Born To Ride #238 - March 2024

MAR 2024 #238

read it/watch it/ride it

BORNTORIDE.COM

Contents

MARCH ISSUE 238

FEATURES

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COLUMNS

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Steve McQueen-His Cars and More Craig and Hunny-That Special Bond Florida Nature Coast Bikefest Ride Appalachia Meet Sherri - Babe of the Month

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A Biker Helping Bikers Nefarious James Spyke & Mike CMA

DEPARTMENTS

Contents Page Publishers Letter Movie Review BTR Kids

REPORTS

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Ron Galletti Will Get You Riding Thunder By The Bay Crystal HD Bike Night Melba & Bill Are Born To Ride Leather Lids

ON THE COVER

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CraigPaintsBike.com and his love story with Man’s Best Friend.

Hunny is an amazing dog who was Born To Ride and the bond shared between them is very special.

Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 813.785.3895

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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 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 813-785-3895

ROAD CREW

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

SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT

Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds

ON THE ROAD TEAM John & Heather

CONTRIBUTORS

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

The Phantom

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

LAW FIRM

FRAN HAASCH LAW GROUP www.LawFran.com 866 LAW Fran ADVERTISE BORN TO RIDE OFFICE

813.785.3895 BTR 4 | 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”

I am convinced after riding with my SPYC motorcycle group that riding a motorcycle is essential for a healthy retirement. Most of the members in my group are well seasoned adults. We usually ride about 250 miles a week together in addition to long range trips around the globe. So after much research here are the facts about the benefits to riding: 1. Riding a motorcycle engages various muscle groups: shoulders, arms, back, legs core, the list goes on and on. The heavier your motorcycle, the more effort it takes to control it. The longer your ride, the more exertion placed on the muscle groups. In other words, why lift weights when you can build muscle with motorcycle riding?

2. Some forms of exercise place a fair amount of impact on various joints and muscles. This can be hard on the body, especially for those with pain issues or who are a bit up there in age. Riding a motorcycle is a form of low-impact exercise where you’ll receive the workout benefits without sore joints or an aching back.

3. Stress takes a huge toll on physical health and well-being. Research studies show that stress is a leading factor in doctor and hospital visits. Stress also affects nearly

every system in our body, from our digestive system to cardiovascular system. Simply discovering the negative impacts of stress can even generate more stress! Modern life is full of stress, but motorcycle riding offers a solution. When you do an activity you enjoy, such as motorcycle riding, your brain releases endorphins and other “feedgood” chemicals. These not only make us happier, but they help push back against the negative health impacts of stress. By riding your motorcycle, you prevent the buildup of stress and its harm to your body. A motorcycle ride a day keeps the doctor away!

4. Brain health is a key part of overall health - and motorcycle riding can help promote it. After all, it takes an impressive amount of focus and concentration to safely ride a motorcycle. You must continually scan for and adapt to threats and changes in the environment, keep track of your location and navigate to your destination, position your body in the correct riding position, and other tasks. It’s a more brain-active journey verses driving a car. Motorcycle riding helps you keep various parts of your body healthy, including your brain!

After having the privilege to serve thousands of people over the year, many millionaires, I can attest to the statement that “Money won’t make you happy! But riding a motorcycle will! ”Bikers helping bikers folks. What a great community to be a part of. As you

know, bikers are very charitable people giving back to the community in many meaningful ways. I’m 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 Ride readers. And no these are not the typical boring classes you just can’t 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 webinars on your computer, tablet or you can just dial in and listen from a phone. A sampling of some of the topics to be disc.

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.

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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Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value for you the Reader.

Steve McQueen, the King of Cool made movies best remembered for their wild car chases, mad motorcycle dashes, and hair-raising races. No other Hollywood star has ever been so closely linked behind the wheel with cars and bikes like McQueen. McQueen’s Machines explores this connection, giving readers a close-up look at the cars and motorcycles he drove in movies, those he owned, and others he raced.

