MORE POST-BASH THANK YOU'S

I Know Chris and McGoo already got on here and thanked everyone for their participation in the BASH last weekend, but I gotta say thanks. I had a great time and talked to a bunch of folks who did too.

I have to apologize for the food at the Camp Cafe which sucked SO bad. It was so horrible and the service so insanely poor that it would have been funny if everyone wasn't starving. We'll work on something to solve that next year. The food whipped up by Gabe and Matt on Saturday night was the opposite though, cooked right, on time, and enough left over that us night owls got a big batch of seconds around midnight. Job well done on that guys, thanks.

Rob, sorry about your buddy who wadded it up on the 74. We have a special trophy for him, get me his address and we'll send it out right away. Sounds like he's OK and we're stoked about that.

Word has it that the Lake Skinner folks were OK with us, so we may even get invited back next year. I'd love to turn this into an annual deal that we can get better at. To me, this is what bike events should turn into. I gave the speech about being tired of supposed "biker weekends" having devolved into shopping trips in parking lots with manufactured entertainment to anyone who would listen and this proves that we can do it differently if we want to. I was riding tricycles in the 60's not Knuckleheads, but I like to imagine the events back then were a little something simple like this. Thanks to forward thinking sponsors, volunteers and riders who made it happen.

Pics are rolling in and I'll compile an album on flickr when I get them all. If you want to send pics on a disc, send them here, (just know they'll get used for anything and everything so if you are worried about credits and copyrights, don't bother):

Biltwell Bash Pics
27570 Commerce Center Drive #129
Temecula, CA
92590

or email me a link to your online collections.
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My Bash Thanks!

Just got back from Mexico and wanted to Throw out my Thanks to everyone for helping create such an amazing scene. Having such simple events where you can see sooo many fun bikes that guys pour their heart and soul into and ride the shit out of is nothing short of rad and I thank the hell out of ya for coming to the stuff we throw. A huge thanks to the sponsors that throw down too. None of this would be as great as it is if it wasn't for everyone that takes the time to show up, be a part and ride their bike.

The Pitch

Thanks for Coming!

Over 350 campers and just under 50 day trippers descended on Lake Skinner Campground April 17-19 for the first annual Biltwell Bash. The crown comprised bikers from at least a dozen states and three countries, and beyond some spills and thrills on the Friday hangover ride, there were no major crashes or calamities to report.

To everyone who attended the Bash, thanks for being so cool to us, to your fellow campers, and to the Lake Skinner staff and facility. To the sponsors, thanks for your support. Bill, Chris and I value all your friendship and dedication, and we look forward to hosting another Bash soon…

Lowbrow Customs Tech Section

Lowbrow Customs is archiving tech how-to's on their website.  The brief piece on pipe building I wrote with Chris Moeller's help on the Jockey Journal is now available right here. Thanks for doing this, Tyler. Stay tuned for more Biltwell how-to's soon…

You're Doing It Wrong

76 Seconds

Jockey Journalist ED sent me this clip of his bike build. There's some great fab work being shown in just 76 seconds, and an even greater finished product. Thanks for the clip, ED:

Off for a few days

Thats right we will be out of contact for a few days. Your best bet is to leave me an e-mail at
chris@biltwellinc.com
and I'll get back to you as soon as we are home which will be thursday 4/24.

Have a great week!!!!!!

Lowdown on the Hoedown

Hwy. 74 kicks ass.

We ran the route for the DicE magazine Hangover Ride this morning just to make sure everything is in order. It's all good, no snow, ready to ride. Here's the scoop.

1. Leaving Kutty's at 10:00AM Friday
2. It is about 70 miles total
3. There is a gas station right in the middle
4. Shop rags with the map printed on them will be given out Friday morning or you can see/print the basic map here: MAP
5. Once you get on Florida from Kutty's house there are only about 5 turns, if you can't keep up, bring a map, you'll find it.
6. This is a super fun route that has a lot of elevation changes, good twisties and plenty of wide open space.

How many outlaws does it take to hang a banner?

Hippy Killer Hoedown. The Noteboom's have been working their asses off to get ready for a couple hundred dirty bikers to sleep in their new back yard. To help offset some of this, Kutty is going to be asking for a small donation on the way in. Don't be a cheap ass, give the man the $5.00 and have a great time. We'll be out there in the afternoon on Thursday and are really looking forward to it. See ya'll there.
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On the Chronic?

The dudes from Chonic Tacos in Temecula are going to give 10% of to BASH riders all weekend. It's close to the campground and Friday night is fend-for-yourself night for food, so this is a good call. Saturday night Gabe from Afterhours is going to be the camp cook. EDR chase-veteran Maverick is going to be on the other grill, swilling beers, and burning meat. Make sure to tip your cooks!


Speaking of Gabe, he's trying to fund his Mexico trip by selling a few things. This is a strictly no-vending event, so there won't be any display tables or any of that commercial clutter. But, If you'd like to get a smokin' deal on a tail light or risers, hit Gabe up, he'll have a stash he can deal from in his truck. If you want something special you might hit him up via email tonight to make sure he brings it. Maybe a shot glass tailight to use at the Kickstart Tequila Bar?
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Hensley's Wednesdays

Locals and outta towners hop on your bikes tonight and take in some of the locals best flavor with Joe Wood and The Lonely ones and all the great food and beverages that Hensley's has to offer.

This is not some bike night Hensley's throws its just my favorite local bar and band so see ya there.

The Street Tracker Lives!

