Contents
February Issue 60
Ad Index
Features
Wreaths Across America 8 Compass Expeditions-15 Week Asian Tour 15 Test Ride 2018 Indian Scout Bobber 24 Ricky Patterson-Sound & Fury 28 Cigar Heritage Festival 34
Columns
8
Woman’s World-Myra McElhaney 22 Rob Brooks Road Dirt-Fix It Yourself 30 The Motorcycle Law Group 41 Craven Moorehead 46 Christian Motorcycle Association 48
Departments Contents Page Ride Safe, Ride Smart Born To Ride Events-www.BornToRide.com BTR Kids
2 7 42 48
Reports
15
Chuck Watwood-LawBike.com 5 Born To Ride-23 Year Anniversary 13 Leather, Love & Freedom 39 Is Your Fuel Tank Rusty? 45
On The Cover Born To Ride 23rd Anniversary 23 Years Supporting The Biker Community
AAA IFC American Rebel Rendezvous 31 Angel City-Spring Rally 12 Biker Owned Business 47 BTR Advertise 42 BTR Cigar Club 38 BTR Facebook 45 BTR Patch 6, 38 BTR Radio 47 BTR Magazine Subscription 5 BTR VIP Text 42 CigarzUp 35 Copperhead Lodge 27 Cycle World of Athens 33 FreeWheeling Powersports 29 Georgia Motor Trike 6 HD Fraziers 3 HD Raging Bull IBC HD Tifton BC Indian Motorcycle Marietta 23, 26 LawBike.com 1 Leather, Love & Freedom 47 Leesburg Bike Fest 32 Love Jugs 14 Motorcycle Law Group 40 Progressive Insurance 4 ProRider 7 Rivers Edge 27 Saddle Creek 11 Sales Reps Wanted 45 Thunder Beach Panama City 20 Thunder By The Bay 9 Tri County Shrine Club 21 Toys Wanted 47 Visit Sarasota 9 Wanted GI Joe 47
WHY BORN TO RIDE? WHY NOW?
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888-795-5779 Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779 The information contained herein is provided by Born To Ride Magazine or by its advertisers. BTR makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information in the issue. Born To Ride Magazine does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness or correct sequencing of such information throughout this magazine. Use of such information is voluntary on your part, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after your independent review. Reference herein to any specific manufacturer, company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement of or recommendation of said by Born To Ride Magazine.” “Born To Ride Magazine (including its employees, contributors and agents) assumes no responsibility for consequences that may result from the use of the information herein, including the use of the information obtained at www.borntoride.com and it’s linked sites, or in any respect for the content of such information, including (but not limited to) errors or omissions, the accuracy or reasonableness of factual or scientific assumptions, studies or conclusions, ownership of copyright or other intellectual property rights, and the violation of property, privacy, or personal rights of others. BTR Magazine is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. No guarantees or warranties, including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties are made by BTR Magazine with respect to such information contained throughout the site.” No part may be copied without written permission of the publisher, Born To Ride, Inc. P.O. Box 3021, Brandon, FL 33509. 888-795-5779, Fax 813-689-2996.
BORN TO RIDE Magazine
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Shawn Jones art@borntoride.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com DISTRIBUTION ROAD BOSS
START THE NEW YEAR OFF RIGHT WITH ADEQUATE INSURANCE
Having the right insurance coverage can make all the difference if you are involved in a collision that is not your fault. State minimum required liability coverage is $25,000 per person with $50,000 maximum payout per incident. This amount is rarely adequate to pay for the severity of injuries that motorcyclists and their passengers often experience when involved in a crash, yet it is what many at-fault drivers carry. To help provide additional coverage for your injuries should you be hit by an uninsured, or under-insured motorist, make sure that you have Uninsured/ Underinsured motorist coverage or UM coverage added to your motorcycle policy. Be sure that the UM coverage amount is at the same level as the liability coverage limits. Twenty-five thousand to fifty thousand dollars
($25,000 – $50,000) is the minimum coverage required by law and generally insufficient. Two hundred and fifty thousand to five hundred thousand dollars ($250,000 – $500,000) is what many insurance agents recommend and may be adequate for most people. Unfortunately, bikers may require more coverage due to the severity of their injuries. Lastly (and equally as important), make sure that your UM coverage is “Added-On” coverage, and not “Reduced” coverage. “Added-on” UM coverage only costs a few dollars more than “Reduced” coverage and makes the full amount of your UM coverage available to compensate you in addition to the at-fault driver’s liability insurance (provided that their level of liability coverage was not enough
to compensate you for your injuries). It only takes a few minutes for your insurance agent to either quote you a change or make a change to your motorcycle insurance policy, so give your agent a call today to discuss the adequacy of your coverage. Remember: Although not required by law, it is important to buy “Added-On” UM coverage at levels equal to your liability policy limits to help provide an avenue of recovery for you and your family should you be injured on your motorcycle at the hands of a negligent driver.
