Biker T-shirts and Tanks Blog

Civil War Movies and Documentaries on DVD VHS

2011-05-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Civil War Movies and Documentaries on DVD VHS Watching these documentaries is a great way to plan a road trip to the famous battlefields.

We Have a New Page Name - Biker T-shirts and Tanks

2010-01-02T21:22:00.011-07:00

Real change is good, and yes, it is time for change! We have changed our blog page name to Biker T-shirts and Tanks. This was an informed decision we at BikerTshirtsandTanks.com made to more accurately reflect our online retail presence. The blog address is the same so if you have the old Ride Hard n' Fast Lookin' Good name in your favorites folder or have bookmarked it nothing changes. Just a new page name. This will also create more up to date and relevant admin posts in the future. The Biker T-Shirts and Tanks on-line store is unique in that it has a wide variety of men and women's Harley Davidson and other biker t-shirts, tank tops, leathers, helmets, motorcycle boots, and luggage and saddlebags that you can name your own price on! Come on over and check us out. Real change that is actually easy on your wallet in these hard times!

Biker T-shirts and Tanks Update

2009-06-12T20:15:00.005-07:00

Well it's been exactly 2 months since I posted on this blog! Not a fact to be proud of but it is what it is. I have been busy with new Civil-War-Costumes site and can now take a breather. I have also given BikerTshirtsandTanks.com a face lift. Not really a face lift; more like multiple organ transplants...lol I totally re-wrote every page's content, meta tags, etc. Now it's fresh and clean and lookin' good!

New Store is Finally Open!

2009-04-11T21:44:00.002-07:00

I've been saying that I would be opening a new store soon and it's time has finally come! Go on over to Civil-War-Costumes and take a look around. In addition to costumes there is a full line of Civil War reenactment gear as well. I know, I know, the Sturgis rally is getting closer every day. Not to worry, I haven't forgot about it, just been busy with work and preparing for joining the ranks of the unemployed. As if a person can be prepared! I'm following my own advice... "Not to worry" lol

Been Hard at Work Lately - For a Change!

2009-03-29T15:22:00.003-07:00

Well, I've sure ignored this blog for far to long. I've been busy building a new web store. When I've finished, I'll roll it out here. Plenty of time yet for more posts on this years Sturgis event. I have posted another article on http://bikertshirtsandtanks.com

Blog Privacy Policy

2009-03-22T14:38:00.002-07:00

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Great Music at 2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

2009-02-23T18:17:00.004-07:00

Entertainment at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is always great and this year is no exception! The Buffalo Chip Campground is the place for the big names. "Bad To The Bone" George Thorogood is going to be on hand Sunday August 2nd to welcome rally bikers and kick the week of right. On Monday the 3rd you'll be able to attend the Toby Kieth concert. Toby is a true patriot and will be sure to put on a great show "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue"! Always a Sturgis favorite is Aerosmith and this year will be no exception. The band will be rockin out at the BCC (Buffalo Chip Campground) Wednesday, August 5th.

A couple of other bands will be appearing at the BCC. One is a very cool group named Black Bird Pond and the Sturgis favorite, Midstokke, will play as well.

Here's a tip for you! Before you hit the road for Sturgis be sure to head over to Biker T-shirts and Tanks for some cool Harley shirts, leathers and other biker riding gear.

2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

2009-02-21T13:33:00.005-07:00

Every year, in early August, thousands of men and women on motorcycles gather in Sturgis South Dakota for an annual rally. This year August 3 – 9 are the dates the 69th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will be take place. The first Sturgis Rally was called the “Black Hills Classic” with 19 participants racing towards the finish line. However as years passed, more and more people became interested in the annual rally. In the last few years, well over a million people have attended the rally. This amazing statistic surpasses the actual population of the entire state of South Dakota! The event has indeed become a legendary affair for bikers, celebrating the renaissance of motorcycling. The event is being televised nationwide by the VH1 network.

Black Hills Classic Evolves Into Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

2009-02-14T12:18:00.005-07:00

J. Clarence "Pappy" Hoel bought an interest in the Indian Motorcycle Company in 1936 and is credited with being the founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. A local motorcycle club, the Jackpine Gypsies, was also founded in 1936 and in 1938 they were the first participants in the two day Black Hills Motor Classic event. There were nine entrants. The event initially featured stunts and races, which slowly evolved into motocross and hill climbing races. As the years passed the word got out and more and more people became interested in the annual rally. This was the beginning of what was to become the world famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The 60th anniversary rally in 2000 saw an estimated 550,00 – 633,000 people in the little town (population of around 6,300 full time residents) of Sturgis, S.D.

