Born To Ride #237 - February 2024

FEB 2024 #237

FEATURED HEADLINERS

Contents

FEBRUARY ISSUE 237

FEATURES

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COLUMNS

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Allman Brothers Experience Thunder By The Bay 2024 Nature Coast Bikefest Gibtown Bikefest & Southern Fried Moto Show Ride Appalachia Meet Debbie - Babe of the Month

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A Biker Helping Bikers Amazing Letterfly Nefarious James Spyke & Mike CMA

DEPARTMENTS

Contents Page Publishers Letter Movie Review BTR Kids

REPORTS

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Gator HD Kickoff Classic Abate Ride to the Capital Are You A Member?

Craig Paints Bikes

ON THE COVER Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival February 16, 17, 18, 2024 Sarasota Fairgrounds Thunderbythebay.org

Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779

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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. ­­

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates.

Cars lie to us.

MOTORCYCLES TELL US THE truth — WE ARE SMALL, AND EXPOSED, AND PROBABLY MOVING TOO FAST, BUT THAT’S NO REASON NOT TO ENJOY EVERY MINUTE of EVERY RIDE. from Season of the Bike

by Dave Karlotski

America’s #1 MOTORCYCLE INSURER 1-800-PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM Quote in as little as 3 minutes

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

Steve Poindexter info@borntoride.com

ART DIRECTOR Peter Soutullo art@borntoride.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erick Runyon

ART DEPARTMENT

Erick Runyon , Peter Soutullo, Craig Miller art@borntoride.com

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Deb Galletti DGalletti@borntoride.com

SALES & MARKETING 888-795-5779

ROAD CREW

Vick Velosity, Mark Crowder, Doug Bright, Birdman Mike,

SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT

Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds

ON THE ROAD TEAM John & Heather

CONTRIBUTORS

Letter from the Publisher

RON GALLETTI THE MONTH OF LOVE! It’s the month of love with Valentines Day included. Show the love to the people in your life let them know your appreciation and value them. If you are looking for love I hope you find it. February is also the month of the Superbowl, it’s Black history month, Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday , Presidents Day, Groundhog Day, American Heart month, it’s the Chinese New Year of the Dragon. There are many more special days I didnt even list and it’s a leap year so we have 29 days. This only happens every 4 years.

Last month I was a little jaded about the state of print and the budgets to stay on the streets. Well great things happened and I am happy to introduce Lowman Law Firm to our family Joe and his team specialize in personal injury and support the biker community 110% in Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus Counties. Call 352-754-4JOE. See them as the presenting sponsor of The Florida Nature Coast Bikefest March 15,16,17 in Inverness. (See the ad on page 26) South of the Skyway bridge in Sarasota Bradenton and surrounding areas I

JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Susan Hurst, Spyke & Mike, Eric Albright, Paul Murray, James Gladstone, Scott Odell Indian Rider Bill.

The Phantom Ron & Selena Hawks, Doug Bright Daniel Gallant, Scott Odel, Eric Albright, Chopper Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon, Craig Miller Vic Lawall

LAW FIRM

ADVERTISE BORN TO RIDE OFFICE

888-795-5779 BTR 4 | BORNTORIDE.COM

ABATE Central Florida and President Rich Newsome are fighting for biker rights a ride to the capital a Freedom Gathering Monday February 12th. Learn more about ABATE membership and safety information. Clubs Groups and independent bikers this is your special invitation get more involved in biker rights. (See page 14)

In this issue it’s a Allman Brothers Experience you don’t want to miss. Thunder by the Bay, Gibtown winners of the Southern Fried Moto Show, Ride Appalachia, Letterfly, Nefarious James, Spyke & Mike, the movie review is a special one and meet Debbie Babe Of the month with a photo shoot from Daniel Gallant.

Our social media numbers are all up on all platforms this magazine is in high demand and look out for more great times ahead just like the old times. If you want to be a part of our new found energy and growth, give us a call at 813-785-3895.

PHOTOGRAPHERS

FRAN HAASCH LAW GROUP www.LawFran.com 866 LAW Fran

win a cool Million dollars? $100K A month for life? He is giving away $300 dollars worth of Scratch Off lottery tickets. Just sign up at his tent next to the Born to Ride booth. I want to thank Greg for being a part of our family along with Lowman Law. Please support them if you need them in their markets. I’m now looking for a law firm in central Florida and Daytona.

Hopefully next month I will have a new announcement. Florida is a big state and now there is new found energy to create more BTR events around the state teaming with partners who want to engage with their biker community other than just Tampa Bay.

want to welcome Greg Linehan Law based in Sarasota. You can meet Greg at Thunder by the Bay as he is the exclusive law firm at the rally and he is offering a great prize to a lucky winner. Do you feel lucky? Would you like to

Remember the love this month and every month to the people who make a difference in your life. Get out and ride but please be safe and respect the road and your machine.

