once synonymous with catastrophic floods, the country has invested heavily in preparation. During Cyclone Sitrang in 2022, the government evacuated nearly one million people using mobile alerts, loudspeakers, and a network of raised concrete shelters. Despite severe flooding, the death toll remained below 30. Bangladesh did not escape the storm. It planned for it. The extent to which more areas are being flooded is because, since the 1980s, share of the human population in flood-prone areas increased almost twice as fast as in less flood-prone areas, something known as the “bulls-eye effect.” Schaduff, also known as Schaduf, is an irrigation device that was used very early in the gardens of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. (Photo by: Bildagentur-online/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Flood control is hardly a new thing. It is one of the oldest and most essential human technologies. Around 3000 BC, the Mesopotamians constructed canals and levees to manage the unpredictable flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates. By 2600 BC, the Indus Valley civilization developed advanced drainage systems in cities like Mohenjo-daro, capable of redirecting floodwaters away from homes. In approximately 2200 BC, engineers in ancient China constructed dikes along the Yellow River to protect farmland from seasonal flooding. The Romans began constructing aqueducts in 312 BC, not only to deliver clean water but also to manage storm runoff and reduce urban flooding. In the 1300s, Dutch villagers constructed dikes and windmills to drain marshes and defend their lowlands against the sea, laying the foundations for the modern Netherlands. An etching from a painting of Amsterdam featuring the Royal Palace of Amsterdam and the surrounding area of the city, other multistory brick and stonework buildings can be seen in the area of the palace and around the canal, boats can be seen on the water while people walk along a long wooden dock, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1800. From the New York Public Library. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images). Humans have known how to prevent flood deaths for more than 5,000 years. But in Kerr County this summer, that knowledge went unused. This was not the inevitable cost of climate change. It was the preventable cost of ignoring everything human civilization already knows how to do. And the idea that climate change’s modest impact on precipitation alone determines disaster outcomes is not just mistaken, it is fatalistic. It suggests we are powerless to adapt, when in fact we have centuries of knowledge and the tools to prevent tragedy. These same media outlets ignored centuries of successful water and land management, erased the dramatic decline in natural disaster deaths, and dismissed the progress made by societies that adapted to environmental challenges. Legacy outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian have spent years promoting worst-case climate scenarios while downplaying adaptation, innovation, and resilience. They elevated speculative models and catastrophic projections, often without context or probability, and presented them as inevitable futures. In doing so, they helped create a new category of mental illness: climate anxiety disorder, now common among young people who genuinely believe the world is collapsing. One in five British children reported nightmares about climate change in 2020. Why is that? Why are the New York Times and other media promoting the idea that the Texas floods and deaths were caused by climate change? What’s behind the hysteria? To answer those questions, it’s important to keep in mind that floods are not the only extreme weather event that the New York Times and other media outlets wrongly attribute to climate change. Over the past decade, reporters have increasingly blamed global warming for heat waves, hurricanes, wildfires, and even cold snaps, often before any formal scientific attribution is possible. These stories frequently cite isolated studies or speculative expert quotes while ignoring the broader data. The media’s tendency to link every disaster to climate change not only distorts the public’s understanding of risk, but also shifts focus away from the practical steps that reduce harm: infrastructure, preparedness, and smart policy. By treating climate as the sole villain, journalists often overlook the more immediate cause of disaster, human failure to plan for known threats. Part of the reason is that fear sells, and news organizations are desperate for money. In an era of collapsing ad revenue and declining trust, sensational stories about apocalyptic climate disasters generate clicks, shares, and urgency. Tying every flood, fire, or storm to global warming creates a moral narrative that keeps readers emotionally engaged and politically alarmed. But this panic-driven coverage often substitutes drama for accuracy, and outrage for nuance. It rewards worst-case speculation over sober analysis, and ignores the far less dramatic truth: that many climate-related risks are manageable, and that human adaptation has already saved millions of lives. By amplifying fear instead of focusing on solutions, the media not only distorts public understanding but also undermines the very resilience needed to face a changing world. Scientists respond to incentives, and in climate research, those incentives often encourage exaggeration of findings. Researchers who describe