To Many Irons in the Fire Syndrome

2009-02-14T11:09:00.004-07:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back in the grove. I've made myself a victim of the old "to many irons in the fire" syndrome...lol Trying to do a little on a lot of projects instead of doing what's good for a few worthy projects. I'll be posting more regularly and am happy to get started on the Sturgis stories. I'm gathering facts and trying to stay between the lines factually. Feel free to comment if you read anything that you feel is not right. First installment coming right up! Remember to check out the BikerTshirtsandTanks.com store every once in a while ;-)

Home Again

2009-02-06T09:24:00.002-07:00

Hello y'all. Sorry I've not been posting for awhile. I've been out of town and I've got some catching up to do. I know I said that I was going to do some stuff on Sturgis and that's still coming up. I come across a couple of new websites that I think you'll like. The 1st is a road trip reference site called MotorcycleRoads.US and has some good riding maps from every state. They place an emphasis om 2 lane blacktops which are color coded as "wide curves", "twisty" etc. The other is a patriotic website called Pizzas 4 Patriots and the name says it all. They got permission from the Pentagon to send pizzas and beer to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for the super bowl. And they did! Now they're working on the 4th of July. Donations are accepted on the website. Check it out! Later

A Little Lazy Today

2009-01-20T18:08:00.003-07:00

This was my 1st day back to work after being off with the flu and I'm feeling kind of lazy. I do feel 100% better and was going to do a little on the the Sturgis Rally but decided to wait a day or two. It's not like it's going to pass us by or anything, it doesn't start until August 3rd! Keep checking back or just subscribe to the blog's RSS feed. That way you'll be the 1st to know when I get off my lazy ass and get it done...lol

Down Time

2009-01-16T15:03:00.002-07:00

Sorry I've been away from the blog for the last few days, but I've had a bout of the down and dirty, old fashioned FLU. I got a flu shot in November too! Throw in bronchitis and I've been a little rough around the edges fer awhile. Oh well, I guess a few of those bugs slip through the cracks every now and then. Now that a good one. Slipped through the cracks. The only time I've used that term is when referring to the judicial system...lol Anyway, I'm feeling better now. I've been off work all week but will go back next Tuesday. Thank you very much MLK. OK, that's more than enough whining for now and I'm glad to be back.

Online Auctions - Great for Reasonably Priced Biker Gear

2009-01-09T12:39:00.003-07:00

Have you ever been to an online auction site? Sometimes they can be a little intimidating by virtue of their size and complexity. But there is good news! There are specialized online stores that have simplified the auction process. This is done by putting trusted EBay sellers with interested buyers without the hassle of the buyer having to do all of the site navigation, product searching, and seller background work. The store offers this convenience plus the safe and secure payment and shipping options that eBay is known for at no added cost to the buyer. Often times at these stores new, in the box, products can be had for 50%-75% or more off retail price. An added bonus for shopping at these stores is that you have the option of buying quality used products at even greater savings!

One such specialty store is BikerTshirtsandTanks.com. where where Harley Davidson and other biker tank tops, t-shirts, leathers, helmets and more motorcycle apparel can be found.

A Little Nostalgia and Fond Texas Memories

2008-12-31T13:26:00.003-07:00

When we 1st took on this blog I planned on doing mostly articles and not a whole lot of personal postings, if any. Well, things change and I'm feeling the need to do that very thing occasionally, if for no other reason than to memorialize myself...lol I hope some find it interesting enough to read. If not, just scroll on past. As always, feel free to leave a comment if you'd like.

This a collection of but a few of the many nostalgic memories of a pre-teenage boy’s times spent with his grandparents in the Texas Panhandle. This was all taking place in and around Lefors, Texas, which is a small ranching and oil and gas town built where the North Fork of the Red River and State Highway 273 intersect.

My paternal grandparents lived about 9 or 10 miles east of Lefors. A mile or so out of town, where the McLean highway turns southerly, you would go straight east on a county black top road that after a ways turned to dirt. This would be on the north side of the river. After taking the county road you would pass the old Coltexo gasoline plant. 5 or so more miles you would turn left on a dirt road for 3 or 4 miles. Their place was on the Davis ranch.

