Born To Ride Florida Issue #138 - November 2015

Contents

November Issue 138

Ad Index

Features Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run Test Ride-Yamaha YXZ 1000R Isle of Man, We Had a Great Ride Guzzi of Man-Santiago Chopper Greatest Show on 2 Wheels Mountain Marketing w/ Michelle Evans Krista Grotte-Check Point Movie

19 28 31 37 42 59 63

Columns

53

Women’s World Craven Moorehead Spyke & Mike Christian Motorcycle Association

56 69 79 80

Departments Ride Safe, Ride Smart

Hottest Bike Nights Featured-Born To Ride 20th Anniversary Born To Ride.com Events Born To Ride Kids

7

9 9 74 80

Reports

65

Finz Finds-BTR 20th Anniversary Party 15 Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches 16 Happy Birthday Rick Rossiter & Big 25th 53 Charlie Kelly-Rest in Peace Cowboy 65 We Love You Susan & Johnny Martin 77 Heavens has a New Angel-Jessica Vickery 78

On The Cover BTR 20th Anniversay Party at Brandon Harley-Davidson, Nov 22, 2015

RIDING OUT? TAKE US WITH YOU!

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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AAA 6 Affordable Motorsports 58 Al Estes Bail Bonds 68 Allstate - Jeff Ard 72 All Steel Buildings 14 Applebee’s 66 Attorney Fran Haasch BC 7th Annual Food Drive 3 Barney’s of Brandon 26, 27 Biff Burger 57 BTR’s 20th Anniversary Party 10-13 BTR TV 74 Charlotte’s Webb 66 CJ Seats 77 Cookson Hills Toy Run 50 Copperhead Lodge 61 Corn Fest 70 Cycle-Rama 68 Dream Street Customs 65 Fun Bike Center 44 Gibtown Bike Fest 30 H-D Crystal IBC H-D Florida 17 H-D Lakeland 23 H-D Manatee 52 H-D Ocala 43 H-D Rossiter’s 52 H-D Space Coast IFC, 1 Heart Strings for Heroes 49 High Octane Saloon 24 JT’s Roadhouse 70 L.A.M.A Tampa Heros Benefit 4 Love Jugs 58 Media Design Shop 62, 76 Michelle Osborne 14,40 Optical Elegance 72 Peggy’s Corral 54,55 Plant City Bike Fest 73 Saddle Creek 47 Santiago Chopper 36 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 71 Suncoast Brotherhood Poker Run 76 Tampa Triumph 18 Thunder By The Bay 35 Twisted Tea 8 Uncle Mikes 67 Venom Bar & Grill 64 Wings N’ Weenies 78 Wreaths Across America 5 Yelvington Designs 47

BORN BORN TO RIDE TO RIDE Magazine Magazine

POPO BOX BOX 1428 3021Cedartown, Brandon FL GA33509 30125

PUBLISHER

Ron Galletti 813-785-3895 rg@borntoride.com CO PUBLISHER

Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com ART DIRECTOR

Shawn Jones art@borntoride.com

ART DEPARTMENT

Seth Wuertz, Juan Guzman, art@borntoride.com

WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Juan Guzman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jim Miller

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Jesse Williams

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Nancy Ray nray@borntoride.com

MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST

Seth Wuertz

ROAD CREW

Vick Velosity, Kenny Bowers, Mr. Clean, Charlie Kelley, Craven Moorehead, Bam Bam, Victor Lima, Birdman Mike SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT

Steve Finzelber

CONTRIBUTORS

Neale Bayly, Paul Garson, Craven Moorehead, Jim Miller, Spyke & Mike, Susan Hurst, Josh Kurpius, Bill McDaniel Eric Albright, Roger Wiles PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jim Miller, Jesse Williams, Neale Bayly, Michael Whitney, Ron Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Bryan Lambert, Mathew Jacobson, Brent Michael, Mike McBee, Bruce Burman, Fred Scadron, Eric Albright Advertise in FLorida or Georgia BTR Magazine Call the Sales Office

(888) 795-5779

BORN TO RIDE, INC. P.O. Box 3021 Brandon, FL 33509 info@borntoride.com Like us on Facebook: Born To Ride TV & Magazine and always check out BornToRide.com

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Lose your worries. Every last one of them.

Get Motorcycle coverage from AAA and enjoy our legendary roadside assistance protection every time you ride. Current members’ dues are prorated when upgrading, and nonmembers can add Motorcycle for $35 to any membership level when they join. Ride with confidence. Ride with AAA. • Coverage on any bike • 4 tows up to 100 miles each • Free fuel delivery • Member rates on motorcycle travel packages • Trip interruption coverage 1-866-506-9370

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Visit any AAA office

Offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Membership benefits vary with membership levels and are subject to change without notice.

RIDING AT NIGHT

The solution is easy—slow down.

• Use only clear eye protection (not tinted), and keep it clean and free of scratches.

shift your vision from the headlights to the white line along the edge of your lane.

Be wary of overriding the headlight when driving • Wait a few moments after leaving a bright area before riding away. Allow your eyes time to adjust at night. This is when your total braking distance (based on your speed, reaction time, and the road to the low light level. conditions) exceeds the distance you can see • Practice avoiding bright light sources as you ride ahead. The solution is easy—slow down. along. Look to one side of street lights, signs, or For more information go to www.msf-usa.org headlights. For example, as a car approaches,

Attorney Fran M. Haasch isn’t just our attorney, she’s yours as well! 1-866-LAW-FRAN

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Hottest BIKE NIGHTS

M O N DAY

Beef O’ Brady’s Wesley Chapel • 813-994-1511 Crystal Harley-Davidson Ladies Night (1st mon) Homosassa

• 800-584-8755

T U E S DAY Call Born To Ride to promote your Tuesday Night Venom New Port Richey • 727-816-8700

W E D N E S DAY Biff Burger St. Pete • 727-244-8519 Quaker Steak & Lube Clearwater • 727-572-9464 MoJo’s Lakeland • 863-583-9119

T H U R S DAY Scooter’s Saloon (3rd Thurs.) Brandon • 813-621-1694 Applebee’s (2nd Thurs.) Sarasota • 941-355-1400 Johnny G’s (3rd Thurs.) Lakeland • 863-858-3366 Crystal Harley-Davidson Homosassa • 800-584-8755 Venom ll (1st & 3rd Thurs.) New Port Richey • 727-816-8700

F R I DAY Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Venom II Hudson • 727-378-5850

S AT U R DAY Biff Burger St.Pete • 727-244-8519 Charlotte’s Webb Pub Wauchula • 863-735-8887 JT’S Roadhouse Tampa • 813-962-4440 Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson Sarasota (Monthly) • 941-951-6103 Rossiter’s Manatee River Bradenton (4th Sat) • 941-745-2429

S U N DAY Charlotte’s Webb Pub Wauchula • 863-735-8887 Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Venom II (3rd Sun.) Hudson • 727-387-5850 High Octane Saloon Homosassa • 352-794-6037 Scooter Haven Inglis • 352-447-5267 Uncle Mikes Plant City • 813-737-4444

GAIN ATTENTION TO YOUR BUSINESS

GET YOUR BIKE NIGHT LISTED

CALL 888-795-5779

Born To Ride 20th Anniversary Ride Brandon HD

Whenever Born To Ride puts on an event it’s guaranteed to be great.

When they put on one of their anniversary events, it’s always over the top!

Join Born To Ride in celebrating 20 years of servicing and supporting the biker community. I work events all over Florida, and never miss one of the Born To Ride Anniversary events. This event is going to be huge and one you will want to attend. Brandon Harley-Davidson is hosting the event and is easy to get to from wherever you are. To help you get there, I have put together several scenic routes, with hopefully less traffic. Hope to see you in the wind and at this event.

From Gibsonton (8.9 miles - 17 minutes) Head North on S Tamiami Trail/U.S. Hwy 41 S (1.0 miles) Turn right onto Riverview Drive (1.0 miles) Turn left onto S 78th Street/573 (5.3 miles) Turn right onto 10th Avenue S/Palm River Road (1.5 miles) Turn left onto Crater Lane to end at Brandon H-D From Plant City (21.2 miles - 41 minutes) Head west on W Reynolds Street (0.5 miles) Turn left onto N Woodrow Wilson Street (0.7 miles) Continue onto Sydney Road (2 miles) Turn left onto Turkey Creek Road (5.6 miles) Turn right onto Durant Road (6.3 miles) Turn left onto E Lumsden Road (3 miles) Continue onto Causeway Boulevard (1.2 miles) Turn right onto S Falkenburg Road (1.3 miles) Turn left onto 10th Avenue S/Palm River Road (0.5 mi) Turn right onto Crater Lane to end at Brandon H-D

From Zephyrhills (25.8 miles - 45 minutes) Head southeast on U.S. 301 S/Gall Boulevard (14.3 miles) Turn left onto State Hwy 579/Mango Road (6 miles) Turn right onto E Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (0.5 miles) Turn left onto Lakewood Drive (2 miles) Turn right onto Woodberry Road (1.5 miles) Turn left onto S Falkenburg Road (0.8 miles) Turn right onto 10th Avenue S/Palm River Road (0.5 miles) Turn right onto Crater Lane to end at Brandon H-D

From Temple Terrace (12.7 miles - 26 minutes) Head east on Bullard Pkwy/Temple Terrace Hwy (2.5 miles) Turn slightly left onto Harney Road (1.3 miles) Turn right onto Williams Road (5.1 miles) Turn right onto E Broadway Avenue (1.0 miles) Turn left onto N Falkenburg Road (2.2 miles) Turn right onto 10th Avenue S/Palm River Rd (0.5 miles) Turn right onto Crater Lane to end at Brandon H-D

Free Ice Cold Beer Everyday, Live Band and Free Food Every Saturday: Bert’s Black Widow HD

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FSYR YOUTH CAMP CELEBRATES 32 YEARS

The Florida Sheriffs Youth Camp in Barberville will celebrate 32 years of operation at this year’s “Turkey in the Ground” Open House on Sunday, November 8. Each summer boys and girls from all over Florida attend summer camp for week-long sessions.

This summer Youth Camp served over 650 boys and girls. “This was a fabulous summer. The staff did an outstanding job and our Sheriff’s deputy volunteers were thrilled to spend time with the boys and girls,” said Director of Camping Services Cori Welbes.

“I just wanted to say thank you for the BTR 16 | BORNTORIDE.COM

positive results that we saw in our son as we picked him up after a great week. We have experienced negative behaviors and attitudes at home and school. Your staff brought tears to my eyes as they told me what an awesome person my son is and how respectful he was to everyone,” she said. Welbes added, “Comments like this reflect the magic of camp.”

The public is invited to attend this year’s “Turkey in the Ground” festivities as we give thanks to our donors and organizations that support our mission.

Tours of the camp begin at 11:00 a.m. with lunch being served at 1:00 p.m. If

you would like to watch the unearthing of the turkeys please arrive by 12:00 p.m.

RSVP at (386) 749-9999. The Florida Sheriffs Youth Camp is located at 1170 Youth Camp Lane in Pierson, Florida.

The Mission of the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches is to prevent delinquency and develop lawful, resilient, and productive citizens. This year, through residential and camping services, the Youth Ranches will serve over 5,000 boys and girls.

