Born To Ride Florida #157 June 20177

Contents

June Issue 157

Ad Index

Features Scooter’s-Spring Time Biker Bash 12 American Flat Track 22 TC Road Gear 31 Test Ride-H-D Road King Special 38 Suncoast Diva’s 44 Fabulous Las Vegas 50

Columns

5

Craven Moorehead Spyke & Mike-Looking for Love Christian Motorcycle Association

61 65 71

Departments Ride Safe, Ride Smart Everywhere Eddy-Is Everywhere Finz Finds-Ride in the Park Movie Review-Electra Glide in Blue BTR Events Update Born To Ride Kids

7 41 45 62 66 71

Reports

57

Nation’s Fire is Coming Almhütte for his Francoise Generation to Generation My Father’s Son Wounded Warrior Project-Thank You Chuck Liddell Reads Born To Ride Industry Report-Sprah Reflective Apparel

5 8 18 34 46 57 58

On The Cover

TC Road Gear-Female Biker Motorcycle Apparel www.tcroadgear.com

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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4D’s Trucking 64 AAA 6 Affordable Motorsports 59 Al Estes Bail Bonds 59 Allstate - Jeff Ard 63 Angel City Fall Rally 52 Attorney Fran Haasch IFC, 7, BC Biff Burger 3 Biker Extra’s Needed 11 BTR Facebook 70 BTR Free on Three 49 BTR Lifestyle 57 BTR Radio 60 BTR Subscribe 53 BTR TV-This TV Tampa Bay 57 BTR TV-Great 38 66 Caribbean Coatings 55 Captain Itch 56 CJ Seats 57 Copperhead Lodge 40 Cycle-Rama 53 Dale’s Channel 60 Dyno Wars 23 Eric Warren Artistry 29 Find It Now 21 Fun Bike Center 16 Great American Biker Bash 26 High Octane Saloon 30 H-D Bert’s Barracuda 26 H-D Crystal 72, IBC H-D Florida 15 H-D Lakeland 19 H-D Seminole 36 H-D War Horse 72, IBC JT’s Roadhouse 56 Let’s Ride 40 Love Jugs 63 Media Design Shop 69 Peggy’s Corral 27, 28 Rampless Motorcycle Trailer 68 Rivers Edge 49 55 Saddle Creek Samson V-Twin 54 Screwie Louie’s-Scooter Haven 10 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 42 Stitch On Time 68 St. Pete Bike Fest 4 Sturgis Kentucky Bike Rally 43 Tampa MX 17 Tampa Triumph 20 TC Road Gear 33 Tropic Trailer 64 US Military Vets-Poker Run 47 Vegas Trip Giveaway 9, 51 Vietnam Vets-Legacy Vets 48 Wings-n-Weenies 69

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BORN TO RIDE Magazine

PO BOX 3021 Brandon, FL 33509

PUBLISHER

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

Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com ART DIRECTOR

Shawn Jones art@borntoride.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com ART DEPARTMENT

Seth Wuertz, Juan Guzman, art@borntoride.com

WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Juan Guzman

BRAND & MARKETING DEVELOPER

Josh Pope

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jim Miller

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Jesse Williams

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Nancy Ray nray@borntoride.com

MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST

Seth Wuertz

THE EVERYWHERE TEAM

Everywhere Eddy & Lynne Motejaitis Knight ROAD CREW

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

Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds CONTRIBUTORS

Neale Bayly, Paul Garson, Craven Moorehead, Jim Miller, Spyke & Mike, Susan Hurst, Bill McDaniel, Eric Albright, Rob Brooks, Eric Vician PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jim Miller, Jesse Williams, Neale Bayly, Michael Whitney, Ron & Selena Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Mathew Jacobson, Mike McBee, Bruce Burman, Eric Albright, Vick Velosity, Rob Brooks Advertise in FLorida or South East BTR Magazine Call the Sales Office

(888) 795-5779 BORN TO RIDE, INC. P.O. Box 3021 Brandon, FL 33509 info@borntoride.com BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 55 BORNTORIDE.COM

RIDING POSTURE

Maintaining good posture in the saddle is an important component of good riding. Not only will paying attention to your posture help you stay comfortable over long distances, it will also enhance your control of the motorcycle by helping your body stay relaxed.

Sit on the motorcycle in an upright position with your back straight, your head up, and your eyes focused on the roadway ahead. Ride with your knees and elbows turned inward. They should

time to slow down. be comfortably bent (not locked) so In a standard turn, lean with the you can quickly move or respond to motorcycle for smoothness and stability. changes in riding conditions. Keep (Bottom right) In a slow, tight turn, both feet on the footrests at all times such as turning around in a parking lot, so you can quickly position them to it helps to counterweight by leaning in operate the rear brake pedal or shift the opposite direction of the motorcycle lever. Grip both handgrips firmly and direction of the turn. Put pressure with your wrists turned downward on the outside footrest. and knuckles pointed up. Make a conscious effort to keep your body limber and relaxed.

Tensed muscles will cause you to fatigue quickly, and will lessen your ability to respond promptly to any obstacles that might appear in your path. A relaxed rider is a ready rider.

The better your skills are, the more relaxed you’ll be.

(Top) A wrist-down position on the throttle hand is recommended. It will help avoid overrevving the engine and will make it easier to reach for the front brake lever when it comes For more information go to www.msf-usa.org

Share your Travel Story with Born To Ride, call us to talk about it before you go. 888-795-5779

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While on a family trip to Austria two years ago, Fran spotted an Almhütte and commented to her father Werner how she would adore a hut like this in her back yard. An Almhütte is an Alpine hut that is found in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. It’s commonly used for animals grazing in the wild to seek shelter from weather.

It has a peaked roof with an approximate 4-foot overhang on the sides. It’s common in Germany to see a huge boulder on the roof to hold the roof down during windy conditions. You see, Fran has a love for all animals; she has goats, cows, donkeys, and dogs … they all have names and personalities. Fran could only imagine how her animals would benefit from such a structure.

Werner saw Fran’s imagination going wild. He found some photos and his mind began working on the plan. Werner was going to build Fran her animal hut.

After returning to the States, Werner began the design on paper; soliciting help from a family friend Edward Fitzpatrick and his grandson Henry, the project was underway. He made a list of materials needed, which included properly treated cedar from Chiefland, FL. He had a wood burned “Almhütte” sign made to hang over the door which has an image of a goat and a cow. There are four layers to the roof; the inside layer made of small tree logs to give it an authentic rustic ceiling when you look up once inside. The outside has wood shingles. And yes, the boulder is going to be mounted on the BTR 8 | BORNTORIDE.COM

roof to replicate the authentic Almhütte. It’s all in the details.

But there are two extra special touches that are going on Fran’s Almhütte to complete the project. One is a masterpiece work of metal that Werner twisted himself by hand in 1957 while completing his apprenticeship in Germany as a metal worker. It adds the perfect Alpine look to the Almhütte window and comes from the heart. The other special touch is slightly difficult to explain. When Fran was able to open her first law office, she chose a site in Palm Harbor, FL. The property had an existing small building and next to it a unique historic free standing door with old rusty hinges and a door knocker. Image just a door standing there alone. Werner could never have been so proud to see his daughter break ground on that site and grow her own business into what it is today. He kept that old rusty hardware from the demolished door and has been polishing it diligently to place on the Almhütte. For Werner, this special Almhütte is a one-of-a-kind for a one-ofa-kind daughter. It signifies where they both came from and where they are today.

