A Dutch company has a working prototype of an actual road/air vehicle. The Dutch company PAL-V has successfully concluded test flights of its flying trike, PAL-V (Personal Air and Land Vehicle). Robert Dingemanse, CEO and co-founder of PAL-V commented: “We are very proud to announce this successful maiden flight of the PAL-V and we now invite investors to create the future with us. We know there is a lot of interest for the PAL-V. Prior to announcing these test flights, we were already approached on a daily basis by potential customers and dealers wanting to be part of this exciting project.”
Are you reaching for your wallet, yet? No? But it’s a trike-o-copter! Still, no? There’s more; according to PAL-V, on the road it drives like a sports car, “The aerodynamic, 3-wheeled vehicle combines the comfort of a car with the agility of a motorcycle thanks to its patented, cutting-edge, “tilting” system.”
PAL-V also informs us that flying, a PAL-V is like a standard gyrocopter (Thank goodness, right? I mean who knows how to fly a non-standard gyrocopter).
Anyhow, it would be quite amazing to fly into the great riding areas and avoid the superslabs completely. Now we just need a few millionaires to step up and finance this flying trike-o-copter. Volunteers?
For more information, check out their website here.
The PAL-V One, a trike-o-copter for all your land and air transportation needs
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Texan, Ben Spies, Yamaha Factory Racing
Sunday, May 6 will be the third MotoGP event of 2012. Riders will vie for supremacy on the Estoril Circuit in Estoril, Portugal. The race will be 28 laps on the 13-turn, 2.599-mile circuit. Going into this race, the points leader is Jorge Lorenzo riding a Yamaha.
The U.S. Riders are ranked as follows: Nicky Hayden is in seventh place with 18 points; Ben Spies, 11th, with 10; and Colin Edwards, 13th, 4. Do note the two of the three U.S. riders are from Texas!
Current MotoGP points leader, Jorge Lorenzo of Yamaha Factory Racing, Grande Premio de Portugal Press Conference
Where to watch
Moto1 of the MotoGP Grand Prix of Portugal will air 8 a.m. (ET) Sunday, May 6, on SPEED. Moto2: 1 p.m. (ET), Sunday, May 6, SPEED. Moto3: Noon (ET) Tuesday, May 8, SPEED.
If you know of local MotoGP-watching events, do share them here or on our FaceBook page.
Previous race wrap-up for the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez
Reigning MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner earned his first career victory at the Jerez Circuit with a stunning triumph April 29 in the Spanish Grand Prix. He rode his Repsol Honda from the fifth starting spot on the grid to victory over Yamaha rival Jorge Lorenzo by .947 of a second.
Dani Pedrosa finished third on a Repsol Honda, with Tech 3 Yamaha teammates Cal Crutchlow and Andrea Dovizioso fourth and fifth, respectively.
Who’s looking strong
Casey Stoner: Two-time MotoGP World Champion Stoner produced an impressive ride to victory after starting fifth April 29 at Jerez, Spain. The victory pulled Stoner to within four points of leader and rival Jorge Lorenzo in the standings. The only troubling aspect of the victory for Stoner was a less-intense recurrence of the arm pump problem that caused him to drop from the lead to a third-place finish in the season opener April 8 at Qatar.
Cal Crutchlow: The question surrounding Crutchlow isn’t if he will earn his first career podium finish this season in MotoGP – it’s when. Crutchlow earned his second consecutive fourth-place finish of the season at Jerez on his satellite Yamaha, chasing the factory Honda of third-place Dani Pedrosa for the entire race. Crutchlow probably made few friends with his aggressive riding tactics, but he’s showing the brash confidence that helped him win races and fans in World Superbike and World Supersport.
Who’s looking for redemption
Ben Spies: 2010 Rookie of the Year Spies has endured a rough start to the 2012 season, finishing 11th at Qatar and Jerez on a factory Yamaha. Team boss Lin Jarvis said during the preseason that he expected improved results from Spies in 2012 despite the American winning a race last season, so the pressure is on the American to stay closer to teammate Jorge Lorenzo and the podium at Estoril. Spies crashed out of his first two Grands Prix of Portugal, in 2010 and 2011.
