JUL 2026 #269 OCT #266
read it/watch it/ride it
BORNTORIDE.COM
AGGRESSIVELY PURSUING JUSTICE FOR THE WRONGFULLY INJURED SINCE 2008 (727) 847- 4878 KEMPLAW.COM Offices: Trinity | 11567 Trinity Blvd. Trinity, FL 34655
Contents
SEPTEMBER ISSUE 269
FEATURES
_________
COLUMNS
_________
The Great American Biker Bash Biker’s Dream is Unbelievable St. Pete Fools Ride is Coming Roscoe’s Chili Challenge Legendary Route 66 Meet Jenny-Babe of the Month
06
Nefarious James The Amazing Letterfly Craven Moorehead Spyke n’ Mike CMA
DEPARTMENTS Contents Ride Safe Ride Smart Movie Review
REPORTS
21
Lucky U Fest is Coming Rock House Live Wednesday Tampa Motorcycle Expo Announcement Ronnie Galletti Finance Manager Leather Lids Industry Report
ON THE COVER
6 12 23 28 47 56
39 42 55 59 60
4 5 40
_____
___________ 10 16 19 21 54
____
Saturday October 24th The Born to Ride Great American Biker Bash at Rivers Edge Bar & Grill 6226 Ohio Ave., Gibsonton, FL Vendor Information: 813-785-3895
Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 813.785.3895
The information contained herein is provided by Born To Ride Magazine or by its advertisers. BTR makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information in the issue. Born To Ride Magazine does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness or correct sequencing of such information throughout this magazine. Use of such information is voluntary on your part, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after your independent review. Reference herein to any specific manufacturer, company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement of or recommendation of said by Born To Ride Magazine.” “Born To Ride Magazine (including its employees, contributors and agents) assumes no responsibility for consequences that may result from the use of the information herein, including the use of the information obtained at www.borntoride.com and it’s linked sites, or in any respect for the content of such information, including (but not limited to) errors or omissions, the accuracy or reasonableness of factual or scientific assumptions, studies or conclusions, ownership of copyright or other intellectual property rights, and the violation of property, privacy, or personal rights of others. BTR Magazine is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. No guarantees or warranties, including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties are made by BTR Magazine with respect to such information contained throughout the site.” No part may be copied without written permission of the publisher, Born To Ride, Inc. P.O. Box 3021, Brandon, FL 33509. 888-795-5779, Fax 813-689-2996.
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.
AGGRESSIVELY PURSUING JUSTICE FOR THE WRONGFULLY INJURED SINCE 2008 (727) 847-4878 KEMPLAW.COM Offices: Trinity | 11567 Trinity Blvd. Trinity, FL 34655
NO RECOVERY. NO FEE.
YOU ARE INVITED
TO THE
BTR 6 | BORNTORIDE.COM
IT’S COMING BACK! THE BORN TO RIDE
HINE
SATURDAY OCTOBER 24th 10 CLASS RIDE IN BIKE SHOW SIGN UP 11 TO 3 • AWARDS AT 4
| IMPORT | OLD SCHOOL | CUSTOM | CRUISER | ANYTHING GOES | CHOPPER | EVERYDAY RIDER | LADIES RIDE | BEST PAINT | | JUDGES CHOICE | BEST OF SHOW $100 |
VENDOR & BIKE SHOW INFO - 813-785-3895 813-671-9196
• Fenced Property • Security Cameras • Busses • Work Trucks Call for more information
BTR 10 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Lucky U Cycles: Orlando Sentinel Winner 2026 Central Florida Favorites Award
BTR 12 | BORNTORIDE.COM
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 13
BTR 14 | BORNTORIDE.COM
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 15
14219 WALSINGHAM RD., LARGO, FL | 727.474.7388
EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN LARGO
Every Wednesday Night - Rock Houe Live Largo
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 17
ROCK E V I L E HOUS FOOD E L B A v E I L E B UN ke you come
That will ma and again! back again er e B d l o C & s k n i - great dr ready for you are a lways to enjoy! M O R F C I S U M E V I L - ENJOY ! THE BEST BANDS
1 4 2 1 9 W A L S I N G H A M R D . , L A R G O , F L | 7 2 7 . 4 74 . 7 3 8 8
NEW BREAKING NEWS: RONNIE GALLETTI’S POSITION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO FINANCE MANAGER AT TAMPA BAY HARLEY-DAVIDSON.
“ I LOVE PROTECTING PEOPLE’S INVESTMENTS “ — RONNIE GALLETTI
BIG THANK YOU TO THE GOLDS FAMILY FOR PURCHASING 5 HARLEY-DAVIDSONS FROM TAMPA BAY HARLEY-DAVIDSON!
RON GALLETTI WELCOMES YOU TO TAMPA BAY HARLEY-DAVIDSON. THE TEAM IS READY TO GET YOU THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF YOUR DREAM. NEW 2025-2026 MODELS OR PRE-OWNED, WE WILL SET YOU UP ON A DEMO RIDE ANYTIME. CALL: 813 918 6521 TRADE-INS ARE WELCOME AND WHEN YOU BUY FROM RON’S TEAM HE WILL PUT YOU IN BORN TO RIDE MAGAZINE.
