Born To Ride Florida Motorcycle Magazine Issue #193 - June 2020

Contents

June Issue 193

Ad Index

Features Honoring Their Courage on Father’s Day Appalachian Backroads Chopper Daddy - Dave Nichols Sturgis Is Coming

10 12 19 35

Columns

10

Nefarious James-Here Goes Everybody 16 Ranger Greg Blackwell-Veterans Needst 30 Craven Moorehead-Summertime Again 53 Spyke & Mike-Fat Bird 3 54 Christian Motorcycle Association 55

Departments

Affordable Motorsports

32

Allstate - Jeff Ard

46

All World Lift Truck

32

Appalachian Backroads

14

BornToRide.com 40 BTR Babes

51

BTR Boss Hogg Radio Show

41

BTR Lifestyle

50

BTR Ocean Cruise For Bikers 5 BTR Radio

8

Contents 2 Ride Safe, Ride Smart-Awarness 7 Movie Review - Hell Ride 38 Born To Ride Kids 55

BTR Youtube

52

BTR TV-Great 38

4

Choice Med Group

31

Reports

Cross Creek Band

48

Cycle-Rama 19

Finz Finds - The Green Swamp A Father’s Day Tribute - A Special One Fuel Take Rusty-Craig Can Fix It!

31 32 45

On The Cover

19

AAA 6

Chopper Daddy Dave Nichols Joins Born To Ride

Dukes Brewhouse 9 Estrella TV 47 Gotta Havit Insurance 44 Great American Biker Bash 38 H-D Crystal

56, IBC

Lakeland Antique Mall 36 Leasure Automotive

44

Leesburg Bikefest

40

Life Insurance-Jennifer Butler 20 Media Design Shop

44

Progressive Insurance 3 Rivers Edge Bar & Grill 38 RockaBillaque 27 Rubenstein Law

IFC, 7, BC

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 51 Tiny Trailer Nation 49 Tropic Trailer 46 Twilight Zone Mega Bash 35

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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BORN TO RIDE Magazine

PO BOX 3021 Brandon, FL 33509

PUBLISHER

Ron Galletti 813-785-3895 888-795-5779 rg@borntoride.com CO PUBLISHER

Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Dave Nichols

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Erick Runyon

ART DEPARTMENT

Juan Guzman, Jared Hartman, Erick Runyon Peter Soutullo, Craig Miller art@borntoride.com WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Juan Guzman

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Nancy Ray nray@borntoride.com

MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST

Jared Hartman, Craig Miller SALES & MARKETING

888-795-5779 ROAD CREW

Vick Velosity, Mark Crowder, Doug Bright, Birdman Mike, Mr. Clean SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT

Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds CONTRIBUTORS

JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Spyke & Mike, Susan Hurst, Eric Albright, Eric Vician, Myra McElhaney, Paul Murray, James Gladstone, Greg Blackwell PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

Rubenstein Law 1-800-FL-LEGAL BORN TO RIDE OFFICE

888-795-5779

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You should be especially aware at intersections, where other vehicles can cross your path of travel.

There are many things to scan for, including traffic devices, road surfaces, and the traffic and pedestrians around you.

In a slow, tight turn, such as turning around in a parking lot, it helps to counterweight by leaning in the opposite direction of the motorcycle and direction of the turn.

Put pressure on the outside footrest.

Info: www.msf-usa.org

HONORING THEIR COURAGE A June is here and let’s not forget Dad. Father’s Day is a day honoring fathers, celebrated on various days in many places around the world. It compliments Mother’s Day. Happy Father’s Day to all the father’s reading this ad and Happy Father’s Day to all the mother’s reading this if you are a sole parent, mom and a dad of the family. Grandfathers, step-dads, uncles, brothers and sisters, you all deserve to be noted for what you do to be a figure in a child’s life. If dads not there someone who steps in as a fatherly figure. As the originator we have only one father but it’s up to life to keep it all together, life, family, growing up in a household that’s strong and loving.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad!

A Marine and NYC Police Officer for 28 years. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me in my life. I admire you for who you are and how you always provided for the family. I love the way you loved your grandchildren and I’m proud they loved you back! To anyone reading this, call your dad and tell him Happy Father’s Day. If you’re not speaking, now is the time to start speaking to your father again.

In Loving Memory Albert Galletti April 10-1928 October 9-2016

Ron Galletti BTR 10 | BORNTORIDE.COM

My Uncle “Gee” was my dad’s father figure in his life for many years because his father worked many hours. He came from Italy and worked with marble but then later became ill and couldn’t do much with my dad. That’s when Uncle “Gee” stepped in and helped my dad in life as a father figure. So in this month of June, as a special Father’s Day tribute, we would like to honor my Uncle “Gee” Fidel Galletti who was a real WWII war hero pilot who flew B-17s. Most of all, he was my dad’s hero. This story is courtesy of The 390th Memorial Museum and my cousin, Marie Galletti Mitchell.

Ron Galletti As Marie Galletti Mitchell and I corresponded regarding her story in the Sq. J, I found myself reflecting on how I enjoy talking with and writing to our descendants. They are special people … people who realize the importance of what our 390th did during WWII. Allow me to quote from one of Marie’s letters: “What a group of good-looking, virile young men in Dad’s crew! Dad is first on the left in the front row. Laverne Dillow was killed in action. What a waste of life it was for him to have died so young!

When Dillow went missing, his mother wrote to my mother to ask for news of her son. My mother has kept that letter in her wartime scrapbook ever since. Now that I’ve gotten older (age 61), I realize how many years and how many of life’s chapters young men like Dillow have missed.

So true…and today we honor those living and we memorialize those who have passed on to their reward.

Heroes all ... and we hope that this story adds yet another chapter to their lives … let it be so!

THE WARSAW AIRDROP OF 1944

On September 1, 1939, Nazi tanks rolled into Poland and started World War II. By September 18, 1944, the Polish resistance, which had bravely fought Hitler’s military might for five long years, was trapped in Warsaw with food, ammunition and other supplies running dangerously low.

