Ride To Imagine-Nation: JAKE JUSTICE

Original information from various sites and toy product box, words by BLOG HOLDER

In 1999 a cartoon and line of toys came out know as "RESCUE HEROES" they were professionals of various backgrounds in saving people put together to make the ultimate response team to handle global emergencies and harsh rescue operations. One of my favorite characters was JAKE JUSTICE, one of four African-American characters in the storyline. What the character Jake did was introduce a Motorcop (Motorcycle Police Officer) in a better light where we didn't make judgements about him like we do the ones in the real world in fact for me watching the show helped me respect some officers and gave them a better likeness to identify with because he was black. Even Jakes story was quite unique and inspiring... See for youself.

Jake Justice was a born rescuer, helping those in need as much as he could. He has always been a born motocyclist taking to them by helping and being in amazement of them while working at his uncles motorcycle repair shop. So when Jake choose his profession it was an easy one to become a Motorcop. While on duty a patoling the metropolitan area Jake received the call that a unstopple criminal was at large. He jumped on his police motorcycle and chased him down all while making sure people were safe . Finally he did the unthinkable, he caught the villian that no one thought could be caught. Because of his high level of skill on the motorcycle and quick wit he was the successful and the first recruit of the Rescue Heroes and has endlessly stopped crime with his high tech motorcycle and equipment.

Bike of The Day: The $500,000 Gold-plated custom chopper

Original article and pictures from http://www.bornrich.org/

Riders, bikers... Feast your eyes on this.

This is a pricey yet beautiful ride at a reasonable... (yeah right) price of $500,000. That's €386,987 Euros for our sisters and brothers overseas in other countries (didn't mean rhyme). This was displayed this past summer at the International Motorcycle show in Seattle. It's not mentioned who the designer is but whomever it is they are very talented and know how to design a head turner. If I could I would get one for myself, but if I could really afford it I would give one to my best-friend BROTHER BEAZER aka RIDER TY on his birthday... well I guess we'll just have to enjoy the pictures.

Global Ride: HOG HEAVEN IN SOUTH AFRICA.

Original report and coverage by CNN's Betty Nguyen (SOUTH AFRICAN HARLEY FEVER)

The growing amount of true black South Africans is growing not only in status to middle class and above, but also in the tools of expression and interest. Sportbikes, cruisers and Harley Davidson motorcycles are the weapons of choice to be free on and astound others with just one twist of the throttle. The footage shows Athania Mothiba, a beautiful entrepenuer with her own beauty shop, cutting hair and styling clients to perfection and rewarding that hard work with an ultimate ride... on her Harley Davidson. Athania happens to be one of South Africa's FIRST black female riders of the 3,500 members that are part of H.O.G. (Harley. Owners. Group) Johannesburg Chapter #9686, South Africa. Besides having a free spirt Athania has a big heart, giving time to charity rides for breast cancer. As Athania puts it, "It's another lifestyle." A lifestyle that is showing an increasing number of women and blacks.

Athania at work and on her Harley with beautiful braids in the wind

As Anand Mudhan states, over 60 to 80 Harleys are sold every month in South Africa and as the riders pressence is noticed in encourages others to buy motorcycles as well and join other riders no matter the color or gender. It is good to see a passion for bikes be the common bond that brings people together.

Anand Mudhan (2003 member of H.O.G) & Fellow South African bikers

South African riders relaxing & Riding (Athania is in the middle in white and orange)
CNN FOOTAGE OF SOUTH AFRICAN HARLEY BIKERS

Global Ride: RIDERS OF KENYA, RIDING THEN AND GROWING

Original Artical by Cathy Majtenyi, Nairobi0, December 5, 2008
Motorcyclists in Kenya: A Growing Breed

Small but growing networks of Kenyans in the capital, Nairobi, are embracing the biking culture. They see motorcycling not only as a way to cope with the city's horrendous traffic and high gasoline prices. They are attracted to the lifestyle because, they say, it eases the pressures of everyday life.

