Contents
July Issue 194
Ad Index
Features Roosterz Rod Shop - Readers Rides Biker History Part 1 Appalachian Backroads Biker Legend - Jody Perewitz
13 19 28 34
Columns
13
Affordable Motorsports
26
Allstate - Jeff Ard
46
Appalachian Backroads
28
All World Lift Truck
26
BornToRide.com 18 Boss Hogg Radio
43
BTR Boss Hogg Radio Show
41
Nefarious James-I Am An American 10 Craven Moorehead-Freedom A Costly Privlege 53 Spyke & Mike-Need To Wear A Mask? 54 Christian Motorcycle Association 55
BTR Babes
Departments
BTR Radio
8
BTR TV-Great 38
5
Contents 2 Letter From the Editor - Dave Nichols 4 Ride Safe, Ride Smart-Awarness 7 Movie Review - Black Angels 38 Born To Ride Kids 55
Finz Finds - Central Florida Springs Tampa Elite The Tank Whisperer-Craig Can Fix It! Charlie Daniels - RIP
BTR Facebook BTR Lifestyle
42 50 50
BTR Ocean Cruise For Bikers 52t BTR Youtube
Beyond The Battlefield Choice Med Group Cross Creek Band
47 27 21 48
Cycle-Rama 39
Dukes Brewhouse 9
Reports
22
AAA 6
31 37 45 50
On The Cover
Heaven Fields Celebrates America and Proves She is Ride or Die 4 Life Cover Photo by Erick Runyon
Estrella TV 25 Georgia Motor Trike
42
H-D Crystal
56, IBC
Gotta Havit Insurance 44 H-D Rossiters
12
Lakeland Antique Mall 33 Leasure Automotive Leesburg Bikefest
44 40
Life Insurance-Jennifer Butler 30 Media Design Shop
24
Poker Chip Run
11
Performance Pit Stop
50
Progressive Insurance 3
Rats Hole - Leesburg Bikefest 41
Roame.com 39 Rubenstein Law
IFC, 7, BC
Tampa Elite
36
Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 51 Tiny Trailer Nation 49
Tropic Trailer 46
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.
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 EDITOR
Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com ART DIRECTOR
Peter Soutullo art@borntoride.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Erick Runyon
ART DEPARTMENT
Juan Guzman, Jared Hartman, Erick Runyon Peter Soutullo, Craig Miller art@borntoride.com WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA
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OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
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MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST
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888-795-5779 ROAD CREW
Vick Velosity, Mark Crowder, Doug Bright, Birdman Mike, Mr. Clean SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT
Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds ON THE ROAD TEAM
The John & Heather Show 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, Chopper Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon, Craig Miller LAW FIRM
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BORN TO RIDE OFFICE
888-795-5779
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FROM THE HELM THE ROAD AHEAD HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS! This is the first issue of Born To Ride magazine that kickstarts with our look at where we are and where things are going in this crazy two wheeled world we all love. Some call this an editorial, we call it From The Helm; it’s a look from the captain’s cabin. I’m Dave Nichols and I’m new to the Born To Ride family. I was the editor of Easyriders magazine for nearly 25 years. I was also the editorial director of 13 various motorcycle, hot rod and tattoo magazines. In that time, I had the honor of writing hundreds of bike features, was the bike judge at all the Easyriders Bike Shows and the on-camera host of V-Twin TV on SPEED Channel. Now Ron and Deb Galletti have brought me on board the good ship BTR to set sail on a whole new cruise. Where are we going? Well, let’s take a look. As we all dig our way out of the quagmire of the worldwide lockdown known as “Quarantine”, every rider worth his or her salt wants nothing more than to swing a leg over a trusty scooter and ride the stink of virus and mind-melting media mangling off of our bodies and brains. Who wants to go to Sturgis? I know I do! Born To Ride plans on helping you enjoy the motorcycle lifestyle in every way and as never before. You all know Born To Ride, the motorcycle culture magazine that has been twistin’ the grip for over 25 years, heck, you’re holding one in your hands right now or reading these words from our online digital version. But Born To Ride is way more than that. Born To Ride TV has been assaulting the airwaves for just as long, bringing the world of motorcycles into
your living-room with enlightening interviews with biker legends and taking you to runs and rallies to check out all the action. Born To Ride Radio live on Facebook is another great way to keep up to date with everything that’s going on in the two wheeled world. Looking down the road ahead, we’ve got a lot planned for you. The Born To Ride juggernaut is just getting started. We’ll be expanding the BTR universe in every way possible starting with some exciting new features right here in the magazine. Do you think you’ve got the best bike on the planet? Then we want to see it! Each month we’ll feature a Reader’s Ride and yours could be next. Just email a few photos (300dpi) of you and your bike along with all your contact information to: info@ borntoride.com. If we choose your motorcycle, I will call you up personally to get all the facts and write your Reader’s Ride myself. You’ll also notice that we’ll be adding pages, adding motorcycle event coverage and custom bike coverage, maybe even throw in a few laughs to keep a smile on your face. We’ll also be interviewing the amazing men and women who keep this industry and culture red hot in a feature we’ll call Biker Legends. There is a whole lot more coming but I’d rather let you discover these new features on your own by stickin’ yer mug between these here pages in the months to come. In the meantime, get your ass out there on the road. We want to hear your straight pipes roar. There has never been a better time to be on two wheels. Happy Summer!