The Poles called upon the Allies to provide supplies by airdrop. The Allies agreed, and airmen of the 390th, along with the 95th and 100th, were called upon to replenish the patriots of Warsaw with the supplies they desperately needed.

There was a catch, however. Warsaw is situated west of the Vistula River from Russia, and the Soviets had an unstated plan: Joseph Stalin wanted to weaken Poland in order that Russia could add this formerly sovereign nation to its empire once WWII was over. So while Stalin orally agreed to the Polish Airdrop, he kept delaying it by refusing to allow Allied planes to land on Soviet soil. (At that time, B-17s could not carry enough fuel to fly from England to Poland round trip.) Meanwhile, the Poles were getting weaker, and thousands died fighting Nazi soldiers on the streets of Warsaw. Finally, in September

1944, Stalin relented, giving the Allies permission to land about one hundred B-17s at some makeshift airfields in Russia.

On September 18, 1944, my father, First Lieutenant Fidel Galletti, along with his crew of eight men, climbed into their Flying Fortress to complete their 23rd mission of WWII. These airmen would fly for 10 hours that day to provide the Poles with the supplies they desperately needed.

My father’s log for that day reads, “We were to drop supplies to the Polish partisans holding parts of the city.

Load was 10 containers and 2,800 gallons topped off.

Bombing altitude was to be 14,000 feet. We ran into weather about 50 miles west of target and did several 360s trying to get over it. Colonel Tuesdale [command pilot of the lead plane] gave up trying to get on top and decided to go under as the base of clouds was at 12,000 feet. We got to the IP [Initial Point] and started on the run when fighters hit us. We were flying 565 #2 in the high of the high and out of position as they hit us. They came out of the clouds, and the tail, waist and ball opened up on them. Nine of them attacked from six o’clock level, and Rogers [tailgunner] had the best shot at them. He got the fourth coming in. Two 20 mm shells hit in the cockpit alongside of Spencer [co-pilot], and the oxygen started burning.”

Behind the pilot and co-pilot were two oxygen tanks. Flak from the German ammunition pierced both tanks, setting the highly volatile gas into a blaze which quickly spread throughout the cabin. The co-pilot, William Spencer, found himself sitting next to a three-foot hole in the side of the plane, with oxygen burning all around him. His only option was to jump from his seat, through the hatch and into the nose. Before he leapt from the cockpit, he used the interphone to order the crew to bail out.

At the same time, my father pulled away from the formation so that his plane, if it went out of control, would not bring down any other B-17s. He then set up the autopilot and hit the alarm bell. Both my father and the co-pilot were unaware that the fire had eaten through the communication lines, rendering it impossible for the crew to hear the orders to bail out of the crippled aircraft.

Meanwhile, the interior of the airplane continued to burn, and the plane was filling with smoke. The airmen, while still able to breathe through oxygen masks, were unable to see through the dense smoke. The crew would have to act quickly if they were to save their lives and those of the Polish people they had flown so far to help.

Top Turret Gunner Eduard H. Daly, reacting quickly to a five-foot hole and a fire in the waist of the plane,

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AND SACRIFICE, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Pilot-Fidel Galletti grabbed a fire extinguisher, put out the fire in the rear of the cockpit, then passed the fire extinguisher to my father. My father worked on putting out the fire up front, all the while knowing that if any flak were to nick the nearby primer fuel line, the plane would explode. The primer, next to the punctured oxygen tanks, was constantly charged with gasoline. Whenever fighter planes and ground antiaircraft artillery hit a plane, shrapnel can boomerang around inside the aircraft and hit anything or anybody in it, including, of course, the primer line. Fortunately, once the fires were extinguished, the worst was over. The primer was never nicked, and no one but the pilot sustained even minor wounds.

However, danger still threatened the aircraft and its crew. The right tail elevator, necessary to stabilize the aircraft, had been almost torn off, and the cables to the tail section were nearly severed. One of the duties of a pilot is to keep his plane stable, but the damaged tail elevator pulled against my father, physically moving him back and forth as he tried to control the aircraft.

In effect, the damaged tail was working against him for control of the plane.

In addition, my father was concerned that the torn tail cables, which had been shredded into wires, would get caught in the pulleys through which they threaded on their way from the control stick to the tail. Fortunately, this was not the case and finally, almost miraculously, after what must have seemed like hours of German attack, the Flying Fortress set down as scheduled on an improvised landing field in Mirograd, Russia.

In spite of fire and the damage to the plane, bombardier Harry Evje had been able to drop the supplies on target, thus fulfilling mission #23 of my father’s crew: to assist the Polish dissidents in resisting the Nazi army.

In August 2005, a CNN documentary, “Warsaw Rising,” filmed from Warsaw during the airdrop, shows the B-17s approaching the city. They looked so heroic as they flew in to the rescue! In the words of narrator David Ensor,

“Suddenly, in the sky – a miracle!”

In the same documentary, Nina Januszowska Thiessen, a Polish underground courier, recalls of the airdrop: That was the most wonderful picture, when the American planes came. They were very, very high, so you didn’t see anything; you just heard the mmmm [sounds] of the heavy bombers. Then, all of a sudden, there was –like flowers. The parachutes were multi-colored, you know.

And those multicolored flowers brought hope that Warsaw would live another day.

Over 2,500 years ago, Herodutus, “The Father of Western History,” declared that the purpose of written history was to memorialize glorious deeds. The Polish Airdrop of 1944 is one of modern history’s glorious deeds. America can be proud that the crew of B-17 #565, along with hundreds of other young American airmen, bravely risked their lives to take part in this gallant operation.

Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers who are Born To Ride!

