THE BASIC LEFT-TURN
Approaching a busy four-way intersection there are a lot of elements to monitor: cross traffic may or may not stop for the light; pedestrians could step out at any time; an oncoming car waiting to turn left could fail to detect your presence and turn left in front of you. Sure enough, just as you approach the intersection, the car in the opposing left-turn lane swings into your path. You brake hard and swerve at the last second, barely avoiding a broadside collision.
Strategy: Without a doubt, this scenario is a frequent hazard for motorcyclists riding in urban areas. A common type of motorcycle crash (for sober riders) occurs during daylight hours, at low speeds (around 30 mph), when an oncoming vehicle turns left into your path. Again, when approaching an intersection with a vehicle waiting in the left-turn lane, your best bet is to assume the worst: that a car will pull out in front of you. Reduce your speed as you approach the intersection, either downshifting or lightly applying the front brake. Adjust your position in the lane to be seen better. Slowing will increase your safety cushion: slowing just 10 mph reduces your stopping distance significantly, and covering your brake greatly reduces reaction time. After you’ve slowed, continue to visually monitor the car in case it moves and forces you to change position or stop quickly.
Bikers Dream Music is building the first all-in-one digital ecosystem for the motorcycling community.
It’s SOOOO DAMMMM COOL we would really like to show you a sneak peek in this ad But we can’t…. IT’S TOP SECRET!
However, we would greatly appreciate and value your opinion and, we can do this for you today.
If you would please visit either the QR Code or the website and
when you leave your name we will place you on our Beta Test List.
This will give you the First Opportunity to see to see everything before it’s released to the Public
www.bikersdream.app
The Story of Butterfly Krissy BORN TO ROAM, MADE TO SHINE:
There’s a kind of woman who refuses to be ordinary. She rides hard, dances freely, travels endlessly, and wears her heart on her sleeve-literally. She’s a dreamer, a wanderer, a rebel, and she’s exactly the person Butterfly Krissy was created for.
Butterfly Krissy
here. Beyond clothing, Butterfly Krissy has become a movement, a way for women to wear their freedom, connect with like-minded souls, and embrace their individuality.
Every season, new designs are introduced, each reflecting the founders’ commitment to creativity, sustainability, and quality. The pieces are more than clothing-they’re wearable art, a statement, a badge of fearless living.
isn’t just a fashion label— it’s a sunsets,
Butterfly Krissy isn’t just about products; it’s about connection. At events, the brand’s booths transform into immersive experiences where customers don’t just shop-they explore, connect, and become part of the Butterfly Krissy story. The founders love seeing people try on pieces and immediately feel the confidence and joy that comes with expressing themselves boldly.
lifestyle. It began with two visionaries, Angie and Tammy, who share a passion for bold design, sustainability, and individuality. Together, they fused their love of color, texture, and movement into a brand that celebrates freedom in every stitch. Each piece—from flowing ponchos to tunic creations— is handcrafted, one-of-a-kind, and made to move with you, whether you’re rolling down the highway, chasing sunsets, or living life unapologetically.
What makes Butterfly Krissy truly stand out is the founders’ devotion to upcycling—turning the forgotten into the unforgettable. Angie and Tammy seek out retro tees, vintage fabrics, and discarded materials, transforming them into daring, statement-making designs. They believe clothing should spark confidence and self-expression—not conformity. “We wanted to create something that empowers women,” Angie says, “Every piece tells a story, and everyone who wears it becomes part of that story.” Tammy adds, “Butterfly Krissy is for the free spirits. For the women who live loud and refuse to shrink to fit anyone else’s expectations. Our designs are bold, fearless, and built for life on the move.”
The brand has grown from small local markets to festivals, pop-ups, and online spaces where the Butterfly Krissy community continues to expand. Riders love the style and comfort, festival-goers love the color and vibrancy, and anyone craving self-expression finds a home
Keep Butterfly
For those who want to join the movement, shopping and connecting couldn’t be easier. Explore the full collection online, where every piece is carefully captured, its texture, color, and spirit. Keep up with new releases, pop-ups, and festivals by following Butterfly Krissy on social media. Angie and Tammy also welcome inquiries for custom, one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether it’s a festival-ready poncho, a motorcycle-ready statement
COME OUT TO SEE BUTTERFLY KRISSY DESIGNS
Tifton Rhythm & Ribs Festival, Tifton, Georgia, March 6 and 7
Calico Spring Market
Moultrie, GA March 21 & 22
Lucky U 19th Anniversary Wildwood, Florida March 27, 28 & 29
Lucky U Grand Opening Ft Myers, FL (April Dates TBD)
piece, or a special gift, they are ready to bring your vision to life.