Contact: Jim Karantinos jkarantinos@youthranches.org Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches

To make a difference in the lives of our children visit www.YouthRanches.org or call (386) 842-5501

Dedicated to the Life and Memory of Phil Peterson

Peterson’s Harley-Davidson, family owned and operated since 1954- www.PetersonsHarley.com

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Dedicated to the Life & Memory of Phill Peterson. Legends Never Die.. Ron Galletti

For more Key West Poker Run Photos, go to: www.BornToRide.com

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Scan the QR Code and see The 43rd Key West Poker Run BTR TV Episode from come alive.

2016 YAMAHA YXZ TOP FEATURES: 1. Unmatched Side- by- Side Performance The all-new YXZ1000R doesn’t just reset the bar for sport sideby-sides, it is proof that Yamaha is the leader in powersports performance. Featuring a new 998cc inline triple engine mated to a 5-speed sequential shift gearbox with On-Command® 4WD, massive FOX Racing Shox® suspension front and rear, and styling the competition can’t touch, the new YXZ1000R is in a class by itself—the only true pure sport side-by-side ever developed.

2. Stunning, Industry- first Three- Cylinder Engine Prepare yourself for the industry’s first 998cc inlinethree cylinder sport side-by-side engine. Featuring a compact DOHC twelve-valve cylinder head, an aggressive 11.3:1 compression ratio and high-tech dry-sump lubrication, the YXZ1000R engine offers jaw-dropping power, fantastic midrange torque and a thrilling 10,500 rpm redline. With lightweight 80mm forged aluminum pistons and a counterbalancer, the motor is exceptionally smooth-running, too. Built for the pure sport side-by-side enthusiast, there’s nothing else like it.

3. Industry- first 5- Speed Sequential Shift Transmission with On- Command 4WD The YXZ1000R establishes a direct connection with driver via an all-new sequential 5-speed manual transmission with reverse that permits rapid and smooth shifting, ideally matched to the potent threecylinder engine. A beefy hydraulically-actuated clutch system is operated by an automotive-style foot pedal for light, consistent feel and an entirely new sports side-by-side experience. Yamaha’s proven On-Command 4WD system with full Diff Lock is ready

to tackle challenging terrain, and the entire driveline is built to

Professional driver on closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owners manual and product

BTR 28 24 || BORNTORIDE.COM BORNTORIDE.COM BTR

Get your Yamaha YXZ 1000R Side by Side at Barney’s, since 1946

1000R SIDE-BY-SIDE provide unmatched durability.

SPECIFICATIONS: Engine Type – 998cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline three-cylinder; 12 valves Bore x Stroke – 80.0mm x 66.2mm Compression Ratio – 11.3:1 Fuel Delivery – Yamaha Fuel Injection (YFI); three 41mm Mikuni throttle bodies Ignition – TCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition Starting System – Electric

Transmission – 5-speed sequential manual external transmission; wet multi-plate clutch, external flywheel Final Drive – Yamaha On-Command; 3-way locking differential; selectable 2WD and 4WD with diff lock; shaft drive Suspension / Front – Independent double wishbone w/anti-sway bar, fully adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium® RC2 Shocks®; 16.2-in travel Suspension / Rear – Independent double wishbone w/anti-sway bar, fully adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium® RC2 Shocks®; 17.0-in travel Brakes / Front – Dual hydraulic disc Brakes / Rear – Dual hydraulic disc Tires / Front – Maxxis® MU09 27 x 9.00R-14 Tires / Rear – Maxxis® MU10 27 x 11.00R-14 L x W x H – 122.8 in x 64.0 in x 72.2 in Wheelbase – 90.6 in Turning Radius – 236.2 in Maximum Ground Clearance – 12.9 in Fuel Capacity – 9.0 gal Wet Weight – 1510 lb Bed Capacity – 300 lb Warranty 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty) Color Racing Blue/White w/Suntop; Blaze Orange/Black w/ Suntop *** Wet weight includes the vehicle with all standard equipment and all fluids, including oil, coolant (as applicable) and a full tank of fuel. It does not include the weight of options or accessories. Wet weight is useful in making real-world comparisons with other models.

warning labels before operation. Model shown with optional accessories. Vehicle specifications subject to change.

www.barneys.net Barney’s of Brandon (813) 628-9418

Barney’s of Brooksville: (352) 796-6116 Barney’s of St. Pete (727) 576-1148

The World’s first and only pure sport, Side By Side, features the industry’s first 3-cylinder 998cc

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The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland—and home to the one of the world’s most exciting races on two wheels. The history of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (IOM TT) race goes back to 1907, when the first race was run as the International AutoCycle Tourist Trophy. There were 25 entries featuring two classes—a single-cycler class and a twin-cylinder class. The first race was 10 laps on the 15-mile long dirt road course (now one lap is 37 3/4-miles long). The winner’s averaged speed was 43mph; he rode a twin cylinder Norton.

The IOM TT is the race many motorcycle road racers dream about ... it’s not for the timid or the unskilled. Every summer, the isle’s governing bodies close the public roads and streets for race teams and individuals from around the world participate in the world’s deadliest race on the planet—racing through three small towns and over mountainous roads.

There are six classifications: Senior TT, Supersport Junior TT, TT Sidecar, TT Superbike, TT Superstock, and TTXGP. The rider’s bike classification will deem how many laps are run on the course. Riders come to the isle for different reasons: some come to test their skill, some come for fame, and some come for glory. In the end—they come to run the timed 37 3/4-mile course! To find out more about the Isle of Man TT go to http://www.iomtt.com. In February 1974, the AMA Competition Director contacted us. He told us that because we were the top American Sidecar team in the Sidecar Racers Association, the AMA would give us the only IOMTT entry they were given for the 1974 races.

However, this was only an entry with no sponsors. We would have to pay for everything ourselves. We jumped at the chance to go to England

and race the TT. We started sidecar racing in 1970 on a very old sidecar outfit. Early in 1973, we purchased a new, custom-made racing sidecar chassis from England. It was one of the best handling models available. When you buy one of these, all you get is the frame, wheels, tires, brakes, and fiberglass body. You must install your own engine, cables, and wiring.

In our case, I choose a 1972 BSA 3-cylinder 750cc engine. We had to weld in all the motor mounts, make an oil tank, exhaust system, and shift linkage. The new outfit made the difference between finishing in the middle of the pack and winning. We filled out the forms and mailed them to the IOMTT, England. A few weeks later, we received a letter that said we were accepted. Now the fun starts. In 1974, there were NO sponsors ready to pay our way, so we set about planning the trip. A couple of the sidecar teams we raced against here in the SRA were from the Isle of Man, so they helped a lot. A racing sidecar outfit does NOT come apart. It is a one-piece frame including the sidecar, so I had to build a LARGE crate in which to ship the bike to England by airfreight. Next was booking airline reservations, hotel rooms, and a spot in a local garage for the bike. There were no garages at the track. We found space in a local auto repair garage along with several other riders.

Finally, we are on our way. When we got to the Isle of Man, we checked into our hotel. We headed straight to the garage where the bike was shipped. To my surprise, the bike was not there. It was back at the airport in Liverpool, 100 miles back across the Irish Sea. They could not load the crate into the plane. If I could not fix the problem, I would have to reassemble the bike and ride to the ferryboat dock to get

“I hope you enjoy this 3 part Special on the T.T. Races Isle of Man.”

Ron Galletti

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it over to the IOMTT. I knew they would do everything they could to help me race. I did not come all this way to be stopped here! At the airport, I looked at the plane and told them to stand the crate on its side, as I knew that would not hurt anything, and just slide it into the plane. The next day the crate was at the garage.

The entry only guaranteed us an opportunity to Qualify for the 750cc sidecar class race. During practice week, we would be on the track for 1 1/2 hours in the morning and again in the afternoon. To qualify you must post lap times under 33 minutes. Our first lap around seemed like it took us a really long time, but it was around 35 minutes. By the end of practice week, we were very low 29-minute times. One problem I was experiencing was trying to see far down the road. The roads are narrow two-lane public country roads, and they have many deep dips in them. When you are riding a racing sidecar outfit, you are riding in the kneeling position very low to the ground. When we would go into one of these dips, I would lose sight of the road ahead, which means I could not see the curve a short distance ahead. When you are on a motorcycle, you sit up higher and can see these curves. When you are racing at very high speeds and cannot see the curves coming, you need to be a little more cautious. It was very difficult to learn the hundreds of bends and turns that made up the 37 3/4-miles around the IOMTT course. Our race was scheduled for Saturday and consisted of three laps, 114 miles. Saturday morning there was heavy fog on the mountain section of the course, so the race was moved to Monday.

Sunday there is no practice scheduled because it is MAD SUNDAY. They open the course to the spectators to ride and play IOMTT racer.

There are about 100,000 spectators, most with their motorcycles there to watch the race. So the name Mad Sunday fits. Monday dawned clear and warm. All the sidecars had to be placed in the pits on Sunday night and had to be race ready at that time. We went to the pits early to warm up our engine and get our racing leathers on. Then the horn sounded the signal to get in your starting position. The racers line up in pairs.

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Each pair starts 10 seconds apart. At the IOMTT, you race against the clock. As we moved toward the starting line, on the side of the road were Boy Scouts holding the flags of the countries entered in this race.

The American flag was there for us. When I realized the American flag was there for us, I took a deep breath of pride knowing we were there representing the USA. It was like going to the Olympics. Before we arrived at the starting line, 74 other sidecar racers had started their race.

Please note, in the years up to about 1980, all road races were started with engine off, push/bump starts for both solo and sidecar classes. As we approach the starting line, we grabbed hands—looked at each other and nodded we were ready. Engine off, ignition on, transmission in first gear, the starter waves the flag and we were off. She takes two steps, and I take three. I release the clutch—the engine starts and we roar down Glencrutchery Road and down Bray Hill to the first turn, Quarter Bridge. On lap one, 17 miles out we fly over the jump at Ballugh Bridge.

A little over 24 miles out, we approach the Ramsey Hairpin corner.

This is a very tight, first gear, left hand corner. I glance at the crowd and the flagman. Alma moves out, hanging on firmly because I am on the breaks hard. We round the apex of the corner, I start to accelerate and all of sudden the bike snaps around. The passenger’s side flips up throwing Alma over me and knocking us off the bike. The bike falls back on its wheels and stops. We scramble to our feet, I look at her, she gives me thumbs up, she is ok—and so am I. I quickly look over the bike and everything looks ok. So we push the bike and the engine restarts, we are off again. On the second lap as we approach the Ramsey Hairpin and the flagman was waving the warning flag for “Oil on Track,” I gave him a one-finger wave. The remaining laps went without any problems. As we exited the last corner and headed toward the finish line, I was very proud of our accomplishment. We were told that less than 10% of the rookies finish their first IOMTT. After starting 76th, we were both happy with our 30th place finish. Over the years, I come to realize that our experience was similar to going to the Olympics—just

More than 200 people have been killed during official competition over the past 108 years

Nothing is more exciting and bonding in relationships than creating together.