Galletti Crew #95 Pilot – Fidel Galletti Co-pilot – William Spencer Top Turret – Eduard H. Daly Radioman – John Dudar R. Waist Gunner – Franklin Mesmer L. Waist Gunner – Laverne Dillow Ball Gunner – Virgil Burton Tail Gunner – Arthur K. Rogers Bombardier – Harry Evje Navigator – John J. Vitou

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Nefarious James “Here Goes Ev

Here goes everybody. The moment you’ve been waiting for. More sarcastic and raw points of view from your own Nefarious James. Being upfront, not everybody will agree with me. That’s the beauty of American freedom. Don’t expect me to really care about your point of view or if this hurts your feelings. Grab your crying towel or whatever you need to get ready for this because here it comes both barrels.

I am friggin at wits’ end with all this virus BS and stimulus checks that everyone is BTR 14 | BORNTORIDE.COM

hoping to receive. Fed up with complacent citizens of this country willing to watch our nation turn to Hell and do nothing but wait for a hand out. For one, I’ve noticed there are different categories of individuals waiting on these checks.

Those in definite need: These people are genuinely trying to stay above water.

They are using the checks they receive to feed their families, pay their mortgages or rent, and struggle to survive. No doubt this whole situation has created a whole group

of Americans that are barely hanging on because of not being allowed to return to work.

Those that are saving the check: For backup reasons in case they need it to take care of the above issues. They may not be at a point of desperation where they have to have it because they are currently still able to work, but they don’t want to take any chances.

And of course the real winners here: The ones out there squandering the money on

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verybody”

non essentials. Partying, Drinking, just treating this whole situation like there is no care in the world. You know the ones.

Those that will receive a check then go out partying and having a good old time at every other taxpayers’ expense. They don’t care if it runs out. They will sit there with their hand out expecting more of what they consider the “free Government Money”.

And after that’s gone this same person will cry how broke they are and set up a go fund me account or some fundraiser for

themselves crying how hard they have it instead of genuinely seeking employment. The ones that depend on the fact that it’s easier to get a tan on the palm of their hand than it is to get blisters.

There is a whole new group. The unemployment people that are getting the unemployment compensation they worked for plus the additional $600 for not doing a damn thing. That’s right. They are getting the benefits they earned and getting a bonus of $600 on top of that just for the hell of it. Again a group within this group feels it’s their right to get this additional money. Now here is the real kicker to all this. Many of these people who are receiving the unemployment benefits are being asked to return to work and they are refusing to do it. ‘Why’ you ask? Because sitting on their ass at home now makes them more money than they would make if they return to work. Before y’all single parents or those with a litter of kids get your panties in a wad, I know you going to say “well I’d have to get a sitter for my kids because they are not in school”, or the business oriented family stating “I have to pay cobra or come up with the money for my insurance to carry over”. Absolutely right and I get it. So what is the solution you ask? SIMPLE . LET US GO BACK TO WORK AND KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

Life is tough. We all eventually get sick. Big surprise. We all eventually die. Sad but True.

Those of us in Florida or any coastal state have learned over the years that there is always rage before the eye of a storm. Things are rough at first then calm down as the eye passes over. It’s then followed by the passing of the second bands of the storm. This will be no different. And yet we endure. Unfortunately this whole charade was all in the making for a very long time. I grew up in a time where drinking out of the garden hose and playing outside was a normal thing. I wasn’t bathed in hand sanitizer. Back in my day we didn’t have idiots licking ice cream in stores or spitting on food in grocery stores in some sort of asinine protest. All you are showing people is that you’re too stupid or lazy to write a sign or write a letter to a congressman or women protesting and expressing your dissatisfaction with what is going on.

Instead you post a picture of yourself licking a public toilet? What are you a friggin moron?

Come on people it’s common sense time. It’s also sad that the biggest social media complaint out there seems to be with people’s discontent with bars being kept closed. They want to yell and scream about that, yet they don’t scream as loud about what’s even more important.

Scream about everything being reopened and going back to work. Hey Bartenders and wait staff, Unemployed broke people don’t tip. Remember that when you go home with an empty jar.

Bottom line time. Terrorists wear masks, Chinese wear masks, Bank robbers wear masks.

AMERICANS DON’T WEAR MASKS! We’ve survived plagues. We’ve survived world wars, we’ve survived 15 seasons of America’s Got Talent. We will survive this. Don’t become a friggin slave. Everything you think you’re given for free actually has a price tag attached to it.

Our so called representatives are attempting to add legislation every day that will strip you of your constitutional rights. Why would you allow that? I’m not going to live that way. Enslaved and waiting for the government to protect me. Tell me what to eat, drink or put a chip in me.

Next thing they will want is your motorcycle and your guns. You just going to give them over?

Didn’t think so. You want America to be the next Venezuela? Hope not.

Come on people. The job of our servicemen and women is to protect our interests and freedoms abroad. They make sure we are safe from the evils that want to crush our Democracy and our way of life. Our job here in the United States is no different. Our job is to make sure we the people protect our interests and freedoms here at home so our troops have the country they went abroad to protect is still intact the way they left it. Land of the Free and Home of the Brave? For how long? Right now I see a hell of a lot of cowards among us. For those who have served once in our military and currently do, you need to remember this very important thing. This includes our law enforcement as well. You took an oath to serve and protect this nation of ours from enemies both foreign and domestic. Not be consumed with shutting down businesses for following an unlawful order. The Constitution gets put aside for NO reason. It’s under siege. Where are you? Seems like it’s time to take roll call. First call.

Your turn to answer. God Bless America.

James “Nefarious” Gladstone

Got something to say to James? Let Us Know Your Thoughts: info@BornToRide.com

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Veterans Needs for the motorcycle community “22 Veterans a day are committing suicide and one of the key indicating factors is the lack of connectivity”

“I am so Thankful To Greg Blackwell for Believing in Born To Ride and for Giving Veterans a platform to come together and to let them know how much we care” Ron Galletti I am Greg Blackwell, past US Army Ranger that spent 11 consecutive years in the special operations world. I have been twisting the throttle inside the Motorcycle community since 1982. I also work with organizations to help rebuild the lives of (and sometimes houses) of veterans. So I bring a unique perspective to what is happening currently.