It took the three of us—Duane, Alex and me—three nights to do it, but the Street Tracker is 92% ready for the Bash this weekend.

Uncle Bitchin' delivered the tank and fender Monday.

Duane and I built the pipes Tuesday.

Alex wired the generating system Tuesday and the ignition system Wednesday.

With a single kick last night, the Street Tracker project sputtered to life. Not the healthiest gasp for air I've heard from a poorly tuned hand-built deathtrap, but it DID fire in ONE kick.

I'm still baffled as to how.

Tonight I'll adjust the carbs and clutch cable and diddle with the points. If I can't get it to run smoothly, I'll limp it to Lake Skinner in Temecula this Friday and solicit some tune-up help from a couple of the 300 or so dudes we are expecting at our first Bash.

Thanks to everyone for all their help!

Weather Outlook

Weather got weird yesterday out here, real windy and cold all of a sudden. If the weatherman isn't on crack, the weekend forecast looks perfect.
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Colorado, Represent!

Just got a great email from our friend Irish Rich at Shamrock Fabrication. The venerable bike builder is coming to the Bash! It's been two years since we've seen Rich, but he tells us he's been busy enough this winter and early spring that a little break is in order. Looking forward to seeing you, brother. Thanks for supporting our event!

Three Saturday Afternoon Rides for The Bash

I've prepped three unofficial, unorganized, unorthodox and uneventful rides for Bashers to consider before, during or after this weekend's hoedown. Each one terminates at a bar and/or restaurant for refreshments, and all of them include good scenery, mostly two-lane twisties, at least 1,000 feet of elevation variance and some flat-out straights for shakin' her down.

#1 Lake Skinner to Hell's Kitchen "biker bar," El Cariso, CA

Distance one way: 40 miles

#2: Lake Skinner to Oceanside Pier, Oceanside, CA

Distance one way: 52 miles

#3: Lake Skinner to Anza Borrego, CA

Distance one way: 76 miles

Pre Bash Thrash

Well my faithful T100 is in San Diego awaiting Sumo from Vintage Chop who is flying in from the UK on Wed. I needed a nudge to catch up on it's maintenance and give the old girl the annual bath anyway. You are just in time for the weekly Hensley's shindig, Sumo, I think you'll dig it. Thanks to Oscar and Fredo for handling the bike delivery, etc.

McGoo, Duane and Alex ganged up on the street tracker and made significant progress. Hey, it's got an engine now! Looks awesome too. I'm diggin' the new pipe set up. I'm sure McGoo wil post up some pics tonight or tomorrow. He's been busting his ass on the bike the last couple days and it shows.


While those three were attacking the Honda, BF Josh and I brought his Trump to my house and started knocking stuff off the list. Wired the lights, cleaned up some routing, moved the seat mount forward and started to get the brakes working again. Tomorrow it's a pipe mount, a 21" front wheel and a couple little details and then this grave digger will be back on the road. The tank came in from Blue Moon Kustoms just as promised. Can you say "exceeded expectations"? It's perfect and almost more importantly–done on time! Kudos to BMK on a job well done.

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Navy: 3, Pirates: 0

Obviously glad this worked out the way it did. 3 simultaneous head shots at night, from a moving ship, even if it was pretty close, sure is good work. Silly pirates.

Here's the best news accounts I've read about it,
Stratfor
Black5
if anyone finds the youtube video, post it up!

OK, OK, back to motorsickles...
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Where's Walter?

Looks like him and Cool Beans are west of St. Louis. Go, Jersey, Go . ..
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What to do in T-Town?

So you are riding out for the BASH and wonder what the hell you are going to do for two days. Well, if you aren't working on your bike all day or content to drown worms or drink in the sunshine, I'd suggest riding your bike. A leisurely day-trip in one of several directions can easily land you at the beach, mountains or desert with plenty of time to goof off and get back to camp in time to enjoy some drinks and whatnot. McGoo mapped out a few of these rides a while back and he's going to put them up again in the next day or so. Or, go old school and get a damn map, pick a couple twisty lines and go ride them. There is no shortage of two-lane roads directly out of camp that seem built for hammering on two wheels.

If you just want to stay local and take it easy, you can go down to Old Town Temecula in about 15 minutes, park and cruise around. There are a more than a couple places for food and drink. Some of them quite good. It's mostly a quiet little town built for antique-shopping grannies, but there is fun to be had if you look hard enough. There is every strip mall type eatery you could list. Below is a list of a few recommendations that are a little less typical.

Food & Drink:
Campini's Italian Deli Doesn't look like much, but it's solid for affordable sandwiches and patsas.
Hard Hats Just north of down town. Least-dressed waitresses in town, it's a good bar with average food
The Pub House Seriously high end food, good beer, nice big patio in back with fire pits, good folks, just don't look for PBR and hot dogs
The Swing Inn South end of town, hearty breakfast, my personal favorite place in old town
Texas Lil's Good food, drink, smoking patio and hottest talent
Bank of Mexican Food Good Mexican, reasonable prices for sit down chow, good shaded patio

Need something for your bike?
Temecula Motorcycle Service This is our "go-to" shop, go here first and bug Jeff, tell him Chris sent you
Quaid HD If you just gotta have something from a dealer
Cycle Gear For generic mc parts or a quick tire change these guys are cool
Temecula Motorsports More dirt oriented, but still might have something you need

Hope that helps! See you guys in a couple days.
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Exhaust 101

Chuck illustrates proper use of the Builder's Exhaust kit.
It's cool he put the little fish tips to good use. Love this bike!
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