There have been proposals from others for a similar build, but Werner declines and explains he will be the one to complete the task for his daughter who has become a wife, mother, business woman, and philanthropist. He is proud of her accomplishments and wants to create an authentic Almhütte for his Francoise.

Happy Father’s Day from Born To Ride to All the Fathers out there reading this.

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Let Born To Ride Market, Promote & Advertise your next event. 888-795-5779

For more Motorcycle Rally Events & News go to: www.BornTo Ride.com

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Let Born To Ride Market, Promote & Advertise your next event. 888-795-5779

GENERATION TO GENERATION In

a house which becomes a home, one hands down and another takes up the heritage of mind and heart, laughter and tears, musings and deeds.

Love, like a carefully loaded ship, crosses the gulf between the generations.

Therefore, we do not neglect the ceremonies of our passage: when we wed, when we die, and when we are blessed with a child; When we depart and when we return; When we plant and when we harvest.

Let us bring up our children. It is not the place of some official to hand to them their heritage.

If others impart to our children our knowledge and ideals, they will lose all of us that is wordless and full of wonder.

Let us build memories in our children, lest they drag out joyless lives, lest they allow treasures to be lost because they have not been given the keys.

We live, not by things, but by the meanings of things. It is needful to transmit the passwords from generation to generation.

They say apples don’t fall too far from the tree.

Alan Bernard of Santiago Chopper has followed in the footsteps of his forefathers; he is a fourth generation bike builder and rider. Thanks to Alan, Born To Ride is proud to present four generations of bike-building Bernard’s.

A poem by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Fernand Bernard - Great Grandfather 1904

Roger Bernard - Grandfather 1932

Gaston Bernard - Father 1957

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Alan Bernard, Santiago Choppers - Son 2008

Happy Father’s Day from Born To Ride to All the Fathers out there reading this.

American Flat Track The Moto Mosh Pit

A fan recently remarked, “If motorcycle racing were a rock concert, flat track would be the mosh pit.” A humorous but apt description. Racing handlebar to handlebar, wide open on mile and half-mile dirt ovals or TT courses, flat track is as close to the original form of motorcycle racing as one can experience. With a history dating back nearly 100 years, the racing is raw, loud, up-close and personal. Formerly known as the AMA Grand National Championship, the series was formed and sanctioned by the AMA in 1954. The GNC was the premiere motorcycle racing series in America until the late 1970s, when Supercross rose to prominence.

Having acquired the rights from AMA Racing for 2017, American Flat Track has jumped forward “full throttle,” propelling the sport back into the mainstream of American motorcycle racing. By this reading, the racing season is well under way, witnessing a BTR 22 | BORNTORIDE.COM

revival of the historic Harley-Davidson vs.

Indian rivalry in the Twins class, after about 60 years.

Three classifications comprise the season, which runs from Daytona Bike Week in March until the closing round on October 7. AFT Singles features production-based 450cc single cylinder bikes from all the major manufacturers, focusing on developing young talent. AFT Twins features productionbased, larger displacement twin cylinder bikes, in several configurations. Running 90+hp and reaching speeds of 140mph, Twins is truly the premier class of AFT. Of interest as well, this year witnessed the debut of a “Super Hooligan” class, where amateur racers can get a taste of the bar-tobar competition themselves in an essentially “open” class for larger bikes. In all classes, there are large corporate sponsored teams with multiple crew members and full traveling

shops, and small “privateer” teams made up of family and friends. They all share the common bond of a deep passion for the sport and share a camaraderie in the pits, if not always on the track.

I had the opportunity to attend the Atlanta round at Dixie Speedway, March 25. Dixie is a 3/8 mile (approx.), high-banked, red clay surfaced oval, a unique track on the circuit.

Motorcycle racing had not graced this track in nearly 30 years. I rode the Street Cup on loan from Triumph North America (see “Street Cup” eval article), parked and picked up my press creds—then wandered the pits, which are always open to fans. My first stop was a small gathering of retired Flat Track racers, where I met up with the legendary TC “Top Cat” Chambers. I had met TC back at the Great American Motorcycle Show in January, and he had invited me to their reunion. Ray Little and David Aldana

were in attendance, as well as many other veterans of the sport. They regaled me with tales from their glory days, and yet each enthusiastically supports the modern sport, with TC declaring, “The racing now is faster and better than ever!”

Strolling the paddock behind the track, I saw the trucks and team of the new “Indian Wrecking Crew” comprised of 3-time Grand National Champion Jared Mees, 2016 Grand National Champion Bryan Smith, and 2013 Grand National Champion Brad Baker. The “Super Hooligan” bikes of Roland Sands Design were on display as well, ready to run. Harley-Davidson was prominent also, the long-standing dominator of the sport. I found the small “privateer” teams of particular interest, however- those young bucks with heads full of ambition and hearts full of courage, who sacrifice so much every day to BTR 24 | BORNTORIDE.COM

race at this level. A few examples, if I mayI met JR Addison, of Smith Racing, riding a Kawasaki Ninja 650. JR has raced pro for 4 years, and this marks his 2nd season racing in the AMA/AFT Twins class. The “2016 Rookie of the Year,” JR hopes to crack the top 5 this season. Asked about the different approach to running Dixie after Daytona, JR stated, “The Daytona track is more like a TT, with a right hander and a small jump. Dixie is an oval but really high banked, and so much fun to race on. I actually like this kind of track better.”

I met the “Dynamic Duo” of Southland Racing, John Vanderlaan and Brad Miller.

John is the Southern California Singles flat track champion, and Brad the Northern Cal Singles champ. Crewed by their fathers, these young men have a fire in their bones for flat track that is contagious. So many

teams are just like these guys – “eyes on the prize.”

I was granted infield access for the races all day, given to several members of the press.

The roar was deafening, and watching the heats in 360 was exhilarating. I stood right along the fence at several different points, for photos and to feel the racing. To say it’s an adrenaline rush is an understatement.

Roaring by at speeds well over 100 mph, almost within arm’s length (or so it felt), is indescribable.

Between races, I talked with several AFT officials. Raymond Rizzo is one of the main track marshals, and also happens to be a full-time chaplain, traveling with the circuit across the season. He also works MotoAmerica races. A hard-working, bighearted fellow. I also talked with a legend in multiple racing sports, Kevin Clark, “Flagman

Flat Track is not Board Racing. These are Flat Track Motorcycles and Racers.

Extraordinaire.” Declaring, “I start ‘em, and I finish ‘em!” Kevin has been flagging motorcycle racing for over 30 years. The man is fearless, and peerless. Flagging races, bikes and riders often within inches of his bearded chin, he is almost dancing, both elegant and aggressive. The dude is poetry in motion. I asked him about the appeal of flat track, and he mused, “I love the long history of this type of motorcycle racing.

American through and through. It preceded motocross, road racing, you name it. The only thing older is board track.”

The racing was intense, on into the night, in all three classes. The “Super Hooligan” final resulted in a Harley, Indian and Ducati finish. The Singles final saw an exciting battle to the finish with Dalton Gauthier of Estenson Racing taking the checkered flag on a Yamaha YZ450F, Kevin Stallings of

Motion Pro and Shayna Texter of RMR claiming 2nd and 3rd respectively, both on Honda CRF450Rs. Nice to see this young lady climb the podium with the boys. In the premier Twins class, the “Indian Wrecking Crew” swept the stand, after a heated and controversial battle between Indian’s Mees and Estenson Racing’s Sammy Halbert on a Harley-Davidson XR750. After multiple lead changes, the two banged bars in turn 4, resulting in Halbert going down on the front straight, and bringing out a red flag restart.