PER USA TODAY: FERG’S IS THE
#1 SPORTS BAR IN THE NATION
1320 CENTRAL AVE | DOWNTOWN ST. PETE GET TICKETS AT FERGSEVENTS.COM
ST. PETE FOOLS HIT THE ROAD FOR A CAUSE ANNUAL CHARITY RIDE BRINGS TAMPA BAY TOGETHER TO RAISE FUNDS AND CREATE TANGIBLE IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY.
The St. Pete Fools are gearing up for their annual Charity Ride on Saturday, November 14, 2026,bringing motorcycle enthusiasts, local businesses, and community supporters together for a dayof riding, camaraderie, and giving back. Riders will enjoy a safe, fully police-escorted ride acrossthe Sunshine Skyway and throughout St. Petersburg, while helping raise funds to support localcharities and families in need. EVENT DETAILS St. Pete Fools Charity Ride Saturday, November 14, 2026 OCC Road House & Museum | Clearwater, FL Registration: 10:00 a.m. | KSU 12pm RIDE WITH US! Registration is now open! REGISTER at Eventbrite Or visit www.stpetefools.com for more information and registration.
St. Pete Fools Charities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making a tangible difference inthe Tampa Bay community. Through a dedicated network of members, volunteers, sponsors, andcommunity supporters, the Fools bring people together through fun and memorable events toraise funds that directly support local charities, children, families, and individuals in need.
The organization’s impact includes its Bike for Kids initiative, which began with just 13 bicyclesand has grown to thousands of bikes donated to children through the St. Petersburg PoliceDepartment and several other departments throughout the area. The Fools have also supportedorganizations including Angels Against Abuse, Alpha House, The Kind Mouse, Kimberly Home,Babycycle, and the Police Athletic League, as well as Brookwood Florida, helping improvefacilities serving vulnerable teenage girls. The organization also steps up when disaster strikes,providing hurricane relief assistance to families and communities affected by devastatingstorms. “We believe you can have a great time and still make a
real difference in your community,” saidTony Mangiafico, President of St. Pete Fools Charities. “Our events are about bringing peopletogether and turning that energy into something tangible for someone who needs it.” The 2026 St. Pete Fools Charity Ride continues that tradition, giving riders and supporters anopportunity to enjoy a great day on the road while helping fund the Fools’ ongoing charitableefforts throughout the Tampa Bay community. The 2026 St. Pete Fools Charity Ride is proudly supported by Born To Ride Media, whosepartnership helps make this community-focused event possible.
For sponsorship opportunities,media inquiries, or additional information: Contact:Tony Mangiafico St. Pete Fools Charities (727) 433-1021 Email: StPeteFools@gmail.com www.StPeteFools.com
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 23
THANKFUL TO VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP US HELP THE COMMUNITY. Everyone loves women who know their power! Special Thanks from the St Pete Fools to Julie a volunteer model who has smile that can light up a room! Julie Marie is a Romanian American fashion, fitness, and television model; actress; awardwinning professional dance artist; Vegas-style showgirl; sports entertainment media personality and ring girl; dance instructor; speaker; brand ambassador; spokesperson; digital creator; philanthropist; business consultant; and proud mother of two.
BTR 24 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Based in Tampa, Florida, Julie Marie has built an international career as a television personality and entertainer, captivating audiences through her work in entertainment, fashion, fitness, dance, and sports media. Her favorite way to spend free time is with her family. She also enjoys being outdoors visiting the beach, boating, live music, sporting events, and supporting and attending events & lucky for us working with charities. See Julie at the Ride and from time to time at our booth Thursday nights at OCC.
PHOTO BY DANIEL GALLANT
RIP ROSCOE
BTR 28 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Don’t Miss Roscoe’s Chili Challenge 2026, November 5th-7th 2026, info@roscoeschilichallenge.