Butterfly Krissy is for the fearless, the colorful, the free-spirited. Angie and Tammy have created more than a brand-they’ve created a home for every woman who refuses to be ordinary.
Every piece carries their mission: to let women wear their freedom, stand out, and shine bright.
So ride hard. Dance free. Explore boldly. And let Butterfly Krissy be your companion on the journey. Wear your wings, own your story, and join a movement that celebrates individuality, creativity, and the fearless spirit in all of us.
Live in color and never apologize for it. Butterfly Krissy-wear your freedom and unleash your edge.
— Angie & Tammy
BUTTERFLY KRISSY — BORN TO ROAM, MADE TO SHINE.
SUNDAY MARCH 29TH
FRI 2/27 - CHAS COLLINS
SAT 2/28 - ROCKTURNAL BAND
SUN 3/1 - ST. PETE GRAND PRIX (JUMBOTRON) ONE NIGHT BAND (PARTY DECK)
MON 3/2 - BOB HOPE (UNPLUGGED)
FERG’S TRIVIA (INSIDE)
TUE 3/3 - ASHLEY GALBRAITH & CO.
WED 3/4 - ST. PETE NIGHT MARKET
BAREFOOT BOB & THE HOPE (OPEN JAM)
THU 3/5 - FERG’S COUNTRY NIGHT
BLACKWATER JACK BAND
FERG’S TRIVIA (INSIDE)
FRI 3/6 - COMEDY NIGHT (UPPER DECK) THE FULCOS (PARTY DECK)
SAT 3/7 - HIT N RUN BAND (FROM NY)
SUN 3/8 - SCHOOL OF ROCK (PAVILION) DILLION LONG BAND (PARTY DECK)
THE REAL DEAL BIKER DESTINATION!
RIDE OVER AND SEE WHAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT!
STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT BIKER BASH COMING SOON!
There are few Choppers in the Industry that are immediately recognizable and have achieved almost a cult following. That one custom build that draws a crowd at every event and keeps people talking for days, or even weeks after seeing it. One such legendary build is located deep in the heart of Lakeland, Florida. Meet the ‘Glam Fairy’, built by Eric Allard of FNA Custom Cycles and Josh Brennan of Fat American Choppers. .
The origin of the ‘Glam Fairy’ goes all the way back to 2010 when Josh Kurpius posted a video called ‘Japan Does it Right’ on a blog called The Kemosabe and the Lodge. The video featured a collection of extreme Japanese Chopper Builders and riders. One of those bikes, a pink chopper built by Yellow Motorcycle grabbed Eric’s attention. After showing the video to his buddy Josh Brennan, they were inspired to take on their own new, wildly creative build.
The idea all along was to build something that looked completely unrideable,but in reality has good geometry and handles well. The build is based around a 1965 Harley Davidson Ironhead power plant, but just like every detail on the bike, it’s far from a ‘stock’ motor If you look closely, you’ll notice that the motor consist of two front heads, with the rear one turned around 180 degrees to get a clean intake area to run a clean dual carb set-up. The dual carb set up, which are as equally unique as the heads, are ‘ICT34’ Weber downdraft carbs and.can be found in any Volkswagen aftermarket parts catalog. The bike’s unique paint was beautifully laid out by Travis Antonio. With an impressive profile, the chopper almost disappears when seen from from the front or back. As you see the exhaust is fitted within the frame, you’ll notice more painstaking details were taken to keep the bike compact and narrow. Throw in a rear tail light made from a vintage french-fry cutter and a kick pedal with a unicorn engraved into it and you have yourself a bike that truly sets itself apart from all others.
PHOTOS ERICK RUNYON
RIP ROSCOE
MODEL: ANGELA
AN OLD FASHIONED GOOD TIME IN THE “GORGE”
When we talk about some of the best areas to ride in the mountains of Central Appalachia — and where to find our Best Free BOA GPSEnabled Trail Routes — one destination always lands in our Top 5 for good reason: Red River Gorge, Kentucky.
The Gorge isn’t just on our list because of the incredible riding. It’s there because of the natural wonders and unforgettable scenery that surround every curve. This is Daniel Boone National Forest — more than 708,000 acres spanning 21 Kentucky counties. Known for rugged Cumberland Plateau terrain, towering sandstone cliffs, natural arches, and abundant wildlife, there is simply nothing like it anywhere in the world — and that includes the riding.
Red River Gorge itself is a 29,000-acre canyon system featuring more than 100 natural sandstone arches, world-class climbing routes, scenic hiking, the Red River, and some of the most unique backroads anywhere in America. Located near Slade and just minutes from Beattyville, it draws more than half a million visitors each year.