their findings in the most alarming terms tend to attract more media coverage, citations, and funding. Universities and journals favor studies that emphasize catastrophe rather than moderation or uncertainty. Policymakers and journalists often amplify the most dramatic claims, overlooking the caveats. This dynamic creates a feedback loop. Scientists who issue dire warnings receive more attention and resources. The system does not require dishonesty, but it rewards those who lean into worst-case scenarios. That bias shapes public understanding and distorts what climate science actually shows. Another part of the climate narrative is strictly ideological. Climate alarmism gives radical Malthusian activists and intellectuals who view Western civilization as inherently destructive a moral justification for demanding its dismantling. They frame fossil fuels not just as a technical problem but as a symbol of greed, colonialism, and inequality. Under this view, climate change becomes a vehicle for broader political goals, redistribution of wealth, centralization of power, and permanent subsidies for green industries aligned with their agenda. Instead of focusing on practical solutions like adaptation, infrastructure, and innovation, these ideologues promote a vision of collapse and forced transformation. The climate crisis, in their hands, becomes less about physics and more about power. Part of the climate alarmism discourse functions as a form of secularized Christianity. It follows a familiar structure: humanity has sinned (by burning fossil fuels), the planet now suffers as punishment (through floods, fires, and storms), and salvation can only come through repentance and sacrifice (by giving up consumption, flying less, eating plants, and trusting in technocratic authorities). This moral framework replaces God with “the science,” sin with carbon emissions, and redemption with policy obedience. Like religious movements of the past, it promises both judgment and deliverance, but only for the righteous. It channels guilt, fear, and the desire for meaning into a narrative that demands personal purity and societal transformation. While genuine environmental concerns drive many activists, the emotional energy behind the movement often draws more from theology than from data. But the apocalyptic climate discourse differs from Christianity in fundamental ways. Traditional Christianity offers forgiveness, hope, and the possibility of redemption through the gift of grace. Climate alarmism, by contrast, often offers no forgiveness, only permanent guilt and endless sacrifice. In Christianity, an individual can repent and be saved; in climate ideology, the individual remains complicit, regardless of how many carbon offsets they purchase or how strictly they follow the rules. Christianity locates ultimate authority in a transcendent God; climate ideology places it in expert institutions and bureaucratic consensus. Where Christianity separates sin from the sinner, allowing for mercy, climate alarmism tends to treat dissent as heresy and skeptics as morally corrupt. The result is a belief system that mimics the structure of religion but replaces its spiritual core with politics, fear, and control. In many ways, the climate discourse resembles the spiritual tradition of Gnosticism more than Christianity, as my colleague Alex Gutentag has pointed out. Gnosticism emerged in the first and second centuries AD as a radical spiritual movement within the early Christian and Hellenistic world, teaching that the material universe was a corrupt prison created by a false god, often equated with the God of the Old Testament, known as the Demiurge. In contrast to orthodox Christianity, which viewed creation as good and sin as moral failure, Gnostics believed that human beings contained a divine spark trapped in flesh and that salvation came not through faith or obedience but through hidden knowledge (“gnosis”) of their true, spiritual origin. Drawing on Platonic dualism and Persian cosmology, Gnostic texts like the Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Truth, and Gospel of Judas, discovered in 1945 at Nag Hammadi, portrayed Jesus not as a savior who died for humanity’s sins but as a revealer of esoteric truths meant to awaken souls from the deception of the material world. Christians declared it heretical, but Gnosticism’s tradition of rejecting worldly authority and urging the embrace of inner divinity continues to influence esoteric, modern spiritual, and political movements today. Like the ancient Gnostics, climate alarmists often claim access to secret knowledge that sets them apart from the masses. Writers like David Wallace-Wells, a New York Times columnist, openly describe their understanding of climate change as a kind of revelation. It’s information so dire, so morally charged, that it separates the enlightened from the ignorant or corrupt. In his 2019 book, The Uninhabitable Earth, Wallace-Wells wrote that one of the most haunting aspects of learning about climate change is carrying knowledge that others don’t share, and that feels impossible to convey. This mirrors the Gnostic belief that salvation comes not through faith or works, but through possession of hidden truths. In the modern climate version, those truths are wrapped in technical jargon, worst-case scenarios, and apocalyptic timelines. Those who accept them are the elect. Those who question them are heretics. And like Gnosticism, this framework often rejects the material