Biker Churches Lead Outlaws to God

TEXARKANA, Texas – Members of outlaw motorcycle gangs are coming together throughout the Bible Belt where bikers who once thrived on sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll and even a life of crime are now looking for calmness of Bible study and prayer meetings.

“Churches like this gather misfits,” Matthew Butler, who became the church’s pastor in 2010 after working in its music ministry, told Aljazeera America on Sunday, December 1.

“Without a church like this, there would be hundreds of people with nowhere else to go. We are literally reaching into the darkness.”

Dressed in jeans, leather jackets, biker boots and T-shirts, men and women scene in the churches’ pews was unfamiliar.

Being part of outlaw motorcycle gangs, which make up about 1 percent of motorcycle riders in the United States, those bikers used to have clubs with names like the Hells Angels and Banditos.

They are not recognized by the 235,000-member American Motorcycle Association because of their criminal activities.

Yet, in the Bible Belt, and across the US, the Biker-Friendly Church Network lists nearly 100 churches where helmets are welcomed on Sunday mornings.

Unlike traditional churches, they aren’t recognized within religious denominations, but rather focus on evangelism and discipleship – witnessing and training in the Bible.

Recently, several groups with names like the Iron Apostles, Soldiers for Jesus and Hallelujah Riders gathered in Kilgore, Texas, for fellowship and prayer at Living Word Church, whose pastor donated the space to bikers.

Motorcycles with Jesus stickers lined the churchyard, and tales from the road were shared in between preaching and barbecue.

“This is just a place where we wouldn't be judged and looked down on,” said Russell Stewart, a deacon of a church at Texarkana, a town that straddles the Arkansas-Texas state line, and one of its founding members.

“At other churches, the way we dress, we would be judged. We are all just here to worship the Lord.”

New Life

The new churches offered a new hope of life for bikers, who were outlaws one day.

“All the men in my life were teaching me how to rob, steal, do dope and sell dope,” said David Vanbuskirk, a preacher for Bikers for Christ, adding he is the last person anyone expected to spread the Gospel.

“They had a lack of concern for life. I didn't want my sons to be raised like that, and I don't Leading a criminal life for years, he started preaching to change lives.

“I don’t have an education, and I’m rough around the edges,” Vanbuskirk said.

“But I preach with conviction around my heart. The Lord speaks to you in the hum of the motor.”

Keith Cannon, who attends Kilgore church, has also found a new life after abandoning crime.

Nearly nine years ago, Cannon was living in a homeless shelter.

He was arrested in 2004 for possession of drugs, and a year later arrested again on a drug and weapons charge “We were some twisted people before we got saved,” said Cannon, whose father was a missionary.

“You can ride your bike the same, but now you love Jesus.”

The United States is home to a Muslim minority of between six to eight million.

Muslims believe in Jesus as one of the great Prophets of God and that he is the son of Mary but not the Son of God. He was conceived and born miraculously.

In the Noble Qur’an, Jesus is called "Isa". He is also known as Al-Masih (the Christ) and Ibn Maryam (Son of Mary).

As for his crucifixion, Muslims believe that Jesus was not crucified but was lifted up to heaven.

Muslims believe that Jesus will come back to earth before the end of time to restore peace and order, fight the Anti-Christ (Al-Masih Al-Dajjal) and bring victory for truth and righteousness.

The true followers of Jesus will prevail over those who deny him, misrepresent him and reject him.

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Source: Onislam (AP, 12/02)

Texas native Ray returns to site of first Pro Stock Motorcycle victory

When Michael Ray returns to Texas Motorplex this weekend for round two of the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s playoffs, he will enter his home track as a defending event winner.

That’s a great feeling for Ray, a native of New Braunfels, Texas, who defeated Karen Stoffer in the final last year to score his first victory in his first full season in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Ray’s family and friends were able to witness the event at a track just two hours from his home.

“For my mom and dad and everybody being there and all the sacrifices my parents made throughout their entire life, to see me be successful, it was awesome,” Ray said. “My dad busted his butt for one of those Wallys and never got one, and standing there with my father in victory lane and seeing the tears in his eyes and excitement was just like, ‘This is awesome.’ That is what I’ll never forget.”