From the 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback he drove in Bullitt, from the Triumph

motorcycle of The Great Escape to the GulfPorsche 917K he actually raced in Le Mans, the cars and bikes that McQueen made famous in films make another appearance in the pages of this book. McQueen’s Machines also features the cars, motorcycles, and airplanes that Steve personally owned over the years, including two motorcycles that fetched record prices at a recent auction: a 1937 Crocker “Hemi-head” V-Twin and a 1920 Indian Powerplus Daytona.

This compilation is a wealth of detail about the star’s amateur racing career, his movie

stunt work, and his car and motorcycle collecting. All of this information draws a fascinating picture of one outsized man’s driving passion.

We sat down with Matt Stone, author of McQueen’s Machines and asked the writer what prompted him to compile this book. “I’m disappointed at who is considered a celebrity car guy these days,” said Stone. “A B-list TV star or an athlete that showcases their Suburban on a “reality” TV show because of its cool wheels and latest iPod jack is BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 15

just dumb PR. Guys like Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, and others were serious.

McQueen owned cars that make a world class collection and he always had at least 200 motorcycles. He raced cars and bikes then built entire films around them. This was a part of his life and makeup. Even though he couldn’t race professionally because of his movie career, he was a legit, committed gearhead,” Stone continued.

“What made Steve McQueen someone that everybody wanted to be like?”

“He was the essence of cool—a man’s man BTR 16 | BORNTORIDE.COM

and a lady’s man,” said Stone. Far from perfect, he had his many moods, and a complex personality to say the least. But he was naturally handsome, athletic, and had mountains of ambition and style. There was nothing phony about him.”

There are more than twenty books on Steve McQueen in print that just nibble around the corners of his passion for cars, bikes, and racing, while this book exclusively focuses on that passion. And the photos are mindblowing, several of which have never been published before.

This book is available in bookstores everywhere or through www.motorbooks. com. Email your review of this book to info@borntoride.com Book Statistics Title: McQueen’s Machines Author: Matt Stone ISBN-13: 978-0-7603-2866-8 Retail Price: $26.95 Binding: Hardcover Details: 176 Pages, 219 Color Photos Angelina Desolate Pictures provided by Motorbooks

Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value for you the Reader.

CRAIG & HUNNY

A LOVE CONNECTION WE CAN ALL RELATE TO of love and compassion. She’s very empathetic, and she knows how to read people. Like most, she loves the attention, and we love to give it back as well. “Hunny is a pit blue healer mix. The combination of these two breeds is very intelligent. I brought her into my life when she was 7 weeks old. At 11 years young today, she’s still very energetic, and when hanging out at the shop, she usually hangs out near the door in the parking area, always greeting everyone that comes to the shop.”

Criag’s success in the painting and tank restoration is mostly word of mouth. He also has a good social media presence, a great website, many positive reviews from his customers, and all the bike shops that work with him know him and recommend his talent for one’s painting needs.

It’s always a super magical moment when you find that one true love that loves you unconditionally, loves your friends unconditionally, brings you unlimited amounts of happiness, and will hop on your bike to travel wherever you want to go without complaining.

This is a very special cover story for Born To Ride Magazine that I’m so honored to write! Many of you already know our cover story subjects today, and that would be Craig of Craig Paints Bikes and his amazing sidekick, Hunny!

I was so happy to have been able to spend some time talking with Craig. His passion and talent for painting bikes and restoring vintage gas tanks is remarkable. “I’ve been painting for 15 years, doing my work with local bike builders. In 2011, some of my work was shared with viewers of the Discovery Channel’s Velocity Show. On this show, Santiago Choppers built a café racer that I had the pleasure of painting.”

Craig decided to start his own painting business in 2008, changing gears from his successful talent as an electronic repair technician. “I repaired and trouble-shot VCRs, DVDs, camcorders, and the like. I could pretty much fix anything.”