- Ron Galletti rg@borntoride.com

Progressive Casualty Insurance Co. & affiliates.

I hear music.

Like PHANTOM TELEPHONES THE PATTERN-LOVING BRAIN, SEEKING SIGNALS in the noise, RAISES ACOUSTIC GHOSTS OUT of the wind’s ROAR. ALL HIDDEN IN THE AIR and RELEASED by SPEED.

from Season of the Bike

by Dave Karlotski

America’s #1 MOTORCYCLE INSURER 1-800-PROGRESSIVE | PROGRESSIVE.COM Quote in as little as 3 minutes

“I WILL GET YOU RIDING TODAY!” - RON GALLETTI

813.918.6521

RON GALLETTI WELCOMES YOU TO TAMPA BAY HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND HE IS READY TO GET YOU THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON OF YOUR DREAM. NEW 2023 MODELS OR PRE-OWNED, RON WILL SET YOU UP ON A DEMO RIDE ANYTIME. CALL: 813 918 6521 TRADE-INS ARE WELCOME AND WHEN YOU BUY FROM RON HE WILL PUT YOU IN BORN TO RIDE MAGAZINE.

A Biker Helping

Bikers

JAMES IRWIN

LET’S AVOID EVER HAVING TO SAY “I WISH I KNEW BACK THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW” GPS for you. We are on a mission nationally

I’d like to share with you a story that I heard from Chris and Tracy, a couple my wife and I are close friends with.Once upon a time they decided to fly to California rent a Harley and take in the scenery of California, Nevada ,and Arizona. At first the trip went very well.The scenery was breathtaking and the highway breeze was just perfect to keep them cool as they drove through the desert. As the morning stretched into the afternoonChris’s heart dropped as he noticed the fuel gauge dipping into the empty zone.

Then he saw a road sign saying lodging and fuel 100 miles ahead. He decided to pull over and tell his wife on the deserted highway. Suddenly the mood of the trip changed. Chris and Tracy became irritable and panic stricken. They started driving slower to save fuel, which intensified the heat adding to the stress of the ride.The scenery no longer mattered.THEY BOTH BECAME FIXATED ON THE FUEL GAUGE. They knew they were gonna run out of gas.

They just didn’t know when.

This story is a great metaphor for how some people live through retirement. They spend all their quality time worrying how to make their money last. They know it’s only a matter of time that taxes and inflation will eat up their savings. So the end result is live like hermits trapped in their home getting old.

Folks I’m here to tell you it doesn’t need to be that way. There are simple painless solutions. Ever use a GPS to get to the destination you want to get too? They are wonderful to use and takes away the stress of having to think about where you need to turn etc. We have the technology now to create a custom retirement / Wealth creation

to get people out of debt build wealth and become financially independent. Before I talk about that let tell you how the Chris and Tracy story ends. Well sure enough they ran out of gas and the powerful Harley gave out it last potato-potato-potato signature sound.As they got off the bike looking at each other with sad helpless eyes they saw something in the distance. Their view of the road behind them looked like a mirage.

Chris said he felt like a thirsty man in the desert hallucinating about seeing water in the distance. But sure enough a vehicle was heading their way. It was pickup truck with a motorcycle in the truck bed. The couple driving the truck were named JD and Sara.

They of course stopped asked how they could help. After siphoning some gas for them they agreed to follow them to next gas station.

Bikers helping bikers folks. What a great community to be a part of. As you know bikers a very charitable people giving back to the community in many meaningful ways.

I’am of course a fellow biker as well And that is why with the help of many generous people we going to offer bi-monthly money school webinars absolutely free to Born to Run readers. And no these are not the typical boring classes you can just wait to be over or skip. These are 20 minute sessions that will give the information you need to know and have but have probably never heard about. They are visual webinar’s on your computer, tablet or you can just dial in and listen from a phone.

A sampling of some of the topics to be discussed include:

1. ” Social Security basics” how to maximize your benefits

3. “ Tax free retirement “going from tax deferred to tax free with or without an IRA 4. “ Legacy planning” wills ,trust, estate planning and caring for the ones you love

5. “ Do’s and Don’ts for baby boomers” deep dives into Medicare, Medicaid,VA benefits, long term care or shall we say retirement insurance.

6. “ Your mortgage’ Make it an asset not a liability.

7. “ Mission one million” the book the movement and how you can become a part of it.

Myself and other financial experts have watched too many peoples lives crashed because they were not financially prepared.

In upcoming issues I will be sharing insight on these pages how to never run out of financial fuel and create your own GPS for financial freedom.

