Born To Ride DMV #8

INSIDE

THE LIFE & TIMES OF MOTORCYCLES AND THE PEOPLE WHO RIDE THEM

July 2014 #8 FREE

Motorcycle News | Events | Product Reviews | Exclusive Biker Event Coverage | Test Rides | Biker Travels | Event Photography | Page 3 Babes | Events Listings | and more inside ...

Contents

July Issue 8

Ad Index

Features

Machine Gun Preacher Ride Across Maryland XVI Ride of the Patriots

7 12 15

Columns Motorcycle Mutts Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group Brothers In Christ

26 27 32

Departments 7

Page 3 Girl News Test Ride Women’s World MSF Ride Safe Ride Smart Bike of the Month Events, Rides & Destinations BTR Kids

3 4 18 21 22 24 30 32

Reports Roadhouse Review Finding The Right Tattoo Artist For You Rolling Thunder Bonding With My Son 3rd Annual Ride - John Marshall Bank

15

10 11 17 25 28

On The Cover Rolling Thunder Cover Photo: John Dwyier

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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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Apex Cycle Education

23

Bull Run Boots

29

Business Cards

29

Cruise For a Cause

14

Crystal City Restaurant

23

Freedom Bail Bonding

24

HD All American

6

HD Patriot

20

JV’s Restaurant

29

Patriots Pub & Grill

29

Potomac Vapor

13

Rider Insurance

1

Tim’s River Shore

11

Tom McGrath’s Law Group

22,BC

Visual Villan Design

6

WHY BORN TO RIDE? WHY NOW?

Start an extraordinary relationship

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Summertime and the living’s easy; that’s what the song tells us.

This Saturday’s solstice will be the longest day of 2014 and the first official day of summer, and my wish for you is that you can spend every last bit of glorious light out on the road.

In the Northeast here in the DMV we have a window of opportunity to explore the roadways on our bikes.

California, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii all take for granted year-round riding, but here we have learned to appreciate the moments that we have.

It’s officially hot, and each and every one of you with riding in his soul already knows to take advantage of the time that you’ve got.

Rolling Thunder and the Patriot Ride were just what they were supposed to be: remarkable tributes and remembrances to those that we’ve lost and to never forget those who are being held by our enemies. The true American spirit shows up in the form of thousands of motorcycles as far as the eye can see. And the integrity of the event always amazes me.

This week John Dwyier is out riding the new Indians courtesy of Eagle Rider, located inside Coleman Powersports, of Falls Church.

Personally, I love the look of the new Indians; it sounds like Polaris is doing it right and they are going to be back for good. Sales are solid and I can see why. I want to see the Dark Horse come back. If it does, I’m in.

Early warning, this September Born To Ride DMV will be hosting a bike show at Tim’s Rivershore in Dumfries along with the Miss Rivershore contest. The whole event will be something you don’t want to miss.

Finally, I just want to say the dog days of summer are finally here, but instead of worrying about the heat we should all be taking advantage of being able to ride whenever we want to without worrying about black ice or frostbite. So get out there and make the most of it.

I would advise you to stay cool, but if you are reading this, you’re already there. Ride hard. Ride safe.

Just ride..

Kalani Matthews

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BORN TO

ENJOYMENT NOW AT EAGLE RIDER IN FALLS, CHURCH VA

Yes there is going to be an Indian Dealership in Fairfax County soon.

You don’t have to wait. Rent an Indian for a day and take a real test ride NOW. Ride the GW Parkway or out to Skyline Drive. Take some back roads and enjoy a turn or two.

This is the only place where today, this summer,

you can see, touch, and ride one of the new Indian motorcycles.

Enjoy the style and watch the heads turn as you ride into town on a classic Indian motorcycle. There is no bike like it in the world. The styling is classic, the ride unmatched.

Check out then new 2014 Indian motorcycles give a call toll free at 888-445-1404 or 703-802-9860.

Find out how to adopt yours today on pg. 26!

Jungle

Molly

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RIDE NEWS

BORN TO RIDE Magazine

42020 Village Center Plaza Suite 120-203 Stone Ridge, VA 20105

PATRIOT RIDING ACADEMY

NATIONAL PUBLISHER

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

DMV PUBLISHER

Kalani Matthews 571-308-8664 kalani@borntoridedmv.com

ADMINISTRATOR Trish Matthews trish@borntoride.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com

ART DIRECTOR Chad Munro art@borntoride.com

LASS C T E E TR

ART DEPARTMENT

Chad Munro, Seth Wuertz art@borntoride.com

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DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jesse Williams

CREATIVE CONSULTANT Jim Miller

MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST

Patriot Harley-Davidson is pleased to offer the Riding Academy New Rider Course.

Our staff of experienced motorcycle enthusiasts and police motorcycle officers is passionate about helping new riders get started on the right track. Each instructor has been carefully selected and has received special training in coaching and facilitating your introduction to riding from Harley-Davidson and The Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Backed by Patriot HarleyDavidson’s professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff, your introduction to riding will be an exciting and meaningful experience. Whether you are a two-wheeled novice or a past road veteran who needs a refresher, we can help you take the ride of your life!

Our new rider course is an exciting combination of classroom and hands on learning conducted over two evenings of classroom and two days of range training. Classes are conducted with a maximum of twelve students with two instructors. You will experience a positive learning environment right in the dealership that includes special behind the scenes tours and discussions.

Topics include: Introduction to motorcycling Risk management Preparing to ride Proper riding gear and protective equipment Common riding situations Routine maintenance You will learn basic riding skills during two full days on the range. Employing proven instruction and coaching practices, you will experience basic riding techniques and develop your skills in a comfortable but challenging and safe

environment. You’ll conduct your training on a new 2015 Harley-Davidson Street motorcycle, a light, easy-to-handle cruiser style, with a rider-friendly design that will have you feeling in control.

Your skills practice will include: Motorcycle familiarization Starting & Stopping Adjusting speed & turning Cornering Limited space maneuvers Obstacles & lane changes Skills practice time

CONTRIBUTORS

Neale Bayly, Paul Garson, Craven Moorehead, Jim Miller, Spyke & Mike, Terry Longpre, Susan Hurst, Josh Kurpius, Clink, Bill McDaniel, Eric Albright Emily Andelin, Frank Skinner, Dionne Alexander, John Dwyier

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jim Miller, Jesse Williams, Neale Bayly, Michael Whtieny, Ron Hawks, Chris Miller, Walter Mills, Carlos Ramos, Bryan Lambert, Mathew Jacboson, Brent Michael, Huck, Eric Albright, Dionne Alexander, Patrick Burns, John Dwyier, Ellen MacBrayne

SALES DEPARTMENT SALES OFFICE

Riding Academy is an exciting, challenging and fun new rider’s course!

Course requirements consist of: Class attendance and participation A knowledge test covering course material A passing score on a riding skills evaluation

Office - 571-308-8664 Washington DC, Arlington, Alexandria DIRECTOR OF SALES Katherine Tayman (703) 217-7741

Upon successful completion you’ll receive a Riding Academy completion certificate, Motorcycle Safety Foundation course completion card (Which may entitle you to insurance discounts!) and a Virginia DMV certificate waving your requirement to take the written and riding skills test! In addition, you will have developed new skills, made great new friends, and become part of the Patriot Harley Davidson rider family!

To be eligible for this course you need desire, a valid driver’s license, DOT approved helmet 3/4 or better (provided if you don’t own one), and be able to ride a bicycle. If you have any other questions regarding Patriot’s Riding Academy Program, please feel free to ask!

