Born To Ride Florida Motorcycle Magazine December 2019 #187

Contents

December Issue 187

Features Fran Haasch-Nineteen Years of Giving Back 10 Wreaths Across America 14 Chopporama 31 Night Train-The Spirit of Christmas 42 Tiny Trailer Nation 52 Crystal H-D Big Top Swap Meet 70

Columns

32

Everywhere Eddy-Is Everywhere 41 Women’s World-Bikes, Bluetooth & Banter 46 Craven Moorehead-Christmas 67 Spyke & Mike-Happy Turkey Day 68 Christian Motorcycle Association 69

Departments Contents 2 Born To Ride Events-BornToRide.com 64 Born To Ride Kids 69

Reports

57

Happy Holidays 4 Endless Asphault-Happy Holidays 7 Thunder By The Bay 20 Movie Review-Then Came Bronson 24 Danny The Count Reads It! 28 The Great American Motorcycle Show 48 Trikes and Bikes Report 50 Sonny’s BBQ 60 Fuel Take Rusty-Craig Can Fix It! 62

On The Cover

19 years of Giving Back Wreaths Across America With Fran Haasch & Karen Worcester www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

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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Ad Index AAA 6 Affordable Motorsports 56 Allstate - Jeff Ard 56 All World Lift Truck 58 Attorney Fran Haasch IFC, 7, BC Biker Business for Sale 38 BTR.Com 54 BTR App 40 BTR Facebook 28 BTR Heat Up 57 BTR Lifestyle 40 BTR Radio 40 BTR TV-Great 38 64 Charlotte’s Webb 23 Choice Med Group 39 Chopporama 35, 63 Chopporama 66 47 Cycle-Rama Facebook Download Our App 40 Estrella TV 17 Gibtown Bike Fest 36,66 Gotta Havit Insurance 28 Great American Motorcycle Show 49 H-D Crystal IBC H-D Florida 19 H-D Rossiter’s 8 H-D SpaceCoast 25 H-D Treasure Coast 55 H-D War Horse 16 Haus of Trikes & Bikes 51 Lakeland Antique Mall 30 Leasure Automotive 66 Media Design Shop 18 Nation’s Fire 5 Performance Pit Shop 66 Progressive Insurance 3 Quaker Steak & Lube 9 Old Town Bike Night 63 Rivers Edge Bar & Grill 29 Salty Shamrock 47 Screwie Louie’s-Scooter Haven 46 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 61 Swap-O-Rama 26 Tiny Trailer Nation 53 Thunder By The Bay 21 Tropic Trailer 58 Twilight Zone 44 Wreaths Across America 13

BORN TO RIDE Magazine

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JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Paul Garson, Spyke & Mike, Susan Hurst, Eric Albright, Eric Vician, Myra McElhaney, Paul Murray PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ron & Selena Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Eric Albright, Tom Seiter, Chopper Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon

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You’ve probably seen the ad on billboards all over the Tampa Bay area, in this magazine or on Born to Ride TV. You know the one that features personal injury attorney Fran Haasch sitting sideways on a ruby red Harley complete with matching red formal business shirt, fingertips – and a scowl designed to appeal to the tough biker crowd that comprises 60 percent of her clientele.

The LawFran.com advertisement certainly is eye catching, but Haasch is the first to tell you, it was hard for somebody like her who smiles so much in life, not to smile for that photo. The “tough” looking Haasch in the ad, actually is closer to a teddy bear. Sure she’s BTR 10 | BORNTORIDE.COM

known around town as everyone’s favorite biker lawyer, but when you peel back the onion a bit and remove the shiny red nail polish, what you have is a wife, mother and philanthropist who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty all in the name of helping someone or something.

You might not know that Haasch is among the nicest, most giving people in the greater Tampa Bay area. And you also might not know that it all began with a half sandwich, half rotten potatoes and a helping family half a world away. We wanted to find out why Haasch is so driven to help people, animals and places – like the Bahamas where she sent immediate aid to 10 families

the week after Category 5 Hurricane Dorian devastated Florida’s neighboring island nation this past September.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT, WHY ATTORNEY FRAN HAASCH GIVES BACK Haasch’s grandfather was killed a week before World War II concluded, leaving her grandmother, Alma, a refugee after the war caring for four sons – including Haasch’s father, Werner, who was born in Germany as the 2nd oldest of his siblings. His youngest brother was only a couple days old when the war-torn family found themselves starving. Desperate, Alma began writing letters to a family in Wisconsin whom she

believed to be related to them.

Around 1946, Alma wrote a letter in German to the Radtke family, who were farmers also of German descent. It was addressed to Ernst Radtke but had the wrong address, so they sent the letter back to Germany. The letter came back to Wisconsin again and once again, it went back – return to sender. After receiving the letter a third time, the Radtke family opened it to read the desperation from Haasch’s grandmother asking for help.

While not related, the Radtke family decided to help Alma and Werner and his brothers by sending a care package that included things like spam, burlap sacks to make shoes out of and potatoes that were half rotten.

“My dad said it was the best thing he ever tasted in his life,” Haasch explained of the spoiled potatoes. Werner also credits an American soldier in Germany who “snuck” him half a sandwich as a life saver. “He will never forget (the Radtkes) and the taste of the potato.”

Fast forward 7 years after becoming pen pals replete with aid from care packages that helped save a then 5-year-old Werner and his four brothers after the war. Werner wanted to save enough money to visit America and thank these people who saved his life. Werner, who only studied though second grade because his blacksmith work with horses became his trade, stepped foot on the SS United States and came to meet the Wisconsin family.

The first thing Werner spotted when he disembarked from the ship was a funeral home – but he only recognized the word “fun” in funeral and walked in looking for a beer. Ha! Needless to say, he was temporarily disappointed there was no beer in the funeral home and he eventually found his way to Wisconsin to thank the Radtke family in person for saving his family’s collective lives.

“Their family didn’t have much themselves and they helped my family for seven years,” Haasch said. “If they had said no one time, I might not be sitting here today. That’s the most important thing for me and it’s why I love what I do because we have the opportunity to help people.”

Since then, both families have kept in touch. This year will mark the 11th consecutive year that Fran Haasch Law will

fly members of the Radtke family down to Florida to host a huge food drive together that Haasch calls her “absolute favorite event of the year.”

James Radtke, the son of Marcella and Ernst Radtke, recalled this friendly familial bond during one of his visits to Florida to volunteer at Haasch’s annual Food Drive.

“It was something near and dear to my parents’ heart to send (aid) and we had aunts and uncles contribute too,” Radtke said “(Werner) went out of his way to come and meet us and we thought that was very special.”

The annual food drive that Haasch’s law firm hosts raises thousands of dollars in cash donations and a trailer full of food.

“I always think of that,” Haasch said about how her annual food drive came to be. “I don’t want to say no to any of them.”

FRAN’S FREE ANIMAL HOSPITAL STARTED IT ALL Haasch and her husband, Rhett Jones, Marketing Director for The Fran Haasch Law Group, have three rescue dogs, three goats, two donkeys and a miniature cow. Sorry though, no cats allowed due to Haasch’s allergies. Her love for animals began when she was a young child.

“I first saved a pigeon when I was 3,” Haasch said. “It got attacked by a cat in the yard.”

