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CROSSING THE CAUSEWAY: The Mesmerizing Drive Across Lake Pontchartrain

Following the exciting September 28-30 New Orleans Auction, what better way to celebrate your winning bid than by taking your newly acquired collector car for a Sunday spin? Situated just 9 miles from the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center lies the entrance to the Northward Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. This remarkable raised highway stretches over 24 miles, spanning Lake Pontchartrain, and serves as the connection between Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, and the historic community of Mandeville, Louisiana.

The causeway initially welcomed its first visitors in 1956 and subsequently celebrated a second grand opening in 1969. Throughout the years, the causeway has emerged as an iconic structure, garnering mentions in various books, songs and even making appearances in notable films such as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Since 1969, it has held the esteemed title, as recognized by the Guinness World Records, of being the longest bridge over continuous water worldwide. Both the north- and southbound bridges are supported by an impressive array of 9,500 concrete pilings. A journey across the bridge in a single direction typically takes approximately 30 minutes.

Lake Pontchartrain is an expansive brackish estuary that boasts a unique blend of slightly salty water due to its connection with various Northshore rivers, bayous and the Gulf of Mexico through the Rigolets Strait and Lake Borgne. Covering approximately 630 square miles, this remarkable body of water spans around 40 miles from east to west and 24 miles from north to south. Its average depth ranges between 12 and 14 feet, making it a notable aquatic environment.

Upon reaching the Northshore, Mandeville presents numerous opportunities to indulge in the splendor of Lake Pontchartrain. The area boasts several points of interest, such as the Sunset Point Fishing Pier, which offers a serene location for angling enthusiasts. Additionally, there are restaurants with captivating lake views, providing a delightful dining experience. A marina is also available for those seeking to embark on boating adventures, while various parks offer a chance to further enrich your visit. To explore the lake up close, kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals are readily accessible, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

For those eager to engage in fishing activities on the lake, heading east towards Slidell is recommended. This vibrant city is situated on the northeast shore of Lake Pontchartrain and serves as a hub for numerous fishing charters. You can easily find a wide selection of fishing charters operating in the area, offering exciting opportunities to embark on fishing expeditions and explore the bountiful waters of the lake. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a novice seeking a memorable fishing experience, Slidell provides a convenient and thriving location to jump aboard one of the many available fishing charters.

If you venture west from Mandeville, you can partake in the delightful experience of guided boat rentals offered at Fairview-Riverside State Park. These rentals allow you to explore the scenic Tchefuncte River as it meanders towards the mouth where it meets Lake Pontchartrain. As you journey along the river, you will have the opportunity to witness the captivating Madisonville Lighthouse. Originally constructed in 1832, this historic landmark endured destruction during the Civil War but was subsequently rebuilt in 1868, utilizing many of the original bricks. The lighthouse stands as a testament to the rich history of the area and offers a picturesque sight for visitors to enjoy during their boat excursion.

Another notable attraction around Lake Pontchartrain is the charming built-over-water cabins at Fontainebleau State Park. These unique cabins offer a picturesque and serene setting, allowing guests to rest their heads while listening to the soothing sounds of the waves lapping beneath them. If you decide to extend your visit and stay the night, these cabins provide an idyllic accommodation option. Nestled within the natural beauty of Fontainebleau State Park, they offer a tranquil retreat where you can immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the lake.

Embarking on a drive across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is an experience that combines awe-inspiring engineering, breathtaking views and a sense of adventure. As you travel the bridge spanning the expansive Lake Pontchartrain, you’ll be captivated by the surrounding beauty and the knowledge that you’re traversing a true icon. Whether it’s the first time or a repeat journey, the causeway never fails to leave a lasting impression. So buckle up, soak in the panoramic vistas

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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: CROSSING THE CAUSEWAY: The Mesmerizing Drive Across Lake Pontchartrain
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/crossing-the-causeway-the-mesmerizing-drive-across-lake-pontchartrain/
Published Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:06:15 +0000

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Prizefighter: A custom Ducati Monster 600 built for a Turkish actor

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14 hours ago

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September 27, 2023

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custom ducati monster 600 1 745x497 1

Custom Ducati Monster 600 by Bunker Custom Cycles
The Ducati Monster is widely credited with saving the Italian marque in the 90s. Part of its success lies in its minimalist brawler aesthetic—and part of it lies in the fact that Ducati has always offered the Monster in myriad engine sizes at varying price points. If you couldn’t quite spring for an M900 back in 1994, the Ducati Monster 600 looked just as cool, cost less, and still made adequate power.

Decades on, the Monster is a very different beast and has even shed its trademark trellis frame. But the mid-90s Monster still has appeal—and it’s got tons of custom bike potential, as evidenced by this custom Ducati Monster 600 from Turkey’s Bunker Custom Cycles.

Custom Ducati Monster 600 by Bunker Custom Cycles

The 1998-model Monster 600 belongs to the Turkish actor Kadir Doğulu, who went through considerable effort to obtain it. The story goes that the bike was one of four imported to Turkey in the late 90s as show bikes for a major local 4×4 event. Kadir spotted it in the corner of a parking garage gathering dust and hassled the owner for ten years before he finally agreed to sell it.

By then, the Monster 600 was desperately in need of rescue. A decade of being parked had given the elements time to work, leaving the chassis, fuel tank, and a whole whack of alloy parts covered in rust. Kadir held onto the bike for a while, then called in the brothers at Bunker Custom Cycles, Mert and Can Uzer, to revive it.

