Born To Ride Georgia #46 November, 2016

Contents

November Issue 46

Ad Index

Features Bikerz n’ Boaterz-Pacific Coast Rush Living Lost Photographs-By Josh Kurpius Test Ride-2017 Victory Octane Angel City Fall Rally

8 18 24 37

Columns Rob Brooks Road Dirt-Blue Moon Cycle 33 The Motorcycle Law Group 51 Craven Moorehead-Technology Unchained 53 Christian Motorcycle Association 56

18

Departments Ride Safe, Ride Smart 6 Born To Ride Events-www.BornToRide.com 46 BTR Kids 56

Reports Ride The Gauntlet Love-Jugs-Enters The Police World Dirt Floor Cycles Find It Now at Mountain Motorsports Officer Tim Smith Memorial Ride Biker Movie Review-Satan’s Sadists

45

17 30 44 45 49 55

On The Cover Gary Grubbs Deadwood Custom Built By: Tommy Anderson On Location at The Deadwood Saloon Future Filming Site of Nation’s Fire-The Movie

AAA IFC Angel City 36 BTR TV @ BornToRide.com 41 BTR Facebook 54 BTR Lifestyle 52 CJ’s Seats 45 Copperhead Lodge 16 Cycle World of Athens 21 Dirt Floor Cycles 45 Find It Now GPS 27 Georgia Motor Trike 4 Great Amercian Motorcycle Show 43 HD Falcons Fury 28 HD Fraziers 9 HD Raging Bull 7, IBC HD Thunder Tower West 3 Heat Up with Born To Ride 31 Insta Motorcycle Tow 55 LawBike.com 1 Leather, Love & Freedom 45 Love Jugs 30 Media Design Shop 42 Motorcycle Law Group 50 Motolistings.com 12 Mountain Motorsports 26 Nation’s Fire 5 ProRider 32 RGR Motorsports 10 Rock City Cycles 42 Saddle Creek 4 Stefanie Drake Burford 6, BC Toys Wanted 42 Wanted GI Joe 45 Womens World 54

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MAXIMUM OR EMERGENCY BRAKING

Stopping your motorcycle in the shortest possible distance is another valuable skill that street riders need. When an obstacle appears in front of you and swerving is not an option because there are no escape routes available (a piece of furniture falls off of the truck in front of you), then stopping becomes your only option to avoid a collision.

The term “maximum braking” is used when both brakes are applied as firmly as possible without locking up either wheel, typically in an emergency situation. To achieve maximum braking, simultaneously squeeze the front brake and clutch levers, and press the rear brake pedal with firm pressure. Apply the brakes smoothly—avoid “grabbing” or “stabbing” the brakes, as the harsh application is more likely to cause a skid or other upset to the chassis. During maximum braking, keep the motorcycle in as straight a line as possible to reduce lean angle and the likelihood of the wheels losing traction. Remember, if either wheel is skidding, maximum braking power is not being applied to the road surface. Keep your body centered over the motorcycle and look well ahead, not down.

Maximum braking, like swerving, is a critical skill that should be practiced. It is wise to occasionally go to a clear (not wet or oily), safe area and practice maximum braking maneuvers to accustom yourself to how much braking force can be applied before your wheels begin to skid. This is especially the case if you have recently purchased a new or different motorcycle and need to discover its unique braking characteristics.

For more information go to www.msf-usa.org

The 2013 Boaterz and Bikerz of America: HULL OF A TOUR was a nine-day event from Destin, FL to San Diego, CA. In 2015, The Freedom Ride ran nine-days from Sarasota to Washington DC, with stops at five Freedom Boat Clubs, plus visits to Harley-Davidson’s York, PA factory, the Gettysburg Battlefield and Jefferson’s beloved Monticello, wrapping into DC’s famous Rolling Thunder.

This year’s “Pacific Coast Rush” held July 23-30 was a spectacular 1,750-mile wild, wild west adventure, from Seattle to Big Sur, with a loop back to San Francisco.

As is tradition and the unique component to this ride, it mixes the best of motorcycling with special boating events, in keeping with the composition of marine industry folk and BTR 8 | BORNTORIDE.COM

their friends.

Pacific Coast Rush brought together 16 bikes and 25 experienced riders from Florida, Ohio, Washington State and California. A dozen machines shipped from four Florida cities a week in advance via 4D’s Trucking private transport, aboard owner Mike Dengel’s trusty 72’ semi.

Riders rendezvoused with Dengel in Seattle a week later to offload bikes. We gathered early Saturday and navigated through interstate traffic to downtown Seattle, arriving at the waterfront enclave of retail sponsor Alexander Marine USA and its global manufacturer and joint event sponsor, Regal Boats. As the dealership had already sold through its Regal cruiser inventory, our riders were treated to a fabulous two-hour

brunch cruise aboard a stunning 78’ Ocean Alexander motoryacht.

What an awesome way to get the party started! We toasted the tour, explored the magnificent yacht, mixed and mingled and enjoyed delectable hors d’oeuvres including fresh salmon. We cruised leisurely along Lake Union and Lake Washington with the famous Space Needle and Seattle skyline on the horizon. As our cruise came to its close, we thanked our gracious hosts, then revved it up for our ride to Mount Rainier National Park.

After a brief pit stop In Enumclaw, we began the stellar climb to the Sunrise Visitors Center, the highest drive point in the national park. Unfortunately, our only incident involved a rider breaking down half way up

For more than 32 years, Wanda Kenton Smith has been on the cutting edge of both media & marketing.

the mountain. Due to the late afternoon hour and lack of emergency towing services in the area, he spent the night at the ranger’s station. Our hero was transport driver Mike Dengel who drove his bike 2.5 hours to pick up a new battery AND then returned with it so our pal could rejoin the tour. What a champ!

The rest of the crew rode an hour and checked in at the rustic Paradise Inn, operated by the National Park Service.

Our first group dinner together was fun, but dessert was even better. We licked ice cream cones around a large, blazing fireplace!

Some riders rose early to trek half a mile up the mountain and were treated to a bewitching display of fragrant blooms, with a

front-row vista of Mount Rainier in all of her craggy, snow-capped glory!

Our first official stop was the Mount Saint Helens Windy Ridge View Point, a parched, somber and a bleak reminder of nature’s fierce power. We rode as close to the volcano’s caldera as possible and observed the lingering signs of devastation wrought by the original blast in 1980, and a second in 2008.

We maneuvered down the mountain to Cougar for lunch, then cruised into Oregon where we stopped to view the famous Columbia River Gorge. We swung east and passed a series of waterfalls, stopping at Multnomah. Breathtaking!

We overnighted at Hood River and rose early to ride to the famous Timberline Lodge

on Mount Hood, one of two year round ski resorts in the Northwest. We were surprised to spot skiers on the slopes in July!

The next encounter was one of my favorites. Crater Lake is situated in south central Oregon within the Crater Lake National Park and is the second deepest lake in North America with a 1,949’ water depth.

The water color is a shimmering indigo blue with a brilliancy that defies description. We rode much of the 26-mile rim, stopping for a group photo. We then headed to the hip ski town of Bend, OR and lunched at the local brewery en route to our final destination for the night, White City.