Valentino Rossi: Seven-time MotoGP World Champion Rossi made some progress at Jerez, finishing ninth after placing 10th in the season opener at Qatar on his Ducati. But much more is expected from the highest-paid rider in the paddock and one of the all-time icons of the sport. Rossi said he found a breakthrough with the setup of his Ducati during the race after using the settings of his teammate, Nicky Hayden, who has outqualified and beaten Rossi in both races this season.
The Stats
This could be the last Grand Prix of Portugal for some time, as the race is rumored to be on the chopping block next season to make room for proposed new events in Argentina and Austin, Texas. There are five MotoGP events this season on the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal), a number that almost certainly will decrease in 2013 … Casey Stoner climbed to 10th among all-time Grand Prix winners with his 41st career victory over all classes last weekend at Jerez … Stoner earned his 17th consecutive podium finish in MotoGP by winning April 29 at Jerez, tying fellow Australian World Champion Mick Doohan for third on the all-time list. Valentino Rossi made 23 straight podiums from 2002-04, while Giacomo Agostini was on the podium 22 consecutive times from 1967-69 … Spaniard Dani Pedrosa is aiming for his 100th podium finish across all classes this weekend at Estoril. Only six riders have achieved that feat … Cal Crutchlow turned the fastest lap of the MotoGP race April 29 at Jerez. The last British rider to achieve that feat was two-time World Champion Barry Sheene, in 1984 … Romano Fenati of Italy won the Moto3 race April 29 at Jerez to become the third-youngest winner of a Grand Prix class, at 16 years, 105 days old.
]]>James is part owner of the “Outlaw Garage,” which is actually the Austin Speed Shop, located on South Lamar Boulevard in Austin. A.S.S. (this is the acronym) fabricates and customizes hot rods—they’re four wheels, true, but pretty amazing four wheels.
James will be appearing in person at this year’s ROT Rally. According to ROT Rally organizers, James will be hanging out at the rally and will be participating in several events including judging the bikes in the ROT Ride In Bike Show. He will be designing the trophy to be awarded to the best bike in show for the competition.
Outlaw Garage Photos
Some guys might be delighted with this result, rather than litigious. (Note: This is not the man who filed the suit.)
This is not a joke. A man in California has filed a lawsuit against BMW Motorcycles and Corbin for reasons we’ll let his lawyer Vernon L. Bradley, explain…
CAUSE OF ACTION – Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress
Plaintiff now suffers from priapism (a long lasting erection), and has been experiencing continuing problems since his motorcycle ride. He is now unable to engage in sexual activity, which is causing him substantial emotional and mental anguish. Plaintiff is distraught and distressed because of this. Defendants, and each of them, are liable to Plaintiff due the their negligent design, manufacture and/or installation of the seat on Plaintiff’s motorcycle.
Description of reasons for liability
Plaintiff was riding his 1993 BMW motorcycle equipped with a Corbin-Pacific seat. The ride lasted approximately two hours each way to Plaintiffs destination,after which Plaintiff developed a severe case of priapism. Plaintiff alleges that this condition was caused by the ridge-like seat on his motorcycle negligently designed, manufactured and/or installed by defendants.
Corbin might want to stock up on these seats, demand might increase significantly.
Following is the actual court filing.
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Star Ava (left) and her sister Ella are thrilled to be a part of RFK Houston.
Motorcyclists’ hearts are as big as the Lone Star State—just ask any of the 13 young brain tumor survivors who attended April 29th’s Houston Ride for Kids®. The ride marked the 20th year for the Houston Ride for Kids®. Riders raised a total of $321,675 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF).
Hundreds of bikes left the Humble Civic Center on a warm morning with many of those survivors in the lead. After passing farms and woodlands, the 660 participants learned more about their reasons for riding: Ava, Calvin, Dylan, Ethan, Garrett, Jake, Josh, Javier, Kaitlyn, Leon, Michael A., Michael G., and Nick.
Six-year-old Ava said she tells people she’s a miracle when they ask her about herself. Added Michael G., 16, “It’s hard on us kids, but harder on our families.”