— Dave Nichols
editor@borntoride.com
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
I AM AN AMERICAN I am an American. Not a White American, African American, Mexican American, Italian American and so on. I am an AMERICAN, Period. First and foremost out of all the titles and ranks I have held in my lifetime, this is the title I hold with pride the most. Throughout the years many men and women have sacrificed so much to have that title and defend it to their last breath. As with anything else in this world there is symbolism for everything. We are graced with the American Flag. Not just any flag, but A flag that has represented Hope, Courage, Honor and opportunity. A flag, that when seen by others, could rally hope and courage. It is a symbol that drives so many to have a more prosperous life. A symbol so strong some risk their very lives to live under it. A symbol that is so empowering it has given men the courage to storm beaches and conquer insurmountable odds. And all the while before the smoke even cleared, they displayed her for all to see.
She survived a landing on the moon, The beaches of Iwo Jima, the invasion of Normandy, Battles in Vietnam, Korea, Iraq, Panama, Afghanistan and countless others. Even after our people were attacked in New York at the World Trade Center, The Pentagon and the Marine Barracks in Beirut Lebanon, she still stood. She survived countless incursions and faced many an enemy and still she stood and flew proud. Sometimes worn, dirty and torn but still waved proudly for all to see. Instilling in those that felt we had nothing more to give that last final push they needed to persevere. I love my flag and I BTR 10 | BORNTORIDE.COM
would do most anything for her. She has never asked me for anything, yet has given me so much. It gave me a sense of pride and purpose in my younger years that stay with me to this day. I have seen her flown all over this great planet of ours and it never ceases to make me stop and admire her even if it is just for a moment. Now it seems people have forgotten what she represents. The things she has done and the lives she has changed by giving
"A symbol that is so empowering it has given men the courage to storm beaches and conquer insurmountable odds" others the hope and daring to dream. People now put her on towels they throw on the ground and lay on, underwear to cover their asses and clothing items like she is just another future rag. They put little flags on their cars to show their pride in her but when she blows off and lands in the street they don’t stop and pick her up. They fly her, worn out and beaten down, when it’s time to retire her with the honor and respect she deserves because they just couldn’t be bothered. What started out with good intent just became another fashion statement put aside.
And as if it couldn’t get worse. We now have garbage standing on our flag, burning our flag and cursing our flag. Demanding she give them the handouts they feel they deserve. All the while they desecrate and
rape Old Glory. I will never be ashamed or embarrassed to be an American. Nor will I ever disrespect or dishonor my country’s flag. I gave my Oath years ago and renew it whenever I feel the need. Especially in times like these. Never forget the men and women who have sacrificed with, before and after you. I never will. July is the month we celebrate our independence. Veterans, Renew your oath. Remember why you gave it in the first place. Our country and our flag needed us when we gave that oath the first time. Both Our Country and Our Flag need us now more than ever. The enemy is at the gates and they want to take our country from us more than ever. Stand together and make this right. As I’ve quoted before from Edward Burke,” The only thing necessary for the Triumph of Evil is for Good Men to Do Nothing”. I will not live seeing my American Brothers and Sisters live as slaves. I will not stand by and watch my flag burn at the hands of animals. I will not allow this to go unanswered on my watch. Till my eyes permanently close and the last breath leaves my body, I will always be proud to be an American and love my Flag. I WILL defend it against its enemies both foreign AND DOMESTIC. That is how I live my life. I don’t want to look at the next generation and tell them we failed them that we failed ourselves, them and our country. I will stand alone if I have to. By God you can count on that. So I guess the question now is, Do I Stand Alone? Who will help me hold up our Flag once more? NEFARIOUS JAMES AMERICAN
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“BORN TO RIDE IS PROUD TO PRESENT OUR FIRST READER’S RIDE OFFERING A SHOWCASE FOR SCOOTERS JUST LIKE YOURS” This month we kickstart our Reader’s Ride program with a sizzlin’ rigid Sportster. It’s the perfect barhopper that was freshened up by our friend
Photos: Erick Runyon Model: Mallory Griffis