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to have the opportunity to compete at that level was worth the trip We continued racing in the Midwest and Canada until 1982. Over the years, we won many races and two championships and had a hell of a fun time racing! The sidecar racing started one at the races in Canada. After I had finished my race, we went over to a nearby corner to watch the sidecars run. We were watching these guys going around when Alma said, “That looks like a lot fun.” I agreed they look like they were having a great time. And to my surprise she said, “Let’s get one, and I will be the passenger and you can drive.” I answered yes.

Later she was telling some of our racing friends about what she was going to do, they said she was crazy and she would never have the guts to do that. Her answer was, “Put your money where your mouth is!” She won and collected. I never had any doubt. Oh yes, she also won the rookie passenger of the year award from the Sidecar Racers Association. She was a very dynamic person, that’s what I loved about her. When she got into something, she was in 100 percent. When she wanted something, she went after it—even me. She picked me out of a crowd at a bike event and said to a girlfriend, “he is the one I want.”

Now the question was, how she was going to let me catch her—a blind date. She knew a few members of the Detroit Highwaymen—I was a member. So with a little help from my friends, the rest is history. Thirty years later, she told me all about it.

For the ladies reading this, she would tell you, go after the things that you want. In many cases, you will have only one chance to get it. She took no chances on gifts; she gave me her list. And ladies, don’t hope or hint about what you want, he will never get the message, tell him.

Alma and I were married 38 years; she passed away in September of 2006 after fighting ovarian cancer. She loved life, going places, and doing things together. She wrote me a letter a few days before she died and ended it by saying, “We had a Great Ride.” It was true, we did

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have a great ride, and this story is dedicated to my sidecar passenger!

Joseph Rocheleau

After all this great reading and photo look back to the IOM TT, I can’t thank Joe enough for sharing his story with us. This is real; it’s old school. The bond between him and his wife Alma racing together goes beyond the power of motorcycles. It is life, it is love; it is a relationship that we all can learn from and be inspired by. Just when you think it’s over, it’s not over because ace Journalist Scott Odell went to the Isle of Man the summer of 2013 after this story ran to cover the race for Born To Ride. So in this issue, we’re seeing 1974 to 2013 and 2015 with Alain Bernards tribute Ducati to the Isle of Man all in this issue.

We can’t Thank Joseph Rocheleau enough for sharing his wonderful story with us.

Ron Galletti

Two years ago I did my first Guzzi cafe racer, and I fell in love with the guzzi sport. It was something very different and the mechanical aspectss of this Italian bike are incredible-the power and torque of this engine are so cool. The customer saw an article about my Guzzi Memphis in a French magazine, and he contacted me to

build this bike. He gave me total control over the project to create something original. The bike will be delivered to the French Riviera, it’s called Guzzi of Man. In tribute to the Isle of Man Races. If you would like a theme Motorcycle Concept built designed & fabricated for you give us a call at Santiago Chopper. 813-671-9097 BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 37

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If you would like a theme Motorcycle Concept built and designed. Call Alain 813-671-9097

Santiago Chopper Guzzi of Man Engine size: 1064cc Engine type: 8v, V-twin, 5 gears Engine type: Steel Pine Fuel Capacity: 5 gal Seat Height: 810 mm Bike Wewight: 487 lb original, now 370 lb Front Suspension: Ohlins

Rear Suspension: Hagon Front Brake: Twin 320 mm discs Rear Brake: Twin 320 mm discs Front Tire Size: 120/70 x 17 in Rear Tire Size: 160/70 x 17 in Spoke Wheels: Santiago Chopper with Buchanan Exel Rims Paint: Craig Skiver

Santiago Chopper • 6412 US Hwy 301 S. Riverview, FL 33578 • santiagochopper@aol.com

Frame Modifications: Chuck and David Welding: David Design and Electrical: Alain Bernard Build time: 4 months • Built on demand from a French customer • Engine work done electronic ignition remove the fuel injection and we put some Mikuni 40 mm

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THE GREATEST SHOW

ON TWO WHEELS

>

Photos and Story by Scott and Carla Odell >

Shift through the gears as fast as possible, tuck in the elbows and get behind the windshield ... hard on the brakes, downshift 3 gears and look out for the stone wall on the left. Accelerate out of the curve and watch for the telephone pole... take a deep breath as you come down the hill at 150mph and go airborne! Try to keep the bike level when the wheels come down and remember to stay to the right, never the left. Do this for 37 miles and then repeat it five more times while avoiding buildings, fences, poles and other motorcycles.

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Let us know what you think about our 3 part feature of the Isle of Man. email: info@borntoride.com

WELCOME TO THE

Every year the world converges on a small island between Ireland and the United Kingdom in the Irish Sea. They come to witness and experience the only motorcycle race of this kind in the world. It was time for Carla and me to check it off our bucket list and record it in photos and words for the Born To Ride readers.

What we found out after investigating this trip is you have to book at least a year in advance if you’re looking for a hotel. Most of the action happens in Douglas, the biggest town on the island, so we called the Rutland Hotel home

base for the week. There are plenty of campsites, bed and breakfasts, and the very popular home stay where you rent out a room in someone’s house on the island. This includes some of your meals and is very economical. They also have the Snooze Box, which is a small city made up of steel containers stacked three high. It is like sleeping in a storage trailer, no windows, steel walls and a door. They sell out every year as they are next to the grandstand area. Next step is getting to the island either from England or Ireland. If you are riding a bike or driving a car,

Charlie Collier was the winner of the single-cylinder class and overall winner in 1907.

you will have to take the Steam Packet ferry.

There are quite a few different flights if you want to fly, but remember, if you miss your flight you may not be able to book on another, they are just too full. Steam Packet ferries are already taking reservations for 2014, but the airlines usually don’t release flights till 6 months out.

After unpacking we made our way up a very steep hill to the grandstands to pick up our media credentials. One thing became quite clear, that this was sport bike territory ... not a HarleyDavidson in sight. Thousands of sport bikes from

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WELCOME TO THE

all over Europe were parked everywhere. The most remarkable thing was nearly everyone was wearing full sets of leathers, a helmet, gloves and boots. You won’t see that in the USA! It didn’t stop there; the whole island was motorcycle crazy!

Every store front we went by, from hairdressers to clothing stores... they all had sport bikes in the front windows. A drug store even had a bike in the window. What is going on here?We have been to all the major rallies across the country and have never seen the communities so involved with an event. You could literally walk into any kind of store on the island and purchase some kind of TT memento, EVERYONE was on the bandwagon! We had arrived to motorcycle nirvana!We didn’t know a lot about the TT other than it was a road race on an island like no other. We didn’t even know the riders names or who was even the current champion.

That all changed in a hurry just by talking to all the race fans who had arrived on the island with us. We bumped into a gentleman who had been to the TT 35 times and he proceeded to

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tell us all about Joey Dunlop, the all time record holder, his brother John Dunlop and the 2 nephews, Michael and William Dunlop. Then he bragged about the current reigning king of the TT, John McGuiness. “He hasn’t been beat on the Superbikes in over 10 years,” the man said with a gleam in his eye. “He’s the one to watch.”

We barely got any sleep the first night because of the anticipation of actually witnessing the Isle of Man TT in person. After a quick breakfast of fried eggs, baked beans and stewed tomatoes (not a good combination, but traditional we are told) we made our way to the starting line area after passing through the massive pits. The race of today would be the sidecars with about 60 of them participating. After they all left the starting area at 10-second intervals, we packed up and headed to a section of the road called Governors Bridge. I knew there was a slow switchback and I should be able to get some decent shots. The Track marshals waved me over and told me I could get right next to the street because I had photographer credentials. To these guys, I was a

“snapper” and needed to take some “pickys.” I am used to being around cars and motorcycles on a track ... but not this close. I could have reached out and slapped their helmets if I had really tried.

The sidecars coming down the hill and then swinging around the corner with the passenger shifting from side to side was an awesome site.

This was the first time I had ever experienced sidecar racing and I will never forget it. Today was the only race because the Superbikes did not get enough practice during the week. I was just getting warmed up with my shutter finger! Now that we had the first day out of the way, we knew what was going on and where to go. It was time to hit the pubs and try out some pints of beer and maybe some fish and chips with the others mates.

The Superbike race was being held on Sunday, which traditionally was called Mad Sunday.

It is a day reserved for any bikers on the island to actually make as many laps on the race surface as they wanted. A lot of bikes headed out early and took advantage before the streets

Motorcycle racing in the Isle of Man did not restart after the end of WWI until 1920.

WELCOME TO THE closed at 1 p.m. Today was the big bike race, the 1000cc motors with all kinds of modifications to them, the top dogs! We made our way over to the track and searched out the legend himself, John McGuinness. We found him sitting in the staging area doing interview after interview, it comes with the territory. He looked like an average chap to me, an occasional smile came out while he was talking, but you could tell the race was on his mind and he was chuffed (proud) to be here. There was some serious competition out there who wanted to take him down. It should be some good racing.

You could always pick John’s bike out on the paddock as his name appears on the windscreen as John Mc with a pint of Guinness next to it.

The main point of this race is how fast you can navigate the 37.75 circuit. Today was a 4 lap event and whoever has the best times combined would be the winner. We had to get out of the pit area and make it down to the bottom of Bray Hill

about a mile away before the race started. One thing to remember is once the streets close you cannot cross the road again until the racing is over and the temporary barricades come up. There are over 500 marshals around the island and their job is to keep everyone safe. They are dead serious and they don’t play games. We witnessed a French man crossing the road and before he got halfway across there were 3 marshals and 2 police officers on around him. “No Prob blem, no prob blem,” he kept shouting. They hauled him off so who knows what happened. I heard stories of people being banned for life on the Isle of Man because of serious infractions during the races.

At the bottom of the hill we could hear the first bike screaming down the course. Within seconds, James Hillier’s Kawasaki flew by us and our jaws dropped. I didn’t even have time to get him in my camera’s viewfinder. I had to figure out how to photograph these bikes ... and quick. I finally got in

the groove and started to get some decent shots.

The bikes were going by so fast it felt like they were creating a vacuum and were trying to pull me off the curb and on to the street. Words can’t describe what we were witnessing... hundreds of people behind hedges, walls and small metal barriers, just feet away from instant death if anything should go wrong. I finally understood what the TT was all about, no other race in the world like it.

This was a four-lap race today and the lead switched back and forth a few times, but it would be Michael Dunlop taking his very first Superbike win and dethroning John McGuiness, who must have really been gutted.

Over the next few days, the Superstock and Supersport classes would take to the roads of the Isle of Man. Superstock were the 600cc bikes and Supersport were 1000cc, but more closely resembling a bike you would buy from the dealer.

Both classes were still lightning fast and kept

our adrenalin pumping through the entire races.

We made our way around the island using the Manx electric train that has been in use for over 100 years. Traveling through glens and green fields full of sheep and lamb, everything was peaceful and laid back and gave us a taste of times gone by. We got some more great shots up in Ramsey at the other end of the island. We listened to the radio to hear the results of the days racing and again it would be Michael Dunlop winning both classes. Dunlop was on fire and it seemed no one could catch him. There would still be one more 4 lap Supersport race during the week and then the final Superbike race of 6 laps on Friday.

