Monthly Archives: June 2013

The Biker Code of the West

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By: Keith “Bandit” Ball – The Biker Code of the West – Bikernet.com

Back in the Day

The Code of the West

The Code of the West, Being a biker is a way of life, a proud way.

It used to be that all bikers shared a common bond, an unspoken code of ethics and behavior, that transcended words and was built on actions. There was never a bible written on this Biker’s Code and there was no need. But the times are a-changin’ and there seems to be a lot of new riders out there. These days the riders you see blastin’ down the tarmac are just as likely to be clad in shorts and sneakers as jeans and engineer boots. And the roughest, toughest-looking biker you pull up next to could be your doctor or lawyer and may be wearin’ a Rolex watch under his leathers. There’s nothing wrong with that, so long as these new riders learn the The Biker Code of the West just as we old-timers did. Continue reading →

Smoke Out Rally Bike Show & Garage Leathers Awards

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Bean're the "Mayor of Fun" at SO 14

Bean’re the “Mayor of Fun” at SO 14

The Smoke Out is host to the greatest ride-in owner-garage-built-ride-in-bike-show in the world. Garage Leathers provides leather for the Custom Bike Show Awards.

This bike show has only one class: CHOPPER. Choppers of all varieties are represented, bobbers, Swedish Chops, Rock-a-Billy Chops, etc. as well as various engine configurations such as Sportsters, metric engines, Shovelheads, Evos, everything.

The HORSE, BC staff picks TEN winners. There is no First, Second, Third etc. just TEN winners. All winners are featured in the magazine. These ten bikes usually represent a variety of styles and engine configurations, so every well-built chopper has a chance.

Garage Leathers Sponsors the Custom Bike Show

The 10 winners of the bike show that will appear in the magazine includes: Continue reading →

Saddlebag History 101

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Saddlebag History – 700 BC
Saddlebag History 101

Saddlebag History starts around 700 BC

According to many sources, saddle bags have been used since the time saddles were first used. The earliest known saddle-like equipment were fringed cloths or pads used by Assyrian cavalry (present day northern Iraq) around 700 BC.

In horse riding, saddlebags sit in various positions, on the back, side, or front of the saddle. Most attach to the saddle by straps and ties. leather was the traditional material, it is heavier and requires more maintenance than many modern versions.

Continue reading →