There is absolutely no doubt that Craig is multi-faceted and talented in anything he touches. That also includes the inseparable relationship he has with his pit/healer sidekick, Hunny! What I enjoyed most when I started talking with Craig about Hunny is how his voice changed; his tone and way he spoke about Hunny was absolutely wrapped in love and compassion, his words laced with affection and happiness! Many people reading this article have met Ms. Hunny at events, at Craig’s shop, and most importantly, sitting on the back of Craig’s Harley! “I raised her like a child, she is a good citizen and doesn’t get in anyone’s way.” Hunny has a special endearing relationship where people feed off from her infinite amounts BTR 18 | BORNTORIDE.COM

When I asked Craig what his most memorable paint job was, hands down, he said, “The Discovery Channel café racer bike. I received a phone call from Santiago Choppers. He came to me with a proposition. He showed me an idea he had and said, ‘This is on the horizon with the Discovery Channel, and I want you to paint it. As a painter, you always want different looks and ideas from your previous work. You don’t want to get into the rut of doing the same things repeatedly.” Santiago Choppers was producing a new bike every 10 days and Craig had to come up with different designs every 10 days.

The exposure on the Discovery Channel was a fantastic springboard for Craig and his talent. “With the Discovery Channel project, I had to stay within the parameters of what Santiago wanted for a paint

behind her beloved dad? “I started Hunny’s motorcycle riding just a short 2 years ago. We would take quick trips to the gas station or a friend’s house. When I put her vest on, she knows it’s time to go!”

Craig and Hunny have taken trips around Tampa, Brooksville, and Sarasota. Craig added, “She really enjoys the scenery when we’re riding. She notices the fences and recognizes the cows (her healer instinct kicks in). When there are a lot of children around, Hunny will herd them together, with lots of love and playful joy!” For her birthday last year, Craig and 14 friends went to the local Yummy House. She gets her own seat, her own glass of water, birthday hats for everyone, and ending the evening with everyone singing happy birthday! People tell him all the time that she acts better than their kids! Craig said, “I keep trying to squeeze as much fun and great memories into her life as I possibly can.”

Hunny has met hundreds of people including the Mayor of Tampa, Paul Tuetel of Orange County Choppers, and her dear sweet friend, Bane The Suave Pitbull, that many of you know. Bane always wore a tie and sporty sunglasses. Sadly, Bane crossed the Rainbow Bridge last year.

job for the TV show café racer bike. The frame was a beautiful glossy, clear coat, where you could clearly see the welds. The headlight bowl was painted candy red. The wheels took 40 hours to complete. They were color-matched to the candy-coated chrome, with checkerboard design.”

Craig’s painting business has evolved to gas tank restorations.

Many older bikes have gas tanks that are rusted insides or leaks that need to be sealed. How did this new venture start? “In 2012, I had a bike we were going to put in a show in Atlanta. The bike’s gas tank had a major leak. I found an epoxy that dries in 24 hours.

I needed to find an easier way to deal with these gas tanks where the repair of the gas tank would last a long time – preferably for the life of the bike. In between paint jobs, the tank restorations took a couple years to catch on. Advertising helped a lot – especially with Born To Ride Southeast.” Craig worked with many bike shops out of state. These shops were shipping tanks to him since he provided great results with a perfect product. “I know how to keep a tank from getting scratched up. There’s only one tank for your bike; the older the bike gets, the harder it is to get a gas tank specific to that bike.

Sometimes you can’t save them because people don’t understand the liners inside the tanks. Latex paint is not a permanent solution.”

Craig has a lifetime guarantee on all his tank work. He’s that confident with the product! He fixes the holes and paints the tanks back to the original paint job. He will cut a tank open to pull out the nasty, failed, latex liners. With his immense talent, you wouldn’t see the completed, new weld. Craig’s joy is finding a gas tank that is unique, and one-of-a-kind, needing his help.

In addition to his painting and gas tank restorations that you’ve just enjoyed reading about, Craig is also an avid motorcyclist, owning 5 different bikes. Two of his bikes have been given the “Hunny Seat of Approval” where Craig built and fabricated her own, private Hunny Seat on these two bikes! How did Craig get Hunny used to riding

Winding down this fantastic conversation, I asked Craig what he enjoyed the most with his innovative life. “I really enjoy being creative with different projects that come my way. I think that my excitement is working on a one-of-a-kind gas tank, with it being the only one available for a specific bike. Color-matching the paint to an original paint design is fun, keeping it old school and like new for the customer.”