To see more Photos from this event check out, www.RoscoesChiliChallenge.com
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 29
AGGRESSIVELY PURSUING JUSTICE FOR THE WRONGFULLY INJURED SINCE 2008 (727) 847- 4878 KEMPLAW.COM Offices: Trinity | 11567 Trinity Blvd. Trinity, FL 34655
www.bikersdream.app
See us at Daytona Biketoberfest & Thunder Beach Rally
ANTIQUES • TOYS • RECORDS • COMICS COLLECTIBLES • SIGNS • HOT WHEELS • ART POSTERS • DISNEY • BOOKS • CONCERT SHIRTS MILITARY • STAR WARS • GI JOE 813-785-3895 • WILL PAY CASH
THEN AND NOW There was a time when riding a motorcycle meant you were actually riding a motorcycle. Not sitting on a rolling computer with heated grips, Bluetooth, GPS, six riding modes, adaptive suspension, lane warnings and enough warning lights to make you think you’d accidentally joined NASA. Back in the day, you got on the bike, kicked it over and hoped the damn thing started. If it didn’t, you figured it out. Maybe you kicked it again. Maybe you hit it with a wrench. Maybe you called your buddy. And if none of that worked, you pushed it. That was called technology. Early motorcycle trips weren’t measured by how many miles you covered before the next charging station, gas station or Starbucks. You rode until your ass hurt, your hands went numb and you had absolutely no idea where the hell you were. And somehow, that was the point. You didn’t need an app to tell you that you were lost. The empty road, the fading daylight and the questionable map folded inside your jacket already handled that job. Today, we’ve got GPS telling us when to turn, computers telling us when we’re slipping, cameras watching what’s behind us and a motorcycle that will practically call 911 if you sneeze too hard. Back then, the only traction control was your right wrist. Rain? You rode. Cold? You rode. Hot enough to fry an egg on the tank? You rode. Got caught in a thunderstorm fifty miles from home? You rode faster and lied about how
much fun it was when you got there. And let’s talk about breakdowns. Today’s rider gets a warning light, pulls over, opens an app and calls roadside assistance. Back then, you opened the tool bag. If you didn’t know what was wrong, you stared at the engine until you convinced yourself you did. Then you said, “I think it’s the coil, the points, the carb or the spark plugs fouled.” Some didn’t know what the hell you were talking about . But they nodded anyway. That’s the biggest difference between riding then and riding now. Convenience has gotten better. The motorcycles have gotten better. But the reason we ride hasn’t changed. It’s still the wind. The sound. The smell of gasoline and hot metal. The road disappearing underneath you. And that feeling you get when you’re twenty miles from nowhere with nothing between you and the horizon but two wheels and a bad decision. Maybe today’s bikes are smarter. Maybe we’re more comfortable. Maybe we’ve got better brakes, better tires and enough electronics to launch a satellite. But maybe that technology isn’t the enemy. Maybe it evolved right along with us. The riders of yesterday were younger once, too. They had stronger knees, better backs and fewer reasons to think twice before pointing the front wheel toward the horizon. Time has a way of collecting its payment. The miles get longer, the weather gets meaner and the body starts making noises that weren’t in the owner’s manual. That’s
where modern technology might earn its keep. Heated grips can keep old hands warm. Better suspension can save a tired back. Cruise control can give a sore wrist a break. Improved brakes, tires, lighting and rider-assistance systems can help us stay out there when the body isn’t quite the machine it used to be. Who knows? Maybe all this technology will let us ride longer into our lives. Maybe the motorcycle that once seemed too complicated will be the reason we’re still riding at sixty, seventy, eighty or whatever age the road finally tells us to slow down. That doesn’t make the ride less real. It just means the machine is helping us keep the promise we made to ourselves years ago: as long as we can swing a leg over the seat, we’re going. Because here’s the truth: Maybe a motorcycle was never supposed to make life easier. Maybe It was supposed to make life feel alive. Maybe it helped us realize our humanity and mortality. Reflect on all the experiences we had on those machines and think if many of those experiences would have ever happened without the old machines. And whether the bike starts with a kick, a button or a computer-controlled handshake, that feeling is still waiting on the other side of the ignition. The road doesn’t care what year it is, how old you are or what you ride. It only asks whether you’re ready to ride. Be safe out there.
Tell Jim what you’re thinking, what do you want to say to him? editor@borntoride.com
— Nefarious James
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 39
BIKER FILM REVIEW WEREWOLVES ON WHEELS gang almost to the point of fear. This curiosity of the unknown brings them to follow Tarot to the place where he says “It’s at.” This place, as it turns out is an old Church which is currently occupied by sect of Satanic Monks. The gang wanders through a wooded path to the courtyard of this church, where the Monks feed them bread and wine. Woops! Bad idea. Beware of monks bearing drugged gifts! All the bikers pass out, and one of the monks takes a single strand of Adam’s hair. Later they take Helen, and as the bikers sleep, the head Monk, known only as “One” throws a heck of a party. Uh, I mean ritual – which features the sacrifice of a cat, and subsequently Helen doing a naked snake and skull dance near the fire. Great stuff; and one extra star for good looking naked girls!
None of this makes sense until the bikers awaken and go inside the temple to retrieve Adam’s old lady. The Monks are each struck down by the bikers, but they touch each biker as they fall with some suppose this puts some sort of curse on them, but it is Adam and Helen that end up getting hairy! They escape the temple, and head back out into the desert. The next night, the gang camps out, and the usual party ensues with drugs, sex alcohol, and the insinuation that everyone is having a great time. A really great time until Mouse and Shirley are killed by a couple of werewolves. The group discovers them in the bottom of a ravine and assumes that they had fallen and broken their necks, and then attacked by coyotes or other wild animals. Close, but no cigar!