Go to my website now www.bikerhelpingbikers.com or call 833-467-2865 and get your mission one million book now. The book is for anyone wanting to get out of debt,build wealth, and create financial independence.

The book retails for 24.95 but I bought it for you. Bikers helping bikers that’s what it’s all about.

2. “ Don’t worry retire happy” smart tips and Important steps to retirement planning.

Call 833.467.2865 Bi-monthly Money School 20 min. Webinars at Healthinsurance65.com

- James Irwin, CSA Certified Senior Advisor® www.bikerhelpingbikers.com

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GATOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON

Photos: John and Heather Show and Chopper Dave

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 13

An Allman Brothers Experience In Modern Macon

“The music of the Allman Brothers Band has always reminded me of being out on the road and living free.”

You know those days in January when it warms up enough for a ride, but you don’t want to be caught out after dark because the temperature drops, rather quickly? We’re fortunate here in Georgia, so we can ride our bikes pretty much all year round; although, you may prefer to ride a little less often once those cold winter weeks pop up. So you may be looking for short day rides that can get you back into the warmth of your home before When the band moved to Macon, Capricorn Records, the company who you freeze your tuckus off. A ride to Macon is one of my Georgia in 1970, bassist Berry Oakley and first signed them to a contract. The band not favorites, and the main reason his wife rented a house on Vineville Avenue, only spent much of their time there, but they is that I’m a huge Allman and shortly all of the band members were also used it for rehearsals and jam sessions. living there or spending most of their Some of the Allman Brothers songs were Brothers fan. And Macon is full either time there.

They started calling their new in this house including Dickey Betts’ of interesting sites to see that band hangout “The Big House.” The house written ‘Blue Sky’ and ‘Rambling Man,’ as well as are all related to the Allman was also located close to the offices of Greg Allman’s ‘Ain’t Wastin’ Time Here No Brothers Band.

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Photo Credits: NY Times, LA Times, The Big House Museum, Macon, GA & Eric Albright

More’ and ‘Midnight Rider.’ In 1993 the house was bought with the intentions of turning it into a Bed and Breakfast, but renovations would have been just too expensive. So the house was left in the hands of the Big House Foundation, a non-profit organization established to turn the Big House into an interactive museum. The foundation renovated The Big House and turned it into that museum, in order to “identify and preserve the history of The Allman Brothers Band.” In November of 2009 The Big House-The Allman Brothers Museum was opened.

On first glimpse one can see why this place was once destined to be a Bed and Breakfast. From the outside it in no way looks like where you would find a museum for a bunch of “hippy musicians.” I’m sure it looked a wee bit different when the ‘Brothers’

were staying there. Inside the two-story museum you will find exactly what you would expect and maybe a few things that would surprise you. There are original instruments from the band, from the early days with Duane and Berry to the contemporary band members such as Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes. Original posters and prints from concerts that they played, as well as many still images from over the years that hang on the walls.

There are all sorts of personal items, from shirts worn by band members, to handwritten song sheets, and even a few paychecks the band wrote to its members. Several of the rooms upstairs have been redone to match pictures taken when the band was living there, Duane and Berry’s bedrooms along with a room that was used to party and jam in. When you’re visiting the museum,

“The music of the Allman Brothers Band has always reminded me of being out on the road and living free.”

Early names for the band included The Escorts, The 31st of February, Almanac and The Allman Joys

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RIP Duane & Gregg Allman “Together Forever” be sure to ask them about all the sites that could interest an Allman Brothers fan. Both Duane and Berry died tragically in motorcycle accidents on the streets of Macon, and both are buried there in Macon’s famous Rose Hill Cemetery. Rose Hill is on the National Register of Historic Sites and was first used in 1840. Many consider it one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country. The band used Rose Hill as both a hangout and an inspiration during their time in Macon. Songs like ‘In Memory of Elizabeth Reed’ and ‘Little Martha’ were inspired by gravesites you can still find at Rose Hill. Also, the photograph on the back of their first album was shot here at the Bond Tomb.

There are many more places in Macon that keep the Allman Brothers Band theme going. Houses, apartments, hangouts, a recording studio and a restaurant frequented by them, as well as by other notable bands and celebrities. Yes, even your appetite can be satisfied at a location that is dripping in Allman Brothers history and memorabilia. H & H Restaurant serves up southern

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comfort food and has been a Macon institution since 1959.