By the time she was 7, she created flyers with crayons that said “Bring Hurt Pets

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Here” in her Bethpage, New York hometown and posted them in grocery stores. She listed her parents’ address as the location of “Fran’s Free Animal Hospital.”

“My mom didn’t know about it and my dad helped me save a lot of animals in my garage,” she said, noting that all cats went to her friends.

Haasch and Jones continue to regularly inherit rescue animals.

“We always loved animals, I love them,” Haasch said. “My husband has the biggest heart, sometimes he might want to kill me if I want to take home 20 dogs.”

While Haasch has made a name for herself as the “biker lawyer,” her lifelong dream was to be a doctor so she could help people. Growing up on Long Island, she lived across from The Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation that built military and civilian aircrafts – the company and the US Navy also polluted the water supply by dumping TCE, a human-made clear, colorless liquid used for decades to degrease and clean metal parts. Earlier this year, a New York state Department of Health report, for the first time, linked groundwater pollution prior to 1976 in a well near the former Grumman and U.S. Navy site in Bethpage to specific potential health effects.

While this cancer-causing chemical tainted the ground, Haasch says she was “fortunate” that she battled immediate hive reactions from the local water and her BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 11

parents added a filtration system. Still, this led to really bad asthma for Haasch and drove her to the University of Florida where she began studying microbiology.

But another allergic reaction in 1995 ended her doctoral dreams. She attended her first cadaver lab at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, where learned first-hand that she and formaldehyde don’t jive. That’s when Haasch turned another potential negative experience into a positive, lifechanging choice.

“I thought to myself, ‘if I can’t be a doctor, what am I going to do with my life?’ Haasch said, noting that it had to be something else that would allow her to help people. “I never thought of myself as being a lawyer – definitely not a personal injury lawyer.”

After working for a firm on a case that allowed her to help with medical records and figure out a treatment plan for the client, that was really rewarding for her, noting that not many lawyers have medical backgrounds.

It’s also around this time in her life that Haasch, who put herself through school working jobs as such places as the GAP, Bally’s Health and Fitness in Countryside, the Ale House and Innisbrook Golf Course, met Jones – her future husband. Ironically, the manager at Bally’s was Brenda Parlaman, who introduced the couple and now works as a legal assistant at The Fran Haasch Law Group.

The couple now have three sons, BTR 12 | BORNTORIDE.COM

Pierce, 16, Henry, 12, Klaus, 4. Pierce named Henry and Henry named Klaus.

When Haasch delivered Pierce, she learned that her health problems were not all from allergies but more genetic and almost died because her body can’t metabolize anesthetics correctly and she can’t take any – even for trips to the dentist.

FRAN HAASCH: BORN TO HELP AND BORN TO RIDE Haasch just celebrated 19 years having her own practice and making her mark in biker community. Her relationship with Born to Ride predates the omnipresent billboards and ads.

“We’ve known Ron and Debbie forever.

They’re great people,” Haasch said. “We’ve had a wonderful family relationship since the beginning. Ron and Deb were always warm and kind people and lifelong bikers and we do a lot of events together. They introduced me to lots of people and lots of charitable events.”

A memorable event was when they all flew to California for a Wounded Warrior charity and met KISS rock star Gene Simmons. The couples also have taken their kids to Disney and continue to attend events together, teaching their children how important it is to give back to their community.

Haasch has had her motorcycle license for more than 15 years and rides a Deluxe and a Freewheeler, that she said Jones

twisted her arm to get. She also rode on the back of her dad’s motorcycle as a kid and her grandmother was known to ride in Germany.

Haasch said about half of her staff at the law firm ride and most of her biker clients have been involved in auto accidents. While she likes to ride the open road in Maine or Florida, she prefers to help people and looks for opportunities to work pro bono or at a reduced rate.

“It’s not about me, it’s about my entire team. We all work,” Haasch said. “It’s not all about money either. If you can change someone’s life, it’s much more important to me than buying a fancy purse.”

Haasch loves toiling in the biker community she says because they are such kind people. She combines her personal experiences with her educational and professional background to give back – whether she’s standing in front of a judge, a fellow biker or a homeless person. At work, she likes to take the time to find her clients the proper treatment because their injuries could linger and they might require future medical care. She said about 90 percent of her cases end up settling.

At home and in her spare time, Haasch doesn’t settle for anything less than the best. Whether it’s her annual food drive or honoring first responders, Haasch can be seen helping Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco at his fishing event or giving back to children’s charities and backpack events full of supplies. She has purchased thousands of wreaths for the annual cemetery placement in Bushnell for Wreaths Across America honoring those who serve and her giving seems to have no end. She finds it hard to say no to requests for assistance because at any time she can hop on her Deluxe or Freewheeler and travel down an open road that takes her half a globe away directly to a life altering half sandwich and half rotten potato.

“It is so important to have a grateful heart and I am so blessed to be surrounded by the most incredible family, friends and charitable biker community,” Haasch said.

“I’m honored and privileged to be able to represent them.”

For a list of charities that the Fran Haasch law firm has helped, www.lawfran.com/about-us/giving-back

Thank You Fran Haasch for Everything you do and for Giving Back for 19 years.

ERIC VICIAN

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Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, teach our children the cost of freedom

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Feb 14-16, 2020, Text Thunder to 941-229-7774 for Festival Updates, ThunderByTheBay.org

Women’s World

Bikes, Bluetooth and Banter

As you may remember from a previous column, I’m still a new rider and I live and ride in the city. I know! Most people learn on the open road, way before taking their bike into a city with heavy traffic. Living in the city when I got my license and bought my bike made the reverse more logical. Especially when I could practice during the few times when the streets were almost empty, like early Saturday and Sunday mornings before the malls open and the church services start.

I’ve practiced enough riding in my familiar surroundings that I’ve even gotten comfortable in heavy, stop ‘n go traffic.

The city is a great place to practice stops and turns. Maybe I became a little too comfortable riding solo in my own neighborhood. I longed to get out of my comfort zone and venture onto the open road.

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Michael, my new riding friend and I went to a large church parking lot where he had me practice several maneuvers while he was ‘in my ear’ via Bluetooth giving me in-themoment instructions and suggestions. A great teacher, he was able to quickly help me to correct some of the mistakes I was making and point out some bad habits I’d developed.

When we got back on the road he encouraged and guided me. A cheerful “Come on!” when I was lagging encouraged me to increase my speed. I’d gotten very comfortable riding at 25 to 35 miles per hour in the city. That wouldn’t work on the highway!

He knew I was having trouble knowing when to change gears, so he talked me through that a few times. All the classes and instruction I’d had previously was done on a training course or a parking lot.

Having someone talk to me and guide me in real-time while going the speed limit was incredibly helpful in getting me to stretch my comfort zone. It also helped to follow someone who could tell me when a turn was me to ride with him. I was eager to go and coming up or there was a hazard to watch glad he was patient enough to take on a for. beginning rider.

Other than using the Bluetooth for GPS I didn’t figure I’d use it much after I became more comfortable riding. Why would I need to talk to anybody other than for directions?

And then he introduced me to the guys!

Riding with a couple of his guy friends we were all four connected via Bluetooth.