Tuesday dawned a brisk 55 degrees as we suited up for our ride to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, the film location for

For more info about these services or others of interest, Contact wanda@kentonsmithmarketing.com

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the blockbuster movie, Jurassic Park. En route, we stopped for lunch at the Chart Room waterfront restaurant in Crescent City, CA, where we were greeted by a foggy coastline and a happy cacophony of barking sea lions. Ride captain Jim Krueger then led us through our first spectacular canopy of giant redwoods, which served as a brief teaser for the day ahead!

We rode to Eureka for the night, excited about the special dinner hosted by our event title sponsor, Freedom Boat Club at the popular restaurant, Black Lightning Motorcycle Café. Owners Jeff and Cassandra Hesseltine hosted our private event and couldn’t have been more welcoming! We

ordered off an eclectic menu featuring tantalizing soups, fresh salads and pressed panini sandwiches, all bestowed with names of famous motorcycle brands. We filled our bellies as we dined on hand-tooled tables, among a cool array of bikes, gear, merchandise and classic moto movies.

The following morning, we experienced the Avenue of the Giants, an enchanting, 31-mile strip of heavenly grandeur. We slipped onto a secret side road where we parked our rides. The sun peeped through the slumbering forest, monkeys squealed overhead and we breathed it all in, gathering for some fun group shots atop a humungous overturned stump. On our way out, we rode

under and through the massive trunk of one of the most photographed redwoods in the world.

To reduce our travel time to Rohnert Park, we opted to take an inland interstate vs. the coastal route. BIG Mistake! We suffered the radical temperature shift from the cool mid 50’s of the morning to a blistering 111 degrees in the afternoon. We resembled a fire- breathing dragon as we hot-tailed it to a rest stop to peel off leather and mesh. At the second stop, we dumped icy-cold gallons of water directly on our heads to cool our core temperatures. The heat was brutal!

The next day brought new challenges and opportunities.

Be sure to Follow Wanda Kenton Smith, linkedin.com/in/wandakentonsmith • twitter.com/wkentonsmith

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 13

First, we took a thrilling ride through the beach towns of Stinson Beach and Point Reyes, and then wound down to Fort Barry and the Bonita Point Lighthouse, the latter which juts out as the entrance to San Francisco Bay. The road was marked for miles by harrowing hairpin turns and riveting switchbacks. Awesome riding!

We tightened the formation for our group ride over the famous Golden Gate Bridge, which was shrouded in the traditional light layer of fog. The bridge crossing was a breeze … but unfortunately, that euphoria came to a screeching halt at our exit, as we found ourselves smack dab in the middle of major congestion. Due to an accident, we were forced to duck-walk our bikes more than a mile uphill and through a tunnel, an intense and tiring exercise.

As we cleared the accident, though, we cruised like rock stars along the world BTR 14 | BORNTORIDE.COM

famous Pacific Coast Highway, reaching Half Moon Bay where we feasted at Café Capistrano, a small and outstanding familyowned Mayan restaurant.

And then, it was on to Monterey and Carmel for the night.

Two of our California rider pals who rode in the first Hull of a Tour had joined us the day before and agreed to lead the pack to Big Sur on Friday. The wildfires had been raging, but the mountain road remained open. We set off for a three-hour ride through the legendary stretch of Big Sur, en route to San Simeon.

The thick, soupy recipe of fog and smoke created difficult navigation, but our hardy group pressed on, stopping midway for warm beverages. There were points along this curvy road where visibility was reduced to one or two taillights. Every so often, the grey clouds would lift their skirts, allowing

a quick peek at the dramatic cleavage of mountain and surf.

Skies cleared as we descended into San Simeon where we lunched at the foot of the Hearst Castle while seated in a corral, surrounded by horses and cattle.

We then scooted up the mountain for an afternoon tour of the publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst’s majestic American palace, rich in its old Hollywood glamour and steeped in stories.

On our return ride, the fog and smoke had dissipated. We found ourselves cushioned between a long trail of fire fighters during their afternoon shift change. Trucks and equipment were stashed all along the mountainside, amid handwritten signs posted by locals thanking these tireless, hard-working crews for their selfless service and sacrifice. We stopped to view the huge elephant seals who gather each year along

In 2013, Wanda organized Boaterz n Bikerz Across America: An 11-day, 3,000 adventure.

the shore to give birth, sleep, and molt.

These marvelous mammals were literally stacked side to side, sacked out and kicking up sand!

We finally rolled into the picturesque Monterey Marina at sunset, where several of us enjoyed a Japanese tepanyaki-style dinner.

It seems like the months preceding a vacation drag on forever, while the last day of vacation always arrives like an unwelcomed guest. Saturday morning, we headed to the Santa Cruz mountains, riding through fertile farmlands, then up through gentle hills to dappled forests with easy sweeps and turns. A few switchbacks with some wide banks kept the adrenaline flowing.

Around noon, we pulled up to Alice’s Restaurant in Woodbine, where you can, in fact, get most anything you want. A biker’s hangout, hundreds of motorcyclists come

every weekend and create a virtual bike show. It’s the happening spot for a great meal, friendly conversations and some exciting riding all along Skyline Drive.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. We hit the interstate, heading to the Perkins Harley dealership near San Francisco Airport where we reluctantly turned over our bikes and keys to Mike Dengel, who loaded ‘em up and moved ‘em out. He would be making a stop in Sturgis with our loyal steeds before returning them to the Sunshine State a few weeks later. We’ve all become fans of Mike and 4D’s Trucking!

The tour’s grand finale was held at San Francisco’s famous Fisherman’s Wharf where we gathered for a “Sunset Sailabration,” hosted by Freedom Boat Club. Our last ride was aboard a spacious 48’ power catamaran which cruised 1.5 hours around San Francisco Bay, past Alcatraz and beneath the

Golden Gate Bridge. We toasted the amazing time we’d spent together … and the fabulous new friendships we’d made.

There’s a lot that could be said about riding with a group of boaters and bikers, but one description says it all … it’s one hull of a tour!

Wanda Kenton Smith is the co-founder and event producer of Hull of a Tour. She is president of Kenton Smith Marketing (www. kentonsmithmarketing.com), president of Marine Marketers of America and chief marketing officer of Freedom Boat Club.

She is also the national marketing columnist for Soundings Trade Only since 1998, and served previously as editor of several consumer boating magazines and trade newspapers.

If you’re a Boater and Biker, Contact Wanda for her next Adventure. wanda@kentonsmithmarketing.com

By Wanda Kenton Smith BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 15

Destination Location-Ride the Gauntlet You’ve heard about the Dragons Tail, but this ride has much more to offer. Put this one on your bucket list. This ride starts and ends at Copperhead Lodge so you can’t go wrong. While your at it, make sure you stop by the Biker Barn on 24A Ivy Log Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512.

The Gauntlet (133 mi, 3 hr 27 min) Start at Copperhead Lodge From Blairsville Head northwest on GA-11 N/US-129 N (8.5 mi) Left GA-325 (12.7 mi) Left Blue Ridge Hwy (2.2 mi) Right Skeenah Gap Rd (7.8 mi) Left GA-60 S (15.3 mi) Left SR-180/Wolf Pen Gap Rd (11.2 mi) Right GA-11 S/US-29 S/US-19 S (17.9 mi) Left GA-75Alt S (5.9 mi) Left GA-348 (14.0 mi) Right SR-180 (11.6 mi) Left GA-17 N/GA-75 N/Unicoi Turnpike (6.3 mi) Left GA-17 N/GA-2 W/US-76 W (0.2 mi) Left GA-288 W/Sunnyside Rd (5.8 mi) Left GA-17 N/GA-2 W/US-76 W (14.0 mi) End back at Blairsville Copperhead Lodge

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T S O L G IN

S H P A R G O T O H P LIV

PIUS

KUR H S O J BY

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en look p o , t s e an hon e v group i a g f s o e g e l a y “The im nhibited lifest xplore the e ni at the u c bikers out to a.” di m of noma erican panora Am

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HS P A R G PHOTO LIVING

LOST

“For me, motorcycles and photography go hand and hand,” said Kurpius. “The riding keeps me shooting, and my camera keeps me involved in motorcycling 24/7.”

