Golf Around the World

In the Heart of the New York Catskill Mountains, there is a place called Nicks Waterfall House. I have been there many times and it has become one of my favorite places of all time to ride to.

There are times when the stress of our lives and jobs can get even the best of us a little down. If you are a straight lace citizen you go to a Doctor and get some pills or maybe see a shrink. If you are a Biker you hop on your Motorcycle get the motor running and you head out to a place like Nicks Waterfall House.

It does not matter where you are or what direction you come from. The ride threw the NY Catskill Mountains is going to relax the stress away from the depths of your very soul. As you ride to Nick’s threw long winding roads up over and into the heart of some of the worlds most majestic Mountains, with the Sun shining down on you and the fresh Mountain air filling your lungs you will start to get a feeling of what one can only describe as pure joy.

As you get near Nicks Waterfall House located on Route 990v, Gilboa New York 12076, either alone or with a group of friends. You will feel as if time and space are no longer a factor in the Universe, and it only gets better from there! As you ride in the first thing many think is they have reached some old time lost resort, but have no fear Nicks is a Biker bar.

When you walk threw the front door you will no longer have any doubts you have arrived at the right place. If Nick is not there to great you himself, there is a good chance he is in his large kitchen cooking up some classic Biker grub. I recommend the first thing you do is order an Ice Cold Beer and go sit by the large windows over looking a Waterfall that looks as if it was stolen from the year–92. If there is any stress or negative emotions left in your body after the ride to the Waterfall House after only a few minutes watching the water fall down and roll over the rocks it will soon have all washed down stream.

Then it is time to meet the locals, grab another Beer and maybe some of that great food (My favorite is the Waterfall House Cheeseburgers) or maybe shoot a game of pool. The crowd at Nicks is a mix of friendly Bikers, locals and good ole boys. This is a place to exchange stories and Adventures from the road. Often the sharing of stories can go on for hours.

It is easy to have what some may call too much fun at Nicks Waterfall House but with rooms up stairs starting at only $25 a night, there is no reason to worry! Now I want to make sure that you know when I tell you there are rooms at Nicks you understand these rooms where created for road weary bikers. If you bring your old lady with you make sure she is a real biker Chick because Nicks is no Yuppie bed and breakfast! It is a real bikers, biker bar and what you get when you rent a room from Nicks is a communal living room a bed to sleep in and a shower to wash off the road dust! One other thing you get from a night at Nicks is a renewed Spirit of Adventure and a willingness to face what ever maybe up around the next bend in your life!

I have many local Bars that I think of as home and I love to go to and cut loose, but when I hear that call of the road it is often telling me it is time to go to Nick’s Waterfall House!!!

For more info or directs call 607-588-9891 and ask for Nick.

Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com Listen to my Radio Show @ BikerLowdown.com

LJ does a Radio Motorcycle Show each week LJ loves to help show the truth about the Biker Life and series like Sons of Anarchy

When I received the Novel “Iron Horse Rider” from the Author Adelle “Legs” Laudan I have to admit I was expecting a book about a Biker fighting and causing trouble. You know your Typical Biker Bad Boy Story. What I received was something I was not expecting at all.

The Novel Tells the story of a hardcore biker named Shane, Shane had always kept women at arms length and showed them no emotion, That was until he met Kelly. Try as he might this biker who had always kept to himself could not fight off his feelings for her and soon found himself Married to the Women of his dreams.

After 10 years of Marriage Kelly is taken from Shane in a Tragic accident while they are Ridding. Shane finds everything around him reminds him of Kelly, His home, his shop, even his Clubhouse. His Brother’s try to Support and comfort him, but the looks of sorrow in their eyes for him is more then Shane can bare. He soon realizes staying in the world He has Known and loved is not an option. Soon Shane is on his Iron Horse with the wind in his face and no destination! As Shane rides He finds the pain he feels for his loss begin to lessen!