Not only did I get encouragement, One of his first suggestions was that I purchase a Bluetooth headset for my helmet. instruction, and someone to navigate, but I was included in their banter, heard Back when I rode as a passenger with my comments about previous rides and laughed late husband, people often asked if we used along with their jokes. headphones to talk with each other. We Riding with a small group through easy didn’t and I didn’t see the point. We enjoyed country roads, gentle curves and a few the sounds of the highway and didn’t talk tighter twists reminded me what I loved much as we rode. about riding! It pushed my skill level enough Still, I could see the benefit of having to be exciting but not scary. It was the first someone talk to me in real-time as I tried time I felt like I was riding instead of learning to get more comfortable riding and increase to ride. I can’t wait to do it again! my skills.

By Myra McElhaney If you or someone you know has a unique story contact Myra@MyraMcElhaney.com

“It was the first time I felt like I was riding instead of learning to ride”

Movie Review

engagement ring on a northern California beach. She runs away sans clothes, but they meet again when she runs Bronson off the road. Jim catches up and lets her driver door have it with a kick of his boot. Off he goes, suitably avenged. At a gas stop, they meet again, where the convertible driver becomes a passenger on the Sportster, abandoning her car as the result of a curious policeman’s questions.

From here on love fitfully blooms. On the road to New Orleans they slowly figure each other out. However, on arrival they realize they need to part, he to continue his quest for meaning and her to return to the very thing that had scared her onto the road with Jim. They part and Bronson rides into television history over the next 2 years and 26 episodes.

What is interesting is the kind of biker Bronson is. He’s not a tear-it-up terrorizer of decent common folk, as so many movies make us out to be. Neither is he the trendy young motorcyclist so many Honda ads of the time purported us to be, riding our little, brightly colored scoots, wearing white slacks and boat shoes, and with a pert college girl on back.

What Bronson was, and what I aspire to be as a biker and a person, is a self-reliant man in charge of his bike and his life, not the pawn of others. He’s quiet and a thinker, and not afraid to get his hands dirty for that next tank of gas and a bit of food, or wrenching his ride on the side of the highway. He’s not a

Nineteen sixty-nine was a pivotal time in American history. It was also a beginning of sorts for my love affair with motorcycles, begat in large part by a short-lived television series starting that year—Then Came Bronson. I was 12 yearsold and devoured every episode of the lonely stranger and his eye-emblazoned Sportster wandering across the country. This movie introduced Jim Bronson (Michael Parks) to the world.

The film begins with Jim’s friend, Nick (Martin Sheen) in crisis and disillusioned with life — as so many young men are. Part of the “Stompers” motorcycle club, Nick had settled down with a wife and a “real” job—offering much promise for advancement according to his wife—but he knows better. Dead end, dull job, responsibilities, and no resources—is that what life is all about? The only thing he has worth anything is his Sportster, so under the Golden Gate Bridge he asks Jim to buy it from his wife and then promptly jumps to his death, Jim returns to the office of his once-valued profession, a reporter, only to realize he is facing much the same as his friend—a dull job and an industry hungry for unsavory stories, ones that “show people at their worst.” Jim loads up the Sportster and hits the road.

He doesn’t get far before he eyes a young girl (Temple Brooks, played by Bonnie Bedelia), running away from her pending life of responsibility, shedding her wedding dress and BTR 24 | BORNTORIDE.COM

Bronson rides into television history over the next 2 years and 26 episodes

pushover, but neither is he a troublemaker. He leads himself and is not led by others. He lives by his own rules, but they are not thoughtless or selfish rules and he listens more than he talks. What it all comes down to is his choice of going out and living his life, instead of accepting life as other people tell him it is or should be.

Bronson is so soft-spoken I occasionally had to back up to catch quiet bits of dialogue set against the unmistakably late 60s music. Maybe someday that music will attain an aura of classicism, but to my ears it is awkward. The movie, however, makes up for that music by a couple instances of a nice rendition of “Wayfaring Stranger” sung by Michael Parks and Bonnie Bedelia.

For an observant rider, little things like the magical appearance of knobbies on the Sportster (really a Jawa) for the hill-climbing scene may disturb the flow a bit, but the story is worth putting up with little inconsistencies. Many viewers will not even notice the poetic license taken here and there.

If you recall the show from your youth and enjoy an occasional blast from the past, pick up this flick. Be warned—you may end up following your viewing with online searches for TV episodes and “Bronson Bikes.” You may even think about your life, your choices, and what you love about riding. This DVD is available from.

The Phantom

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

Located in Lakeland off Hwy 98

863-603-3917

Over 250 Local Dealers of Quality Collectibles for You in One Mall!

From Clothing to Vintage Furniture. Bigger and Badder than EVER! 3530 US 98 N. Lakeland, FL 33809

JAN 17,18,19 GIBTOWN

Held in conjunction with Gibtown Bikefest on January 17th, 18th 19th 2020, Born to Ride Media presents the Chopporama Chopper Show! A three day chopper extravaganza of some of the most talented known (and unknown) builders around the U.S. This ain’t a competition, just a gathering of chopper lovers young and old alike dedicated to those carbed custom machines of years gone by. Don’t worry there will still be Ride In Bike Shows Saturday & Sunday.

You ask who are these Builders?

For the most part, these builders are what I call the ‘new generation of builder’.

The thought process of most of the new generation builders and riders is completely different than it was 10, 15 or even 20 years ago. Back then, a whole generation of builders were influenced by the $50,000-$100,000 bike builds seen on build-off’s and series aired by the Discovery Channel. Today’s bulder, rider BTR 32 | BORNTORIDE.COM

seems more content to build and ride what they can with what they have available to them. If that means buying a 15 year old Sportster for $2500 and turning it into an awesome home built custom build so be it. In my opinion there is a sense of history that these guys (and girls) connect with and inspires them to keep things simple, stylish and connecting them to the past. ‘This’ is the new generation, and Im hoping to bridge the gap at this event.

From the older enthusiast decked out in black leather drinking a cold brew to the enthusiast wearing khakis and Converse All Stars drinking a Latte, this should appeal to everyone. * For a chance to have your chopper build included contact me, Erick Runyon at Erick@borntoride.com or call: 888-795-5779 Now it’s time to learn a little about some of these very talented builders that will be part of Chopporama.

BILL DODGE

Builder Profile Bill Dodge: All around great guy and prolific bike builder Bill Dodge has been riding and building bikes since he was a kid in Compton,California. His passion was strong at a young age, and his hard work ethic and talent eventually ended up with working as shop foreman for Jesse James at West Coast Choppers. In the ‘hey day’ of the West Coast Choppers era, if you did business at WCC, you came into contact with Bill. It was there that he became widely known for his easy go-

For a chance to have your chopper build included contact, Erick Runyon at Erick@borntoride.com

bike as easily as you can spot a Picasso.

Like Picasso, his builds have similar traits. but are all glorious works of art to be respected by peers and connoisseurs alike.

We’re lucky enough to have him join us as an invited builder to Chopporama. You can see his bikes as well as the work of many other talented builders at the Chopporama experience by Born to Ride during the Gibtown Bikefest January 17th, 18th and 19th.

ing ‘what can I do for you’, ‘how can I help?

After spending 8 ys at WCC Bill packed up and moved to New Jersey where he opened up Bling’s Cycles.. Bill spent some time in Jersey, then met a girl in Kentucky and moved Bling’s to the Blue Grass state.

