Born To Ride Georgia #18

Contents

May Issue 18

Ad Index

features

Never Forget Our Veterans Angel City Rally Paul Teutul Sr. Exclusive Interview Living Lost Photographs

15 24 27 34

columns T. Eric Albright Heaven’s Saints

15

43 48

departments Page 3 Girl News MSF Ride Safe Ride Smart Hottest Bike Nights Featured Bike Night Women’s World Test Ride Events, Rides & Destinations Born To Ride Kids

3 4 7 9 9 10 12 44 48

reports

34

Destinations Killer Creek H-D St. Patrick’s Day Party Save The Cooch Ride Life & Times Me & My Motorcycle

18 20 32 33 47

on The Cover Never Forget Our Veterans Rolling Thunder 2014 - May 23rd-25th

Angel City Fall Rally

26

Buffalo’s Cafe

9,21

Burford Accounting

17

Business Cards

40,46

Courtesy Ford Of Rome

22

Copperhead Lodge

23

Cycle World Of Athens

37

Diamond Gusset

22

Eric Albright Photography

42

Hardy Ford

46

H-D Frazier’s

14

H-D Killer Creek

21

Helen Biker Village

31

Meet & Eat

6

Ride For America

29

Rolling Thunder Law

1,BC

Sixes Tavern

42

Tom Elder

19

Tom’s Place

IBC

Twisted Tea

8

West GA Seafood Festival

32

WHY BORN TO RIDE? WHY NOW?

Start an extraordinary relationship

404-788-3907 Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779 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. ­­

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from the publisher

born to remember those who served on memorial day and every day. never forget our heroes.

Well the dogwoods have finally bloomed and the season is wide open. Last month, we really had a great time at Angel City. The weather could not have been better! We tip our hats to Wayne, Dawn, Ralph and Susan for their commitment to the rally and the people who show up for it. GREAT JOB GUYS! This month we will be attending Thunder Beach in Panama City, FL and the one and only Knight Hawk Rally put on by Ricky Black of Kingston, GA. A dear friend of ours, Tom Scruggs with Roadhouse will be playing at the Knight Hawk Saturday night. We are pumped and ready to jam! For more info call Hawk at 678-873-1692. We hope to see you there!

We had a great time at Turner’s Corner Café in Cleveland GA for our first Meet and Eat. This is a great stop before you hit the scenic rides of North Georgia. Stop by and tell them we sent you. Our next Meet and Eat will be held at Johnny Mitchell’s Smokehouse in Euharlee, GA on Saturday, May 3.

Now we stop and take time to honor two very important days this month. First of all, we want to say We Love You Mom! So, to my mother and all the other mothers out there, Happy Mother’s Day! And the second day to remember is Memorial Day. Born To Ride salutes and honors Memorial Day and all the men and women who have served, who are serving, and who will serve.

We thank you for our freedom and for all of your sacrifices.

It’s time to pack our bags for Copperhead Lodge and the Gauntlet Thunder in the Mountains Rally.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all there, so make a point to pick up next month’s issue for all the rally coverage.

Until next time remember, Life is a Ride and We Were Born To Ride!

Stuart

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u.n. calls for universal helmet laws

The United Nations has approved a resolution on road safety that, in part, calls for member nations to enact mandatory helmet laws. Cosponsored by United States’ ambassador Suzanne Powers, the non-binding resolution also calls for laws against distracted driving (such as banning inappropriate cell phone use and texting while driving) and supporting global harmonization of vehicle regulations (which could include anti-tampering measures to prevent customizing and equipment modifications).

The U.N. General Assembly voted to approve the “Improving Global Road Safety” resolution

on April 10, 2014 to encourage Member States “that have not yet done so to consider enacting comprehensive legislation on key risk factors for road traffic injuries, including…the non-use of helmets…”

While countries that belong to the United Nations are not required to comply with such a “non-binding resolution,” many “member states” heed UN recommendations and can set the stage for further restrictions on motorcycles and motorcycling around the world.

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NATIONAL PUBLISHER

Ron Galletti 888-795-5779 P.O. Box 3021 Brandon, FL 33509 info@borntoride.com

GEORGIA PUBLISHERS Myra & Stuart Fincher 706-969-0017 sf@borntoride.com

ADMINISTRATOR Kendra Chancey borntoridega@att.net

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com

ART DIRECTOR

Josh Pope jpope@borntoride.com

ART DEPARTMENT Josh Pope, Seth Wuertz art@borntoride.com

Director Of Photography Jesse Williams

CREATIVE CONSULTANT Jim Miller

Multi-Media Specialist Seth Wuertz

Contributors

Enhanced by Project RUSHMORE, the 2014 Street Glide® model is a bagger with street-wise soul,

powered by the new High Output Twin.

Cam 103™ engine and featuring a new Batwing fairing with Splitstream vent to reduce rider head buffeting. With stripped down styling, lowered suspension, and a dark, cropped wind deflector, the Street Glide® is inspired by the street and ready to roar with attitude. The innovative Harley-Davidson® Touring chassis, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a stout swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s more-powerful engines.

ftc seeking comment on ethanol labeling

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is soliciting comments on a proposed rule to require additional labeling at the gas pump for blends of gasoline containing more than 10% ethanol, despite the knowledge that such higher levels of ethanolladen fuel causes engine and fuel system damage

in motorcycles and ATVs and can void manufacturer warranties that extend only to the use of E-10.

“In response to the emergence of ethanol blends as a retail fuel and the likely increased availability of such blend,” the FTC proposes an additional label to avoid inadvertent misfueling, but under the rule the label would be rounded to the nearest factor of 10; so fuel containing up to 14% ethanol would be inaccurately labeled “E-10.”

Acknowledging that, “In motorcycles and nonroad products, EPA raised engine-failure concerns from overheating,” the FTC solution is another label on the pump, and is seeking public comments now on their rule proposal. The deadline to submit comments is June 2, 2014.

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Like us on Facebook and enter for a chance to win monthly prizes - Born To Ride Georgia Edition

Neale Bayly, Paul Garson, Craven Moorehead, Jim Miller, Spyke & Mike, Terry Longpre, Susan Hurst, Josh Kurpius, Clink, Bill McDaniel, Eric Albright, Bob Nadeau, Barry Loudermilk, Chris Carr, Stefanie Drake Burford, Rob Brooks

photographers

Myra Fincher, Eric Albright, Bob Nadeau

Sales Department

Office - 404-788-3907

West Central GA/Colombus Robert Boehnlein (561) 358-3412 East Central Georgia Paul Pence (770) 876-3542 Middle Georgia/Macon James “Skin” Padgett (706) 580-1595 Northeast Georgia Stuart Fincher (706) 969-0017 Northwest Georgia Chuck Burford (770) 508-8674 Savannah Georgia Marilyn Badagliacca (912) 660-4021 Southeast Georgia Donald “Duck” Disney (912) 506-3947 Southwest Georgia Paul Murray (299) 344-4482 LEGAL DEPARTMENT

Stefanie Drake Burford (770) 748-3601

borntoride.com | BTR 5

It is important to realize that carrying a passenger changes the dynamics of handling and stability of your bike. Adding this weight behind the operator sometimes shifts the weight distribution of the motorcycle higher and somewhat to the rear, increasing the distances needed to slow, stop, and accelerate. The additional weight will also affect the cornering characteristics of a motorcycle.

OTHER LOADS Despite their small size and minimalist accommodations, motorcycles are capable of carrying fairly sizable loads—people regularly ride motorcycles around the world, for months on end, carrying all the necessary equipment for such extended trips safely on the back. The key to using a motorcycle’s pack-animal characteristics is understanding the dynamics of the vehicle, then taking care to pack loads on the bike in a way that will not upset these dynamics. The three important factors to consider when loading a motorcycle are: load weight, load location, and how the load is fastened to the motorcycle.

Weight Every motorcycle has a maximum load rating specified by its manufacturer; you can find this number in your owner’s manual. The maximum allowable load is the difference between the weight of the motorcycle itself and the maximum allowable weight of the motorcycle and its load, including rider and passenger (if you are carrying one) and any other cargo.

