Hey, Wow, what an interesting week. I don’t know where to start. The rally is a couple of weeks away and every day the phone rings with another opportunity. A roadhouse wants the name Easyriders. We are discussing more rodeos. There’s discussion about bike shows starting. I’ve been trying to go for a ride for a couple of weeks. I’m just about finished with refurbishing the Billy bike. I just heard the seat was completed today and I’m excited to mount it and road test the bike. I am working with Adam Croft on some chopper registration pouches. Us chopper riders need a place to stash our registration and insurance cards.   The Captain America bike needs a new seat pan. The last one was rusted to shit. We are working on a one-piece unit. And then there’s Bonneville, and I need the Van serviced. I think the trailer is ready to rock. It may be the crew from Departure are going to throw the Bonne Belle in the back of their van and head out. That’s a trek. I just posted a report on the Easyriders blog. Check it out: https://easyriders.com/easyriders-attacks-bonneville-26-with-5-ball-racing/ So, as you can see we’re sorta busy. A brother called the other day. He’s a rider, muscle car collector, retired successful business guy. He faced some recent depression and discovered he needed to ride. A brother hauled his chopper to an event and he flew in, but when the party-action at the event ended he stepped over his solo seat, fired the beast and rode five small winding highway state roads home. Never felt better. Let’s ride after we hit the news. The Bikernet Weekly News was created by our non-stop, never give up staff: The Redhead, Wayfarer, LA Laura, Viscous Vickie, Danial James, Freak Show Team, Sturgis Prospect Kendra, Paul Davis, Agent Zebra and Berry Wardlaw. HARLEY IS HEADED TO THE STURGIS RALLY IN A BIG WAY— Harley-Davidson will Ride With You to the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 7-16 in Sturgis, S.D. and the surrounding Black Hills region. The largest motorcycle rally in the world always runs on Harley-Davidson, and in 2026 the Motor Company will open the Sturgis Rally with the public debut of the Deadwood motorcycle, a new model inspired in part by the post-war history of the Sturgis Rally. Other Harley highlights during the Sturgis Rally include multiple motorcycle demo ride locations, custom motorcycle displays, and organized group rides through the Black Hills region plus music, entertainment and special merchandise. Go to Harley-Davidson Sturgis Rally for full details and schedules. Harley Headquarters – Sturgis Community Center For the duration of the Sturgis Rally make the Sturgis Community Center on Lazelle Street your Harley home base. Experience a demo ride on a new 2026 Harley-Davidson® motorcycle or the second generation of Harley-Davidson® Trike models with revised chassis and all-new rear suspension for significantly improved rider and passenger comfort. Riders can also experience the performance potential of Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories on some motorcycles in the demo fleet. Try one of these customized motorcycles to experience Screamin’ Eagle® Performance Stage Kits, Screamin’ Eagle®/Öhlins® suspension components and premium Harley-Davidson® Audio Powered by Rockford-Fosgate®. The Fit Shop will feature 2026 Street Glide® and Road Glide® demo ride motorcycles you can customize with a selection of accessory seats and windshields from Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories, and four Touring and Cruiser models equipped with Reach® and Tallboy® handlebars. Fit Shop experts will be on hand to help you find a perfect fit combination tailored to your comfort and style. Riders may also enjoy displays of the latest Harley-Davidson® gear and apparel, live music and entertainment. Stop in for Let’s Ride Challenge® mileage verification and visit the Harley Owners Group® (H.O.G.®) center. Outlaw Square – Deadwood Welcome to Deadwood, in the heart of the Black Hills and some of the most-scenic motorcycle riding in the world. Harley-Davidson will host a rider’s rest area at Outlaw Square with live music for five days on the Michelin Stage. Outlaw Square is the final destination of the Medicine Wheel Charity Ride, August 9 at noon. The Buffalo Chip Legends Ride for local charities will depart Aug. 10 from Outlaw Square. On August 14 the Buffalo Chip Rusty Wallace Charity Ride and Auction presented by Harley-Davidson featuring celebrity NASCAR drivers, actors, musicians and more, begins and ends at Outlaw Square. Demo rides of 2026 Harley-Davidson motorcycles are available nearby at the Deadwood Welcome Center. Pappy Hoel Campground & Full Throttle Saloon – Vale S.D. Pappy Hoel, the official campground of the Harley Owners Group, hosts the Harley-Davidson Membership Hangout and the H-D Garage, where you can swing by for a fresh haircut, motorcycle pinstriping or a flash tattoo, all courtesy of Harley-Davidson Membership. Stop in for Let’s Ride Challenge® mileage verification and visit the H.O.G.