Thank you, Craig, for sharing your unique and beautiful story with the readers of Born To Ride Magazine! ­

— Susan Hurst

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Thunder by the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival | thunderbythebay.org

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Crystal HD Bike Night Florida Cracker Bar 2nd Thursday every Month | Lowman Law

M A R R I ED F O R 67 Y E A R S

M E L B A & BI L L WA L SH W ER E B O R N T O R I D E

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RIDE APPALACHIA

LET’S RIDE RED RIVER GORGE! Now that we have taken you from West to East across our mountains and have showcased some of the incredible routes, scenery, history, and riding we have here in Central Appalachia we have come full circle with what you can experience by using our free GPS-Enabled Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application.

With over 5000 miles of Appalachian Awesomeness covering 4 states and over 1500 “Uniquely Appalachia” points of interest and growing, you could literally spend months exploring our region using our mobile app and never ride everything. We would be hard pressed not to end our off-season content by showcasing one of our favorite places to ride here on the Bike side of Backroads and it is an area most are familiar with and that area is the one and only Red River Gorge! What you may not be aware of is our Trail Routes designed to showcase this area and give each rider who comes here the best Red River Gorge experience possible.

There is a whole lot more in the “Gorge” and surrounding areas to experience than meets the eye and in this article we are going to give you riders the Scoop on one of our favorite locations. First let’s talk about Red River Gorge for those of you out there who may not know about it and what it has to offer you the rider.

ABOUT THE “GORGE” AND THE THRILL OF THE RIDE!

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian region lies the captivating Red River Gorge, a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and those who want to experience the true awe inspiring beauty of one of mother nature’s most spectacular creations. While renowned for its hiking trails, rock climbing, and breathtaking natural landscapes, Red River Gorge also offers an exhilarating experience for motorcycle enthusiasts.

With winding roads that snake through dense forests, rugged terrain, and stunning vistas, exploring Red River Gorge on two wheels promises an unforgettable journey.

For motorcycle enthusiasts, Red River Gorge presents a playground of winding roads and scenic byways waiting to be explored. The BTR 36 | BORNTORIDE.COM

journey begins as riders navigate the winding paths leading into the gorge, where the landscape transforms into a breathtaking panorama of lush greenery, towering cliffs, and meandering waterways.

One of the most iconic routes in the area is the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, a 46-mile stretch of road that winds through the heart of the gorge. As riders traverse this scenic route, they are treated to panoramic views of sandstone arches, towering rock formations, and the serene beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

ADRENALINE-PUMPING TWISTS AND TURNS

While the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway offers a leisurely ride with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the sights, thrill-seekers will find their adrenaline fix on the more challenging roads that crisscross the region. The narrow, winding paths that cut through the forest provide an exhilarating ride, with tight twists and turns that demand precision and skill.

One such road is the KY-77, known colloquially as the Nada Tunnel Road. This narrow, winding route takes riders through the historic Nada Tunnel, a 900-foot-long tunnel blasted through solid rock in the 1910s. Emerging from the tunnel, riders are greeted with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys, making for an unforgettable experience.

ABOUT OUR TRAIL ROUTES SHOWCASING ALL THE “GORGE’ HAS TO OFFER While exploring Red River Gorge on your motorcycle and all the excitement and adventure that exists there it’s essential for riders to be able to find these locations easily and safely without the

scenery packed adrenaline filled ride to Louisa, Ky that you do not want to miss when visiting our area. This route runs South East and will connect you with Country Music Gateway 23 and other great Trail Routes in our Mobile Application including “To the Holler”, one incredible ride south from Grayson, KY all the way to Hazard, KY. Easy Access to the start of this route and “To the Holler” can be found right off of Interstate I-64!

Ride the River Dragon - Just South of Red River Gorge lies one of our coolest routes both in riding experience and temperature!

Ride the River Dragon starts in Beattyville, Ky, home to our Annual Hillbilly Bikefest at the Beattyville Bourbon and Moonshine Festival with the Moonshiners from Discovery Channel and our charity ride with them for Shriners! This is where the Beattyville Hillbillies live for fans of the show! Donnie and Teresa(Granny Moonshine) even have a Moonshine Museum you can visit that just opened this year!