The newest exhibit at the HarleyDavidson Museum features more than 30 original works by custom bike builder, rider and photographer Josh Kurpius. Living

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Lost Photographs by Josh Kurpius displays photographs taken during a series of road trips across the country on a chopped 1977 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The images give an honest, open look at the uninhibited lifestyle of a group of nomadic bikers out to explore the American panorama.

When Josh was young, he was actually

intimidated by motorcycles, but when he turned 20 his dad let him take his antique ’69 Harley-Davidson FLH for a ride. As he explains, “it was at that point that I was hooked.” It was around the same time that he also became interested in photography, and from that point on, learning to ride and take amazing photography went hand-in-hand. In

“We’ve worked with Josh over the years. It’s great to see him recognized in the H-D museum.” ~ Ron Galletti

HS P A R G PHOTO LIVING

LOST

“Through stunning

juxtapositions of a roaring Harley-Davidson, next to a quiet countryside, Josh captures the timeless enticement of a life lived on the road with his motorcycle.” particular, he taught himself to shoot from the bike, as in while it was moving, which yielded a perspective he had not seen much of before in the world of commercial motorcycle photography. After riding on borrowed bikes, Josh built his current ride, a chopped 1977 Harley-Davidson Ironhead Sportster® christened “The Locust,” from a box of parts and not much experience as a mechanic.

“These may not be the prettiest bikes, but there’s a certain beauty in that they are used for their intended purpose. Each of these bikes has tremendous character,” Josh states.

He further explains that he appreciates and feels inspired by the “pick up and go” mindset, and his camera becomes the gateway into what he has come to love - riding and shooting these natural moments. It is the photography that keeps him riding, and the riding that keeps him shooting great photography.

“When we ride, we are completely in the moment, not thinking about the next stop or getting to a particular place,” states Kurpius.

“For us, it’s all about the ride and experiencing everything around BTR 22 | BORNTORIDE.COM

you. It’s kind of surreal to have this exhibit at the Harley-Davidson Museum and have so many people get the chance to see what the road means to me and my friends.”

In each shot, you can see his soul embedded in the experience, and feels as if you are looking through his eyes as they focus through the viewfinder. Through stunning juxtapositions of a roaring HarleyDavidson next to a quiet countryside, Josh captures the timeless enticement of a life lived on the road with his motorcycle. The photos not only depict the raw beauty of America, but the beauty of the off-moments that reveal themselves in serendipitous ways.

Just like his bike, the Locust, many of the bikes that Josh captures are stretched 1970s-style chopper, and they are rode hard.

These bikes are continuously rebuilt, with parts regularly swapped in and out to keep them on the road, because the vintage machines Josh and his friends ride can only go so far without refueling or needing maintenance. It is during these unscheduled stops that they often find themselves in places barely noticeable if restricted to the confines of a car.

Living Lost Photographs by Josh Kurpius is just one of the latest adventures in Kurpius’ journey. As he gets ready for the next ride, he’ll have his camera right there with him,

capturing more lost in time moments that can only be found while he’s on The Locust riding with his friends.

The Living Lost exhibit runs through May 18 at the HarleyDavidson Museum, located on the bridge between the Museum and Archives building.

For more information about the Harley-Davidson Museum, visit h-dmuseum.com. To learn more about Josh Kurpius and his work, visit joshkurpius.com.

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 23

2017 VICTORY SPECIFICATIONS CURB WEIGHT 548 LB. (249 KG) DISPLACEMENT 1179CC

@ 6000 RPM BORE X STROKE (MM) 101.0 X 73.6MM ENGINE TYPE LIQUID-COOLED 60° V-TWIN

ENGINE COMPRESSION RATIO 10.8:1 EXHAUST DUAL SLASH-CUT MUFFLERS WITH COMMON VOLUME FUEL SYSTEM SEQUENTIAL FUEL INJECTION WITH SINGLE 60MM THROTTLE BODY HORSEPOWER (HP) 104 HP @ 8000 RPM TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE 6-SPEED/BELT VALVE TRAIN DOHC, 4 VALVES PER CYLINDER FINAL DRIVE RATIO 2.536 :1 TORQUE 76 FT-LBS

DRIVETRAIN CLUTCH TYPE WET, MULTI-PLATE SUSPENSION FRONT SUSPENSION 41MM DAMPER-TUBE FORKS WITH DUAL-RATE SPRINGS; 4.7-IN. TRAVEL SUSPENSION TWIN R E A R

Professional driver on closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owners manual and

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Mountain Motorsports is a company built around one simple principle: Greatly Exceed Expectations

OCTANE SHOCKS WITH DUAL-RATE SPRINGS, ADJUSTABLE PRELOAD; 3.0-IN. TRAVEL

WHEEL 17 X 4.5-IN. CAST 10-SPOKE

DIMENSIONS FUEL CAPACITY (LITRES) 3.4 GAL. BRAKES / 12.9 LTR BRAKE SYSTEM TYPE OVERALL VEHICLE LENGTH 90.9 CONVENTIONAL IN. / 2286MM FRONT BRAKES DUAL PISTON RAKE/TRAIL 29.0°/ 5.1 IN. / CALIPER, 298MM DISC 130MM REAR BRAKES SINGLE-PISTON SEAT HEIGHT 25.9 IN. / 658 MM WHEELBASE 62.1 IN. / 1578MM TIRES / WHEELS LEAN ANGLE 32 DEGREES FRONT TIRES 130/70-18 63H FRONT WHEEL 18 X 3.5-IN. CAST, FEATURES 10-SPOKE COLORS (BASE) SUEDE PEARL REAR TIRES WHITE, GLOSS BLACK W/ 160/70-17 GRAPHICS, MATTE SUPER STEEL 76H GRAY REAR COLOR SWATCH MATTE SUPER STEEL GRAY

product warning labels before operation. Model shown with optional accessories. Vehicle specifications subject to change.

Six Locations to serve you, For more information www.mtn-motorsports.com

780 Cobb Parkway South Marietta, GA 30060 770-425-4000 899 Iris Drive SE Conyers, GA 30094 770-761-4800 631 Thornton Road Lithia Springs, GA 30122 770-941-9050 3102 Cobb Parkway NW Kennesaw, GA 30152 770-974-6000 1700 Horizon Pkwy Buford, GA 30518 770-822-0089 1275 Upper Hembree Rd Roswell, GA 30076 770-664-0820 BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 25

Many of you who read Born To Ride magazine have seen our stories and various advertisements for Love Jugs. I was able to spend some time with Steve West, CEO of Love Jugs. Steve provided some new, exciting information about Love Jugs’ entry into the police world!

“The police have more use for Love Jugs because they do so much slow riding. They also do a lot of idling when they have someone pulled over. Think how uncomfortable that bike is once they get back on the Motorcycle – it can be burning hot! By putting Love Jugs on their bikes, it solves all of those problems.”

