Hotshots

HOTSHOTS

Next stop, Sturgis?

Regarding the Hotshots letters proposing a boycott of the Sturgis Rally as a means to “pay back” South Dakota for ex-U.S. Representative Bill Janklow’s lenient sentencing, I don’t get it. Janklow lost his congressional seat, he’s persona non grata throughout the state; his reputation is in the toilet. Yet some people feel that boycotting Sturgis will send a message that motorcyclists are upset (to say the least) with his sentence. The only people a boycott will hurt are the riders and vendors, certainly not Mr. Janklow. He won’t lose

one dime or one night’s sleep if we all stay home. It’s no longer about him; it’s about Randy Scott, the man he killed, who I’m sure would tell all of us to pack it up and hit the road. Chris Crain Fayetteville, North Carolina

In response to those who expressed outrage about Janklow’s 100-day sentence, those of us in South Dakota understand your resentment. When directing your anger, please try to remember that the people of South Dakota found him guilty, but Judge Steele did the sentencing. I am personally saddened and embarrassed for my state, which is otherwise very bikerfriendly. Mike Henrickson Rapid City, South Dakota

Just a reminder, but the good people of the Black Hills go out of their way to make the Sturgis Rally run smoothly for all of us. Why would we want to tear down something that has been 63 years in the making, especially when the people involved had no control over Janklow’s sentence? Some are screaming, “Hit them in the pocketbook!” South Dakota will receive about 4 percent of the money spent at Sturgis; 96 percent will go to the people who have supported us for so long. Let’s not hurt ourselves. W. Erickson Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Just a quick note to say “thanks” for the editorial attention that Cycle World has given to the Janklow case, and for steering your readers toward the American Motorcyclist Association’s “Justice for All.” We just launched a section of our website devoted to the program (www. amadirectlink. com/justice) and an e-mail address (justice@amadirectUnk.com). Tom Lindsay AMA Public Information DiHECTOR, Pickerington, Ohio

May poll

Keith May’s “Cheating Death” (CW, May) was a great read. I’ll keep this issue to read it again from time to time. Not only are motorcycles able to heal, so are words well-written. Jim Parish Dallas, Texas

Fantastic read. Reminded me of the “Then Came Bronson” TV series that I loved to watch years ago. Nice photography, too. Give Keith the keys to another bike and turn him loose again. Sheldon Miller Colorado Springs, Colorado

Being a former U.S. Navy diver and the owner of a commercial diving firm, I can appreciate Keith’s adventure in “Cheating Death.” Riding a motorcycle across our great country with the Grim Reaper hot on one’s tail is the meaning of life! Keith has articulately and succinctly written one of the best pieces to appear in your magazine. Dick Geyer West Sumbury, Pennsylvania

Although I don’t own a bike, I have been a subscriber to CW for quite some time. Keith May’s article has inspired me to get on two wheels sooner rather than later. His Hemingway-esque style of writing made me feel as if I were riding right alongside him. Aldo Scalise Mars, Pennsylvania

May’s story is probably the best collection of words and photos I have ever seen in a motorcycle magazine. “Cheating Death” moved me to tears-tears of joy. Excellent work! To Keith, I’d say yes, you’re still among the living; your article proves it. Keep it up. A wise man will not spit in the eye of Death; he just doesn’t welcome an unwanted visitor. Chris Dunn Fallbrook, California

Very good choice on the Editor’s part in telling Keith to bring the Harley and himself back in one piece, and then giving him the space to tell his wonderfully written story. Top-shelf journalism continues to distinguish Cycle World.

Randy Lennox Mesa, Arizona

“Cheating Death,” one of the best. Ride well and long. Jim Griner

Hoopeston, Illinois

What an inspiring story! It makes me realize that my dream of riding down the Pacific Coast Highway, let alone across the United States, is there for the taking. I just need to make it happen-although I’m not sure I’ll be as “lucky” as Keith, if you know what I mean. James Webb Browns Mills, New Jersey

Great read! Reminds me of some of the stories in Easyriders long ago, before they turned it into a biker mag for affluent deeppocket types. One of these types of travel stories in each issue would really round off

your already great magazine. To Keith, stay healthy bro, and keep writing, you’re on to something good! Mark Amable Livermore, California

I used to think CW was a classy magazine for the motorcycle enthusiast, but by printing Keith May’s picture of the New Orleans “gentleman” flipping us off, I can see you are becoming a low-class filthy biker rag. If you continue in this direction, please cancel my subscription.

Dan Drake New Waverly, Texas

I am a soldier currently in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Kind of hard to get up-to-date magazines to read, but luckily I came across your May issue. I want to commend Keith May on his outstanding article, “Cheating Death: Life on the Highway.” Keith’s writing gave me a short reprieve from the trials of this war-ravaged country, and reminded me why our country is so beautiful and great. Upon my return, I have made it a priority to take my ’04 FXDWG on a backroad tour of America. Thank you, Mr. May, and God bless. Jim Stillman Kabul, Afghanistan For the unabridged version of Assistant Art DiHECTOR Keith May ’s story and additional photography of the tour, log on to www.mayphotoanddesign.com.