Like us on Facebook get our monthly exclusive newsletter at www.Borntoride.com

Seth Wuertz

Prince William County, Stafford Janell Herring (703) 597-0286

Baltimore, Annapolis, Delmarva, Ocean City Rob Tayman (443) 243-3762

Fairfax, Arlington

Justin Schneiderman (703) 409-0729

Stafford

Tamara Schultz (703) 850-4150

Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield Midget (703) 593-2795

Herndon, Reston, Leesburg, Gainesville, Warrenton (571) 308-8664

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 5

“SECOND CHANCES DO COME YOUR WAY. LIKE TRAINS, THEY ARRIVE AND DEPART REGULARLY. RECOGNIZING THE ONES THAT MATTER IS THE TRICK.” ~ JILL A. DAVIS am Childers, also known as the Machine Gun Preacher, has lived the life that can only be characterized by a Hollywood movie. Actually, Hollywood did create a movie, aptly titled the Machine Gun Preacher, starring Gerard Butler, which chronicles Sam Childers’ humanitarian work in Southern Sudan and Uganda.

With a great deal of help from providence and the special people we meet along the way in this journey we call life, Sam became a missionary in Sudan. While in Sudan, he witnessed atrocities that have changed his life forever. The former drug dealer now reformed, has been described as Africa’s Rambo, the machine gun preacher who has unashamedly armed himself to rescue child soldiers kidnapped in Sudan and Uganda.

Rev. Childers’ remarkable story has now made it to the big screen in a film directed by Marc Forster and starring Scottish actor Gerard Butler, of the action movie 300. However, during his visit to the Florida during Daytona Week, the rough as they come reverend was more intent to promote the plight of malnourished and abused children than plug his picture. He is particularly disturbed about recent developments in Sudan where a staggering 2.5 million have died during civil war spanning more than 20 years.

The Sudanese president, Omar al-Bashir, is the only head of state in the world facing two international arrest warrants for war crimes. Bashir

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has been accused of air attacks on civilians and the direct killing of members of ethnic groups. Rev. Childers said that with oil sanctions against Sudan and increased bombings, he was preparing to buy Army tents to house children fleeing the conflict zone. “We believe we are going to be hit very hard in South Sudan with orphaned children.”

Already his Angels of East Africa charity runs orphanages in Sudan and Ethiopia while feeding about 700 children a day in Uganda. He says his ministry costs more than a million dollars a year to run, including the cost of dishing out about 3,500 meals a day. Rev. Childers was hoping the movie of his life would have done better at the box office in the US but said suffered because of poor marketing, despite getting rave reviews and a standing ovation at the Toronto Film Festival. However, he hopes as more people see his story it will at least make them stop to think about the plight of children.

“It’s not about children in just Africa; it’s about children around the world.”

Rev. Sam Childers is also a keen biker and owns a motorcycle business called MGP Rat Bikes in Central City Pennsylvania. Sam was touring around Florida during Bike Week selling tickets for the MGP Rat that was Gerard Butler’s bike in the movie Machine Gun Preacher. To find out more about Sam Childers and possibly help champion his cause to rescue child soldiers kidnapped in Sudan go to http://www.machinegunpreacher.org.

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“Second chances don’t always mean a happy ending.

Sometimes, it’s just another chance to end things right.”

Unknown K, so what better way to find out more about Rev. Sam Childers, than to ask him?

“Why did you choose to go on a mission in Africa when we have so many lost children in America?”

“Well, most of the time when people ask me that question, I always ask the people, ‘what are you doing here in America?’ Because, you know, I spend all my spare time, going around to high schools, going around to colleges, speaking about drugs and alcohol, plus I have a campground here in Pennsylvania that I work with kids who are drug abused, adults that are messed up on drugs, so it’s not like we don’t do a lot of work here in the U.S. We also have a food pantry, but what I can say, what got me to Africa, is because that was the Call that God put on me.

But it’s not just Africa. Now, it’s got so big that it’s children around the world. It has nothing to do with Africa, it has nothing to do with India, and it has nothing to do with Russia, it’s children around the world. If I have an opportunity to help any child, I’m going to do it.”

“Was there ever a time when you felt you were sacrificing your family’s wellbeing for your mission in Sudan and Uganda?”

“I would have to say no, I don’t think I ever sacrificed my family’s wellbeing. You know, as Americans we think we have all the obligations to give to our families, to give to our children, but the only thing that we are required to give to our children is a roof over their head, electricity, a toilet, three meals a day and keep them in school, that’s all that is required. You’ve got to realize that most people when they are concerned about pleasing their children and not pleasing God, most of the time their children will grow up and not serve God. I was concerned about pleasing God, so everything I did, I did to please God, my daughter hated me as a young teenager, but when she graduated from school, she said, ‘Dad, I want to work for you.’ Now my daughter runs my non-profit, which shows you, if you please God, your children are going to follow God.” “There was a poignant moment in the movie when you were in a room with a child after you were forced to commit some pretty bad things, many people go through dark periods in their lives, what advice can you give to them to help them step out of the darkness?”

“OK, are you talking about the time where it looked like I was going to commit suicide? That was Hollywood; I have never dropped so low as to want to commit suicide. I can tell you this much, I told a good Pastor friend of mine that I was going to boycott the movie if they didn’t take that out, but my friend said, ‘Sam, you need to leave it in there, because the world is like on a rampage of suicide, the spirit of suicide is everywhere so leaving that part in the movie, shows the world there is no reason whatsoever, no reason that you should ever take your life, there is nothing that could ever happen that’s so bad to take your life, so we left that part in the movie.”

“Was there any resistance from the US, the Sudanese or the Ugandan governments when you decided to create an orphanage for the displaced children?”

“No, I’ve never had any problem, and, you’ve got to remember that I was in South Sudan before South Sudan was even recognized as a country, so when I got there, everybody, good and bad, were known as Rebels so I was also even considered a Rebel.”

“Are there Government resources available for you to continue your work, or do you have to rely on the generosity of the citizens throughout the world?”

“You know, I don’t want any Government help. I don’t even want to say I rely on generosity of people around the world—I rely on God. I believe that God will move on people to give, and that’s fine, I have a few businesses that God is allowing to prosper, so

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I don’t want to say I rely on people, I rely on God.” “Obviously you have the bike raffle going on at the moment, but is there a bottom line figure that a person of modest means can contribute to help you with your work?”

“Absolutely!” It’s not about one person giving a lot of money, it’s about a lot of people giving a little bit of money, and then it turns out to be a lot. You know, we thank God for every $5 that people give, we thank God for every $20, every $50 every check that’s $1,000 or $5,000, it doesn’t matter how big or how small, we thank God for everything that comes in.”

“We may as well give this a bit of a plug, you’ve got the bike raffle happening at the moment, $20 per ticket, let’s just talk about that for a moment.”

Yes, we have the motorcycle that was specially built for the movie and the bike was built in the image of what I rode 30 years ago. It was used in the movie, ridden by Gerard Butler, and we have it now on a raffle where you can give a $20 donation or a $20 gift and your name goes into a draw that’s held on June 22, 2013.

Somebody will end up winning that bike that day. It will be a hand-picked ticket, if you don’t want the bike, we’ll give you $35,000, but if you want the bike, we’ll give you the bike, we don’t pay license fees, taxes, or shipping of the bike, or taxes on the money, but like I tell everyone, everyone’s a winner because their $20 donation goes towards a new orphanage that we’re building in Ethiopia.

It’s a 4-story building the first floor is a restaurant, a bakery and a hair salon. The second floor is a hotel, the third floor is all dormitory, the fourth floor is business rental, but the building is being built to be used as vocational school for the children to learn how to work in a bakery, learn how to work in a restaurant, a hotel and most of all, the ones who go to the university, we will send them to university, but if they go to university, we will open them a business on the fourth floor, and we will pay to open the business, but then

we run the books until they pay the money back. The whole project of the bike raffle is all for the building that we are building in Ethiopia now.”