To calculate how much load you can carry, subtract your weight (in riding gear), your passenger’s weight (if you will be carrying one), and the weight of the motorcycle from the maximum load capacity number specified by the manufacturer. Whatever is left over is the maximum load you can carry. Finally, before riding a loaded bike, check your owner’s manual for suggestions on tire pressure and suspension adjustments— loaded motorcycles will often require added pressure in the tires and/or firmer suspension settings to handle well.

Location The rule when locating a load on your motorcycle is to keep the weight as low as possible, and evenly distributed from front to back and

// Other Loads //

side to side. Avoid carrying heavy items in a tail trunk.

Carrying weight high and far back can lighten the front end and cause handling instability. If you ride with a tankbag, be sure that it doesn’t interfere with your comfort or ability to steer the motorcycle. Avoid the temptation to strap your sleeping bag or any other gear to the front fork or handlebars of your motorcycle. Even if the suspension travel is unaffected, the extra weight over the front wheel can cause dangerous front-end instability.

Fastening This one is simple—make absolutely certain that the load is fastened securely to the motorcycle. Use racks and luggage that are designed specifically for use on your type of motorcycle. Secure all items with tiedown straps or web nets, taking care not to block any lights or moving suspension parts. Check and double check that there are no loose items that could shift and fall off, or worse, get caught in the wheels or drive train. Having your tailpack or a loose strap get caught up in the rear wheel or chain of your motorcycle will definitely impede your forward progress, not to mention complicate your trip. Also take care to keep luggage away from mufflers and other hot motor parts. Check the security often. Finally, use common sense. Even though these might not exceed the weight limit, items like surfboards and bicycles (don’t laugh, we’ve seen both!) have no business being transported on the back of a motorcycle. When in doubt, leave stuff home.

For more information go to www.msf-usa.org.

*RollingThunderLaw.com nor Stefanie Drake Burford has any affiliation or business relationship with Rolling Thunder®, INC. or its website, charities, events, rides, subsidiaries or representatives.

Call Stefanie Drake Burford when you need her! 770-748-3601

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Hottest bike nightS

M O N DAY

Featured bike night

Call Now To Get Your Bike Night Listed!

T U E S DAY Hooters Lawrenceville, GA • 860 Duluth Hwy #900 • 770-513-7260 W E D N E S DAY Uncle Pepper’s Pizza Ball Ground, GA • 10150 Ball Ground Hwy • 678-454-7710 Motorheads Bar & Grill McDonough, GA • 650 Macon Street • 770-898-0008 Rocco’s Pub Jasper, GA • 47 Mountain Villiage Pkwy #107 • 706-253-1900 Whistle Post Tavern Conyers, GA • 935 Railroad Street NW • 770-785-5008 T H U R S DAY Buffalo’s Cafe Rome, GA • 440 Shorter Ave • 706-234-2833 Hooters Cartersville, GA • 887 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy SE • 770-607-9474 Hiram, GA • 5464 Wendy Bagwell Pkwy • 770-943-8896 Savannah, GA • 4 Gateway Blvd W • 912-925-2536 Brickhouse Grille Newnan, GA • 3150 Georgia 34 • 770-683-2790 The Lodge at Copperhead Blairsville, GA • 171 Copperhead Pkwy • 706-835-7433 Lorena’s Food & Spirits Dawsonville, GA • 22 Prestige Ln • 706-265-2008 F R I DAY American Legion Post 233 Loganville, GA • (every other Fri. 3/14) 4635 Atlanta Hwy • 678-344-3892 Tom’s Place Cartersville, GA • 461 Old Mill Place • 770-386-7755 S AT U R DAY Kingston Station Tavern Kingston, GA • Railroad St • 770-336-2055 Trophy’s Bar And Grill Eatonton, GA • (2nd Sat. of the month) 411 Pea Ridge Rd • 706-485-6843 S unday The Club At Benny’s Red Barn St. Simons Island, GA • (1st Sun. of the month) 554 Frederica Rd • 912-571-0491 Motorheads Bar & Grill McDonough, GA • 650 Macon Street • 770-898-0008

Get your HOTTEST bike night listed!

call

404-788-3907

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Woman Power

Female motorcycle ownership increases as women discover motorcycling helps them find balance and peace in their lives More women than ever before are choosing motorcycling as their way to unwind and de-stress from their busy lives. Latest motorcycle ownership numbers, just released by the Motorcycle Industry Council, show female motorcycle owners rose to 12.5 percent up from 10.5 percent in 2009.

This comes as no surprise to Genevieve Schmitt, founder and editor of the leading resource for female motorcyclists, WomenRidersNow.com.

She has her pulse on the women’s motorcycling demographic. “More than ever, women need a way to unwind, disconnect, and de-stress from their busy on-the-go lifestyles. My readers tell me riding a motorcycle does wonders for their soul as being out on the open road re-charges their mental batteries while helping them find clarity and peace of mind.”

“I’m a busy realtor in one of the most desirable areas of the country, Scottsdale, Arizona,” says 56-year-old Jan Kane. “Motorcycling is my way of unwinding from my busy life. Feeling the wind of my face and getting out in nature on the open road helps to slow me down enabling me to prioritize and focus on what’s really important.

Riding is far better for me for de-stressing than a

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“...female motorcycle owners rose to 12.5 percent up from 10.5 percent in 2009.

Of the approximately 27 million motorcycle riders, 6.7 million are women.”

day at the spa.”

Ashly Holland, 33, of Livingston, Montana, started riding last year. “If you told me I would feel this good by simply riding a motorcycle, I’d have started years ago. I actually spend less time mentally unwinding on a massage table now that I have a motorcycle,” she laughs.

“It seems counterintuitive to think that riding motorcycle could have such mental health benefits,” says Schmitt, “but talk to any woman rider and she’ll agree riding is far more powerful at creating balance in one’s life (excuse the pun!) than one would imagine.” Harley-Davidson recently publicized results of a survey indicating women who ride motorcycles feel happier, sexier and are more confident than those who don’t.

Of the approximately 27 million motorcycle riders, 6.7 million are women. WomenRidersNow. com, now entering its 10th year online, is the most comprehensive resource for the growing number of women riders, offering motorcycle and gear reviews, a beginner’s guide, advice and a way to connect with other riders through the WRN Forum.

Visit WomenRidersNow.com to learn more.

Are you a female rider? We want to hear from you!

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s t j t i t a a i d a b h

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Women’s World

she can. Just watching the two of them mingle among fellow bikers and friends is remarkable and heartwarming. When the music starts playing, watch out! You may find yourself dancing with Critter! She loves to dance and party with everyone! Ginny added, “Mom has friends all over the country. We have met so many people from all walks of life at the major biker events.

What is her philosophy for maintaining such a great attitude and look on life? “I don’t argue and I won’t argue. If someone is nasty, don’t hold it against them. Instead, feel sorry for them that they aren’t as nice as you are.”

ginny and critter austin - a love that goes beyond motorcycling I am so thankful that I have a great relationship with my mom. She may not totally agree with everything I do in my life, but that’s what mom’s are allowed to do. She worries when I’m on the road all the time, when I’m at bike shows, and if my health is where it should be. The questions still come; am I eating the right things, am I getting enough sleep, and am I taking enough time for Susan. I must admit there are times that I get frustrated with the constant questions and worries. But it all boils down to one word - love.

It’s unconditional love that she provides to me 24/7. There is absolutely nothing I wouldn’t do for my mom. She’s the only mom I have.

Moms come in all shapes, forms, attitudes, and interests. I am lucky that my job with Born To Ride allows me to meet all kinds of interesting people. Today, I was the lucky one by meeting Ginny and Thelma Austin, a mother/daughter team from Tampa.

Thelma Austin is a tiny little woman with spirit, determination, and a love for life that makes the crankiest person around her come alive with joy and elation. Her small stature garnered her the nickname, “Critter.” Critter’s daughter, Ginny, is the force behind her mom getting involved in the motorcycling world. “Mom is my best friend and my biker buddy. My life is all about mom and seeing that she enjoys every day. I got her involved in riding on my motorcycle with me after dad passed away. I didn’t want her to sit home alone. So, I got her out on the bike and it’s just been one fabulous adventure after another with her!”