Could Dunlop keep his streak going? Could Guy Martin or Bruce Antsley jump into the fray? It’s a day off tomorrow with no racing and a time to recharge our batteries and relax ... so we thought.

Our Hotel room looked out over the Promenade and the beach and after another lovely (sarcasm) breakfast, we headed up the promenade to check out Douglas. We noticed some backhoes and bulldozers on the beach that were not there the day before. Being curious, we starting asking about, what was going on? It turns out they were building a full-blown 3/4 mile racetrack with jumps, tabletops and whoops for an afternoon of Motocross racing. Can you imagine this ever happen on Daytona Beach? Not in a million years!

So, off we went to Bushy’s beer tent for a few pints to kill a little time. When you order beer you better ask if it is hot or cold as they serve both.

The crowds started gathering about an hour later along with a couple hundred MotoX bikes lining up on the beach. The first race had about 30 bikes of the most experienced riders and they tore up

the beach, throwing rocks and sand everywhere including into the crowd. I was hit by a very large stone in my right leg, but nothing serious. There would probably be about 50 lawsuits already being filed if this race was held in the USA, but not on the Isle of Man. Toward the end of the racing out of nowhere appeared the RAF Red Arrows acrobatic team, just like the Blue Angels.

What were you suppose to watch ... jets or motorcycles? Brilliant! No... it didn’t stop there, at the other end of the Promenade, the Monster Energy FMX stunt show was starting with 3 worldclass daredevils performing the sickest tricks imaginable 70 feet into the air, ramp to ramp!

We are getting sensory overloads from all the action taking place around us. We thought this would be a bit of a relaxing vacation ... NOT! What the hell could be next?

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From 1907-2015, there have been 248 competitor fatalities during official practices and races.

WELCOME TO THE

How about something called the White helmets vs. the Purple helmets. The competition took place on the closed-off promenade right after the FMX show ended. The White helmets were a military looking bunch of guys on Triumph motorcycles and they performed amazing pyramids and stacking of riders while they rode down the promenade. These guys were tight and synchronized and you could tell they had practiced hundreds of hours. So ... the Purple helmets came out next ... on scrappy motor scooters wearing dirty trench coats and such. They didn’t even have purple helmets and we were told it had nothing to do with helmets on their heads ... Oh! These guys were just as talented, but they were pure comedy that included a rather large naked biker ... you had to be there, it was too funny.

As the night wore on, we realized we still had two more days of racing left, but we had already seen

more things this week than in the last 5 years.

We hoped we would hold up. I am going to cut to the chase ... the second Supersport race was won by Michael Dunlop. Only 3 other racers in the 100-year history had won 4 races during the TT. “He was riding like no one I had ever seen before,” said John McGuinness. Looks like it’s time to pass the baton on.” That comment wouldn’t last too long as McGuinness at age 41 snatched the last race of the week out of Dunlop’s hands, the 6 lap senior race. The king still had a little bit left in reserve over Dunlop who was 24. We also survived the last sidecar race where Ben and Tom Birchall became the first brothers to win a TT. Bloody brilliant!

It was a lot to take in, so much to see and not enough hours in the day to do it. As we sat at our favorite restaurant on the island for the 4th time, an Indian cuisine establishment called Chillies where you know you will great food every

time, we had a chinwag (discussion) of the week.

The Isle of Man TT is the last great race on the planet where every rider looks at the Grim Reaper every lap. It wasn’t about the money; the overall winner gets 10,000 pounds. It was about the glory and bragging rights. There were some serious accidents where one rider lost his life and some spectators ended up in the hospital in another incident. You accept that when you come here, it is no surprise. How long will this race go on is the big question? The facts are chilling ... since the year 2000, 50 riders have died on the course and over 200 in its 100-year history.

We said “cheerio” to the island and flew over to Dublin, Ireland and tried our luck at pouring a few pints of Guinness at the factory. The Isle of Man would be on our minds for a long time so we fancied the diversion the Guinness tour gave us.

It was going to be a long flight home. ...

Ace Odell enjoying a Guinness

Motor racing began in 1904 and was originally restricted to touring automobiles.

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Happy Birthday to the youngest & coolest 70 year old we know. Congratulations on 25 years.

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Women’s World The Bigger—The Better

Rude awakening! I was invited to join several of my friends on a week-long vacation to Maggie Valley, NC and to join them riding the Tail of the Dragon—thinking I could easily pack for a long bike ride and take all my normal necessities; it was hilarious and wishful thinking.

Learning how to pack for a long bike ride was an experience. I began packing bare essentials and slowly but surely my pile grew and grew some more. First I packed my undies and bra. Next, the jeans and tops got packed. Then began the fun! Okay, so I understand there will be washing machines were I go, and I will have to wash more often that’s all. Problem is when you add jammies, an extra pair of pants and top (just in case washing machines disappear) and in case the weather is too cold you need warm clothes that are big and bulky. What about a nice outfit in case you go out to a special place one night? Oh wait! What about shoes? I need slippers, flip flops for when I go out to the hot tub, nice heels to go with my nice outfit, boots for riding, sneakers for walking. Now I have at least five pairs of shoes to bring and they are all essential!

Now add all the toiletries. Don’t forget the make up in case something extra special is planned. Ladies cannot forget the Mirror! Many places seem to have been decorated without thinking of a women’s need to see well when applying makeup. To be fair, I do remember ONE vacation rental that had a great makeup mirror on the wall for GIANTS! LOL I’m 5’ 1.5” and yes, I must count the .5 inches, it’s mine and must be recognized. The mirror was installed for a 6’+ woman, so I simply dragged a chair into the bathroom and kneeled while putting on makeup. Ok enough about the mirror let’s not forget BTR 56 | BORNTORIDE.COM

the rest of our typical toiletries.

Now walk around and think of all the possible scenarios and what else you could possibly need, body lotion, your favorite blanket, laptop etc. Ok got it all! Staring at the pile of things I feel are a must take, I realize there’s no way this is going on the bike.

So I calmly start going through the pile to discard everything that was not an absolute necessity. Okay so I think I got this right? Well I went through everything one by one and started separating what must go and what must be left behind. I ended up with two little piles. Pile one was what I decided I can leave behind and pile two was the remaining must take pile. Well I looked and pile one to see how much I took out and it had one tee-shirt and one pair of shorts. I looked at pile two and found everything else! OMG!! How do women travel on bikes? Naked?

Two people from our group were trailering the bikes up to North Carolina instead of riding, which means there is a car that can carry more things. I called my friends and asked how much room was available for a few things of mine. A huge smile appeared on my face when they replied that there is plenty of room; I could bring a treasure chest and it would fit. Needless to say, I ran to the garage and dug out the biggest luggage I own! It was great knowing I could take it all and then some.

The lesson here is to have friends with a car come too!!! LOL Alternatively, this is what I learned: 1. You only need a change of pants and two tops in case it rains, 2. two panties and one pair of socks, 3. small purse for your money, 4. Toothbrush, paste, deodorant, face moisturizer and sunscreen and hairbrush if you have hair or a duo rag. 5. Bring a small cooler with a couple of bottles of ice water.

Take your clothes and roll them up. I protected my things by wrapping them in plastic bags in case rain would seep through the side bags. Traveling light was great and less stressful. Truthfully I did not use half the things I gave my friends to bring. Now I can pack quickly, easily and a lot less stressful.

Less Stuff = More Happiness! --Hayley B. Colina

If you would like info on Born To Ride Womens Club, Email info@borntoride.com

Would you like to ride through stunningly, beautiful scenery? Are you tired of dangerous bumper-to-bumper traffic? Well we have the answers for you! Escape to the beautiful northeast Georgia mountains and north Georgia’s best motorcycle resort, the Copperhead Lodge in beautiful Blairsville, Georgia!

It’s 47 acres of biker heaven with special amenities geared to bikers who want the best in accommodations, food, entertainment, and of course, some of the best motorcycling roads in the country. Smooth blacktop, minimal traffic, challenging curves, valleys, and twisties that seem to be made especially for adventuresome riders. Waterfalls, lakes, mountain streams, quaint villages and towns it’s all here. The central headquarters of this motorcycle mecca is the Copperhead Lodge!

Beautiful cabins and rooms are just the beginning of this delightful stay at Copperhead Lodge—making sure that your stay is something you will never forget and guaranteeing that you’ll come back time after time again. So we’re headed for the mountains to have a chat with Michelle Evans.

Hey, this is Debbie with Born To Ride TV

and we are here at the Copperhead Lodge in Blairsville, Georgia. This is Michelle Evans, the owner of Copperhead Lodge. I’m going to coin you on this trip—The Biker Den Mother! You’re looking out and taking care of everybody. So Michelle, just give us the geographic location of Copperhead Lodge.

Where are you located?

Michelle: We are about an hour and a half north of Atlanta, Georgia, tucked in the very northeast corner. In 25 miles you can be either in Tennessee or North Carolina. We’ve got 47 acres total. The Lodge is located in the center of the resort. We have 20 acres on the front side of the resort and 27 acres in the back where the creek is. It’s a bit more private and woodsy set up. We have 28 cabins on the property right now. When we’re done, we’ll have 52.

the second owners. We have a vision where motorcycling enthusiasts can come but also people who are not on bikes. We have a great mix of folks here. We do cater to the bikers.

You will see that when you walk in; a big rock fireplace with a motorcycle set inside of it. That really sets the true vision. There are a ton of amenities that the bikers love. For example, last night we had a great band, we have guided rides all week long that our local folks do for us. It’s just motorcycle euphoria here!

Michelle knows Mountain Resort Marketing and you can own the Lifestyle. Call 706-835-7433

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Debbie: Michelle, you have created something very special at Copperhead Lodge. When you took it over what changes did you make?

Michelle: Mostly “lipstick and rouge” to the building to make it more welcoming. We also altered the model to welcome everyone— not just motorcyclists. Of course the built in amenities are still geared toward them, but Debbie: So you’ve got the cabin atmosphere, we have expanded in to hosting many others the lodge atmosphere, the swimming pool, as well. the amphitheater; you’ve got everything!

What we’ve really been impressed with is the Debbie: The vision to build and the catering you do for the biker. development stages have continued to grow.

Michelle: Absolutely! This place was built with Was that your plan and did you have a time all of that in mind. That was the vision. We’re line on the growth?

Michelle: Yes, the plan was to build out the resort. Our original time line was 5-7 years, however, the area was saturated with foreclosures for the first few years and stifled our growth in the beginning. We’ve sold 8 units over the last 18 months.

Debbie: It seems like it’s more than just a business to you. I know first-hand how people love you because of how special you treat them and personal you are to your clients.

Michelle: When you are a business owner, I believe it has to be more than a business to you—this is what sets you apart from the rest.

Debbie: The personal tours you give on your motorcycle to guests are amazing and it really makes a special bond for future sales networking and long lasting friendships.

Michelle: The guided rides are the favorite part of my job since it allows me to actually get out and ride. Our guests love the rides and it gives them an experience in the Mountains they wouldn’t have on their own.

Debbie: Those are things you don’t have to do but you do them. Is that your special customer service or is it just natural?