I say this not to brag, but to add validly to my statements. I have seen an issue and opportunity inside the veteran and motorcycle community.

In the Veteran and motorcycle community we are experiencing a time that has not been felt since World war 2 and the VietNam era. World War 2 brought our brotherhood together because of a need to be around like minded individuals, and the motorcycle clubs were formed. Viet Nam started a resurgence in our community based on the same reason. At the time we did not know why, or how to identify that

social or mental needs. Today we have a better understanding of the need that our soldiers are coming home with a sense of comradery and a feeling that there is still a mission. Our community provides that connection. The majority of veterans clubs have a mission and focus to provide help and support, not only national charities but local individuals as well. It is time for us to look at how we can reach them. I ask this question. When you are at an event are you standing there with sunglasses on, arms crossed and staying in a small group, or are you out introducing yourself and talking to the public? Just remember, that one person you walk by may need the same brotherhood that you have. It’s time for us to come out of our protective shells and reach out to the community.

22 Veterans a day are committing suicide and one of the key indicating factors is the lack of connectivity. By a simple act of introducing yourself could save a warriors life. I truly understand MC protocol and respect our traditions, but it’s time for us to reach out. Not just for the growth of our community but for the health and well being of those warriors that are

Get Involved With Greg Blackwell’s Mission. info@borntoride.com

returning home. It’s time for us to band together. Every warrior you meet will have different needs. Some may fit better with a motorcycle association, riding association or some may be a good fit for another 3 piece club other than yours. We can’t turn our backs on our brothers. As long as everyone communicates we can have an impact on this epidemic.

As I’m writing this article I was called by a warrior’s wife who’s husband was having issues. He was not a fit for my club or any traditional club for that matter, but I know of a MA that would be a good fit and connected him with them.

My closing point is this. As veterans we have a primary mission to defend and protect our country. It is now a unique time to start talking to each other, MA,RC,VMC,MC. We have warriors that are out there looking for a brotherhood.

We must put down our guard and reach out. If we communicate amongst each other we can direct that soldier in the right direction. If we get to know each other without an agenda we could not only grow our community, but more importantly save a life, “Rangers Lead The Way” Ranger Greg Blackwell

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Get ready for a Wild Ride!

In the vast motorcycle industry, only a few individuals have names that everybody who rides knows and respects. Industry icons such as Willie G. Davidson, Arlen Ness and Dave Perewitz have ignited our passion for the road. Evel Knievel, Peter Fonda and Jesse James became famous for their connection with two wheels in various media. In the motorcycle publishing world some of the fathers of biker culture include Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, Keith Ball, and Dave Nichols. It is with great pride that we announce that former Easyriders editor Dave Nichols is joining Born To Ride to help us step into the next decade of exciting growth in the motorcycle world. We asked Dave to sum up his feelings on where he’s been in the biker lifestyle and industry and where things are going.

Here’s what he had to say.

My sister’s husband rode a Harley panhead and I fell in love with motorcycles the first time his riding club came over to the house. I was probably only ten years old and grew up in southern Florida. You could hear that dirty thunder coming for miles. At least a dozen big twins roared up the road and slowed to a rumbling stop. All that gleaming chrome backing up to the curb in perfect precision. I watched as the men and women got off those Harleys and noticed how they trusted each other, how they laughed easily together. They were a family; a brotherhood and sisterhood who had each other’s backs.

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per by Mondo of Denver’s Choppers. My passion for the biker lifestyle led me to write for Casey Exton’s Outlaw Biker and then Joe Teresi’s Easyriders magazine where I worked my way up and was the editor-in-chief of the “biker’s bible” for over 25 years.

I also rode herd over 13 various motorcycle, hot rod and tattoo periodicals. It was a wild ride!

THAT MOMENT CHANGED MY LIFE AND I KNEW THAT I WANTED TO BE A PART OF THAT MOTORCYCLE FAMILY. I had to have a bike and in Florida you could ride

all year. My father noticed my interest in all things with twowheels and took me to a bike shop when I was fifteen to look at the used scooters.

I remember going into Rizzo’s Italian Deli and finding Easyriders on the tiny magazine rack. Apparently Rizzo didn’t know there were topless girls in that magazine and he let me buy them. I didn’t learn much about girls by reading Easyriders but I did learn a little bit more about custom motorcycles and the biker culture. I raised money for my bike fund by cutting neighbors’ lawns and my dad kicked in half the dough. My first bike was a single cylinder Honda 65. It wasn’t much to look at but it got me in the wind. Thanks dad. As we celebrate Father’s Day, I want to thank all the biker dads out there who have been an inspiration to us all. How else were we gonna learn the biker code, right? In my own life, I managed to pass on that same venerable code down to my son William Garrett. Yes, my son’s name is Willie G., such is my dedication to the Motor Company and a life lived in the wind.

That first motorbike led me to own many others over the years including my favorite, a 16-over springer, rigid panhead chop BTR 20 | BORNTORIDE.COM

I took the little publishing company and turned it into a major media enterprise with both print and digital publications, worked with television producers to create the first Motorcycle Mania show with Jesse James and supplied all the custom bike builders for The Discovery Chanel’s Great Biker Build-off series. This led to me acting as the host and producer of V-Twin TV on the SPEED Channel.

In the early 2000s, Motorbooks asked me to write books about custom bikes and the amazing builders who were featured on those Discovery shows. Ace motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter and I came out with ‘Top Chops’ and that led to a book about ‘Indian Larry’. Then I wrote a trilogy about the history of the outlaw biker culture called ‘One Percenter’; ‘The One Percenter Code’; and ‘One Percenter Revolution’.