Today’s review – Werewolves on Wheels. And where should I begin. … This film borders on the edge of, well, I’m not sure. Possibly a horror movie, and certainly a classic example of “biker exploitation” pieces, “Werewolves on Wheels” has it all for those of you who seek the alternative to ‘A’ List films.
The story begins as most ‘exploitation films’ do with a group of motorcycles cruising down a desert highway. But WAIT!! These are real “period” Harley-Davidson choppers! Cool! One star for authenticity. … These wonderful old machines are ridden by ‘actors’ that could possibly be (real) bikers. Or perhaps I should say the cast doesn’t feature ‘actors’ that you may have heard of. As it goes along, these folks calling themselves “The Devil’s Advocates” participate in the usual acts of violence seen in other biker exploitation films, such as roughing up rednecks, and creating havoc wherever they go. The group is led by “Adam” (whom you may have seen in Motor Psycho or Peyton Place) who is a tough and somewhat charismatic character, often seen accompanied by Helen, his old lady. At one of their stops, another member of the gang “Tarot” begins his card reading, which brings some of the other members of the BTR 40 | BORNTORIDE.COM
On another campout near an old junkyard, a gang member known as “Movie” is attacked by a fuzzy friend, and thrown into the fire. Little does the gang know the attacks are being carried out by Adam, and Helen! Some of the members come to Tarot to see if he knows what the heck is going on. The gang believes the Monks are attacking them, and the decision is made that they will go back to the temple, and beat up all the Monks.
The gang camps out near the temple. While the fire burns, Adam and Helen change into werewolves, and begin attacking the members. The bikers all grab sticks and fashion makeshift torches with which they attack the werewolves. Fire always seems to make werewolves pissed off. I haven’t figured out why. Anyway, shortly after Helen gets burned up, Adam still smoldering takes off on his motorcycle. The gang follows with torches blazing and eventually he crashes and burns – literally. The gang returns to the temple to finish off the monks, but as each biker tries to strike, the head Monk “One” stares at them and they all fall under the spell. The closing credits roll as the bikers ride into the camera, leaving the viewer to think ... Should I sing “Werewolves of One-Done,” or “Hey Hey We’re the Monk- JEEZ.” I’ll give this one 3 out of 5 stars for the reasons mentioned above. I’ll go take a shower now. I guess I’m a “wash and wear-wolf”….. Till next month
By The Phantom
Do you have a favorite Biker Movie we don’t have? Let us know: rg@borntoride.com
WHERE MY LINES BEGIN Long before I ever called myself a pinstriper, I was a kid fascinated
the pressure consistent.
waiting for the Chipmunks. I was waiting for Clyde Crashcup—the
Soon I was painting my bicycle, then anything else I could get my
by lines. Saturday mornings, I watched The Alvin Show, but I wasn’t wonderfully eccentric inventor who could imagine something that didn’t exist, pull out his pencil, and draw it into existence. I was
fascinated by that pencil. Clyde didn’t just draw pictures. He made
Follow the curve. Don’t stop halfway. hands on. I started inventing my own loops, swoops, twists and
accents. Then something happened. The neighborhood kids noticed.
“I WAS WAITING FOR CLYDE CRASHCUP—THE WONDERFULLY ECCENTRIC INVENTOR WHO COULD IMAGINE SOMETHING THAT DIDN’T EXIST, PULL OUT HIS PENCIL, AND DRAW IT INTO EXISTENCE.“
ideas visible.
Years later, I realized that was exactly what I wanted to do. My discovery began in a much more ordinary place: the back seat
of our family car. As we drove around, I became fascinated by the
automobiles of the 1950s. While everyone else seemed to be looking at the scenery, I was studying the cars—and especially the painted lines flowing across them.
Thin stripes swept over fenders, dipped beneath chrome, curled
around wheel openings and stretched toward tailfins. Some were
delicate lines. Others flowed into elaborate ribbons and curves. To
me, they looked like signatures painted directly onto the automobile. I had no idea who painted them or how they could make such
graceful lines without stopping. I just knew I wanted to figure it out. When we got home, I grabbed my paints and started experimenting.
My wagon became my first canvas. The first lines were anything but perfect. They wobbled, wandered and sometimes ended in places I hadn’t intended. So I wiped them away and tried again. Slower. More deliberate. I began learning that the secret wasn’t simply putting paint on a
surface. It was learning to let the brush move with confidence. Keep BTR 42 | BORNTORIDE.COM
“Hey, how’d you do that?” “I painted it.” “Can you paint mine?” That was the moment something changed for me. I had found
something I could do that wasn’t about fitting in or keeping up. It was mine. I had finally found my own pencil. And eventually, that pencil became a brush. Be Good, Be Well, and Ride Safe .
—Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer
IS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 4985 US 98 N.
