The_Shadow_Knows

Al Agolio, the owner of Patch & Leather Motorcycle Shop in Norwich, Connecticut, got a big surprise when he got to his shop one morning. Apparently a car had plowed through the shop’s cinderblock wall sometime during the night. The driver took off—minus his car, of course—but police caught up with him down the road from the shop. Fortunately the only damage caused, besides the wall, was the loss of a few thousand bucks’ worth of motorcycle parts and some equipment. He didn’t lose his sense of humor, though. In a news interview, he commented, “I went around the corner, and then I noticed somebody was illegally parked in my building.”… On February 17, I attended the 4th annual Jersey Crew Chowdown at Dinosaur BBQ in Newark. The Jersey Crew is an online meetup group of riders who actually ride together. I joined the group prior to a Jersey Crew weekend tour of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon a few years ago. Anyway, I’d eaten at the Dinosaur BBQ in Harlem, New York (Sam Whitehead wrote a story for THUNDER PRESS about the popular biker-friendly bar several years ago), and was anxious to try out their newest location. The food was fabulous, the service outstanding and the Sunday gospel performance divine. Dinosaur Newark occupies a building constructed in 1890 on Market Street, in the downtown area of the city. Many original architectural features remain intact both inside and out, and it’s a great place to spend the afternoon. Dinosaur BBQ now has restaurants in six locations in the New York tri-state area. And just like founder John Stage and executive chef Cooter, Newark manager Howard Agriss is a motorcycle rider. In fact, he told Dinosaur Newark will be hosting Sunday afternoon rides when the weather breaks. Check out the website at www.dinosaurbbq.com. It’s well worth a visit!… Congratulations to Maggie McNally on her election to chair of the American Motorcyclists Association board of directors. The Albany, New York, resident was elected to the board in 2009, representing AMA members in the Northeast Region. She was elected vice chair in December 2011. She is the first woman to lead the AMA board in its 89-year history. She’s been riding since her early teens, and has been a longtime advocate for motorcycle safety and education. I’m sure she’ll do us proud… Steve Zurl, assistant coordinator of ABATE of Pennsylvania, asked me to post some info about the ABATE of PA Motorcyclist Rights Rally. It’ll be held Monday, May 13, at noon in the rotunda of the State Capitol in Harrisburg. This rally continues a Pennsylvania tradition as the legislature recognizes the start of the motorcycling season by proclaiming May as Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Month. Also, the organization’s Freedom Weekend will be held May 11 and 12 at the VFW Picnic Grounds in Shellsville, just north of Hershey. For more info on these events, go to www.abatepa.org or call the ABATE of PA office at 717.731.8955… Laconia Motorcycle Week is welcoming a brand-new rally location! The Weirs Beach Drive-In is going to be more than just a big parking lot during this year’s rally. Last year, Brian Bagley of Satan Cycles partnered with Rick and Tina Beauregard of Cyclone Cycles to set up shop at the lot between the drive-in and the former Wide Open Saloon. They built and raffled off a custom bike to benefit the National Counseling and Support Services for Autism Awareness. This year, they are expanding on the success of that venture and are taking over the drive-in itself to present the Devil’s Destination. Bike builders from around the country are being invited to join in this year’s charity bike build. According to Brian and Rick, the “midway” will be a home for chopper art and culture, and will include shopping, an international food court, stunt shows, live music and custom bike shows, plus a chance for a breakfast ride with the builders on Friday of rally week. Vendors are invited to set up (contact Brian at 518.756.5700), and more information can be found at www.devilsdestination.com and www.satancyclesinc.com… “Local boy makes good” could describe the life and times of Dee Snider from Long Island, New York. The longtime motorcyclist and front man for Twisted Sister is making a second appearance on Donald Trump’s All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. Dee is the national spokesperson for the March of Dimes Bikers for Babies rides that he founded over a decade ago, and the March of Dimes was his charity of choice for his first Celebrity Apprentice gig. This time it’s Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. This season’s first episode kicked off March 3. I’m rooting for our hometown boy to bring home the win!… I recently attended a Gearhead Garage Party at Tramontin H-D. Special guest speaker was Troy Krout, H-D service operations area representative out of York. The topic was performance upgrades, and he went over the company’s 24-month limited warranty, horsepower and torque, Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts for the street and the track, stage kits, and how motor components interact. The two hours spent was well worthwhile, as we learned a lot plus got to ask lots of questions… A few years ago, I met Terry Davis a.k.a. “the Zundapp Guy.” Zundapp motorcycles have been manufactured since 1917, and the German-born brand, now rather obscure, has a fascinating history. Terry has a ’72 model and claims he is the only Zundapp racer in the U.S.! Anyway, we have kept in touch and he recently sent me a nifty straw basket with a wooden cover that he’s beautifully laser etched with a CZ Falta motocross bike. And a display stand if I want to show off the cover separately. For you vintage bike lovers, this would be a great addition to your office, living room or wherever you display your functional motorcycle art. You can get one from Jim Deibert of Motocross East in Asbury, New Jersey. Contact Jim at 908.713.6948 or rdeibert@comcast.net.

 

1 COMMENT

  1. My Email is sweetdaddygrace@live.com my wife marcea & I love 2, ride we R,both D,A,V veterans riding is R, way 2, relax & enjoy some of life. R, SON LOVES 2 ride also. He been rideing since he was in his mom’s belly up 2, 1920pm/7:20pm the night B,4 he was born. When we brought him home we sat him on the seat of our 92 HD FLHT And took a photo, just as my mom & Dad did with me, right now he has a scooter till he gets a bike. Thank you for your time O we R. CAPE COD NATIVES IN HYANNIS. WALLY, WIFE MARCEA, SON REED OUT.

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