If you’re looking to beat the summer heat, this 40-mile (59 minutes) trail zigs and zags across and along the cold waters of the Kentucky River down to Buckhorn State Park-one of the most beautiful and best kept secrets in the region. If you’re ending or starting this trail in Beattyville, be sure to visit downtown Beattyville and eat at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants right on main street! You cannot miss it!

THE BIG CONCLUSION

Exploring Red River Gorge on a motorcycle is an experience like no other, offering riders the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of this stunning region. From the adrenaline-pumping twists and turns of the scenic byways to the hidden gems waiting to be discovered off the beaten path, every ride in Red River Gorge promises adventure and excitement. With so many amazing routes to ride in all directions in our Mobile Application, this is one area you cannot go wrong in regardless of which direction you are coming from or want to go.

need for cellular signal. The winding roads and rugged terrain can present challenges for even the most experienced riders especially if you take the wrong turn so it’s crucial to ride safely and have a great guide. That is where we come in with our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application which offers multiple GPS-Enabled Routes that will take you where you want to go without the need for cellular signal as well as show you those things off the beaten path!

Now let’s talk about our epic Trail Routes in and around Red River Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a novice enthusiast, exploring the motorcycle rides we have in and around Red River Gorge is Gorge. sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. If all of this Eye of the Dragon - Starting in Lexington, Ky this trail route comes might be a little confusing for you then no need to worry, our all to us by way of our great partners at Man O War Harley Davidson. volunteer group is waiting right here to assist you with planning your This 173 Mile Ride is for Advanced Riders and showcases Red trip free of charge. We can even help you build your Itinerary right River Gorge and the incredible technical riding there like no other! inside of our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application to make This famous route features many of Kentucky’s most beautiful sure you have the best ride and experience possible. After all that attractions by traveling through the Red River Gorge, a canyon is what we do here at Backroads of Appalachia and the WCMG! system on the Red River in East-Central Kentucky. This geological Want to experience the “Gorge” with our group instead, well you’re treasure is part of the Pottsville Escarpment and the Daniel in luck because we will be adding an “Eye of the Dragon” Ride Boone National Forest. The Red River Gorge Geological Area is to our schedule this year with our Partners at Man O War Harley an incredible 29,000 acres of breathtaking scenery and endless Davidson! So what are you waiting for? Take the motorcycle trip of outdoor adventures. On this route, you will travel through bridges, a lifetime and experience Red River Gorge this year right here on mountains, curves, and all sorts of gifts from Mother Nature. the Backroads of Appalachia!

Perhaps one of the most exciting features of this ride would be the —Jay Fryman (FryDaddy) legendary NADA tunnel, a 900 feet long, 12 feet wide, 13 feet tall

Founder, Whitley County logging tunnel built between 1910-1912. While you’re at it, don’t make the mistake of not seeing the gorgeous Natural Bridge, as

Motorcycle Group well as other natural attractions along the way.

Backroads of Appalachia

Journalism Team HWY 32 - North East of the Gorge you will find Morehead, Ky and the start of Highway 32! Voted the Number 1 Motorcycle Ride in Kentucky by GreatMotorcycleroads.com, Hwy 32 is a 62 mile

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Ray V. Gordon is The Owner & Founder of Leather Lid Inserts, an established Leather Saddlebag Accessory business based in southwest Florida. They’ve coined the phrase “We take the sag out of the bag” because that is exactly what they do. Ray has been riding motorcycles since he was 14 yrs old and has watched the motorcycle industry grow and is glad to be a part of what it is today.

After 35 years of owning and operating a successful aluminum company in Ft. Myers FL, Ray sold the business so he could retire (he thought) and bought himself a new Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. Just like everyone else with leather saddlebags,

his also started to sag and cave in. He saw a need to fix this problem. Ray says, starting this new business was something he just fell into by fixing his own saddlebags and then behold, friends of friends and others witnessed what Ray did and wanted him to fix their saddlebags too. As an inventor and entrepreneur, Ray took his creative background and put his skills to work by experimenting with several different types of materials to finally come up with a patented ABS lid and bag reinforcement kit that would be designed to help keep the original shape of any leather saddlebag made on the market. So, if you’re tired of looking at your caved in leather saddlebags and/or if they are starting to lose their shape and their parts, or if you have brand new bags and you want to prevent them from ever caving in, please keep Leather Lid Inserts in mind. For all your leather saddlebag accessory needs as a do-it-yourselfer or if you want them to install, visit www.LeatherLidInsert.com and order your DIY Kit or Find an area Dealer Installer.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A DEALER INSTALLER CONTACT RAY AT 239-339-7294 OR RAY@LEATHERLIDINSERTS.COM RIDE SAFE!