“Now you said the bike raffle will be drawn on June 22, 2013, at ‘Thunder in the Valley’, is that right?”

“Yeah, it will be done at Thunder in the Valley. The bike raffle will be done at our Motorcycle Shop that I own and run, it’s called - MGP Rat Bikes, on 7368 Lincoln Highway, Central City, Pennsylvania, two miles from Flight 93.”

“Let’s say someone wants to buy a ticket, how can they buy that ticket?”

“They can either call the shop on 1-800- 757- 0535 if they would like to buy a ticket, or if they like, they can go to our website, machinegunpreacher. org and they can buy the tickets online, either one.”

“Fantastic, Sam. Thank you for your answers to the questions, do you have any final words that you want to say that the readers might find helpful in the light of your mission, in the work you are doing in Sudan and Ethiopia?”

“I think the biggest thing out there is, don’t limit God, what He can do in your life, and don’t limit what you allow Him to do in your life. I have people say to me ‘well, I don’t know if He is real or not’ – here’s a question I ask … ‘What if you go all through this life serving God, and you get at the end of this life and you find out He’s not real, what did you lose? You lost nothing. But let’s say you go through this whole life and you don’t serve Him and you get at the end and you find out He is real, cause I know He’s real, OK. And you get at the end and you didn’t serve Him what did you lose?

You lost everything.’”

Listen, you can serve God and you can have fun doing it!”

“Sam Childers, thank you very much for the interview.”

“Thank you.”

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 09

Roadhouse Review Mark you r Calendar N ow September

:

13 Tim’s Miss R ive & Born To Rrshore contest ide D Bikeshow MV’s October 18

T

im’s is THE place to spend a great day – ride in, eat, drink and have fun.

If you’re ready for great food, music, people, and nonstop fun look no further than Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant and Crabhouse.

Located on the Potomac River in Dumfries, Virginia, Tim’s features a large outdoor patio and bar, a separate Tiki bar and fire pit (don’t miss out on the Full Moon Bonfire), and two piers to dock at if you want to pull up in a boat instead. As you ride toward Tim’s, down the winding Cherry Hill Road, don’t worry about looking for a turnoff—keep on riding across the railroad tracks; when you get to the river you’ve arrived.

Tim’s extensive menu features fresh seafood: crabs sold by the dozen, half-dozen, or all you can eat; shrimp; mussels, and oysters on the half shell. You can’t go wrong with any of their fresh fish options—each time I order the rockfish, it’s cooked to perfection. Ask anyone, and they’ll tell you that Tim’s crab cake sandwich is one of the best around. Don’t miss out on the crab dip, and if you’re going to share don’t walk away or it’ll be gone before you get back. If you’re not in the mood for seafood: burgers, hotdogs, or a mouth-watering pulled pork sandwich are always an option—and don’t forget to order their hush puppies! A variety of options are also available for kids.

Indoor dining is available, but sitting outside on their large patio area is the best bet. Live bands and musicians perform on the pier during

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Cruise for Poker Run BCancer ike Ride the summer, and the social atmosphere at Tim’s is second to none.

Enjoy cold beer or the many one-of-a-kind drinks—maybe by the time summer’s over you’ll make it through their specialty drink menu!

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and Owner, Tim Bauckman is well-known in the community and welcomes all bikers and boaters. If you want to have a Tim’s experience but aren’t near Dumfries, Tim’s II at Fairview Beach, or Tim’s at Lake Anna are also great options.

Tim’s Rivershore is located at 1510 Cherry Hill Road, Dumfries, Virginia and open 7 days a week: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; FridaySaturday 11 a.m. – Midnight. (Due to recent ongoing road construction, GPS and online direction services may be inaccurate, so visit Tim’s website, www.timsrivershore.com, for accurate turn-by-turn directions.)

Tamara Schultz Tamara is a transplant from Washington state but has made her home in Virginia for the past two decades. Her latest passion is grilling and Fireball—but has learned not do to both at the same time! She’s a single mom and resides with her son and has recently moved from Stafford to Lakeridge. Tamara looks forward to providing great events and information to the biker community through Born To Ride DMV.

Finding the right Tattoo Artist for you

SPONSORED BY:

Ricks Tattoos Studio 703-527-8377 rickstattoostudio.com

Don’t Be A Dummy … Eat Before You Get Tattooed!

Now that you’ve found your shop, you’ve picked out your artist, you’ve got your design, and you’ve made your appointment; let’s get your body ready for your tattoo day! Getting tattooed is an invasive procedure your body doesn’t understand. So you need to prepare it as best as you can to keep it happy and healthy. Everyone feels different during their tattoo, if you’ve already been tattooed before then you might be able to predict what to expect. But if you have never had the pleasure of getting a tattoo let’s help you make it a healthy experience.

Make sure you get something to eat on the way to the shop, the closer to your appointment time the better. The biggest complaint that comes from the artist in my training of CPR and First Aid is: “The clients are not eating before their appointment and then they don’t feel well during the session.” It’s important to do so. The excitement of getting your tattoo can cause you to be nervous, which can take away the hunger, but it is important for you to eat! Feed your body something! Preferably something healthy, but eating something is important! This way your body is well hydrated for the marathon it is about to run. It helps to take a snack and drink with you, for when you take breaks. You want to get to the finish line

and your body needs all of the energy you can give it. Prepare by drinking lots of water the day before, it’s very important. A good balance of high protein, sugar, salt, and water are all important ingredients. Make sure that you listen to your body; everyone’s body is going to react differently during the process. TATTOOS HURT, try to relax. If you need to take a break then take one! You know your body, taking a break about every hour is a good idea to allow your body to catch up and regain some energy it lost. Do not drink alcohol, do drugs, or take pain killers. Don’t try to prevent the pain; it’s part of getting a tattoo. Try to find your focus point and hold still. Let your artist know of any Sudden Illness Warning Symptoms Signs before, during, or after your procedure. These symptoms include anxiety, nausea, dizziness, sweating, confusion, weakness, and headache which are all warning signs of sudden illness.

We don’t know why some feel these symptoms exactly, but some do so it’s important that you prepare your body and listen to it. Always remember to communicate with your artist; let them know if any of these symptoms begin, it just may mean that you need to take a break.

If you have health problems or allergies it’s important to inform your artist ahead of time so that accommodations can be made if necessary!

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 11

You hear it all the time, “Bikers are some of the most giving people.� And to be honest, we are. So when bikers lined up for the 14th annual Ride Across Maryland we had to be there. We caught up with Ride Across Maryland President, David Greenberg to get a follow-up on the ride and the event.

CK: How many riders this year?

DG: We had approximately 353 riders/participants.

CK: What were the highlights of the ride?

DG: The spirit and enthusiasm of the riders, participants and volunteers is always a highlight, as is the night we announce the awards for individual, couple and team fundraising, and of course, the total amount raised by the riders and participants.

Also, we had a great group of vendors this year ... very friendly and genuinely happy to be at the event. We also had great bands who were very energetic and entertaining.

CK: Normally the team that raises the most money leads the ride. How was that different this year and why?

DG: Usually, the team raising the most money the previous year does lead the next Ride. Michelle Bathras has been the "face" of the Ride Across Maryland. Her picture has been on our homepage, our "Save the Date" cards and posters, for approximately the past 4-5 years. She lost her 9-1/2 year battle with breast cancer on February 24, 2014. Her Team Carpe Diem, which started participating in the ride several years ago, led the ride from The Mall in Columbia to the Bay Bridge this year in her honor.