Faster pastor

I commend CW for its excellence as a publication. In particular, I commend Kevin Cameron for his ability to make engineering/physics principles related to motorcycles and motor vehicles understandable. Though I am by profession both a parish pastor and a social worker, I am, at heart, an inveterate gearhead. Had Mr. Cameron been, by some time warp, a science teacher in my past, I might have become an engineer! Lance Franke Clyde, Ohio

Paving Paradise?

It appears that the city of San Jose is going to pave super-tuner Erv Kanemoto’s old homesite in order to extend the San Jose Airport runway. I guess it’s pointless, but I’ve always wanted to put a plaque or historical marker at the place. Erv deserves the honor. Randall Leonard Watsonville, California

Smokin’ Ceegar

“Mending History” (Up Front, May), > was the best article on the old Texas Ceegar land-speed streamliner I’ve ever read. Amazing what some good old boys from the US of A could do in those days when they put their minds to it. Bob Whatley Pampa, Texas

Get the Drift?

The next time somebody wants to resurrect the Indian name, they should contract with a Japanese company to build the bikes. Oh, wait a minute, Kawasaki already does; they make both the Scout and the Chief, except they call them the Drifter 800 and Drifter 1500. What was I thinking? John Olrech III

Round Rock, Texas

Friendly deal

I just read the Roundup story about Aprilia giving “Friends” star Matt LeBlanc a $40,000 Ñera. The guy could probably buy Aprilia, and they give him a new bike, while I’ve been sitting here bikeless for the last 10 years, paying child support every month to the multimillionaire that my wife married?! On top of that, she took me in the garage at Christmas to show me their new hisand-hers Yamaha 1100 Road Stars (that they won’t ride 10 times all year). Y’know, they have scholarships for kids who can’t afford college; why can’t we have motorcycle scholarships? Where’s the justice?

C’mon Matt, how ’bout passing on one of those extra Suzukis in your barn to a hard-working guy in need? You’ve obviously got way more bikes than you could ever ride! The withdrawals are killing me. I had to take up riding a bicycle just to get two wheels under me!

Steve LePard Nashville, Tennessee

King Kurtis?

Good article on Kurtis Roberts (“In Pursuit of Greatness,” Race Watch, April). Let’s hope that Dad’s bike will let his potential show through. The article also makes me think, hmmm, we have the highest number of Americans riding at the GP level than I can remember. Wouldn’t this be a great time to get fans to a race in the U.S.? Hey, Mr. Barber, schedule it already, and we’ll be there! Matt Stanley Minooka, Illinois

Chopper TV

I was sick last week and watched hours of choppers on TV I don’t get it. These “geniuses” and “artisans” make motorcycles for $40,000 to $100K and beyond. No suspension, no exhaust, no vibration isolation-basically large mini-bikes like I used to make when I was 14, sent out to a good paint shop. Except these guys all date strippers!

They assemble 1950s-era bikes in a garage, and add tacky crap as “art.” Favorite episode: Billy Lane and the undertail exhaust. Lane gets the idea to run the exhaust gases under the tail (oooh, radical-they’ve never seen a Ducati?), except in his genius way, he routes the exhaust from a 1300cc engine directly under the seat. Sure enough, down the road a day later, he sets fire to his ass! Has to stop by the side of the road and throw his burning seat into a pond. They show his jeans burned through to the butt and his skin charred. I would pay money to watch a Suzuki engineer watch this show.

Then, there are the OCC guys screaming and throwing stuff around the shop. Brainiacs! Would you rely on brakes assembled by Mikey? How about Pauley drilling a fender mount right into a tire-twice! All the time fighting fake deadlines.

Kinda like the Three Stooges meet Pierre Terblanche. Ray Truant, Ancaster, B.C., Canada

Readin’ Leanin’s

I am serving with the Air Force in Kuwait, and just received a copy of Peter Egan’s book Leanings. I wanted to take a second to thank Mr. Egan for providing me with an amazingly enjoyable read. His columns and features always manage to describe all the reasons why I love bikes. Many times Eve shoved an issue of CW in my wife’s face and said, “Here, you gotta read this,” knowing that one short column sums up a year’s worth of my droning on about the virtues of some old bike.

Once I get out of here, I can’t wait to dust off my 1978 Honda CB550, take a spin through the countryside, and then sit in a lawn chair, crack open a beer and enjoy being home. Greg Augustine USAF, Kuwait

Like many folks, I suffer from “White Coat Syndrome,” a fear of doctors and visits to their offices. My blood pressure is always high when I arrive for my appointment. The last two visits, however, Eve taken Egan’s Leanings to read during the inevitable wait. Both times, when my blood pressure was finally taken, it was well within the “good” range. Now I just have to convince the 1RS that the book is a medical expense... Tim Crump Las Vegas, Nevada

Leanings, a compilation of Egan s columns and feature stories for CW. can be ordered through the magazine. See the ad elsewhere in this issue or call 800/914-5656. You’re on your own with the taxman...

John gone?

John Burns was (is?) destined to be a Peter Egan for my generation. What ever became of the guy? Jerry Comley Longview, Texas

Apparently, wore one too many wetsuits to a cocktail party (see page 62). Actually, Burns is still on the masthead as Contributing Editor; it s just that he now has a real job writing ad copy andfinds it increasingly easy to turn down our offers of long hours for short pay. Ingrate. □