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Scan to see Copperhead Lodge come to Life

Michelle: Customer service comes natural to me, but our “brand” focuses on making our customer feel like they are at home. We understand that people work all year to spend their vacation with us, and we want to be sure they make many memories with us.

box” and do creative marketing with me, not just paid ads that look like all the others. The exposure from BTR has brought us many more new customers than I’d ever imagined.

Debbie: Would you recommend BTR to the new owners?

Debbie: Everyone I know who has been to Michelle: Without a doubt!

Copperhead Lodge want to come back; how does it make you feel? The one thing I hear Debbie: What is going on with the Auction, from them is it’s an unbelievable place and that and we want to know if you will still be here extra special customer service is awesome. to continue marketing, branding, and creating How did you create that brand loyalty? long lasting relationships?

Michelle: This is the thing that makes me the most proud. I take exceptional pride Michelle: I am committed to a transition and ownership in our customers and their period, assuming the new owners desire my experience. The motorcycle community is a assistance. Anthony and I will both continue tight niche one, and the brand loyalty we’ve to own cabins at Copperhead and we look built has spread through word of mouth—this forward to watching the continued growth and has allowed us to grow year after year during success of our dream. a tough economic time while others didn’t fare so well.

Debbie: Michelle Evans, thank you for taking Debbie: How has the marketing with BTR the time to share this with us; is there anything worked for you; it seems together we have a else that you would like to say? super relationship?

Michelle: I’d like to thank every person who has visited us, and to welcome them back.

Michelle: BTR was willing to “get out of the This isn’t the end, it’s simply a new beginning!

People tell me all the time, Michelle and her staff know how to make you feel at Home. Ron Galletti

There’s an entire world out there.

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Krista Grotte featured in the new movie Check Point

Meet Krista at the Born To Ride 20th Anniversary Party

“Check Point” will have an impact on an awaiting audience at Comic Con in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as it makes its world trailer premier Saturday, October 24th (currently scheduled for 3PM in Room A). Attending the event will be Director Thomas J. Churchill and WWE legend Bill Goldberg to promote the highly anticipated film. Comic Con is an incredible and exciting popculture convention held all over the country with a show floor that plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies and television. “Check Point” will be at the top of everyone’s list.

“Check Point” is set in the mood of today’s headlines when a vagrant discovers a sleeper terrorist cell is in a small town where

everyone knows one another, or so they think they do. As justice seems lost, as an insurgent attack threatening to escalate into a full-blown US invasion, a team of unlikely heroes must rise up to fight the enemy and protect their country from the most unlikely enemy “ourselves”... Facing the obstacles of a closed-knit community, they each find inner strength and determination as their only choice. Whether an insurgent sleeper cell, or a lone individual with a gun, heroism is seldom sought out, it merely is the way someone finds the depth of character to do the right thing, at any cost. Author: Patti Tripp, Dark Water Productions, www.checkpointthemovie.com

Krista Grotte featured in the new movie Check Point is ready to meet you Sunday Nov 22, 2015

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Craven Moorehead

The story that Never Ends

Well now, it’s already November and I don’t really have anything to do but report the news. It’s becoming a monotonous task but I need practice in the ‘reporting journalist’ field. Most of this current event stuff is fairly sad unfortunately and if it appears boring on its face, it likely is. But remember, a very important election is upon us. The mud slinging has begun, and it’s not the kind that we rednecks do out in the woods. Fasten that safety belt—it’s gonna be a rough ride.

Presidential Purgatory—Decisions regarding Heaven and Hell: It saddens some that our government has made such a mockery of its regulatory power. Others laugh at the myriad of mistakes, national debt, and the outright disrespect dealt to our current military and the returning veterans. Everyone has an opinion yet not too many dare speak. A person’s Constitutional right to free speech is often not expressed for fear of ridicule or other forms of punishment that could be handed down—especially in the most revered of communicative platforms, “Social Media”. …

It’s not that I am a total ‘news junkie,’ but I do like to see what is trending around the globe and beyond. Amid the almost daily reports of school shootings, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes there are very few things to add levity to the daily depression doled out by the regulated media. Enter our comedic savior: Deez Nuts!

As the Democrats and Republicans do battle (lie about everything) in debates, and common folk cringe at the possibilities for the next leader of the free world, a 15-year-old kid from Iowa runs for president and just to prove the sad state of affairs that our country is in, he pulls 9% in a recent poll. Satirical and sarcastic—sure, but after I picked myself up off the floor from laughing so hard, I decided that this effort by a very clever and intelligent kid had made a stellar and somewhat alarming statement. That statement being; “If you see it on TV or the internet, it MUST be true.” I saw a reel of footage

in which almost every ‘respectable’ news anchor in the country were captured saying ‘Deez Nuts’ on live TV news, and literally every outlet reported (the obligatory) independent candidate’s remarkable success in the polls. This may come as a shock to many, but I can see the outrageous humor that this stunt provided for those who actually ‘get’ it. If I were you, I’d get behind Deez Nuts in 2016!

Conspiracy theories revisited: A friend challenged me to do some research on a similar subject and then write about it. The theory is that every U.S. President since the very beginning is blood related.

This list allegedly to include our current leader President Obama.

I know some of you wouldn’t believe that Obama was in any way related to any previous president because he doesn’t really look like any of the others (if you draw a beard on him he sorta resembles Lincoln) but after hours and hours of research, I did discover how this somewhat odd theory got started. In this quagmire of blood lines and linearity I did deduce that—if you consider 15th cousins once twice or three times removed, yes (technically) every one of these men were in some way related. Plus, the theory also clearly stated that the Illuminati actually places the new leader into office and it really won’t matter with whom you cast your vote.

All things considered, this particular research project was at the least, a tedious one with more twists and turns than the “Tail of the Dragon” and if I didn’t learn anything else I did learn that I am related to Eisenhower and am a direct descendant of Vlad the Impaler. Thankfully, he is at least a good looking dude! The bottom line came from a post I read regarding all the people of the planet are all related in some way or another, simply because we are all humanoids. In that theory, I deduced that some of us are more evolved and intellectually advanced than others, especially those who waste most of their time propagating compelling conspiracies.

Honestly, I would rather write about Alien Spacecraft and the other strange lights in the sky, or perhaps why Google invades my life— even on my cell phone, but I must reserve something for future articles!

In other local conspiracies, the Bucs give away yet another game, and why the heck did the Porpoise Pub burn down? Just when you think it’s safe to have a cold beer at one of your favorite hangouts, it is reduced to ashes for some unknown reason. Hell you could even go there and watch the Bucs if you wanted to, but now both entities are a work in progress. Both Louie and Lovie are holding their heads in their hands and wondering what the heck is next. No, conspiracy theorists; Louie didn’t have insurance on that property that was built in 1915 and he’s not sitting on ‘fat stacks’ as some have implied and similarly; Lovie is probably not sitting on that fat contract by the time this goes to press. We all hope that both succeed in rebuilding these well known franchises.

Until next month, “Speed Safely” and keep the faith. …

CRAVEN

Let us know what you think of Craven Moorehead, info@borntoride.com

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321-926-3996 Charlotte Peace River SEFFNER 12PM Seffner Tiki Hut ABATE at their annual Motorcycle Toy July Run 4th Saturday, August Party 12PM 813-689-7605 Charlotte County2 Justice Center in Punta every SatHouse 9—9:30AM CENTRAL/EAST TAMPA 12PM JT’s Road 4th Gorda.TV Vendors, food, drinks, and liveJuly music.

BTR BH CH49 Party 813-962-4440 ELKTON 12PMSteel L.A.M.A. Augustine TAMPA 12PM HorseSt. Tavern July St. Petersburg, FL 5th Annual ActiveCounty Military 4th PartyAnniversary 813-935-4500 Chapter St. Johns & Veteranevery Poker Run7PM to benefit Biff’sBar Kids& for TAMPA Fri Radio Grill Fairgrounds 904-347-6776 PinellasCITY 10:30AM Burger.

Greg Billings in Concert Series BTR Radio Show LAKE 8AM&BiffAmerican Legion concert, food and drink specials, $15American rider/$10 813-915-1555 Riders, Chapter 57 Poker Run passenger 727-244-8519 Legion Post 57 386-752-7776 every Saturday, 5 Sat 12PM Paradise LAKELANDJuly every SatAmerica Power Sports Booty Short Bike Wash CENTRAL/EAST Sarasota, FL Wreaths Across 10AM& 9—9:30AM BTRRide TV ends BH CH49 BBQ Evie’s 863-858-4801 Grill & Golf. at Firkins Chrysler Sat food 5PMand Plant Bike BRADENTON-SARASOTA 9:30AM Finz PLANT CITY Jeep 3PM. Live1st music, drinkCity specials (BTR TV tapingto River &bemagazine Fest Downtown Finds Freedom Ride H-D and more.

Proceeds for Manatee wreaths placed shoot) 813-754-3707 or Rossiter’s H-D Cemetery 941-745-2429 or at Sarasota National on 12/12.

ST. PETE everyRide Sat ends 6PM atBiffVan Burger 941-951-6103 Wezel Bike Night 727-244-8519 Performing Arts Hall (BTR 10-class Bike West Palm Beach, FL Palm Beach H-D show) AnniversaryAugust & Day Venom of3the Dead Party 11AM HUDSON 12PM II Customer Sunday, 5PM. LiveBAY music, food, bar, raffles, vendors every Sunfull11—11:30PM Appreciation Day 727-378-5850 TAMPA and more 561-659-4131 everyWTTA Sat 12PM Paradise BTR TV Great38 LAKELAND Sun Short 2PM Neon Cowboy Power CITY Sports1stBooty Bike Wash & DADE After Webster Party 3813-997-1133 BBQ 863-858-4801 Tuesday, November DUNEDIN 9AM Sunshine for SamRed, Sr. LAKELAND 11AMFL H-D Lakeland New Port Richey, Venom Tuesday Bike America Legion Post863-802-1971 275music, 727-736-4664 White & Blue Night 6PM everyEvent Tue. Live food & drink 1st Breast Sat 5PM PlantBenefit City NOKOMIS Cancer PLANT specials, CITY bike8AM wash girls 727-813-8700 (BTR TV taping & Bike Fest Poker RunDowntown FOE Eagles 3482 magazine shoot) 813-754-3707 941-484-4470 Wednesday, November 4 ST. PETEFLevery everySat Sun6PM 12PM BiffBike Peggy’s Burger PALMETTO Lakeland, Mojo’s Wednesday Night Corral Bike Night Bike727-244-8519 Day 941–729-5442 every Wed 6pm Food specials, live music and WAUCHULA every Sun 12PM more 863-583-9119 Sunday, July 6 Biker Day Charlotte’s Webb TAMPA BAY every Sun 863–735-8887 St. Petersburg, FL Biff Burger Special Bike 1stBTR Sun Webster 11—11:30PM TV8AM Great38 WTTA WEBSTER Night. Live music, giveaways, food 1st Meet Sun 2PM Neon& drink Cowboy Westside Swap 352-793-9877 DADE CITY specials 727-244-8513 After Webster Party 813-997-1133 every4Sun 12PM Peggy’s Monday, August PALMETTO Corral BikeNovember Day74th 941–729-5442 STURGIS, SD Annual Sturgis Thursday, 5 every 12PM WAUCHULA Motorcycle Rally (8/4Sun – 8/10) Blairsville, GA Copperhead Lodge Charlotte’s property for Webb Biker Daythemed 863–735-8887 www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com sale. Motorcycle lodge on 7 acres with Sun 8AM Webster WEBSTER 11 rooms, and1st more 270-304-1020 Westside Swap Meet Tuesday, August 5 352-793-9877 Tue Ride TAMPA BAYFLevery Homosassa, H-DBorn BikeTo Night 4PM Tuesday, JulyCrystal 8 Radio AMFM247.com every Thu. Free food, fun, live music and TAMPA BAY every Tue 7PM–11PM more 352-563-9900 Born To Ride Radio AMFM247.com Wednesday, August 6 everyTue Wed7PM 6PM TheMojo’s Landing Bike VALRICO every LAKELAND Homosassa, FL High Octane Saloon Thursday Night Bike Night 863-583-9119 813-653-0002 Bike PETE Night every music, & drink everyThu. WedLive6PM Bifffood Burger ST. specials, vendors & more Wednesday, July 9 352-794-6037 Bike Night 727-244-8519

74 || BORNTORIDE.COM BTR 76

For There more areevents some great coming events up, socoming get outup, there so get andout meet there up and withmeet your friends! up with old friends!