Ginny decided to put a trike kit on her 1991 Harley so their long trips together would be more

comfortable for both of them. With that, she got a little pull behind trailer that they use to put their tent and camping supplies in. “When we go on our longer trips, we pull the Toy Hauler behind our truck and load the motorcycle in that along with the rest of our camping gear. We truly enjoy our camping and motorcycling activities.” One of their favorite places to go is the Great Smoky Mountains. “We park the Toy Hauler, set up camp, and from there we are on the motorcycle for days on end.”

Critter and Ginny took a memorable 3,300 mile trip north to her late husband’s army reunion in Ohio and surrounding states. Ginny added, “We visit anything in between our initial destination and everything on the way back home.”

Ginny got started into motorcycling by watching her brother ride his bike. “I’d always watch him start his Eagle. It was a great bike and it even had a suicide shift. I asked him if he’d show me how to ride and he said no. So when he wasn’t home, I hot-wired the bike, rode it around, and fell in love with motorcycles. Since then, I haven’t been without a bike.”

Critter will be turning 95 on May 19. I asked her how she maintained such an active and calendar-filled lifestyle. “I take NO medications! I wear NO glasses and I have all my teeth except seven. I volunteer once a week at a local Tampa hospital. I love to hunt, camp, fish, and travel.

In fact, 50 years ago I had heart trouble but my health just kept improving, so I stopped taking medicines and I’ve been fine.”

Critter loves to be with people. Ginny makes sure that her mom gets as much out of a trip – be it local or a long-distance trip – as much as

Sign up for the Born To Ride Women’s Club at www.BornToRide.com

“i asked him if he’d show me how to ride and he said no. so when he wasn’t home, i hot-wired the bike, rode it around, and fell in love with motorcycles.”

I had such a pleasant time talking with Ginny and her fabulous mom, Critter. I thought about how lucky I was to have my mom and how lucky Ginny is to have her mom as well. The memories that we share are plentiful and beautiful.

In closing, Ginny said, “You only have one mom.

Appreciate her.”

Susan Hurst

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2014 Harley-Davidson E

nhanced by Project RUSHMORE, the 2014 Street Glide® model is a bagger with street-wise soul, powered by the new High Output Twin.

Cam 103™ engine and featuring a new Batwing fa iring with Splitstream vent to reduce rider head buffeting. With stripped down styling, lowered suspension, and a dark, cropped wind deflector, the Street Glide® is inspired by the street and ready to roar with attitude. The innovative Harley-Davidson® Touring chassis, based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and a stout swingarm developed to withstand the demands of long-haul touring riders and today’s more-powerful engines.

DIMENSIONS Length 96.5 in. (2450 mm) Overall Width 37.8 in. (960 mm) Overall Height 53.2 in. (1350 mm) Seat Height: • Laden - 26.1 in. (662.94 mm) • Unladen - 27.4 in. (695 mm) Ground Clearance 5.3 in. (135 mm) Rake (steering head) 26° Fork Angle 29.25° Trail 6.8 in. (172.72 mm)

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Wheelbase 64 in. (1625 mm) Tires (Dunlop® Harley-Davidson® Series, bias blackwall front and rear): • Front – D408F 130/60B19 61H • Rear – D407T BW 180/65B16 81H Fuel Capacity 6 gal. (22.7 L) (warning light at approximately 1.0 gal.)

Oil Capacity (w/filter) 4 qts. (3.8 L) Transmission Capacity 1 qt. (.95 L) Primary Chain 1.4 qts. (1.3 L) Weight: • As Shipped 775 lbs. (352 kg) • In Running Order 810 lbs. (367 kg) • Gross Vehicle Weight Rating - 1360 lbs.

(617 kg) • Gross Axle Weight Rating • Front 500 lbs. (227 kg) • Rear 927 lbs. (420 kg) Luggage Capacity Volume: 2.3 cu. ft.

(0.064 m3) ENGINE Engine: Air-cooled, High Output Twin Cam 103™ with integrated oil cooler

Valves: Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder Bore x Stroke: 3.87 in. x 4.374 in.

(98.4 mm x 111.1 mm) Displacement: 103.1 cu. in. (1690 cc) Compression Ratio: 9.7:1 Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) Air Cleaner: Paper, washable Lubrication System: Pressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler DRIVETRAIN Primary Drive:

Did You Know: The Harley-Davidson snowmobile was introduced in 1971.

G

.

Chain, 34/46 ratio Final Drive: Belt, 32/68 ratio Clutch: Hydraulically actuated, 9 plate wet, with high

performance spring Transmission: 6-speed Cruise Drive® Gear Ratios (overall): U.S. • 1st - 9.593 • 2nd - 6.65 • 3rd - 4.938 • 4th – 4 • 5th - 3.407 • 6th - 2.875 CHASSIS Frame: Mild steel; tubular frame; two-piece stamped and welded backbone; cast and forged junctions; twin downtubes; bolt-on rear frame with forged fender supports; MIG welded Swingarm: Mild steel; two-piece drawn and welded section; forged junctions; MIG welded Front Forks: 49 mm telescopic Rear Shocks: Low air-adjustable low profile air ride rear suspension Wheels: Enforcer Cast Aluminum • Front - 19 in. x 3.5 in. (483 mm x 89 mm) • Rear - 16 in. x 5 in. (406 mm x 127 mm)

Get your 2014 HD FLHXS Street Glide at www.FraziersHarleyDavidson.com.com or (770) 945-6011

Brakes: • Caliper Type - 32 mm, 4-piston fixed front and rear • Rotor Type (diameter x width) – Dual floating rotors (front), fixed rotor (rear) • Front (dual) – 11.81 in. x .2 in. (300 mm x 5.1 mm) • Rear - 11.81 in. x .28 in. (300 mm x 7.1 mm) • Anti-lock Braking System - Optional Suspension Travel: • Front Wheel - 4.6 in. (117 mm) • Rear Wheel - 2.13 in. (54 mm) PERFORMANCE Engine Torque (per J1349): • North America - 104.7 ft. lbs. @ 3250 RPM (142 Nm @ 3250 RPM) Lean Angle (per J1168): • Right - 32° • Left - 31° Fuel Economy (EPA urban/highway test) 42 mpg (5.6 L/100 km) For more information on the H-D FLHXS Street Glide contact Frazier’s Harley-Davidson (770) 945-6011 and when you do tell them BTR sent you!

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r e v e N Forget

“

For more information visit www.RollingThunder1.com

�

When people are held dear in our hearts they can never be fully gone and never forgotten.

Photos by: Tim Boone

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Many of you reading this article are military veterans, current military personnel, or know someone who is. The Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally during Memorial Day weekend is more than hundreds of thousands motorcycles rolling into Washington, DC to swoop down on the Capitol. Not forgetting our military personnel (POW/MIA) of all wars is the premise for Rolling Thunder.

“In the fall of 1987, Artie Muller and Ray Manzo, two Vietnam veterans met to discuss their personal concerns about the POW/MIA’s from the Vietnam War. Having honorably served their country and having taken an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies...” and to “bear true faith and allegiance to the same,” they were deeply troubled by the abhorrent neglect of attention given to those who did not make it out with their lives or their freedom.

These veterans discussed the more than 10,000 reported sightings of live Americans living in dismal captivity. Intelligence reports of these sightings were generally ignored by the government and mainstream press.”

“The Founders of Rolling Thunder®, Inc., Artie Muller and Ray Manzo, were ordinary men who understood that they had a right to have their voices heard and proceeded to lay down the plans for a gathering in Washington, DC during the 1988 Memorial Day weekend. They reached out to their families, fellow veterans and veteran’s advocates to unify and form a march and demonstration in the nation’s Capital. Their arrival would be announced by the roar of their motorcycles, a sound not unlike the 1965 bombing campaign against North Vietnam dubbed Operation Rolling Thunder. Hence, they would call themselves “Rolling Thunder®, Inc.” a title that would endure time and be trademarked in 1990.