My paternal granddad (Papaw) worked as a pumper for The Texas Company, which would become Texaco in later years. My grandmother’s (Mamma) job was keeping the house, sewing, cooking, taking care of a big garden and canning the fruit and vegetables, and feeding the chickens and turkeys, just to name a few things. Oh yes, she also spent a good deal of time keeping up with me!

In the late 40's and 50's Lefors was bustling oil and ranch town of about 1600 or more residents. On summer Saturday evenings there were softball games at the square under the lights and a lot of town and country folk there. Two drug stores, a couple of grocery stores, a dry goods store, a theater, two beer joints, a pool hall, 2 or 3 gas stations and a great, cold well water, swimming pool! The Texas Company and Magnolia Oil Co. had yards there. A pure Norman Rockwell type of place for a kid to spend a lot of his youth. Sadly, the town as I remember it, is no more. The oil companies moved out and most of the town went with them.

My maternal grandmother (Lefors, a shortened version of Lefors Mama) lived about a 1/2 block off the square in a small house across from Trout’s Drug Store. Great hand packed ice cream and a big selection of comic books! She had raised 5 kids, by herself, during the great depression and up until World War 2. She didn’t accomplish this by being on welfare or social security either. She took in washing and ironing. I remember many nights laying in my little fold down bed listening to her tell me stories while she ironed; rotating hot, heavy, solid irons from the kitchen stove. No spray starch or sizing here!

When I stayed with my beloved Lefors I explored the old town, went swimming in the summertime, and snuck in the picture show with my friends. On occasion I would even be allowed to stay in the pool hall, drinking cokes and watching the old men play snooker, 42, or Moon dominos!

When on the ranch, after going with PawPaw to start his wells and gauge the tank batteries, I usually roamed the sand hills and river bottoms with my single shot 22 rifle, riding old Dude, and dreaming of cowboys, outlaws, and Indians that had ridden these very hills and pastures. When I wasn’t on old Dude, I was sometimes learning to drive Papaw’s 40’s something black Ford pickup, with him holding on for dear life! The 10 mile hole was a great swimming and gathering place for me and my friends on lazy summer days. All in all, not a bad place for a boy to be in the early to mid 1950's!

Motorcycle Boots for Safety’s Sake – Part 2

2008-12-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

As I said in the first part of this article, which motorcycle boots to buy is probably the most important decision that a rider makes. We all know that good safety boots gives much needed protection to a motorcycle rider’s feet. They come in a variety of styles and brands. Some of the most popular brands are Harley Davidson, Alpinestars, Gaerne, AGV, Fieldsheer and Motoline. Some motorcycle boots come with added safety features such as padded tops and steel toes. Motorcycle boots can save the driver from serious injuries, especially when on, or off, road conditions are hazardous. The rider has to decide which boot fits the type of motorcycle, riding style, and gives the look he or she wants.

It goes without saying that as far as safety goes, a rider should learn to foresee possible accidents and know how to avoid them. That's easier said than done so it's good that quality riding apparel can and will add a degree of assurance and confidence to the rider. Reading tips and testimonies from experienced riders can help a new rider decide which type of boots would work best them. Listening to experts can give a sense of motivation as well as inspiration. Learning from them by any means, such as Internet blogging and asking questions about different boot types can help a lot. Joining an online community of bikers is a good way of gaining knowledge as to the best riding safety equipment.

I’m sure that anyone who has used a computer has heard the phrase “boot up”. Motorcycle riding gives that a whole new meaning. So, boot up…safely!

Motorcycle Boots for Safety’s Sake – Part 1

2008-12-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

A motorcycle is one of the most convenient and economical modes of transportation. The motorcycle is marketed worldwide with types to suit all tastes. Because of the continuing high cost of gasoline (well, it's cheap now, but we all know that won't last!) more people are riding motorcycles to and from work. Many people prefer to buy a motorcycle or scooter because aside from the expediency that it offers, it is also a more affordable vehicle compared to cars and trucks. A good find on a second hand motorcycle can be a real value and still have a lot of miles left on it. Spare parts for scooters and bikes can be bought almost anywhere, including online, at a minimal price. Just a little overhauling, and maybe some cosmetic work and you’re good to go.