Halbert finished 6th, still very much in the points hunt.

Fans of Flat Track come from many walks of life- young and old, white collar and working class, city slickers and country hicks, all bound by a love for this primal form of motorcycle racing. The stands and lawns around Dixie were packed, and the

fences lining the perimeter will covered with faces and fingers, all wanting to get as close a view and feel as possible. Event planners and Dixie Speedway officials hadn’t anticipated ticket sales of such magnitude, estimating the total attendance at over 6,000. The racing did not disappoint. Having never attended a flat track race before, I was not only impressed, I became a fan. And I hope you will too. If you have opportunity to attend a day of racing, you really should take advantage. You’ll find it a day well-spent.

For information and details, go to www. americanflattrack.com.

Postscript: Jamison Minor was killed in a multi-bike accident on lap 1 of the AFT Singles race at the Charlotte round. Heartfelt condolences and prayers for the family are extended from all of us here at BTR. Rob Brooks

Support American Flat Track and their Promotion of Motorcycle Racing. (386) 492-1014

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I love the opportunity to talk with people who are successful motorcycle clothing entrepreneurs. It’s enlightening to see the focus, the drive, the vision, and the purpose as to why they start a company to produce a product that motorcyclists love, enjoy, and want to wear everytime they are out on the bike!

Well, I had the delightful opportunity to speak with two incredible businessmen that have the unique vision and purpose that I just adore!

Konstantin Dolgan and Tommy Gay are visionaries in their respective field of profession. Konstantin started the LA New Product Development Team. It is a cross-functional organization of talented engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs.

It actually evolved from a student

organization at Louisiana Tech in 2014.

He created the startup with the mission of developing new products, technologies, app and web solutions with the end goal of commercialization.

Konstantin said, “The Team helps making business dreams a reality by providing a complete range of new product development services from conceptualization and engineering to prototyping and marketing.”

Konstantin added, “Our company is into product development. We help with the marketing and planning for items that our customers come up with.

For example, Tommy Gay came to us with his chaps. We helped him get the exposure he needed to launch his items.”

So, what are the items that

Konstantin and his team are helping Tommy promote and foster? Well, before I tell you that interesting story, let’s talk about a special person that had unbelievably stimulating imagination and miraculously good taste with materials and patterns – especially the leopard prints.

Her name was Cynthia. Cynthia met Tommy Gay when Tommy was looking for a unique and imaginative interior designer for the hospital he worked for in Louisiana. “When I was looking for an interior designer, I had contacts throughout the world looking as well.

Cynthia was well known for her work, having created unique and interesting looks around the globe. Her credentials were stellar. I contacted Cynthia asking

We provide all female biker with a closet of motorcycle apparel. Order yours Today: 318-243-5789

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her if she would be able to recommend anyone for this job. Once she read the job specs for the hospital interior design job, she said the contract was hers!”

Cynthia was a very unique and high class dresser. She always looked like a million bucks. Her signature look was leopard print. Tommy shared, “We married a few years later and I gave her the ok to go ahead and redecorate the house. There was leopard print in the foyer, in the den, in the bedroom. Don’t get me wrong, her work was professional and beautiful. That was how she was!”

“We rode the motorcycle together.

She always looked perfect. One day, I took her leather chaps – and the bolt of leopard print material – to a friend asking to make a pair of leopard print chaps.

The final product was perfect! I gave Cynthia these chaps to wear and she was thrilled. She wore them everytime BTR 32 | BORNTORIDE.COM

we went out on the bike. From the first day, women kept coming up to Cynthia asking her where she got the chaps.

She pointed to me and said to them, “He made them for me!” We began to discuss the possibility producing and selling them, however a short time later she got sick.

Unfortunately, Cynthia passed away from complications from diabetes three years ago. As Tommy shared with me the passing of his beloved wife, I could feel the love and devotion he still holds for her as he told Cynthia’s story. “The diabetes came on quickly and we had a very hard time trying to control it. We tried everything. She maintained her beauty and elegance up to the end.

Eventually, there was nothing more we could do. She was a wonderful, bright, intelligent, and vivacious woman. I want to keep on with the design of the chaps in keeping her memory and vision alive.”

From purple, to white, to a pink and

black tiger print, snakeskin, and other intriguing colors and designs, these chaps are beautiful and different. In order to take this item to another level, Tommy took his idea a bit further, “I contacted Konstantin at LA New Product Development Team to get his team’s help in promoting and marketing these chaps.

Thanks to Konstantin, we are in a really good place in finding various outlets to sell and promote our chaps.”

Born To Ride is very pleased to be able to help pass the word about TC Road Gear and the magnificent chaps, TC Chaps, that you can purchase today!

Good luck, Tommy and Konstantin!

Thank you for sharing your great story with the readers of Born To Ride magazine!

Susan Hurst What: TC Road Gear & TC Chaps Web: TCRoadGear.com Orders: Konstantin 318-243-5789

See for yourself what TC Road Gear has to offer you. www.TCRoadeGear.com

Motorcycles are in my blood, in my DNA. I’ve seen them under a microscope, floating in my blood stream, riding the highways and byways of my veins and arteries. Microscopic sport bikes, cruisers, old classics, inherited from my father, racing through my circulatory system, dodging in and out of the red cell traffic, avoiding the white cell cops. I was “born to ride.”

Okay, so “in my blood” may be a bit of a stretch, but I came from a motorcycle riding family, and riding is one of my great passions, my favorite pastime. My father was a rider back in his youth, a “greaser” in the late 50s, riding a stripped-down ’54 Triumph Tiger with my mom hanging on for dear life. The original “Fonz.” The bike had chopped fenders, a chrome frame, removable baffles, and a pink peanut tank, he told me. He sold the bike before joining the Air Force, and no photos remain of it. Pity. Dad even rode while stationed on the island of Okinawa in the early 60s, hopping up Cushmans and running aviation fuel in them, blasting along rough roads between the base and local villages and towns.

As kids, my brothers and I saw various bikes come and go in Dad’s workshop—a ’72 Triumph Trophy TR6, a ‘68 Bonneville, and enough extra parts hanging from pegs on the walls to practically build another. We rode mini-bikes, then dirt bikes, cutting miles of trails through the woods behind our north Georgia home. I even got to ride the old Trophy up and down the street when I was old enough, under Dad’s watchful and Mom’s worried eyes. Hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycle riding—it was the ideal boyhood.

Once I got my driver’s license, Dad helped me buy my first car, and I left behind two wheels for four. Girls, cruising, graduation, college, grad school, marriage, children—motorcycling became a faded memory, fond recollections from a storied childhood. The dirt bikes eventually collected dust and rust in the corner of Dad’s garage, and he eventually sold his old Triumphs and all the parts with them. Dad’s garage spent years filled with cars and trucks, as he serviced and maintained the vehicles of Mom and us three sons.

Years rolled by, into decades. Eventually the itch to ride returned, demanding to be scratched. I started riding again in 1996, and soon I coaxed Dad into “throwing a leg over” as well. He eventually picked up a Harley Super Glide, re-upped his moto license and started honing his riding skills again. Mom even geared up and started riding along with him, just like in their days of youth. For the first time in my life, my father had also become my “road brother.”