Leather Lid Inserts 18160 Old Bayshore Road N. Fort Myers, FL 33917

ARE YOU BORN TO RIDE? JOIN OUR GROUP NOW!

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

M ov i e R e v i e w dirt bike. He hands the dealer an envelope with a five-dollar bill and an I.O.U. while he “test rides” the bike. Thirty seconds later he leaves the rear of the shop with the dirt bike tied to his sissy bar. The next Sunday, he enters the motor cross and on the last lap, he crashes out while running third. CC picks up the bike and carries it across the finish line to the delight of his fellow gang members and the crowd. Moon at this point says he’s disgusted with all the racing crap and some of the members leave with him.

The Kawasaki factory rep is impressed with CC’s riding skills, and loans him a bike for the next race. At the end of the day he wins $600.00 and returns to the Head’s camp.

CC gives money hungry Moon $500.00 and says he’s keeping a hundred for himself.

As usual, a fight ensues and Moon takes the money from CC while he is recovering.

Moon gives the money to his girl, and later that night she once again tries to get with CC. While he is kissing her, he takes all the money out of her pocket and he leaves the next day to find Ann. Ann puts CC up in her mansion, and the typical romance carries on for a few days.

This month’s movie is CC & Company Limo. CC rescues her by roughing up the That is until Moon and the Heads kidnap her. starring Joe Namath and Ann Margret. guys, and begins a romantic connection Moon demands $2,000.00 for her freedom, Namath Plays C.C. Ryder, a former with Ann, which is cut short by the arrival but CC challenges him to a flat-track race motorcycle mechanic who is a member of the of a tow truck. Down the road a piece we on their choppers. CC bargains for a loan on “Heads” Motorcycle Club. Margret plays Ann, meet up with Moon, who is the leader of the the phone, and promises the money will be a fashion journalist. The flick opens with CC gang. He sits in a fancy chair, which the paid back the same night. Later that evening in a grocery store, as he cruises the aisles club mamas call the throne. Moon isn’t too the Heads break into a high school, and use and makes a sandwich by removing this and happy with the mamas, and sends them out the school’s track for the race. After a few that from shelves to assemble the sandwich on a mission to get him more money. Moon’s minutes of some fairly good stunt riding, the on the child seating portion of the shopping whole gig seems to revolve around money, scene shows Moon crashing through a fence cart. OOOH NOOO! and the girls go out hitchhiking to collect and into a parked car which explodes in a This may be the most dangerous part of the some from whatever citizen or ‘Square’ fiery mess. film! Can you imagine what sort of bacteria they can find. Later in the evening they all As the rest of the group runs to Moon, CC may exist on that little plastic seat? No telling reconvene at their campsite in the desert. and Ann leave on his chopper. The song what sort of soggy diaper may have been Moon’s mama seems to have a thing for CC Ryder plays as they ride down the road. there just minutes before! Anyway, CC eats CC, but he pretty much has his sights set on This film was made in 1970, runs 94 minutes the sandwich, drinks a carton of milk, and Ann, and refuses her advances. and is currently available on DVD under throws away the evidence, before heading to The next day, the Heads are cruising the “Cheezy Flicks” Label. I must agree checkout with a package of candy. Outside down the road when they come across a that it was one of the most cheesy biker he dons his “colors” and rides off on a fairly sign for a Moto-X race. The heads blow exploitation pieces that I have ever seen. cool looking shovel head chopper. the gate and disrupt the motor-cross by Poor lighting, dialogue, and flaky acting add As usual in these “B or less” films, he riding their choppers around the track. Of to the mess. One thing that really turned meets up with his fellow gang members in course Ann is there with her photographer me off was Namath’s constant referral to the desert. As I said last month “It’s always and some models, who are on the scene his chopper as a Honda. With no visible in the desert.” As they cruise down a desert with a Kawasaki factory race team. As the redeeming qualities, I could only give this highway, they encounter a broken-down shoot continues Ann and CC again have one 2 stars, and that based on one or two limo containing Ann. While CC looks over a conversation, and he plots a scheme to fairly nice ‘period’ choppers. the engine compartment, a couple of his win her heart. The next morning he dupes cohorts try to molest Ann in the back of the a local dealer into selling him a Kawasaki The Phantom Movie Review BTR 44 | BORNTORIDE.COM