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Michelle was the inspiration for Team Carpe Diem, as carpe diem was her daily motto. She also was the vice-president and chief of operations at Bello Machre, and in recognition of her hard work and leadership, she had received the 2013 Disability Awareness Day Award as well as many others from Anne Arundel County Council, the City of Annapolis and others.

Michelle's husband, Jeff was the ride's top individual fundraiser this year.

CK: How much was raised this year?

DG: Although money is still being received, and we continue to accept donations for this year's ride up to September 1; the current total is $124,185.45.

CK: What sponsors would you like to thank?

DG: The simple answer is "ALL OF THEM!" We receive tremendous support from both big and small sponsors ... some are able to provide us with full donations, like The Mall in Columbia, or Bobby's Portable Restrooms, which donated the restrooms at both The Mall in Columbia and the Francis Scott Key Resort in Ocean City; and WJZ-TV which provides advertising for Ride Across America through Channel 13 in Baltimore. Other sponsors, like the Francis Scott Key Family Resort, Dover Rent All Tents & Events, Beefalo Bobs, and Ledger Productions gave us greatly reduced prices for the hotel rooms, for the tents/tables/chairs, for the food provided to our riders, for the sound & lighting services, respectively.

We have listed in our Ride Guide and on our website, all the sponsors that have donated services, products, money, etc. to help make the ride possible. We also thank and recognize, in our Ride Guide all the vendors, companies and individuals who donated door prizes, raffle prizes, gift cards, and auction items.

CK: If someone couldn't ride this year but still wants to donate where should they do that?

DG: Just go to our website: www.RideAcrossMaryland.org and 'click-on' the "DONATE" button, and make your donation ... or ... you can drop off or mail a check or money order, made payable to: "Ride Across Maryland" to our office: 9123 Route 108, Suite 101-E, Columbia, MD 21045. If you have questions or need further assistance, you can call the Ride office at: 410992-9999, or email us at: info@RideAcrossMaryland.org.

CK: Can people start forming teams now for now? What can we do to get ready for next year?

DG: Of course they can! People can start now to form teams and start to plan fundraising events to raise money for our 15th Anniversary Ride which, tentatively, will be held May 30 – June 1, 2015. We'll likely open registration for the 2015 Ride on Monday, October 12, 2014. We hope to have more fundraising tips and ideas for both individuals and teams on our website in the coming months.

A popular team fundraising idea is to have a "Ride Across Maryland" night or "breast cancer fundraiser" night at a popular restaurant or diner that you/ your team likes to go to. You can hand out fliers to people to identify them as supporters of the fight against breast cancer and your team, and the restaurants you contact will donate a percentage to support breast cancer. Teams have these fundraisers at several (or the same) restaurants during the year.

It is a great way to raise money for breast cancer (good for your team), and also you bring in business to your favorite restaurants (good for them), and have a good time doing it—everybody wins!

Teams like, Danny's Girls for the Cure, U.S. Navy Chiefs & Friends, and Team Carpe Diem are already starting to plan for next year's ride. They never rest ... they always start preparing early for the challenge of the next year!

Teams and individuals hold "bake sales" in front of supermarkets—or yard sales (or multiple members of a team can contribute) at their homes—if you're in a bowling league, softball league, etc., you can hold 50/50 raffles, with the money going to support your team's fight against breast cancer (sometimes, the winner even donates the 'winnings').

Caitie Kellum

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 13

Sunday, May 25, as night gave way to morning, members of Fairfax HOG were already staging parking and coordinating for the events of this day. In keeping with the rich tradition the Fairfax HOG chapter with their sponsor Patriot Harley-Davidson began their 16th Annual Ride of the Patriots.

Looking back to remember my first ride, I had no idea I was sharing the start of a great tradition of Memorial Day celebration with that ride to Rolling Thunder.

I think we might have had 2,000 bikes that first year. I can remember the city leaders were not so sure of this motorcycle mass event.

From that rocky start the Ride of the Patriots is now the city of Fairfax’s Memorial Day event.

As always, Ride of the Patriots is in support of Rolling Thunder and this 27th year will once again see riders from all over the country and the world to gather and make a statement regarding of a promise not kept, bring everyone home.

Embraced by the city leaders and the citizens of Fairfax, the Ride of the Patriots to Rolling Thunder begins with a parade down the Main Street of Fairfax, Virginia. The parade is highlighted by an honor guard from Perishing’s own, followed by the precision marching and music of the Fairfax High School Band, and the Northern Virginia Firefighter’s Emerald Society Pipe Band … ah the sound of bag pipes in the morning … and of course we have both the motor units from Fairax city and county, as well as the American Legion and others who make the parade special. The opening ceremony brings the community and bikers together to recognize the significance of this day with words shared from City leaders, State and Federal Delegates, and this ride even enjoyed a speaker from the motor company HarleyDavidson. From the beginning there have been special speakers, starting with War Correspondent Joe Galloway, who as a civilian was awarded the Bronze Star in Vietnam. This year we were given words to remember by Commander Kirk Lippold, the skipper of the USS Cole on 12 October 2000.

As the skipper after the suicide attack which claimed 17 sailors, he led his crew to save a sinking ship in what many today realize as the start of our long campaign against al-Qaeda. Commander Lippold still expressed true

emotion in his voice as he spoke proudly of his crew and their American spirit to not let this ship be a victim but a light of honor in the history of the U.S. Navy. As he spoke of his crew, I understood that Commander Lippold and his crew were like the sailors at Pearl Harbor; extraordinary Americans, who faced a totally unexpected surprise attack, maintain composure, provided leadership, and focused on their duty.

Bob DeHaven, the owner of Patriot Harley-Davidson, joined by his mother and father (who was a WWII veteran), shared words of patriotism with all gathered in the front. He held up to the crowd bumper stickers that his mother had saved since the mid-60s; one saying “POWs never have a nice day,” and another saying “POW’s – Never Forget.”

As I looked at the crowd I noticed a change. Now, at 62, I was one of the older veterans. Now like I had 15 years earlier, younger veterans from our more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan brought their kids to make this ride, to introduce them to the meaning of being a real patriot. Rolling Thunder is a ride of protest. Patriots by nature are ones who stand and protest as our Founding Fathers protested to their government in England and founded 13 united colonies. Mark Twain in a pearl of wisdom said …

“Loyalty to country ALWAYS loyalty to government when it deserves it.”

Rolling Thunder and the Ride of the Patriots is a ride which honors our responsibility as citizens to hold our government accountable. Who has the best speaking voice, that of veterans who took an oath to “… support and defend the Constitution of the United Sates …” Those of us here owe our comrades this unwavering support. As Patriots, we ride with our bikes to keep the world aware of that basic promise not kept. The promise to bring us all home and accounted for.

As the speeches ended and the cheering died away the silence was pierced by the 24 notes of TAPS played by a single bugle. As the last note faded even the birds were quite.

The silence hung heavy for a minute or two when the air erupted into the deep rolling thunder as over 4,500 motorcycles came to life. This rolling thunder of power was felt in our bones and provided that unique sensation

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 15

for all riders and veterans; not of the explosive power unleashed on the modern battlefield.

Spectators from the community lined Fairfax Boulevard, they lined the side streets to Route 66, and they lined up along 66 spilling out from every ramp where traffic was stopped to let this procession ride through. Riders saw the cheering and flag waving at every overpass from Fairfax to the Pentagon. This new silent majority of Americans were there to recognize the riders, the

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purpose, and honor this Memorial Day weekend.

As the bikes rolled out for the ride we were treated, and honored, to ride under the arch of ladders from the Fairfax Fire Department with a U.S. Flag that would have done Francis Scott Key proud. Our Ride of the Patriots stretched out for miles. Two abreast, we rolled down the highway and into the Pentagon North Parking lot. As we arrived, we were greeted by a sea of bikes were parked and waiting to begin Rolling Thunder. As

our bikes went silent and our kickstands down, I looked out over the mass of motorcycles and flags; off in the distance was the Pentagon, itself a symbol of recovery from 9/11. I remembered the words of Eric Burdon; … ”angels sing, leather wings, jeans of blue, Harley-Davidsons too …”

In war, there are no unwounded soldiers. This was our day to honor our heroes.