With advice from a Mysterious Biker he keeps running into, Shane finds himself at a Micmac Indian Camp. Shane is welcomed into the Camp by the Tribes Chief and soon finds himself becoming Friends with the Chief’s Daughter Tia who has recently lost her Husband! While the two Share their pain they soon begin to feel something for each other. Is it possible for either of them to feel love again while still suffering from such a great loss? A member of Tia’s Tribe is taking no chances and tells Shane to stay away from Tia. He soon finds out you never tell a Biker like Shane what to do!

I found the writing in this novel while in no way simplistic was easy to read. I also found the story easy to follow ! Adelle “Legs” Laudan describes and expresses the feelings of Biker Brotherhood perfectly. When She explains Shane’s feelings while Riding you can see in your mind where he is and you can almost feel the wind in your Face!

In life we all have our worlds we live in, When something Terrible happens sometimes We cling to what We know. Shane does what He as a true Biker must after such a terrible loss, He goes out and finds not only a new life but a new World to live in for a while.

I have to say I enjoyed the story. It was not what I was expecting or would usually read but I found I could not put the book down. I think some Men who Ride will enjoy this book, While many I feel will find it a little too much of a Romance novel! I do believe almost all Women who has ever ridden a Motorcycle or dated a Man who rode one will love this Novel.

As I know now Adelle “Legs” Laudan is a writer of Motorcycle Romance Novels, She works to promote the image of Motorcycling one book at a time! To order Iron Horse Rider or other Novels by Adelle “Legs” Laudan including the upcoming Iron Horse Rider 2 go to http://adellelaudan.com/IronHorseRider.html

I am Your Bro LJ James Check out my Articles and Biker Radio Show at AmericanBikerX.com

LJ works for many magazines about Motorcycles and Motorcycle Clubs LJ also Hosts a Biker Online Show and helps to explain the facts about shows like Sons Of Anarchy

GSX-R 750 in a golf cart capable of speeds up to 150 mph. This video is not fast fowarded!! Featured on espns sportsnation on September 29, 2009. This is not my cart and I do not know how to build one.. Sorry. Enjoy

A few weeks back I received an email from a girl Kim about a Charity Motorcycle event she was working on for Bide A Wee an Animal shelter I worked at when I was younger. As I read the info I was looking forward to attending the event only to find it was being held at Jugs and Strokers the only “Biker Bar” on Long Island that does not allow Motorcycle Club Colors. I was pissed to find out I would not be welcome at this event. I then saw the email had been sent out to many other Motorcycle Clubs on Long Island. Pissed Off, I started writing a reply to the email and sent it out to the MC’s here on Long Island. Here is what I wrote.

Hey everyone this is LJ James.

You may not know this but I worked at Bide A Wee in Wantagh for many years. I have some great memories of my time working there. As much as I love the place and think Bide A Wee to be a truly great organization, I will not take off my Colors to go inside Jugs & Strokers to attend this event.

I see this email is addressed to many different Clubs. Some of your beliefs may be different then mine and you may take your Colors off to attend this event. I would hope all of you have more respect for your Club then to do that, but these are my beliefs and may not be yours.

I think it is only fair to Kim who is working very hard for this very worthy cause that she know what your feelings are about the Jugs and Strokers policy in regards to Colors. Kim has spent a lot of time working on this event and I would hate to see her event fail because she is unaware of the Revulsion Jugs and Strokers has towards Motorcycle Clubs!!!

Not only is it an old out dated Policy that promotes the Division of Motorcycle Riders, it is also illegal according to NY State Law! I have been working hard to protect and promote Motorcycle Rights and Unity here in NY and world wide. I think it is time We started working hard to change what is wrong here on Long Island! There is an old saying, “if you want to fix the world start in your own back yard”.

This is an event that, when I heard about it I wanted to attend. Then I hear it is being held at Jugs and now I am “not allowed to attend”.

I am not a bad guy! You all out there know me. How many of your events have I covered in Magazines? How many of you have I DJed for? Not only your Club events but many of your personal family events! I’ve even preformed wedding ceremonies for a few of you and after I married you I Djed your wedding!!!

You too are also all good people. Your MCs have done many things to make Long Island a better place. You have fed the Hungry, Clothed the poor, and made sure every Child on Long Island had a Toy for the Holidays. Our patches stand for what is great about America! Why should we be made to feel that wearing our Colors is even the slightest bit wrong?