BornToRide.com/events s, Rides & Destinations LAKELAND VALRICO Lakeland, FLevery 11/5 every -Wed 11/8 Wed Roscoe’s 7PM 6PM Mojo’s Chili Raccoons Bike NightFlorida’s Bike 863-583-9119 Night 813-689-5079 Challenge. #1 Old School Biker ST. Party.PETE Adultsevery only (21Wed and 6PM up), allBiff chili Thursday, August 7(cash prizes & Burger Night 727-244-8519 must be Bike cooked on site every 1st Wed Thu 6PM 7PM Manatee BRADENTON VALRICOLive trophies). music, camping, biker River Raccoons H-D Bike BikeNight Night 941-745-2429 813-689-5079 games, contests, vendors 863-858-1166 DADE CITY every Thu 6PM Neon Thursday, July 10 813-997-1133 Cowboy Bike Night Port RicheyBEACH FL Venom2 Bike every every ThuThursday 7PM Thu Johnny 6PM APOLLO LAKELAND Night every Thu. Live813-641-8676 music, food & drink G’s Porky’s Bike Bike Night Night 863-858-3366 specials 727-387-5850 every everyThu Thu6PM 6PMThe Neon Bar SANFORD DADE CITY Out Cowboy BackBike BikeNight Night813-997-1133 321-926-3996 Friday, November every6Thu 7PM Johnny LAKELAND Inglis, FLAugust 11/56Friday, 8 Brothers of the Third G’s Bike Night11/8 863-858-3366 every 2nd Thu Fri 7PMCountry Rock CENTRAL/EAST LAND O’ LAKES Wheel Trike-in Scooter Haven 9—9:30AM HarleyGates Saloon BTR Bike TVFri. Night BH12PM CH49Games, Club. open every trike Fri 6PM II HUDSON 813-406-4871 50/50 drawings, & bikeVenom show, food, every Thu 6PM The Bar Bike Night 727-378-5850 SANFORD camping 352-216-9704 Out Back6PM Bike1stNight 321-926-3996 OCALA Annual Ocala 2ndMarion Thu7 6PM SARASOTA BikeFest Arc (8/8Bike - 8/9) Saturday,for November Night at Applebee’s 941-355-1400 Ocala H-D 352-732-2488 Casselberry, 5th Annual Vehicle &for OCALA 8AMFLOcala Motorcycle Vets Swap & Car Show Church Friday, July 11 Metro Car Meet OcalaLife Drive-In 10AM 407-687-3773 every Fri CENTRAL/EAST Theatre 352-470-7352 9—9:30AM BTR BH CH49 PALMETTO 12PMTVPeggy’s Corral Lakeland, FL Lakeland H-D Saturday every Fri 6PM Venom II HUDSON July 4th Party 941–729-5442 CookPETE out 11AM every Sat 863-802-1971 every Fri 5PM Fraternal Bike Night 727-378-5850 ST. Order of Eagles Night LAKELAND 11AM4147 H-DBike Lakeland 727-452-3991 Riding Academy (7/11 New Port Richey, FL 2nd -7/13) Annual Heart SANFORD Thefood Bar &Out 863-802-1971 Run Venom. 12PM Live music, drinkBack 5PM Fraternal All American BashFri 321-926-3996 ST. PETE specials, andevery more 727-813-8700 7PMBike Radio Bar Order of every EaglesFri4147 Night TAMPA & Grill Concert Series 727-452-3991 Sunday, November 8 & BTR Radio every 7PMIsland Radio Bar Show 813-915-1555 TAMPA Ellenton, FL AnnaFri Maria Privateers & Grill “Shipreck Concert Poker SeriesRun.” & BTR Radio Annual Registration Saturday, August 9 Show 813-915-1555 9am at the Amvets Post every301, Satlast bike CENTRAL/EAST 4PM at Peggy’s Coral 9—9:30AM BTR BH CH49 Saturday, July 12TV727-214-8903 Sat 12PM Sat LAKELAND everyevery CENTRAL/EAST Plant City, Power FL BTR UncleSports Mike’s Smokehouse 9—9:30AM TV BHBooty CH49Short Paradise USMCWash Celebration Sunday 813-737-4444 Sat 12PM LAKELAND Bike &every BBQ 863-858-4801 Paradise5PM Power Sports Booty Short LARGO Suncoast Brotherhood Bike Wash & BBQStill 863-858-4801 Poker RunNovember Aging Thursday, 12 OCALA Motorcycle & Car santi91.bs@gmail.com Sarasota, FL Applebee’s Bike Swap Night every 6PM Biff&Burger MeetPETE Ocala Drive In Theatre Flea ST. Thursday 2nd Thu Sat 941-355-1400 Bike Night 727-244-8519 Mkt 352-470-7352 every Sat Biff OCALA Motorcycle Car Swap ST. PETE Friday, November 13& 6PM BurgerOcala Bike FL Night 727-244-8519 Meet Drive In Theatre & Coast Flea Homosassa, 11/13 - 11/15 Nature Mkt 352-470-7352 Fall Biker Bash Live Sunday, JulyHigh 13 ZANESVILLE, OHOctane 9PM Saloon.

12th Annual music, food & drink specials, every Sun giveaways, TAMPA BAY 2014 SE Ohio Motorcycle Ride vendors, bikini BTR contestTV352-794-6037 11—11:30PM Great38 WTTA 440-259-4793 ENGLEWOOD 3PM Southern Steele Palm Harbor, FL 7th10Annual MC 5th Anniversary PartyFood Will’sDrive Sunday, August 12PM 6PM Haasch Office. southernsteelemc.com Honky- Tonk TAMPA BAYFran every Sun Law 11—11:30PM HUDSON Sun 12PM Venom BTR TV Great38 WTTA Donations to2nd benefit F.E.A.S.T. Food II every 12PM Swap Meet PALMETTO Pantry, catured727-378-5850 lunch,Sun all donations every Peggy’s Corral BikeSun Day12PM PALMETTO extremely appreciated 727-784-8191 941–729-5442 Peggy’s Corral Bike Day every WAUCHULA 941–729-5442 - 11/15Sun Giant12PM Used Tampa, FL 11/13 every SunTampa.

12PM We Charlotte’s Webb Day WAUCHULA Motorcycle Tent SaleBiker H-D Charlotte’s Webb Biker 863–735-8887 take anything9AM on trade!

OverDay 863–735-8887 VALRICO Wheels for150a used Cure Harleys, most under $10,000.

For more AMVETS Post 26 813-523-0184 information 888-328-0959 Tuesday,call July 15 every11Tue 7PM-11PM TAMPA BAY Monday, August Saturday, November Born To Ride Radio1214 AMFM247.com Tuesday, August Lake City, FL Riders Caring every Tuewith 7PM The Hearts VALRICO 4th AnnualBike Toy Night Run 10AM Landing 813-653-0002 Wednesday, August 13386-758-9811

Lakeland, FLKY Riding CauseValley Poker Tampa, 727-378-5850 FL July LAMA24Tampa Hero’s Benefit Thursday, Thursday, July 17for aHawg GRAHAM, 12PM 3rd 4th SunHonoree Thu 10AM 7PMCentral Rock LAND O’ LAKELAND 7PM Johnny G’s BTR Bike Rally 812-660-0584 Run CC Riders 12PM. All proceeds to KISSIMMEE 12PM H-DLAKES Brandon.

Sgt. Carl Florida Harley Saloon Motorcycle Bike Night Meetcome and out TV tapingwreaths Bike Night 863-858-3366 purchase for Wreaths Across Moore was injured in Swap Afghanistan 813-406-4871 House and Saloon Thursday, 14Bushnell National Greet America, to beAugust placed at to helpCracker LAMA Tampa H-D Brandon Friday, BROWNFIELD, TXin12PM Wild 407-705-7588 Cemetery.July Last18bike 6 PM at4B Uncle honor Sgt. Carl Moore 813-299-4482 every Fri Friday,ELSINORE, July 25 CA 3rd Sun 3PM LAKE CENTRAL/EAST West Rally 806-831-2409 Mike’s Bike Smokehouse Grill 863-665-2090 everyTV ThuBH6PM Neon So FriWrestling for 9—9:30AM CH49 Cal FL CRUISE INevery 877-757-7997 CENTRAL/EAST DADE CITY BTR Tampa, JT’s Road every Fri 6PM Venom II LAND 3rd Sun 12PM Good Cowboy Night 813-997-1133 9—9:30AM BTR TVHouse BH CH49 HUDSONBike O’ LAKES NorthNight Port,GAFL Legion Destination Riders Post 254 a Cause 4PM 813-962-4440 every Fri 6PM Venom II Bike 727-378-5850 Biker Bonanza Rock Harley HELEN, 10AM Helen Fellows HUDSON Hog Roast.

American Bike Night PALM BAYCome 9AM join Space CoastLegion H-D Saloon Bike727-378-5850 Night Motorcycle Rally (8/14 -8/17) Riders Post 254 annual hog roast.

Wauchula, FL11AM Charlotte’s Webb Customer LAKELAND H-D Lakeland Anniversary Grand Opening 813-406-4871 706-878-8520 50/50,- Auctions, LiveThu music - Vendors Appreciation Party. Free beer and fun, 7PM Johnny Riding Academy (7/25food, -7/27) (7/18 7/20)every 321-259-1311 LAKELAND wanted, 941-423-7311 plus vendorsAugust 863-735-8887 every Fri 5PM Fraternal Monday, G’s BikecallNight 863-858-3366 18 863-802-1971 ST. PETE every4147 Thu Bike 6PM Night The Bar Tuesday, August 19 Order of Eagles SANFORD Out BackFL Bike NightCorral 321-926-3996 727-452-3991 Saturday, JulyAugust 26 22 20 Palmetto, Peggy’s Ole Skool Wednesday, Sunday, November 2nd FriThu 7PM6PM Radio Bike Bar & Thursday, every Sat MC Parts SARASOTA TAMPA CENTRAL/EAST 21Custom Bike and every Car Extravaganza Honoring Osceola, FLAugust Gladiator Night Grill Concert at 2PM. Applebee’s Series 941-355-1400 & BTR 9—9:30AM BTR22 TVProceeds BH CH49 Friday, August Veterans Live music, food,Radio Bike Show 10AM. to benefit every Sat Paradise Show 813-915-1555 LAKELAND Kids Helping Kids,12PM $15 registration beverages, raffles, BTR TV taping and Florida Friday, Power Booty Short Bike Wash Saturday, fee.