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

OLD SCHOOL RESPECT & HONOR “Old School respect is something that is earned through deeds, actions and the way one carries themselves” Another month gone and time is moving forward. Thunder by the Bay is over as well as other events we were given the pleasure in life to enjoy. Thank you to all that sponsor these events and those that participated in them.

This month I would like to touch on a dwindling facet of our society I feel is extremely important for us all not to lose.

That is the art of Old School Respect and honor.

It seems as generations pass, we see less and less of this important quality. Old School respect is something that is earned through deeds, actions and the way one carries themselves. This respect is given to those worthy individuals by others of thier own free will. Not through intimidation and manipulation lying or taking the credit for another person’s accomplishments. These are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

There are many more examples.

Honorable and respected persons are usually hard working, giving, caring, reliable and strong willed individuals. They remember our history as a people and learn from it thus trying to make a positive change in those around us. They are not perfect, and they recognize this. But it doesn’t stop them from moving forward. They don’t expect handouts, cry when the government doesn’t give them free sh*t, throw little fits

when they don’t get their way or push their personal agenda on others. They are good listeners and will hear what you have to say. And if they disagree with you, are more than happy to tell you where to go instead of being a yes man to fit in. They recognize the need for strong individuals and groups to have a strong backbone to preserve what they firmly believe is right. They may not always express their opinion to what they hear and you may feel they don’t care about what’s going on, but believe me when I tell you, they are listening.

They are always around to help when others disappear or disagree because it is in their nature. They do this without expectation of having that kindness or generosity returned.

They will always extend a hand up but not a hand out. After all, victory is always sweeter when earned, not given to you for free. Example. I had to work my ass off for what I have. I busted my butt to get my first car like many others do. We were barely surviving when I was growing up so I knew I wasn’t going to get it unless I earned it. When I got it, It was the cheapest POS I could afford. But it was mine and I earned it. It was the shiniest, rusty POS in town and I was proud of the fact I earned it myself.

Everyone wants respect and to be respected. We would rather be looked up to

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

than looked down upon. Nature of the beast.

For those out there that work your asses off for little pay, for those that served in our armed forces or paid the ultimate sacrifice, for those honest and honorable individuals that protect our way of life, protect our borders and fight the good and righteous fight, my hats off to you all.

For those that cry about how tough they got it because your video game is broken, for those that hate our country and offer absolutely nothing to support and protect it, to those that think hard work is showing yourself in adult situations on the internet for money is hard work, for the spammers, haters against decency, those that lack values and the crooked politicians that are supporting treasonous behavior to undermine or country, F*ck you.

Bring back old school pride. Bring back values. Parents, bring your kids up with the proper guidance and direction they need.

Lesson number one for a kid is if it looks down and there is something swinging there, you know the child’s gender. Raise it accordingly.

Continue the path of the Romans and we too shall be extinct.

Bring back the real men and women that made this country great. That will get you a ton of respect.

-Nefarious James

American Patriot

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AWAY WE SEGWAY

Welcome to March and the beginning of spring, my BTR friends. It’s been a fairly mild winter and Mike has gotten some miles under my wings. We had a great time at Thunder by the Bay seeing all my friends and making new ones.

It was here I got to ride my first Segway.

Starting out was a little awkward. But it didn’t take long for me to get the hang of it. Then my buddy Dave plopped me on his shoulder and gave me a tour through the crowd.

Although I love riding the Fat Bird 3 better, I look forward to seeing him in Daytona and taking a cruise down Main Street.