Ray and all of the racers in the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series return to Texas Motorplex for the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals Sept. 19-22, the second of six races in the Mello Yello Countdown to the Championship. Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), and Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) join Ray as defending winners of the race that will be televised on ESPN2HD.

Ray has amassed two wins and two No. 1 qualifying positions in his first season with the Sovereign/Star Racing Buell team. He is fourth in the Countdown to the Championship, 48 points behind leader Hector Arana Jr., but he isn't letting the pressure get to him during the stretch run.

“I think so much of our team’s success is the character we all bring to the table and the fun that we have,” Ray continued. “I have a sticker on my dashboard that says, ‘Just add fun.’ That is all we do. We joke about it, and some people say, ‘You just don’t seem to be taking this very seriously,’ but there’s not another team that has a bigger fire lit under its butt than this one. But you have to have a lot of fun out here or this sport will eat you alive.”

Leading Ray, Scotty Pollacheck, and the Sovereign/Star Racing team is George Bryce, who is one of the most renowned crew chiefs in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. As a rider, he raced to four consecutive titles in the National Motorcycle Racing Association from 1981 to 1984. As a crew chief, he amassed 71 victories and earned six championships with John Myers and Angelle Sampey. His guidance and skills have put Ray in a position to succeed each time he climbs on his Buell.

“When you look back at the history he has at being a great crew chief, he is a magician on the track producing results,” Ray continued. “Those things for me being a young driver, I’m 29 and in my second full-time season, for me that is worth its weight in gold. It is like being a rookie quarterback and having a 20-year veteran back there being your mentor. He does such a good job.”

Following the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals, only four races remain in the Countdown to the Championship. Ray and his team realize that to make a run for the championship crown in the two-wheel category, they must go rounds at each event.

“You can literally count how many rounds of racing there are left,” Ray concluded. “Right now, the first race coming off Charlotte coming into Dallas, I did a little comparison to last year, and I went in seventh in points, and I came out fourth. You can have one really great race and set yourself up.”

For Ray to recapture glory at Texas Motorplex, he will have to outlast a tough field of competitors. Series leader Arana heads the class with four wins aboard his Lucas Oil Buell, and Matt Smith, Hall, defending world champ Eddie Krawiec, and Hector Arana Sr. will be contenders.

As always, every ticket purchased for the AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals is a pit pass, which offers an extraordinary look behind the scenes in the world of the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly skilled mechanics service their high-horsepower machines between rounds and enjoy cherished face time with their favorite NHRA drivers.

Fans will also want to check out NHRA Nitro Alley and the popular NHRA Manufacturers Midway, where manufacturers and sponsors create a carnival atmosphere with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food, and freebies. Fans will also want to take advantage of Championship Sunday for the fun fan zone, featuring driver introductions and a special Track Walk at 9:30 a.m. It’s free to all Sunday ticket holders.

AAA Texas NHRA FallNationals qualifying opens Friday, Sept. 20, with sessions at 2:15 and 5:15 p.m. The final two qualifying sessions will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22.

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Source: NHRA (AP, 09/19)

Steampunk Motorcycles Make You Long For The Open Cobblestone Road

Mikhail Smolyanov was commissioned by Richard Monson-Haefel, creator of the character Steampunk Holmes, to create this fine piece of transportation. The finished working motorcycles are now sold by Putsch Racing to Monson-Haefel readers.

The Black Widow is Mikhail Smolyanov's most popular steampunk design (and only one in mass production) but it is far from the only one. On his website, the Russian designer shows off a wide variety of motorcycles, from the futuristic to the future-past.

Designed for St. Petersburg customer, this bizarre contraption would've been run on steam power, as can be seen by the engine on the back.

Smolyanov was inspired by racecars of 20's equipped by airplane's engines for this design.

For more pictures of Steampunk motorcycles click Here.

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Source: Buzz Feed (Dickens, 2/1)

Ten new motorcycles we are dying to ride 2013!

Large press conferences from Honda and Ducati held right before EICMA 2012 may have stolen a bit of the thunder from Milan’s annual motorcycle show, but we still came away impressed with the variety of significant new bikes on display. Although finding the 10 motorcycles that we’d most like to ride in 2013 certainly qualifies as a tough task.