“Placement of Love Jugs is tremendous because so many times, for example, police officers are in a parade. With the slow riding, the bikes are burning the riders’ thighs and other body parts, and they can’t pull the bike off to the side to cool off. It’s just a matter of toughening it out. Having Love Jugs installed on the bikes eliminates that issue.” In ending our conversation, Steve mentioned, “Everyone needs Love Jugs. Police departments all over the world are discovering Love Jugs! Our biggest customer so far is the New York City Police Department. They told the Nassau County Police Department and now they are Love Jugs customers! Many other police departments around the world either have Love Jugs on their bikes and/or are testing them to place on all of the department bikes.”

Recently, a Police Motor Unit blog stated, “Every police motorcycle in the world should be equipped with Love Jugs!”

If your Motor Unit would like more info on getting your Motorcycles Equiped with Love-Jugs, Contact: Steve 561-499-0974

John Landstrom is a student of history— motorcycle history. And his shop, Blue Moon Cycle, is as much a history museum as it is a motorcycle sales and service enterprise.

Tucked in a two-story, dual-building warehouse in Norcross, Georgia, northeast of Atlanta, Blue Moon is a time machine, a portal through which one can be transported back to experience over a century’s worth of European and North American motorcycle legacy. John has parlayed a love for classic and vintage motorcycles into a very successful business, and has amassed one of the most impressive collections of lesser known or unknown brands and models I have ever seen.

An icon in the Atlanta and north Georgia vintage scene, John is known and respected nationally in the motorcycle industry. And yet, this soft-spoken and friendly enthusiast

enjoys nothing more than wrenching on old motorcycles, notably BMWs, tinkering around his impressive showroom, and hanging out with fellow riders.

I first met John many years ago, at local motorcycle events and rallies, and have visited Blue Moon several times with family and friends. I love this place, and never tire of strolling among John’s artifacts of moto history. We sat down and talked recently, and I enjoyed learning some of the back story behind the man and his “museum/ showroom.”

John first found a love for motorcycles at age 14 via motorcycle magazines; he built his first mini bike that year with the motor from the family snow blower. “I caught hell from my old man that winter,” he recounts, “when he needed the blower, and it was minus an engine!” By 16, John earned his

In our Neverending Search, we Strive to give you Great Destination Ride Locations.

license, and bought his first working street bike, a Honda SL100 in about 1969-70.

(Note: he had previously bought a Ducati 125 that he never got running) A BSA 650 followed the Honda, then a Harley Sportster by his senior year of high school.

John’s interest in the BMW brand came in 1974, as the result of a cross-country moto trip with several friends. He had built a rigid-frame Harley chopper to ride to the west coast, with a stop planned along the way to witness Evel Knievel jump the Snake River Canyon. They left Chicago, and found themselves having to stop at nearly every Harley shop along the route to keep the bikes road-worthy. Deep in Montana, the friends pulled into an H-D dealership that also carried BMW motorcycles. “I always thought BMWs were old men’s bikes,” John quips, “until I laid eyes on a two-tone, BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 33

race fairing R90s. (An identical one sits on his showroom) I absolutely fell in love with it. After 2000 miles on a rigid frame Shovelhead, I said, ‘That’s my next bike.’”

And a life-long love affair with BMW was begun.

John asserts he still has a great affection for Harleys, Indians, and Brit bikes, as evidenced by some of the rare and outstanding models out on display. But his expertise and passion lies with classic European motorcycles. Blue Moon features over 150 motorcycles, overwhelmingly vintage, with brands from Harley and Indian, BMW and Ducati, and relative unknowns ranging from Ariel and Adler, Hercules and Munch, NSU to Zundapp, and everything in between. Brands and models few people have ever seen. The collection attracted BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM

the crew of “American Pickers” on two occasions, and every time those shows air in syndication, the visits and the calls come pouring in.

Upon moving to Georgia in the early 80s, John worked at a BMW dealership in Lawrenceville. A deer impact (common Georgia occurrence) left him with a severely broken leg, knocking him out of work for about a year. While laid up, John began restoring old motorcycles, working on friend’s vintage BMWs, and he never returned to the dealership. Blue Moon Cycle was born. “My hobby faded over into my profession,” John muses.

Over the years, Blue Moon has been an official dealership for BMW, Moto Guzzi, Royal Enfield, Ural and MV Augusta at various times, all with great success. But

after 30 years in the motorcycle industry, John felt it was time to return to his roots.

He sold the BMW and MV lines to the Campbells, who opened Hourglass Cycles 20 miles north (www.hourglasscycles.com).

John and his staff of five now carries Ural exclusively, as well as late model used Euro bikes, and recently became an authorized dealer for Zero Electric Motorcycles, out of California. Yes, you read that right.

Asked the obvious, “Why Zero, amidst all the vintage?” John recounts an unexpected meeting. “I never really thought about electric motorcycles, hardly even read anything on them. Then one day, this Zero rep shows up here, with a truck full of their bikes. He encouraged me to ride one, an opportunity I’d never turn down, and I found myself amazed by it. Way faster than

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most anything I’d ever ridden. Absolutely silent, no shifting, just light, nimble, easy handling, and so fast! 0-60 in 3 seconds, with no sound, was something few have ever experienced. I was blown away.” After some research, they decided to sign on, and Blue Moon became an official Zero dealer.

John once asked his Zero contact, “Why did you come to us?” The reply was, “We wanted to prove something. If Blue Moon can sell Zeros, anybody can!” And they have been, becoming the best Zero startup dealer nationally to date. “This is the motorcycle of the future, in a showroom full of motorcycles of the past,” John observes. I say, it works.

What else makes Blue Moon Cycle unique is that everything is for sale. A museum where you can purchase and take home anything you see. And you will see some of the most amazing motorcycles

anywhere on the planet. Maybe one can go home with you?

John and crew have arranged the showroom to feature used and late model bikes, Zeros and Urals on the main floor, even some consignments. Further back, Blue Moon features vintage bikes, with a separate display area known as the War Room. All military, 12 brands from 12 countries, from WWII through the first Gulf War. Tip: Look for two American bikes, an Indian and a Harley, with very unusual and rare engine configurations. Upstairs John and company house 100% vintage bikes and memorabilia, ranging from 50cc Avanti Victorias to a massive Munch Mammoth. Trust me, you’ll know it when you see it.

If you plan to visit, take your time here. There is so much to see, so much to discover. It is a true walk-through, tangible

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history display; a most unique, eclectic collection.

What’s the future hold for John Landstrom and Blue Moon Cycle? A simple vision, really: “Just keep sharing this love of motorcycling, supporting the classic and vintage moto community, keeping our customers happy, keeping interesting motorcycles coming and going through our doors, and making new friends along the way. I’m doing what I love.”

Check out John and Blue Moon Cycle on the web at www.bluemooncycle.com, and definitely drop in sometime. They are located at 752 W Peachtree Street, Norcross, Georgia, 30071. Give them a call at 770-447-6945.

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It all started when a group of friends were wrenching on their own Harleys in a tiny backyard shop with a dirt floor that jokingly became known as Dirt Floor Cycles. As time went on, friends and locals began bringing their bikes for repairs, and as their knowledge and love for working on Harleys grew so did their customer base. It became obvious there was a need for real down to earth people in the motorcycle industry down South, so David and Buck decided it was time to share their expertise.