And then there’s our Eye of the Dragon Trail Route, created by Man O War HarleyDavidson, and the legendary Nada Tunnel — a one-lane, 900-foot-long rock tunnel carved through solid sandstone in the early 1900s. Locals call it the “Gateway to the Gorge,” and if you’ve never ridden through it on two wheels, you’re missing one of the most unforgettable motorcycle moments you can have. As your headlight cuts through the darkness and you emerge into daylight surrounded by towering cliffs, you immediately understand why this area sits high on our list year after year.
For us, the real magic begins when the engines fire up.
HILLBILLY BIKE FEST 2026 – BEATTYVILLE, KY
Each season, the Appalachian Motorcycle Group rolls into Beattyville to celebrate our
roots, our riding, and our region — and 2026 marks the 5th Annual Hillbilly Bike Fest for the Children of Shriners Hospital with our friends in Beattyville.
Beattyville is a small Appalachian town known as the “Heart of the Kentucky River.” Surrounded by steep hills and deep heritage, it represents the resilience and warmth of Eastern Kentucky. The town hosts beloved events like the Bourbon & Moonshine Festival, the Woolly Worm Festival, and the Appalachian Memories & Storytelling Festival.
It’s also home to the one-of-a-kind Backwoods Moonshine Museum, founded by Donnie Benton and Teresa Comer Mays — better known as the “Beattyville Hillbillies” from Discovery’s Moonshiners. Their museum proudly celebrates Appalachian distilling history and stands as a bonus stop along Kentucky’s Moonshine Trail.
On May 15–16, Main Street Beattyville transforms into a true Appalachian throwdown
at the hoedown. You’ll find live music echoing through the hills, local craftsmen, mountainmade food, regional vendors, and motorcycles lining both sides of town and throughout the Gorge. Fan favorites like the REAL General Lee car and Bigfoot make appearances, and your favorite Moonshiners are part of the celebration. Experience deep-rooted Appalachian history from some of our region’s best storytellers, including third- and fourthgeneration moonshiners.
This festival isn’t just about celebrating culture — it’s about making thunder in these hills for children in need.
AMG and TopCoat Products are once again rallying for a cause — supporting the Children of Shriners Hospital. As we celebrate five years of Hillbilly Bike Fest, we’re bringing back
FryDaddy’s Old School Bike Show for Charity and the uniquely Appalachian “Shiners for Shriners” Charity Ride along the Moonshine Trail.
THE RIDING AROUND THE GORGE
The event may bring you here — but the riding will keep you coming back.
Moonshine Trail – Red River Gorge Run
A legendary route packed with mountain curves, rich history, and authentic distillery stops along the way.
Ride the River Dragon KY - A 40-mile stretch zipping along the cool waters of the Kentucky River toward Buckhorn State Park — just as good in either direction.
Ridge Runner Road 587 - A 23-mile canopycovered thrill ride once perfect for moonshiners needing a quick getaway. Tight curves and pure mountain attitude.
Coaltrain 421 KY - A 130-mile journey through Eastern Kentucky’s coal heritage — riding roads that once fueled America’s industrial rise in the “Deep Dark Hills of Eastern Kentucky.”
These are just a few of the many routes available in this area. Altogether, our system features over 5,000 GPS-enabled miles of what we proudly call:
“THE BEST RIDING IN THE U.S.! PERIOD!”
All FREE to download right now in our communities on REVER.
All created by local riders with support from our local communities.
All mapped across Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Isn’t it about time you explored what we call the “Last Unexplored Frontier on the East Coast” and the Old Coal Belt?
Join us May 15–16 for the 5th Annual Hillbilly Bike Fest as part of the Beattyville Appalachian Memories and Storytelling Festival 2026. Want to know more? Come see us at the 85th Annual Daytona Bike Week at the TopCoat Products Trailer at Destination Daytona and grab your Hillbilly Bike Fest 2026 helmet sticker while supplies last.
The Appalachian Mountains are calling you. Will you answer?
— Jay Fryman (FryDaddy) Founder, Appalachian Motorcycle Group LET’S RIDE APPALACHIA!
Eyes Up: Situational Awareness in the Age of Cameras
There was a time when a rider could vanish into the horizon with nothing but engine thunder and open road ahead. That spirit isn’t dead—but the world around it has changed. Today, every intersection has eyes. Every parking lot has lenses. And every throttle twist happens in a world where, more often than not, everything is being recorded. Welcome to modern riding.
Situational awareness has always been the motorcyclist’s survival edge. We scan mirrors, read tire angles, watch drivers’ heads for that telltale phone glow. But in today’s environment, awareness isn’t just about avoiding road hazards—it’s about understanding the digital landscape surrounding you. Big Brother Is Rolling Traffic cameras. Doorbell cams. Dash cams. Business security systems. Smartphones in every pocket.