Kimani Gathu, Kevin Oduor-Noah & Dr. David Maina

Kimani Gathu is one mean motorcycle man. Gathu revved up his first bike in 1958. The self-dubbed "fastest grandfather in Kenya" has not looked back since. "When I am on a motorbike, I feel unique," Gathu said. "First of all, I feel that I have something most people do not have. Secondly, for me it is like some sort of a therapy. (When) I have problems, I am able to think properly on that motorbike." On this day, Gathu hangs out with fellow cycling aficionados. They talk shop and catch up on the latest news from the biking world.Gathu belongs to a small, unofficial network of Kenyans who are embracing the biking culture. They meet from time to time and they ride together in and near the capital, Nairobi.The group's leader is Kevin Oduor-Noah. He's the founder of Ancient Exclusives, a company that imports and sells motorcycles.

Oduor-Noah says his company encourages Kenyans to take up biking. "Sometimes our clients meet up and they go out for rides. They meet at places inside town, not just moving the bikes on the weekends. We encourage our clients to use their bikes daily," Oduor-Noah said. "It is a lifestyle - it is not just something we do for fun."He says he wants Kenya to become the biking hub of East Africa, offering bike tourism and races. Motorcycling for recreation is a new concept here. Most motorized bikes are driven by deliverymen or security guards.The average price of a motorcycle is about the same as a higher-end automobile, which many middle-class Kenyans still prefer to buy.Riding a motorcycle here can also be dangerous. Many of Kenya's roads are full of potholes. The roads are crammed with mini-buses known as matatus. Their drivers are known to make the roads dangerous for other motorists.

But Dr. David Maina is not deterred. He has been biking for 15 years. "It is a good way of relaxing in the afternoons. It definitely takes off the edge," Maina said.Kimani Gathu has owned 23 bikes since 1969. He says motorcycling represents a dream come true."This bike is like my toy, my special toy, just to show people that even a poor kid from the ghettos can come up and achieve something," Gathu said proudly. He says he'll still be biking when he is 102 years old.

CHECK OUT THE KENYAN RIDERS

You Need To Know: THE KING OF MOTORCYCLES

Original information from various sites, words from BLOG HOLDER


Benjamin Franklin Hardy Sr., Benny Hardy, Ben Hardy or just Brother Ben. No matter how you address him he is the late great motorcycle legend that is becoming respectfully known as a great motorcycle dealer, all knowing mechanic and superior bike builder. Even more famous for his two great creations that are world known... "The Easy Rider" movie motorcycles. King Benny, through his work has always been know as the go-to person for everyone black or white to ask about motorcycles (research by Onyx Rider will continue to find out where and how he learned everything about motorcycles). Then when Cliff Vaughs, another legendary rider and filmmaker, came to Brother Ben with film star and writer Dennis Hopper to make motorcycle history... and that is what he did. Harley Davidson wouldn't give Dennis motorcycles so Dennis and Cliff purchased old bikes which were the canvas for King Benny's masterpieces... The Captain America and Billy Bike.

His work and sales took place in a building at 1168 E. Florence Ave. near the corner of S. Central Blvd. when it was an industrial site for Good Year tires and other industries that were beginning.

Here at "Hardy's Motorcycle Service" Ben was know as the first king of custom cycles... AND THIS WAS IN THE LATE 40's, 50's! Here everyone came to see what he would put out and get their bikes fixed and tuned. Now at this historical site is Father & Sons Rebuild Auto Parts, but the memories still reign on the legacy of his work can be seen in California through other builders and riders. Recently at the California African-American Museum the exhibit "Black Chrome" has showcased the work, contributions and lifestyle of African-Americans in the motorcycle culture and Benny was honored with a standing ovation when his daughter showed... Kevin, the Grandson of this legend, has explained his love and honor not only for Benny as a person, but as a innovator of the motorcycle world.