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at Roosterz Rod Shop John Benedict, Jim Cecil and Tim Hahn end to a 2-inches under stock springer by D&A and changed out of Clearwater, Florida. The boys specialize in traditional out the front wheel. They handmade many of the one-off pieces American hot rods, custom cars and motorcycles. right at Roosterz including the sissybar and hand shift. They also Tim found this scooter on eBay and bought it with modified the pipes and massaged every part on this Sporty thoughts of it becoming the Roosterz shop bike. They took apart to make it the gleaming groundpounder seen here. The orange, purple and pink paint on the gas tank came with this awesome the Sportster motor and gave it a refresh, changed up the front Do you want to get your motorcycle seen right here in Born To Ride Magazine? BTR 14 | BORNTORIDE.COM
eBay find, so they have no idea who the original painter was but it sure fits the look of this little badass.Roosterz has been involved with Born To Ride for quite some time, participating in last year’s Chopparama and the boys are creating an event on July 11th that is a killer swap meet that includes burn out contests and ride-in car and bike show. For more info or to check out some killer
customs visit www.roosterzrodshop.com or call 727-289-2896. You can also find Roosterz on Facebook and Instagram. A friend of John’s named Trey Davis recently saw the shop bike and just had to have it. He’s now the proud owner of this month’s Reader’s Ride. —Dave “Chopper Daddy” Nichols
Send a few photos and your contact information to: info@borntoride.com or call 888-795-5779
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Do you want to get your motorcycle seen right here in Born To Ride Magazine?
Send a few photos and your contact information to: info@borntoride.com or call 888-795-5779
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Dave Nichols LEE MARVIN AS ROWDY BIKER CHINO IN THE STANLEY KRAMER FILM THE WILD ONE. PHOTO PROVIDED BY AP
“Now Is The TIme to Get Involved With Born To RIde” - Ron Galletti
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THREE FLH HARLEYS ON THEIR WAY FROM STOCK TO BOBBER TO CHOPPER STYLE. PHOTO BY KIM PETERSON
EVENTUALLY, BOBBERS BECAME MORE CUSTOM AND EXTENDED FRONT ENDS GAVE BIRTH TO CHOPPERS. PHOTO BY KIM PETERSON
BIKERS CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF REBELLION, ALWAYS READY TO SMACK CONVENTION IN THE JAW. PHOTO BY KIM PETERSON
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Let Us Know What Biker History You Would Like To See? info@borntoride,com
MARON BRANDO AS JOHNNY IN THE WILD ONE. THE FILM WAS BASED ON THE HOLLISTER INCIDENT. MORE ON THAT NEXT ISSUE. PROVIDED BY AP
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THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS A BOBBER WAS TO STRIP OFF THE WINDSHIELD AND SADDLEBAGS. PHOTO BY KIM PETERSON
BOBBERS WERE MOSTLY BASED ON HARLEY FLH BIKES THAT HAD BEEN STRIPPED DOWN FOR SPEED. PHOTO BY KIM PETERSON
t
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CENTRAL FLORIDA SPRINGS RIDE Zoos, Aquariums, and Marine Park rides, Botanical Garden rides, Parks and Forest rides, Lighthouse rides, Seafood Shacks & Waterfront Restaurant rides, and a Florida Keys ride.You can find more info on all of my riding guides at finzfinds.com.
WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK Nothing like beating the Florida heat in the summertime with a nice back road ride to three of Central Florida’s scenic natural springs.
Wekiwa Springs State Park is located on the Wekiva River in Central Florida. You will be able to see what Central Florida looked like when the Timucuan Indians occupied this land. Early Indians are believed to be the first to live in this area, beginning around 8500 BC. You can picnic or take a swim in the cool spring. You can also canoe or kayak along the Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run. There are miles of trails for hiking, bicycling and even horseback riding. There is a full facility campground and primitive camping areas.
Besides the beautiful back roads in the area, you can stop and cool off with a swim in the 72 degree crystal clear spring water. If you donít want to get wet, you can always picnic, hike, or canoe and kayak down one of the spring fed rivers in the parks. My ride starts at Wekiwa Springs, and continues onto Kelly Park/Rock Springs, ending at Blue Spring. The ride is only 44.3 miles, and should take you about an hour and twenty minutes. Of course you can turn this into a full day adventure, with everything that is available at these great spots. This ride was taken from my adventure riding guide book ìScenic Rides To Florida Destinationsî. The book contains 60 back road rides to some of Floridaís best destinations. There are many themed rides such as Castle rides, Florida Spring rides, Winery & Vineyard rides,
KELLY PARK/ROCK SPRINGS RUN
BLUE SPRING Kelly Park/Rock Springs is where the Rock Springs bubble up from underground rivers creating many swimming holes with crystal clear water and a constant temperature of 68 degrees. Inside the 325-acre Kelly Park, there are 26 shady campsites. During summer, Kelly Park fills up fast, so get there early. Rock Springs Run is an 8.5-mile water run, popular for tubing, kayaks and canoes.