A new much larger shop was built and outfitted with all the tools and equipment required for today’s needs. David opened the doors of Dirt Floor Cycles, LLC to the public in August of 2015. It wasn’t long before DFC was set up with several parts distributors and business began to pick up. Meanwhile Buck, a retired combat vet, relocated to Daytona, FL to attend Wyotech’s Harley-Davidson Technical program, where he graduated top of his class in December of 2015 and returned to Dirt Floor Cycles as the lead technician.

Today the shop is much larger and the floors are concrete, but the spirit and dedication that turned a joke among friends into a reality is still at the heart of Dirt Floor Cycles.

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912-839-2541 • 1940 Harville Road, Statesboro, GA 30548 www.dirtfloorcycles.com

Events www.B November 3 - November 6 Lakeland, FL Roscoe’s World Famous Chili Challenge. $2000 Purse, plus Trophies, All Chili must be cooked on site. First 2000 Patrons Receive FREE Event Patches. Vendors must Pre-Register! This Party Happens come Rain or Shine, Hail or High Water. Adults Only, No One Under 21, For more information, Call 863-858-6249 or 863-559-1166 www.roscoeschilichallenge.com November 5 St. Augustine, FL Annual Clyde E. Lessen Poker Run 10am Arnold’s Lounge. All proceeds go to Clyde E. Lessen Veterans Nursing home. For more info, 904-868-1021 November 5 Athens, GA Cycle World of Athens Celebrating Veterans Day 11am 3pm. Come join the Cycle World of Athens team as we show our sincere appreciation to all past and present veterans who took the oath to support and defend. For more information, call 706-548-3300 November 5 Buford, GA 17th Annual Buford Ace Classic Cruise-in Car and Motorcycle Show 10am - 3pm Ace Hardware.

Modified cars, Vintage Cars, Street Rods, Muscle Cars, *Motorcycles*, Race cars, Rare Rides of all kinds and yes Classic Drivers Too! Oldies DJ, Tons of Door Prizes, Silent Auction, and Fun for the Whole Family; $10.00 Cruising donation.

Optional Judging entry donation $25.

Vendors Wanted $75 per Parking space, Charity’s $50 per parking space. Vendor Donations NonRefundable Including for Weather. For more info, 770-932-1458 November 5 Conyers, GA Falcons Fury Grill n Chill 12pm. For more information, call 770-979-7999 November 5 Winder, GA 16th Annual Barrow County Sheriff’s Office Charity Motorcycle Ride Back the Badge BTR4644| |BORNTORIDE.COM BORNTORIDE.COM BTR

Borngreat To Ride market, promote, and your next event; There are Let some events coming up, so getadvertise out there and meet up call with404-788-3907. old friends!

s, Rides & Destinations BornToRide.com/events Poker Run 9am New Courthouse in Barrow County. Cost will be $25.00 per hand and $10.00 for each additional hand. Proceeds will go to benefit the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office summer camp P.L.A.Y. (Participating in Lives of Area Youth) and Sheriff’s Explorer POST 747 and other local charities. For more information, call 770-713-9254 November 5 Angier, NC MMIA Toys for Tots Poker Run 10:30am Good Times. All cash proceeds go to MMIA; $20 or $10 and an unwrapped toy, two up $30 or $10 with two toys. Direction will be provided the day of the run for all stops, but ride will end at Big Daddy’s Road House in Fuquay. For more information, call 919-639-3047 November 5 Lincolnton, NC NJROTC Boosters Toys for Tots Toy Run 11am - 5pm West Lincoln High School. Hosted by the West Lincoln Navy Junior ROTC Booster Club to benefit Toys for Tots. Entry fee – One new unwrapped toy per rider/ passenger or $15 for a single rider/$20 for double riders; 980-429-0743 November 5 Wilmington, NC Carolina Coast Harley-Davidson 25th Anniversary Open House, Bike and Car Show 10am. We’re celebrating our 25th year in business. Come out and celebrate with us; bike and car show, stunt show, tent sale, Dyno shootout, free food & beverages, vendors and more.

For more info, call 910-791-9997 November 5 Charleston, SC Support of Soldiers 10am - 5pm Low County Harley-Davidson. Ride Check In at 9am - Charleston Fire Museum at Tanger

Motorcycle Ride Begins at 10am Ride Stops Include: Charleston Air Force Base Static Plane Tour, Naval Munitions Command Tour, Patriots Point Vietnam Experience Tour and ends at Low Country Harley-Davidson Chili Cook-off; $25 Rider $15 Passenger, includes shirt, tours and entrance to Chili Cook-off with bands, food and drinks. **Attention: You must Preregister before October 24 for access to Joint Base Charleston Facilities** For more info, www. palmettomilitarysupport group.org November 5 Ladson, SC roar 2 the Shore 4 Epilepsy 2pm American Biker.

Join us for the 1st annual Roar 2 The Shore 4 Epilepsy to benefit SC Advocates For Epilepsy! The Poker Run will begin in Ladson and end in Mt. Pleasant with a live band. Sign up by September 23rd to guarantee your shirt!

Registration begins at 2pm, first bike out at 3pm, last bike out at 4pm. For more information, call 843-696-0761 November 6 Clearwater Beach, FL Heartstrings for Heroes Ride & 3-hour boat cruise. www.

HeartStringsForHeroes.org November 6 Carthage, TN Horsepower by the River 8am - 3pm Smith County Ag Center. Custom car, truck, bike, and rat rod show along with swap meet. For more information, call 615-489-3236 November 6 Manchester, TN 20th Annual Highway 41 Toy Convoy & Show 11am Raiders Academy.

The Highway 41 Toy Convoy and Show is inviting all vehicles to join the only convoy of its type in the South. Don’t be fooled by wannabes. Highway 41 is the original convoy that invites everything that rolls. Help us

celebrate 20 years in helping the South Carolina! We meet at noon, children of Middle TN. For more ride at 1:00pm! Will update with the family’s needs soon, mark info, call 931-857-3643 your calendar now! For more information, call 864-244-6200 November 11 Sylacuga, AL Holiday in the Country Ride for Life 9am Stewart November 19 Volunteer Fire Department. Conyers, GA Falcons Fury Motorcycle ride and car show; Customer appreciation Day 12pm registration $20, ride starts at - 4pm. For more information, call 10am. For more information, call 770-979-7999 256-496-2548 November 19 Concord, NC 14th Annual Arzie November 11 - November 12 Salisbury, NC 43rd Annual CBA Rodgers Toy Run 8:30am CMC Fall Motorcycle Swap Meet and NorthEast Stadium. This Memorial Bike Show at Rowland County Ride begins at CMC-NorthEast Fairgrounds. Get ready for the Stadium, thru the Concord Parade party. The CBA Fall Swap Meet and ends at Speedway Harleyand Bike Show is the oldest and Davidson where food, music, prizes largest show on the East Coast. and the toy presentation will take For more information about event, place. Participants are encouraged call 704-455-6245 to bring new unwrapped toys to participate in the ride and to be November 12 eligible for door prizes. Everyone Buford, GA Frazier’s Harley- is welcome. For more information, Davidson 2017 Demo Ride Event call 704-786-4709 11am - 3pm. Your invitation to ride more, experience more and November 19 discover more. Test ride one of the Durham, NC 24th Annual new models. For more information Salvation Army Toy Run 10am call 770-945-6011 Rommel Harley-Davidson. Help the Durham HOG Chapter and the November 12 Salvation Army bring a little joy Conyers, GA Falcons Fury Open to the holidays. Bring a new or House--Operation Personal gently-used, unwrapped toy or $10 Freedom Day 10am - 4pm. For (minimum - bring as many as you more info, call 770-979-7999 want) donation to join the policeescorted ride to deliver a load of November 12 toys. Donated toys go directly to Hickory, NC Blue Ridge Harley- local children through Salvation Davidson Salute to veterans. Join Army Registration starts 10am, Blue Ridge Harley-Davidson as with coffee and donuts while they we celebrate veterans. High school last. Kick stands up at 11:30.