Whether we like it or not, the modern rider moves through a web of constant observation. That doesn’t mean paranoia— it means adaptation. The smart move is simple: ride like you’re always on camera. Because most of the time, you are. This mindset doesn’t kill the freedom of riding—it sharpens it. Smooth throttle control, clean lane discipline, and predictable movement don’t just make you safer; they make you look intentional and professional. And perception matters more than ever.
The Reality of
Biker Profiling:
Let’s be honest—profiling exists. Loud pipes, clubstyle bikes, blacked-out gear, patches… these can draw attention in ways a commuter sedan never will. Most officers are professionals doing their jobs, but experienced riders know the spotlight sometimes lands on two wheels faster. You don’t have to change who you are. But you
do want to control what you can control. Your riding behavior speaks louder than your exhaust ever will. Erratic speed changes, aggressive weaving, or unnecessary revbombing create heat you don’t need. Calm, confident riding tends to blend into traffic flow. When you look squared away, you usually get treated that way.
Keeping Heat Off You Veteran riders talk about “keeping the heat off.” It’s not about riding scared—it’s about riding smart. A few habits go a long way:
• Run legal and visible plates (clean, properly mounted, well lit). • Keep your lights fully functional. • Avoid pack behavior that looks chaotic or aggressive. • Pick your moments— wide-open throttle blasts in crowded areas attract attention fast. • Stay smooth entering and leaving known enforcement zones.
Think of it like throttle control for your public presence. Smooth equals invisible. Erratic equals memorable—and not in the good way. Road Rage: The Trap That Gets Riders Burned If there’s one thing that escalates trouble faster than anything else, it’s emotion. Road rage is a losing game on a motorcycle. You’re exposed, outnumbered, and highly visible. Situational awareness includes emotional awareness. When a driver cuts you off or crowds your lane, your adrenaline spikes—that’s normal. What separates seasoned riders from rookies is what happens next. The winning move is almost always disengagement. Create space. Change lanes. Roll off and let them go. No hand gestures, no mirror-punch fantasies, no throttle tantrums at stoplights.
In today’s world of dash cams and smartphones, one heated moment can follow
you a long time. Control your machine. Control your reaction. Control the outcome. Stay Professional on the Street Avoiding unnecessary hassle often comes down to rider discipline:
• Keep your registration, insurance, and endorsement current. • Use proper signals and lane positioning. • Maintain your equipment. • If stopped, stay calm, keep your hands visible, and be respectful.
This isn’t about submission—it’s about command presence. Calm riders tend to have short, uneventful encounters.
Situational Awareness Is Total Awareness True awareness means reading the whole environment. Notice traffic patterns. Notice driver behavior. Notice where cameras cluster—gas stations, major intersections, parking structures. Not to fear them, but to understand the terrain you’re riding through. It’s the same mindset as spotting gravel in a corner. Information keeps you upright—and out of unnecessary trouble. Freedom, Evolved The motorcycle lifestyle has never been about recklessness. It’s about mastery—of machine, road, and self. In a world where everything is recorded and attention comes easy to two wheels, the smartest riders move with quiet confidence. Eyes up. Head on a swivel. Keep the heat off. Because the road still belongs to riders who know how to read it.
Here’s a key point to consider as well. Video is a hard witness to beat in court. Those who know what I mean, know what I mean. Stay safe out there and live to ride another day. Preferably free and in one piece.
TIL next time,
— Nefarious James
Ray V. Gordon is The Owner & Founder of Leather Lid Inserts, an established Leather Saddlebag Accessory business based in southwest Florida. They’ve coined the phrase “We take the sag out of the bag” because that is exactly what they do. Ray has been riding motorcycles since he was 14 yrs old and has watched the motorcycle industry grow and is glad to be a part of what it is today. After 35 years of owning and operating a successful aluminum company in Ft. Myers FL, Ray sold the business so he could retire (he thought) and bought himself a new Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. Just like everyone else with leather saddlebags,
his also started to sag and cave in. He saw a need to fix this problem. Ray says, starting this new business was something he just fell into by fixing his own saddlebags and then behold, friends of friends and others witnessed what Ray did and wanted him to fix their saddlebags too. As an inventor and entrepreneur, Ray took his creative background and put his skills to work by experimenting with several different types of materials to finally come up with a patented ABS lid and bag reinforcement kit that would be designed to help keep the original shape of any leather saddlebag made on the market. So, if you’re tired of looking at your caved in leather saddlebags and/or if they are starting to lose their shape and their parts, or if you have brand new bags and you want to prevent them from ever caving in, please keep Leather Lid Inserts in mind. For all your leather saddlebag accessory needs as a do-it-yourselfer or if you want them to install, visit www.LeatherLidInsert.com and order your DIY Kit or Find an area Dealer Installer.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A DEALER INSTALLER CONTACT RAY AT 239-339-7294 OR RAY@LEATHERLIDINSERTS.COM RIDE SAFE!