John Dwyier

Rolling Thunder

Rolling Thunder—and now Sgt. Bergdahl I sort of figured it was my time in the barrel and enlisted before I got my draft letter. My dad had been in the Navy for WWII and Korea, his brother was at Tarawa, and their youngest brother visited Korea in 1950.

In basic my drill instructors promised that no matter what happened “no one would be left behind.” Even if the worst happened, we would all be brought home to our families. I believed that promise then, and I believe it is a verbal contract, along with me and a few million other men and women who were given the same promise. Rolling Thunder is all about calling to account the U.S. government on that basic promise given between the government and every single member of the armed forces.

Well now we have a commander in chief who decided he wants to uphold that promise and has used his authority as commander in chief to trade five terrorists for a single U.S. soldier who became a prisoner of war in 2009. To celebrate this great event there was a victory lap in the Rose Garden with this young man’s parents and the press to tell the world that the United States had brought home now promoted Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. That first weekend in June, National Security Adviser Susan Rice said on Sunday morning talk shows that “Sgt. Bergdahl had served with honor and distinction,” suggesting Bergdahl had been taken in a combat situation, “he was captured … on the battlefield.” We have a former secretary of state who it appears would like to be the next commander in chief telling Diane Sawyer, “We bring our people home.” I wonder what she would say today if she could speak to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens or Sean Smith.

In talking with Brian Williams about the exchange of five senior Taliban figures for Sgt.

Bowe Bergdahl the current commander in chief said, “This is something that I would do again, and I will continue to do wherever I have an opportunity, if I have a member of our military who’s in captivity. We’re gonna try to get ‘em out.”

To underline his conviction, the commander in chief went on to say, “When somebody wears our country’s uniform and they’re in a war theater and they’re captured, we’re gonna do everything we can to bring ‘em home.”

That’s just what we have been asking for years.

It is why Rolling Thunder each Memorial Day weekend for 27 years has rolled through downtown Washington, DC—riding past the White House and in front of the Capitol. To bring public awareness to missing members of the U.S. military from wars stretching back over 50 years.

Below is the Mission Statement of Rolling Thunder: The major function of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is to publicize the POW-MIA issue: To educate the public that many American Prisoners of War were left behind after all previous wars and to help correct the past and to protect the future Veterans from being left behind should they become Prisoners Of War-Missing In Action. We are committed to helping American Veterans from all wars. Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a non-profit organization and everyone donates his or her time because they believe in the POW/MIA Issue that we are working on.

So if I have this correct we now have a policy to bring everyone home. The commander in chief traded five men who have conspired to destroy this country for a POW whose platoon leader on the night he walked away from his country … said he is a deserter.

Sgt. Evan Buetow, the team leader doesn’t mince words: “Bergdahl is a deserter, and he’s not

a hero.” What Sgt. Buetow is saying about Private Bergdahl is that he abandoned his post, walked away from his duty, and put other members of the military in harm’s way.

There is no debate that Private Bergdahl left his post while on guard duty. He left without his weapon; taking only a knife, compass, water, digital camera, and his diary. How he became a P.O.W is very much a mystery.

Seventy years ago, Private Eddie Slovik felt he too could beat the system, do jail time, and that was better than being in a rifle company. So he walked away and turned himself in. Several times he was given the chance to go back to his duty, but he still thought jail time beat combat time.

On December 23, 1944, General Eisenhower confirmed the court martial findings that Private Eddie Slovik be shot for desertion—to discourage further desertions. Private Slovik was shocked! He was executed by firing squad at 10:04 a.m. on January 31, 1945.

I wonder if Bowe Bergdahl reflected on how he and Private Slovik might just share the same ending. The sticky point is that we are not in a state of war in Afghanistan … so under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl gets five years for being AWOL? So what of the six soldiers who may have given their lives looking to find this MIA private?

We have a president who has gone on record he will trade U.S. military personnel for terrorist held. We have a secretary of defense who made the decision for the commander in chief to trade and told any future deserter that it would be okay to go over the hill if that member of the military got disenchanted with the cause or the going gets tough.

It’s above my pay grade to call this one.

John Dwyier

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HARLEY-DAVIDSON REVEALS ALL NEW PLATFORM TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF GLOBAL RIDERS Bikes with urban styling made for tough commutes and street agility? It’s as if it they were designed for the DC metro area. The Street 750 and Street 500 Feature New Liquid-Cooled Revolution X Engines and Dark Custom Design.

Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) is continuing its monumental ride, which began with the introduction of Project RUSHMORE Touring Models in August, by revealing two new Dark Custom™ motorcycles designed for young urban riders around the world.

The Harley-Davidson Street™ 750 and Street™ 500 motorcycles – the first allnew platform from Harley-Davidson in 13 years – are built for urban environments with innovative all-new liquid-cooled Revolution X™ powertrains and combine nimble agility and with the sound and look that lets everyone know they are genuine H-D.

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“These are the newest motorcycles to join our Dark Custom lineup, which helped make us the number-one selling brand to young adults in the U.S. for the past five years,” said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer, Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Both the Street 750 and Street 500 were designed with thousands of hours of input from young adults in cities around the world. This input guided both the attitude and capabilities of these motorcycles.

They are proof that being customer-led continues to be a core driver of our product development process.”

URBAN, AUTHENTIC HARLEY-DAVIDSON The Street 750 and Street 500 from Harley-Davidson are built for an urban environment; these bikes will make your commutes the highlight of your day. Each motorcycle features the new Revolution X engine, designed to match the demands of stop-andgo traffic with ease, while delivering instant throttle response to escape

city gridlock. A narrow and lean chassis, superlow seat height, new suspension, and broad handlebar sweep provide confidence and maneuverability when managing tight turns and fast moves. Both motorcycles feature a premium, minimalist style that serves as a blank canvas for riders to customize. As with all H-D models, the Street 750 and 500 will have Genuine Harley-Davidson Parts and accessories rolling out to fit your customization needs.

“These new bikes are

Did You Know: Legend has is the first carburetor made for H-D’s first engine was from a tomato can!

Street 750

leaner, yet still have a mean streak – they’re the real deal, made of real steel.” said Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, HarleyDavidson Motor Company.

“They’re designed to handle the abuses of urban

environments and provide authentic opportunities to customize.”

The Harley-Davidson Street™ 750 and Street™ 500 will be rolling into dealerships in select markets soon.

But Patriot H-D is one of the first dealerships in the nation to get in a fleet of Street 500s for its award-winning Riding Academy. Students in Patriot’s classes can boast that they learned to ride on real H-D bikes with the help of specially engineered protection and safety kit modifications supplied by the Motor Company to keep both rider and passenger safe. Whether you are a two-wheeled novice or a past road veteran who needs a refresher, starting on a real Harley-Davison is how to “accelerate” the learning process!

• 749 CC LIQUID COOLED REVOLUTION X™ ENGINE • 6-SPEED TRANSMISSION • BELT DRIVE • 2 INTO 1 EXHAUST • MID MOUNT CONTROLS • EASY LOCK TO LOCK SWEEP • SINGLE CALIPER DISC BRAKES • SPECIALLY TUNED SUSPENSION • 2 UP SEAT WITH PASSENGER PEGS • METAL TANK AND FENDERS • LED TAIL LIGHTS AND BULLET SIGNALS • LOCKING GAS CAP, FORKS, AND IGNITION • V TWIN 60AS CAP, FORKS, AND IG • WHEEL SIZE: 17P, FORKS, AND IGNIT • WHEELBASE: 59.5, F • WEIGHT: 480 LBS (WET) • STREET 750 & 500 • STARTING AT $6,700 - $7,500 U.S. MSRP

For more information on the Street 750 contact Patriot Harley-Davidson (703) 352-5400 and tell them BTR sent you!