Capricorn recording studios was next door and over time the band members developed a great relationship with the owner, ‘Mama’ Louise. They even invited her to go on tour and cook for them. In addition to serving meat and three dinners for the Allman Brothers Band members, Molly Hatchet and Wet Willie also used to stop by, and in more recent times Oprah even made an appearance.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Macon, but I chose to write about a way to travel the same path as one of my favorite bands. Visiting these various places in Macon can help you understand the band better and you can surely see where they got some of their musical inspirations. The music of the Allman Brothers Band has always reminded me of being out on the road and living free. After all, the one thing many of us bikers have in common, Dickey Betts wrote about in the band’s biggest hit…”Lord, I was born a Ramblin’ Man.” Eric Albright

For more info. on The Big House visit www.TheBigHouseMuseum.com

FEBRUARY 16TH - 18TH | SARASOTA FAIRGROUNDS

THUNDER BY THE BAY – 26 YEARS YOUNG!

2024 MARKS THE 26TH YEAR OF THUNDER BY THE BAY, A HUGE FUNDRAISER FOR SUNCOAST CHARITIES FOR CHILDREN IN SARASOTA. LUCY NICANDRI, THE BRAINS BEHIND THIS SUCCESSFUL EVENT, SHARED WITH ME ALL THE FUN – AND NEW EVENTS THAT WILL BE HAPPENING AT THE SARASOTA FAIRGROUNDS!

“TBTB was originally put together on a bar napkin 26 years ago!

So much has changed since that day! For example, for the first time, we have a headline act performing every night! Molly Hatchet on Friday night, Grand Funk Railroad on Saturday, and country artist Creed Fisher headlining on Sunday!” Discounted early bird tickets are only $10 and are available through February 15. Tickets purchased at the gate are $15, so take advantage of that $5 savings online (thunderbythebay.org) or in person at Adrenaline Harley-Davidson located in Sarasota. Various VIP-level tickets are also available on the TBTB website. VIP level tickets offer a lot of extras including complimentary food and beverages, private restrooms, plenty of covered seating with a great view of the main stage, and access to the front of the stage (included with Premium VIP tickets only).

The popular online charity auction starts on February 1. It closes at Noon, on February 20.

Even if you can’t make it out to the Festival, you can bid online from anywhere! Items include custom-wrapped autographed guitars from each headlining act, as well as over 25 other packages offering something for everyone! Scan this QR Code! It will take you directly to the auction page, sharing with you the great items you can win!

Last year, Suncoast Charities netted $315,000. Lucy explained, “Suncoast Charities for Children provides funding to 7 different nonprofits offering services to children, teens, and adults with special needs in Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.

Twice a year we conduct an agency needs assessment so that we can best allocate money raised during the festival, based on need, to critical programs and services.” One of the biggest needs right now is therapy scholarships for children due to the rising costs of health care coverage. Many working families have children with special needs requiring speech, physical, and/or occupational therapies. Since their insurance will only cover a limited number of weeks, they cannot afford to continue therapy for their child due to the expense. Thankfully, Suncoast Charities fills those gaps!

Suncoast Charities for Children provides program and service funding to the following local non-profit agencies, thanks to your support of Thunder By The Bay. They include Children First, The Florida Center for Early Childhood, The Haven, Loveland Center, Special Olympics, and Venice Challenger Baseball. They also provide grants to the Suncoast Foundation to help address any necessary capital improvements, and emergency maintenance/ repairs at those non-profit agencies just mentioned.

Nicandri shared, “TBTB would not be successful without Festival Sponsors and Volunteers. If we don’t secure enough sponsorship to cover expenses, the Festival cannot take place. I want to acknowledge all our event sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsors: Adrenaline Harley-Davidson, S & S Motorsports of Sarasota, and FCCI Insurance Group. This year we have 37

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RIP RORY MACCONNEL generous cash sponsors who have contributed $237,000 and are grateful for all the support we receive from them and our devoted volunteers.”

How is Lucy able to come up with so many fun and new additions to TBTB? “Susan, we always look at what worked well, what needs to change, etc. We want to keep it fresh, providing different levels of appeal for those who ride and those who don’t ride. We look at other trends and constantly try our best to keep things new, fresh, and affordable.”

Some changes this year: The 14-Class Bike Show will be on Saturday from 1:00-3:00 pm. Sunday will host the Sound Off competition from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The super popular Slow Race and Biker Games will commence on Sunday, with registration starting at Noon and competition starting at 2:00 pm. A “Ride So Children Can Thrive” Motorcycle Charity Ride is on Sunday starting at Adrenaline Harley-Davidson. Registration is $20 per rider and includes a pancake breakfast and admission into the Festival with preferred parking inside. Stops include three non-profit agencies supported by Suncoast Charities for Children with clients welcoming riders at every stop.

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Last words, Lucy? “We are so grateful to Born to Ride. Ron and Debbie have been with us for 26 years. Through good times and challenging times, they have supported us and have helped make TBTB what it is today!”