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We went on to ride many miles and several road trips together, which I’ve chronicled in photos, journals, and the annals of my memory.

Our first road trip together took in the Tail of the Dragon, the Cherohala Skyway, and the southern section of the Blue Ridge Parkway across a week. Being on two wheels, riding alongside Dad, taking in some of the most beautiful roads in North America was an experience I will always cherish. We have since taken that trip two more times together, even bringing Mom along on one, switching between riding with me and with Dad. We took a trip across northeastern Alabama and southern Tennessee, visiting the famed Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, riding the Talladega Scenic Drive and the Lookout Mountain Parkway, and taking in a “falls” tour of DeSoto and Little River Falls. Mom rode with us on that one too, snapping photos from her perch on the back of Dad’s Harley, by this time an ’03 Heritage Softail Classic.

We’ve ridden the mountain roads above my north Georgia home many times, as well as the rolling hills of dairy country toward the center of the state, where they live. I have relished the miles, the hours, and the memories made with my father, sharing this common bond of a love for motorcycling. Dad still rides, though not as often or as far anymore. His sight and hearing are not what they used to be, his strength is waning some, and his reflexes are losing a little of their sharpness. But throwing a leg over his big Hawg, Dad can still ride circles around many I’ve seen out on the roads today.

My only regret is that I was not more interested in learning the mechanics of working on bikes as a younger man, as I could have learned much, and enjoyed even more time with Dad in those early years. My father has been a master mechanic his entire life, able to tear down, repair, and rebuild nearly any type of petrol-powered motor imaginable. I arrived at the motorcycle mechanic table rather late in life, only in recent years acquiring some (limited) skills with the help and encouragement of Pops. He has aided me on several projects, rebuilding and repairing multiple old motorcycles I’ve acquired and sold. We don’t get to ride together as often, like we enjoyed for about a decade, but I savor the times we now share wrenching on bikes, in his garage and mine.

So I guess I’ve come full circle. Turns out, I truly am “my father’s son.” “Happy Father’s Day Dad!” Rob Brooks Thank you Rob for sharing this wonderful story with Born To Ride. Happy Father’s Day Rob

2017 Harley-Davidson

INTRODUCING THE NEW KING OF THE ROAD The Road King® Special is the transformation that no one saw coming but everyone will hear with the first-ever blacked-out Milwaukee-Eight® 107 V-Twin engine. A dark and powerful engine has arrived and is meaner than ever. The Road King Special is fully equipped with a redesigned suspension for an incredibly smooth ride.

With custom styling straight from the factory, you’ll be able to ride more aggressively behind the blacked-out mini-ape handlebars and headlight nacelle. The king is here and ready to rule.

New in 2017 • Milwaukee-Eight™ 107 engine, the most powerful, coolest-running motor we’ve ever built* • Unique engine-turned air cleaner insert • Aggressive blacked-out styling throughout • Gloss Black Turbine wheels; 19-inch front and 18-inch rear • Black mini-ape handlebar combines a profiling rider attitude with comfort for the open road • Stretched saddlebags and FLHX rear fascia create a slammed profile • Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS and Security system, standard • Rear exhaust pipe and catalytic converters repositioned away from the passenger for less heat and a more comfortable ride • Precision oil-cooling for cooler running and consistent performance • Front and rear suspension • Front suspension uses Showa® Dual Bending Valve (SDBV™) technology and gives you 117 mm of travel • Hand-adjustable emulsion rear shocks provide 15-30% more preload adjustment* and adjust with the turn of a single knob, no tools required; new bigger pistons improve

damping performance over the range of suspension travel • Paint color options including Hard Candy Custom™ color MODEL UNIQUE FEATURES

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

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Over 600 Motorcycles in Stock. Bring yours in for a Trade-In and Ride your New one Home

Road King Special Style Blacked out powertrain components and exhaust • Blacked-out triple clamps, front forks, engine guards, and console with engine-turned highlights • Hiawatha headlamp with Black nacelle and wide set handlebar • Minimalist tank-mounted gauge keeps handlebar uncluttered while still providing all essential readouts • Gloss Black Turbine wheels, 19-inch front and 18-inch rear • Dual front, floating open rotors • Streamlined, low-profile front fender • 49 mm telescopic front forks • Stretched saddlebags

• Tank medallions • Black 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers • Clean rear fender and low-mount license plate module Fit • Narrow primary drive for a straighter, easier reach to the ground • Ergonomically comfortable handlebar • One-piece, two-up seat • Full-length rider footboards with heel/toe shift levers

•

DIMENSIONS Length: 95.4 in. (2423mm) Seat Height: 26.4 in. (671mm) Fuel Capacity: 6 gal.

(22.7 L) Dry weight: 781 lb. (354 kg) POWERTRAIN Engine: Milwaukee-Eight™ 107 Engine Displacement: 107 cu. in. (1746 cc) Engine Torque: 111.4 ft. lb. @ 3250 rpm (151 Nm @ 3250 rpm) Transmission: 6-Speed Cruise Drive® WHEELS / TIRES Wheels: Black Turbine Cast Aluminum Tires Front: 130/60B19 61H Tires Rear: 180/55B18 80H COLOR OPTIONS Colors: Vivid Black, Charcoal Denim, Olive Gold, Hard Candy Custom™ Hot Rod Red Flake

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

Seminole Harley-Davidson • Call:800-666-6900 • www.seminoleharley.com

620 Hickman Cir Sanford, FL 32771 800-666-6900

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 39

6606 GaLl BlVd ZePhYrHiLlS, Fl 33542 (813)-782-4272

SUNCOAST DIVAS DONATE $5,500 TO SUNCOAST CHARITIES FOR CHILDREN

The Suncoast Divas Motorcycle Club recently donated $5,500 to Suncoast Charities for Children, from their annual fundraising efforts throughout the year. Over the past five years, the club has raised over $35,000 in support of Suncoast Charities for Children which provides support to five area non-profit agencies serving 8,000 area children, teens, and adults with special needs.

Members of the Suncoast Divas are united by their passion for children, and involve women of all ages who love to give a helping hand. They are connected by their will to strengthen our communities and improve the lives of women and children. Members include motorcycle riders and non-riders who enjoy camaraderie and seek a means to give something back to our communities.

To learn more about the Suncoast Divas visit: suncoastdivas.net To learn more about Suncoast Charities for Children visit: suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org BTR 44 | BORNTORIDE.COM If you have an interesting story, product, destination ride location or event let us know.

adventuring through the park, the ride takes you past rural farmlands near Myakka City, and heads back into town to end along the Bayfront at the Sarasota Grand Prix Festival “Fan Fest.” This event is located in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot, next to Centennial Park in downtown Sarasota.

Riders will spin a wheel to get drawing coupons for a chance to win $500 in cash prizes. There will be live music by the

When I want to get away from all the traffic, I head out east and ride rural West Central Florida. When I was asked to create a ride for charity during the 33rd Annual Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix event, it was an easy task. The ride will take place on Saturday, July 1st. Registration is $10 per person and takes place at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, 330 Cattlemen Rd, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. The ride heads out east to Myakka River State Park, where riders will get a chance to cruise through and explore this beautiful natural resource full of wildlife and great roads for riding. After the

Caribbean Chillers (Florida’s favorite Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show), a Miss Powerboat P1 swimsuit contest, live stream viewing of Saturday’s races, and vendors on site.