Leather Lid Inserts
18160 Old Bayshore Road N. Fort Myers, FL 33917
Locked Down Prison Poetry
MEGAN RODGERS’ SUPER SEXY SPORTSTER
Like you who are reading these words, Megan Rodgers of Charleston, South Carolina, lives to ride. Her passion for two wheels began thanks to her brother-in-law, who rides and builds motorcycles. Megan caught the bug and started working at a shop called America Biker. She’d like to thank Rich Worley down at American Biker for helping her live her motorized dreams. Megan’s first
bike was a T125 Suzuki two-stroke. That bike led to a Honda CB350 and a whole bunch of other bikes over the years. Her first Harley was the cool custom Sportster you are lookin’ at on these pages. “I’ve had it two years,” Megan tells us. “I bought it from Asher Driggers at Grifter Motorcycles and it was already chopped the way you see it here.” She did add a few things in the
past two years including a new carb and filter, grips, bags and Low Brow pipes that she wrapped herself. The 883 motor was bored out to 1200 by Jake Silver at Silver Speed Customs. “Jake did all the motor work and assembly and put on the new exhaust system for me,” Megan says. The flower power paintjob on the Sporty tank and rear fender was expertly handled by Leah Thornley, another
CHOPPER
woman with a love of motorcycles.
When she’s not bartending over at the Recovery Room Tavern in downtown Charleston, Megan can be found ridin’ the wheels off of the righteous rigid chopper. She says she is extremely happy with this bike. Who wouldn’t be?
— Chopper Daddy Dave
Fuel for the Road and the Soul
At the roar of Thunder Beach in Panama City Beach, engines weren’t the only things running hot. In the middle of the rally, my 82-year-old friend Henry called me with urgency in his voice.
“I’ve got something to give you. I’ll be right over.”
When Henry shows up, you know it matters. He arrived grinning, holding a foil-wrapped treasure like it was gold.
“Here you go—a smoked butt that just came out of the cooker.”
“And it’s still warm,” he added, eyes sparkling.
Now, bikers know good barbecue is sacred. But this wasn’t just meat—it was a gesture. Henry is the kind of man who radiates joy. A lifelong believer, missionary, and mentor, he teaches young men overseas how to fix engines and find purpose. He understands something about torque and timing—and about people.
That smoked pork became more than dinner. I invited two buddies over. No agenda. No posturing. Just three men on a patio, sharing a meal and telling the truth about life. We talked about struggles, faith, fear, and the battles we don’t post on social media. Somewhere between the pulled pork and the laughter, healing happened.
The leftovers traveled north with me. I shared some with family. Then I sat down with my brother to outline a book about growing up in a home shaped by neurodivergence before we even had language for it. We braided our perspectives—his and mine—into something honest.
But like any long ride, storms rolled in. Old tensions resurfaced. Words were exchanged. I felt myself slipping back into childhood survival mode.
Instead of reacting, I did what recovery has taught me: I paused. I prayed. I regrouped. And I realized something powerful—the conflict wasn’t a detour. It was part of the story.
That final bone from Henry’s pork is now simmering in a pot of beans as I head toward my next meeting. Even the scraps still carry flavor.
That’s the biker lesson: nothing is wasted. Not the miles. Not the mistakes. Not the breakdowns.
In the right hands, even leftovers can feed the journey.
BIKER Movie Review
Biker “Exploitation” is a term coined by producers, actors, and ultimately YOU the viewer. Not all biker films are actually geared at the (exploitation) or in other words, the “bad” angle of the biker lifestyle. Some of these actually “miss the target” and simply feature the motorcycle as secondary component to the plot. However, in literally every film involving bikers or the biker ‘lifestyle’, one thing you, as a viewer can count on is the presence of the Police. Electra Glide in Blue has the unique twist of actually using story of a motorcycle cop as the baseline.
In this film, Blake plays a motor officer named John Wintergreen. His character is not really into being a ‘traffic cop’ as he has aspired to become a homicide detective. In my opinion, if you had to be a cop, what better job than cruising around on your departmentally funded Harley? But hey, this review isn’t about me, it’s about the film!! Back to the chase, and no code-4!