All of us at Born to Ride look forward to seeing YOU at Thunder By The Bay! -Susan Hurst

THUNDER BY THE BAY

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16-SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 SARASOTA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 3000 RINGLING BLVD, SARASOTA FUNDRAISER FOR SUNCOAST CHARITIES THUNDERBYTHEBAY.ORG

“Ride So Children Can Thrive”

1998

26 Motorcycle Charity Ride 2024

SUNDAY – FEBRUARY 18

PRESENTING FESTIVAL SPONSORS

SCAN TO PRE-REGISTER OR DONATE

PROCEEDS BENEFIT A fundraiser to help support critical therapy services for children with special needs.

Registration At Adrenaline Harley-Davidson

$20 Per Person - 9:30 am til 11:00 am – Ride Departs 11:15 am Includes FREE pancake breakfast!

Includes FREE admission into the Festival & preferred parking!

Stops include three local non-profits who receive funding support from Suncoast Charities for Children!

MAJOR FESTIVAL SPONSORS

FEATURED HEADLINER

CHARITY RIDE PARTNERS

INFO: THUNDERBYTHEBAY.ORG

TEXT THUNDER TO 941-205-7223 TO RECEIVE FESTIVAL UPDATES A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com, REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” REGISTRATION #: CH4531

PRESENTING SPONSORS “A Fundraiser To Help Local Children, Teens, And Adults With Special Needs.”

PROCEEDS BENEFIT

Early Bird Tickets - $10 Per Day (12 & Under FREE) Available Online & Adrenaline Harley-Davidson Thru 02/15/24

$15 At The Gate - VIP Tickets Available - On-Site Camping Available

FEATURED HEADLINERS

FRI.- FEBRUARY 16

SAT. -FEBRUARY 17

SUN.- FEBRUARY 18

TICKETS: THUNDERBYTHEBAY.ORG

OVER 100 VENDORS – CONTINOUS LIVE MUSIC – 17 CLASS BIKE SHOW STEREO SOUND-OFF COMPETITION – BIKER GAMES FLAT OUT FREESTYLE SHOWS – LIVE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING “RIDE SO CHILDREN CAN THRIVE” MOTORCYCLE CHARITY RIDE AND MUCH MORE!

INFO: THUNDERBYTHEBAY.ORG

TEXT THUNDER TO 941-205-7223 TO RECEIVE FESTIVAL UPDATES A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com, REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” REGISTRATION #: CH4531

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Special thanks to A Biker Helping Bikers James Irwin and Attorney Fran Haasch our Show Sponsors

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RIDE APPALACHIA

HONORING APPALACHIA’S MILITARY HISTORT Now that we have taken you on a journey through our Country Music History and some of our region’s darker history with the Hatfields and Mccoys, this month we wanted to give you what we feel is our region’s most important and honored history. Here in Central Appalachia our Military History and Service to Our Country runs deep in these woods as our people have answered our country’s call since the beginning of this great nation. From the Revolutionary War to the War on Terror Military Service here is a family tradition for some with many of us coming from families who have served or fought in every war for the last 247 years.

As a matter of fact both Backroads of Appalachia and the WCMG were founded by Veterans on a mission to help our region but also with a self inherent duty and responsibility to Honor Appalachia’s Military History and our Nation’s Heroes. Our Freedom Ridge Big Hill Welcome Center and Trail in Jackson County, KY is a shining example of our commitment and encompasses many great things to see and do and will also allow you to visit many Civil War skirmish sites and learn the history of “The Battle of Big Hill’’. Freedom Ridge is designed to Honor All Who Served by design as reflected in the logo which shows soldiers from every era. The Building itself was once a makeshift civil war hospital and has plenty of stories to tell. The history contained therein alone is worth the trip before you even take the ride as you will experience many photos, artifacts, and pictures from that time as well as this location’s incredible history. While You are there do not forget to visit the Jackson BTR 36 | BORNTORIDE.COM

County Veterans Memorial Park in Downtown Mckee, Ky. One of the best Veterans Memorials in the State. Our Joe C. Paul Medal of Honor Trail in Whitley County, Ky was created and released to honor one of Appalachia’s greatest heroes, Lance Corporal Joe Calvin Paul who was killed in action in Vietnam August 18th, 1965 after he succumbed to his mortal wounds. Joe C Paul saved his fellow pinned down and wounded Marines by engaging the enemy with a machine gun without concern for his own safety. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on February 7th, 1967 and a Naval Ship was named in his honor. On this ride you can not only visit the small coal community where he was born and raised, but also Joe C. Paul MOH Historical Marker as well as his Memorial Display in the Old Whitley County Courthouse. This amazing display includes his uniform and Medal of Honor among many other great items honoring him and his sacrifice to our country.