The two fell in love and decided Kentucky was too damned cold. They packed up and headed to the promise land of bike builders, Daytona Beach Florida.

Bill has established himself as one of the premier bike builders in the industry. His work is precision like, and if you’re familiar with Bill’s work, you can spot a Bill Dodge

BRIAN BUTTERA

Brian Buttera of Buttera’s Metal Werx, Lakeland, Florida has spent most of his life doing metalwork and fabrication.

All the way back in 2017, (and I say that tongue in cheek) Brian was motivated to build his first custom bike by his friend and accomplished bike builder Ryan Gore of Paper Street Customs. The bike, a red or call: 888-795-5779, Check Out and Like Our Page. Facebook.com/BornToRideMedia

shovelhead was taken to The Rats Hole Bike Show in Sturgis where it won ‘Best in Show’. From Sturgis, the bike went to Swiss Moto Zurich where it won 1st Place Radical Class and Best in Show. His next stop was in Abu Dhabi where his bike won Best in Show at Custom Show Emirates where he won Best In Show. You’d think that would be enough for the average builder. First bike, and it takes the world by storm. Nope, Brian recently took his second build to Los Angeles for The Golden Bolt Competition.

Unlike many of today’s shows, this competition wasn’t only based on cosmetics, but also on performance and reliability and the bikes were put through the paces throughout the LA traffic, etc. The grand prize winner would go home with $30,000. Brian took top honors and headed back home to Lakeland with a second great show-stopping motorcycle and a pocket full of cash.

We’re excited that Brian accepted our offer to be a part of Chopporama! He may be a ‘new kid on the block’ but his work is timeless and in a class by itself. All of the builders have something unique to bring to the table. We’re looking forward to seeing everybody come together for the sake of ‘the all mighty chopper.’

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JEFF LOVELADY

Today we wanna highlight another great dude bringing a couple nice builds to Chopporama, Jeff Lovelady of GraySpeed Cycles!

After 12 yrs of working for the city, he quit his 9-5 and went to MMI. He would come home to his wife and kids on the weekends then do the MMI thing during the week..

After he graduated MMI, the next item on his list was to open up his shop. He did it big by purchasing a former church in the grand Central District on 1st Ave in St.Pete and converted it into a beautiful space so nice that it would make the designers on HGTV jealous. His first chopper build out of the shop was,a beautiful ‘59 pre-unit Triumph he named ‘Snowblind’. The bike was photographed and published for issue #77 of Dice Magazine. Jeff explained that he couldn’t have achieved any of his goals without the love and support of his family and that Snowblind wouldn’t have happened without the support and help of his friends.

Jeff is a great example of a family man and a business man who followed his dreams to success. We’re excited that he accepted our invitation, and we’re looking forward to seeing the bikes he’ll bring to the table at Chopporama.

ERIC ALLARD

Eric Allard of FnA.Custom Cycles.

Based out of Lakeland Florida, Eric has a reputation for being relatively quiet and and unassuming. He’ll give you the shirt off his back,but prefers to keep to himself and let his builds do the talking for him.

Prior to getting his first street bike in 2006, Eric was into dirtbikes and four-wheelers.

Once he acquired that first bike, a ‘77 Shovelhead, his view of the two wheeled world changed forever. He worked on friend bikes, and builds of his own for a couple years until her came to the decision in 2009 to open ‘FnA Custom Cycles’. His work can be best described as ‘stylishly unique’. Whether taking a classic BMW and creating a steam punk BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM

style monster that you could see in a ‘Mad Max’ movie, or taking a Kawasaki 750 H2 powerplant and turning into one of a kind digger style chopper, he has a flair for the unexpected.

Eric also has the mind of a scientist that never sleeps. He is constantly coming up with ideas and designs to help improve upon the reliability of those Harley and Triumph Motors of yesteryear. He’s developed a seal kit that people can’t get enough of, and he’s also come up with a couple unique magneto systems for Shovelheads etc. that will keep you running down the rode with more dependability than ever.

We’re excited that Eric along with amny other talented builders accepted our invitation to join us at Chopporama. It will be a great event highlighting some of the industry’s most creative, and artistic builders. It’ll be a fun for all ages thrill ride, and we look forward to seeing you there!

To Be Continued Next Month. Find Out What Other Incredible Creators of Iron & Steel are Coming!

For more information on Chopporama go to: www.Chopporama.com or Call: 888-795-5779

Looking for Tattoo’d Sweethearts for this Show who want to WIN CASH, Contact: Erick Runyon at Erick@borntoride.com

Christmas and The Spirit of Resilience

In the spirit of this holiday season, I dedicate this column to all of those whose internal struggle persists to balance the notion of the Christmas spirit of giving with that of finding one-self in a sea of sadness.

If this resonates for you then, I confess we are one in the same. However, today I write this knowing that and hoping that the spirit of thinking of others before yourself brings you some measure of peace and happiness as it has for me. My intention behind this is a blessing three-fold, for my children and I BTR 42 | BORNTORIDE.COM

share the story below through my eyes to them and the creation of memories that will forever be etched in my mind and heart.

I thought long and hard about this column because it is personal, so personal that it has brought me back to a place where if only for a moment I wish that I had the inspiration through someone else’s words to know that I own the way I think and I can change the story of my reflection. My wish is that in writing this and by others reading it, there will be cause for pause and it might

just change someone’s thinking to see the holiday as a blessing not a curse.

Every Christmas I fight this internal dichotomy whereby I am inclined to let myself dislike the season or be intentional to make the best of it. It’s easy to follow the Christ of Christmas when all goes well but when put-up against a wall the best of Christians will run making excuses. Truth is, I’m guilty as well. I too ran more often than I like to admit. That is, until all walls came crumbling down in 2017. I’ll spare you the details.

So how do I build new memories for myself and those I love? I want them to look back one day and smile rather than become the grump I once was about Christmas. The best way to build good memories for myself is to build good memories for others first.

That is regardless of if there is something in it for me or not. Miracles happen when we intentionally respond to adversity with selflessness, love or forgiveness. Especially when we practice this with those who can be tough to “appreciate”.

Therefore, this year for Christmas I decided to give the gift of “experience” to my children by means of letting them ride motorized vehicles. In this age of mind-numbing video games, disappointing instant self-gratification and prideful lazy entitlement, I want them to grow to love “experiences” and “learning” more than “getting stuff”. We are blessed in the world to have the outdoors as we do. So, for me it was important to get them out into the fresh air and experience nature in all its glory…

That is where “Big Toys USA” came in the picture supplying a motorized toy for each one of my children so I could get them to experience the thrill of outdoor motorized sports with; a 49cc Moto Tec pocket bike, a 49cc Sandman go-kart and, an electric-powered scooter. There are many companies out there selling these little rockets. In my 6+ months of research I found “Big Toys USA” to be far more responsive and thorough than any others not to mention competitive. The children’s’ faces lit-up when they saw these toys. Looking at them “expe-

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riencing” this adventure, they glowed. There were safety ground rules, helmets, knee and elbow pads. I alluded to 2017 being a hard year for me, but truth be told, it was harder for my children. Spending the day outside building good memories with them was an absolute success. Sure, you say not every-

will look back and smile remembering their dad was pretty cool after all. I want them to experience the peace and joy of altruism.