“YOU CAN STOP AND COOL OFF WITH A SWIM IN THE 72 DEGREE CRYSTAL CLEAR SPRING WATER”
Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value every month for you the Reader
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CENTRAL FLORIDA SPRINGS RIDE (44.3 mi 1 hr 19 min)
1. FROM WEKIWA SPRINGS STATE PARK Head southwest on Poinsettia Ave(338 ft) Turn left onto Azalea St (0.1 m)
Right N Wekiwa Springs Rd (0.3 mi) Turn right onto E Welch Rd (2.5 mi)
Turn right onto Rock Springs Rd (3.5 mi)
Keep right toward E Kelly Park Rd (328 ft) Slight right onto E Kelly Park Rd (0.2 mi) Turn left onto Baptist Camp Rd (390 ft) 2. Right to stop at KELLY PARK/ROCK SPRINGS RUN
Head west toward Baptist Camp Rd (46 ft) Turn left onto Baptist Camp Rd (390 ft) Turn right onto E Kelly Park Rd (0.7 mi) Turn right onto Mt Plymouth Rd (1.6 mi) Turn right onto Wekiva Pkwy (2.8 mi)
Blue Spring is a refreshing 72 degree water temperature all year round. Located Turn right onto FL-46 E (8.9 mi) along the St. Johns River, Blue Spring is a popular hangout for manatees. Blue Spring State Park is well known for being the best place to see manatees in the Turn left onto State Hwy 431 (3.2 mi) wild. Pine Island Trail at Blue Spring is a 7.3 mile round-trip trail to the St. Johns left onto State Hwy 431/Monroe Rd (0.3 mi) River. The trail runs both inland and along the rivers edge. left onto US-17 N/US-92 E (1.9 mi) I hope you enjoy this ride as much as I did. Look for more rides like this one in Turn left onto Fort Florida Rd (4.6 mi) upcoming issues of Born To Ride Magazine. The motorcycle magazine with real content and interesting articles. That is why I choose Born To Ride to showcase Turn right onto W Highbanks Rd (4.3 mi) my ride articles. Until next time, stay in the wind my friends. Turn left onto Enterprise Rd (1.6 mi) Steve “Finz” Finzelber
Turn right onto Saxon Blvd (0.6 mi)
Left Veterans Memorial Pkwy (2.9 mi) Turn left onto E Graves Ave (1.7 m) Right onto N Volusia Ave (0.2 mi)
Turn left onto W French Ave (2.1 mi)
BLUE SPRING
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Turn left onto Becker Blvd (0.3 mi)
3. TURN RIGHT TO END AT BLUE SPRING
For More Information Go To Finz Finds Scenic Rides on Facebook
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! Check Out Ron Galletti’s Booths: #72, #116, #132 & #141 3530 US 98 N. Lakeland, FL 33809
Back in the 1930s over 300 motorcycles companies had sprouted up in the world, including over 100 American motorcycle marquees. After World War II there were only three left; Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Excelsior-Henderson. But today, some of those venerable old motors live on. The Sons of Speed vintage races began a decade ago and make a home at the New Smyrna Speedway’s half mile track. These races offer thrilling, wide-open motorcycle racing at its best. We’re talkin’ about race bikes with no brakes, no clutches, and a deadman’s switch. We asked Jody to tell us about a close call she had while
pop, then something hit my leg. I looked down and saw the cap that goes over the valves to adjust them, had blown off! I’m like, what the heck, because I had won my heat race with the Indian and knew I was going to be a contender. Then when the valve cap blew off, it was like the cap hit me in the chest! I was so bummed. I was literally almost in tears I was so mad. We just couldn’t catch a break that day.” Jody limped the Indian to the side of the track and waited… defeated. Suddenly, her boyfriend ran up with the valve cap in his hand. “So I steered the powerless bike to the side of the track and sat there. The
Michael Lichter
THIS ISSUE IN BIKER LEGENDS WE FOCUS ON JODY PEREWITZ,