ROTC programs from all over the Durham County Sheriff’s Motor area compete in drill exercises to Unit will lead a ride into northern become the best of the best. For Durham County then down Main more information about event, call Street in Durham, ending at the 828-327-3030 Salvation Army Barracks. For more information, call 919-596-9511 November 12 Greenville, SC 2016 Rettew November 19 Family Run 12pm Greenville Wallace, NC 10th Annual Turkey Shrine Club. The highlight of our Run. Please bring a Nonyear; it’s going to be a wonderful Perishable food donation. Group experience of God’s love and rides begin at 3 Harley Davidson the best homemade cookies in Dealerships:

To Send submitinand eventomore events visit www.GeorgiaBikeEvents.com yourview events info@BornToRide.com, help us help you.

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www.BornToRide.com/events Carolina Coast H-D - Wilmington New River H-D - Jacksonville Beach House H-D - Shallotte Rides all end at Mad Boar in Wallace.

For more information, call 910-3469997 November 20 Jacksonville, NC 12th annual Toys for Tots Ride 12pm New River HarleyDavidson. Escorted ride follow with lunch, please bring an unwrapped toy to donate. For more info, call 910-3469997 November 25 - November 27 Conyers, GA Falcons Fury Black Friday, Orange Saturday & Chrome Sunday Event. For more information, call 770-979-7999 November 26 New Bern, NC 24th Annual Kennedy Home Toy Run 10am New Bern HarleyDavidson. Donation of $10 cash or gift card or a gift for a teenager between the ages of 12-18 yrs. For more information, call 252-633-4060 November 27 Shallotte, NC 6th Annual Toys for Tots Ride 12pm Beach House HarleyDavidson. Bring a new unwrapped toy to benefit the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. For more information, call 910-575-9997

December 3 Athens, GA Salvation Army Toy Run 9am Cycle World of Athens. All toys and cash donations (100%) will benefit the Salvation Army of Athens to help local families in need during the Christmas season. The Salvation Army has hundreds of families in our surrounding counties already identified on this year’s list. Whether you ride or not, please consider helping the Salvation Army with a donation this Christmas. Please make All checks payable to The Salvation Army of Athens and please drop off your toy donations at Cycle World of Athens. We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone. For more info, call 706-548-3300 December 3 Raleigh, NC Ray Price HarleyDavidson Toys for Tots 9am.

Bring a new unwrapped toy to help US Marine Toys for Tots.

For more information about event, call 919-832-2261

December 3 Myrtle Beach, SC Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson 7th Annual Toy Run. Join MBHD for our largest ride of the year, as we ride for a Great cause! All types of holiday fun, free food, live music and November 28 more.

For more information, call Buford, GA Frazier’s Harley-Davidson 843-639-5555 Take photos with Santa 11am - 4pm.

For more info call 770-945-6011 December 3 Clarksville, TN Appleton December 3 Christmas Luverne, AL Spyders Toy Run 11am - Harley-Davidson 1pm Alcatraz Shriner’s building. This is Open House 11am - 3pm. Visit an annual run to collect toys for kids at and take photos with Santa and Christmas who might not otherwise have Harley Hotties. Door prizes and a Christmas. For more information, call refreshments all day. Come see us for hassle-free shopping and 334-546-8311

free gift wrapping. For more Charity Ride at Carolina information, call 931-552-7523 Powerhouse Store. Help bring Christmas at Dorn VA; donate December 4 a gift, give a Christmas card, Wilmington, NC Carolina Coast make a donation or volunteer; Harley-Davidson Toys for Tots do whatever you can do to help 11am. Bring in a new unwrapped make this a happier Holiday toy to help make a child’s life a Season for the vets. For more little brighter. This is an escorted information, call 803-252-3381 ride, followed with lunch. For more info, call 910-791-9997 January 7 Lebanon, TN 7th Annual December 4 Tennessee Motorama 2017 Greenville, SC 31st Annual Wilson County Exposition Christmas Toy Run 12pm Center.

Huge swap meet, car & Greenville Shrine. Ride to benefit motorcycle show and more. For the Julie Valentine Center. Line more info, call 615-364-1828 begins at Noon, parade leaves at 2pm; parade led by Parker Fire District with GSO escort. January 28 - January 29 Please bring new unwrapped Atlanta, GA The Great American Toy for children and teens, Motorcycle Show 2017 1/28 t-shirts will be available, watch - 1/29 Cobb Galleria Center. for pre-sale to be posted. For Join us for Georgia’s BIGGEST more information about event, indoor bike show! The show is full of new motorcycles brought call 864-569-2459 to you by Georgia’s leading dealers. This is your chance to December 10 see what’s new in the market Athens, GA Pictures with Biker and talk to the pros. See foreign Santa 9am - 11am Cycle World of Athens. For kids of ALL AGES and domestic motorcycles, one ... Come meet Biker Santa and of a kind custom bikes, cruisers, get a FREE picture with him on sport bikes, choppers, trikes, the showroom floor. For more and touring bikes. Meet the information, call 706-548-3300 bike builders and listen to great southern rock. The show is jamDecember 10 packed with special features and Greensboro, NC 19th Annual events that are sure to please Brenner Children’s Hospital riders of all ages, including kids.

Toy Run at Harley-Davidson Bring the entire family and come of Greensboro. Help us make see over 100,000 s.f. of bikes a difference; bring a new and accessories. Park in the unwrapped toy or cash donation. secure bike corral. No matter All donations go directly to what you ride, this show is a Brenner Children’s Hospital. For motorcyclist’s dream! Hours: more info, call 336-273-1101 Saturday: 9am-8pm Sunday: 10am-5pm For more info, call December 11 770-279-9899 Columbia, SC Vet’s Christmas

Officer Tim Smith Memorial Ride

On August 13, 2016, two days before his 31st birthday, Eastman, GA police officer, Tim Smith, was shot and killed while responding to reports of a subject carrying a gun. Officer Smith made contact with the subject and the man opened fire on

Officer Smith, fatally wounding him. Officer Smith was able to return fire and informed dispatchers he had been shot. The subject fled the scene but was apprehended two days later, found in the trunk of his sister’s car during a traffic stop in Nassau County, Florida.

Officer Smith had served with the Eastman Police Department for 5-1/2 years.

family,” said Joel. So, a memorial ride for the slain officer was planned a month later after his funeral.

Motorcycle clubs, including law enforcement related clubs like the Blue Knights and others, American Legion Riders and individual riders came from all over to pay respect and raise money for the family.

They raised money from sponsors that had their names on ride shirts and the ride entry fees. Food, auction items and much more was donated.