Riders can also enjoy a cold beverage under a large tent as powerboats launch for

testing. Your $10 registration fee includes free admission into Myakka River State Park, designated bike parking at the event, a free gift to the first 250 riders that register, and a 20% off coupon for an item at the dealership. Proceeds from the ride benefit Suncoast Charities for Children. Sponsors include Manatee River Harley-Davidson, Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, Law Office of Wittmer & Linehan, and Born To Ride.

I hope you can make it for this great ride, and get a chance to see some of the great back roads in this area. Please join us for a day of fun, and remember, it’s always a great day if you can stay in the wind, by water or by land!

Total Distance 56.5 mi Total Time 1 hr 35 min From Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson (330 Cattlemen Rd.) Left FL-70 W at stop sign (0.6 mi) Right on Cattlemen Rd. (0.5 mi) Left at the Flashing Yellow Light Singletary Rd. (5.6 mi) Turn left onto Palmer Blvd. (3.9 mi) Left to stay on Singletary Rd. at stop sign (1.5 mi) Right onto Iona Rd. (1.1 mi) Left onto Verna Rd. at stop sign (1.1 mi) Continue straight onto Bee Ridge Rd Ext. (2.8 mi) Right onto Fruitville Rd./Historic Florida 780 W (17.1 mi) Left FL-72 E (5.5 mi) Right onto N Tamiami Trail (0.1 mi) Left into Myakka River State Park (2.8 mi) Turn left onto Boulevard of the Arts (0.1 mi) Right at fork (Brown Sign) to stay on Myakka State Park Rd. (3.5 mi) Turn right onto Van Wezel Way (0.3 mi) After leaving the park at the North Exit Park along Van Wezel Way at the Grand Prix Festival “Fan Fest” Right at (Stop Sign) Clay Gully Rd. (4.1 mi) Final check in is at the Finz Finds Rides Tent Left at M & J Rd. (5.9 mi) Until next time remember to stay in the wind, Steve “Finz” Finzelber

www.suncoastcharitiesforchildren.org • (941) 487-7904

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 45

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT & HARLEY-DAVIDSON SURPRISE VETERAN WITH NEW BIKE TO LAUNCH MISSION: “THANK YOU”

Harley-Davidson has teamed up with Adam Sandoval - the founder of ScootinAmerica, an initiative that focuses on giving back to our military members - to launch MISSION: “THANK YOU”.

At Harley-Davidson, we believe every American should be able to experience the profound freedom of motorcycle riding, especially those who risk their lives to protect ours.

MISSION” “THANK YOU” launched at San Diego Harley-Davidson this morning.

Harley-Davidson and Sandoval worked with Wounded Warrior Project to honor a WWP alumnus and veteran from San Diego with a new Harley-Davidson powered by the Milwaukee-Eight engine. Shane Kruchten, the surprised recipient and U.S. military veteran, was in shock and full of gratitude learning about his new HarleyDavidson motorcycle.Kruchten is the first

BTR 46 | BORNTORIDE.COM

of eight honorees that will get bikes this year. Sandoval is asking every American to nominate a military member - past or present - who has dedicated their life to protecting our freedom by submitting their story of sacrifice, strength and courage of service. His cross-country MISSION: “THANK YOU” aims to thank those who have served, and are serving, to protect our freedom by giving away eight Harley-Davidson motorcycles powered by new Milwaukee-Eight engines. A panel consisting of Sandoval, Wounded Warrior Project representatives and HarleyDavidson leadership will select which seven other deserving military members will be honored with new motorcycles.

The honorees will also receive a lifetime membership to the Harley Owners Group and they can give a free Harley-Davidson Riding Academy class to a loved one.

Based on America’s nominations, Sandoval will make seven special stops along his cross-country journey to give away the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Follow the mission on AdamSandovalRides.com or follow Adam’s journey on Facebook or Twitter.

Along with MISSION: “THANK YOU,” Harley-Davidson does a lot to serve our veterans and active duty personnel. HarleyDavidson is offering the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course to all current and former U.S. military personnel and first responders (law enforcement, fire, and EMS) and their spouses for just $99. H-D can also provide free motorcycle storage for deployed military personnel.

Additionally, Operation Extend the Ride extends the factory warranty for the number of days deployed to account for the balance of the remaining warranty period.

Follow the mission on AdamSandovalRides.com or follow Adam’s journey on Facebook or Twitter.

Thank You Fran!

BTR 50 | BORNTORIDE.COM

See the Ad on the next page, WIN a Trip to Vegas from Attorney Fran Haasch

CHUCK LIDDELL READS BORN TO RIDE

100 Page Online Exclusive @ BornToRide.com Scan Code to see this Episode come to life.

High Visibility Reflective Apparel that can Save Your Life

WAYNE EDWARD HARPS BORN: December 2, 1966, Griffin, GA CHILDREN: Edward Garrod Harps, Geremy Wayne Harps EDUCATION: Griffin High School, Clemson University 1985 - 1989 INFLUENCE BY: Parents, Mr. and Mrs. Larry and Mildred Harps, Danny Ford-Clemson’s Head Coach during my time at Clemson OCCUPATION: Supply Chain Management (Manufacturing, Distribution, Inventory, Warehouse) PATENT OWNER: Unique Reflective Safety Shirt

My business spraH Easy Seen Gear was developed after a near miss accident while jogging during low light and almost getting hit by a vehicle. Sharing the road can be dangerous; I developed an apparel that reflects to show more of my body that was breathable, wicking and stretchable, rather than wearing a high visibility safety vest or shirt that looks like I’m running to a construction site. I developed a patented shirt that is designed for runners, walkers, cyclists, motorcycle riders, utility and warehouse employees, and more. The shirt can also be worn casual and no one will know you are wearing a safety shirt.

The Reflective Safety Shirt by spraH Gear is designed for safety I attended Clemson University in 1985 on a football scholarship. first, style, and comfort. The shirt reflects in the seams to show the There I earned a degree in Business Management and minor in outline of your body. Other features are: lightweight for comfort, Economics and Finance. I contributed my talents to help win 3 constructed for coolness, and the material is quick drying. consecutive ACC titles. I played in two Citrus Bowl games and two How many times have you been driving your car and suddenly Gator Bowl games against Stanford – 1986, Penn State - 1987, someone appears to your right, walking or riding beside the street?

Oklahoma - 1988, and West Virginia – 1989 with Head Coach Danny Have you ever been in that position – walking, running, exercising, Ford. During those seasons injuries limited my playing time, which riding motorcycle, or changing a tire on the side of the road and hindered my dreams of being a professional football player. Through almost been in a near miss accident – barely escaping the danger? perseverance and the drive to become more than a football player The Reflective Safety Shirt is designed for you to be seen because I earned my degree. In 1990, I accepted a job as a supervisor with everyone needs to be safe while doing outdoor activity.

Naturally Fresh, Inc., a salad dressing manufacturer. I work diligently Motorcycle riders have you ever been in the crosshairs of vehicle and earned many promotions to where I am today. I earned many about to be T-bone? The shirt was designed to make you visible annual awards at Naturally Fresh, but I was blessed with another from a distance, no matter which direction the vehicle is traveling. dream to become a business owner. I have started other successful The shirt looks like a regular shirt and is designed for style. With the businesses; however, my latest business is spraH Easy Seen Gear. Reflective Safety Shirt there is no need to wear an uncomfortable My vision is to develop spraH to become a multi-million dollar vest because spraH Gear allows you to be seen – in style. company that will provide jobs for others.