Chuck Watwood LawBike.com 770-650-0016
Craven Moorehead cm@borntoride.com 813-778-8747
WEB DESIGN/SOCIAL MEDIA
Juan Guzman
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com CONTRIBUTORS
Craven Moorehead, Billy Wright, Eric Albright Susan Hurst, Robert Brooks, Paul Pence, Myra McElhaney PHOTOGRAPHERS
Billy Wright, Eric Albright Robert Brooks, Paul Pence Tom Seitsieter ROAD DIRT/TEST RIDE
Robert Brooks 678-469-0690 SALES OFFICE ADVERTISING
888-795-5779 DISTRIBUTION
Paul Pence 770-876-3542
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ESCAPE PATHS
Not having sufficient safety margins invites risk. Riding at any speed requires an adequate space cushion to brake and/or swerve. You must have time and space to maneuver. Avoid target fixation so you do not crash into what you are starting at. Instead, look for your escape-path options. You want to have an escape path that is open and allows you to aviod a collision. An escape path can be in front of you, to the right, or to the left. Escape
paths can be within your lane, in the next lane over, on a shoulder or median, or even off the road if conditions pernmit. It is best to have more than one escape path open so you don’t get trapped. If your escape path requires a hard swerve, be sure to seperate the swerve from any braking. Keep in mnd a motorcycle does not need the same width as a car. For more info, go to www.msf-usa.org
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Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, teach our children the cost of freedom
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Remember, Honor, Teach • Sponsor a Wreath for this Year at wreathsacrossamericabushnell.com
23 YEAR ANNIVERSARY DELIVERING BIKER MULTI-MEDIA
Born To Ride Motorcycle Media is ready to contribute to your success! For 23 years, we have been dedicated to the biker community. We can put your product and service into a direct market of consumers using our various media platforms. Our TV Show and Magazine in Florida has made us the number one go to Motorcycle Media Outlet in the State. Our SouthEast Magazine Market in: Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee
has a great demographic reach as well. We specialize in Events, Promotions, Third Party Marketing, Media Consulting, Branding & Social Media Platforms. BornToRide.com is a powerhouse rated #1 by Google for Motorcycle Events, we also have a YouTube Channel and the Born To Ride Radio Show to reach even more consumers on the World Wide Web. There are over 500 Thousand Registered Motorcycle owners in the State of Florida alone. Tourism brings
even more riders to the state every year, riding the beautiful roads, while adding economic impact. Born To Ride reaches those riders and so will your message. We are confident we can create a dynamic media package that will fit your budget and contribute to your success. We want to be your media partner and help your business grow. Come by our booth, say Hello and we will have a great idea for you. Let’s start the production of your promotion today! Ron & Deb Galletti
Call Ron on his Cell to setup a media package for you to effect your bottom line. 813-785-3895
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Are You Ready For A 15 Week 103 Day Asian Motocycle Expedition?