863.603.3817
The New Location is Now Open 2 Miles North 4985 US 98 North - For More Info: 863-603-3817
BTR 44 | BORNTORIDE.COM
ATTENTION: IT'S COMING
THE
DADE CITY BIKE FEST Vendors/sponsors Call Mary: 352.437.5732
H A LT A N D P S A F O S E IL M 8 4 2 ,4
Route 66--the fabled ribbon of asphalt and concrete still winds its way across the country from Chicago to L.A. And it has also wound its way into the very soul of America. Although superseded in the 1970s by the Interstate freeways, the magic and mystic of the Mother Road has never died. Within the pages of the superbly illustrated book is a colorful illustrated history of the road and its landmarks of the famed RT 66. Put that together with Jim Bush’s story of devotion and passion as he has dedicated a true epic of ink to the legendary RT 66 on his body to show tribute for all to see. We at Born to Ride are thankful and excited to tell both sides of the story. ABOUT THE BOOK: It started in the heartland and originally ended in Los Angeles (not, contrary to myth, at the ocean). It carried truckers crossing the country, Okies fleeing the Dust Bowl, vacationers seeking the sun. It was Americas Main Street, the Mother Road, the Will Rogers Highway, and, at its dangerous curves, Bloody 66. Get your kicks on Route 66 with this wonderfully illustrated tribute to the best-loved highway in this car-loving nation. Michael Witzel shares his expertise and wealth of personal, archive, collector, and contributing photographer images in these pages, offering a nostalgic tour of the charms and oddities of this road through American cultural history. Starting in Chicago and running to Santa Monica, this book
IN K highlights the sights along the highway with historic and current photos in then-and-now pairings, and includes Route 66 postcards, road signs, trinkets, maps, brochures, and advertisements. Here we see Route 66 as it was in its heyday and as it is now, the neon glamour of yesterday versus the ghost towns of today. Witzel and his wife, Gyvel Young-Witzel, recount the highways history, its role in popular culture, and its demise, as well as the individual stories of famous sights. Several profiles of those with close ties to the Mother Road, including the woman who played Ruthie Joad in the The Grapes of Wrath film, are included. ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Michael Witzel and Gyvel Young Witzel are some of the best known American car culture historians. Michael is the author of Route 66 Remembered as well as a dozen other pop culture histories, including with co-author Gyvel, Soda Pop! and The Sparkling Story of Coca-Cola. Michael Witzel and Gyvel Young-Witzel reside in Austin, Texas. BOOK SPECS: Title: Legendary Route 66: A Journey Through Time Along America’s Mother Road Author: Michael Karl Witzel and Gyvel Young-Witzel ISBN: 978-0-7603-2978-8 Published: October 2007 Publisher: Voyageur Press Page Count: 256 Images: 252 color & 298 b/w photos BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 47
About one minute into listening to Jim Bush’s bike and tattoo story I knew it traveled beyond the norm, if norm is ever used in the world of tattooing and custom bikes. The Bolingbrook, Illinois resident is a walking and talking monument for a major slice of American culture. He’s covered, figuratively speaking, with nearly 2,500 miles of ink stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles. To be specific, he’s paved in the history of the famous Route 66. Route 66 is America’s first BTR 48 | BORNTORIDE.COM
transcontinental roadway and the subject of countless stories, books, and songs -- not forgetting that famous 1960s TV show of the same name. Before we head down that road, a background check on Jim reveals that while he’s an engineer by training he’s an expert in “Loss Prevention” for commercial and industrial Fortune 500 companies. He adds, “It’s a career that pretty much will put you to sleep. It involves engineering work for an
insurance company that insures factories against business interruption.” Jim says its best to leave that explanation as it stands without delving further, and I agreed! My interest was his ink and bike story. The ink motoring down his arms is an incredible profusion of indelible images. It all started years ago when Jim decided to get his first tat, something patriotic. “I was just going to get a little American eagle and that was going to be it.” He began researching
Did You Know: U.S. Route 66 (also known as the Will Rogers Highway, “Main Street of America” or the “Mother Road”)
tattoo artists for that one and only tattoo, but a chance meeting between two motorcyclists set things spinning in all together different direction. “My wife Robyn, who rides her own 100th Anniversary Deuce, and I travel all over the country on bikes. One day I happened to be riding my ’87 Softail when I pull up beside a guy riding a 1990 Fatboy. We say hello, and he gives me his card saying he had just opened his own tattoo shop.” This may not have been a chance
happening but Fate. Jim pockets the card and brings it home. His wife looks at it and notices the name. It rings a bell, turns out she and Larry Brogan grew up as kids. Jim shows up at Tattoo City in Lockport, IL, gets his eagle tattoo and says good-bye to Larry who replied, “You’ll be back in six months.” “Yeah, sure,” said Jim. Larry’s “prediction” proved accurate and Larry returned first for some religious imagery, two sacred hearts, followed in sharp contrast by four outstanding pin-up girls on his legs