Be safe, its’ your life, Wayne Harps BTR 58 | BORNTORIDE.COM

spraH Gear High Visibility Reflective Apparel that can help save your life. 888-243-9380

Craven Moorehead

Adversity is no longer my enemy. It’s my sparring partner, keeping me well trained in the daily battle with life.

As the hot summer days drag on – but wait! I forgot that it is only June! I suppose that the last few unusually hot months may be the harbinger of what is likely to be one of the hottest summers on record. But who keeps these ‘records’ anyhow. I suspect that I am as qualified at meteorology as those folks at NOAA or the people who report the weather on the various news outlets and perhaps because of my refined skills in the area of Climatology, it’s a fair bet that I know what’s going on with my environment. It’s simple.

I can walk out the door and tell you how hot it’s going to be, the approximate actual temperature at the moment. I can tell the wind direction and approximate speed, and if my dog is nervous it means that a storm is on the way. We have the luxury of living in Florida. If you don’t particularly like the weather at the moment, just wait a few hours. It will change.

Now, if you people will stop setting fire to our state it would be a lot nicer! No negativity here, but when you go out and get on the motorcycle for a nice ride through the country or to an event, there are not many sensations that are more annoying than riding through smoke. Or just smelling it! Rain? Yeah, I like riding in that because I get a free bike wash and if it rains long enough, I don’t have to take a shower or do my laundry!

One day, I got on the bike to go to Georgia. I owned a house up in Marietta and went for a ride to see what was going on with the tenants I had rented it to. The house was located right in the same neighborhood where the world famous “Big Chicken” is located.

The chicken and peanuts are pretty much all that the city of Marietta is known for, but for me it was just another nice ride (like I need an excuse) to a destination that not only is my home town and where my last remaining relatives live but a rather relaxing area to visit. It may not be as laid back as the mountain area I wrote about last month, but it’s still a lowkey hustle comparatively. I arrived and found the house abandoned with graffiti and other minor damage. I sold it not too much later after my visit and sometimes regret it, but the sale did allow me to buy a nice late-model FXR which I enjoyed for a long time.

I guess sometimes you just like to have more than one motorcycle. For an example, the bagger is great for going on long trips or perhaps grocery shopping, but having a little smaller and lighter bike is cool for going to the local events or perhaps to your favorite tavern or gentlemen’s club. Doesn’t really matter much, and I won’t get into the occasional stop-light drag race issue. I don’t recommend anyone ‘bend’ the law, but fun is fun and every now and then you just gotta have it! I’ve owned a dozen or more Sportsters and bought most of them for my ‘flavor of the month’ significant other. Lightweight, powerful and fast these bikes are always available for a fairly reasonable price. And if I had a dollar for every one of the clutches I have replaced on them – I could buy a dealership! I just can’t use them for a daily ride because I am too overgrown (read ‘fat’) and let’s leave the monkey/football reference out of it. …

So. … What are you doing on Tuesday night? Want a date?

Every Tuesday I am doing Born To Ride Radio at 8:00 PM and you can see and hear it on www.borntoride.com and other select locations and web-sites. I am often joined by Everywhere Eddie sometimes Lynne and a myriad of special guests who bring interesting, informative and compelling voices and concepts to this great show. We discuss our statewide events, charities, runs and often feature your unique business which offers various services to the biker community. Everyone is welcome to call in and stalkers are encouraged!

Until next month, speed safely! CRAVEN

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

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 61

Movie Review

Biker “Exploitation” is a term coined by producers, actors, and ultimately YOU the viewer. Not all biker films are actually geared at the (exploitation) or in other words, the “bad” angle of the biker lifestyle. Some of these actually “miss the target” and simply feature the motorcycle as secondary component to the plot. However, in literally every film involving bikers or the biker ‘lifestyle’, one thing you, as a viewer can count on is the presence of the Police. Electra Glide in Blue has the unique twist of actually using story of a motorcycle cop as the baseline.

In this film, Blake plays a motor officer named John Wintergreen.

His character is not really into being a ‘traffic cop’ as he has aspired to become a homicide detective. In my opinion, if you had to be a cop, what better job than cruising around on your departmentally funded Harley? But hey, this review isn’t about me, it’s about the film!! Back to the chase, and no code-4!

John Wintergreen patrols the rural Arizona highways with his partner “Zipper.” Wintergreen is laid-back but upright about enforcing the law, while Zipper is predominately lazy. Zipper likes busting Hippies (remember them?) even going so far as to plant evidence on a young ‘hippie’ during a search of his van. Wintergreen again proves to be the polar opposite of his partner Zipper, as he continuously states how much he hates riding his motorcycle, and Zipper’s only real dream is to own his own motorcycle. Zip spends a lot of time reading comic books, and eating junk food while John takes his job seriously. One of the things about Wintergreen that is out of place in this film is (in one scene) he is firing his pistol at an “Easy Rider” poster in the police firing range. … It gets worse! Crazy Willie, an BTR 62 | BORNTORIDE.COM

older local – perhaps homeless- person comes in contact with John and Zip near an old shack in the desert. They almost playfully chase Willie on their bikes and finally capture him. He tells John about his friend Frank who had committed suicide in the shack. John goes to the shack and discovers the body and believes the case is not a suicide, but a murder. The coroner later arrives and disagrees with John who was feverishly taking notes. After a shouting match with the coroner, in walks Detective Harve Poole, who admires Wintergreen’s savvy, and arranges for Wintergreen to be transferred to homicide as his ‘driver’ to help with the case. Harve and John return to the shack and find a large statue of Jesus, which is full of “Reds” and as the investigation continues, John and Harve interrogate a group of hippies, looking for a drug dealer named Bob Zemko. The theme of good cop – bad cop comes into play as Harve roughs some of the hippies up after John had nicely questioned them. John’s initial joy at being promoted is short-lived, as his relationship with Harve deteriorates after he finds out that John has been sleeping with ‘Jolene” (Harve’s girlfriend) and the waitress at the local bar. But when Jolene mocks Harve’s sexual prowess (implying that Harve is impotent) and brags that Wintergreen can “go three times in one morning” things just go downhill for our hero and he is demoted back to traffic.

After a wild motorcycle and car chase the pair capture and question Zemko. More good cop - bad cop scenes cause Wintergreen to eventually realize that Crazy Willie committed the murder; the victim was an old friend of his who had taken to selling the drugs and hanging around with a younger crowd. Jealous, Willie had murdered his friend and arranged it so it appeared to be a suicide. As usual there is some stolen money, and the search for this money is when Wintergreen discovers another terrible fact: Zipper’s dream was to own his own motorcycle, and had stolen the dead man’s drug money (initially blamed on Zemko) to pay for it. At Zippers trailer in the desert, the movie’s theme is uncovered when zipper shows John the “Electra Glide in Blue” sitting in the yard. Later, Zipper is drunk and begins firing his gun at Wintergreen, missing him but striking a random passer-by. Wintergreen then shoots Zipper in self-defense, and Zipper dies in his arms. Back in the desert on patrol, Wintergreen spots the same van that was featured earlier in the film, and he pulls it over. He recognizes one of the hippies as the very same one that Zip had planted the drugs on in the beginning of the film, and decides to let them go. They take off down the highway, but Wintergreen realizes that he still has the hippie’s Driver license in his hand. As he tries once again to pull the van over to return the license, the passenger opens the rear window and fires a shotgun killing Wintergreen. It’s a very sad ending to a really weird flick! For me, this is where the whole deal goes bad.