WWW.PATRIOTHD.COM

Get your 2014 Harley-Davidson Street 750 at Patriot Harley-Davidson (703) 352-5400 or www.patriothd.com

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 19

Women’s World

“Riding daily lets me clear my mind and ease life’s stresses for a while.”

I am a 44-year-old chick with a bike who has been married 28 years with three boys ages 27, 25, and 23. I have worked for the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC the better part of the last 23 years as an information technology specialist. I enjoy family, drag racing, motorcycle riding, sports, fishing and fitness. Let’s face it- I’m an adrenaline junkie!

I spent the better part of my teens and early 20s riding on the back of my husband’s Kawasaki GPZ 550. We gave up his motorcycle once our children started developing their own interests and focused on raising our family.

In the spring of 2013, my middle son, Josh, asked if I was interested in taking the motorcycle safety course with him. Once I experienced riding a bike, I knew I had to have one. I bought a motorcycle (Kawasaki Ninja 250R) before I completed the class and rode it home from the dealership the same day as receiving my license.

That was the longest, scariest 15 miles of my life! My son and I have been riding together ever since. We have mother/son riding dates and choose different destinations often.

On one of my first riding adventures with my husband and his friend while riding through the back roads of Saint Mary’s County, Maryland, I had my first accident; or what I like to refer to as an “incident.” While coming to a stop sign, I somehow sideswiped my husband on his bike.

We both went down. Neither of us was seriously injured. I had a pretty bad gash on my left leg from his foot peg and knew I needed a few stitches. We picked the bikes up, made sure they were ridable, and he and his friend followed me to the hospital where I was stitched up and released.

Looking back on my incident I could apply some of the tactics I learned in the motorcycle safety class. The point is dropping your bike will probably happen; pick it back up and ride again! You won’t regret it!

Riding reminds me that I can do anything. It makes me feel strong, independent, confident and free. If I’ve had a bad day or a bad week, once I start riding, that all goes away. Your mind is free from everything. Free from everything but the roads, the trees, and the different smells. You get to experience everything that you can’t when driving a car. You feel the sun beat down on you; you

feel t h e chilly air when riding downhill into the trees; you hear birds chirp; and you can even smell the cool water in a creek. Your senses are intrigued by something different on every ride. If I would have realized what a stress reliever riding can be, I would have started long ago!

Recently, my oldest son passed away. After getting through the first couple of weeks and letting the dust settle, the only therapy that made me feel better was riding. I remember telling my husband, “Dust the bike off and get her ready; I need to ride.” It really is therapeutic. When you are riding, you are by yourself, even when riding with others. You can ride away from all the stuff that gets on your nerves and clouds your mind.

You can ride into the great wide open to clear your mind if only for a few minutes.

After commuting into Washington, DC five days a week through rush hour traffic, it’s a blessing to get home and pull the bike out of the garage. Any chance I get with clear and decent weather, I ride. I ride to my fitness classes. I ride to my games. Heck, sometimes I ride to the grocery store if I don’t have many items to carry home. The results of riding daily lets me clear my mind and ease life’s stresses for a while. It helps me be more satisfied with my life.

I ride because I like to be rebellious and do things that society says women can’t or shouldn’t do. I find myself choosing to experience different things like drag racing cars, four-wheeling and now riding motorcycles. One day, with more experience, I’d like to give drag racing bikes a try.

I have about nine local family members who ride also. The women riders in my family (cousins: Kelly Weese 32; Becky Thompson 43; Sherri Ashley 45) all have their own husbands and/or children (most who also ride), and they also find it empowering and free to ride. We all choose different types of bikes to ride, but I think we have a common reason-to enjoy the freedom the ride gives us. We often plan girl rides with one another as well as with all the husbands and

kids. On any given summer weekend, we may ride to a local seafood restaurant on the water and then ride to a local ice cream shop for dessert. You won’t catch any of us without a smile on our faces while riding. So the next time you see a motorcycle group out on the roads, it just may be a bunch of family members having a good time riding! Our motto is a family who rides together, stays together.

Many people stereotype what women motorcycle riders should look like. I’d beg to differ.

Kelly, 32, is a single mother of two who works for the Naval Research Laboratory as a human resources specialist; recently finished her last chemotherapy treatment for lymphoma cancer.

On any given day, she can ride her Harley Softail Springer and enjoys fishing with her boys. Becky, 43, is a division chief of development for the Department of Army and a wife and mother of two grown boys, all who also ride. Becky has been known to ride her Harley Street Bob to work in dress slacks with dress boots right into downtown Washington, DC. Sherri is a single woman and mother of a daughter in college who has dedicated her life to her career as a publications manager at Smartronix and focused most of her years on raising her world champion baton-twirling daughter. She now takes the time to ride and enjoy herself with her new shiny black Honda CBR500R. Some of us have tattoos. Some of us don’t.

Some you can see and some you won’t. But I bet if you saw any one of us out to dinner at a steakhouse, you wouldn’t peg us for biker chicks.

We are actually just chicks with bikes. We are hardworking, strong, independent, confident, women with a little spunk who have found the excitement and enjoyment of riding.

The women who ride in my family are some pretty strong, confident, and amazing women.

The point is all women who ride probably have some pretty amazing qualities about them. It takes a special kind of woman to ride. If you find yourself with a woman in your life who loves to ride, consider yourself lucky.

Gayle Regalia

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 21

GATHERING GOOD VISUAL INFORMTION

You should be especially aware at intersections, where other vehicles can cross your path of travel. There are many things to scan for, including traffic devices, road surfaces, and the traffic and pedestrians around you. RIDE SAFE RIDE SMART MORE INFO GO TO MSF-USA.ORG.

Dedicated to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists. We ride so we understand.

If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, call the Motorcycle Law Group.

1-888-980-5686 BTR 22 | BORNTORIDE.COM

www.MotorcycleLawGrp.com

Call Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group when you need them! 1-888-980-5686

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N O S Y M H T I W G BONDIN

When I think back to my youth, one of my fondest memories was my dirt bike. I purchased it from a neighborhood kid for $10 and a chuckle because "it would never run again." Here starts my journey of learning about engines, bloody knuckles from turning wrenches, and neighbor relations (it had no muffler). I rode that thing for four years and later sold it for a considerable profit.

Fast forward a solid 25 years, and the excitement returns as my son Jacob says to me out of the blue, "Daddy, one day I'd really like a dirt bike." Now, this statement was two fold for me and let me pause to explain why: I was really excited to be able to spoil my only child; after the sudden and recent passing of his grandfather, what else could possibly be a better distraction! Then I got really excited ... looks like I will have to buy one as well, I mean after all ... he can’t ride alone right?

So the plan was hatched and Easter Sunday was the day. Sorry Santa, you got demoted this year. On to Craig's List I went and after only a few minutess the perfect bike was found. A Yamaha YZ 80, just the right amount of features and enough room to grow into. Purchased from a family of dirt biker riders, it was clean and started on the first kick. Helmet, pants and shirt were also part of the deal. Score!

The day before the big reveal, I told Jacob that I had a friend with a dirt bike and ask would he like to go for a ride? His eyes lit up with excitement and we hopped into the truck. He asked me why we were bringing the trailer. I told him it would be pretty fun if we had a dirt bike of our own so we could go riding on our weekends together. "Sweet!" He replied and off we went for a ride. As the day drew to a close, and our purchase was being loaded onto the trailer, we all noticed Jacob’s demeanor changing. I asked him why the sad face, and he replied "I don't know, I kind of wish I had my own." The perfect setup had been created.