world not as something to steward and improve, but as something irreparably damaged, a fallen system from which only a purified elite can escape. This Gnostic discourse flows from and reinforces a kind of narcissism and arrogance. Those who embrace it often see themselves as morally and intellectually superior, set apart from the ignorant masses who continue to drive, fly, eat meat, or doubt the most extreme projections. They view their anxiety not as a personal emotion but as evidence of their enlightenment, their capacity to feel what others are too blind or selfish to comprehend. This posture flatters the ego while demanding no practical accountability. It fosters the notion that knowing the “truth” about climate change confers virtue in itself, regardless of whether one’s actions are practical, realistic, or even coherent. Like ancient Gnostics who saw themselves as illuminated souls trapped in a corrupt world, today’s climate elect often speak as if they have transcended ordinary political and moral concerns. In doing so, they attempt to insulate themselves from criticism and dismiss disagreement not as reasoned dissent, but as dangerous ignorance or denial. The irony is that their alarmism often showcases their ignorance, especially when it comes to the long, practical history of water management and flood control. While they warn that rising seas and heavier rains make catastrophe inevitable, they overlook the fact that humans have successfully confronted these challenges for millennia. As I noted, ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, China, and Rome constructed canals, levees, dikes, and aqueducts to harness rivers and safeguard cities. In the modern era, countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh have significantly reduced flood-related deaths through the implementation of early warning systems, basic infrastructure, and coordinated evacuation plans. Rising secularism, overprotective parenting, indulgent education, and the decline of reading have weakened the public’s ability to think historically and critically. Social media amplifies this trend by rewarding emotion over reflection and fear over facts. Without religious frameworks, many people turn to climate activism for a sense of purpose and morality. Without schools that demand rigor or resilience, children learn to fear complexity and retreat into simplistic narratives. Without books and historical knowledge, students lose perspective on how societies have solved problems like floods and natural disasters before. Those cultural forces feed climate alarmism and make it harder to challenge. People absorb panic more easily than context. As long as these trends continue, the drivers of climate fear will grow stronger and more entrenched. Happily, we are also seeing a massive backlash against climate alarmism, as the 2024 election of Donald Trump made clear. Voters rejected the moralizing and fear-driven narratives of the climate establishment and chose instead a candidate who openly challenged its premises. In office, Trump moved quickly to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, halt environmental regulations, and eliminate federal subsidies for wind, solar, and electric vehicles. His administration redirected support toward fossil fuels and nuclear energy, restoring an “America First” approach to energy policy. These moves reflect not just a political shift, but a deeper cultural pushback against climate fatalism and anti-civilization Malthusianism that have defined the environmental discourse since World War II. Trump’s victory signaled that millions of Americans are tired of being told that prosperity, growth, and modern life are a problem to be solved rather than a legacy to be defended. The more the media amplifies climate alarmism, the more it undermines its influence and credibility. This outcome is not just political, it’s cultural and psychological. The media didn’t just report on this narrative; it created it, fed it, and enforced its boundaries. It turned skepticism into sin, and consensus into dogma. However, as this narrative becomes increasingly extreme and detached from reality, more people walk away. Readers turn to independent voices. Trust collapses. Subscriptions fall. The backlash grows. The same media institutions that sowed fear and moral panic now watch as their cultural power shrinks, and that may be the healthiest development of all. Today, just 31 percent of the American people say they trust the media. As such, things have the potential to change for the better, both in discrediting the climate apocalypse narrative and in restoring a more grounded approach to energy and natural disasters. The exposure of exaggerated claims, the collapse of media trust, and the rise of populist backlash have already begun to shift the conversation. People are starting to reject the notion that every flood, fire, or storm is evidence of societal collapse. On energy, voters are rediscovering the importance of abundance, affordability, and sovereignty, and are showing renewed support for reliable sources like natural gas and nuclear energy. As the alarmist narrative breaks down under the weight of its own failed predictions and political overreach, a more constructive vision can emerge, one rooted in problem-solving, human dignity, and confidence in our ability to shape the future rather than fear it. The post TEXAS WEATHER REPORT—This will blow your mind! appeared first on Bikernet.com - Online Biker Magazine.