John Wintergreen patrols the rural Arizona highways with his partner “Zipper.” Wintergreen is laid-back but upright about enforcing the law, while Zipper is predominately lazy. Zipper likes busting Hippies (remember them?) even going so far as to plant evidence on a young ‘hippie’ during a search of his van. Wintergreen again proves to be the polar opposite of his partner Zipper, as he continuously states how much he hates riding his motorcycle, and Zipper’s only real dream is to own his own motorcycle. Zip spends a lot of time reading comic books, and eating junk food while John takes his job seriously. One of the things about Wintergreen that is out of place in this film is (in
one scene) he is firing his pistol at an “Easy Rider” poster in the police firing range. … It gets worse! Crazy Willie, an older local – perhaps homeless- person comes in contact with John and Zip near an old shack in the desert. They almost playfully chase Willie on their bikes and finally capture him. He tells John about his friend Frank who had committed suicide in the shack. John goes to the shack and discovers the body and believes the case is not a suicide, but a murder. The coroner later arrives and disagrees with John who was feverishly taking notes. After a shouting match with the coroner, in walks Detective Harve Poole, who admires Wintergreen’s savvy, and arranges for Wintergreen to be transferred to homicide as his ‘driver’ to help with the case. Harve and John return to the shack and find a large statue of Jesus, which is full of “Reds” and as the investigation continues, John and Harve interrogate a group of hippies, looking for a drug dealer named Bob Zemko. The theme of good cop – bad cop comes into play as Harve roughs some of the hippies up after John had nicely questioned them. John’s initial joy at being promoted is short-lived, as his relationship with Harve deteriorates after he finds out that John has been sleeping with ‘Jolene” (Harve’s girlfriend) and the waitress at the local bar. But when Jolene mocks Harve’s sexual prowess (implying that Harve is impotent) and brags that Wintergreen can “go three times in one morning” things just go downhill for our hero and he is demoted back to traffic.
After a wild motorcycle and car chase the pair capture and question Zemko. More good cop - bad cop scenes cause Wintergreen to eventually realize that Crazy Willie committed the murder; the victim was an old friend of his who had taken to selling the drugs and hanging around with a younger crowd. Jealous, Willie had murdered his friend and arranged it so it appeared to be a suicide. As usual there is some stolen money, and the search for this money is when Wintergreen discovers another terrible fact: Zipper’s dream was to own his own motorcycle, and had stolen the dead man’s drug money (initially blamed on Zemko) to pay for it. At Zippers trailer in the desert, the movie’s theme is uncovered when zipper shows John the “Electra Glide in Blue” sitting in the yard. Later, Zipper is drunk and begins firing his gun at Wintergreen, missing him but striking a random passer-by. Wintergreen then shoots Zipper in self-defense, and Zipper dies in his arms. Back in the desert on patrol, Wintergreen spots the same van that was featured earlier in the film, and he pulls it over. He recognizes one of the hippies as the very same one that Zip had planted the drugs on in the beginning of the film, and decides to let them go. They take off down the highway, but Wintergreen realizes that he still has the hippie’s Driver license in his hand. As he tries once again to pull the van over to return the license, the passenger opens the rear window and fires a shotgun killing Wintergreen. It’s a very sad ending to a really weird flick! For me, this is where the whole deal goes bad. The movie is loaded with plagiarism of the iconic film “Easy Rider.” Yeah, I believe that “Electra Glide in Blue” truly is a ‘cult-classic’ sort of piece, but the constant blasts from Easy Rider kinda turned me off.
Bikers Dream Music is building the first all-in-one digital ecosystem for the motorcycling community. It’s SOOOO DAMMMM COOL we would really like to show you a sneak peek in this ad But we can’t….IT’S TOP SECRET!
However, we would greatly appreciate and value your opinion and, we can do this for you today.
If you would please visit either the QR Code or the website and when you leave your name we will place you on our Beta Test List.
This will give you the First Opportunity to see to see everything before it’s released to the Public
Willie G READS IT!
Bikers Dream Music is building the first all-in-one digital ecosystem for the motorcycling community. It’s SOOOO DAMMMM COOL we would really like to show you a sneak peek in this ad But we can’t….IT’S TOP SECRET!
However, we would greatly appreciate and value your opinion and, we can do this for you today.
If you would please visit either the QR Code or the website and when you leave your name we will place you on our Beta Test List.
This will give you the First Opportunity to see to see everything before it’s released to the Public
Craven Moorehead
More Random Thoughts for March
Floating along on a cloud of uncertainty, a writer passes high in the sky observing all that is going on beneath him. Or perhaps, I should not refer to myself as a writer but simply an observer. Either way, it is up to that person to decide what is reality and what is fantasy. Sometimes it is difficult to correctly identify between the two because things that aren’t real often come cloaked in an endless pile of substantiating facts and evidence that most people could not refute. Every situation requires careful examination, not just on the surface but all the way down to the core. As humans, we only see what we want to see anyway. So it often becomes a situation where we learn later that something is not authentic. This is not a fault just a fact. I am not addressing the specific issues; I am simply trying to suggest that people look deeply into situations and try to determine on their own whether the content or item is truly legitimate. Using care when checking reality is paramount to preventing dissatisfaction in the future. No, this isn’t all about fake news and some of the other drama that we hear about every day. This is just about checking out the real facts.