1. Aprilia Caponord 1200 This adventurer-tourer, developed from the supermoto-inspired Dorsoduro 1200, is a versatile machine, fun in the city yet big enough for a two-up ride into the country, aided by good wind protection and that large, 1197cc V-Twin. In addition to a ride-by-wire system with three maps (Sport, Touring, Rain), the Caponord 1200 boasts ABS and traction control, both of which can be defeated. The available Travel Pack offers active suspension damping, cruise control and color-matched panniers.

2. Bimota BB2 Bimota already has an abundance of Ducati-powered offerings, so it was refreshing to see this BMW S1000RR-engined bike on display, although situated behind glass. Designed by the folks at sak_art design, the BB2 uses an aluminum chassis and bodywork that recalls some of the Bimota shapes from the ’90s. With its 193-horsepower, BMW-sourced powerplant, however, the BB2 will undoubtedly possess hyperbike performance more fitting for 2013 and beyond.

3. BMW F800GT This full-dress version of the F series parallel-Twin replaces the F800ST. Although it’s fitted with a sporty, new fairing, it does retain the ST’s 4.0-gallon tank and stepped seat. Most important, the dohc, 798cc engine generates a claimed 90 hp at 8000 rpm and 63.4 foot-pounds of peak torque at 5800 rpm, which is said to accelerate the bike to 60 mph in 4 seconds and to speeds in excess of 120 mph. Taller riders will appreciate the higher handlebar and the protection offered by the fairing.

4. Ducati Hypermotard 821 Offered in two versions, Base and SP, the latest Hypermotard is powered by a superb engine: the brand-new 821cc Testastretta V-Twin with 110 hp at 9250 rpm and 65.8 ft.-lb. of torque at 7750 rpm. Not only that, but the 821 has the most advanced ride-by-wire electronics, with three selectable power maps, traction control and Brembo brakes with Bosch ABS that offers three selectable levels of intervention. Perhaps what we like most of all: a valve-adjustment interval of 18,600 miles.

5. Honda CBR500R The emphasis is on sporty affordability with the all-new Honda CBR500R, a fully faired sportbike with a strong resemblance to the rest of the CBR family. Powered by a liquid-cooled, 500cc parallel-Twin with a counter-balanced 180-degree crank, the 500R is perfectly positioned to introduce a new crop of young buyers to the sportbike world, aided by a rigid steel frame that has been tuned for excellent handling response. Perhaps most important is an entry price of only $5999, with ABS likely costing an extra $500.

6. KTM 1290 Super Duke R The good news first: Although the 1290 Super Duke R is just a prototype, KTM says it will build a production version, with first test rides taking place sometime in 2013. We can’t wait to ride this latest naked KTM, which is fitted with a bored-out, liquid-cooled, RC8 R V-Twin engine, chrome-moly steel chassis, single-sided swingarm and WP suspension. KTM hasn’t shared many details about this bike, but the Austrians have told us it will have ride-by-wire throttle with ABS and traction control, both of which will be made “disengageable” to allow for stoppies and wheelies. Very thoughtful.

7. Moto Guzzi California 1400 This large bike, available in Touring and Custom versions, traces its lineage to 1970, when the LAPD chose the Moto Guzzi V7 Police over Harley and the Japanese to be the agency’s patrol bike. Now, more than 40 years later, we get the California 1400, considered by many to be the star of EICMA. Taking center stage is its air-cooled, 1380cc V-Twin, which features a Y-shaped manifold with long runners that help it produce 96 hp and 88.5 ft.-lb. of torque at only 2750 rpm—quite helpful in an 743-pound machine. Officers Malloy and Reed of Adam 12 fame would approve.

8. MV Agusta Rivale 800 With engine and rolling gear from the F3 and Brutale 800, the aggressive new Rivale 800 is impossible not to like. The Triple, one of the best in production, puts out 125 hp, backed by 60 ft.-lb. of torque at 8600 rpm and managed by a ride-by-wire throttle that offers traction control and selectable power mapping. Although some say the Rivale 800 is a tad too aggressively styled, it benefits from beautiful detail work in areas such as the tank, seat, lights and mirrors. With a claimed dry weight of only 375 lb., this thing should fly.