Word spread quickly and by Memorial Day weekend in 1988, approximately 2,500 motorcycles from all over the country converged on Washington, DC to demand from our leaders a full accounting of all POW/MIA’s. As the Founders of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. made their stand that day in front of the Capitol, they reflected thankfully for the people who came in support of the POW/ MIA’s and for the unity that was felt. This was the first Rolling Thunder®, Inc. demonstration. Only until ALL POW/MIA’s ARE ACCOUNTED FOR, it will not be their last. On that day, the foundation was laid for the annual “Ride for Freedom” to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall (also referred to as the “Ride to the Wall”). The number of participants/spectators in the Memorial Day weekend Ride for Freedom has grown from 2,500 to an estimated 900,000.”

“Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a class 501(c) (4) non-profit organization with over 90 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad. While many members of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. are veterans and many ride motorcycles, neither qualification is a prerequisite.

Rolling Thunder®, Inc. members are old and young, men and women, veterans and non-veterans. All are united in the cause to bring full accountability for the Prisoners Of War-Missing In Action (POW/MIA) of all wars, reminding the government, the media and the public by our watchwords: ‘We Will Not Forget.’”

When people are held dear in our hearts they can never be fully gone and never forgotten. This Memorial Day weekend take time to acknowledge those who made the ultimate sacrifice wearing the colors our nation’s military.

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Rolling Thunder 2014: May 23rd - 25th

destinations

Bunkhouse Campers - Jacksboro, TN Ride As I sit here about to start this article, I think of all of you who are at the Angel City Rally or will be going this coming weekend and I am jealous! I am stuck here in Ellijay because of a bad habit that I have gotten myself into over the past few years. Now, I am absolutely sure that none of you wait until the last minute to do your income taxes, but unfortunately I have not learned that lesson yet and so I must pay the Piper the consequences! Next weekend I will be free as a Jay Bird and will work my way on Friday to Tifton, GA for our first South Georgia Destinations ride on Saturday, April 19. I can’t wait!

With all of that being said, I have managed to get a few good things accomplished this week. I have been able to get a condo booked in Myrtle Beach for the fall rally for the 1st week of October, and I was also lucky enough to get a condo booked right on the Beach in Daytona for Bike Week next March. All is not lost!

Speaking of Daytona, be sure to keep an eye out for my review of the 2014 Indian Vintage and my son’s review of the 2014 Indian Classic.

We both were honored to have Indian provide each of us a bike to use while we were there!

My article will be separate from Jon’s and will be an entirely different approach to a review.

Now on to this month’s Destination’s Ride.

I am excited about May’s ride, which will be held on the second Saturday instead of the third Saturday as is normally the case. Our May ride will carry us to the Bunkhouse Motorcycle

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Camping Trailer factory in Jacksboro, TN. On May 10, 2014, Bunkhouse Campers will be having an open house with plant tours, photo booth, catered food, door prizes and games, local organized guided rides, new product announcements and a BUNKHOUSE CAMPER GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT (Valued at $3,699.00). You can register by going to www. bunkhousecamper.com.

Bunkhouse celebrates 30 years of quality campers this year and continues to grow. The plant not only produces campers but recently was purchased by Bushtec Trailers, and their full line of Utility Trailers for motorcycles is also produced here. Just the week prior to the Great American Motorcycle Show in Atlanta, Bushtec / Bunkhouse announced the addition of

Trigg Trike Kits, the top trike conversion kit for Harley-Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, or Kawasaki motorcycles. Trigg Trike Kits let you take your bike to trike—and back again—in minutes.

Their Trigg conversion kits are made at their Jacksboro, TN plant along with Bushtec trailers and Bunkhouse Camper trailers.

The paragraph below comes by way of Bunkhouse with permission along with some pictures to help you get the feel for their product.

I personally can attest to the quality, comfort and ease of use. Debbie and I bought a used unit last year to pull behind our Gold Wing and we absolutely love it!

Bunkhouse Camper Trailers has been in the trailer business since 1984. They are proud to say that they manufacture their own trailer bodies and do all the assembly work.

They build the Bunkhouse line of camping trailers, the “Original” Bunkhouse, with the quality, warranty, and innovations that the motorcycling public has come to admire and respect. They are the leader in the industry in new and innovative features, which is why they are the most copied trailer in the industry.

They are proud of the products that they build there and feel that you would also be the happy owner of a Bunkhouse after purchasing and using one. They urge you to ask any Bunkhouse owners who you may meet at rallies or campgrounds around the country how they like their Bunkhouse. See for yourself, first hand, Continued on pg. 41 ...

Did You Know: Jacksboro was originally known as Walnut Grove and Jacksonboro after President Andrew Jackson.

Killer Creek Harley-Davidson

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St. Patrick's Day Party

Killer Creek Harley-Davidson - www.KillerCreekHarley.com - (770) 777-1000

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See more photos at www.AngelCityMotorcycleRally.com

See more from Angel City next month!

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The exclusive interview with Born To Ride

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nown to the world as the massive and mustachioed father, in a sleeveless tee with tattooed biceps bulging, who owns a custom bike shop, thanks to Discovery Channel’s hit reality series American Chopper, Paul Teutul Sr. has been the forefront of Orange County Choppers for more than 10 years. OCC originally started as a sideline to his steel manufacturing business, which was founded in the 1970s. Paul Sr. began building custom motorcycles on the side as a hobby and in 1999, he founded, the now world famous, Orange County Choppers. Paul Sr. The world-renowned custom motorcycle shop and its fearless leader return to television in CMT’s new eight-episode series

ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS Saturdays 9/8c.

This turbo-charged series follows the iconic Paul Teutul Sr. (“Senior”) and his team as they take on the most challenging bike builds of their careers.

In each hour-long episode of ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS, Senior and his team navigate tight deadlines, lofty egos and all the chaos that emerges from a group of rough and rowdy co-workers—including some of the most outrageous pranks ever.

When 23-year-old Evan Favaro is hired as Creative Director, he has no choice but to hit the ground running. Evan must earn the respect of his new colleagues, and prove he’s worthy of his new position, by demonstrating his leadership ability and

undeniable design and fabrication skills.

Say what you will, but when most Americans think of custom choppers, familial relationships, and Hollywood they think of the Teutul’s: Senior, Junior, and Mickey.

Paul Sr. and his two sons (plus Jason, Jim, Rick, and Vinnie) changed the way the outside world viewed the dynamics of a custom motorcycle shop. From “Murphy showing up at most inopportune times to knock-down drag-out arguments over the bike design, Orange County Choppers gave viewers a reason to tune in every week. We caught up with Paul Sr., while he was on tour to promote his show on CMT, to ask a few questions from the man who allowed millions into the world of custom builds. borntoride.com | btr 27

Hi! It’s Debbie from Born To Ride TV and magazine. No introduction is needed for this guy, Paul Senior! Welcome to Born To Ride; we’re glad to have you with us!

Paul: Thanks.

Debbie: We like to call Thunder By The Bay a little slice of heaven in Sarasota, Florida. It’s great to have you show for this event.

Paul: It was kind of a last minute for us.

I know this is a big show. We are starting to get back out with our fans doing some signing and some different shows. I feel fortunate to be here.

Debbie: Yeah! Thinking of big shows, new network and a big show coming on for you.

What’s going on with that?

Paul: Yeah, we signed with CMT and are btr 28 | borntoride.com

doing a series with them. It’s working really well. We were with Discovery for 12 years.

It was starting to get complacent. So we moved over to CMT, and it’s a good fit and a fresh start. You know everyone is excited about it and its really working good.

Debbie: There’s no complacency when it comes to building these machines. Where does this vision come from day after day after day?

Paul: I really wish I could say it comes from me. But it comes from my guys like Jason Poole. It’s done collectively. We get together and everyone puts their thoughts in. Rick is involved, Jason is involved, Jim Quinn—it’s all the people that have been there for the last 12 years or so.

Debbie: You know there are guys and gals reading this interview who have bike

problems. The chains won’t work, the primary won’t work … you make it all look so easy!

Paul: It’s not easy and ours break too! It’s all about doing what you love and living the dream. I’ve been really fortunate doing that especially with the TV and doing that all through these years. Listen, after the show I’ll still be riding bikes!

Debbie: And also what about the charity?

You’ve been really giving back to the charity.