Compass Expeditions is excited to announce its newest addition to its major expedition program, the Asian Overland Expedition. “Due to public demand we have created this new exciting 103-day expedition that begins in Darwin and ends in Beijing”, says co-founder Mick McDonald. “We have many clients who have done all of our major expeditions, some doing the same expedition twice, and it was with these people in mind we have decided to launch this new amazing expedition that traverses two hemispheres and promises to become one of our most epic journeys”, continues Mick. This extraordinary journey visits one of the world’s newest countries of Timor Leste before island hopping some of the 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia, islands such as Nusa Tenggara, Lombok, Bali, Java &
Sumatra. We cross onto the South East Asian mainland at Malaysia, renowned for its superb food, and ride north into stunning Thailand; an impossibly beautiful landscape of white beaches bordered by limestone “Karsts”, megacities & mist-covered mountains. We enter remote landlocked Laos and ride amongst its forests and visit the legendary Buddhist complex of Luang Prabang. From Laos, we enter magnificent China and spend 47 amazing days in China. The ride includes the sensational passes of the Sichuan – Tibet & Qinghai – Tibet highways to & from Lhasa experiencing one of the most spectacular viewpoints on earth, Everest Base Camp. Ancient cities, Terracotta armies, hanging monasteries, impossibly green rice terraces and endless mountains are only a part of what makes
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our time in China breathtaking. The ride eventually enters triumphantly into Beijing after traveling over 20,000ks across two hemispheres at the completion of what has been one of the world’s greatest longdistance rides. If rarely visited islands, rare wildlife encounters, smoldering volcanoes, dense forests, towering mountain peaks, ancient antiquities, superb food & some of the best riding on earth is your thing then the Asian Overland is your expedition. For more information contact info@ compassexpeditions.com or visit the Asian Overland Expedition webpage or call 1300 887 327 (within Australia) or +61 3 9747 2379 (outside Australia) or visit www. compassexpeditions.com BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 15
Week One This mighty expedition kicks off in the Northern Australian capital of Darwin, where we spend two nights allowing time to visit this remote city before taking our flight to Dili. We spend three nights in Dili, capital of one of the worlds newest countries, allowing us time to collect our bikes and explore this tropical outpost. We ride via Balibo the infamous site where the Australian journalists were murdered before crossing into Indonesia and seeing the week out at the port city of Kupang, the site where Capitan Bligh landed after the mutiny. Week Two Our first ferry crossing is also one of the longest and takes us across the Savu Sea to Ende on the islands known as East Nusa Tenggara, a wondrous landscape of technicolor volcanic lakes, semi arid savannah, brilliant beaches and lush jungles. We visit the stunning BTR 16 | BORNTORIDE.COM
lakes of Kelimutu National Park before the famous Spider Web rice paddies and of course the legendary Komodo Islands where we see the dragons of the same name. The week comes to an end as we take another ferry from East Nusa Tenggara to West Nusa Tenggara. Week Three We ride across the little known Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara province via Bima and take another ferry to sublime Lombok before another ferry to the world-renowned Bali. Bali is known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches, coral reefs and innumerable temples; it is the epitome of paradise. We spend five days exploring this incredible island. Week Four Leaving Bali we take another ferry over to Java where we visit the absolutely stunning Mt Bromo, scenically located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National
Park. We enjoy a sunrise trek for an aweinspiring view over a number of volcanic peaks. Riding across Java we reach Yogyakarta where we spend two nights allowing us time to visit Expedition Indonesia’s premier archaeological sites, the mystical UNESCO listed Borobudur and Prambanan. Week Five Leaving Java we cross onto Sumatra, an aweinspiring landscape of rugged tropical terrain, wildlife and smouldering volcanoes. We spend two nights at the superb Way Kambas National Park where we get the chance to go on an elephant trek. We hug the stunning coastline to Bengkulu and visit the old British influenced, Fort Marlborough. Continuing on we visit Kerinci Seblat National Park, the last remaining place on earth for the Sumatran Tiger. Week Six We start the week with a thrilling
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44 twisties down to Lake Manijau before crossing the Equator and riding onto Bukit Lawang on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park. No visit to Indonesia is complete without a visit to the Orangutans and we spend two nights at a nearby Orangutan centre allowing us time to visit these amazing creatures, along with some other primates. After five amazing weeks in Indonesia we see the week out crossing the Malacca Straits into Malaysia. Riders starting the ride in Singapore will meet the group as we enter Malaysia. Week Seven Our first experience of Malaysia is the wonderful Melaka with is UNESCO Heritage listed old town before we move north to the legendary Penang, nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient. Penang is famous for its soft sandy beaches and is regarded as the food capital of Malaysia. We spend two nights
in Penang allowing us time to wander the UNESCO listed old town and of course sample its legendary food. We cross into Thailand and visit the amazing karst and mangrove scenery around Krabi. We spend two nights at Railay exploring this fantastic scenery. We see the week out at Khao Sok Khao a nature reserve containing dense virgin jungle, tower like limestone karst formations and the manmade Cheow Lan Lake. Week Eight Leaving the countryside we ride into the maelstrom that is Bangkok where we spend time allowing us to work on our bikes or simply relax. We quickly leave this metropolis via Kanchanaburri, home to the famous yet tragic “Bridge over the River Kwai” that formed part of the Burma Railway in WW2. Riding due north we reach the highlands of Northern Thailand renown for its lush forests and endless valleys and mountain peaks.