The good weather leading up to the event as well as the nature of the cause, attracted over 350 bikes plus passengers, doing a 55 mile escorted ride through the cities of Hawkinsville, Cochran, Eastman and back to the Leatherman’s store. Law enforcement did an outstanding job, keeping the ride moving on the highways and through these cities.

In addition to the funds raised, a check was presented to Smith’s fiancée, Chelsea, He is survived by his fiancée, Chelsea, three by the Lt. Cliff Rouse Memorial Ride children, two stepchildren, parents, and three Committee Inc. of Albany, GA, Lt. Rouse having been killed responding to a burglary siblings. in 2010. Other items of remembrance were Law enforcement officers from all over also presented to Chelsea. the country came and paid respect to him at his funeral and he was transported by

a special caisson by the North Carolina Troopers Association.

Joel Yarborough, owner of The Leatherman, a motorcycle related shop just Joel said that not only did the local West of Eastman used to drop off and pick community band together, but it was gratifying up his children from the same school, around to see the outpouring of support from all over the same time as Chelsea picked up her and it was overwhelming. children.

An annual ride may be in the future.

“I wanted to do something for his

by Paul Murray

God Bless Officer Tim Smith, his Family and all Officers who put their Lives on the line to Protect & Serve.

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Motorcycle Fatalities Rise by 8.3% According to Recent NHTSA Report

By Matt Danielson, The Motorcycle Law Group

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) announced the release of a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concerning traffic crashes and fatalities for 2015. Of particular interest to motorcyclists is the fact that motorcycle fatalities rose 8.3% between 2014 and 2015. This report comes roughly four months after a similar report was issued by the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA) which predicted a 10% rise in motorcycle fatalities for 2015.

While any increase in motorcycle fatalities is unwelcomed news, this latest report should not be met with panic or knee jerk reactions. It is important to keep in mind that traffic fatalities as a whole rose in 2015. According to the NHTSA report, traffic fatalities rose by 7.2%, with many segments of the transportation community seeing larger increases than motorcyclists. Van-related fatalities rose by 9.3%, while SUV-related fatalities rose by 10.1%. Pedestrian fatalities rose by 9.5%, and pedalcycling-related fatalities rose by 12.2%. It is also important to point out that the 2015 increase in motorcycle fatalities comes after two straight years in which motorcyclists saw decreases in fatalities.

The report failed to draw conclusions as to the reason for the rise in either motorcycle fatalities or traffic fatalities as a whole. However, with regard to motorcycle fatalities, the NHTSA report points out two specific findings. One is that all age groups saw increases in motorcycle fatalities except for riders nineteen and under; they saw a decrease of 8.7%. The other issue specific to motorcycle fatalities concerns states with universal helmet laws versus those which do not have such laws. The report states that 58% of those killed in states without universal helmet laws were not wearing a helmet, compared to 8% in states with universal helmet laws. I am not sure why NHTSA felt it was important to point that out. One would

have in the past few years, we should always be striving to improve motorcycle safety.

So here is a suggestion: If you have not taken a course to improve your skills in the past few (or 20 – you know who you are) years, sign up for one.

There are great skills courses offered throughout the country. If you are not a member of a state motorcycle rights organization which promotes motorcycle awareness and education, consider finding one. Every state has them. All of us have an interest in motorcycle safety.

Let’s make it a priority.

To go one step further, I’ll make expect more un-helmeted fatalities in states each of you a deal. In the next year, I will which allowed adults to choose whether or take at least one of the many motorcycle not to wear a helmet. Motorcyclists as a courses offered which helps correct the whole are generally law abiding, and in the bad habits that we all pick up, and which 19 states which require motorcyclists to wear help us to hone the skills which can be helmets, we tend to wear helmets. If NHTSA critical in surviving an emergency situation. was attempting to draw a correlation between I will also promise to take a more active the lack of universal helmet laws and the role in promoting motorcycle awareness 2015 rise in motorcycle fatalities, it failed to and education. All I am asking is that you effectively do so. The data does not support promise to do the same. If we all agree to such a correlation. do this, not just in the next year but in all of According to this year’s GHSA report, the upcoming years, we may see fewer years 31 states saw motorcycle fatalities increase like 2015. You never know. The life you save while only 16 states saw a decrease. Of the may be your own – or mine.

19 states which currently have a universal helmet law, 12 experienced an increase Matt Danielson in motorcycle fatalities in 2015. Of the 16 McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller states which saw a decrease in motorcycle The Motorcycle Law Group fatalities, only six have a universal helmet Motorcyclelawgroup.com law. The other 10 either allow adults to 1-800-321-8968 make their own choice or have no law at all. The sad truth is that motorcycle fatalities Matt Danielson is a partner at the increased across the board.

Motorcycle Law Group, a personal injury law So what does the NHTSA report firm whose attorneys all ride motorcycles mean? As far as this humble writer can and represent clients in VA, WV, NC, SC tell, it means that 2015 was a bad year for and GA. Matt has successfully represented motorists in the United States. It means clients in cases ranging from simple property nothing more and nothing less. But that damage to complex multi-million dollar does not mean that motorcyclists should do personal injury claims. He also serves as a nothing. Regardless of whether motorcyclists lobbyist, adjunct professor and works with see an increase in fatalities as we have this motorcycle rights organizations throughout year, or whether we see a decrease as we the country.

Have you been injured in an Accident? Contact our Law Firm1-800-321-8968

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Craven Moorehead TECHNOLOGY UNCHAINED

“Times, they are a changing” I have heard a million times in my life. Spending a little time in front of the TV offers up a plethora of useless information that most people cannot correctly process.

Especially me – because I suppose that as a simple redneck biker, I couldn’t fathom the concept of one particular invention that passed in a fleeting glimpse on the screen. That concept/invention is the “Driverless Car” which I found to be inconceivable, un-necessary and really weird. But the idea did spawn another devious thought or two. Let me preface this with the back story on the way my brain works. It’s like me – un-employed. …

Anyhow, the last one of my broken wheels started spinning around in my head and I had a very strange idea. What if we invented a “Rider-less Motorcycle” that could carry a person to a pre-determined location and back for the enjoyment and satisfaction of the passenger only. Imagine this: You are just too lazy to go get the bike out to take the Ol lady down to the local tavern. Or perhaps you are too drunk or tired. But she incessantly insists that you take her for a ride. Here’s the answer. You drag your sorry ass up out of the recliner and go out to the garage, set the location (destination) into the GPS device on the motorcycle and fire the bike up. Put her in the passenger seat, and let the machine do the rest. Well, she wants to ride and you don’t so just go set the thing up and send her to the bar or wherever she wants to go. It’s a great idea especially because when YOU actually want to ride, all ya have to do is override the ‘automatic’ function and get on the bike and go with or

without her. I mean, it sounds like a good idea but I doubt that the technology will ever be created.

Last month and the month before, I bored you all with my political rants. But let’s face it. The system under our current administration is irrevocably broken.

Facing the upcoming election is frightening to most of us because we have to make a d e c i s i o n that will affect us, our kids and grandkids. This country is great and needs to be made even better. We don’t need a politician to try to take away our freedoms and rights, neither do we need more stupid legislation to confine us in the virtual prisons that we already live in.