After a full day of knee-scraping adventures we got back to Dane (yes I named my truck). We headed to Fran Haasch’s suggested food drive center called “FEAST”

ry of your beginning. For tomorrow is not here and yesterday is gone. Today you can speak for so, please if anything, let it speak volumes of the miracle of kindness. Above all else, do this for you. Why you ask? Because you matter.

“Come to me, all you who labour and are

one can afford getting these kinds of toys to their children. That is not the point here. The point here is that when we focus on altruistically providing experiences and memories, it is by far more valuable to others and ourselves included than any stuff we can give or get. I can tell you of other experiences I had with the children where we simply sat at the kitchen table and colored or did craft with glue and paper. I intentionally plant these experiences and weave these memories into their precious lives so one day they

at Grace Church on Nebraska in Palm Harbor and dropped food off for the needy.

This part of the day will speak louder to my children than anything else. Like Fran’s family, this is pretty much how my mom made it through. I sure want these values to continue in my bloodline.

My wish for you this holiday season is to have a merry Christmas. Let this be an opportunity to turn a moment into a memory that is good, even great. Let each moment create a page of a book that tells a sto-

burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matt 11:28-30 Visit: Big Toys USA: www.bigtoysusa.com Florida Night Train: www.facebook.com/FloridaNightTrain Photos: www.facebook.com/wildflowersonpaper

UFC Photo “Night Train, Thank You for sharing a Wonderful Family Story with us.”

Ron Galletti

Deut 6:5 “Florida Night Train” BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 43

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For more info on The Great American Motorcycle Show • www.natcshows.com • 770-279-9899

There is a huge secret located in Ft. Myers, Florida. Haus of Trikes and Bikes is your absolutely one-stop shop for building trikes.

Haus of Trikes is one of the largest trike conversion company’s in Florida. “I grew up with trike companies like Motor Trike, California Sidecar, Hannigan, and Road Smith. We all met each other on the manufacturing/distribution-side because I did shows with my trikes and these guys tried to push the conversion trike market. They knew me from day one as a manufacturer and importer and that I already had an established shop. That’s when I became I dealer for them.”

Manfred went through all the trainings at these manufacturer’s factories. “We are all trained, got certified, and became specialized trike technicians since day 1. We are deeply rooted in the trike business which I am very proud of.”

In general, many folks that want to own/ ride a trike don’t know much about them other than they want one. And because we offer so many different Trike Kit Manufacturers, we take our time with every customer to find out what he or she is looking for. “All of our kits are independent suspension, air ride, rake kits, etc. We have at least 6-8 different BTR 50 | BORNTORIDE.COM

kits for Honda Goldwings and 4-5 kits for a Harley Motorcycles,as well as for Indians, Kawasaki, Yamaha and even for Scooters. I have different set ups where I can make this trike special for you. You don’t have options when you purchase a stock, manufactured trike, other than letting the sales person know what color you want.” Mike mentioned that they have 11 trike kits on order at this time!

“We can make a trike specific to the needs of the customer. If, for example, they can’t use the foot shifter, we can install an electric hand shifter. Or if you need a bracket for a wheelchair, our fabrication shop can build that as well.

Manfred is a hands-on shop owner, I still build trikes on my own as well. I have 14 lifts in the shop. We are so busy that I need to step in and help out with all the orders that are coming in. I train my mechanics, one-on-one. I make sure that the knowledge is never leaving the company.”

Manfred is at his shop every day!

“We have mechanics that repair Honda, Kawasaki, BMW, Suzuki, we have fabricator guys, and the old-school Harley dudes.

We are booked solid for weeks. There is a

reason why people come here. No one build trikes around here the way we build trikes.

I’m also building Indian trikes for several Indian Dealerships in Florida with California Sidecar and Motortrike Kits.

WHERE: 4607 FOWLER STREET, FT. MYERS, FL WEB: HAUSOFTRIKESANDBIKES. COM PHONE: 239-415-3271 SOCIAL MEDIA: FACEBOOK: TRIKESANDBIKESSWFL INSTAGRAM: HAUSOFTRIKESANDBIKE

If you are even thinking about a Trike, this is your lucky number: 239-415-3271

Tiny Trailer Nation Making a Big Impact in the Biker Community

During a weekend camping outing, the thought of sleeping on the ground in a tent was just not appealing anymore.

Randy Clouse looked for an inexpensive alternative to travel trailers. One day, he came home with a brand-new enclosed utility trailer with the idea of tricking it out as a camper, but during the building stage, he decided that he also wanted to travel/ camp with his Harley-Davidson. The result was not only a camper but a toy hauler.

After much encouragement and being tired of the slow seasons at work, he decided to venture out on his own building these Tiny Trailers.

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“Tiny Trailers let you live in comfort on the spot; eliminating hotel costs while taking your bike with you anywhere”

One year later, Tiny Trailer Nation now exists, and sales have boomed to over two dozen custom builds. Randy not only caters to motorcycle enthusiasts but also

to recreational campers and musicians; of which Randy is one himself. He transforms any enclosed utility trailer into a customized home on wheels including electric/ water hookup, microwave, refrigerator, sink, paint, flooring along with many other options including rooftop A/C, awnings, oil-resistant flooring, bike tie-downs, outdoor showers, charging stations, televisions, and convertible beds just to name a few. Builds can include one or two bike capacity. The average price for a Tiny Trailer is approximately $6k depending on the building design; which is considerably less than any full-size camper or toy haul-

“Randy is the Hardest Working Man in Selling Your Dreams of Travel and Adventure”

Ron Galletti

er. Completion of a Tiny Trailer can even be accomplished in as little as one week!

This year alone, Tiny Trailers have traveled to Sturgis, Daytona Biketoberfest, Myrtle Beach, and frequently to Scooter Haven Country Club. One even ended up used in the Panhandle during Hurricane Michael cleanup/renovations. All of Randy’s Tiny Trailers can be pulled by a normal vehicle with at least the recommended 6-cylinder engine.

As a musician, Randy has played the drums for many bands in the Tampa Bay area over the past 20 years. In his early career, he played for national recording

“As a Musician, Randy has played the drums for many bands in the Tampa Bay area over the past 20 years”

artists such as Leon Russell, Rick Derringer, and Derek St. Holmes. As a small business owner, Randy also believes in giving back to the community, caring for

Let Born To Ride help Market your Products with our Multi-Media, 888-795-5779

disabled veterans for the past 14 years by building wheelchair ramps, providing household maintenance, and running needed errands.

Tiny Trailers let you live in comfort on the spot; eliminating hotel costs while taking your bike with you anywhere. Randy and Tiny Trailer Nation can be seen at various Bike Festivals, Harley-Davidson Dealership Grand Openings, and some local Bike Nights or at 12847 66th Street N, Largo FL. You can also look them up at www.facebook.com/tinytrailernation.

Let Randy build you the Tiny Trailer of your dreams!

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 53

Welcom Bikers 1 e 00%

On a recent Spring day in Central Florida, we decided it was perfect for a ride to a place we had never been – but heard great things about – Sonny’s BBQ in Zephyrhills. Yes, you heard me correctly – Sonny’s.