You brought a military bike down here that really had to have a lot of meaning to build.

Paul: We continue to support our military. It just goes on and on. I think that’s the best part about being in the position that I’m in— to be able to give back.

Debbie: It’s important. These guys and gals do so much for us every single day. But

you’ve got the big corporate companies, too.

Everyone wants the Paul Sr. signature on their bikes!

Paul: Yeah, I know. Whether it’s corporate or private, an athlete or an actor, we’ve been able to reach out to a vast majority of people.

Debbie: What kind of kid were you like when you were growing up? Were you a little Scutch there?

Paul: Yeah, I was a bad kid. I did what I wasn’t supposed to do all the time ... kind of a rebel.

Debbie: How did you know you were a builder? Was it Legos that got you here?

Or were you tinkering with mom and dad’s stuff?

Paul: You know really, believe it or not, it was double-wingers that I got involved with. btr 30 | borntoride.com

I started doing that when I was a kid. I used to paint them, too. That’s where I took an interest in doing this.

Debbie: And here you are today!

Paul: Here I am today.

Debbie: It’s really good to see you here on the grassroots with your fans. They are lining up here waiting for your autograph. It’s got to be a great feeling.

Paul: It’s great to be back!

Debbie: And you know, Paul, you’re also the Grand Marshal of the ride here for veterans!

Paul: Yeah! I’m really looking forward to doing this. You know we did a POW bike and a lot of military bikes. Yeah, it’s exciting especially when it’s for the military. I’m all about it!

Debbie: And you’re going to love our roads

here, too!

Paul: I bet I am! You know up in New York, no more riding except for snowmobiles. So getting an opportunity to do this I’m really looking forward to it!

Debbie: All right! Orange County Choppers.

This guy can build them! The visionary, the pioneer! Biker TV like nothing before – Orange County Choppers! Thanks, Paul Sr. We really appreciate this!

For more information on ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS and exclusive content, visit CMT.com, “Like” the show’s official Facebook page and follow #OCChoppers on Twitter. Additional info can also be found on the OCC website, orangecountychoppers.com, or via their Twitter@OCChoppers and Facebook: www. facebook.com/orangecountychoppers.

The Life & Times of Motorcycles And The People Who Ride Them

ATTORNEY STEFANIE DRAKE BURFORD 770-748-3601 - Injury Attorney & Biker *RollingThunderLaw.com nor Stefanie Drake Burford has any affiliation or business relationship with Rolling Thunder速, INC. or its website, charities, events, rides, subsidiaries or representatives.

Let Born To Ride market, promote and advertise your business or event! Call 404-788-3907

borntoride.com | btr 33

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“For me, motorcycles and photography go hand and hand,” said Kurpius. “The riding keeps me shooting, and my camera keeps me involved in motorcycling 24/7.”

The newest exhibit at the HarleyDavidson Museum features more than 30 original works by custom bike builder, rider and photographer Josh Kurpius. Living

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Lost Photographs by Josh Kurpius displays photographs taken during a series of road trips across the country on a chopped 1977 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The images give an honest, open look at the uninhibited lifestyle of a group of nomadic bikers out to explore the American panorama.

When Josh was young, he was actually

intimidated by motorcycles, but when he turned 20 his dad let him take his antique ’69 Harley-Davidson FLH for a ride. As he explains, “it was at that point that I was hooked.” It was around the same time that he also became interested in photography, and from that point on, learning to ride and take amazing photography went hand-in-hand. In

“We’ve worked with Josh over the years. It’s great to see him recognized in the H-D museum.” ~ Ron Galletti

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“Through stunning

juxtapositions of a roaring Harley-Davidson, next to a quiet countryside, Josh captures the timeless enticement of a life lived on the road with his motorcycle.” particular, he taught himself to shoot from the bike, as in while it was moving, which yielded a perspective he had not seen much of before in the world of commercial motorcycle photography. After riding on borrowed bikes, Josh built his current ride, a chopped 1977 HarleyDavidson Ironhead Sportster® christened “The Locust,” from a box of parts and not much experience as a mechanic.

“These may not be the prettiest bikes, but there’s a certain beauty in that they are used for their intended purpose. Each of these bikes has tremendous character,” Josh states.

He further explains that he appreciates and feels inspired by the “pick up and go” mindset, and his camera becomes the gateway into what he has come to love - riding and shooting these natural moments. It is the photography that keeps him riding, and the riding that keeps him shooting great photography.

“When we ride, we are completely in the moment, not thinking about the next stop or getting to a particular place,” states Kurpius.

“For us, it’s all about the ride and experiencing everything around btr 38 | borntoride.com

Live your dream, not someone else’s.

you. It’s kind of surreal to have this exhibit at the Harley-Davidson Museum and have so many people get the chance to see what the road means to me and my friends.”

In each shot, you can see his soul embedded in the experience, and feels as if you are looking through his eyes as they focus through the viewfinder. Through stunning juxtapositions of a roaring HarleyDavidson next to a quiet countryside, Josh captures the timeless enticement of a life lived on the road with his motorcycle. The photos not only depict the raw beauty of America, but the beauty of the off-moments that reveal themselves in serendipitous ways.

Just like his bike, the Locust, many of the bikes that Josh captures are stretched 1970s-style chopper, and they are rode hard.

These bikes are continuously rebuilt, with parts regularly swapped in and out to keep them on the road, because the vintage machines Josh and his friends ride can only go so far without refueling or needing maintenance. It is during these unscheduled stops that they often find themselves in places barely noticeable if restricted to the confines of a car.

Living Lost Photographs by Josh Kurpius is just one of the latest adventures in Kurpius’ journey. As he gets ready for the next ride, he’ll have his camera right there with him,

All roads lead to possibility. Wherever the path takes you - enjoy it.

capturing more lost in time moments that can only be found while he’s on The Locust riding with his friends.

The Living Lost exhibit runs through May 18 at the HarleyDavidson Museum, located on the bridge between the Museum and Archives building.

For more information about the Harley-Davidson Museum, visit h-dmuseum.com. To learn more about Josh Kurpius and his work, visit joshkurpius.com. borntoride.com | btr 39

destinations continued from pg. 18 ...

Bunkhouse Campers - Jacksboro, TN Ride

from the people who have made them the #1 sought after camper in the industry, about the quality in their trailers, and the excellent warranty record that they have with Bunkhouse owners.

With Bunkhouse Camper Trailers you deal with the manufacturer of the product you buy, not some manufacturers representative who sells four or five or more products and is just looking to get your hard-earned dollars. Reps are concerned about themselves, they know, they’ve been through that program, and it “doesn’t work.” If you call them, they won’t push you off to the plant, they are the plant, and they’re there

for YOU! So if you’re looking for a quality product at a fair price, look at Bunkhouse Camper Trailers and the “Bunkhouse” line of motorcycle camping trailers.

The open house should prove to be a great time and provide some great riding time, as we will travel roughly 170 miles to get to the plant. We will meet at our usual meeting place at BigUn’s BBQ in Talking Rock, GA. One big difference will be our start time. We will have a kick stands up time of 7:00 AM in order to arrive at the plant between 10:00 and 11:00 AM (will vary depending on breaks along the way). The open house is from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM. We will travel Hwy 136 from Talking Rock to Hwy 411 to Maryville, US 129 to Knoxville and then Interstate 75 to Jacksboro.

Some of you may choose to ride back that afternoon and some of you may choose to spend the night and return on Sunday. There are plenty of motels within just a few miles of the plant and there is also camping at nearby Cove Lake State Park.

Cove Lake State Park is a state park in Campbell County, Tennessee. The park consists of 673 acres situated around Cove Lake, an impoundment of Cove Creek created by the completion of Caryville Dam in 1936. The park’s location is adjacent to the town of Caryville and just west of Jacksboro.

Cove Lake is an extension of the much larger Norris Reservoir, which extends across the lower 15 miles of Cove Creek downstream from Caryville Dam. Cove Lake State Park was one of several state and local parks developed in the 1930s as part of the Norris Dam Project. The park includes a large campground, several small walking trails, and a wildlife observation area.

A leg of the Cumberland Trail passes near the park’s northern boundary, connecting the park to nearby mountaintops.