the fastest woman on two wheels and daughter to world renowned custom bike builder and the “father of flames” Dave Perewitz. Jody grew up around motorcycles and bikers, hanging out at Dave’s shop in Brockton, Massachusetts. She currently runs the marketing side of the business at Cycle Fab. She is also a bike builder in her own right and is one hell of a racer. Jody currently holds sixteen Land Speed records, one of which is a World Record. She is the fastest woman to ever ride an American V-twin-powered motorcycle over 200 miles per hour on the Bonneville Salt Flats. She has earned four AMA number one plates. Jody is also a racer each year at Billy’s Lane’s Sons of Speed antique races at the New Smyrna Beach raceway during March Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sons of Speed is a motorcycle race inspired by early 20th-century board-track racing, featuring stripped-down bikes with pre-1925 American V-twin engines tearing around a steeply banked, racetrack. BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Michael Lichter
racing at Sons of Speed in 2018. “Well, I had three bikes I was racing that year. I was in the Hot 61-inch Class, the Classic 61 Class, and the 45-inch Class. During practice, I was literally jumping off one bike and getting on another. My Hot 61 bike was a 1919 Harley and it blew a valve in practice. So that one was out. And we were having issues with the 45 WR because the oil pump was going. So my one shot was the 1920 Indian PowerPlus I was running in the Classic 61 Class.” “My team pushed the bike to start me. I got it around turn one and I heard a big
pace bike caught up to me and they all went by. And out of nowhere, my boyfriend Guy Lafleur came running with the cap in his hand. As he’s yelling for me to move my leg, he’s tossing the cap from hand to hand because it was so hot! One of the other guys on our team, Jeremy Ohr, came running with these big pliers so he could tighten it. And this all happened within a matter of minutes. They got it on and shouted, ‘We’re going to push you!’ The bike started right up. I caught up to the pack as they were waving the green flag.”
JODY PEREWITZ
Photos Michael Lichter
Michael Lichter
Jody was back in the race. “If it had been like 30 seconds later, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. But I caught up with the pack and passed them one by one, including two-time sons of Speed winner Ken Curtis.” Jody took the victory and sealed the first win for an Indian at Sons of Speed, etching her name in yet another record book. Never one to rest on her laurels, Jody Perewitz is about to set out on the Motorcycle Cannonball antique race from Michigan to Texas. In 2018 she, along with two other women riders, became the first females to complete all the miles. She then tried her hand at the Cross Country Chase in September 2019 also making all the miles. For the 2020 Motorcycle Cannonball she will be riding a 1912 Harley-Davidson Single. You can see why we chose Jody Perewitz as this issue’s Biker Legend here in Born To Ride. — Dave Nichols
“So I steered the powerless bike to the side of the track and sat there. The pace bike caught up to me and they all went by.” Michael Lichter
Do you have a favorite Biker Legend for Us To Feature? Let us know: info@borntoride.com
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TAMPA ELITE MOTORCYCLE & CUSTOM IS A FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS STARTED BY MIKE SULIEMAN.
Mike has 9 children, 6 boys and 3 girls, 3 of which work at the shop. He also has 3 brothers which all are master mechanics. Tampa Elite, ran by Mike as head tech along with his youngest brother Yousif by his side. The Service writer is Mike’s eldest son Hum who will greet you and assist you with your repair and purchase needs. Then you have his 2 teenage sons Jub, 14 and Nuz, 13 who assist when school is out on vacation. Mike at Tampa Elite alongside with his 2 other siblings Alex and Musa will be opening a second location in St. Petersburg as they want to expand their services within the Bay Area. As you can tell the business is built based on family foundation and that’s how they treat their customers with no exceptions.
Want to talk about finding the best prices and quick turnaround in town? They have over 25,000 parts in stock and over 500 new tires and Mike can guarantee to beat any prices with the exception of online prices. You know the saying, “you get what you pay for” well at Tampa Elite you get what you pay for and much more. You get quality work, OEM parts, best prices and you gain a new extended family.