If you ask Jugs and Strokers, they might try to use the excuse “well its not your group its other groups who are the bad guys”. That is a cop out, a lie, and an attempt to divide the Long Island Motorcycle Club world!!!

Over the past few years here on Long Island we have seen a Unity in the Motorcycle Club World that many still can not believe. Sport Bike Clubs and Cruiser Clubs riding and hanging together. AMA Clubs and 1% Clubs attend each others events. Law Enforcement Clubs and Outlaw Clubs Breaking Bread and Drinking together at events. I have seen every type of rider hanging out together. This is the Biker dream people!!!

There was a time when we were all told that you could not have a bar on Long Island where all MCs where aloud to mingle together. That there would be nothing but fights and problems. Then JDs Place opened and shortly after that, the Myth was put to rest.

The Motorcycle World here on Long Island has become something We are all very proud of. I call out to all of you MCs, independents, and MROs like ABATE, it is time to end the humiliating practice that Jugs and Strokers has been aloud to inflict upon the Long Island Motorcycle World for far too long!!!

I am tired of this bar being allowed to claim it is a biker bar for bikers, but if your a member of a Motorcycle Club and wear your Colors, you are some how an undesirable, and unwelcome. I say time is up, Jugs and Stokers! You have made enough money off the Long Island Motorcycle world! You need to stop being part of the Problem and become part of the Solution!!!

I’m interested to know what the feelings are of the rest of you!!!

(Because of this reply, Shortly after I wrote this the event was switched to another Long Island Biker Bar “Sick Moon Saloon” That welcomes all who Ride)

LJ James Proud Member Mortal Skulls MC AmericanBikerX.com

Discrimination On The Basis Of Clothing Or Club Membership Is ILLEGAL Article I, Section 11 of the New York State Constitution states “that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof.” Article 4, Section 40 of the Civil Rights Law provides that “all persons within the jurisdiction of this state shall be entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities and privileges of any places of public accommodations, resort or amusement subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law and applicable alike to all persons.” The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that individuals have the constitutional right under the First Amendment to wear clothing which displays writing or designs. Cohen v. California, 403 US 15 (1971). In addition, the right of an individual to freedom of association has long been recognized and protected by the United States Supreme Court. Thus, a person’s right to wear the clothing of his choice, as well as his right to belong to any club or organization his choice is constitutionally protected, and persons or establishments who discriminate on the basis of clothing or club membership are subject to a lawsuit.

LJ James Hosts a an online Motorcycle Show evey week at 8pm East Coast Time. LJ James trys to teach the meaning of real Biker life that we do not see on Sons of Anarchy

It was a quite day in a small Bar in upstate New York . The girl working behind the bar was young, she had just turned twenty one and had only been bar tending a few weeks, this was her first time working alone. Everything was going fine with only two of the regulars in the back shooting pool it was nothing she could not handle she thought to herself.

Then the front door opened and in walked ten of the biggest men she had ever seen. They talked loudly and as they walked over to the far side of the bar, She got a look at the back of their jackets. She could easily see that the markings on them where all the same. The men ordered pitchers of beer and their talking only got louder as they drank more and talked about things she did not understand. Then the men went quite as the front door opened and in walked seven more large men, at first she thought these seven men where with the first Ten as they looked and dressed similar but as she looked at the markings on the backs of these new comers Jackets she could tell while they where similar the markings where different, By the way the two groups where looking at each other she guessed the difference must mean a lot to them.

The Seven men sat up toward the front of the bar and also ordered pitchers of beer. The young girl did her best to make sure both groups where kept happy, but it was just a matter of time and Beer! When one of the men from the first group called out to her, “Hey Honey don’t worry about those guys, there losers! Come over here and hang with some real men.” That was all it took, the fuse was lit. “Who you calling losers pal we are good enough to beat you any day of the week!” Yelled back a guy from the second group. “You may think your as good as us but you never will be!” Yelled back a man from the first group.