“I am so proud and excited for the future of this company and the things that Dave Nichols brings to the table. He is legendary in so many ways and we want all of you to come along for this ride as we launch the next 25 years of Born to Ride! “ Ron Galletti

At the same time our Easyriders Bike Shows and Motorcycle Rodeos offered riders across the country a great way to get out and enjoy the lifestyle we love. We rode that motorized high for many years… until Jane Root came along. Ms. Root was the new programmer at Discovery Networks and she wanted the channel to get back to its roots (pun intended). She wanted to get rid of the very shows that put Discovery on the map. She wanted to get rid of all the “testosterone TV” that included the Teutul’s American Chopper series, Motorcycle Mania, Monster Garage and the Great Biker Build-off. Suddenly, there were no more motorcycle-related TV shows left on Discovery and the custom chopper market dried up. Within a few years, aftermarket chopper companies such as American Ironhorse and Big Dog were history too.

At the same time, the Internet was pulling people away from paper magazines and towards free entertainment online. Easyriders sales went into a nose dive and the owner of the company, Joe Teresi, had no idea how to pull his aging publishing firm out of the tail spin. Plus, Joe was 79 years old and was tired.

He just wanted out. But who would buy a publishing company in the age of the Internet? Then a year ago, the company was sold to a Canadian concern that wanted the brand name for high fashion jeans. These were people who knew absolutely nothing about motorcycles or the biker lifestyle. All the editorial staff was canned, yours truly included.

Just a few weeks later, Ron Galletti touched base with me and we talked about expanding the Born To Ride brand. I met Ron many years ago. He even interviewed me for his Born To Ride TV show. I knew his heart was in the right place. Here is a man who has lived the biker lifestyle his whole life; a man who knows what his readers want and delivers it to them each and every month. Now I am proud to announce that I am joining this motley crew of motorized misfits and we have plans… big plans! Sure, Born To Ride is well known in Florida and the southeast, but the time has come to share the love and bring this fine magazine, radio show and television series to riders everywhere.

Where are we going? Well, I believe that as soon as this “quarantine” is over, bikers everywhere are going to want to ride and party their asses off! We at Born To Ride intend to help you do just that! We are talking about bringing you killer custom bike shows, live concerts, and even biker cruises where you can store your bike in the ship and ride through exotic ports of call. If that isn’t enough, we have plans for something that is going to blow your wheels off! All I can say is, Born To Ride will offer bikers a home for our family like no other. Watch right here in Born To Ride for details on all the cool stuff that will be roaring your way in the near future.

“Having Dave join us and take our brand to the next level and give bikers more to do, see and experience is thrilling. “ Deb Galletti

BUT KNOW THIS: Born To Ride is all about YOU and we are dedicated to giving riders what they want. Born To Ride is all about what it has always and will always be about, namely you.

All of us at Born To Ride live to ride and still feel the excitement of that passion to throw a leg over a scoot and roar off down the road. Motorcycle oil runs in our veins and the sweet freedom found on two wheels stirs our souls.

WE HOPE YOU’LL JOIN US FOR THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME. —Dave Nichols

“Now Is The TIme to Get Involved With Born To RIde” - Ron Galletti

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Born To Ride Finz Rides

The Green Swamp Preserve

For some reason every time I hear the Talking Heads song Road to Nowhere I think of riding a motorcycle, jumping on the scoot with the intention exploring new roads or scenery.

Here’s a suggestion for an exploration ride, the Green Swamp Preserve. The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is located in the fourcorner area of Lake, Pasco, Polk, and Sumter counties. How you get there is up to you. What does matter is you realize this is an exploration ride, so don’t be afraid to go left when the directions tell you to go right. Don’t take the following directions too literal—think of them as reference points to your road to nowhere.

1. I-75N exit 266 for 582A (0.5) 2. Left onto CR-579/CR-582A (12.3 mi) 3. Right Chancey Rd (8.9 mi) 4. Right CR-54 (4.4 mi) 5. Right FL-35 S/FL-700 E/US-98 S (0.2 mi) 6. Quick 1st Right Old Dade City Rd (7.4 mi) 7. Left Rockridge Rd (stay left) (13.4 mi) 8. Continue onto Greenpond Rd (4.0 mi) 9. Left FL-33 N (10.1 mi) 10. Left Lake Erie Rd (5.0 mi) 11. Right on CR-565/South Bay Lake Rd (5.5 mi) 12. Left Sloans Ridge Rd (3.8 mi) 13. Left FL-50 W (1.5 mi) 14. Left CR-773 (0.2 mi) 15. Right CR-772 (3.9 mi) 16. Right at Church (151ft) 17. Left FL-50 W (9.6 mi) 18. Left Burwell Rd (4.3 mi) 19. Continue on CR-575/Trilby Rd (3.6 mi) 20. Right Ramsey Rd (1.0 mi) 21. Right CR-578/St Joe Rd (0.8 mi) 22. 1st Left Happy Hill Rd (2.1 mi) 23. Continue onto Prospect Rd (2.2 mi) 24. Left CR-579/Handcart Rd (4.5 mi) 25. Right CR-579/Eiland Blvd (15.3 mi) 26. Turn left to merge onto I-75 S Total Distance 132 mi Total Time 3 hr 40 min

For More Information Go To Finz Finds Scenic Rides on Facebook

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A FATHER’S DAY TRIBUTE - “A SPECIAL ONE INDEED”

So many of us remember times spent with our dad’s in various projects we did together throughout the course of many years. This Father’s Day Tribute is a very special one indeed where a father-son duo work, play, ride, as well as eat, sleep, and dream about Cushman Scooters and Mustang Motorcycles! This is a fascinating story and one that you will enjoy reading here in Born To Ride magazine!