The Trump administration will impose 25% tariffs on imports from Japan and South Korea, starting on August 1st. President Trump posted screenshots of letters apparently sent to Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Truth Social. To South Korea: To Japan: CNBC provided further details: The two form letters appear to be the first of what Trump said could be as many as 15 letters sent between Monday and Wednesday, the deadline when his so-called reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries were scheduled to snap back to the higher levels he had set in April. U.S. financial markets fell to session lows on news of the letters. The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 447 points, or 1%. The S&P 500 lost 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.9%. Both letters say that the 25% tariffs are separate from additional sector-specific duties on key product categories. The letters also note, “Goods transshipped to evade a higher Tariff will be subject to that higher Tariff.” Transshipping in this case appears to refer to the practice of transferring goods to an interim country prior to their final shipment to the U.S., in order to skirt tariffs. The form letters assert that the new tariff rates are necessary in order to correct for persistent U.S. trade deficits with the two countries. Trump warns Japan, South Korea of 25% ‘reciprocal’ tariffs ahead of deal deadline https://t.co/E3i6RubEao pic.twitter.com/AUUL86Toci — New York Post (@nypost) July 7, 2025 More from the Associated Press: Trump has declared an economic emergency to unilaterally impose the taxes, suggesting they are remedies for past trade deficits even though many U.S. consumers have come to value autos, electronics and other goods from Japan and South Korea. But it’s unclear what he gains strategically against China — another stated reason for the tariffs — by challenging two crucial partners in Asia who could counter China’s economic heft. “These tariffs may be modified, upward or downward, depending on our relationship with your Country,” Trump wrote in both letters. Because the new tariff rates go into effect in roughly three weeks, Trump is setting up a period of possibly tempestuous talks among the U.S. and its trade partners to reach new frameworks. Trump initially sparked hysteria in the financial markets by announcing tariff rates on dozens of countries, including 24% on Japan and 25% on South Korea. In order to calm the markets, Trump unveiled a 90-day negotiating period during which goods from most countries were taxed at a baseline 10%. The 90-day negotiating period technically ends before Wednesday, even as multiple administration officials and Trump himself suggested the three-week period before implementation is akin to overtime for additional talks.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS ALERT! According to Fox News national correspondent Bill Melugin, an active shooter ambushed Border Patrol agents arriving at a facility in Texas. “Three federal & TX law enforcement sources tell me an active shooter with a rifle & tactical gear ambushed Border Patrol agents as they arrived at a Border Patrol annex facility in McAllen, TX this morning. Local police and federal agents returned fire, killing him,” Melugin wrote. “I’m told this was a purposeful ambush/attack against federal agents and a press conference is planned for later this morning. No federal agents injured. Im told a McAllen police officer may have been shot, but is in stable condition,” he added. BREAKING: Three federal & TX law enforcement sources tell me an active shooter with a rifle & tactical gear ambushed Border Patrol agents as they arrived at a Border Patrol annex facility in McAllen, TX this morning. Local police and federal agents returned fire, killing him. I’m… pic.twitter.com/xL3qw5G6OW — Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) July 7, 2025 Fox News provided additional details: The incident comes just days after another Texas police officer was shot Friday night near U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Prairieland Detention Facility, authorities said. “We are closely monitoring the attacks on DHS detention facilities in Prairieland, TX, and Portland, OR, and are coordinating with the [US Attorney offices] and our law enforcement partners,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on X. “The Department [of Justice] has zero tolerance for assaults on federal officers or property and will bring the full weight of the law against those responsible,” he added. Several suspects were arrested after an officer with the Alvarado Police Department was shot at around 11 p.m. while responding to reports of a suspicious person, FOX Dallas reported. When the officer tried making contact with the person, shots were fired and the officer was struck in the neck. We are closely monitoring the attacks on DHS detention facilities in Prairieland, TX, and Portland, OR, and are coordinating with the USAOs and our law enforcement partners. The Department has zero tolerance for assaults on federal officers or property and will bring the full… — Todd Blanche (@DAGToddBlanche) July 5, 2025 “This morning an individual opened fired at the entrance of the United States Border Patrol sector annex in McAllen, Texas. Both Border Patrol agents and local police helped neutralize the shooter,” the Department of Homeland Security told Fox News.  “This is an ongoing investigation led by the FBI. More information will be shared as it becomes available,” it added. The New York Post noted: The nearby McAllen airport was shut down, with all flights delayed, the city said in a Facebook post. “Due to off-airport safety concerns, vehicles and passengers will not be permitted to enter the terminal or parking lot. Access will remain restricted until further notice,” the city government wrote. Watch additional coverage below:

"He will be deeply missed", Pearl Jam say as drummer Matt Cameron announces his departure from the band

Filing down the biggest heavy metal show ever to pick out some key moments was hard - but I did it anyway