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE RIDE: • DATE: May 10, 2014 • DESTINATION: Bunkhouse Camper Manufacturing Plant – Jacksboro, TN • MEET AT: BigUn’s BBQ corner of Hwy 515 & Carnes Mill Rd., Talking Rock, GA • TIME: KSU 7:00 AM • MILES: 170 one way • SADDLE TIME: Approximate 3 Hrs. one way • RIDE COVERED BY BLUETOOTH HEADSETS AND CELL PHONES FOR SAFETY Well that covers it for this month, so until next month!

As always, Ride Safe & Ride Often Eric Wieberg For more on Bunkhouse Campers visit www.BunkHouseCamper.com btr 14 info. | borntoride.com

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ROAD DS R A Z A H

Road hazards—for bikers they’re all around us. Hell, sometimes we are our own hazard. But I’m talking about all the things we ride up on when we’re out on the road having a great day. Of course, I include the cars and trucks as hazards also, but all the other things that can pop up on us while cruisin’ down the road are the things that make my butt pucker up from a three to a nine in just a few seconds. There are road gators to look out for; you know what I’m talking about don’t you? Those blown out remnants of truck tires that the car in front of you just missed and at the same time blocked you from preparing for. There is that big ass road kill that has just enough substance left in its dead corpse to kick your bike a foot into the air as you squeeze your cheeks together while your bike crunches over it.

I would hazard to guess that weather can be many bikers’ least favorite hazard. Rain, wet roads, hydroplaning, or ice are all things that force even the most seasoned biker to slow down to at least the posted speed limit. One of my least favorite kinds of weather is hail. Summer storms can sneak up on you from just around the next bend in the road. Sure, we can put on our rain gear and keep on truckin’, but frozen rain falling out of the sky hitting your face at 50 MPH can feel like someone is shooting you point blank in the face with a fully charged pellet gun. It can leave you cut and bleeding, and no amount of tough guy theatrics will let you keep riding down the road

once you start getting pelted by these frozen bullets from sky.

Animals, domestic and wild, can be a biker’s worst nightmare. They can come out of nowhere and don’t even have to run in front of you to make you lose control and send you sliding down the highway depositing epidermis material along the way. Deer are probably the most feared animal to bikers. They are so quick and can come out of nowhere to take down even the most careful biker. There’s a great video on YouTube of a biker in South Dakota who had a deer jump right over his head as he cruised down the road. He had no time to react, which is probably what saved him from a not so pleasant end to his ride through the Black Hills. Dogs are another story. They come running at your bike, barking and biting at your tires, and you don’t know if you should speed up or slow down. Most of them just fade off as you ride by, but every once and a while that one big ass neighborhood patrol dog comes at you at just the right angle and you know he’s going to take you down. Your instinct forces you to swerve at the last second and you may end up depositing some of your bike’s paint along the highway while the dog slinks off; back to his porch to await the next sucker.

But I will have to say, my least favorite road hazard is a woman driver on the phone. Okay, now before you get your panties in a wad, let me first explain. I love all you ladies out there, well except maybe the ones I’ve gotten to know the best over the years. But while I’m on my bike I’m

Check out Eric Albright Photography on Facebook and www.EricAlbrightPhotography.com

the most observant person in the world. I watch every car and truck to see how much the driver is paying attention and it is those observations that, without a doubt, have shown me that a woman on a cell phone is the worst hazard on the road.

I’m not saying that men don’t talk on cell phones while driving, we do. But I have noticed a very big difference between men and women when it comes to this hazard. Now remember, this opinion is based on thousands of miles of test riding, and I challenge all of you out there to come up with a different conclusion. For the most part, men will take a call while driving down the road; say a few words to get whatever reason for the call out of the way and then hang up. Women on the other hand, hell they have long drawn out, I haven’t spoken to you in weeks … conversations.

Women will get on the phone not for a specific purpose but just to chat with their sister about last night’s American Idol or Duck Dynasty. I have seen women walk out of convenience stores on the phone, get in their car, put it in gear, back up, pull out into traffic and then keep talking for miles and miles; not paying any real attention to what’s going on around them. And this isn’t an isolated event either, like I said, it is based on thousands of miles and a few hundred cuss words worth of observations. So, what is my point then? I don’t have one actually, other than the road can be a hazardous place for a biker and only you can make it safer … always stay aware. And that goes for drivers as well as riders.

If you’re a woman and you would like to chastise me for making just another generalization, feel free to call me out on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ BornToRideGeorgia

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Events, April 30- May 4, Panama City Beach, FL. 16th Annual Thunder Beach Spring Rally. www.thunderbeachproductions.com.

May 1, Roswell, GA Killer Creek H-D Uno de Mayo Bike Night with food, drinks, music, and giveaways (770) 777-1000.

May 2-4, Hiawassee, GA 24th Annual Georgia Mountain Rally at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Hosted by BMW Motorcycle Club of Georgia. Registration: $65 each includes: tent camping on grass and dinner for Friday& Saturday night, breakfast Saturday & Sunday morning.

Register by April 15th &only pay $55!

Benefits: free rally pin and entry into a prize draw valued at $400! president@bmwmcoga.org May 3–4, Roswell, GA In-Store Silent Auction. Held first Saturday and Sunday of each month during normal business hours. (770) 777-1000.

May 3, Augusta, GA Blessing of the Bikes and Open House. Held at Augusta H-D (706) 651-0444 May 3, Macon, GA Georgia Wounded Vet. Ride registration Capitol Cycle Company, Registration: 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. single-$20/double-$25. Cost includes a BBQ plate at after party. KSU 12:15p.m. (478) 391-8122 May 3, Chattanooga, TN Freedom Riders MC Make-A-Wish Poker Run & Charity Event. Thunder Creek H-D 10:30 a.m. Ends at Charlie’s Restaurant Lounge in Soddy Daisy, TN. facebook. c o m / F r e e d o m R i d e r s MCM a k e - A WishPokerRun&CharityEvent.

May 8, Lithia Springs, GA Atl. H-D Bike Night. Event starts at 6:30pm and ends at 8:30pm May 8-11, Roswell, GA Killer Creek H-D-U Basic Rider Course in partnership with the MSF in Alpharetta. This is a license waiver class. (770) 777-1000.

May 10, Athens, GA Cycle Word of Athens, RIDE 4 THE FALLEN Military Tribute & Freedom Ride, R4TF 9am, Parade ride departs 10am Honor ceremony begins 11am Freedom Ride departs 12pm May 10, Buford, GA Frazier’s H-D Open House & Spring Fling. Live music, vendors, food, beer, crafts, and a bounce house for the kids. Start your Mother’s Day celebration early. Sponsored by Stefanie Drake Burford, Motorcycle Injury Attorney and Biker Since 1999. parts@ fraziersharleydavidson.com.

May 10, Commerce, GA NE Georgia Auto/Motorcycle Swap Meet. Atlanta Dragway Vendor spaces: $20 flat rate.

Set-up 7am Gates open 8:30am $5 admission. 706-424-5035 May 10, Roswell, GA Killer Creek H-D, this Is How We Do It Technician Workshop 3:00pm. Hands-on question and answer session held on the showroom floor. Free.

Topic: Sportster Engine Guard Install.

Sales: 10% off Engine Guards. Workshop held the second Saturday of each month.

(770) 777-1000 May 10, Waynesboro, GA 2nd Annual Red Knights Poker Run. KSU 10:30am,

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Let Born To Ride market, promote, and advertise your next event; call 404-788-3907.

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(706)871-5332 May 11, Roswell, GA Demo Day at Killer Creek H-D and test ride a new 2014 H-D motorcycle. 12:304:30pm. Free. Demo Day is held the 2nd Sunday of each month weather permitting. Pre-Reg is suggested.

(770)777-1000.

May 15, Canton, GA Killer Creek H-D Bike Night at Bodock’s Bar and Grill. (770) 777-1000.

May 16, Helen, GA Route 75 Roadhouse grand opening party, 9 p.m. Located next to Chattahoochee Biker Gear in Helen.