including one of Betty Paige. “Larry turned out to be an outstanding artist, and I’m completely loyal to him. He’s done all my work.” Now it’s time to get to the pies de resistance, Jim’s arms. “When I was nine years old I took my first trip on Route 66 with my grandparents, and that was the genesis for my artwork. As I grew up I lived near Route 66; even though it’s long been decommissioned I still use parts of it with my work.” After Larry had tattooed Jim over a
six-year period the Route 66 project began percolating. “I wanted to do a project on a grand scale, focusing on one theme, one topic and it was going to be on my upper torso. While people had done pieces about Route 66, nobody had ever thought of doing the entire route from Chicago to L.A.” After seeing the cover of a Route 66 enthusiast magazine From Pier to Shining Pier, Jim decided to begin the project. The unofficial starting point for Route 66 was
Chicago’s Navy pier and it’s termination point was the Santa Monica pier. “That was it. I’m going to start on my left wrist with Chicago and go through the eight states. I’ll pick all the icons, the hotels, the gas stations, the Mom and Pop restaurants, and go across my back and end at my right wrist with the Santa Monica pier.” That was the concept, but it took years for Jim to select all the myriad components, then took Larry about 18 months to draw up the entire project. He first took
contact paper and measured the dimensions of Jim’s arms and back, then composed all the hundreds of images. Each arm took twelve hours for the outlining, each completed in one day’s session. Then Jim began sitting for the coloring-in process, a true epic of ink. He sat one full day a week for a year straight. Jim counts 105 hours for his left arm and 95 for his right. In addition, his back is still a work in process and not yet unveiled. It would take a book or TV documentary to go
Did You Know: U.S.66 was officially resigned on June 27,1985. The D.O.T. decided the route was no longer relevant.
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 49
BTR 24 50 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Did You Know: Route 66 served as a major path for those who migrated west, especially during the 1930s.
through all the images but here’s some highlights. On Jim’s left arm there’s a turquoise ’55 Chevy with a license plate that reads 2448 that commemorates Route 66’s total mileage. The Standard Oil gas station attendant on his right arm is the image of his grandfather. “That filling station opened in the early 1950s on Route 66. It’s still there, owned by my family. My grandfather’s sons still work there with my cousins.” And if you look carefully you’ll find a Ferris wheel on Chicago’s Navy pier. Walking up to that Ferris wheel, Larry has drawn the figures of Jim, his wife, and his youngest son. Jim’s art is amazing but Jim also has an award show winning Black Pan, but that is another story for a future issue. Do you have a memory of Route 66? Tell us about your Route 66 story. Email info@borntoride.com or call 888-795-5779.
Paul Garson Did You Know: Route 66 served as a major path for those who migrated west, especially during the 1930s.
BORNTORIDE.COM BORNTORIDE.COM| |BTR BTR25 51
BTR 52 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Have you ridden RT 66 or planning to ? Share your story and photos with us.
Did You Know: It is no longer possible to drive Route 66 uninterrupted, but much of the original route are still drivable.
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 53
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
ARE YOU BORN TO RIDE? Craven Moorehead Another Month, Another Baseless Story
I was just sittin here in the trailer park watching Jerry Springer when I was reminded what time of the month it was. Oh crap … I didn’t turn in my column yet this month and yeah, it’s a short month. For some reason, I was dreaming that it was July but alas, it wasn’t. The thought of time, days and deadlines didn’t really cross my mind. I was simply relaxing here thinking about going to Daytona for Bike Week and other pleasant thoughts – or unobtainable dreams and not so much about obligations and tasks that really need to be done. It’s a slow and simple life out here in the country, and there is little motivation to get too excited about things that must get done in a certain amount of time. At this point in my life, I have little or no concept of time, either previously elapsed or remaining in the future. It’s one of those deals. As long as I wake up above ground I assume that there are endless possibilities. If I make it from the bed to the kitchen for coffee anything is possible and after a half a pot or so, I can consider functioning as a regular human being – whatever that is. Often, I wonder what a ‘normal’ life is. Most of us have jobs, ambitions and the enjoyment of reaping the rewards from our various occupations. That’s the thing that keeps most of us driving on, pushing forward and continuing to do chores that we don’t really like to do as a simple matter of survival. Fortunately, I enjoy writing and sometimes it allows me to be able to relate what’s going on in my life, at least it gives me a minute to see which way the road is going to turn – so to speak. None of us really know. This is a long road and the twists and turns often remind us that, even though we think we know where we are going, sometimes fate has a different idea and we can find ourselves on a back-road to nowhere in minutes. It’s okay people, just enjoy the scenery!