Now with all that said, a motorcycle enthusiast must have proper motorcycle riding apparel, which should include quality motorcycle or Harley boots, a helmet, a set of leathers, including pants, chaps, a jacket, and accessories, like goggles and rain gear. These should haves ought to be well chosen and deliberately bought with quality in mind for optimum protection. The single most important "must have" piece of this gear would, hands down, be a good pair of safety boots. No offense to scooter riders, but we're talking motorcycles here. Fat Boys, Soft Tail, choppers, bobbers. Ok, I know, that HD FXDL Low Rider or an old pan head can affectionately be called your "scooter"...lol Let's face it, a genuine motorcycle can be a lot of weight coming down on a pair of sneakers! Some folks may prefer to not wear a helmet, leathers and the other stuff, but few will get on with out their riding boots.

This post started out as a single article, however I felt that more should be said on the subject of motorcycle boots and their importance from a safety standpoint. So stay tuned. Part 2 will be coming shortly!

Home from the hollidays!

2008-12-28T00:29:00.000-07:00

Well, BP and I got back from Phoenix this afternoon. We went down Christmas eve and spent a couple of days with my cousin and her son soaking up some warm valley weather. Had a nice rare standing prime rib for Christmas dinner. Brrr it's cold up here in the mountains but glad to be home none the less.

Welcome Jayden and Jeff! Glad you're on board and I'll be visiting y'all too.

I have another article for posting but think I'll wait until tomorrow. Calling it a night....BV

Tips in Preparing for a Motocross Competition

2008-12-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

Basically, following safety precautions is the most important thing that any motocross driver can do. The twin disasters of motocross are not being able to manage body balance and control of the motorcycle at all times to accidents. As a sport, motocross requires solid contact with the bike on rocky, uneven roads. It is usually assumed that the biker knows exactly what’s expected of him and his bike when getting himself ready for the big event or competition.

Primarily, motocross lovers must have enough physical stamina and awareness, as this kind of sport requires a high degree of skill. The competition its self requires concentrating on tactics and systematic moves. This kind of sport is not just about the type of competitive motorbike that he has. It is also about physical strength, willingness to take risks and overcoming obstacles. For a motocross rider, aside from the physical qualifications, emotional health and intelligence is also desirable.

Secondly, a motocross enthusiast must also be properly equipped with, not only the finest motorcycle, but with high quality safety gear as well. Motocross riding apparel includes a solid helmet for protection of the head, a mesh safety leather jacket for protection against accidents and the elements, and boots as protection for the feet. Goggles for protection of the eyes are a necessary accessories and if necessary, hearing protection. Other motorcycle gear, such as the rider desires, may also be used and could play an important role in the overall performance of the motorcycle as well as the rider.

Mesh safety leather jackets and pants, gloves and boots all belong in the motocross bikers’ essential riding kit. Choosing the best quality safety gear available will enable the rider to handle the pressure of being safe that is a part of the competition. Mesh safety leather jackets can come in a variety of styles and designs. A motocross rider can opt to choose one that serves the multi-purpose of off track comfort and looks and safety factor while racing. All of this apparel can be found at reasonable prices in online motorcycle specialty stores. There are many styles of poly mesh jackets, some with added features such as a zipper for pants attachment, padded pockets for storage of goggles and glasses, an adjustable waistband, removable water proof liner, elastic sleeve adjusters and many other features. Of course, they also come in a wide variety of prices.

All in all, the best weapon in winning a competition is to be prepared. It helps a lot to have a positive mindset about the event. A clear mind and clean spirit are healthy and good for the contest. Familiarizing oneself with the track where the event will be held, getting information about the nature of the contest, as well as, getting acquainted with the other participants can help boost one’s performance. Being a good sport is one rule that should always be adhered to. Stay healthy by getting enough rest and sleep weeks in advance of the event. Eat a well balanced diet, always including fruit and vegetables in your meal. Shop for the most effective energy drink and use together with your everyday vitamins.

Have you followed everything above? Be prepared and you just might be bringing home a 1st place trophy!

Fashion Tips for Bikers.

2008-09-10T11:57:00.000-07:00

Want to update your fashion for the winter months ahead? Then wrap up in the wonderful feel of leather. This year look to the fashion houses for clean, classic designs done in leather; they will range from classic to hip to rugged motorcycle apparel, Harley clothing, biker apparel and everything in between. With this pliable material, different textures and finishes also have a role in being in front of the trend this season. So follow the hip tips below.

Sunglasses. I know this is not the usual place for the trend to start, but it will absolutely be the most noticed! Grab a great pair of motorcycle glasses with a touch of leather in the frame; this is a glamorous and subtly way to wear leather. To really stand out, make sure the dark lenses are dark brown or smoky gray. It is also cool because it works great for men or women.