The movie is loaded with plagiarism of the iconic film “Easy Rider.”

Yeah, I believe that “Electra Glide in Blue” truly is a ‘cult-classic’ sort of piece, but the constant blasts from Easy Rider kinda turned me off.

Do you have a favorite Biker Movie we don’t have? Let us know: info@borntoride.com

Spyke & Mike

Hey there my BTR friends. The ride back from Fort Myers bike night after my experience with dominate Tom gave me some wind time to think about the past few months and dating. I tell Mike, “I’ve met so many birds of my feather lately and none have really held my interest longer than a few days, makes me wonder if I’m cut out to have an avian boyfriend.”

Mike replies, “Spike, I can understand your disappointment.

Let’s not try so hard. They say when you’re looking for something, you can’t find it, but when you go about your daily routine it just falls right into your lap.” I cackle, “Dude, you wander around every day looking for whatever and the only thing that falls into your lap is lunch. And who IS they anyways? Do they have wings? Do they ride a motorcycle and constantly get stared at? Do they know what love is?”

Mike stops me, “Hold on there, Spyke. I get it, you have a bad taste in your mouth right now about dating and you shouldn’t include me in ‘they.’ Over the years, I can’t count how many times that lucky horseshoe up your butt has put you on the plus side of situations. It’s just right now you’re very frustrated.” I laugh and squawk, “Sure Mike, if that was true I’d be Midas and lay a golden egg!”

He says, “Ok Spyke, we’re going back to flying by the seat of the Fat Bird. No pre-arranged dates, no going where other biker birds are, and no random stops at Petsmart to check out the little chick-a-dees. We’ll be like Everywhere Eddy, just out there doing the BTR thing.”

We do just that and end up at the Red Tiki for Tuesday bike night. The place is hopping with lots of bikes, Sammy Davis jr. playing great tunes, and $1.00 food flying off the grill. Mike and I park it in front of Kelly’s bar and she gives me the usual—Mike’s canned beverage for me to open and a cup of pineapple juice to sip on.

A Jeep pulls up and out comes three chicks. One has wings

Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places

and looks like me. They wander up to the bar and one of them says, “Is that you Spyke? I’m Deanna and I’ve been keeping up with your dating experiences in the magazine. I’m sorry you’re having such a rough time meeting the right one. Now you know what we humans have to go through. Well, my best friend MaryJo brought her girl, Lida, out to meet ya. Maybe it’s time to look past the need for a male companion and riding partner. Women know what other women like. I think you should give Lida a try.” MaryJo speaks, “Hey Spyke, I’ve seen you around and you’ve even come to visit me at the Corner Bar. I would like for you to meet Lida.

She’s 35 years old, has been there done that with male birds, and always ended up frustrated. She gave up on them 10 years ago and has been happy ever since. Now she likes the same in her feathered companions.”

Lida looks at me in a way no other bird ever has and I say to Mike, “Wow daddy, you never told me about female birds, why?”

He scratches me on the head and says, “Ahhh yes, the dreaded birds and the bees talk. OK Spyke, you’re my girl, my only progeny, even though you come from an egg. Which, by the way, came way before the chicken. We’ve gone many miles together and lately I’ve tried long and hard to help you find a normal relationship.

Possibly even a chance to have baby birds of your own. That can’t happen if you connect with your own gender. But, it’s not about me.

It’s about you and being happy. Go meet her and do what girls do.

Share some nuts and juice. Squawk back and forth about birdlife while preening each other’s feathers. You’ve made so many people smile and given them wonderful memories. It’s your turn to be happy.”

Mike picks us both up and she’s still looking at me with curiosity and desire in her eye. Strangely enough, I feel really comfortable right now as he slowly brings us together. Lida reaches out and we touch beaks softly. At just that moment I felt a happiness I’ve never felt before. I’m calm but interested. Excited and curious, I let her preen a few feathers on my head. I turn to look at her and she softly kisses me with her tongue. Seeing all this unfold in front of him, Sammy breaks out into Katy Perry’s song: I kissed a girl and everybody around starts to watch. I didn’t care, I liked it!

Mike is still holding us and he’s freaking out! After the massive Kodak moment, Mike says, “Wow Spyke, that’s just what I wanted for you. I guess we’ve been looking in all the wrong places. Who says you two can’t be a couple, have a family, and adopt. You both can be females with Pride!”

He sits us on a chair and for two hours we enjoy each other’s company. It’s getting late and Mike interrupts us. “Spyke, it’s a school night and I’ve got to get up early. We need to make like a prom dress and take off!” With that said, Lida and I share our last nut, juice, and kiss before Mike plops me on the scoot. He then gets my wings in the wind, his knees in the breeze, and the Fat Bird’s wheels rolling down the road, and I liked it!

SPYKE

Why Born To Ride? Why Now? Hit your ideal audience with maximum impact. 888-795-5779

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 65

www.B Events Saturday, June 3 Bradenton, FL Charity Run for Alex Smith 9am American Legion 312 (Oneco). Come out to help 9-yearold Alex Smith. 941-447-4448 Wauchula, FL Charlotte’s Webb Annual Gemini Party. It’s an all-day party for Gemini’s; food, vendors, fun & games. For more 863-735-8887 Sanford, FL 6th Annual Shake the Lake the Poker Run and Party 8am Route 46 Entertainment District.

Event to benefit Just Our Soldiers’ Helpers (J.O.S.H.); $15 entry fee. justOurSoldiersHelpers.org Sarasota, FL The Manly Man Expo 10am - 3pm Rossiter’s H-D. Come out and celebrate all things MANLY. 941-951-6103 Spring Hill, FL Cruising for Critters Poker Run 9am PetSmart. Event to benefit Nature Coast Humane Society. humaneRescue.org Sunday, June 4 Tampa, FL Tampa MX Top Gun Dealer Cup Motocross Racing at East Bay Raceway Park.

813-477-0967 Wednesday, June 7 St. Petersburg, FL Biff Burger Bike Night 6pm - 10pm (every Wed). Live music, great food, vendors (Happy Hour 3pm - 7pm).

727-505-0865 Friday, June 9 Blairsville, GA (6/9 - 6/10) Rusted Iron Weekender at Copperhead Lodge. Swap meet, vintage bike show, cannonball run, live music, bonfire. Call to reserve spot.

706-835-7433 Saturday, June 10 Dade City, FL Suncoast Brotherhood Joint King & Queens Poker Run 4pm 66 | BORNTORIDE.COM BTR 76

There Thereare aresome somegreat greatevents eventscoming comingup, up,sosoget getout outthere thereand andmeet meetup upwith withold oldfriends! friends!

BornToRide.com/events s, Rides & Destinations (Doc’s Pub & Grill - Dade City) and 5pm (KC’s Saloon - Largo).

Bring a GIFTCARD for the Kids for your free hand (with paid one) LAST BIKE IN AT 1030PM – WINNERS ANNOUNCED BY 11PM For more 727-453-8818 Inglis, FL (6/10 - 6/11) Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven 1st Annual Swap Meet Weekend. Also there will be a benefit for Trike Terry on the outdoor deck. 727-5659616 Lakeland, FL Lakeland H-D Customer Appreciation Day 12pm - 4pm (every Sat).