I’ve always enjoyed Sonny’s for their fair prices and consistently great food. They are also known for having a terrific salad bar, (something many other places have discontinued).

Talk about Biker Friendly! We easily parked to the right of the building in the designated bike parking. This area was paved AND covered, and has electricity and

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individual charging stations for cell phones or other electronics.

Inside they have a very inviting bar area, with seating at the bar and tables. I chose to sit in the restaurant, where a server took my order within moments, and answered all my questions and requests with a smile. I ordered Sonny’s Sampler and I was anxious to check out the bottomless salad bar. From ordering until I returned from the salad bar, (well under ten minutes) - I had the Sampler in front of me!

The sampler meats were ample and savory and included sliced pork, beef brisket, a quarter of a BBQ chicken and

two moist and yummy ribs. Two side dishes with it were also more than generous. The salad bar was clean, well put together and replenished frequently. It had an abundance of fresh vegetables and dressings including a pleasing assortment of side salads, and little cakes and puddings. This is by far the best Sonny’s I’ve ever been to, everything was fresh and lip-smacking good. This place is as American as Apple Pie, Baseball and the Freedom of riding Motorcylces. That’s why this is a great ride destination. From start to finish, our trip to Sonny’s BBQ in Zephyrhills was totally awesome and they welcome bikers 100%

“This Sonny’s BBQ has Covered Bike Parking just for you. Support them and thank them” Ron Galletti

Fuel Tank Rusty? Craig Can Fix It!

If there are any common issues faced when restoring old motorcycles, dirty carbs and rusty tanks would have to rank near the top.

I’ve tinkered a bit over the years in old bike renewal, and have encountered both with regularity. Carbs are fairly simple, but tanks are a bit more difficult, at least to me. I’ve used a variety of over-the-counter kits and local radiator shops, so when I came across Craig Skiver’s ad in our magazine, I thought I’d give him a shot.

I recently acquired a 1986 Yamaha Radian 600, which sat in the back of a machine shop for probably a decade. The tires were dry-rotted, the carbs were indeed clogged and filthy, and the tank was nearly the worst case I’d encountered, with rust and corrosion literally coating the interior. The “Before” photos can’t capture the extent. I reached out to Craig, and shipped him my tank.

He emailed me when it arrived at his shop, and promised he’d have it completed within three days. The clock started ticking. …

Sure enough, on the third business day, Craig called to inform me the tank was on BTR 62 | BORNTORIDE.COM

wait and see.’ I’m happy with the way it turned out, and I think you will be as well.”

Two days later, the tank was on my front porch. I opened the box, examined the inner tank, and was astounded at the handiwork. The inside looked like new. The “After” photos don’t fully capture the fine job. Craig completely removed any trace of rust and corrosion, and whatever pitting or scarring was left had been fully sealed by his exclusive epoxy tank liner process. I sent some photos to my father, an old retired airline mechanic, who declared, “that looks like a similar grade liner we would use to reseal aircraft tanks with.

That’ll never leak again.”

Craig was right- “Any tank, any condition,” a three-day turnaround, and satisfaction guaranteed.

I, for one, am quite impressed and satisfied, and I wholeheartedly endorse Craig’s craft.

Contact Craig Skiver for your tank resealing needs, and the guy is a fantastic custom bike painter, as well.

Tell them Rob from Born To Ride Sent You.

the way back to me, completed. He commented, “That tank was pretty bad, for sure!

I even had several customers tell me ‘the owner of that just needs to buy another tank!’ To which I replied, ‘I’ll fix this, you

I save vintage tanks that leak, rusty tanks that nobody would ever think of using again. I turn them around quickly within three days. Many of the leading motorcycle dealers use me on a regular basis, when you’re tired of cleaning carburetors call Craig.

100% Guaranteed • CraigPaintsBikes.com • 813-407-2226

www.B Events Sunday, December 1 Tampa Bay - Born To Ride TV every Sunday 11pm on Great 38 Tampa Bay, also on Youtube.com/ BornToRideMotorcycleMedia Tampa Bay - Born To Ride LifeStyle TV every Sunday 9:30am on Estrella TV. 813-785-3895 Largo, FL Old Guys Rule Ride 9am Bellissimo’ Italian Eatery. 727-565-8743 Webster, FL Swap-O-Rama at Webster’s Flea Market. First Sunday of every month. Cycle & Auto Swap meet 6:30am–3pm 352-793-9877 Tuesday, December 3 Tampa Bay, FL Born To Ride Radio Live! Every Tuesday 7pm-9pm Facebook.com/borntoridetvmagazine.

Call in 813-525-5560 Homosassa, FL Crystal H-D Ladies Night Wish List Party 6-8pm.

CrystalHarley.com Wednesday, December 4 Clearwater, FL Benefit Concert for Children’s Home Network 6:30pm Quaker Steak & Lube. Host Bobby Friss, featuring Tampa Bay’s best musicians, 100% of the event goes directly to the kids! TheLube.com Thursday, December 5 Homosassa, FL Crystal H-D Men’s Night Wish List Party 6-8pm. CrystalHarley. com Friday, December 6 Clearwater, FL Cowboy Corral Bar & Grill 50 Legs Friday Bike Night (every Fri). 727-386-5430 Saturday, December 7 Gibsonton, FL River’s Edge Boat Parade. Call for time 813-671-9196 St. Petersburg, FL US Military Vets 21st Annual Anniversary 12pm AMVETS Post 8. Awesome food and full bar, raffles door prizes, 50/50, live music and more. 727-542-8642 Sunday, December 8 Tampa Bay - Born To Ride TV 64 | BORNTORIDE.COM BTR 76

Sendare in your info@BornToRide.com, get there noticed, seenupand getold results.

There someevents great to events coming up, so get out andbemeet with friends!

BornToRide.com/events s, Rides & Destinations every Sunday 11pm on Great 38 Tampa Bay, also on Youtube.com/ BornToRideMotorcycleMedia Tampa Bay - Born To Ride LifeStyle TV every Sunday 9:30am on Estrella TV. 813785-3895 Kissimmee, FL Old Town Bike Toy Run 8am. Bring a new unwrapped toy and enjoy a police-escorted ride.

Proceeds benefit Toys for Tots.

MyOldTownUSA.com Ocala, FL War Horse H-D HOG Toy Run 9am. All bikes are welcome. Police escort ride and will return back to War Horse to greet the kids. 352-427-6679 Plant City, FL Twilight Zone Biker Sundays (every Sun) 12pm. 813-737-3112 Tuesday, December 11 Tampa Bay, FL Born To Ride Radio Live! Every Tuesday 7pm-9pm Facebook.com/ borntoridetvmagazine. Call in 813-525-5560 Wednesday, December 11 Clearwater, FL Quaker Steak & Lube Wednesday Bike Night (every Wed) 6pm-11pm. Live music, great food, and more.

TheLube.com Thursday, December 12 Kissimmee, FL Old Town Bike Night 5pm-11pm (every Thu).

Live music & more. 407-3964888 Friday, December 13 Inglis, FL (12/13-12/15) Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven Christmas Party. Gift exchange with a twist ($20 min). Live music and more. 727-565-8743 Saturday, December 14 Homosassa, FL Crystal H-D Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus 10am-2pm. CrystalHarley.com

Lakeland, FL Wreaths Across America Lakeland Escort 6am Florida Polytechnic University.