When the doors to Tampa Elite were opened there were no customers. With hard, quality work and dedication, the shop has become one of the busiest, reputable shops in the Bay Area with 5-star ratings. With over 30 years of experience and continued education Tampa Elite has become one of the most competitive repair shops in town. They specialize in repairs and customization for all make, model and year for motorcycles, as well as ATV’s, UTV’s, and vehicles. No job is too big or too hard to handle. The effort that’s put into their work and customer service speaks for itself. Mike’s goal is to provide exceptional work with 100% customer satisfaction, loyalty and safety. BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 37
“Look, Charlie! We’ve had enough of your kind of help! Three hundred years of your bull_*_! From now on, we take care of our own!” hisses “Knifer,” black leader of The Choppers, a “diverse” biker gang squatting in Southern California. Knifer’s fed up with being stalked by Lieutenant Harper, a slender, black-clad law officer and member of the “white establishment.” So sets the rebellious tone of the critically mixed 1970 biker romp The Black Angels, a lesser-known but relevant slice of the vintage “Bikersploition” era. What’s surprising about the film is despite the title’s nod to “Blaxploitation,” the drama/action primarily concerns a lily-white biker gang: the deliciously monikered Satan’s Serpents. “Chainer” is the leader of Satan’s Serpents and dead-ringer for Peter Fonda. His fate is sealed when he lures Jimmy, a black rival member of The Choppers, into a perilous motorcycle jump that doesn’t end well. Chainer’s forced to confront The Choppers with Jimmy’s grim news that sets off a cleverly clandestine revenge spree. The Black Angels become a slow-burning showdown between Satan’s Serpents and The Choppers with the coppers led by Harper (The Black Angel), monitoring every move. A mysterious stranger in a Hardee hat called Johnny Reb cycles into the Serpent’s compound: BTR 38 | BORNTORIDE.COM
an ancient western ghost town. Reb loads the gang up with LSD and quickly earns their trust – except for one skeptic – “Frenchy,” an upwardly mobile second-in-command figure with a great set of teeth (“choppers” – get it?). Frenchy, hot-tempered and no-nonsense has a line on Reb, but is he simply a free-wheelin’ Confederate with animosity toward colored folk, or does he have a more nefarious purpose? Amusing subplots of The Black Angels involve the aforementioned Lt. Harper and Chainer’s queer relationship with a masochistic, blonde girlfriend who berates him in order to get slapped, giggling wildly as she’s “punished.” “Do I get a spanking and go to bed with no dinner?” she nudges as she drives her high-heel into Chainer’s foot. He slaps her repeatedly, and she bites him. He calls her a “slumming nympho.” “Nympho maybe, slumming definitely! And I love every minute of it! Just tell me when! When! WHEN!!!” she pants in sizzling sexual exasperation! He then makes love to her in a restaurant while a go-go dancer gyrates. Flashbacks pepper the story along, garnishing a backstory that explains the origins of Jimmy’s black supremacist hatred toward whitey. Another far more explicit flashback cruelly examines the assault of a young white woman who’s a self-proclaimed racist at the hands of two black men. The blonde, well-endowed Sacramentan is chained up and raped at knifepoint, while spewing racial slurs and spitting at her heartless tormentors. As a director, Laurence Merrick displays hits of true creativity and at times innovation. The chase scenes, though overlong, are wellexecuted and the roar of the bikes really becomes a character in itself. He incorporates fast-motion and a dizzying multitude of camera angles as the cycles speed by, one wonders how he was able to film this in only fourteen days! The acting is above-average for a B-picture, and it’s amazing how many actors he found who could ride really nice-looking choppers. Horror fans will note co-star James Whitworth who was “Jupiter” in the late Wes Craven’s 1977 super-shocker The Hills Have Eyes. Whitworth plays Satan’s Serpent “Big Jim,” who early in the picture gets urinated on by smart-aleck Frenchy. Gritty director Laurence Merrick was an acting teacher whose student was the tragic, iconic beauty, Sharon Tate. The Black Angels is an exploitation film with bizarre relationships to the Charles Manson “Family” cult murders. While The Black Angels was in production in August of 1969, members of “The Family” begged for leftover catered food. There was an obvious fascination, so director Merrick visited the Spahn Ranch, where The Family squatted and shoot 16mm footage of their hedonistic, drug-tinged lifestyle, including interviews. This occurred both before and after the Tate/LaBianca murders. Merrick would later utilize the footage in his 1973 Academy Award-nominated documentary Manson. Highly recommended for vintage biker movie fans. I encourage all bikers to discover or revisit these great older cult movies. I happened upon this movie on the online subscription service Night Flight Plus. Old-timers may remember Night Flight as a hit counterculture show back in the 1980s and the early days of cable TV. Their online shelves are stocked with luscious drive-in and grindhouse favorites. The Black Angels is also available on DVD from Something Weird (Video). Andy Lalino-Movie Review
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THE TANK WHISPERER MAKES YOUR OLD TANKS LAST FOREVER
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.
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Charlie Daniels R.I.P.
Craven Moorehead
TIME CAPSULE FROM 2012 time. Television, combined with the minimum daily adult requirement of Budweiser always seems to make a person drift off into faraway lands where things are more or less complicated depending on the alignment of the Moon and Venus. Well, maybe it doesn’t work for everyone, but it certainly works for me. There have admittedly been a lot of political thoughts going through my head lately, and most of them have to do with the seemingly ridiculous direction the current government is taking. Jefferson and Adams must be rolling over in their graves. If we were able to harness the energy produced by them rolling over in their graves there would be no shortage of electricity anywhere in the United States!