Our newest Trail Route honoring our region’s Military History is “Kentucky’s Most Historic Lake Ride” starting in Pulaski County, Ky at General Burnside Island State Park and Burnside, KY showcasing the First Boy Scout Troop Historical Marker, and then on a one of a kind historical ride around Lake Cumberland with many incredible locations to visit along the route. From the Mill Springs Mill in Monticello, KY built in 1877 to a ride over Wolf Creek Dam in Jamestown, Ky and then on to the Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument and Museum in Nancy, KY. The

Mill Springs Area is absolutely epic and you can literally spend a full day exploring the site and outlying areas saturated in Civil War History. After you have experienced the Mill Springs Battlefield Area and Museum this route will then take you to the newly dedicated Somerset Veterans Memorial Park in Somerset, KY where you can pay your respects to those we have lost along the way. When we say we have the best riding in the country we mean it as we continue to create the best routes, points of interest, and history that our region has to offer. None more important to us than our Trails Designed to Honor our Military History and our Nation’s Heroes.

Discover Freedom Ridge, Joe C Paul MOH Trail, and our newly released Scouts Honor Trail today by downloading our free Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application or by visiting www. backroadsofappalachia.org or visit us on Facebook. To attend one of our events this upcoming season commemorating these trails visit us on Facebook at the Whitley County Motorcycle Group!

Let’s Ride to Honor our Military History Appalachia!

-Jay Fryman (FryDaddy)

Founder, Whitley County

Motorcycle Group

Backroads of Appalachia

Journalism Team

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ARE YOU BORN TO RIDE? JOIN OUR GROUP NOW!

THE LIFE & TIMES OF MOTORCYCLES & THE PEOPLE WHO RIDE THEM

Miracles and Dating!

As a single guy in the modern world, I have done my fair share of perusing dating sites full of vague words, pointless rules, and overly specific qualities laid out like a list of demands. It seems more and more that dating in 2024 is like crossing a minefield guarded by sharks—it is possible to get where you are going, but you better not make a mistake. Still, I remain hopeful.

I didn’t have to wait long for the gods of the dating site algorithm to produce a likely candidate. Linda described herself as a creative soul with hippie-like values and a lust for adventure. Our embryonic conversations seemed hopeful. As trust blended with comfort, the range of personal qualities disclosed expanded to include other topics. But when she found out I had a background performing with horses on the circus, she broke it off.

Having acquired her belief about the perceived plight of animals, Linda expressed her sadness for those who were fenced in instead of living free in the wilderness. I was sad too. I never got the chance to tell Linda about the relational healing I acquired through partnerships with my equines or how I

found a practical manner of connecting with other living beings through them.

Having my hopes dashed to the curb because of this difference of opinion got me thinking about the true nature of what love is supposed be. The real problem between Linda and myself wasn’t our differing beliefs on domesticated animals.

The real problem was the belief that two people had to agree on everything. By dismissing my perspective so quickly, Linda was ironically fencing herself in from the opportunity for growth.

Our forefathers relied on happenstance— some things in common certainly helped form an initial bond, but as they discovered and we have forgotten, growth came from differing opinions. Today, we have been seduced by technology with instant information, too many options, and plump search criteria that appear with the click of a button. We aspire to create a smooth playing field by seeking commonality, cooperation, and compatibility. But should an opposing political viewpoint, particular conservation effort, or a specific spiritual foundation be an instant dealbreaker?

My mother and father lived in harmony, but they certainly did not agree on everything. Through completely different childhood experiences, they each developed unique personalities, belief systems, preferences, expectations, and priorities. When happenstance occurred, they discovered that they liked each other enough to make a commitment to a higher purpose. They didn’t let their differences cloud their love. Instead, they formed a greater understanding and created a marriage founded on cooperation. In other words, they agreed to disagree. Having an appreciation for more that our personal preferences is healthy for promoting relational bliss and

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personal growth. But if our search for a partner is limited to only finding alignment with all the aspects in our wheelhouse, we are shortchanging ourselves of an opportunity to grow, rejecting the very opportunity that could bring about healing, understanding, and connection. Love is not a political arena, a courtroom, or a game. Love is being open-minded, empathetic, and willing to perceive value in an opposing opinion. Love is life. The common goal is to find someone who will help us cocreate a life that is joyful and free of judgment.

Jesus said, “Love your enemies” (Luke 6:27 – 28).

Sun Tzu said, “Know your enemies” (The Art of War).

I say, “Why be enemies?”