It was 8 AM Sunday morning; the excitement could not be contained, on my part especially. I spent the evening writing clues to a scavenger hunt that would take him around the house and thru the yard. Each egg with a riddle to the next location and at the end ... the culmination of every mother’s nightmare in the garden shed out back. The moment arrived, the

final clue and off he went running. Upon opening the door the shouts of excitement rang out for all the neighbors to hear, and that moment was what it was all about. Now, can he ride?

The kick start was certainly the issue and will be for some time. But that was it. I couldn't believe how fast he picked it up. Covered head to toe in the appropriate safety gear he proceeded to tear around the yard for two hours straight. And then he asked me if I wanted to race? Well of course I wanted to race! But it was obvious that he needed more room, so I called our family friend whom we purchased my bike from and loaded up for their house. They have several acres and access to a great wooded area and open field.

After a short ride thru some pretty varied terrain and two minor falls, we reached a wide open field. I rode next to him and showed him how to shift gears. “Listen to the sound of the engine, just like the car.” He nailed it. All three gears were now at his disposal and the look of determination to master them was apparent from the huge smile on his face. We rode for hours. The shear focus he displayed while he zipped through the mud and around the trees was a level of intensity I had never witnessed from him before. We had a great first day out together, which is now a hobby we engage in almost every weekend. We find new places to explore; stop to have a drink and snack, and then head on down the trail for more adventure. All while he is learning balance, coordination, and the responsibility of owning a bike.

Any parent knows that their kid’s interests usually involve hauling them around to various sporting practices with a lawn chair under the arm. While it is rewarding to see them play and excel at these things, we are often not able to truly be involved. Other then tossing a ball around the backyard, or coaching the team, we are limited in the experience. I have found an activity that we can participate in equally, share the thrills, excitement, and grow our skills together. I never imagined more than 25 years later that I would be reliving my youth and bonding with my son all over a dirt bike.

Paul Brubacher

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 25

Adopt Yours

today!

MOTORCYCLE MUTTS AND PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER WANT YOU TO ADOPT YOURS TODAY Dogs and cats are given their basic shots, de-wormed and a microchip.

They are given a safety evaluation and exposure to humans and other animals.

Name: Noel Sex: Female Breed: Chihuahua Age: 8 yrs.

Weight: 7 lbs My name is Noel and I am looking for someone very special to adopt me. You see I was found in a crate last November at the landfill in Manassas. The workers found me and took me to Animal Control and I was given immediate vet attention. I was in intensive care for several days to get my diabetes under control. Then I was spayed. Then they found out that I have Cushing’s disease and need to be given insulin shots and medications daily. My meds only cost about $100150 a month. I know these sounds like a lot to handle, but I have been through a lot too, and I have overcome some fears in the process. I used to not like being touched, but now you can’t get me off your lap. I get along great with other two and four-leggers and just want to be loved. Call ahead of time to see me as I am being fostered for my daily meds. Can’t wait to see you!

Name: Bella Sex: Female Breed: Bull Dog Mix Age: 3 yrs.

Weight: 66 lbs

Name: Tutu Sex: Female Breed: DSH Calico Age: 1 yrs.

Weight: 6 lbs

Hi, I’m Bella. I’m not quite sure why I am here. All I know is that my former owners said something about moving and that they might be allergic to me. This kind of made me depressed.

I wonder if I did something wrong. Please forgive me if I seem a little timid or shy when you meet me. I would give anything to be happy, loved, and have a quiet home. If you could just be patient with me and give me time to come out of my shell, you will see how much love I have to give. We could exercise together and then you could pet me the other 23 hours. All I need is for you to give me a chance.

My name is Tutu, and I am a very playful cat.

I am full of energy and have loads of personality.

Everything was going great with my previous owners, but then their kids developed allergies to me. I understand why they had to drop me off at the shelter. I loved those kids and didn’t want to have them suffer because of me. They brought me in with my litter of kittens this past April. All my babies have been adopted and now it’s just me here. I may not have the kitten look anymore, but I am still extremely adorable and in great health. I promise that if you adopt me, you won’t regret it.

Prince William County Animal Shelter - 14807 Bristow Road, Manassas, VA 20112 • 703-792-6465 Hours: Tue – Fri 11am-5pm // Sat 10am-4pm // Sun Noon-4pm

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WHY MOTORCYCLISTS CAN’T AFFORD TO JUST SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE RIDE There are many different things that draw people to motorcycling. For some it is the sense of freedom. For others it is a source of relaxation. It can also be a source of exhilaration. If you are like me, it is to some degree all of the above. That being said, it is the ride that we crave regardless of what each of us gets from it. This time of year the roads are packed with motorcyclists who are sitting back (or forward) and just enjoying the ride. That begs the question; can we as avid motorcyclists afford to do that?

I had the privilege this month of riding to Frisco, Colorado to attend the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Best of the West Conference. For those who have been to Colorado you know that it is some of the prettiest riding country you will ever encounter.

Yet on a gorgeous Saturday in June, I found myself not on my bike riding the Rockies, but in a room with motorcyclists from around the country discussing issues riders are facing all around the United States. The following is a list of some of the issues that were being addressed by the participants: • Working to prevent motorcyclists from being excluded from public parking lots, roads, and parking garages • Working to eliminate roadside checkpoints aimed only at motorcyclists • Working to address the ever growing problem of distracted driving • Working to prohibit the use of higher ethanol blends at the pump until the effects on motorcycle engines can be further studied • Working for legislation allowing motorcyclists to safely and reasonably proceed when they are stuck at a traffic light that will not recognize them • Working to prevent legislatio n which arbitrarily sets age restrictions for passengers on motorcycles • Working with state and local governments to promote sensible motorcycle awareness campaigns

All of these are real issues being faced by real riders. As I took in everything being discussed I thought to myself, what would riding be like if there were no one addressing these issues on behalf of motorcyclists? The answer was chilling. It is easy to sit back, enjoy the ride, and count on everything being all right. But can we afford to do that? If we all did, we may soon find no ride left to sit back and enjoy. So what can you do to protect yourself and the activity that we all love and cherish?

Take some simple steps to become involved in protecting the rights of fellow motorcyclists.

I am not suggesting that everyone start riding all over the country attending seminars (although it is a great excuse to ride all over the country). You can get involved locally.

Start paying attention to the positions that your local, state, and federal legislators take regarding issues affecting motorcyclists. Share your thoughts in letters and emails. Write letters to the editor of your local paper. Go to City Council or County Board meetings. Join a motorcycle rights organization and attend their lobby day, where motorcyclists go the State Capitol to discuss issues important to us with elected officials. I would also encourage you to join the MRF. This is an organization dedicated solely to protecting the rights of American motorcyclists. You can learn more and join at www.mrf.org.

There are numerous ways to protect your rights as a motorcyclist. The ways are limitless, bound only by your passion and imagination. There is, however, a wrong way and that is to count on someone else to do it. That someone else may be sitting back, enjoying the ride, and counting on you.

If you have any questions or comments concerning this article or any other matters concerning your rights as a motorcyclist, please feel free to contact me at 1- 800-321-8968 or at matt@motorcyclelawgroup.com.

Matt Danielson–McGrath & Danielson–Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8968 Motorcyclelawgroup.com.

www.MotorcycleLawGrp.com 1-888-980-5686

Call Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group when you need them!