Then in what was a blur to our young barmaid a fight broke out between the two groups it was loud and she could hear glass and wood breaking all around her as the men cursed and screamed at each other. This young Girl was scared and she feared for her life.

Her fear abated a little when in the distance she heard sirens. The police are coming, she thought to herself as she hid behind the bar. The police arrived in force and they stormed in arresting the men and taking them away. When things got quite and all the men where taken away the young girl looked around the small bar. So much damage she thought to herself, She looked at one of the officers and asked how did you know to come here. We got a call that these two groups where both heading to this bar and we just knew, it happens all the time with these type of guys!!!

Epilogue: The next morning when the young barmaid awoke she walked down stairs to the kitchen where her father was reading the morning paper. Does it say anything about the fight in the bar yesterday she asked her father? Yes he said as he pointed to a small article in the back of the paper “Yankees and Mets fans Brawl it out in small town bar” the story went on to explain how all the men where given tickets for disorderly conduct and released. That’s it she screamed at her father these men trash the bar, scare the hell out of me, They should all be in jail and all they get is Tickets!!! Calm down sweetheart her father said as he hugged her, The way your acting one would think it had been a bunch of rowdy Bikers in the bar yesterday! Those Guys would have been locked away, But it was only Sports fans!

Story By Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com

LJ is a Member of the Mortal Skulls Motorcycle Club LJ Does a radio show about the Loyalty of Motorcycle Clubs

Money is something that we are all looking for these days and we are trying to save it any way we can. Realistically, one of the larger costs that we all have each and every week is the cost of filling up our gas tanks. Depending upon what kind of car you have and how far you have to travel, you could be spending as much as $150-$200 a week just on gasoline. You are exactly the person that needs to start looking at 50cc scooters as an alternative to firing up that big engine all the time.

Gas is getting more and more ridiculous. When they switch tanks, we can be paying as much as $4.50 for a gallon of gas. That tank that you drive around in eats it up like there is no tomorrow and you end up working to fill the tank. Do you want to get 20MPG or do you want to get as much as 100MPG? That 50cc scooter is starting to look pretty attractive.

Parking in the city is never an easy chore. It can even be a problem when you are running out to the grocery store. Make a life a little easier on yourself and do these tasks with a 50cc scooter. You can park just about anywhere with them. No more driving around the lot for hours waiting for someone else to pull out. You can be in the front row anytime you like!

Now picture New York City at the height if rush hour and traffic that is bumper to bumper. Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to sit behind a hundred cards just to get around the corner? A 50cc scooter is much more maneuverable than a car and those traffic jams will be a thing of the past.

The bottom line is that in today’s economy, a 50cc scooter just makes sense. You are going to save both time and money and who doesn’t want to do that? You need one more reason, think about the lower cost of maintenance and insurance. Now there really isn’t a reason to head to the dealership and come home with one!

As a motorcycle rider, there are many important skills you must know in order to keep yourself safe. This is why a special license exists for those who want to own and ride a motorcycle.

Keep in mind that even if you are a very safe rider, there is still a high probability that you will be in an accident at some point. This is due to the nature of the vehicle, and to the cars around you

This is the reason that it is important for motorcyclists to understand motorcycle helmet safety. Your risk of injury in an accident is much higher if you are not wearing a helmet, or if your helmet is unsafe.

A key to motorcycle helmet safety is deciding what type of helmet you should buy. Many experienced riders use a full face helmet because as it protects their face and head, they feel it’s safest.

There are two motorcycle helmet safety protocols. You should only ever buy a helmet which is DOT certified, if not more. This means it will meet minimum safety standards, set forth by the government.

For a helmet that is guaranteed to be well tested, look for a Snell certified helmet. These have been tested thoroughly at an independent lab, which means that they are the safest available.

To maintain personal motorcycle helmet safety standards, never buy a used helmet. A used helmet may have been dropped and damaged, or involved in a crash, and therefore may not fully protect you.

You should always follow proper motorcycle helmet safety standards, because they exist in order to protect you. Wearing a helmet will help to protect you, and will in many cases prevent injury.

Why speak to the MCs in your area before starting a new MC?