® center. Five Demo Ride Locations A wide selection of 2026 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and trike models will be available at each Demo Ride site: Sturgis Community Center 1401 Lazelle St., Sturgis, S.D., August 7-14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hill City 1880 Train 222 Railroad Ave, Hill City, S.D., August 5-14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Deadwood Welcome Center 501 Main St., Deadwood, S.D., August 6-14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pappy Hoel Campground 19942 SD-79, Vale, S.D. August 7-14 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Black Hills Harley-Davidson 2820 Harley Drive, Rapid City, S.D. August 5-14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Military and First Responders Appreciation Day (August 11) Harley-Davidson is partnering with the City of Sturgis to support Military and First Responders honoring our veteran and active military members as well as our first responders.  A group ride will start the day and departs from Ellsworth Air Force Base and lands in Sturgis at the Community Center. The main celebration site is Rally Point, located on Harley-Davidson Way between Main and Lazelle streets, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. A free pancake breakfast for active/veteran Military members and First Responders will be served by Motorcycle Missions from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The remainder of the day features VIP speakers, a B-1 Bomber flyover, and special recognition for local veterans. Harley-Davidson will supply cold water at the ride landing.  And Harley-Davidson will offer an exclusive H-D® branded military shirt and challenge coin (while supplies last) for current and retired veterans. Tim Duffy, 2026 Sturgis Grand Marshall, will be on-site with his 9/11 motorcycle as well as many other special guests over the course of the day.  While the day is focused on our Military and First Responders, everyone is invited to attend and celebrate these heroes. Sturgis Buffalo Chip Biker Belles Women’s Day presented by Harley-Davidson (August 11) Women riders, passengers and the friends who support them are invited to gather Biker Belles Woman’s Dayevents, including the Biker Belles Morning Ride Sturgis presented by Harley-Davidson, a guided journey through the beautiful Black Hills, plus special events, panel discussions and the Biker Belles Women’s Bike Show. The ride to The Buffalo Chip begins at The Lodge in Deadwood and pre-registration is required. Stay Connected From Main Street to the Black Hills and everywhere in between, Harley-Davidson is showing up in a big way during Rally week. Stop by, say hello, and discover everything we’ve planned for another unforgettable week in Sturgis. Be sure to share your rally moments on social media and don’t forget to download the H-D App for event schedules, check-ins, and more. THE EASYRIDERS CHALLENGE– Hey, I’m constantly challenged as to the direction of the magazine and the brand. I wrote the following in response to a recent question. So, what do you think? Wow, You’ve got my head spinning even more than it usually does. I ordered a couple of mags from Lowbrow today. I ordered a Dice Mag and a Chopper Zombies piece. I’m going to rattle down some wild thoughts, but hopefully they will lead somewhere. So, what am I trying to do with the magazine now. Here’s my mantra: The mag is all about freedom, the American way, fun, innovation, performance, romance and adventure. I believe if we don’t fight for our country, we’re fucked. It’s not going to be popular with the left, but fuck ‘em we will never give in or give up. So, I will fight for and publish articles about our industry, freedom, saving kids, mentoring and introducing kids to motorcycles and print magazines. Now, you said something about the mag, girls and mothers. That’s the same shit we heard when the mag started. Guys had to hide them from their moms. So what’s the point, besides we don’t have nudity anymore. I just don’t think it’s necessary. Porn is everywhere. So, are you telling me young folks don’t watch porn? Here’s the interesting aspect. We cover the grit, the party atmosphere, the struggles, the dreams and the industry. We deliver on more than just metalflake and chrome. We cover the good, the history and the ugly. We are living on the brink of something fantastic, but it takes guts and the ability to take a punch. We are also going to cover all models of custom bikes, not just one, the pure chopper. Plus, we are going to cover racing. We are going to support racing. We are going to go to Bonneville. And we are going to support mentoring kids by supporting the mentors who lived the life and want to support it by teaching kids. Then, if we can afford to do so, and find sponsors who will step up and not cringe at the girl on the cover or take it to their moms for approval, we are going to share the custom bike party at colleges around the country. We are not going to introduce them to carburetors but the wild action, the noise, the innovations and the party. So, what am I missing? I was told for years not to discuss climate change. The MRF turned down an expert who I was able to organize to attend a legislative conference. Should we continue to buckle to the left’s rule of control or step up and fight back. I would bet no other mag on the market touch on anything meaningful in or around our industry. Let me know your thoughts. –Bandit The bastard in the black hills YOU ARE INVITED!