To start out, this is NOT a business story; it’s a hobby story! Richard Jr. explained, “My dad is 73 years old. He has a bad hip and has had knee surgery. Now, he’s not able to ride a Harley anymore. When he was a kid, he used to do a paper route throwing the papers from a Cushman Scooter. In order to earn the money to buy that Cushman, Dad cut grass with front yards for $1 and back yards for $1 in his neighborhood back in the 1950s. Now that he can’t ride the heavier two-wheeler, he decided to get back into the Cushman.” Both Richard Reese Jr. and his dad, Richard Sr., travel all over the country buying old Cushman’s and the parts to them, restoring, rebuilding, and riding them together!

Richard Junior was born in Augusta, Georgia. In 1992, the family moved to Florida. When did the Cushman passion actually start?

“We’ve always had a passion for motorcycles. We used to build Harley’s and tinker with those. Dad wanted a Cushman for years, but they are rare and hard to find. Dad heard about these Cushman meets and we started attending them.”

One show that they attend is a vintage motorcycle bike club event in Portland, Indiana. “We go to Portland, Indiana, every year. That is the largest antique motorcycle/scooter show in the United States. We go there to buy parts and pieces to build more Cushman Scooters. We

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also go to the Cushman meet in Perry, Georgia, every year. We also go to Dillard, Georgia, for the Southeastern Cushman Club meet and ride the mountains! We have a blast!” One thing that Richard Junior shared is the love of riding next to his dad on their Cushman Scooters – even in the mountains!

Currently, they have seven Cushman’s that are ready to ride and enough parts to build an additional six more! “We also have two antique Mustang motorcycles, too!” Dad always wanted one of them when he was a kid.” Currently, they are in the process of restoring a 1952 Cushman Eagle barrel springer and a 1957 pony.

“Dad rides to the store every day, uptown, and just all around the area on his Cushman. Most Cushman’s run 55-60 mph wide open. We have a couple modified ones that run 80-mph.” When I asked Richard Junior if he rode the modified Cushman, he laughed and said, “Dad and I both ride it!”

Speaking of family, Richard Junior’s two girls help in the restoration process; 12-year-old Alexus and 10-year-old Teagan have absolutely no problem getting in there and helping their dad and Papa! It’s a nice, full circle of love and passion focused around the Cushman Scooters and Mustang Motorcycles!

A funny story Richard Junior shared with me about dad taking the Cushman Scooter and sidecar rig to town! “My dad put a sidecar on a scooter. On his way into town, he had a malfunction with the sidecar.

The scooter went out of control and road into a ditch. The scooter was submerged underwater in the ditch – and his dog was in the sidecar!

We pulled the scooter and sidecar rig out of the ditch (the dog was fine!) and brought it back to the house. My 10-year-old daughter said, ‘We have to fix Papa’s scooter.’ She refused to stop telling me we had to fix dad’s scooter. She wouldn’t stop, and I finally said, ‘Go fix it!’ She went out there and fixed everything on her own, refusing to let me help her do anything!”

Almost like a repeat of history, Richard Junior’s grandfather had a Mustang motorcycle! “My grandfather had a Mustang motorcycle when my dad was a teenager and dad used to ride it. My grandfather used to help my dad work on his Cushman when dad was a kid. My dad got his first Cushman at age 13. My grandfather rode an Army 45 Harley through hostile territories during WWII. He was a messenger in the war.

It’s crazy to think my grandfather’s job in the military was riding through hell from one area to another, on that Harley to deliver messages!”

Richard and his dad will be attending a National Mustang motorcycle Meet in Texas.” He added, “These bikes are very rare, and parts are very hard to come by.”

Winding up an already great conversation, Richard Junior said, “It’s just a passion for me to be able to spend time with my dad since he won’t always be here with me. He enjoys it and can’t do it without me unloading and loading the scooters, the hard work at events in picking up heavy totes and engines, etc. My dad is the greatest dad in the world and the one thing he said to us many times over (which has always stuck with me) is to always have fun and enjoy life while it’s still here because one day you won’t be able to. To this day, he lives his life that way and has taught me to live my life the same way.”

You can visit with the Reese father and son duo at the Fun Bar in Bartow, Florida. They will also be at the Webster Westside motorcycle swap meet held on the first Sunday of every month! Be sure to tell them that you read their story in Born To Ride magazine!

Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers who are Born To Ride! Tell Us Your Story!

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OPEN

Confusion and chaos pretty much sums up this movie. It is the modern day version of all the biker exploitation “B” movies ever made.

Curiously, Larry Bishop (as Pistolero) appeared in a variety of films including The Savage Seven, Mad Dog Time and Kill Bill to name a few. His collaboration with Quentin Tarantino in this most recent effort, would lead one to believe that “Hell Ride” is a major cinematic production destined for the A list. Sadly, it falls short of that mark.

The story revolves around Pistolero and his gang “the Victors.”

The main characters are himself, the Gent and Comanche who set out to avenge the death of his ol lady Cherokee Kisum. Cherokee, it seems, was murdered by the 666er’s, a rival gang. But wait, let’s back up! This is exactly what makes the flick so confusing. … We flash back and forth from 35 years back to 35 years forward.

It seems that Bishop as the writer, director, and star is the only one who understands what is going on at any given time. I was lost after viewing it twice, but again I digress.

The film is soaked with girls, drugs, and murder. I like all those facets in a biker exploitation film, but the chaotic pace leaves one BTR 38 | BORNTORIDE.COM

wondering where the plot is. It seems the Victors MC have an underlying code of deceit and distrust. As the movie rolls along, several of the members of gang are killed by the Gent and other Victors—leaving only Pistolero, the Gent, and Comanche in the gang. Ahhh, but there is another member hiding in the desert! Eddie Zero, played by Dennis Hopper appears as a (possibly retired) member of the gang. How they were able to get Hopper to appear in this mess was a mystery in itself, and I was surprised, and entertained for a moment until I saw David Carradine playing rival gang member “The Duce.” Evidently, the Duce and Pistolero had some under-the-table dealings and this conflict led to the ongoing battle between the two clubs.