9. Triumph Daytona 675R With a larger bore and shorter stroke, the high-revving Triple in the 675R now spins to 14,400 rpm. Horsepower is up by only 2, but Triumph has produced a cylinder block that’s now separate from the upper crankcase and lined with ceramic-coated aluminum bores. The most obvious change on this significantly updated bike is a low-mount exhaust that centralizes mass and shifts weight forward for sportier handling. Replete with new slipper clutch, the 675R will set you back $11,599.

10. Vespa 946 Okay, we know, we said this was a list of 10 motorcycles, and this Vespa clearly is a scooter. But we can’t keep our eyes off the 946; it’s the best-looking scoot we’ve seen in who knows how long, its 946 name a reference to the first Vespa of 1946. Based on the Quarantasei concept unveiled at EICMA 2011, the handsomely curvaceous 946 is available initially in classic 125cc form, although a 150cc model (and others) will follow soon. The frame is made of steel, but for the first time in Vespa’s history, it incorporates some aluminum alloy sections.

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Source: Cycle World (Bornhop, 11/20)

The Impact of Harley Davidson Motorcycles

The Harley Davidson motorcycle was and always will be an American icon. Although other American motorcycle companies have flourished, none has had the staying power of Harley. Over a hundred years after its inception, the Harley Davidson motorcycle company is stronger and better received by the American public than ever before. Its line of motorcycles is diverse enough that it appeals to both men and women and priced for those on a wide range of budgets. The bikes themselves are only the start. The clothing, accessories, and memorabilia are an extension of the motorcycle and the entire concept of the Harley lifestyle reaches outward to interest just about anyone with a fascination of two-wheeled transportation.

Harley Davidson began its illustrious history in Milwaukee, Wisconsin back in 1903. The pioneers were Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson and the entire operation was located inside of a wooden barn built by Mr. Davidson’s father. They would remain in the barn manufacturing their motorcycles until 1912 when they would relocate into a multi-level building, reportedly six stories high. The Harley Davidson motorcycle company was started with the design of a one cylinder engine which developed specifically for racing and grew from there. In 1905 they had produced eleven motorcycles and by 1908 the number had grown to one hundred fifty four. By 1912 they had begun to export their motorcycles with the first motorized bike being sold overseas in Japan. The quest for world peace also fueled the sales of Harley motorcycles in the coming years. Harley was the largest supplier of motorcycles for the United States military. Their patriotism and reliable motorcycles helped the war effort and added to the company’s ever-growing group of enthusiasts. Two wheeled transportation was proving to be a viable means of moving about versus traveling by automobile. Over the next few decades, the company continued its growth and presence on the roads of the United States and around the world. Motorcycling, however, was about to get something it never had before… a bad reputation.

During the fifties, Americans viewed the release of movies depicting motorcyclists as less than honorable citizens. The term biker gang was introduced to the world and there was no going back from here. Rebellious bikers had come to be associated with Harley Davidson motorcycles thanks to a bit of Hollywood make-believe and the imaginations of the movie goers. The success of these biker flicks fueled even more bad-boy biker films especially during the sixties and seventies. Movie goers would have a better chance of finding a needle in a haystack than finding movies with honorable and honest bikers. The whole concept of the Harley motorcycle would never be the same from this point forward. The attitude, the attire, the tattoos, and the owner loyalty would go well beyond that of any other brand of motorcycle. To this day, regardless of innovations in imported motorcycles, Harley remains as good motorcycle as any in the world. Harley owners rarely defect to different brands. The motorcycle’s simplicity and timeless design help promote the brand loyalty. To many owners, very simply the concept of riding a symbol of American ingenuity through the city streets or country roads of America is enough. Harley sounds like no other bike, looks like no other bike, and feels like no other bike. Most Harley owners would agree that it’s the only motorcycle for them. Biker rallies and get-togethers draw more and more motorcycle enthusiasts every year. Whether you consider the motorcycle a means of transportation, or a means of relaxation, depends on your overall opinion of two-wheeled travel. Harley Davidson, however, is guaranteed to remain at the forefront of the industry for decades to come based purely on owner loyalty and genuine love for the ultimate American motorcycle.