You will never find someone who is an exact replica of you, and let’s be honest, would you really want that? While it might not have worked out with Linda, I remain hopeful and optimistic as my search to fall in love with a good soul continues. In an effort to demonstrate my faith, I am throwing caution to the wind, disregarding my criteria for an ideal mate, and opening my heart to an unknown factor that will perhaps ignite something in two souls.

Take my hand and leap beyond the shark-infested waters of modern dating.

Together, we will experience extreme joy, the frustration of opposing viewpoints, and occasional hiccups. My promise to you is, through it all, I will love you unconditionally. Open yourself up to the true miracle of love and discover a rewarding connection where two people arrive at a place they never could have traveled to by themselves.

—Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 43

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

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

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

John Wintergreen patrols the rural Arizona highways with his partner “Zipper.” Wintergreen is laid-back but upright about enforcing the law, while Zipper is predominately lazy. Zipper likes busting Hippies (remember them?) even going so far as to plant evidence on a young ‘hippie’ during a search of his van. Wintergreen again proves to be the polar opposite of his partner Zipper, as he continuously states how much he hates riding his motorcycle, and Zipper’s only real dream is to own his own motorcycle. Zip spends a lot of time reading comic books, and eating junk food while John takes his job seriously.

One of the things about Wintergreen that is out of place in this film is (in one scene) he is firing his pistol at an “Easy Rider” poster in BTR BTR 40 44 || BORNTORIDE.COM BORNTORIDE.COM

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

The Phantom Movie Review

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

SAYING ENOUGH IS ENOUGH “Bikers are a size-able community. We have strength in our numbers. We need to use that wisely.”

Welcome to February everyone. I congratulate all of you reading this on surviving another month. There is a lot going on in our country right now and I hope you’re all paying attention.

Topics run the gamut from political races, border security, hordes of foreigners swarming into our country, foreign turmoil with major power players, wars, cost of fuel and the inability to find PEZ refills without getting another dispenser.

say this. The current puppet regime and their crew needs to go before they totally destroy or beloved country. There’s your heads up everyone.

On a positive note, don’t forget to support your local businesses and MC events coming up this month. It helps out the

The Constitution states: Article IV Section 4

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic violence.

These are just a small list of things going on. America is losing the identity that made her what she once was.

I understand the concept of helping others in need but you need to know when to say enough is enough. I for one don’t take lightly that I work 50 plus hours a week to have all those taxes taken out of my check just so our government can give it away to other countries abroad while our infrastructure here crumbles. I’m still infuriated when I see and hear that even one US veteran is left wanting, homeless or uncared for when we were promised by our government we would be taken care of.

It’s blasphemous to hear and see foreign nationals allowed to invade our country then have us, hard working Americans, feed and house them at our expense. All the while our citizens are left struggling to survive in a horrendous economy. I can care less about everyone else’s political beliefs but I sternly

doing there statewide to shut down the invasion is amazing. It’s not only amazing, it’s American. When our government won’t enforce our constitution, it is the responsibility of the people to right the wrong. Again, much respect to the all there.

It’s best described in on word. BALLS!!! Get er done Texas.

little guy and events help us exercise our ability to communicate with one another to exchange ideas and keep us in the know.

Communication is key.

Bikers are a size-able community. We have strength in our numbers. We need to use that wisely.

In closing I want to extend out much respect for those taking initiative to secure our borders in Texas. What they are

Tell Jim what you’re thinking, what do you want to say to him? editor@borntoride.com

In layman’s terms The United States will guarantee every state a government elected by the citizens of that state, and it will protect the States from attack. The United States will also protect the states from local fighting, or riots, if the State legislatures ask for it.

Do you think what’s going on at our borders falls under this. Uncontrollable influx of foreigners crossing our borders in record numbers? You decide. Soon I hope Long live the Republic

-Nefarious James

American Patriot BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 47

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY something to write about and I’m always at the top of your dumb ass list. What are you going to tell your avid readers about this month? My pants catching on fire as I tried to jump over you warming your talons on the fire table New Year’s Eve? Me talking to the blowup doll at my buddies retirement party like she was going to reply?

Me getting so trashed at a friend’s backyard barbecue, laying in a lawn chair and talking into the TV remote control like it’s my cell phone?”

I cackle, “dude no, but thanks for helping me out with some content for next month. I was actually going to praise you. Now that I think about it, those were some funny times and I almost forgot about them. I was going to rave about the fact that you have only failed one resolution so far; you switched up from doing 3 sets of 15 Hostess dingdong curls to 3 six packs of 12 ounce Miller Lite curls. But that explains the rabbit holes you’ve fallen into…”

Welcome to February my BTR friends.

It’s one of my favorite months because on Valentine’s Day, I turn 31. In years past, by then Mike has failed several of his New Year’s resolutions. Which has brought me great joy to harass him about. So far, I’ve been able to keep all my resolutions but that’s because I made them attainable, unlike Mike.