Last month was really a hoot! We had Valentine’s Day, the return of NASCAR and the Olympic games to deal with and enjoy, plus the US won a bunch of medals so it’s a good thing. Everything considered, there are a lot of great things coming up on the horizon, including Bike Week in Daytona and locally, the strawberry festival in Plant City. Usually, this month is the beginning of the serious riding season, but the weather has been so warm a lot of folks are
already out on the road enjoying the ride. As I said last month, there is no better place for a biker to live than right here. Seriously, a year-long riding season and no snow rocks! However, this year it seems that in Florida spring as we know it was totally skipped and we went directly from winter into summer. Believe me, I am not complaining! Just enjoying the ride like all the rest of you. When you live here and venture out of your trailer park, or wherever you live, you will always experience new and exciting things. Once, I left here on a beautiful sunny Sunday and got on the bike for a ride. With no particular destination in mind, I just started out heading east from where I live and began enjoying the ride. Somehow, I ended up on RT60 in the middle of nowhere, and after a few hours I drank all of my bottled water and was getting a little dehydrated—not unusual when the temps are in the 80s or 90s. In a town without a name and a tavern (I can’t remember the name), I decided to stop and have a beer or whatever just to cool off for a few minutes. Maybe this would be as far as I go for the day or maybe not. I saw this place over on the left and there were several motorcycles parked. I felt like this would be a good place to go hang out because it was apparent that bikers were welcome there. Well, it turned out pretty good since there were other road-dogs who actually knew who me in the establishment, and one or two even offered to buy me a cold brew. This is the kind of camaraderie that you will find when you venture out every now and then to places unknown and destinations undecided. Our world as bikers may be a small one but all our hearts are very massive. As it turned out, I drank a couple of beers, met a few new awesome friends, and had a great time enjoying the air-conditioning and the hospitality. I realized that every day may not be as good as this one, and when all was said and done I ventured back home to savor the memory of the ride and the new people I encountered. Sadly, the next time I went out that way for whatever reason, I discovered that the place was closed, and it was another 30 miles to the next watering hole. I went there without the expectation of anything in particular but the point still remains. As bikers, we all seem to have an unspoken bond that people who don’t ride motorcycles rarely understand. It’s okay though. It seems only the best of the best are in our circle. I know that Bike Week is coming up, and I expect to see a lot of old friends there and possibly make some new ones once again. This is what our lifestyle is about.
MEET BARBARA
Hi, I’m a proud Cuban based in Sarasota, Florida. High-energy and passionate, I stay connected to my roots through music, dance, and travel. Growing up in theater shaped my discipline and people skills, which I bring to my business, Barbara’s Sparkling Cleaning. I love the feeling of freedom and adrenaline riding bikes and constantly strive to grow.
Bike: 2025 Fat Boy Gray Ghost | Owner: Tim Aldieri | Model: Barbara Ledea
PHOTOS BY DANIEL GALLANT
“WE’RE GOING TO DAYTONA!”
Last month while hanging poolside I saw my shadow on Groundhog Day, my Born to Ride friends. That meant six more weeks of winter somewhere but I don’t see it happening here in Florida. It’s March and we’ve already had 80° days in February.
Granted we did have a few very cold days and nights, but that was just Mother Nature ripening our delicious Florida strawberries, clearing out some overgrown vegetation and knocking overpopulated iguanas out of palm trees.
I saw on the Internet that there was a guy down in the Palm Beach area making iguana pizzas and they were selling like hotcakes! Now that’s a Florida Man Pizza just for you Mike!
He cuts me off saying, “well they’re my tiny pterodactyl, I heard iguanas taste like chicken. I guess if they added my favorite toppings pineapple and guava, they could call it a Paradise Man Pizza! It’s a good thing your relatives were not falling frozen from the trees otherwise they would be serving parrot pizzas! Some little birdie told me a long time ago that pterodactyls like you taste just like turkey!”
I cackle, “dude, i’m no turkey! I’m just a funky colored chicken. I know you like weird food, but what set your gut off growling today? Did you not get enough gator bites, swamp cabbage, smoked mullet dip, pop rock pickles or donut dogs at the Florida State fair?”
Mike replies, “well Spyke, living with an exotic like you excites exotic bubblings in my beer belly. Care to go out for some featherless swamp chicken?