We visit Northern Thailand’s epicentre of Chiang Mai before riding the superb Mae Song Loop, a wonderful mountain escape of terraced hill tribe farmlands and endless twisties. This region is home to the legendary Karen hill tribes otherwise known as the long neck women. Week Nine This week we cross into Laos and spend two nights in the French influenced capital of Vientiane, a wonderful leafy town more than a bustling city, scenically located o the banks of the Mekong. We can wander the old town, enjoy one on the many sidewalk cafes or enjoy a Beerlao watching sunset over the Mekong. Continuing north we spend another two nights at one of South East Asia’s most iconic religious sites. Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses & Golden-roofed BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 17
wats. The site is stunningly located at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers. We see the week out at the Laos / Chinese border. Week Ten We cross into China, an immense country of impossibly diverse landscapes and peoples with a storybook history. We start our Chinese adventure riding though picturesque hilltop villages covered in centuries old rice terraces, tea gardens and undulating countryside, it is the quintessential Chinese scene. We continue on to Kunming where we spend two nights giving us time to visit the 1000 year old Yuantong Temple and explore the “Spring City” as it is known. We continue onto Dali, stunningly located between mountains and Erhai Lake. Week Eleven We visit the tiny market town of BTR 18 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Shaxi, an ancient cultural treasure on the Tea Horse Road, a road of similar importance to that of the Silk Road but far less famous. We visit Lijiang, a maze of cobblestoned streets and canals lined with pagodas and vendors; nothing it seems has changed much in centuries. Ascending ever higher into the mountains we visit the renowned Tiger Leaping Gorge before riding into the real ShangriLa, a stunning landscape of dense forests, alpine lakes, grasslands, and gorges set amongst meadows and plains. Leaving beautiful Yunnan Province we cross into Tibet and ride one of the most stunning highways on the entire ride, the Sichuan – Tibet Highway. This route still remains partly unpaved yet we are rewarded with utterly stunning high altitude views of mountains, glacier fed lakes, remote monasteries and alpine
vistas on what is some of the highest, wildest and remotest routes on earth. Week Twelve We arrive into the high altitude Lhasa where we spend three nights allowing us time to acclimatize and visit the remarkable Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and witness the great pilgrimage around Barkhour. Joining the Friendship Highway we continue southwest via the stunning Tashilunpo Monastery and visit one of Tibet’s biggest monasteries, Sagya before eventually reaching Tingri, a tiny hamlet that offers sweeping views of the mighty Himalayan Peaks that border China and Nepal. It is from here we continue onto the worlds highest monastery, Rongphu, where we overnight allowing us the best opportunity to get immense views of the towering Mount Everest. Watching the rays of the day
For more information contact info@compassexpeditions.com • www.compassexpeditions.com
reflect of the snowcapped Everest is an indescribable sight that will remain with you forever, it’s a rare privilege to view the absolute top of the world at sunrise. Week Thirteen Leaving Everest Basecamp we return to Lhasa via the Tibetan village of Gyantzse and Yamdork Lake, one of Tibet’s holiest lakes. After one more night in Lhasa we visit Namsto Lake, a magnificent turquoise lake surrounded by snowcapped peaks and Buddhist prayer flags before continuing north over a series of 5,000 m passes through a landscape of prairie, lakes, mountains and desert at an average altitude of 4,000 m on the Quinhai – Tibet Highway, the main artery to/from Tibet. The road continues into the province of Quinhai and descends to Golmud. This is a ride we will remember forever for