Come join us as we ride to Bushnell National Cemetery to remember our Veterans.

WreathsAcrossAmerica.org Sunday, December 15 Tampa Bay - Born To Ride TV every Sunday 11pm on Great 38 Tampa Bay, also on Youtube.com/ BornToRideMotorcycleMedia Tampa Bay - Born To Ride LifeStyle TV every Sunday 9:30am on Estrella TV. 813785-3895 Inglis, FL Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven Toy Drive.

Please bring an unwrapped gift for kids 3-15 yrs. 727-565-8743 Tuesday, December 17 Tampa Bay, FL Born To Ride Radio Live! Every Tuesday 7pm-9pm Facebook.com/ borntoridetvmagazine. Call in 813-525-5560 Wednesday, December 18 Clearwater, FL Quaker Steak & Lube Wednesday Bike Night (every Wed) 6pm-11pm. Live music, great food, and more.

TheLube.com

Tampa Bay - Born To Ride LifeStyle TV every Sunday 9:30am on Estrella TV. 813-7853895 Homosassa, FL Crystal H-D Photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus 10am-2pm. CrystalHarley.com Tuesday, December 24 Tampa Bay, FL Born To Ride Radio Live! Every Tuesday 7pm-9pm Facebook.com/ borntoridetvmagazine. Call in 813525-5560 Thursday, December 26 Apollo Beach, FL Salty Shamrock Bike Night (last Thu). MC Sharpy, live music, food specials,10-class bike show. 813-938-5282 Friday, December 27 Brandon, FL 12/27-12/29 (Tampa, New Port Richey, Panama City Beach, Tallahassee) Harley-Davidson Year-End Event.

Come to one of our 5 locations and take advantage of our yearend deals. BrandonHD.com Saturday, December 28 Wauchula, FL Charlotte’s Webb Pub Christmas Party & New Year Celebration 12pm. 863-735-8887 Sunday, December 29 Tampa Bay - Born To Ride TV every Sunday 11pm on Great 38 Tampa Bay, also on Youtube. com/BornToRideMotorcycleMedia

Saturday, December 21 Inglis, FL Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven Christmas Parade 2pm. Decorate your bike and ride to Scooter Haven 727-5658743

Tampa Bay - Born To Ride LifeStyle TV every Sunday 9:30am on Estrella TV. 813-7853895

Sarasota, FL Rossiter’s H-D Christmas Party Open House 9am-4pm. Free food, full bar, live music & more. 941-9516103

Homosassa, FL Crystal HarleyDavidson Buccaneers Rally Ride to Tampa KSU 9:30am. DJ Trae 11am-3pm. Trivia game 12-2pm.

CrystalHarley.com

Sunday, December 22 Tampa Bay - Born To Ride TV every Sunday 11pm on Great 38 Tampa Bay, also on Youtube.com/ BornToRideMotorcycleMedia

Gibsonton, FL River’s Edge New Year’s Eve Party. Live music Bush Hog. Call for time 813-671-9196 Inglis, FL (12/31-1/1) Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven New Year’s Eve Party & Midnight 2020 Party.

Buffet, fireworks, live music and more. 727-565-8743 Wednesday, January 1 2020 Clearwater, FL Quaker Steak & Lube Wednesday Bike Night (every Wed) 6pm-11pm. Live music, great food, and more.

TheLube.com Sunday, January 5, 2020 Tampa Bay - Born To Ride TV every Sunday 11pm on Great 38 Tampa Bay, also on Youtube. com/BornToRideMotorcycleMedia Webster, FL Webster Flea Market Cycle and Auto Swap Meet. Featuring Ronnie Setser’s Customs. Best of the Best, Hot Rods, Classic Cars, Custom and Ride-in Bike Show, Born To Ride TV Taping and magazine shoot.

Cyclemeet.com Friday, January 10 Inglis, FL (1/10-1/12) Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven Christmas Party. Gift exchange with a twist ($20 min). Live music and more.

727-565-8743 Friday, January 17 Gibsonton, FL 1/17-1/19 Gibtown Bike Fest at the International Independent Showmen’s Association. “Florida’s Most Entertaining Bike Week,” Vendors, food, drink, and much more.

GibtownBikeFest.com

Gibsonton, FL 1/17-1/19 Chopporama. Held in conjunction with Gibtown Bikefest. Born Tuesday, December 31 To Ride Media presents the Tampa Bay, FL Born To Ride Chopporama Chopper Show!

Radio Live! Every Tuesday *For a chance to have your 7pm-9pm Facebook.com/ borntoridetvmagazine. Call in 813- chopper build contact us at info@ borntoride.com 525-5560

There areand some great events up, for more events, go to www.BornToRide.com To submit view even morecoming events visit BornToRide.com Events

BORNTORIDE.COM BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 65 77

Craven Moorehead CHRISTMAS

Well, I made it through Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and most of Cyber Monday. This was an easy task largely because I had no money to waste on things that I don’t really need. Although the desire is there to spend on the people I care about, it is an impossible feat without the necessary funds.

Commercialism aside, there are a lot of valid reasons to enjoy this time of year. If you ignore all the ads, come-ons and deals you can’t live without and then simply focus on what you do have – and not what you want, a certain sort of peace will come over the chaos that roars on in your head and heart. It’s okay to want things, but if you cannot afford those things it’s better to just forget about it and move on. It seems to work well for me, but I’m not suggesting that you should think the way that I do. After all, it is a dark and disturbing place in what remains of my mind!

Originally, we were all taught that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the census among the scientific community suggests that the event didn’t really happen during the winter, if it happened at all. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and the ability to practice their own religion. Scientists do not profit at this time of year but the commercial entities certainly do. Some of us simply try to remember the story as told in the Bible and let that be profit enough. (It took me several minutes to decide not to use the word ‘prophet’ in that sentence, instead of profit – levity resides in the aforementioned ‘dark’ areas of my mind.) Although it’s difficult to be comedic at times, if you are me then it just sort of rolls out usually to the disdain of those listening. Thankfully for you, my dedicated readers, you don’t have to hear all the crap because you simply read whatever drivel I put in this column - or you just put it down and not read it – and then make colorful comments about my existence. It’s okay. I’m used to it. …

I think as we get older, some of the magic and mystery of Christmas sort of fades away. The beauty and meaning of the holiday; however, seems to be intensified the farther you progress in life. Once you get past 6 or 7 years old, you begin to not believe in Santa Claus and begin believing in Amazon.com. … I, however, still believe in Santa Claus because every time my dogs come back into the house from the yard they have sandy claws. Plus, I know for a fact that Santa frequents the Gentlemen’s Clubs. I have actually seen him there.

Although he didn’t have on the red suit, I knew it was him because he kept bellowing out “Ho Ho Ho” and throwing cash around. The unmistakable long white beard and rosy-red face couldn’t have been attributed to the double vodkas he was drinking, could it? I used to think he only liked eggnog and cookies, and then I remembered that most of the eggnog that I have consumed contained a fairly good amount of alcohol. So, whether you believe in Santa or not, I suppose that it doesn’t really matter. I mean after all, everyone needs to have something to believe in, so I believe I will have another beer!