I want to address a question I have gotten a lot recently. (I am sure it has a lot to do with the hit show Sons of Anarchy) It is from people who want to start new Motorcycle Clubs. They want to know if they should go to the predominate MCs in their area to talk about starting a new MC first. Many have said to me they do not understand the reason why they should go talk to them! Some have even gone as far as to say that if they have to go to the predominate MC in their area and ask permission that just proves that MC is a Criminal Gang! Not sure how they came to that conclusion but they are some very strong words sent over the computer.

I want everyone to remember I am writing this info as a guideline to those who are looking to get into the MC world and individual results may vary. This maybe some new fad to you but to true Motorcycle Club Members this world is everything!

For my answer to this Question I am going to put aside any statements of having to ask permission of the MCs in your area. I am going to instead ask why would you not speak to the MCs in your area and get their Blessing first before starting a new Motorcycle Club. Many say its because they are going to start a different type of Motorcycle Club. They may even be calling themselves something different like a Riding Club or a Motorcycle Association. Are your Members going to ride Motorcycles and have Club patches on their vests? If the answer is yes, Then again why not go speak to those who have come before you and paved the roads you now wish to ride down!

For many I know the reason they don’t want to ask is simple fear! Fear of what they do not know or what they think they do know. If it is fear, then it is because you do not know the real Motorcycle Club world! Now every Motorcycle Club in the world is different. But most Motorcycle Clubs don’t mind helping to get a new MC started and teach them what it really means to be in a Motorcycle Club, I can guarantee you it is something you will not learn on TV no matter how many episodes you may watch!

Now if you have decided that what you really want is to start up a new Motorcycle Club, One thing I want to make sure you know is something every Father should have taught his Son as a Child and that is “Do not lie and Always do what you say you are going to do” One fact I will also give you is the MC world is all about Respect! If you just start up a new MC without talking to the other clubs in your area that will most likely be seen as disrespectful!

Lets think about some other reasons you would want to talk to the MCs in your area first. You are going to want to make sure your new Patch or MC name is not similar to another Motorcycle Club. Many MCs have worked hard over the years to create a name and image for themselves. They will not like the idea of you either using a name close to theirs or wearing a patch that looks like theirs. The reason being is a simple one, They do not want you being mistaken for them doing anything that would make them look bad. You also could be seen as trying to ride on their coat tails by using the reputation they have worked hard for. You may not understand it now but the MC world is a Brotherhood and if you are fortunate enough to be welcomed into it, You will understand after years of working hard creating a name for your MC. The bottom line is meeting with the MCs in your area and talking with them before starting a new MC is the right thing to do!

Another fear many have is they wrongly believe they will be forced to do things for these other MC’s. The only thing most Clubs may ask of you is to come to a few of their events each year have fun and again to show Respect!!!

Now I have heard complaints from many that there are areas where the MCs have decided they do not want any more new MCs! Well all I can do is guess why that might be! The reason I would think that Motorcycle Clubs would say no more Clubs in an area is that there are already a lot of different MCs in that area and they all get along real well. These MCs would not want anything new coming in and messing up the harmony they have created.

Now like I said before the reason most say they want to start a new MC is because they want to start something different then what is in that area. Well often that is not the truth. The real reason People often want to start a new MC is because they do not want to have to Prospect! If the only reason you want to start a new MC is because you are not willing to prospect, My best advice to you is to stay an independent rider because you will not last long in the Motorcycle Club world anyway! I am Your Bro LJ James AmericanBikerX.com Listen to my Radio Show at BikerLowdown.com

We all know that when the first settlers came to America they where following a dream! What most do not know is that many of those dreams where inspired by paintings of the Catskill Mountains. At the beginning of this country’s history artists where mesmerized by the beauty of these mountains and painted many pictures of them. These pictures where sent and sold all over the world and they had a huge part in creating what later became know as the American dream.