Once, I was involved in a motorcycle organization that often demanded that I be somewhere at a certain time. I remember that in this scenario, I couldn’t get there the day before to enjoy a bit of down time because believe it or not – I had a job! Again, this was years back when I was lucky enough to be employed so I had to do something that I would not normally do. No, I didn’t get on an airplane and ask for a ride to the event, I got up at 4 AM and met with some of the guys so we could be there to attend the gig and do our part to help the community and our group. It’s a beautiful thing to leave early on the bike and watch the sun come up on the horizon, hear the crisp sound of the pipes almost all in unison and feel the brotherhood of the road! I don’t know if there is a better feeling and at the end of the day, even if you are tired, you know in your heart that the journey was worth it! So is the good feeling we get as bikers really worth it? Of course it is. Even though we are often given a bad rap by the media or sometimes looked down upon by the local authorities, in the end it all seems to be worth it. I suspect that most of you would agree on this subject and yeah, it costs a few bucks to stay wide-open in the fast lane but we can all look back the good we have done as a loosely knitted community of people that all share the same passion! The freedom and benevolence of motorcycling and living on the road are much more important than the nay-sayers comments and opinions of our unique lifestyle. I don’t know about you, but I certainly wouldn’t change a thing! The experiences and journeys that we share out there on the highway are far more important than the opinions of the unknowing. If you want to denigrate the life that we lead, at least try it once and hey, if you don’t like it, simply move on. There is no need for negative commentary and foolish myths that have persisted for generations and beyond simply because we are different. Let’s just keep up the good work and keep helping our organizations and communities like we always do. It is our destiny after all. So now. Thunder Beach is upon us. You are likely reading this at the event, or perhaps before or after it, but either way simply be reminded that the people next to you are your brothers and sisters who came to enjoy the same scene that you did. Years ago, I wrote an entire article regarding this unique event. I can’t remember if it was titled ‘Come for Vacation and leave on Probation’ or whatever but keep this in mind – there are a lot of people out there who still don’t ‘get’ our lifestyle and some don’t like it too much. Unfortunately, certain factions of the local authorities aren’t big fans of this event and I can tell you that it isn’t a pretty scene in the Volusia County Jail. All I can do is attempt to implore the thought on all of you to do your absolute best to stay the heck out of trouble and don’t fall victim to the potholes and downfalls that can ruin a good time! We are all out here to have fun so let’s keep it at that and enjoy the event and the nuance that is the biker life! CRAVEN
I knew him for over 22 years, there will never be another Man like him. — Ron Galletti
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 55
BABE of the month
JENNY PHOTOS BY DANIEL GALLANT
Hi, I’m Jenny! I live in St. Petersburg, and my dream is to one day call France home. I love working out, making time for self-care, and spending quality time with my family. When it comes to motorcycles, nothing catches my eye quite like the classic combination of chrome and leather.
BTR 56 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Bike: Carolina Custom frame powered by a RevTech 125-cubic-inch engine and paired with a polished RevTech 6-speed transmission. Features an American Suspension Springer front end, Jesse James custom wheels, Vance & Hines custom exhaust, HHI brake calipers, and a chain final drive. Finished with custom paint by The Edge. Owner: Ed James Location: R2 Pub, New Port Richey, FL Model: Jenny Ryan Sanders
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 57
RESPECT THE DIVA!
Hey there, my Born To Ride friends. October has arrived and you know what that means! Pumpkin spice, apple cider, hayrides, flashlight mazes, spooky vibes, candy corn and enough fake cobwebs to choke up half the mosquito population in Florida. But forget all that Fall nonsense, Mike and I are flying to Biketoberfest! Mike points at me and says, “Listen up bird brain. You’re RIDING to Biketoberfest with me and I’m setting down a few rules before we leave.” I fluff my feathers, “Rules? I’m a magnificently feathered biker chick. I don’t do rules especially your rules!” Mike pulls out a crumpled piece of paper and I squawk, “You made a list?” Mike replies, “Of course I made a list. You’re a flying traffic violation with feathers. First, you will stay on the Fat Bird 3 until I tell you it’s safe to get off. No launching yourself at every biker wearing leathers. They will come to you for that photo opp. I squawk, “But daddy it’s my grand entrance and you take so long to park. Just because you got a handicap plate on the scoot doesn’t mean you have to drive it like the old man that you are!” Mike grits his teeth, scorns at me and continues, “Rule number two: Keep your feathers away from the spinning wheel spokes while standing on the bitch pegs of any bike in the burnout pit.” I gasp, “I would never, I know better than that!” Mike responds, “I know you do, but you did. Last year you perched on Tom’s bike while he was trying to show off saying you stayed there ‘cause the spinning spokes looked ‘shiny and welcoming.’ ” I chatter,
“Well, they were!” Mike replies, “I hear you bird brain. It was also moving fast enough to turn your plumage into flying feathered confetti! Rule number three Spyke: And you’d better hammer this through that hard-headed, feathered outlaw skull of yours! We are NOT closing down the titty bars, we are NOT staying at after-hours joints until sunrise and we are damn sure NOT sleeping half the morning away because you partied like a two-pound rockstar!” I screech, “Hold on my die hard daddy! You’re the one who taught me the party doesn’t stop when the clock strikes 2 AM!” Mike fires back, “Damn right I did—but I also taught you that sunrise during Bike Week means saddle up and get your pterodactyl talons clinging onto the scoot. I’m not missing an early ride on the loop with our friends or Main Streets’ best action because you’re snoring like a busted exhaust pipe!” I cackle, “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. I hear you snoring
at night like a chainsaw stuck wide open with an endless supply of gas feeding it! A professional party bird needs her beauty sleep and snoring is part of my strategic recovery!” Mike growls, “Professional party bird?