A ‘NEW’ AMERICAN REVOLUTION?
FREEDOM ... A COSTLY PRIVILEGE! Ahhh Summertime! And at the pinnacle of the season is the hottest day of the year. That day would be the 4th of July. To most, it’s just another day off. But to some of us Independence Day, as it is often referred to, is more than just an excuse to cook-out, get drunk, and terrify our neighbors with amateur pyrotechnics displays. I was in that group of those who remembered how we became this great nation of freedom, so I thought I would give a little remedial education to those that have forgotten. If we were to examine the Declaration of Independence carefully, we would discover that the signing of that document was considered tyranny by the crown, and the original signors did so at the risk of being executed by the ‘government’ that was in place at that time. It’s a long tape to rewind all the way back to 1776, but further examination of succession that took place way back then is the very beginning of our current nation. It seems thirteen colonies wanted to declare their independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. This action, during the American Revolution was actually taken and drafted on the second of July, but it was ratified by the existing congress on July fourth. Some of the more memorable names involved in this declaration are Thomas Jefferson whom was the chief author of the document, and John Adams who wrote to his wife Abigail: “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns,
bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more. ” Adams was only off by two days, but the tradition carries on as he prophesized so many years ago! Both Jefferson and Adams went on to become President’s of the United States, and curiously both died on July 4th many years later. Enough of your history lesson, lets get back to silliness! It is after all summertime and there really isn’t much time to just sit back, relax and think. If you were our founding fathers, you had your hands full fighting the bloody British, and forming our future in the land of the free. If you’re a biker, you have even less time to sit around and wonder what your next move is going to be. It’s preprogrammed chaos here in Florida. Usually there is a bike night every night and a myriad of happenings on the weekend. There’s always something to do every day. This in itself allows only the time you spend enjoying the ride to think about things that are important. Most of that time however is spent dodging ignorant butt holes who can’t (or shouldn’t) drive in the first place. You know what I’m talking about, so I won’t go in to detail about what we should do with these morons. I will simply strike a chord for you to carry a heavy unidentifiable object in your pocket, so you can do your part in reminding them that they should have their windshield replaced.
OBAMACARE PASSES, ENERGY CRISIS SOLVED! In blessed downtime, I think about a lot of stupid stuff. Most of this comes from exposure to television which in itself is an onerous waste of
R.I.P. Craven Moorehead, Your Words Will Live On Forever
I say it’s time to let the government know that we have had enough stupidity, and we are tired of losing our children, homes, jobs and dignity just so the greed and lies can continue. All this stupidity is breeding contempt, and now that we as American citizens are being delivered to the pits for the sake of greed, perhaps it is time to rise up against the power and make our true feeling be known ... Civil war? No, I don’t think that is the answer. There is no civility in turning a diverse country against itself. However, we would have to do something else on the fourth of July if something didn’t go wrong in the past, and we were too complacent to stand up for what we believed was right. I wonder if people actually consider how we became the land of the free to begin with. Independence in our case has been earned by the sacrifice of the people who believed enough to give their lives for our currently enjoyed freedom. I know as bikers, we are some of the remaining true patriots who love and protect or current level of freedom. Most of us have served this great nation in one way or another; we are proud to be Americans and tired of watching the American Dream dwindle. Perhaps we should indeed run the country ourselves. A country run by a biker president, a biker congress and house would insure a strong economy, halt the FEDERAL DEBT from climbing, and certainly reduce the egregious taxation that we all currently deal with. Biker for political office (BFPO) ... has a nice ring to it, wouldn’t you agree? Ok, I’m done preaching, ranting, or whatever you call it. (I see it as telling the truth, and that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!) Summertime is truly the time to get out there and enjoy your two-wheeled freedom. So while you’re out on the road take a moment to remember all the good brothers and sisters who fought the good fight to keep us free! Seriously, I want all y’all to be careful out there this summer. Enjoy yourselves and stay tuned next month for more great tales from the trailer park. So until then, “speed safely”!