The 666er’s use arrows and darts to carry out their hits while the Victors use the more conventional revolvers, available at Wal-Mart. The Victors trademark murders–you will see a few of these involve the tying of one to a chair, the cutting of the throat, and the soaking of the subject in gasoline, which is then ignited by the tossing of a Zippo lighter, also available at WalMart. Somewhere in my recall, it seems to me that this ritual was borrowed from the 666er’s when they did in Cherokee Kisum.

In the end, the Victors cut off the Duce’s head, and Eddie Zero delivers it to the 666er’s hangout in a nice wicker basket (see Wal-Mart above). He departs and rides off down the road until his motor quits for some reason. He gets off his vintage ride to repair it, and sees the 666er’s pull up behind him. The leader of the 666er’s, (played by Vinnie Jones) shoots him in the back with a dart fired from an air powered device that looks like a Shark Gun. He collapses on the highway. Much to the 666er’s surprise the Victors pull up behind them and the Gent kills all of them, but only wounds Jones who falls to the pavement.

Pistolero in a strange twist of role, shoots Jones with a small crossbow, then reloads and fires a dart into Jones’ gas tank. As the fuel surrounds Jones, who is bleeding cussing and etc, one of the Victors cuts his throat, and Pistolero tosses the classic Zippo into the pool of gas. In the next frame, Hopper gets up off the pavement, and removes his armor-laden jacket – arrow still intact- and hands it to his girl who gives him a similar jacket. They depart the scene, and the three meet in the desert where the 666er’s had previously buried some sort of lockbox containing some sort of (something). …

There are three keys that have 666 stamped into them. There is a short argument, and Comanche digs up the lock box and the others give him the three keys. What’s in that thing you ask? You will never know, because the shot shows only Comanche’s face from the inside as he opens the box. I think it was empty, but what do I know? The trio then fire up their motors and ride off in three different directions as the credits roll.

If you are a fan of naked ladies, cool classic motorcycles, and blood and guts, this film is for you! However, if you were expecting a plot, a story line, or a coherent slide show of pleasant desert scenes you aren’t gonna be too happy.

Tarantino once told Bishop “It is your destiny to write, direct, and star in a movie.” Sometimes destiny is not all it’s cracked up to be! I would reluctantly give this film 2 out of 5 stars, because there were two REAL stars exploited in this mess. It is rated R for ridiculous, and runs approximately 86 minutes. In my opinion it should be 86’ed altogether.

The Phantom Movie Review

Check out www.BornToRide.com for more Movie and DVD reviews online!

Willie G

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I Will Make Your Old Tanks Last Forever

nk u J s i “Th me Out Ca f This O nk!”

Ta

The heart and soul of your bike is the fuel tank.

Originally, the tank was new and clean, but over the years that all has changed. If you are tired of cleaning carburetors or think you need a new tank because yours is too rusty or it leaks, I have the solution. We clean tanks and preserve the metal – even permanently stop leaks! The highgrade epoxy coating we use is second to none; we can even remove most Kreem and Red-Kote liners.

We have a fast turnaround time; it’s the easiest thing you’ll do all week. Call 813-407-2226 or CraigPaintsBikes.com

Craven Moorehead It’s Summertime Again

So summer started in May evidently. Daily rain and high temperatures have made their way into the area and Hurricane season started a week early. Can’t complain too much I suppose - at least it isn’t snowing. It seems that lately, all I write about is the weather. It could be said that my life has become mundane and boring. If you observed that and thought the same thing then I guess we were both thinking alike. I remember back in the day when every moment was an adventure. Not so much anymore. Time is passed looking out the window at the rain coming down and listening to the dogs snoring. Yeah, I know you wouldn’t think that dogs snore and perhaps most don’t but for some reason mine do. I suspect that they learned that bad habit from me. They have picked up other bad habits as well but as boring as my life is lately I shouldn’t keep talking about it here and causing you, my dedicated readers to fall asleep while reading this article.

I recently was advised that I have to move from where I have been living.

This is a serious problem. I am used to having a variety of nonspecific problems and other unpleasant situations, but so far, I have been fortunate enough to have a place to live.

Well, not so much now, but somehow, I will find a way to survive. Seems harder this time but I will get over it one way or another.

Stuff is expensive nowadays. It didn’t seem to be this bad a few years back. I do remember when a gallon of gas was more expensive, but I have never seen housing go to this limit. Even the grocery store kicks your butt every time you go in. It must be the economy that allegedly is better than ever or perhaps it is due to the unemployment rate that is lower than ever (according to the regulated media) but from where I sit, I can’t tell. If there is light at the end of the tunnel I can’t see to see it, or it is very dim. Not sure which at this point.

So as we go through life with hopes and dreams of peace and prosperity, we still must accept the ups and downs and try to survive to the best of our ability. All I can advise is that we all keep keeping on and don’t let life drag us down.

So no more bad stuff! I keep a positive attitude and continue to pray for better days. How does everyone else do it? I’m no expert but I suspect that most of you do the same thing.

Being negative never produces a positive result. I like to get feedback from my readers and good or bad I take all your comments to heart. Born To Ride has been here for years serving the biker community in every way possible. Your opinions and comments are always welcome and appreciated. I sincerely hope that each and every one of you has a fantastic summer season and that the rain stays away from your ride to wherever it is you are going.

CRAVEN

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

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Well, here it is my BTR friends, June 2020. Coming up on the dreaded one year anniversary that Mike would like to forget about, but can’t. June 23rd, a beautiful Sunday afternoon bike ride down the Bayway was turned upside down when a distracted driver cut Mike off and almost took us out of existence. Instead, a small tree in the median did the dirty work. The 2009 Fat Bird 2 was only flying for a short period of time compared to his original scoot, a 1996 FLSTF, better known to many as the original Fat Bird. Its demise happened during the Leesburg Bikefest.

Mike parked on Main Street and in the middle of a thousand bikes. He left it there to go watch Queensryche play. Coming back after the show, he found it on its side with a police report sticking out the tank.