Ride for Kids® helps families by funding support programs and medical research. “The PBTF is a first-rate organization, and they provide more funding for pediatric brain tumor research than any other organization,” said Dr. Will Parsons of Texas Children’s Hospital. “Without people like all of you here today, that wouldn’t be possible.”
The top fundraisers were:
- Individuals: Steve & Judy Ferguson, $43,269
- Motorcycle club/chapter: GWRRA TX-C, $87,026
- Non-motorcycle group: In memory of Gene Brady $17,750
- Motorcycle business: Bob Lunsford’s Northwest Honda, $227,109
About
The Ride for Kids® is an annual national series of rides that raise money to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. In 2010 the total monies raised by RFK series of events exceeded 4.5 million dollars, with Texans leading the way in both individual and business donations.
DFW Ride for Kids® is scheduled for October 7th, 2012.
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Will the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge become Dallas' new icon?
The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas opened for traffic recently with much fanfare. Dallasites have tried to be patient as they watched the 400-foot structure rise across the Trinity River over the course of 5 years. The bridge connects Singleton Boulevard in West Dallas across the Trinity River to Woodall Rodgers (Spur 366) in downtown Dallas. A Vespa rider and a group of motorcyclist were at the front of the line of those gathered to be the first across this internationally renowned architect Santiago Calatrava designed bridge.
The local NBC News affiliate spoke with these riders in the segment below.
Why all the hub-bub, you may wonder. This is a unique architectural structure meant to set Dallas apart from other cities, to become its iconic image, it very own Eiffel Tower, if you will.
According to the City of Dallas, the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is Calatrava’s first vehicular bridge to be built in the United States. The impressive 400-foot white arch, consisting of 25 steel segments, anchors the cable-stayed portion of the bridge with 58 cables ranging in size from four to eight inches in diameter. Each cable attached to the arch is secured back down into the center spine of the bridge bed itself, thus holding itself in suspension. Spring 2011, the cables were completely installed on the bridge. The officially started carrying traffic on March 29, 2012 with the aforementioned motorcyclists.
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Rodia helmet recall
Sunright International, a Georgia-based firm that imports motorcycles and accessories from China has just issued a recall for their Rodia Outlaw 103 and RHD 103 Helmets. Anyone who bought one can get a replacement or “request a refund” from Rodia. If you purchased one of these helmets, you should stop wearing it and contact the manufacturer. The firm’s website does not seem to be functional, so please call them directly at 888-529-9065.
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6,997
Summary:
SUNRIGHT INTERNATIONAL OF AMERICA, INC., DBA RODIA USA, IS RECALLING CERTAIN RODIA RHD 103 AND OUTLAW 103 MOTORCYCLE HELMETS, SIZES XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, AND XXXL, PRODUCED FROM JULY 1, 2010, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2011. THESE HELMETS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE FRONTAL IMPACT REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 218, “MOTORCYCLE HELMETS.”
Consequence:
THE WEARER OF THE NONCOMPLIANT HELMET CAN SUSTAIN SERIOUS INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
RODIA USA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE NONCOMPLIANT HELMET WILL BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE OR THE OWNER WILL BE OFFERED A REFUND. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT APRIL 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUNRIGHT INTERNATIONAL OF AMERICA AT 1-888-529-9065.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
Ducati's Sport Classic line was launched in 2005. Which direction will Audi take the company's iconic design?
The rumors have been flying for months and now it’s official, pending Euro regulatory approval—car manufacturer Audi will acquire Ducati Motorholdings. Those who are familiar with Ducati’s history see yet another suitor seeking her hand, yet another board of directors overseeing her production. Will she ever find a real home? Over the many years her suitors have even included a local connection, Texas’ own Texas Pacific Group (TPG), which owned Ducati from 1996-2005 before selling to Investindustrial Holdings SpA. Please see the end of the article for the Ducati ownership timeline.
According to Motorsports Newswire, Audi AG is acquiring from Investindustrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. The transaction will be completed as quickly as possible once authorized by the competition authorities. The Supervisory Boards of Audi AG and Volkswagen AG approved the acquisition today in Hamburg.