Oh crap! He just stepped onto the lanai while I was talking to myself in the mirror and typing away poolside. I hope he didn’t hear me…

“Spyke!”, he yells out loudly while pointing his finger at me. “I thought we agreed to leave each other’s dirty laundry out of the stories this year. That should’ve been one of your resolutions but I get it. You need BTR 54 | BORNTORIDE.COM

Mike babbles, “well Spyke, I’m giving it my best shot! I no longer butter my donuts. I am maintaining my weight. I now burn cake in the oven twice a week ‘cause it consumes more calories. I do not talk to Alexa; I cannot believe a word she says and I bought a new scale. But I believe that one’s broken also.

Best of all, I’ve switched convenience stores and you’ve had luckier lotto tickets. Just last week your beak scratched off a $50 winner. I think I’m doing pretty damn good!”

I put one wing over my head and squawk, “dude, you are bat shit crazy and nuttier than a squirrel turd! You have figured out that the proper excuse at the correct time can do wonders for your self-esteem, especially when you use it enough that you actually believe it! Your faults aren’t something that falls on you, it’s a fly to be shooed away and only ever really comes to land on a person who’s not resourceful enough to avoid it and

that would be YOU, Mr. Full of excuses!”

Mike chatters, “well look who’s talking, Mrs. Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. It’s in my genetics, I have low self-esteem and I went to public schools. Try putting your talons in my shoes sometime. Maybe you should just be more accepting because I have bird-dad issues and I’m on medication!

You, on the other hand, since your birth 31 years ago, ate from the golden spoon, rode a motorcycle to the coolest events, been on stage with the best bands, always been treated like royalty by enjoying higher standards than me and have no peer pressure! It’s almost as if you’re an alien.”

I cluck, “well, I am a human trapped in a birds’ body and I just wanted to see if you would notice. You couldn’t have raised me any better. I am a leader, not a follower just trying to fit in. You should be more like me and not listen to the voices inside your head.

They are making you hallucinate. It almost cost you a ticket when you told the officer that you were trying to outrun the Blackhawk helicopters flying above us.”

Mike defends himself by saying, “well any reasonable person would’ve done the same thing and statistically, it was bound to happen sooner or later. You know I’m an idiot and it’s society’s fault. I thought we were living the dream and not in a dream. I guess this is what happens from drinking gallons of milk after the expiration date growing up.

When you finish pecking out the story, come find me in the garage. I’ll have the door open watching for helicopters while I give the scoot a blood and filter transfusion. I need to get your wings in the wind, my knees under the triple trees, and the Fat Bird 3 wheels rolling down the road. We gotta get you a birthday cake.”

-SPYKE

Do you have a riding pet story? Let us know, Spyke wants to feature them! editor@borntoride.com

RONNIE and EMILY’S

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION Do you remember the

moment you decided to trade

in and upgrade to your current

bike? You walk up to a beautiful bike you have been eyeing for some time, dreaming about

the new adventures you will

experience. Settling into the seat

you admire all its bells and whistles, asking yourself questions like “Do I want to modify these handlebars and where can

I add my phone mount? Will I want a seat with better back support and do I want louder pipes?” You finally think to yourself “I am so ready to go on this test ride.”

I remember when I upgraded from my older, smaller bike to

my Harley Road Glide. The process of getting it was exciting and I could not wait to see my friends’ reactions at our next biker event. My Road Glide was noticeably more powerful

than my old bike and I knew it could take me further distances

more comfortably. It was an overall better match for my

personality and riding needs so the trade was absolutely worth it.

In the same way when we come to the Lord our Savior

with our whole heart, we get something new and better than

we ever had. Ezekiel 36:26-27 says, “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out

your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive

heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations”. Wow. The

Lord Himself gives us a new heart and spirit, one that is far

better than our old one. This new heart allows us to truly love

others tenderly, helps us follow His plan for our life, and enjoy the path He has given to us to travel.

Fellow Soldier in Christ,

Wayne (Teach) Masiker

Christian Motorcyclists Association wayne.masiker@att.net

Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 55

M E ET DEBBIE PHOTOS BY DANIEL GALLANT

Hello I’m Debbie Robison originally from Cleveland, Ohio but now call Tampa Bay my home.

Professional/Film/Fashion Model working numerous years in the industry while residing in Ohio, Texas, North Carolina and Florida. Love creating images that make viewers wanting to see more and wonder what I have up my sleeve next.

Bike Owner: “Mad Mark“ Frederick 2002 Iron Works Savage Chopper His everyday Rider.

BTR 56 | BORNTORIDE.COM