May 16-18, Kingston, GA 3 DAYS of DIRT DRAG RACES in North West Georgia. Live Music, grudge runs, biker field events, tattoo contests, BIKINI contest and more. Tom’s Place will be there. See rally page on www.facebook.com.

May 17, Alpharetta, GA Ride to Benefit Relay for Life. Ride begins at 11675 Wills Rd Registration 9a.m. $35 per rider/$15 per passenger meal included. KSU 11a.m. and ending at Killer Creek H-D. (770) 740-7775.

May 17, Cumming, GA Sgt. D.P. Land Memorial Lodge # 82 Fraternal Order of Police, Shoot and Ride Poker Run. Proceeds to benefit a local fallen officer’s children’s education. www.dplandlodge82.org.

May 17, Dallas, GA Camp Dream Poker Run Begins at Stars and Strikes in Dallas. $20 entry fee, includes official ride t-shirt, 2 raffle tickets, 1 poker card. Passenger $15, extra card $10. Reg. 11:30 a.m., First out 12:30 p.m., last bike in 4:30 p.m. Last Stop American Legion Post 111 (770) 663-2920.

May 17, Gainesville, GA Hot Rods & Hawgs 9:30 a.m. $15 per bike, Car registration 10a.m. $20 per car. Trophies go to the top 3 bikes & top 10 cars. Event held at the Chattahoochee Center, 11a.m. until 3p.m. All proceeds go to Huntington’s Disease Society of America Georgia Chapter.(706) 499-4655.

May 17, Griffin, GA Windwalkers MC in Memory of Party. Free admission, Gates open 5p.m. No pets, or coolers allowed. www.windwalkersmc.com.

May 17, Newnan, GA 4th Annual Wisdom Ride. Supports Cambridge House Enrichment Center. Sponsored

by Crossroads F.A.I.T.H. Riders & Great South H-D. Registration 9 am, 185 East hwy 16. KSU 10:30 am $25 Rider/$10 Passenger includes lunch.

678-357-6855.

May 18, Roswell, GA The Ride for Dreams at Killer Creek H-D. 1011:30am KSU 11:45am Cruise ‘N Blues Party 12- 5pm $25 rider & $40 w/passenger 888-960-0220.

May 18, Roswell, GA Killer Creek H-D Cruise ‘N Blues Party 12-5pm Live music from Tuff Luck Band, (770) 777-1000.

May 21-26, Ellijay, GA American Veterans Traveling Tribute’s Traveling Vietnam Wall at Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds. Sponsors: American Legion Post 82 & the Ellijay Lion Club.5/21 Honor Escort Arrival, 5/22-5/26 Open to the public.

May 24, Clarkesville, GA Billy “Hillbilly” Etheridge Benefit Ride.

Roosters 10 a.m., KSU 11 a.m.

Fee=donations 706-754-9506.

May 24, Ellijay, GA WIN A NEW HARLEY! 2013 Sportster 883 Low. Sponsored by the American Legion Post 82. Drawing May 24, only 200 tickets, $100 donation. Don’t have to be present to win. All proceeds benefit bringing the Vietnam Wall to Gilmer Co. May 24, Rome, GA Rome River Charity Ride Cartersville H-D. Register at EVENTBRITE.com (678) 721-0203 May 25-27, Newnan, GA Peach State Memorial Biker Rally. Biggest and newest 3 day biker rally in the South, 7 stages of bands, biker games, vendors, food, and lots more! amy@powerspavilion.com or 770-253- 2011.

May 26, Loganville, GA American Legion Post #233 Ride For America.

Registration 8am $10 per rider/ $5 per passenger. KSU 9:30am to ride Memorial Day Ceremony in Madison.

Return to Post for food, drinks, live music, vendors and more. Benefits the Legacy Fund. www.rideforamerica.org.

May 28, Ball Ground, GA Killer Creek H-D Bike Night Uncle Pepper’s Pizza Kitchen. (770) 777-1000.

May 31, Augusta, GA Operation Sandbox Ride for the Troops.

Augusta H-D Police escorted ride.

(706) 651-0444 May 31, Cleveland, GA 4th Annual OES Motorcycle Ride 9a.m. $20 per bike, KSU 10a.m. Ride begins @ MT. Yonah Lodge. (706) 892- 4651 May 31, Euharlee, GA Born To Ride Magazine Georgia Edition presents: “Meet & Eat: Food, Fun & Fellowship” Johnny Mitchell’s Smokehouse.

Fellow motorcycle enthusiasts are invited to ride and join Born To Ride GA Edition for some food, fun and fellowship. Gift certificate will be given away, sponsored by Stefanie Drake Burford, Attorney and Bike Since 1999, RollingThunderLaw. com, check out ad in BTR, or email borntoridega@att.net - Facebook. com/borntoridega. Make restaurant suggestions on Fb for your chance to win a gift certificate!

June 1, Cumming, GA 2014 Atlanta Ride For Kids. Ride for Kids benefits the medical research and support programs at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Riders who raise $100 or more can qualify for incentives such as collectible T-shirts and more!

Ride free of charge, Donations are encouraged, register online or onsite times may vary, light meal and

beverage provided. Held at Cumming Fairgrounds 235 Castleberry Road.

(800) 253-6530.

June 7, Bogart, GA Ms. Cycle World Pin-Up Model Search and Open House Party. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cycle World of Athens. Winner to be featured on CWA billboard. Top 3 split $600 prize money. Motorcycle show, live music, hot food, cold beverages, free admission, door prizes. mike@ cycleworldathens.com.

June 7, Commerce, GA NE Georgia Swap Meet. $5 spectator entry. FREE parking. Vendor set-up is at 7 a.m., gates open to the public at 8:30 a.m., wraps up 1:30 p.m. after 50/50 raffle. $20 per vendor vehicle gets you all the space you want, pick-up to semitruck, all the same. The event will be located at 500 E. Ridgeway Road.

June 7, Cartersville, GA Iron Order of Cartersville presents the 7th Annual Children’s Shelter Ride. Reg. 9 a.m., KSU 11 a.m. Breakfast served until 10 a.m. Begins Flowery Branch Children’s Shelter, 49 Monroe Crossing. Last stop H-D of Cartersville. Raffles, 50/50, auction, and 2003 H-D 883 Sportster to be given away at end of ride. Proceeds benefit Children’s Shelter. $20 each for Sportster. Ride $10 1 up/$15 2 up 706-934-8948.

June 7, Dawsonville, GA Greybeard’s 3rd Annual 360 Charity Ride for Dawson County and Forsyth County United Way. Escorted Ride starts Lorena’s Food and Spirits, Bikini bike wash, bike show, arm wrestling, raffles, door prizes, 50/50, live auction, and scenic mountain ride.

Reg. 10 a.m., KSU 11 a.m. Rain date June 14.

June 7, Lithia Springs, GA Phoenix to the Dragon Poker Run. Located at H-D of Atlanta. (770) 944-1340.

June 12, Lithia Springs, GA H-D of Atlanta’s Bike Night. 2nd Thursday of every month at dealership (770) 944-1340.

June 13-14, Hiawassee, GA 1st Annual Appalachian Wine, Jazz, &Art Festival. Held from 12p.m.- 7p.m. $30 per day includes a souvenir wine glass, children 12 and under are free (706) 896-4191 June 14, Austell, GA 3rd Annual “Save The Cooch” Poker Run for Cervical Cancer at B3 Bar & Grill, Pre-register online from June 1-11 www.eventbrite. com/e/3rd-annual-save-the-coochpoker-run-tickets-11352540755 and at B3 on June 13th from 5-8 p. $15 bike/$10 passenger. Reg. Saturday June 14th from 12-1 p.m. $20 bike/$15 pass. Includes 1 t-shirt & poker sheet. Raffles, 50/50, bike show-trophy for people’s choice, cash prize for best poker hand, JB Walker & The Cheap Whiskey Band, much more! 678-689-3442.

June 14, Cedartown, GA 4th Annual Bike Ride for Devin. Devin is 12 yrs. old & fighting Hallermann-Streiff Syndrome. All proceeds to Devin’s family for medical expenses. Reg. 8:30 a.m. at NW Park 605 Lynton Dr.