Fast forward a few Hundred years to September 10Th – 14Th 2008 and now what draws hundreds of American Bikers every year to the Catskill Mountains is the Blackthorne Resort in East Durham and the Catskill Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Rally. This event which is a weekend get away for some and a week long party for others has just about everything a biker dreams of. Even though the Blackthorne Resorts grounds are huge, they do fill up fast and Bikers reserve there Cabins, RV sites or Camp sites up to a year in advance just to make sure there is room for them on the grounds. (There are plenty of other resorts in the area who welcome the Biker overflow from the Blackthorne) Me and my Brother Mopar Tom arrived on Thursday Night and the first thing We did was to check out what seemed like a hundred vendors, Who where selling every thing from Motorcycle T-Shirts to Custom Motorcycles.Then of course it was time to grab some drinks. First drink was at the Tikki Bar by the large in ground pool. The Second was at the Blackthorne’s on premise full service bar. Not wanting to over do it on my first night there (I would save that for my second night) I called it an early night at around 2am and was off to get some sleep.

On Friday the fuse was lit and the weekend festivities got into full swing. I spent the entire day wandering around the Blackthorne checking out everything, drinking and partying with Hundreds of brand new and old friends. As the sun set and the Night began things just got even better! I watched Bikers take their Motorcycles up in the air and do Ariel Burn outs as I listened to the Music of Molly Hatchet LIVE !

The Nights at Blackthorne Run late and the Mornings come early! Some Choose to start their days off riding around the incredible Catskill Mountains, either in a group on a guided tour or by themselves with no destination at all. The roads in the Catskills go on forever and even after many years of riding them each trip still offers something new ! My favorite spot to ride to has been for many years Nicks Waterfall House in Gilboa, In my opinion no ride threw the Catskills is Complete with out a big burger and a beer at Nicks!

Others who don’t wake till the afternoon can spend their day’s at the Blackthorne checking out the vendors buying new Biker gear, Watching Rhett Rotten and his amazing vintage Wall of Death Motorcycle stunt show, Looking at the art work of Ron Finch, Placing their votes for their favorites in the Bike show, participating in the Bike games or enjoying a list of many other wickedly fun Biker activities. Saturday Night again offered Bikers more then they could handle plus Hot Female Spaghetti Wrestling, Live Ultimate Fighting bouts, Lots more live music and plenty of late night partying. On Sunday some Bikers headed home while others hung around for another day of fun including a pig roast!

I have been a biker all my life. To this very day the bond of Brotherhood that is shared by bikers still stuns me. I’m not sure if the fact that the Blackthorne is a family resort every other week of the year has anything to do with it, But I found the feeling of Brotherhood and Family to be very strong at this event. When I can hangout and party with Bikers I have just met and feel like I have known them for Twenty years, It strongly reinforces all the reasons I love being a Biker!

I have left out a lot of great things about the Blackthorne and its Catskill Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Rally, The reason for this is because if you missed this event you do not deserve to know all its secrets until you have attended it for yourself !!! Check out CatskillMountainThunder.com and reserve your spot for next years party today!

I’ll see you there! Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com

When you’re going for a long ride, there are a few factors that can either make it wonderful, or make it the longest ride of your life. Motorcycle helmet comfort is one of those factors.

It can be difficult to find that perfect fit, but motorcycle helmet comfort is so important to the enjoyment of your ride, that you should take the time. A proper fitting helmet will be more comfortable than no helmet at all.

There are many riders who feel that there are no comfortable motorcycle helmets. They believe that the only truly comfortable way to ride is without one, and wear one only out of legal obligation.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. A rider who feels no helmet is comfortable simply hasn’t tried enough types to find what is right for them. It is also extremely irresponsible to ride without one.

Motorcycle helmet comfort is often related to motorcycle helmet price. The more comfortable the helmet, the more special features it is likely to have, and these do cost money.

What are these features that make a helmet comfortable? Good interior padding that fits your face is a key to comfort. So is a seal around your ear. Neck support is also very important for motorcycle helmet comfort.

When you have a helmet that fits you correctly, it will be tight when it’s on. This is a good sign and means that it won’t be able to move as you’re riding, and road noise will be blocked out.

The smoothness of your ride depends a lot on your motorcycle helmet comfort. When you put in the time and money to find the right fit for you, you will be pleased at how great your ride feels.