Mike cuts in, “Ok my little daredevil, you did surprise me by handling the Segway better than I could. My awkward ass fell off twice, and I gave up. You rode that thing from fence to fence six times and always ended with a perfect dismount. Your last ride was through a live broadcast of the event for the local TV station, and they gave you the thumbs up!”

I squawk, “well you know me Mike I’ll ride anything! You need to tell our avid readers about the trip through the drive-thru on the way down to Sarasota.”

Mike babbles, “I was gonna let you tell the story. You had a birds eye view of the situation.”

I cackle, “you’re right there.I tell it like I see it, so here is how it went down: Mike and I were ordering in the drivethru. The lady on the loudspeaker couldn’t quite understand what he was saying with the Fat Bird 3 running so Mike shut it off and proceeded to correct the order. There was a lady behind us in a car who began BTR 54 | BORNTORIDE.COM

honking her horn, frantically waving her arms and taking pictures. Having a weak battery, Mike finally got the scoot started.

As he pulled around to the first window, he waved frantically back and honked the horn repeatedly.

He tells the lady he’s paying for our order and the car behind us. She takes Mikes’ money for both orders and gives him two receipts. He then pulls up to the second window but not before waving back to the lady behind us. As we’re sitting at the second window waiting for our food, we see the lady in the first window refusing her money and telling the lady in the car that Mike paid for it. She gives us the OK, smiles and waves back. Mike hands the dude in the window receipts for both orders.

After securing two bags to the scoot, Mike turns to her smiles, waves and rides off. He then yells to me; people in cars shouldn’t mess with people on motorcycles!”

I cackle, “dude you are so right, but so wrong! Because of that situation, and being part of one of your New Year’s resolutions, you must continue the story.”

Mike replies,”Ok, for all you nosey people out there who want to know my business soooo bad, allow me to give it to you straight with no chaser regarding to what has happened with my relationship. Before you start composing assumptions, running your mouths and making juvenile ‘threats’, you will get it straight from the horse’s mouth.

It’s been really hard for me. For months, I begged, pleaded and was 100% vested in keeping it going. It has really taken a toll on me. After that situation, I made a sound decision and left the relationship.

To avoid drama and people getting things all twisted, I’ll just give you the truth about what really happened. It’s been a while since I’ve felt good about this relationship and not 100% of these feelings are my fault (I can only own my part in this). It has been an amazing ride, that I won’t deny. I fell madly and deeply in love but came to realize it was

toxic, addictive and all-around unhealthy. I can’t deny that we will still see each other from time to time. Even though it shatters my heart, we need to stay away from each

other. So as of that day, my relationship with Taco Bell, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, deep-fried oreos, chocolate brownies, mozzarella sticks, ice cream, Wendy’s Frosty, Starbucks Mocha Frapps, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, chocolate pie…Well basically anything chocolate, fried, and sweet has come to an end. Let the dieting begin!

I cackle, “Mike, I’m so proud of you admitting to your addiction and finally taking action. I think that deserves a windy celebration. Fire up the scoot and plop my feathered ass on the backrest. It’s time to get my wings in the wind, your knees under the triple trees, and the Fat Bird 3 wheels rolling down the road.

Let’s ride by fast food alley giving them all the middle finger.”

— 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.

Teach’s Takeaway, - Getting a new bike is enjoyable. Getting a new heart and spirit is the greatest joy of all.

- Our new heart will be tender and responsive to the things of God. - Living for the Lord allows you to really enjoy the journey that we call life.

A new bike can be exactly what we need to help us enjoy the ride to our destination. Similarly, a new heart and spirit will also help us enjoy our ride in this life and the life to come.

Whether it is with a CMA member or your local church to help, deciding to follow the Lord will be the greatest trade you will ever make. Ride on.

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

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MEET SHERRI PHOTOS BY DANIEL GALLANT

Sherri Gulley is from San Antonio, Texas. “I began my modeling journey in the 90s. Being around beautiful motorcycles brings me closer to my late dad, a lifelong biker, whom I adored. I aspire to inspire others to live each day like it’s your last.”

Motorcycle Provided by: Tom Russo HD FXR, and a HD Road King