To submit and view even more events visit www.GeorgiaBikeEvents.com

$20 per bike/$5 per passenger. KSU at 10:30 a.m. All Vehicles Welcome.

Order t-shirt $12.

(678) 977-2047.

June 14, Lithia Springs, GA. Motorclothes Fashion Show. H-D of Atlanta. Come see the ATL HOG Chapter model Motorclothes fashion and accessories (770) 944-1340.

June 14, Newnan, GA Bridging The Gap Benefit Ride. Crossroads F.A.I.T.H. Riders. Scenic one-hour ride, lunch, entertainment, prizes, etc.

Location: Gene Evans Great South H-D Registration begins at 9a.m, $25 per rider/ $10 per passenger. KSU at 10:30a.m. FREE lunch.

June 21, Carterville, GA Laurie’s Breast Cancer Benefit Motorcycle Ride. The ride will begin @ HD of Carterville. Registration beginning @ 10:30a.m. $20 per motorcycle/ $5 per passenger. KSU @11:30a.m. & ride ending at Hooters of Carterville.

June 21, Villa Rica, GA Benefit Bike Ride: Fellow rider Kathy Bennett was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in December. Kathy started Chemo in January & has been unable to work. The ride starts at the V-Plex on Carrollton/ Villa Rica Hwy. Registration beings at 9a.m. riders leave out at 10a.m. $20 per rider/$5 per passenger (770) 846-3561.

June 21, Woodbury/Senoia, GA. Biking Dead Tour. Ride through the Apocalypse and meet up with fellow survivors in Woodbury (Senoia).

Tickets for Walking Dead Gift Basket and other prizes available there. Reg. starts at 10 a.m. at Coweta Veterans Club, $15 per bike donation. Last bike in at 2 p.m. at Redneck Gourmet in Senoia. Rain or shine. All vehicles welcome. Bloody.BomberGirlsLRC@ gmail.com.

June 27-29, Buford, GA Thunder on the Parkway Motorcycle Rally and Music Festival. Located at Lake Lanier Islands Event Field in Buford, GA 7000Lake Lanier Island Pkwy, Buford GA. FMI call (678) 936-3576 or visit www.thunderontheparkway.com.

June 28, Augusta, GA Car and Bike Show. Live music, Great food, Pin up contest! Location is 4200 BelairFrontage road, Augusta, GA 30906.

(706) 651-0444.

June 28, Ball Ground, GA Annual BBQ Chicken Dinner& Motorcycle Benefit. Ball Ground Community Building, 250 Civil Drive. Registration: 9a.m-11a.m. $25 per person/$10 per passenger, lunch and t-shirt included.

BBQ chicken plates: $7. Money raised benefits Ball Ground Lodge #261 community aid. (678) 481-8358 To advertise your upcoming events in Born To Ride Magazine Georgia Edition for free please email information to BornToRideGA@att.net. Submissions must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. To view even more events, and pictures of events, visit www.GeorgiaBikeEvents. com.

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Why Born To Ride? why now?

Start an extraordinary relationship!

ADVERTISE NOW • 404-788-3907

Article by It was March 2002 when I first laid eyes on this big cruiser. I had dreamed of a bike like this for several years, but the events of the past two years had cast serious doubts on whether this dream would ever be realized.

Rewind to April 27, 2000: Leaving work one afternoon on my 1993 Suzuki VS 800 Intruder, I had planned to run some errands for the wife while on my way home. Suddenly a left-turning “cager” jumped out from a stop sign in front of me. Thinking he had found a gap in the traffic flow, he found me instead.

Clamping down hard on the binders, I still hit him at his left front headlight, and sailed over his hood about 20 feet into oncoming traffic, which fortunately came to a halt. In the hospital with two mangled, broken legs and various other smaller injuries, I wondered if I would ever walk right again, much less ever ride again. Having grown up around motorcycles, this was inconceivable to me.

What would life be like without being able to ride?

After four surgeries, several months of “physical terrorists” and innumerable visits to the orthopedic docs across a year and a half, I was not only walking again but itching to

Rob Brooks

ride again. Much to the chagrin of my wife, who once had declared, “over my dead body!”

Yet sensing the inevitable, by early 2002 she relented, saying, “Well, I have a fat insurance policy on you now, so if you get yourself killed I’ll grieve, but I’m moving to Tahiti.” Gotta love her!

I had once been asked by an old riding buddy, “If you could own any bike, what would be your dream ride?” The classic looks of the H-D Heritage Softail had always appealed to me, but I figured I could never afford one, at least not while we had children in school. I grew up riding Yamaha dirt bikes, and always liked their street bikes. Then one day, through a mutual friend, I found this Royal Star, which was owned by a Yamaha Corp. executive. It had been given to him by the company as a bonus. He had ridden it about 5,100 miles, added approximately $2,800 in extra chrome and accessories, and then parked it in his garage. All of his friends were riding Harleys, so he bought one too. Imagine that- a Yamaha “big wheel” parks the company bike, and secretly rides the competition! Ironic, to say the least.

Anyway, he knew my story from our

mutual friend, and had it delivered to my friend’s shop for me to look at and ride. I immediately fell in love with the bike. It was everything I had dreamed of in a motorcycle.

The classic lines, the comfortable ride, plus the reliability of a shaft driven and watercooled power plant. Exec guy told me, “I’ll sell it to you for what I have in it.” This amounted to a little over … well, you do the math. I called my wife, exclaiming, “I found it! My new motorcycle! Call the bank. …”

Fast forward to the present: I have accrued over 72,000 miles on her, crossed America east-west, north-south, met so many people from so many walks of life, and seen breathtaking beauty from her saddle.

This bike has been a gift and blessing to me, in ways I could never fully explain. Other bikes come and go in my life and garage, but “Big Bessie” here is still my main squeeze.

This is truly the bike that got me back where I belong- on the road, on two wheels.

Rob Brooks is a writer, a rider, and a man of faith and family. He has recently published a book, entitled “Road Dirt: The Musings & Ramblings of a Biker Preacher,” available on Amazon Books and Amazon Kindle.

rob is a 30-year ministry veteran, a freelance writer, preacher/teacher and leadership trainer.

For more pick up Rob’s book: “Road Dirt: The Musings & Ramblings of a Biker Preacher”

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Heaven’s Saints

s a member of Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministry and a child of God, I have come to a better understanding of what it means to serve Jesus Christ. At first, my idea for being a Christian was to go to church on Sundays, pay my tithes, and I would spend my here after in Heaven. Yes, I was a pew warmer.

I worked hard at my job, got a place to live, and an old van. MAN did I have it going

A

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on. I had done all the right things— nothing could go wrong. Was I ever mistaken! After a life threatening situation, God gave me a message, ‘Go back and serve Me, I have work for you to do.’ But God I do serve You. I go to church every Sunday … ‘is there more God?’ YES, there is much more!

I began by looking for more ways to serve God and not myself. I found an awesome motorcycle ministry and joined as God lead me.

Yes, God has a plan for all of us (Jeremiah 29:11). I patched on with the Heaven’s Saints M/M, and I began to grow as a Christian. I knew I was a new creation because of Christ.

I had been rescued. (Colossians 1:13-14) Paul tells us that God has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His Love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. In Christ, I had been taken from danger to safety and from death to life. Heaven’s Saints is the vehicle in which God has placed me in to rescue others in His name. This is why the Heaven’s Saints M/M

is at bike rallies, such as Daytona Beach and Destination Helen. You will see the HSMM on the highways looking to spread God’s Word and the Brotherhood of God’s people. We want to share with all people the gift God gave us.

If you see us on the road, know we are ready to share the gift of God’s Amazing Grace that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now I am found; was blind but now I see.

Stop us and say hello, look into the eyes of a Heaven’s Saints member and see the love of the Lord and the willingness to serve others.

I would like to personally invite you to check out the Heaven’s Saints M/M web page at www.heavenssaints.com. See more about this awesome ministry and where you might fit in to serve God in it, or stop in at Heavens Way biker church: 3924 Woodrest Rd. Cottondale, FL 32431. Father I ask that You bless the readers of this magazine; open their hearts to Your words and to a life as a Child of God, Amen.

Check out Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministry on Facebook or email them at hsbikers@yahoo.com