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: Prizefighter: A custom Ducati Monster 600 built for a Turkish actor
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/custom-ducati-monster-600
Published Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:57:09 +0000

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Where Is the 2024 Honda CB750 Hornet Naked Bike?

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2 days ago

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September 26, 2023

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Honda’s CB750 Hornet was officially unveiled in Europe last year, and has appeared in other markets globally—just not the US.
Honda’s CB750 Hornet was officially unveiled in Europe last year, and has appeared in other markets globally—just not the US. (Honda Europe/)

It’s been 25 years since Honda’s massively popular 600cc Hornet wheelied onto European tarmac, so when word got out a couple of years ago that a new Hornet was in development the buzz (sorry) around the internet was palpable. The first and second-gen Hornets were almost universally beloved for their light weight, revvy characterful engine, and uh, down-to-earth price tags. Fun, practical, and cheap? It’s no wonder crowds of riders signed up to own one. And while the naked-bike segment has evolved tremendously in the ensuing years, a midsize model with those same characteristics along with the reliability and build quality Honda’s known for—at the right price—might still put up a good fight against its Trident 660 and MT-07 rivals.

The Hornet’s chassis is dominated by a new lightweight diamond steel frame and Showa suspension front and rear.
The Hornet’s chassis is dominated by a new lightweight diamond steel frame and Showa suspension front and rear. (Honda Europe/)

Sure enough, Honda pulled the wraps off its long-anticipated CB750 Hornet at the 2022 Intermot show in Germany, and it had all the goods we could hope for: a rollicking 91 hp twin engine (not an inline-four like the old model), a robust menu of standard features, and a better-than-expected electronics package. The compact 755cc Unicam eight-valve parallel-twin engine was entirely new, as was the diamond steel frame, and the bike sported throttle-by-wire, ABS, four ride modes, traction and wheelie control, a six-speed transmission, and more.

Initial reports praised its fat midrange, agility, and unique sound (for a parallel twin). It weighed less than 420 pounds, and for a naked middleweight, the price was right; less than 8,000 euro (about $8,500 USD).

Related: 2024 Honda XL750 Transalp First Look Preview

The new Hornet shares its all-new compact 755cc parallel-twin engine with Honda’s just-released XL750 Transalp, though there are slight differences.
The new Hornet shares its all-new compact 755cc parallel-twin engine with Honda’s just-released XL750 Transalp, though there are slight differences. (Honda Europe/)

You can bet plenty of US riders immediately thought, “Great, North America will get it next year.” And really, that didn’t seem like an outlandish idea. The bike had been teased since at least 2021, beginning with computer illustrations and then more fleshed-out reveals of a concept version; it had now become a familiar formula, with Honda then usually releasing a full production model in Europe, followed a year later with entry into the North American market. But here we are at the end of 2023 and many of the 2024 US models have already been announced, including the reborn 2024 Transalp model, which—it almost feels like a slap in the face—uses the same exact 755cc engine as the Hornet. A bike with the same drivetrain as the Hornet, that wasn’t expected in the US at all this year, and yet…

Hello, Honda?

A 5.0-inch color TFT display allows access to rider modes, traction control, engine-braking, and anti-wheelie settings.
A 5.0-inch color TFT display allows access to rider modes, traction control, engine-braking, and anti-wheelie settings. (Honda Europe/)

As we said, the engine is all-new, with the parallel twin using Honda’s latest vortex airflow ducting to improve intake flow in the low-end and midrange. Peak power is 90.5 hp at 9,500 rpm, with max torque of 55.3 lb.-ft. coming on at 7,250 rpm. The Hornet’s 755cc mill also uses a 270-degree crank for an uneven firing interval that injects more character to its delivery as well as its sound.

To be fair, the Transalp’s mill is ever so slightly different, with the airbox inlets being longer to give it more midrange, and its back

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By: Andrew Cherney
Title: Where Is the 2024 Honda CB750 Hornet Naked Bike?
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/honda-cb750-hornet-coming-soon-rumors/
Published Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2023 22:17:08 +0000

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Make some noize for the Kawasaki H1 that didn’t race at Glemseck

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2 days ago

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September 26, 2023

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kawasaki h1 krautmotors 745x497 1

Kawasaki H1 drag bike by Krautmotors
The Glemseck 101 is the European event for anyone who loves fast, impractical, and highly imaginative machines. Those who partake in it do so with cult-like levels of obsession—returning year after year in a bid to outdo each other and themselves.

Rolf Reick is a regular face at the Glemseck 101. Based in Heidelberg, Germany, the perpetually cheerful industrial designer heads up a design school in the nearby town of Mannheim. But he also has years of experience building custom bikes—like this wild Kawasaki H1 two-stroke—under the banner of Krautmotors.

Kawasaki H1 drag bike by Krautmotors

Rolf has stockpiled a number of rad bits and pieces over the years. So he set himself a goal of building a drag bike for this year’s Glemseck 101 using only recycled parts from his personal stash, turning to external sources only when necessary. (It’s not the first time he’s used this approach.)

One of the parts that Ralf already had on hand was the triple-cylinder two-stroke engine from a Kawasaki H1 Mach III; the original ‘Widowmaker.’ But it was far from stock. It had previously been rebuilt by the Kawasaki specialist Ralf Gille, with a host of upgrades that included extensive head work, a new crankshaft, and a set of Mikuni carbs.

Kawasaki H1 drag bike by KrautmotorsRead More

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: Make some noize for the Kawasaki H1 that didn’t race at Glemseck
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/kawasaki-h1-krautmotors
Published Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2023 18:01:55 +0000

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