Craven
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 53
cancelled. Ron did his shelter at home bike show and the response was off the chain. That brought back memories of the times living up north when it was too cold and snowy to even move outside. You and your friends were having fun in basements and living rooms cleaning/polishing the scoots, posing on them, and taking old fashioned point and shoot pictures with real cameras. You know, the good ol’e days. Mike breaks in, “ahhh yes, the good ol’e days. I remember them well and kinda miss those times, knowing back then Winter was only for a few months and Spring would be right around the corner. HERE WE ARE MY BTR FRIENDS, the dog days of summer are upon us. It’s early in the season and we’ve already had four named hurricanes, one Sahara Sand blast, and the heat wave from hell cooking us while we’re still alive and trying to stay safe. I tell Mike, ‘thanks dad! The outside shower you set up for me feels great! I use it several times a day and don’t even need your help. No more waiting for Mother Nature either. I just climb the pole and pull the string! But you know who does need help is the performers of the world. People are forced to try different things. Viral videos of bands, comedians, and actors are now becoming the norm. Streaming in your living room is the new concert zone. The snack bar is your kitchen and there’s never a line for the bathroom unless you’ve got kids. Zoom was what your Nikon camera did back in the day. It’s become the new in your face app more popular than Facebook right now. Any event with a grouping of 6 or more has been condemned or BTR 54 | BORNTORIDE.COM
attention to food sources and human interaction. I’m asking myself who’s bringing my grub and drinks? How are they being prepared? Who wants to come close
“I TELL MIKE, ‘THANKS DAD! THE OUTSIDE SHOWER YOU SET UP FOR ME FEELS GREAT” to us and interact? Have they been tested? Are they asystematic or healthy? Will they be wearing protection? I hope they’re thinking and acting safely like me!”
As it has been for the world over, the covid-19 pandemic has made me reassess exactly what family means. The idea of the found family is a cultural artifact whose time has thoroughly come. Because so many of us are currently in the process of making or remaking our own. Now, all the usual places of inspiration and entertainment are closed to us Spyke. We can’t attend a bike night, weekend event, or even a celebration of life. Not to mention the loss of sitting beside loved ones and friends at a restaurant, place of worship, or benefit without fear of infection. This outlook has driven me inward. I’ve turned to writing, music, and art. During the pandemic, I am doing what I’ve always done but more intensely: finding new doorways to refresh my humor, knowledge, and beliefs in ourselves as human beings and creators on this planet. That understanding teaches me to live a life that has meaning. By accepting the responsibility, becoming aware, and acting upon it. Inside my own little bird’s nest, I am now growing more aware. I’m paying closer
I break Mike’s babbling and cackle, ‘dude, that bird’s nest is not your birdbrain, it’s reality. You’ve been living inward way too long and need to get outward! Let’s make like a snail and stick our heads out of our shells, leave the house, don crazy masks, and get some wind therapy. You need to put your knees under the dash, knuckles through the sunroof, my wings out the window, and the wheels of the truck rolling down the road.’ SPYKE
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CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION One of the great benefits of riding an iron horse is the joy it brings to the rider. The freedom one receives riding a bike is simply awesome and thrilling. That’s why it is so important to be able to get away for a while and let the wind blow through your hair. I witnessed an expression of that joy on one ride as I followed behind a friend and his wife. They were both excited as they were riding on their new bike. As we pulled out onto the road and my friend gracefully leaned the bike into the turn, his wife quickly freed her long hair and spread her arms outward like a bird taking flight. It was a great example of the purity of that kind of freeing excitement! On another ride, I was situated behind the Road Captain. He had some righteous music blaring from the speakers and generally was really getting into the moment. The next thing I knew both of his hands were lifted in praise and exaltation and the 900 pound bike maintained a beautifully straight line down the road! He was lost in the moment and the shear joyfulness of the ride coming together as a very special time.
Sometimes it isn’t about the roar of the pipes, the thrill of the cranked on throttle or the gentle breeze. It may be simply taking time for a meal or a snack with those close to you. There is a wonderful time to be had when you go to a great food joint with 15 to 20 good friends and a lot of stories to share with one another. A perfectly cooked burger or a huge plate of spicy wings sets the tone for a great time with those special people in your life. When lunch is all over, it is then time to swing by the latest ice cream shop and cool the insides with a sweet treat! What a time to rejoice together! In the Bible, in Phil. 4:4, it says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” The word rejoice is used twice in one verse, it must mean something important. Just like raising one’s hands in joy while cruising along, God wants His people to celebrate over the simple pleasures of life. A beautiful mountain vista, or a rainbow after a spring shower, He made these wondrous things to appreciate. How are we to rejoice? The Bible says always! Fact is, I believe that God wants us to be joyful all day, every day, not just occasionally. God will never give us a task to do without giving us a way to accomplish it. So to me, that means we should do our best to rejoice as often as possible. We can even be joyful that we can be thankful! So put on a smile and remember that He loves you enough to give you the very best! In The Wind, Denny Dingler BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 55 51 Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association BORNTORIDE.COM