Audi Chairman Rupert Stadler: “As a sporty, global premium brand, Ducati is an excellent fit for Audi.” Audi adds the Italian bike maker to its two Italian car marques, Lamborghini and Italdesign. Another building block in the Company’s growth strategy thus falls into place. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, declared: “Ducati is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty motorcycles. It has great expertise in high-performance engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the world’s most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes Ducati an excellent fit for Audi.”
Ducati has manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Bologna and at its own factory in Thailand. It maintains a series of importer companies in strategic markets. Experts predict that the motorcycle market will enjoy strong growth over the next few years, especially in Asia. In 2011, Ducati sold around 42,000 motorcycles and employs around 1,100 people.
The company was founded by Adriano and Marcello Ducati in Bologna in 1926. Known originally as Società Scientifica Radiobrevetti Ducati, it initially built parts for radios. It ventured into the manufacture of motorcycles in 1949.
The Supersport model has been one of Ducati’s lynchpins. Here are several of the famous classic 70s SSes from the Ducati designers
The GT model of the same ara
All photographs are courtesy of Ducati SpA.
Excerpted from Wikipedia’s page
Ownership
Since 1926, Ducati has been owned by a number of groups and companies:
- 1926—1950 Ducati Family
- 1950—1967 Government IRI management
- In 1953 split into Ducati Meccanica-now called Ducati Motor and Ducati Elettronica-now called Ducati Energia
- 1967—1978 Government EFIM management (control over day-to-day factory operations)
- 1967—1973 Headed By Giuseppe Montano
- 1973—1978 Headed by Cristiano de Eccher
- 1978—1985 VM Group
- 1985—1996 Cagiva Group ownership
- 1996—2005 Texas-Pacific Group (US-based) ownership and going public
- Headed by CEO Federico Minoli, 1996-2001; returning for 2003—2007
- 2005—2008 Investindustrial Holdings SpA
- 2008-2012 Performance Motorcycles SpA
- An investment vehicle formed by Investindustrial Holdings, BS Investimenti and Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan
- 2012-present The Audi unit of Volkswagen Group reached an agreement to buy Ducati for €860 million (US$1.2 billion). Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piëch, a motorcycle enthusiast, had long coveted Ducati, having missed an opportunity to buy the company years before, but analysts doubted a tiny motorcycle maker would have a meaningful effect on a company the size of Volkswagen, commenting that the acquisition has “a trophy feel to it,” and, “is driven by VW’s passion for nameplates rather than industrial or financial logic”. Italian luxury car brand Lamborghini was strengthened under VW ownership.
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TxDOT Yoakum District Engineer Lonnie Gregorcyk speaks at the Piano Bridge reopening about the restoration project.
If you’re looking for a beautiful afternoon of riding, you might want to consider checking out the completely refurbished and recently reopened historic Piano Bridge near Dubina in Fayette County.
Built in 1885, the span over the East Navidad River was closed in 2010 because of damage to the truss structure. A complete restoration that included a fresh coat of paint, new approach spans and new decking was funded through a cooperative agreement with the Federal Bridge Program, TxDOT and Fayette County.
But wait, there’s more…
This area has a lot of great back roads, and is home to several of the fabulous and famous painted churches. The closest is Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church on FM 1383 in Dubina.
Related
Chronicle of the restoration
The Bridgehunter’s Chronicles presents interesting and thorough coverage of the restoration. Lots of photographs.
Painted Churches
Good information about the area’s painted churches is here.
Youtube video
Trekr6262 posted a video of riding across the Piano Bridge pre-refurbishment. You won’t miss anything if you skip past the first 47 seconds. It sounds like it’s shot from a bike, although you never actually see the bike.
Amarillo District TxDOT crews clear hail and mud blocking US 287 south of Dumas.
We all know Texas has extreme weather, but this is just crazy. TxDOT has reported that Traffic on southbound U.S. 287 about 20 miles south of Dumas in the Panhandle came to a standstill late in the afternoon on April 11, when up to four feet of hail accumulated during a slow-moving storm. TxDOT closed the highway for several hours, while Amarillo District crews brought out snowplows to clear the mounds of hail and mud blocking the road. The roadway reopened around midnight, but crews continued working into the next day, clearing ice and assessing damage.
Imagine being on your bike…
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