its outstanding mountain views at every turn. We visit Caka Salt Lake before seeing the week out at Xining. Week Fourteen We ride onto Xian where we visit one of the worlds most famous archeological sights, that of the Army of Terracotta Warriors. We spend two nights in Xian giving us time to visit this extraordinary site created by Chinas first dynasty, the Qin Dynasty from 246 to 206 BC. This is one of the most extraordinary archeological sites ever discovered after being dug up by famers digging for a well in 1974, having lain buried for 2000 years!! We also visit the ancient Ming Dynasty city walls that encircle numerous backstreets, narrow alleyways and shops. We visit the superb Pingyao, China’s best preserved ancient walled town giving us a real taste of “Old
China”. The week comes to a close in Datong, home to the amazing Huayan Hanging Temple built precariously into a cliff face. Week Fifteen Our last week of what has been an utterly amazing adventure we visit the incredible Yuangang Caves that are home to over 50,000 Buddhist statues. From Datong we ride into the capital of China, Beijing, after experiencing an impossible array of landscapes, cultures and experiences. We spend three nights in the capital giving us time to visit some of China’s most legendary sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square to name a few. Our final days riding will see us travel to Tianjin to pack our bikes and prepare for shipping.
Asian Overland Expedition, call 1300 887 327 (within Australia) or +61 3 9747 2379 (outside Australia)
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Women’s World An Inspiration to Young Girls
Have you ever thought that taking a motorcycle safety class could change your life? It did for Michelle Adams! A couple years ago Michelle was an army veteran working as a therapist and going to graduate school for an advanced degree in social work. Her boyfriend had moved and in addition to having a long-distance relationship, working and going to school, Michelle’s two beloved dogs had both been diagnosed with terminal illness. It was a rough year, to say the least! Michelle said she wanted to do something, “just for me.” She loved riding on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle but with him out of town she didn’t get a chance to ride anymore. Not only had she ridden on the back of her boyfriend’s bike for years but her best friend in childhood had a dirt bike so she’d ridden it, too. Michelle decided that her ‘just for me’ adventure would be to get her motorcycle license and buy a bike! Her first step was to take a motorcycle safety class. Michelle immediately connected with her instructor because he was Air National Guard. Michelle loved all things military! Talking with him made her realize how much BTR she 26 |missed BORNTORIDE.COM serving her country. Michelle had joined the Army in 1989 and BTR 22 | BORNTORIDE.COM
served active duty for eight years. She started having severe migraine headaches that resulted in her being discharged. Later when the cause of the headaches was discovered and resolved the Army wouldn’t accept a medical waiver and allow her to re-enlist. After hearing her story, Michelle’s motorcycle instructor had her talk with a recruiter in the Air National Guard. They were glad to have her enlist. With her medical education, Michelle was able to train to serve as a medic. Meanwhile, she bought a bright blue HarleyDavidson Softail Slim. She loved riding but never felt the bike was really a reflection of her personality. Michelle was now in the Air National Guard and had a motorcycle! Life was looking good! Except that by this time she and her long-distance boyfriend had parted ways. She joined the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. This is an association of combat veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Their mission is to support and defend those who have defended our country. The folks she met in CVMA encouraged her to apply for the VA’s scholarship program.