Pants and chaps. What is more timeless than a pair of jeans of faded blue for the fall? How about making those pants leather! Shop around for a basic pair of biker leathers in any color. My pick is a dark black or gray leather pants and contrasting chaps, worn with a white biker t-shirt, tank top, or sleeveless denim shirt. Can anyone say bad biker lol?

Boots. With out a doubt the most important item you can buy for motorcycle riding is a good pair of boots. The biker's boots are worn 1st and foremost for safety reasons. This doesn't mean that they can't be good looking as well. Motorcycle boots some in several styles and colors and a pair of Harley Davidson boots is always a good bet.

Jackets. If you don't want to pull out the winter coat yet, then try an updated bikers jacket. My favorite for the season is a leather motorcycle jacket in black or brown. This jacket offers the best with the coolness of a bomber jacket and the preppy allure of a sport coat all in one. Another perk is this jacket can be thrown on with any outfit and make you look instantly cool.

Accessories. For the people who live in the city, the daypack is nothing new. Try it in a simple shade with plenty of pockets. The basic look of the bag is cool and will work well no matter where you go. For the jewelry lovers out there, a Titanium bracelet and a nice watch gives a uniquely artistic and bohemian feel to any ensemble.

As with all things, practice makes perfect, so be bold in some new shades of leather that you may have never worn before, and tone down some bright colors with darker ones. As always, good luck and happy shopping! And don’t forget to always make your own wake!!

Short History of the Bikers Most Beloved Motorcycle

2008-08-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

In 1901, William S. Harley, at the age of 21, designed a small engine with a small displacement of 7.07 cubic inches, or 116 cc ( cubic centimeters), and a four inch flywheel. The cubic centimeters of a motorcycle engine has become the standard criteria used to describe it’s size. This first engine was designed for use in a regular pedal bicycle frame.

Over the next two years Harley and his boyhood friend Arthur Davidson labored on their motor-bicycle using a tiny shed - machine shop at the home of their friend, Henry Melk. It was finished in 1903 with the help of Arthur's brother, Walter Davidson. Upon completion the boys found their power cycle unable to conquer Milwaukee's modest hills without pedal assistance. Will Harley and the Davidsons quickly wrote off their first motor bicycle as a valuable learning experience. They began work on their next motor bike and rode into history and the hearts of millions of bikers world wide!

Throughout the years the Harley Davidson Motor Company was born and is now based out of Milwaukee Wisconsin. The company has a network of dealers that are easily available in any U. S. geographical location as well as in many foreign countries. The company sells heavyweight motorcycles designed for cruising on the roadways of the world. Harley Davidson motorcycles (popularly known as "Harleys") have a distinctive design and exhaust note. Harley Davidson’s are especially noted for the tradition of heavy customization that gave rise to the chopper style of motorcycle. Harley’s are without a doubt an American Institution, and will live on for many generations to come.

People from all walks of life are now motorcycle enthusiasts and riders, thanks in part to the rich history and tradition of Harley Davidson Motorcycles. There are many Harley Davidson riders clubs. From the outlaw biker clubs to veteran rider clubs, local clubs, ladies only clubs, Christian biker clubs, and the famous H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group). There are biker bars and biker churches. The Harley Davidson, as well as all other motorcycle makes, riders are a diverse group indeed!

Harley Davidson riders have lots of runs and rallies for socializing as well as for many charities. And then there’s the granddaddy of them all. The world famous Sturgis Rally. Thousands of bikers of all stripes and from every state in the Union make the trek to Sturgis, South Dakota yearly.

A whole wealth of business opportunities opened up as a direct result of the growth of the motorcycle culture. This marketing phenomenon all begins with the Harley Davidson and other new motorcycle dealerships. The list goes on and on, including, used motorcycle dealers, parts manufacturing, parts stores, repair shops, shops to customize motorcycles, Harley Davidson and other biker clothing and apparel stores and many other motorcycle retail and wholesale businesses. The Internet has also become a very popular place to offer all of the retail and biker products for sale. You can even buy a Harley Davidson motorcycle or any other make , as well as other biker related merchandise, including clothing and accessories eBay!

Here We Go

2008-07-31T11:55:00.004-07:00

Well, Here we go. Time to go live with our (I include my son and partner BP) first blog. The purpose of this blog is to post articles related to motorcycles. This can include motercycle safety, apparel, events, personal experiences or musings, and anything else of interest.

My hope is that folks will find our articles and other posts interesting and we look forward to your posts and comments. Happy trails!