– Join Easyriders for an exclusive evening celebrating the folks who keep the motorcycle industry rolling. When: Sunday, August 9, 2026, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Where: Bandit’s 5-Ball Emporium, 1008 Main Street, Sturgis, SD 57785 The party will spill over into the Two Chins Turbo Trike building next door. Enjoy fantastic Danial James Easyriders art, the Easyriders Experience, Easyriders history and custom bikes including Easyriders 40 year old, Rodeo Parade Captain America and Billy Panheads. Join Us For: ● Meet & Greet with the Easyriders staff ● The unveiling of a new Danial James’ Easyriders tribute painting ● A chance to connect with our Team Easyriders subscribers ● Complimentary appetizers, beer, and wine ● The first 50 guests receive a surprise gift! ● Raffle featuring a Danial James collector’s print and an Easyriders swag bag. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or a new friend of Easyriders, we’d love for you to hang with us for the evening. Enjoy appetizers, cold drinks, good company, and celebrate everything that makes this motorcycle community one of a kind. This is an invitation-only event. Please RSVP no later than July 29th by contacting: Penny Osiecki – penny@easyriders.com We look forward to seeing you in Sturgis! HAMSTER AUCTION FOR THE KIDS– This represents close to 100 hours of hand craftsmanship. This Hamster Banquet auction is be amazing this year. Artie, the boss of Harley will be on hand with his checkbook. I know a brother who donated a seriously cool chopper. It’s all about helping the Kids hospital and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. –Lee Wimmer TC Bros. DIY Sissy Bar Kit The TC Bros. Sissy Bar Kit is the easy way to build a custom sissy stick for your bike without building a jig and shipping an 8-foot long piece of round stock. Solid 1018 cold-rolled steel Precision-bent by CNC machines for perfect fitment and symmetry Simply trim the hoop and weld the tabs and bungs (included) in place Sissy bar pad available (fits Tall bars only) Made in USA Kit includes (1) pre-bent bar, (2) axle plate mounting tabs, (2) 3/8″-16 threaded bungs, (2) mounting bolts, and (2) leather washers Short dimensions: 15″ tall, 1/2″ OD Tcbros.com Friends of NRA is the NRA’s grassroots fundraising program, bringing communities together to support the future of the shooting sports. Since 1992, the program has raised more than $1.2 billion gross, with 100% of the net proceeds benefiting qualified local, state, and national shooting sports programs. Funds raised at Friends of NRA events support youth education, firearm safety, competitive shooting, hunter education, and other vital programs that preserve and strengthen the future of the shooting sports. Experience an unforgettable evening featuring exclusive Friends of NRA firearms and limited-edition merchandise you won’t find anywhere else, exciting games and raffles, delicious food, and great company-all while making a lasting impact. Join us at an upcoming Friends of NRA event and help support the future of the shooting sports. NEW FROM THE BURLY BRAND– Crafted from the highest quality steel and finished off with replaceable Delrin sliders, these crash bars offer unbeatable protection and style that kills. Engineered for Harley-Davidson M8 Softail® & Touring® models, these crash bars are versatile and easy to install, making them the perfect addition to your bike. Designed with precision knurling, our kits double as a highway bar and provide a secure grip to keep your feet in place, allowing you to comfortably rest your legs during extended rides. AVAILABLE FOR: TOURING & M8 SOFTAIL MODELS Classic Ballcaps At last, our own classic 5-panel, High Crown, custom embroidered, Classic Hal Robinson Easyriders ballcaps made with the finest thread and designed to fit even the smallest house mouse. I wear a ballcap everywhere I go these days to avoid the harmful effects of the sun. Since I live in Sturgis now, it can rain almost any day and having my ballcap ready saves my ass constantly. –Bandit INCREDIBLE–I just received a call. The Billy bike seat is finished. Freak Show Customs in Sturgis handled it. I will hopefully install it this weekend and get ready to take it to town. I mentioned servicing the Van tomorrow, meeting a guy about a building, talking with some friends about our sweeps for next year and finding more resources for our party in Sturgis during the rally. It’s all a little nuts, but it’s coming together. If you’re coming out to the rally, have a blast but don’t do anything stupid. I want to see you safe and happy. Ride always fast and free forever, –Bandit The post THE PRE-RALLY BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS—for July 23th 2026 appeared first on Bikernet.com - Online Biker Magazine.