For Sports moreAugust info call 23 352-895-9829 magazineAugust shoot call15941-729-5442 every Sat CRIPPLE Saturday,CREEK, July 19 CO 9AM 22nd & BBQ 863-858-4801 CENTRAL/EAST every Sat 9—9:30AM BTR TV BH CH49 Annual CENTRAL/EAST Salute to American Veterans LAKELAND 11AM H-D Lakeland Hog Largo, FL 3rdALAnnual Heart Strings Palm Harbor, FL Corn Fest 9—9:30AM TV719-487-8005 BH 2015 CH49to ANNISTON, 2PM Rumble on for Rally (8/15 –BTR 8/17) Roast (Finance Seminar 12PM) Heroes Honors Cruise 2015.

A one-day benefit Wheelchairs for Kids 1PM 7PM Sat 12PM JT’s Road TAMPA 3rd Motorcycle & Music Streetfest MAGGIE VALLEY, NC 10AM Maggie Noble 863-802-1971 motorcycle ride 12PM and private 3-hour Fraternal OrderDogs of Rally Eagles 4408.-8/17) Live & 770-943-4175 House Summer Road Bikefest_Riders Valley (8/15 PLANT CITY Born To Ridecruise.

Live free9:30AM t-shirt, prizes. Get music, raffles, silent auction, door prizes, ATHENS, Rockers 813-962-4440 GA 10th&Annual 336-580-1638 Greatmusic, American Bikercash Bash tickets10-class heartstringsforheroes.org $8 prepay orIN$12 at event every Sat 12PM (BTR Bike show) LAKELAND Ride for the Unborn Cycle World MARION, 12PM Hog727-934-1417 Daze Paradise Power Sports Booty Short 1965aloia@gmail.com (BTR TV taping & magazine shoot) (8/15 -8/17) 765-661-8755 Largo, FL Suncoast Brotherhood Broke Panama City&Beach, Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Bike Wash BBQ FL 863-858-4801 VA 10AM RideGrill for the MOUNTAIN VIEW, ARRide 8AMUnited PCB DUMFRIES, every Sat 6PM Pirate 813-737-4444 ST. PETERSBURG VI 757-286-3377 Mountains, Music and Motorcycles H-D 9AM. Give, Advocate, Volunteer, Bums Poker Run 5PM Whiskey Depot; $5 everymore Sat 6PM BiffItasca Burger Biff ride Burger Night PETE MNinfo 10AM 807-269-8068 and to beBike a part of the727-244-8519 change. After GRAND aST. hand orRAPIDS, 3/$10; 727-453-8818 Seminole Bike Night for 727-244-8519 Humanity Construction SANFORD ride return to 3rd PCBFri H-D6PM at 12PM for the Habitat Sunday, 20 Bike Night Harley-Davidson SEMINOLE Cruise Block partyJuly 850-785-7521 Tampa,218-244-5629 FL 1PM Born G.R.I.T.S To RideNational 20-Year TAMPA BAY every Sun 407-328-1212 Audition Louie’s Porpoise ST. PETEScrewie 12PM Born Ride H-D. Anniversary Party 12 PMToBrandon 11—11:30PM BTR TV Fallen Great38 WTTA 19-Year SOMERSET, PA America’s Pub Anniversary Trilogy Ruskin, FL Ride for 7AM the 11:30AM Meet 727-393-7616 the Nasty Boys, Live musicParty (Sobriety Sun 11AM Venom II (BTR 10-class Bike show) HUDSON 9/11 Ride 3rd 240-393-1902 My Warriors Place.

Your $25 donation X, Jeff Vitale), food & drink specials, Biker Appreciation Party (BTR TV taping & magazine shoot)10-class Sunday, July 27 supports our August Veterans 16 and Military Service DAYTONA bike Burger show, vendors, BTR TV taping Biff 727-244-8519 727-378-5850 Saturday, BEACH 12PM Born To and Members.

Concert is CHASE Ride magazine shoot VA 888-795-5779 every Sat YORKTOWN, 10AM Ride for the KEY WEST Hokaheadliner Hey Motorcycle CENTRAL/EAST Summertime Showdown Party BRYANT! inforide4fallen.org (BTR Bike show) 9—9:30AM BTRfrom TV BH Pirate10-class VI 757-286-3377 Challenge Ride KeyCH49 West to Monday, November 25 shoot) (BTR TV taping & magazine ALEXANDRIA, 1PM 5th Homer, Alaska KY 605-890-0386 Tampa, FL JT’sfor Road House Benefit for Palmetto, FL Peggy’s24Corral Pre3rd Sun 10AM Central Boot Hill Saloon Sunday, August Annual Bugs Boobies Run KISSIMMEE every Sun- 12 11—11:30PM Florida Swap Meet and Thanksgiving LARGO 1PMParty 2nd8PM Annual Heart TAMPA BAY chromedivas2riversky@yahoo.com BikercapMotorcycle Inc. 813-962-4440 AM Live BTR TV WTTA Greet Cracker12PM House Saloon Strings forGreat38 Heroes Patriot Ride FT. MYERS Great Back to music, food, beverages 941-729-5442 BRANDON Born 727-530-9799 To Ride 407-705-7588 WingHouse 12PM bar & Grill School (6/7 –158/15) Party Sunday,Drive November SunGreat 12PM Anniversary Party LAND LAKES SUNRISE 10AM Let’s Ride for Ethan 8/16 atO’SunSports 239-209-3187 Bradenton, FL 18th 3rd Annual Teddy 19-Year Friday, November 27 Trilogy 10-class Bike show) Good Fellows Biker Bonanza Chester’s H-D 954-300-5748 GREENWOOD VILLAGE, 2AM Bear Run Manatee River H-D.CO ForRock more (BTR Bradenton - Sarasota, FL 11/27 - 11/28 (BTR TV River tapingH-D & magazine shoot) Harley Saloon Bike Night Endurance 30th Annual 1000-IN-24 information please call 941-745-2429 or Manatee & Rossiter’s H-D Black Green&Iguana 813-406-4871 Tuesday, July 813-643-7800 29 Ride 303-781-0032 visit greatteddybearrun.com Friday Chrome Saturday Sale 9AM. every 12PM Sun JT’s 12PMRoad CAPE CORAL 7AM Tue 2nd 7PM–11PM Annual PALMETTO TAMPA BAY every TAMPA 3rd Sat Save off select H-DAMFM247.com licensed products Born To Bully Ride Radio Peggy’s House Road CorralDogs BikeBikefest Day Ride 15% for Awareness GermanNew Port Richey, FL Suncoast 941-745-2429, 941-951-6103 every Tue The VALRICO 941–729-5442 813-962-4440 American Social Club7PM 239-283-1400 Brotherhood GA 4thevery Annual Christmas Party Landing 12PM Bike Night WAUCHULA NEWNAN, 9AM Sun Ride for the CLEARWATER 8AM813-653-0002 Ride Against 12PM VFW Post 6180.

Pasco Lakeland, FL 11/27 11/28 Lakeland Charlotte’s Webb Biker Day theKids KIDS (To support theSupport Fragile Traffick with Erik -Estrada QuakerH-D County Foster 678-357-6855 Adoptive Parent Assn $5 Black SaleJuly 9AM. Wednesday, 30Special sales, free 863–735-8887 Foundation) SteakFriday & Lube 727-572-9464 donation or unwrapped 727-863-8824 gift 863-802-1971 Wed 6PM Biff ST.wrapping PETE every NEW PORT RICHEYtoy 1PM Diva Burger Bike Night 25 727-244-8519 Tuesday, JulySpaghetti 22 Monday, August Angels Pasco Dinner every Tue every Wed VALRICO TAMPA BAY Tuesday,November August 26287PM Raccoons Bourbon Street 727-808-0276 Thursday, November 19 7PM–11PM Saturday, Born To Ride RadioNight AMFM247.com Bike Night 813-689-5079 Wednesday, August 27 WOODLAND PARK, COOut 7:30AM Lakeland, FL Ladies Brandon - Brooksville - Clearwater, FL 27th Annualevery POW/MIA 7PM Recognition The VALRICO Thursday, August 28in Event 9AM 6PM Lakeland H-D.Tue Special sales, Barney’s Trade up Trade 31 813-628-9418, Landing Ride 719-487-8005 BikeandNight refreshments wine,813-653-0002 also vendors just Thursday, - 5PM all threeJuly locations every Thu 6PM Neon CITY Friday, August for ladies. For more info 863-802-1971 DADE 352-796-6116, and29727-576-1148 Wednesday, Sunday, August July1723 Cowboy Bike Night 813-997-1133 CHARLOTTE, NC Queen City Bike everySun Wed11—11:30PM 6PM Mojo’s LAKELAND LAKELAND TAMPA BAYevery Fest (8/29 –every 8/30) Thu 7PM Johnny Saturday, November 21 Saturday, December 5 BTR Bike Night TV Great38 863-583-9119 WTTA G’s Bike Night 863-858-3366 jon@queencitybikefest.com Clearwater, FL Veteran’s Plant City, FL Plant City Bike 13thBar every Wed8AM 6PMCharity Biff Pig SANFORD every ThuBanks 6PMFest The CASTLE ST. PETEROCK, CO Blue GRANDY, NC Outer Bike Roast 11AM VFW 2473.Run Live music, Out Anniversary 5PM - 9PM Downtown. Live Burger Bike NightPost 727-244-8519 Back Bike Night 321-926-3996 Thunder Memorial Poker Show (8/29 – 9/1) 252-453-2261 games & prizes, everyturkey Wedshoot, 7PM raffles, food music, 8-class bike show, stunt show, VALRICO julezwid@gmail.com & drink specials food, vendors,August and more 3rd Sun 11AM Venom II Saturday, 2 Raccoons Bike727-588-9393 Night 813-689-5079 HUDSON 30813-754-3707 Biker Appreciation Party ELKTON 12PM L.A.M.A. St.

To Send submitinand even events visit BornToRide.com yourview events to more info@BornToRide.com, help us helpEvents you.