Strategic recovery? You’re a two-pound feathered menace that sleeps 12 hours a day with a severe Harley addiction!” I chirp, “Yup, and now that you’ve got me thinking, I only have one rule for you, my hard-to-understand but easy-to-love daddy: RESPECT THE DIVA When people start taking pictures of me, you do NOT rush the Kodak moment. You wait ’til this feathered celebrity is finished dazzling the public! I’m not posing, I’m presiding over a press conference. It will probably be complete with hostile questions and scandalous revelations. So please kindly hold back your two cents of chatter until I’ve finished my grand finale.” Mike mumbles, “Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re a legend in your own birdbath. But there will be only so many hours in the day. We’ll have friends to catch, bands to watch and watering holes still scattered all over Daytona and surrounding areas waiting for our appearance. So make sure you wrap up the press conference and give the paparazzi your final feathered wave as quickly as possible.” I cluck, “Yes my demanding daddy. I’ll probably be hungry after spending time with them. You’ll have to make sure every watering hole has food for me. Otherwise we’ll have to make a special stop at Chickfil-A where I can get a chicken sandwich with 47 extra pickles and waffle fries on the side. This will not be negotiable either because of my newfound love for cousin and pickles! I’ve got Ron blowing up my cell phone demanding my clucking story. Why don’t you go get the scoot out of the garage and get it ready for us to make the trip. We both need a little wind therapy and human interaction. I’m hungry and today is Wednesday so let’s make our way over to Rockhouse Live for bike night stopping by the Chick-fil-A drive-through on the way! You need to get my wings in the wind, your knees under the keys and the Fat Birds’ wheels rolling down the road.” -SPYKE
Do you have a riding pet story? Let us know, Spyke wants to feature them! editor@borntoride.com
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 59
Are you a patient person?
Would you consider yourself to be a patient person or an impatient person? It really seems that we have to spend a lot of time waiting. In the Army we had a saying: “hurry up and wait”. As bikers, there are many times when we must wait. It is 95 degrees out and you are rolling up to a light that just turned red. We have to just sit and wait while we sweat. You order parts for your motorcycle, and they come with different amounts of waiting time. You arrive early at a ride event, only to sit around waiting for the briefing. Then you head to your bike and wait for your turn to move into position in the formation. I am sure we can come up with other times that we are waiting for something. So, what do we do while we are waiting? Most of the time we look for someone to talk to. It may be the friends we came to the event with, or perhaps we meet someone new. We can simply sit by our bike. We can wander around and visit the vendor tents if they are available. Many of us also love to people-watch while we wait. Am I right?
Waiting is just a part of life. We often have to wait as part of our everyday routine. And in my walk with the Lord, I have often had to wait. I may pray for something and then have to wait to see the Lord move on my behalf. The Bible talks
about being patient and waiting for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14 says: “Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD”. So, you see, the Bible encourages us to wait patiently for the Lord. Sometimes it is difficult to wait. We want an answer. We want to see things change. But each time I have to wait, I can choose to have an expectation that I will see the goodness of the Lord. Teaches Takeaways: -
We all have to spend time waiting for something.
-
Anticipate the goodness of the Lord while you wait.
-
Use the waiting time to focus on the Lord.
Waiting happens to everyone. What we do during the wait—and where we place our focus—makes a difference. We can allow the wait to discourage us, or we can choose to wait with hope and look forward to His goodness. So, can I encourage you today? When you find yourself waiting, don’t waste the wait. Use that time to think about the Lord, talk with Him, and expect to see His goodness. His riches and glory are unlimited, and His timing is always worth trusting. Ride together, ride safe, and ride on.
- Fellow Soldier in Christ, Wayne (Teach) Masiker Christian Motorcyclists Association, wayne.masiker@att.com
BORN TO RIDE Magazine
PUBLISHER Ron Galletti 813.785.3895 rg@borntoride.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com EDITOR Ron Galletti 813.785.3895 rg@borntoride.com ART DIRECTOR Peter Soutullo art@borntoride.com ART DEPARTMENT Erick Runyon Peter Soutullo
ROAD BOSS PHOTOS DISTRIBUTION Vick Velosity CONTRIBUTORS Birdman Mike & Spyke Nefarious James Susan Hurst the Phantom Craven Moorehead RIP Doug Bright Daniel Gallant John and Heather Chopper Dave SALES MARKETING ADVERTISING Call 813.785.3895 BORN TO RIDE PO Box 3021 Brandon Florida 33509 813.785.3895 www.borntoride.com
AGGRESSIVELY PURSUING JUSTICE FOR THE WRONGFULLY INJURED SINCE 2008 (727) 847-4878 KEMPLAW.COM
Offices: Trinity | 11567 Trinity Blvd. Trinity, FL 34655