Seems a 27-year-old gentleman, (using the term loosely) on a rice rocket decided to do a burnout and lost it. Plowing into the scoot and four others, totaling two on the spot. Unfortunately, the idiot on the Yamaha had no insurance or a pot to piss in. Luckily for Mike, he did have so-so coverage through Progressive. After haggling with Flo, they paid him just enough to replace the machine. Lost was the money spent on the paint scheme and the many chrome doodads he had installed making BTR 54 | BORNTORIDE.COM

it the original Fat Bird. Fast forward to September 2017 and Mike finding a beautiful 09 with only 13,000 miles on it. Craig, owner of CraigPaintsBikes.com stepped up to the plate and wanted to help Mike put the Fat Bird 2 under my wings. Then, Mark and Dana at Gotta Havit insurance set him up with the right policy to cover him and the scoot for a full replacement if it ever happened again. If you ride anything, they can cover it. They are true professionals and friends in the business.

Check them out when you need coverage. They are honest and will tell you if they can do better than your current policy or direct you to a company that might.

Here we are today, the Fat Bird 3 will be done and unveiled sometime this summer. Craig has been working hard with Mike and Flo getting the pieces needed and revamping the paint scheme one more time in my honor. Unfortunately, Mike’s body hasn’t fully recovered from the previous dilemma.

Actually, a few months ago during his rehab, he had a small setback, damaging his MCL. (Medial Collateral Ligament) That’s the ligament on the inside of the knee that holds the tibia to his femur that was broken in the accident. The good news is that it doesn’t require surgery, the bad news is he had to be fitted with a knee brace and must wear it for at least two more months, then restart therapy. If it wasn’t for bad luck he’d have no luck at all. Mike chatters, “Yes my feathered friend, it seems like Lady Luck jumped off me and hitched a ride with someone else. Now I’m in double jeopardy.

One,I can’t go to work and two, I can’t really go out. So I’ve been wandering around the house saying the craziest things.” Spyke cackles, ‘I think you’re going nuts from being in this double lockdown! Actually, I’ve just heard your conversation about this with the microwave and toaster. They both agreed that things are getting a little heated. You didn’t say a word to the washing machine as she puts a different spin on everything.

You certainly didn’t mention it to the freezer as he is acting frigid. The vacuum was very

unsympathetic. She told you to just suck it up, but the fan was more optimistic and hoped it would all blow over soon! The toilet looked a bit flushed when you asked for its opinion. It didn’t say anything but sure gurgled a lot.

The bedroom doorknob told you to get a grip. The front door said you were unhinged and the curtains told you to pull back and see the light. In the end, the iron straightened your ass right out as she said everything will be fine, no situation is too pressing.

“The Fat Bird 3 will be done and unveiled sometime this summer”

Now I see a weird look in your eye that I haven’t seen in a while. It makes me wonder what you’re up to next. Mike babbles, “Well Spyke, between the accident and this pandemic, I am almost financially crushed. In order to offset the cost of your birdseed, my food, bills, and the mortgage, I’m in dire need to make money somehow.

So, I’m proud to announce that I’ve decided to sell adult toys! I just hope no one is too embarrassed to ask about them. I have all kinds, styles, and sizes to fit everyone’s needs. I am very willing and able to demonstrate any items for my customers.

Please contact me on Facebook and ask for your free demo today! Your privacy and discretion are of my utmost concern.

Here is a small list of the items that are available. Most are still in the original packaging or have been barely used.

Walkers, Canes, Wheelchairs, Oxygen Tanks, Disposable Diapers, Teeth Glue, Bath Benches and Blood Pressure Cuffs I do make house calls so we can do it at your place or mine!” I put one wing over my head and squawk, ‘Dude, what marbles you had left are now rolling around on the floor laughing at you hysterically. We need some wind therapy. Get my wings in the truck, your knees under the dash, and its wheels rolling over the bridge to see Craig and check on the Fat Bird 3.

SPYKE

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

HAPPY FATHER’S RON! CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION A few years ago I traveled to the Tennessee hills where my wife and I enjoyed the scenery and the winding roads of the area. Every day, before heading out to discover more of the gorgeous surrounding countryside, we consulted our maps and laid out a route for the day. On one particular day we decided to visit a number of dams in the local area. There were several dams to see, so off we went to explore the region. We were enjoying our day, seeing the different dams and their structures. It was mind boggling to look out over the high side of the dams and see the vast area that was covered under water due to the dams having been built. We also noticed how small and insignificant we were in the presence of the man made barriers.

After we saw the sights we stopped in a small restaurant for some burgers and fries, and an escape from the heat outside. Isn’t air conditioning a wonderful invention?

With our bellies full and our bodies cooled down we headed for the back half of the ride. No more dams to see on this day, but the map showed a promise of some more winding roads on the way back to the campground. Little did I know it

was about to become a more interesting ride!

When we turned off of the main road it wasn’t long before we came to the proverbial fork in the road. Since the map did not show the two roads splitting, I took a deep breath, and took the road to the left. There were no signs to guide us and I realized that we were on a parallel road going right back from where we had just come. I have a patch on my vest that says U Turn, and that is exactly what I did, I turned around.

We got back to the previous turnoff and took the other road.

After a long while we were seeing homes and other signs of life, and the traffic was picking up significantly. All of a sudden I realized where we were, about 40 miles beyond where our campground was located. We were very off course, but at least we knew where we were.

Sometimes life is a lot like that! Even when we think we know where we are, and we have taken the time to plan our activities, we can still find ourselves going the wrong way.

The best answer is found in the Bible, in Psalm 61:1, “Hear my cry, oh God; listen to my prayer.” Even when we believe in ourselves and our own actions, we may still find ourselves needing help from God. The great news is that God is always there to help and guide you and me. He is only a simple prayer away. When you find yourself lost, look up in prayer, for God is your wonderful answer!

In The Wind, Denny Dingler BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 55 51 Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association BORNTORIDE.COM