Sunday, December 6 Sunday, August Augustine Chapter31Anniversary St. every 11—11:30PM TAMPA BAY Johns Fairgrounds MadeiraCounty Beach, FLSun Screwie Louie’s BTR TV Great38 WTTA12PM Madeira 904-347-6776 Porpoise Pub Benefit BRIDGEWATER, NJ music, 9AM Sat 5PM Dawn Plant PLANT CITY 1stLive Beach Bandshell. raffles,City food, Patrol MCand Labor Day(BTR Run TV 848–228taping & Bike Fest Downtown beverage, fun 727-392-0665 9299 magazine shoot) 813-754-3707 PALMETTO 12PM BornToy To Ride 10AM Ocala, FL HOG of Ocala 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Run Party Thursday, August 7 H-D 10-class Ocala. Bike Escorted ride Manatee leaves for (BTR show) 1st Thu 6PM BRADENTON Downtown where children will be waiting (BTR TV taping magazine shoot) River H-D Bike&the Night 941-745-2429 for all bikers and Santa; donation 0f $5 and Peggy’s Corral 941–729-5442 an unwrappedAugust toy 352-732-2488 Thursday, 14 Thursday, September 4 Bike Night 2nd Thu 6PM SARASOTA Tampa FL Cookson Hills6PM Toy Manatee Run 10AM 1st Thu BRADENTON at Applebee’s 941-355-1400 River H-D BikeRide Nightends 941-745-2429 H-D Brandon. at Veterans Saturday, 16 For more info call Memorial ParkAugust 2PM 4PM. Saturday, FT. MYERSSeptember 12PM Great6Back to 813-966-5168 WESLEY CHAPEL Annual School Drive (6/7 –8AM 8/15)5th Party 8/16 9/11 Gratitude Ride Quail at SunSports 239-209-3187 Thursday, December 10 Hollow 813-928-2160 Sarasota, FL Applebee’s Bike Night 1st Sat PLANT CITY Saturday, August 235PM Plant City Thursday Thu 941-355-1400 (BTR Bike Fest2nd Downtown every SatTV taping & CENTRAL/EAST magazine shoot) 9—9:30AM BTR813-754-3707 TV BH CH49 Saturday, ST. PETEDecember 12PM Born12To Ride Brooksville - Lakeland, 12 FL - Wreaths Friday, September 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Party Across10-class America.

TwoUSO policeRide escorts, one ORLANDO 6PM Welcome (BTR Bike show) mission.

Brooksville arrive by shoot) 8AM, leave Party H-D Orlando 407-892-2246 (BTR TV taping & magazine by 9:30AM Kettering Rd) Lakeland Biff Burger (5100 727-244-8519 Saturday, September 13(3010 arrive by 6AM, leave by 8AM BONITA SPRINGS Sunday, August 244PMwillHot Saddle Creek Rd). Riders be Wheelz escorted Weekend Naples everyFort SunMyers TAMPA to BushnellBAY National Cemetery to place Greyhound Track 11—11:30PM BTR 239-549-5599 TV Great38 WTTA wreaths 352-793-7740 ORLANDO 10:30AM annual BRANDON 12PM Born10th To Ride Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Party St. Petersburg, FL Toys for Pinellas Kids Ride H-D Orlando 407-892-2246 (BTR 10-class Bike show) 19th Annual Benefit Bike Show Biff Burger (BTR TV taping & magazine shoot) $5 a ticket 5/$20 727-244-8519 Thursday, September 18 Green Iguana 813-643-7800 KEY WEST 42nd Phil Peterson’s Key Sunday, December West Poker Run (9/18 Sunday, August 3113 - 9/20) 2ndevery Annual Dover, FL 305-651-4811 Sun Toy Run12PM TAMPA BAY AMVETS PostBTR 26. 813-523-0184 11—11:30PM TV Great38 WTTA Saturday, PALMETTOSeptember 12PM Born 20 To Ride PALMETTO 10AM 20 Help OurParty Heroes 19-Year December Anniversary Trilogy Sunday, Poker Run FL Peggy’s Corral ends 35th (BTR 10-class Bike show) Clearwater, Suncoast Brotherhood Rivers Edge 813-406-3603 (BTR taping &12PM magazine AnnualTVToy Run K-Martshoot) Parking lot Peggy’s Corral 941–729-5442 (Dunedin).

Join our parade along Main St. Sunday, September 21to celebrate our through Downtown Dunedin SARASOTA 9AM 4th Hap Friday, September 12Annual gift of giving at the American Legion Poneleit Memorial Poker Run HapsPost ORLANDO 6PM USO Ride Welcome 276 727-282-9016 Cycle Sales 941-809-7433 PartycallH-D Orlando 407-892-2246 VENICE 12PM Peace River ABATE’s Thursday, January 7, 201613 Pre-Biketoberfest Event Tarzan’s Saturday, September Sarasota, 1/17– 1/10 Thunder

By The Jungle BarFL941-429-9917 ORLANDO 10:30AM 10th annual Bay Downtown clay Jason Burnett Sarasota.

MemorialSporting USO Benefit Tournament, “Born to10407-892-2246 be Wild” Kickoff Friday, October Ride H-D Orlando NEW Hogs PORTonRICHEY CoteeParty, River Party, Hillview Block Light Bike - 10/12) Downtown Thursday, September up theFest Night(10/10 Bike Show, Live18music, NewFinds Port Cruise Richey KEY WEST 42nd Phil Finz for727-842-7651 CashPeterson’s Charity Ride,Key West Poker Run (9/18 - 9/20)Bike Downtown Festival, BTR 17-class 305-651-4811 Show, vendors and more. For more information thunderbythebay.org Saturday, September 20 Friday, January 15, 2016 PALMETTO 10AM Help Our Heroes 1/15 – 1/17 Gibtown Bike Gibsonton, Poker RunFL Peggy’s Corral ends Fest. of death, bike show, factory RiversWall Edge 813-406-3603 demo rides, vendors, live music on 5 stages gibtownmotorcyclerally.com

BORNTORIDE.COM 75 BORNTORIDE.COM |||BTR BTR 77 77 BORNTORIDE.COM BTR

Spyke & Mike

“Sometimes Home, isn’t always Home.”

On a somber note, my BTR friends, this month I turned the keyboard over to Mike; only he has a way of passing on information like this, so here he is.

Like most weekends at Screwie Louie’s Porpoise Pub there was a charity event, and this one was a heart benefit for 7-yr-old Lillian.

Nobody knew it would be the last. … As usual, the cause for Lillian drew a large crowd; the patrons were very generous and stayed until late in the evening. The only thing that lasted longer were the severe winds.

The crew had cleaned up and left for the night, and Louie made his last ride around the establishment to look for any signs of human life only an hour earlier. Richie was home just getting ready to take a shower when his son Nico let loose a series of five tiny words, which by themselves mean very little, but put them all together and instantly that complete sentence ruined the livelihood, dreams, and aspirations of many.

“The Pub is on fire!” Richie didn’t believe him so he blurted out, “that’s bullsh#*!” Nico replied, “I wish it was!” Richie threw his clothes on and they both raced out the door. The word spread almost as fast as the flames. …

Already a 3 alarm blaze, the fire was a towering inferno spitting fireballs felt over 100 yards away downwind.

Meanwhile, the tenants upwind in the neighboring trailer park, felt nothing, heard nothing, and were sleeping like rocks through it all. That is until Louie ran to each doublewide knocking, waking the dead, and warning them about possible fallout.

Luckily, nothing was in its way.

The fire seemed to have only one intention: take out a 50 plus yearold landmark—reducing it to ashes, rock, and warped metal. Even the famous stripper pole was not spared.

It was bent and twisted from the severe heat of burning half century old timbers, plywood, and extremely combustible knick knacks that have been added to the décor over the years.

The place was always full of love and friendly people. Everyone treated each other like brothers and sisters. Most employees had been there 5 to 7 years and all had built a great rapport with the clientele.

As Louie put it, “We were one big family with an even bigger family of followers.”

The Porpoise Pub was a staple of the community for 51 years and well known to people from all walks of life. The fire chief praised the place for its contribution to the community after putting out the fire. She later

reported to Louie that their website received over 100,000 hits in two days from all over the world. Everyone was trying to get in touch with Richie or Louie, wanting answers, offering condolences, or asking how to help. Local TV stations aired live feeds and interviews with people associated with the Pub and even set up a donation page on their websites. They also will be giving free air time when Louie or Richie need it for any benefit that will help resurrect the ole Pub. If you’ve got great memories from the place cherish them, smile when you think of them, and tell others what the venue and everybody who was associated with it stood for. Pass on your great recollection of the many benefits, celebrations, concerts, poker run stops, weddings, and just plain ole kick-ass biker parties that were held there in the seven short years when Richie and Louie had it under their wings. (All pun intended!)

As of print, the community has already come together to help out.

There have been several benefits put on by other establishments for the employees and the Pub itself. The biggest one in the works now is going to be held December 5. The city of Madeira Beach has donated its concert band shell complete with staff and logistics for free. Mark your calendar and keep watching in BTR, online, and Facebook for more info. Make sure you come out and give something to the people who gave so much to so many individuals, families, and the community over the years and to help rebuild an icon.

It may be an end to an era and death to the ole Pub; a place deep in tradition and deeper in the hearts, minds, and memories of all who stepped on the property, young and old. But with your help it will be like a phoenix and rise above the ashes, resurrected and rebuilt to continue the tradition as one the most unusual roadside attractions in Pinellas County—and a place for many to call home, including Spyke. She had a couple of great perches there!

She will be back on the keyboard next month pecking away for you, our BTR friends. After typing this, we need some saddle time. I’ll be getting her wings in the wind and the Fat Bird’s wheels down the road, stopping by the huge pile of ashes and rubble. It will be her first chance to see it, and I’m sure she will shed a tear if Mike she could.

Porpoise Pub was always a place that helped others, now it’s time for us to help you. To Donate: screwielouies.net

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Christian Motorcyclists Association

Thinking back, I recalled the number of bikes I have owned over the years and how different they were. My first two-wheeler was a three horse power mini bike, how proud I was to have such a cool ride! It makes me laugh now, but it was a start and a lot of fun. I graduated to dirt bikes, up to an RM370 motocross machine … boy it could run! As I got older, I started looking for more comfort but more comfort in a bike comes with more weight.

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My current bike weighs just short of 900 pounds; at times it’s a lot of bike to wrestle.

You know how it goes, the only parking place available has a slight downhill slope, and it’s too tight to turn in order to be able to back into the spot. Even worse, you are parking in a grass field, and you don’t see the slight divot in front of you until the front wheel is firmly in the dip. And this always seems to happen where there is a fence in front of you. You can give it your all, pull and pull, but that bike isn’t budging. By the way, have you tried picking your bike up when it is laying on the ground?

Yes, it’s possible, but not very easy or fun, especially for a bike that heavy. These are perfect examples of why it’s good to ride with others and not alone.

The Bible tells us, in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, that, “Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together,

they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

I don’t know about you, but having someone come alongside me, and help lift me up or give my bike a tug out of a hole, is always a real blessing. A strong, helping hand makes the struggles of life easier to overcome, and having a brother to walk with you, and to help you, is a good thing that can make a positive difference in one’s life.

Better than any man or woman as a friend is the One who is the greatest blessing of all, God Himself. In Hebrews 13:5b the Bible tells us, “For God has said, “I will never, never fail or forsake you.” When I gave my hands, and my heart, to Jesus, God promised that He would never let me go. He’s got me, and He’ll be there for you too if you will simply ask Him to walk with you! Why not take a moment and ask God to make the difference in your life?

In The Wind, Denny Dingler

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