I squawk, “do you mean frog legs? I heard they are the number one seller at the Swamp House Grill down on the river. No thanks, I think I’ll stick to my new favorite, mud bugs aka chocolate covered ants.”
Mike blurts out, “well my avian aardvark, they are delicious but it’s like eating Chinese food. You devour a bowlful and then an hour later you’re hungry again.
I was just hyping you up for Swamp Fest. We’re going to stop by there on the way to Bike Week.”
I gobble, “yay! We’re going to Daytona. I knew it rolled in a week earlier and I thought you had forgot about it.
This year I want us to attend the 13th annual open house and bike rodeo held at the Leather and Lace MC clubhouse in Edgewater on Thursday, March 5. They’ll be doing some of
I GOBBLE, “YAY! WE’RE GOING TO DAYTONA. I KNEW IT ROLLED IN A WEEK EARLIER AND I THOUGHT YOU HAD FORGOT ABOUT IT.
your old-school biker games and some obscure ones. I’m really curious about how the shovel race goes down. I’m guessing I get to ride on a shovel dragged behind your scoot, but we’ll see.”
Mike babbles, “you read my big bird brain little buddy. I already had that event penciled in. It’s a break from the daily debauchery going on at the various well known hotspots that we will be making an appearance at; The Iron Horse Saloon, The Broken Spoke, Main Street Station, The Cabbage Patch and the infamous Cackleberry campground. Unlike when I used to put on my biker shenanigans at Born to Ride events, they’re allowing one hour of practice
before the start of the games. Speaking of starting, I’ve already started practicing for the 6 pack pick up game.”
I screech, “So now I know why you’ve been bringing home pizza and beer then allowing me to practice opening the cans every night. Boy Mike, you’ve gotten pretty good at killing two birds with one stone!”
Mike rattles on, “since I got my eyes fixed I stopped seeing double and now I’m a better shot! Between that and the 12 ounce curls I’ve been doing, I’m getting back into shape!”
I cluck, “well Mike if you consider a smaller diameter of round a shape, then you’re doing pretty good. As for stop seeing double well, when you slowed down to a six pack a night instead of a case, you’ve cured your vision problems!”
Mike wines, “OK my feathered fatty. You don’t have that much room to talk. Last week when we went to Petsmart and I placed you on the scale, you came up a half pound overweight.”
I put one wing over my beak in shame and squabble, “OK my daddy in the round. I did overeat recently, but in my defensive it was my birthday. Our friends fed me well with cake, nuts and juice. Plus you haven’t taken me for an exercise session on the motorcycle lately.
Let me finish the story and you pull my bike out of the garage. You need to get my wings in the wind, your knees under the keys and the Fat Birds’ wheels rolling down the road. We both need a wind workout.” — SPYKE
Do you have a riding pet story? Let us know, Spyke wants to feature them! editor@borntoride.com
CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION
One of the things I like the most about going to Biker events is all the different people I meet. I enjoy walking around talking with as many folks as possible and have learned so much through the depth of their experiences. Some are into sport bikes and racing. Others are strictly long distance and touring enthusiasts. We have the locals who can share about the local interests. There are those who are experts in their chosen fields and then we have the novices who are learning. When you have several hours of unhurried time, you can engage in something more than just the greeting of the day and walking past.
One day, I went to an event with certain questions about the dashboard on my bike. I was just walking around greeting and chatting. I entered into a nice conversation and then this person just began talking about the questions that I had. What was interesting about this was that I did not bring up the topic or questions. He just started to talk about it. When I left the conversation, I had a better understanding of my instrument panel and could utilize it better. I left the event amazed at how this person spoke to me about the questions that I had. If I were to describe this moment I would say that “he spoke into my life or situation”.
We are often burdened by our daily struggles regardless of what they may be. We carry them around with us and these struggles can affect our outlook, attitudes, and
relationships. In the Bible Jesus speaks about these burdens when He says in Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Jesus speaks to us in many different ways. One way He may do it is through someone you come into a conversation with.
Teach’s Takeaway,
- Jesus wants us to bring our burdens to Him so He may give us rest.
- The Lord can speak to us in many different ways if we are willing to be open and listen.
- Allow someone else to speak into your life. It may be the answer you were looking for.
I look forward to meeting people and engaging in conversation. While we are talking I may feel like this conversation should end up in prayer. Often as we begin to conclude our thoughts I will ask if we can pray together. Praying together is a great way to conclude a wonderful conversation. Ride together, ride safe, and ride on.
— Fellow Soldier in Christ, Wayne (Teach) Masiker Christian Motorcyclists Association wayne.masiker@att.net
BORN TORIDE Magazine
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