863-802-1971 St. Petersburg, FL Biff Burger Bike Night 6pm - 10pm (every Sat). Live music, great food, vendors (Happy Hour 3pm 7pm). 727-505-0865 Sunday, June 11 Lakeland, FL Lakeland H-D Customer Appreciation Day 12pm - 4pm (every Sun) 863-802-1971 Sunday, June 11 Inglis, FL Biker Extra’s Needed for Movie Nation’s Fire Scooter Haven Country Club 19350 SE Butler Rd. 888-795-5779 Palmetto, FL Peggy’s Corral Sunday Fun Day 12pm - 4pm (every Sunday). Live music, $2 Bloody Mary’s. 941-729-5442 Wednesday, June 14 Blairsville, GA (6/14 - 6/17) Smokey Mountains Bourbon Run at Copperhead Lodge.

Motorcycle rally Father’s Day Weekend, Bourbon dinner and cigar by the bonfire. Limited space reserve your spot now.

706-835-7433 Tampa, FL JT’s Road House

Road Dog Bike Nite and Jam Session (2nd Wed), free snacks.

813-962-4440 Thursday, June 15 Brandon, FL Brandon H-D Bike Night 6pm - 9pm. Join us for our monthly Bike Night! Every third Thursday of the month we will be rockin’ out with live music, vendors, food, beverages, contests and giveaways! For more info brandonHD.com Saturday, June 17 Brandon, FL H-D Brandon Free Bikini Bike Wash 11am - 4pm.

Free music, free food, free beer and bike wash. hdFlorida.com

863-494-0140 Lakeland, FL Run for the Wreaths 9:30am The Red Top Pit Stop. 813-504-2372 Sunday, June 25 Palmetto, FL Argus returns to Peggy’s Corral. Special all-star jam, classic rock trivia, raffle, prizes, food & more. For more info 941-729-5442 Wednesday, June 28 St. Petersburg, FL Biff Burger Super Bike Night 6pm - 10pm (last Wed). Live music, great food, vendors (Happy Hour 3pm - 7pm). 727-505-0865

Gibsonton, FL Classic Car Show Friday, June 30 (3rd Sat) 12pm Rivers Edge Bar Tampa, FL H-D Tampa Final and Grill. 813-671-9196 Bike Night 5pm - 8pm. Gather your friends, greet other people New Port Richey, FL Cotee with a cold one on us and go River Cycles Dyno Wars. Music to the Brass Tap after party all day, Dyno Contests: (highest for more fun. Vendors, Harley horsepower, highest torque), girls, burnout pit and used bike raffles, prizes, bike show. specials. For info 888-281-5285 coteeriver.com Saturday, July 1 Sanford, FL Seminole H-D Sarasota, FL A Ride in the Park Hog Fest 12pm. Test rides, Motorcycle Charity Ride 9am bikini contest (3pm), pig roast, Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson. This 12-class BTR bike show, live year’s ride will take you through music (12:30pm) and more. For beautiful Myakka State Park, more info 407-328-1212 ending at Centennial Park for the Powerboat Grand Prix (Fan Fest).

Saturday, June 24 sarasotaPowerboatGrandPrix.org Leeds, AL Birmingham Ride for Kids 9am Barber Motorsports Sunday, July 2 Park. To benefit the Pediatric Titusville, FL Freedom Ride & Brain Tumor Foundation: you’ll Bar-B-Q 12pm. Community event give kids battling the deadliest to Honor our Veterans, Encourage form of childhood cancer a our Homeless, and Support our brighter future. cureTheKids.org Neighbors in need. Fun day filled with Food, Entertainment, and Arcadia, FL Patriot Riders Giveaways. Bikers check-in at American Legion Post 1 – 1281 of America Christmas in July 12pm - 5pm Open Road Bar & US 1 Titusville at 10am. Receive Grill. Benefiting local veterans in an extra playing card at check-in with your donation of a pack of need: live music, food, prizes, raffles and more. Donation is 1 baby diapers. Bikers preregister unwrapped toy or cash donation. hummingBirdMission.org.

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

Saturday, July 8 Brandon, FL US Military Vets MC presents the 1st Annual Tampa/Lakeland Poker Run to benefit Tampa Crossroads, Inc. and Athena House. Registration begins 9am 1st bike out 10am.

Brandon Harley to Tiki Hut to Silver Dollar Saloon (free lunch provided) to AMVets Post 44 and back to Brandon H-D. Last bike in around 3 pm.

Thursday, July 13 Sturgis, KY (7/13 - 7/16) Kentucky Bike Rally Union County Fairgrounds. Live music, games, contests, vendors, showers & more. Adults only, no one under 21. kentuckyBikeRally.com Friday, July 21 Inglis, FL Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven Christmas in July.

For more info 727-565-8743 Thursday, September 21 Ormond Beach, FL (9/21 - 9/23) 3rd Annual Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona Motorcycle Challenge 8am - 4pm. Training days (9/21 - 9/22), Demonstration day (9/23). Event to benefit Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches. badgeBattle.org Wednesday, October 25 Panama City Beach, FL (10/25 - 10/29) Thunder Beach Spring Rally. The most Biker-friendly free rally in the USA. ThunderBeachProductions.com Wednesday, November 15 St. Petersburg, FL (10/15 10/19) Bert’s H-D St. Pete Beach Bike Fest. Free nightly beach party, contests, vendors, daily poker run and more.

StPeteBeachBikeFest.com BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 67 77 BORNTORIDE.COM

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Miss You Dad

Christian Motorcyclists Association He can and will Make a Difference Years ago, I discovered that having my bike worked on by a mechanic that knew what he was doing could get expensive in a hurry.

My thoughts at the time were to find a book (the internet didn’t exist then) and read up on how to fix a broken motorcycle. It seemed like a good idea at the time; I was as ignorant about fixing a bike as I was about why it cost a bit to have a good mechanic fix a problem with my ride!

One bike I had blew holes in the top of the pistons, so I rightly figured that if I got new pistons and put them in all would be well. I didn’t know anything about lining up the rings properly, how to install the timing chain, or why there were two different viscosities of oil (for the engine and the transmission). Unfortunately, after a lot of skinned up knuckles and a huge amount of time, the only riding I did was by the seat of my pants. The bike only went about a quarter of a mile before it gave up!

What I am saying is simple; it is easier, faster, and safer to have a professional mechanic that knows what he is doing, to take

care of repair and maintenance issues. Some people are gifted in that area, the rest of us need help from the expert.

This is true with our bikes and with our lives as well. We get ourselves into difficult situations and try to figure out what to do and often just make things worse. What we need is a professional expert helping us through the challenges. In the Bible, in Mathew 6:28, it reminds us to “See how the lilies of the field grow.” When we encounter difficulties in our lives and our relationships, instead of grabbing a book, or talking to someone else, who has messed up things in their own lives, why not turn to the expert? God made us and formed us into His own image, and He certainly knows the answer to any challenge we may have in life.

If we can learn to truly trust in Jesus, to be our Savior, Master and Deliverer, He can and will make a difference in our lives.

Trusting Him is the simplest thing you could ever do, it is free, and He is waiting and watching for us to confess that we need the hands of the expert upon our lives. If we confess that we need Him, if we call upon Him to save us from our past sin and mistakes, and if we trust Him to deliver us from our past, He will come into our lives and change us from the inside out!

Like the lilies of the field, God will take care of any challenges and provide us with all that we need. Call upon Jesus for salvation and He will answer your call!

In The Wind, Denny Dingler Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 71