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 27

3

rd

Annual RIDE

The 3rd Annual John Marshall Bank Ride to benefit the men and womThe 3rd Annual John Marshall Bank Ride to benefit the men and women wounded in the defense of our country and way of life was held on Saturday, June 14, in Leesburg, VA. The bank sponsors the event as a community service, so all the proceeds go to the Fisher House. John Marshall Bank is grateful for their service and thanks all our men and women in uniform and first responders.

This year the ride enjoyed 55 plus riders. On a perfect day for

riding the group gathered in Leesburg, and with the help of the local police made their way out and on to some of the most beautiful weaving and winding back roads in northern Virginia. Truly, the riders enjoyed two-lane heaven.

It was a great ride and the John Marshall Bank invites everyone to join them next year for the 4th annual ride.

John Dwyier

Photo by Ellen MacBrayne

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Events Monday, July 7 Angels for the Cure 2nd Annual Poker Run 9am 757-630-6477 Friday, July 11 Annandale, VA Gettysburg Bike Week Run (7/11 -7/13) American Legion Riders Post 1976 703-941-9608 Saturday, July 12 Culpeper, VA Charity Poker Run 8:30am Home Instead Senior Care 540-825-7180 Tuesday, July 15 Fairfax, VA Motorcycle 101 Bootcamp: No Experience Required Patriot HD 5pm to 7pm 703-352-5400 or harley@patriothd.com Saturday, July 19 Fairfax, VA Patriot University Seminar 1pm Patriot HD 703-352-5400 or harley@patriothd.com Winchester, VA Bikini Bike Wash 11am Winchester H-D 540-662-4468

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Yorktown, VA Christmas in July Open House Hampton Roads H-D 757-872-7223 Thursday, July 24 Thundering Beauties Biker/Women’s Rally (7/24 - 7/27) info@thunderingbeauties.com Saturday, July 26 Farmville, VA Randolph Dist Volunteer Fire

Get your E

s, Rides & Destinations Dept. Poker Run 9am Randolph Dist Volunteer Fire Dept 434-607-1637 Saturday, August 2 Alton, VA WERA Sportsman Series - VIR (8/2 - 8/3) Virginia International Raceway 770-720-5010 Saturday, August 9 Fairfax, VA Blast from the Past Antique Bike Show and Open House Patriot HD 9am to 5pm 703-352-5400 or harley@patriothd.com Friday, August 15 Leesburg, VA America’s 9/11 Ride 13th Annual (8/15 - 8/18) Starting points all over east coast 877-771-0118 Friday, August 22 Manassas, VA Davey’s Battle Brothers Ride Pre-Registration Party (8/22 - 8/23) Hard Times Cafe Manassas 703-365-8400

Saturday, August 30 Virginia Beach, VA Bike Show and Bikini Pageant 9am Southside H-D 757-499-8964

Monday, July 14 Jessup, MD Track Day Summit Point Bob’s BMW 301-497-8949

Leonardtown, MD Southern Maryland Bike Fest 2nd Annual 12pm St Mary’s County Fairgrounds 301-904-9040

Saturday, September 13 Dumfries, VA Miss Rivershore Bikini Contest Tim’s Rivershore 703-441-1375

Saturday, July 26 Darlington, MD Biker-Que BBQ BASH, 9am Chesapeake H-D 410-457-4541

MARYLAND

Saturday, August 2 Federalsburg, MD Freedom Ride 4th Annual Starts VFW in Federalsburg ends Harrison Chesapeake House 7:30am Breakfast 9:30 KSU 443-786-6866

Saturday, August 23 Centreville, MD ABATE Mid Shore Labor Day Party Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park 410-714-0831

Sunday, June 1 Chester, MD LLS Ride for Charity 10am Club One Fitness 443-292-2199 Ocean City, MD Dick Gelfman’s Ride Across Maryland (6/1 - 6/2) rideacrossmaryland.org Saturday, July 5 Hagerstown, MD AMA Pro Flat Track Racing Hagerstown Speedway 386-492-1014

Saturday, August 23 New Kent, VA AMA Pro Flat Track Racing Colonial Downs 386-492-1014

Hughesville, MD Independence Day Open House All-American HD 301-274-5000

Saturday, August 23 Newport News, VA Sandy’s Cruisers 3rd Annual Poker Run to Fight ALS Quaker Steak & Lube cpnrn00@gmail.com

Saturday, July 7 Hampstead, MD Coon Club Bike Day 10am Coon Club rh521@aol.com

King George, VA Ride for the Pirate VI- Northern Ride Leaves Dumfries at 10am 703-586-5926

Saturday, July 12 Baltimore, MD Dangerouz Divaz MC 9pm Patoapsco Arena 443-228-6086

Yorktown, VA Ride for the Pirate VI - Southern Ride 9am Hampton Roads HD 757-286-3377

Mechanicsville, MD Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship Budds Creek National 386-492-1014

Frederick, MD Believe in Izaiah Charity Motorcycle Ride 10:30am Frederick HD 240-520-8571 Laurel, MD ARMC 5th Annual Bike Wash for Wounded Warrior Project American Legion Post 60 301-252-2582 Wednesday, August 6 Little Orleans, MD Apples 11th Annual East Coast Motorcycle Rally (8/6 - 8/10) Apple Mt. Camping & Festival Grounds 301-478-3421 Sunday, August 10 White Marsh, MD Ride for Animals 6th Annual House of Rock 10:30am 443-579-4575 Saturday, August 16 Darlington, MD 1st Annual Rally for Hope 10:30am Chesapeake HD 410-398-4000

Dundalk, MD Charm City Mods vs Rockers 12pm American Legion Post 38 410-490-1206 Frederick, MD Tri-County Poker Run 10am Cactus Flats 443-822-2558 Friday, August 29 Centreville, MD ABATE Mid Shore Labor Day Party (8/29 - 8/31) Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park 410-714-0831 Saturday, August 30 Hughesville, MD Labor Day Open House All-American HD 301-274-5000 Thursday, September 11 Salisbury, MD Delmarva Bike Week (9/11 - 9/14) Delmarvabikeweek.com Ocean City, MD OC BikeFest Motorcycle Rally (9/11 - 9/14) www.ocbikefest.

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Brothers In Christ It will be held at the Shenandoah Springs in Madison, VA. Please contact Dwayne Waters for more information.

September 27 - Mom’s Ride Please contact Robert Hall for more information on this ride.

We want to thank all our biker friends and family who joined us in participating in the 6th annual Jill’s House Ride. What a great ride, captured by wonderful people gathering for an amazing cause.

Upcoming Rides for BNC - All bikes are welcome!

July 12 - Heaven or Hell Ride @ Waugh Harley-Davidson Orange, VA All proceeds to benefit the Brothers In Christ MM Community Outreach program. ($25 per rider / $10 per passenger KSU @ 11 AM)

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July 26 - Danny’s Poker Run Ride @ City Grille Manassas, VA All proceeds to benefit Keith Crisp a young boy with Muscular Dystrophy that is confined to a wheel chair. Our goal is to make his home more handicap accessible. This ride ends at a BBQ hosted by Tim & Joanne (Heavenly Hogs).A donation of $10 per person is suggested for the BBQ. ($15 per bike / $5 per passenger KSU @ 11 am) August 9 – 10 - Brothers In Christ MM - Old Fashion Baptismal Service & Camping Retreat This event is welcome to everyone! Family, friends, children, all bike riders!

Please feel free to contact Robert Hall 703-675-3374 or Dwayne Waters - 434-987-9362 or Gary Zedekar - 434-760-2267 for more information on Brothers In Christ MM. You may also join us at the Brothers In Christ Motorcycle Ministry Church every Sunday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Our location is at 7223 Nathan Court Manassas, VA. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Romans 15:5, 6 John 3:8

Check out Brothers In Christ Motorcycle Ministry on Facebook - Virginia Brothers In Christ