What we need is a vision for the future that will assure us enduring freedom and the promise of a bright future. It may be just a dream but. … You see, in today’s quagmire of governmental stupidity, a wise man will always issue a disclaimer (much in the same way this magazine issues disclaimers regarding my columns) to protect himself from liability from a bountiful Capricornia of zealots that have nothing better to do than litigate. I may feel empowered because I have the ability to expose my thoughts and feelings to my readers but my intent isn’t to offend, it is simply to inform. Information is pure power and many people perhaps disagree with my opinions regarding a very important issue, but again these are my thoughts and feelings and should not be taken as ‘advice’ on how to run your own life.

After watching the first presidential candidate debate tonight, I have become concerned about a few things. One of these things is that Hillary didn’t discuss any issues regarding women. This is particularly curious because she is campaigning to be the first female president. I’m never sure which candidate is winning the vote but one thing is for sure, Hillary enjoys attacking Trump while he seems to understand the needs and wants of the working poor.

I understand what it is like to be poor, and as you all know my situation is not getting any better. I want all of you to go out and vote for whichever candidate you think is the best qualified, and don’t let my views and opinions sway your vote. #MAGA It’s the best time of the year for a ride. I have to get up outta here and go see some old friends. Hope to see you out there on the highway. Remember to speed safely and keep your family and friends first!

Let us know what you think of Craven Moorehead, info@borntoride.com

CRAVEN

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Biker Movie Review

This month’s horrible old biker film is Satan’s Sadists. I suppose that in 1969, when this film was made, it was somewhat shocking.

I could be wrong, but in the ‘B’ movie world, I am considered an expert. So it should suffice to say that due to the nudity, violence, and general disregard for filmmaking etiquette yeah, Satan’s Sadists is still fairly shocking 30 years later.

The story begins as most all biker exploitation pieces do, with a group of bikers riding through the desert. I often ask myself “What the heck does the desert have to do with biker exploitation?” It seems in most of the ‘B’ Bonanzas the desert is the place where it all happens. But again I digress. In the first scenes, the “Satan’s” encounter a young couple getting ready to get it on in the weeds.

They help this young man get his girl’s dress off and as usual, they have their way with her and kill them both just before pushing their car over a cliff. Down the road a piece, the Satan’s encounter a gas station with a café in it, and as usual problems ensue. This is where you really get to know the players. Anchor is the de-facto leader of the group, and he is accompanied by Gina, his “Mama.” Gina is a pretty rough looking chick, but she helps out in all the Satan’s criminal activity, and is consistently expressing her (love) for Anchor. “I really dig him man,” it’s just gross. … Anyway, as the group enjoys their coffee, beer and whiskey, Gina begins dancing on the table. This leads to a confrontation with the owner of the café. A fight breaks

out and one of the customers (a cop in plain clothes) pulls out a gun, only to be jumped from behind by a member of the gang. Four of the gang members take the cop, his wife, and the owner out back at gunpoint, leaving the other 2 inside with the waitress, and a recently discharged Marine. It seems that one of the Satan’s was burned in the fray, and the waitress was trying to sooth his burn by applying some sort of cream while the ex-marine watched. Meanwhile the others rape the cop’s wife, and then kill the trio leaving them outside. The ex-marine knowing that danger was imminent smashes the burned Satan in the face with a mirror and gives the other one a ‘swirley’ in the toilet, drowning him. (For the uninformed, a swirley is where you stick someone’s head in the toilet, and flush it.) The waitress and the marine escape in her dune buggy, but they soon run out of gas.

The remaining gang members chase them through the desert. Some of the machines don’t fare too well in the off-road arena, and the group begins to get tired. Even though the waitress and the marine are on foot, they manage to avoid capture for a while. The Satan’s spot a truck - camper in the desert, and decide to go check it out.

They leave 2 members behind to watch the broken bikes. Wow! It was occupied by 3 girls who are collecting rock samples. … Geez.

Anyhow, Anchor and his gang befriend the girls and eat their chow.

Gina is getting scared and begging Anchor to split before they are caught by the authorities. Anchor disses her and continues to play with his new friends. Anchor directs two of the gang to go search for the waitress and the marine. One of them actually encounters them, but he is killed by a rattler that the marine throws on him with a stick.

In the meantime, darkness sets in and Gina steals one of the bikes, rides off into the dark and crashes into a ravine killing her. Anchor and the other two are enjoying some wild psychedelic sex with the three campers, as the other biker returns. He’s mad because Anchor has killed all three of the women, and a fight ensues between the two. In the same time frame, the other member kills himself playing Russian roulette. Only two survive at this time Anchor, and Firewater.

Anchor is unconscious, and Firewater gets on his bike and takes off looking for the witnesses. He encounters them and once again there is a fight, which leaves Firewater crushed under some falling rocks.

At this point you would assume that the waitress and the marine had survived, but here comes Anchor on the last remaining motorcycle.

The marine armed with a knife and Anchor armed with a gun have a little chat, and then one throws the knife as the other shoots. The wounded marine leaves Anchor in the desert with a knife in his neck as he and the waitress ride off on Anchor’s bike.

This is another one of the “rated R for ridiculous” biker films. It runs 90 minutes and is available on DVD. Believe it or not, I kinda secretly enjoyed this thing. The intro claimed that it was made in 10 days straight, and of course, there was little or no budget available. It was somewhat predictable at times, but laughable as well. Nice touch of boobies here and there!

Anchor was played by Russ Tamblyn. Tamblyn’s career is many miles long appearing in television, films and Broadway. You may remember him in “West Side Story” or my favorite “The Attack of the 60 foot Centerfold”. I’ll give this one 3 out of 5 stars.

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

The Phantom

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 55

Christian Motorcyclists Association There is a Place for Us There is simply nothing quite like climbing on the Harley, firing it up, and letting out the clutch to head down the road to another adventure. The sky is blue, the breeze is mild, and the temperature is hovering in the upper 70s; the day just doesn’t get any better than that! As you are putting away the miles, and just soaking in the thrill of feeling the vibration of the rumbling beast, you are thankful for such a beautiful day. As you roll along, you notice that a few clouds have gone a dark grey, and the trees along the roadside are waving as the winds pick up. Then you smell the rain up ahead, and feel the humidity rise rapidly, the day is taking a wet turn!

As you feel the first droplets stinging your face, you begin to look for cover, a place to hang out for a few minutes while the storm passes by and the rain dissipates. You may find a bridge overpass, or some drive through lanes at a local back (if the drive through is not open for business). In desperation you may even pull into a gas station to take advantage of the overhang (beware of possible lightning).

I’ve found that when we face the storms of life, often the answer is BTR 56 | BORNTORIDE.COM

right before us, if we will just look for the solutions. It is amazing how God’s timing works often enough to warrant taking a look around for the answer to the current situation. When you find yourself as the recipient of His incredible timing, remember to be grateful for the solution that was provided!

While this train of thought deals with simple, short term issues more of convenience than necessity, it leads to a greater solution that is always there waiting for you. In the Bible, Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2b-3).

You see, Jesus knew that we would face all kinds of problems, difficulties and temptations as we travel through life. What is really cool is that while Jesus walked on this earth in human form, He experienced every type of trouble, challenge, and temptation that you and I will ever face. What makes Him so incredible, in the midst of all He faced; Jesus never once failed and gave into sin. Because He is without sin, He is able to prepare a place for us for eternity, and He will one day come back for each and every one of us who believe that He is the very Son of God, and trust Him for our salvation.

Because of Jesus, when you face the storms of life, you can call on Him for the answer, and He will hear and answer your prayer. Jesus is your hiding place!

In The Wind, Denny Dingler

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