This particular holiday has a lot of different meanings to a variety of people. I certainly do enjoy it, and of course it would be a lot more fun if I had some cash – but I never worry. I just wish everyone peace on Christmas and remember to do something nice for folks that need it. As bikers, we know how much love is spread around this time of year for those in need. Countless toyruns charitable poker runs and other events are occurring as we speak, and there are scant few days before the actual celebration of Christmas arrives. I appreciate all the efforts of those that give back to the community from behind this keyboard and it’s a blessing that this old-parts computer is still serving me well enough to allow me to send this important message to my readers. Anyhow, don’t think that I am nuts because I still believe in Christ and still give all I have. I also believe that Christmas itself brings people together and when people get together, great things happen! Just remember what the true meaning of this holiday is and do your best to enjoy it! Remember, just a few days after all the presents are unwrapped and the turkey is eaten, we once again gather together to celebrate the arrival of a new year. This is another great holiday because the new year often brings hope and prosperity to those that don’t wake up with a horrible hangover. When we make all those resolutions that we never keep, we can always remember the great times we had with family and friends during this wonderful season. And then, it’s back to work! May God bless you and all your people during this most joyous time of year! Hey! See ya’ll next year and until then speed safely!!

CRAVEN

R.I.P. Craven Moorehead, Your Words Will Live On Forever

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And filling her food bowls Mike drives that bird around On anything he can Orlando, Ocala, Daytona Beach A throttle in his hand-HEY Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle all the way Our wish to you is that you have A ride safe Holi-dayyyy!”

That’s a really cool jingle Mike but, while you were getting our wheels together for riding in the toy runs, I wrote one in honor of us three and living on the beach.

It should be read in the key of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas:

Happy ho ho ho days my BTR friends. It’s that time of year to be under the same roof with some family members that you can only put up with for so long. If you have to travel out-of-state, oh Lord help you. The weather has been brutal up north already and there’s more to come. At least here in Florida with our warmer temperatures, we’ve got options: the beach, festivals, flea markets, and amusement parks.

If it does get down into the 40s and 50s, God help the real Florida natives. You know the ones; they think the Florida Georgia line is just a band who plays music. But for the rest of us, there are museums, galleries, antique malls, and lots of eateries/shops to hang out in.

As for me, I’m half penguin. Mike raised my feathered ass for 18 years in the sticks of Northern Virginia, only to become a Florida citizen after the disaster of 9/11 and the fear of living so close to ground zero.

“Well Spike,” Mike babbles, “speaking about the past and changes in our lives, what an unusual holiday season one year can make. This time in 2018, we were riding in all the toy runs, putting miles on the Fat Bird 2, and enjoying life.

This year will be different. We’re still going to participate in the runs, it’s just that you’re going to ride bitch-bitch on the wagon this time. I’ve devised a way for us to cruise behind Reann’s scoot using bungee cords and six wheels. You’ll have nothing but tail feathers in the wind and I’ll get my tiny two-wheels on the road. If it flops, we’ll be a spectator and not a participant. But that’s okay, it will allow us to see the other side of these runs.

This year, I wrote a Christmas carol in your honor. It’s read to the tune of Jingle Bells: Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Spyke yells and screams To us it sounds like squawking But to her it’s harmony-HEY Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Spyke tipped over the tree Grandma’s ornaments smashed to bits She waddles away “not me” Mike goes to work each day Fixing things that rolls But his real job is with Spyke BTR 68 | BORNTORIDE.COM

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, in Florida you know.

Way out on the beach without any snow.

Asleep in their condo, were Reann, Spyke, and Mike.

Dreaming of Christmas, and riding a bike Not boots but flip flops, at the foot of their beds.

For this was the beach, what more need be said?

When all of a sudden from out of the still night, They heard such a ruckus; it gave them a fright.

It came ‘cross the water, like the shot from a gun, A loaded-up beach boat come on at a run.

The driver was whistling and shouting at will, The propulsion (not reindeer) he drove with such skill.

Come on Flounder, Stingray, and Snapper, to the right, They’ll be plenty of swimming for y’all tonight.

The driver in his shorts wore a shirt that was flowered, Had a straw hat, and a vessel way underpowered.

As he stepped from his dingy, he was really a sight, With his beard extra curly and his hair snow white.

He burst into the condo, and those two awoke, both so astonished, that neither one spoke.

He filled up their stockings with shiny things galore, until he couldn’t fit a single piece more.

When Mike recovered the use of his jaws, He asked in a whisper, “are you, Accessory Claus?”

Am I the Chrome Santa? Well, what do you think?

He smiled as he gave them his mysterious wink.

He then left in his boat, and called back in a Florida draw, To you three bikers, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND YEE HAW! Mike babbles, “Excellent job Spyke, and I must say, you should be a writer for Hallmark! Maybe then I could retire on your chicken scratch income.”

I cackle, ‘Dude, you’re about as bright as Alaska in December and a few presents short of a full sleigh. If you had to survive on my income, you’d be eating bird seed just like me.’

I know one thing; I’ll be working my feathered ass off next year to assist you in getting your scoot repaired. You’re going to need a lot of help putting my wings back in the wind, your knees into the breeze, and the Fat Bird 3 wheels rolling down the road.

SPYKE Do you have a Pet like Spyke? Let Us Know and we’ll feature your story. 888-795-5779

Christian Motorcyclists Association Jesus is the Ultimate Road Captain One great benefit of riding in a group with friends is the variety of talents and abilities possessed by members of that group.

Today, I am thinking primarily of those who are blessed with a good sense of direction, and willing to lead the group to the ride’s destination, the Road Captain. They also often have the responsibility of arranging reservations at the restaurant we will be visiting. One favorite spot of the group I ride with needs to know when we are coming, as our group easily fills half of the seating. When I lead that ride, I always call the restaurant and give them a heads up and a count of how many will be coming. This is done so the restaurant will be prepared to receive our group.

I was once tasked with leading a different ride of about 60 miles, a relatively short ride. Unfortunately, about half of the ride was fairly straight with no side roads. I felt it would be a good idea to hit some side roads to prevent boredom, so I went to my trusty satellite map to find some alternative routes.

I found what looked like a great side road, with an assortment

of mild curves that would break the monotony of a more than 20-mile straight away. As I was patting myself on the back for preparing the way on that ride, I noticed that something looked a little off on the satellite map. When I did a deep zoom on the road, I had picked I discovered that it was about 5 miles of lime rock road, what a disaster that would have been. Had I not been carefully planning a safe and interesting ride, and a place to stop for a meal, it would have been a dismal ride!

Road Captains are an integral part of the success of the ride.

One item that is sometimes missed is planning stops along the way. We are all capable of going different distances without a break, and having over tired riders is no fun, nor is it safe.

Next time you go on a group ride be sure to thank the Road Captain for keeping the ride safe and fun!

In John 14:2-3, Jesus says, “I go to prepare a place for you.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Jesus is the ultimate Road Captain, He not only prepares the way, He will be there to meet us at the end of our journey.

His map is the Bible, His directions are from the Father, and He does all of this for you and for me. What a great ride it is that we face!

The next time you go on a ride, think about how Jesus has prepared the way for you and for me!

In The Wind, Denny Dingler BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 69 51 BORNTORIDE.COM Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association

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