She met all the requirements and now she was able to get back to work on her graduate degree with the VA’s help. Could things get any better? Why, yes, as a matter of fact, they could! Michelle fell in love. She met her new boyfriend through CVMA. Then she fell in love with the new semimatte, olive (but not drab) Harley-Davidson Softail Slim. It has gold flecks under the surface and a huge star on the side of the tank. Michelle says riding it makes her feel ‘bad assy!” One day while riding she passed a little girl who looked up at her in awe like she was watching a hero ride by. That’s an amazing feeling! A new career, a new boyfriend, a new bike and an inspiration to young girls. Just think, it all started with taking a motorcycle riding class!
Myra McElhaney
If you would like info on Born To Ride Womens Club, Email info@borntoride.com
2018 INDIAN
Strip it down. That was the inspiration Indian Motorcycle® used when developing the latest model in its iconic Scout® lineup, the new Indian® Scout® Bobber. A low slung, blackedout, minimalist motorcycle that proves less is definitely more. The new muscular Scout® represents a core passion of motorcyclists - connecting to the road without a need for anything unnecessary. It’s a tangible means of escape from a life that is so easily bogged down by commitments and a boatload of unnecessary “stuff.” “The Scout® Bobber is our most raw and mean machine to date, and the ultimate in the celebration of what motorcycling is about – a powerful engine, two wheels, and no plans of where to go,” said Reid Wilson, Marketing Director – Indian Motorcycle®. “It’s an incredibly fun motorcycle that delivers a ton of attitude, along with a ton of power.” The newest member of the Scout® family pays homage to the mean, stripped-down builds of America’s post-war past. With its tracker handlebars and pegs moved 1.5” closer to the rider, the Scout® Bobber delivers a more aggressive riding position so the rider can tear through the urban streets with ease. Its knobby tires and blacked-out wheels keep the rider grounded, while a low-slung profile and 1” lowered rear suspension deliver unfiltered feedback from every inch of blacktop. The Scout® Bobber features a black headlight nacelle, minimal engine covers, bar-end mirrors and vented exhaust shields. A black gauge face on its instrument panel and black exhaust further adds to its blacked-out styling. The new block
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letter logo on the tank compliments the muscular look of the bike. Chopped fenders front and rear and a new two-tone genuine leather bobber seat enhance the minimalistic styling. New rear LED lights with integrated stop, turn, and tail signals keep unnecessary parts to a minimum. Add the Scout® Bobber’s raw styling to an American
Indian Motorcycle and Slingshot of Marietta • www.IndianMotorcycleMarietta.com
SCOUT BOBBER
V-Twin engine with 100 horsepower and this motorcycle quickly becomes more of a tool than an extravagance, enabling the rider to fully embrace the thrill of twisting the throttle and enjoying the journey rather than the destination. The new Scout® Bobber are available at dealers in the U.S. and Canada. Five colors, including Thunder Black, Star Silver Smoke, Bronze Smoke, Indian Motorcycle® Red, and Thunder Black Smoke with ABS, are available with prices starting from $11,499 to $12,499. ENGINE Engine Type Liquid Cooled V-Twin Displacement 69 cu in Fuel System Electronic closed loop fuel injection / 60 mm bore PERFORMANCE Horsepower 100 hp (74.7 kW)
Peak Torque 72 ft-lbs (97.7 Nm) at 6000 rpm Exhaust Split dual exhaust with crossover SUSPENSION Front Suspension Telescopic Fork, 4.7 in (120 mm) travel, Cartridge type Rear Suspension Dual Shock, 2.0 in (50 mm) travel DIMENSIONS Dry Weight 533 lbs (242 kg) Wet Weight 554 lbs (251 kg) Ground Clearance 4.8 in (123 mm) Overall Height 45.4 in (1154 mm) Overall Length 87.8 in (2229 mm) Overall Width 36.5 in (926 mm) Rake/Trail 29°, 4.7 in (119.9 mm) Fuel Capacity 3.3 gal (12.5 l) GVWR 988 lbs (499 kg) Seat Height 25.6 in (649 mm) Wheelbase 61.5 in (1562 mm) BRAKES Front Braking System Single / 298 mm rotor / 2 piston caliper Rear Braking System Single / 298 mm rotor / 1 piston caliper WHEELS & TIRES Front Wheel / Tire Cast 16” x 3.5” / 130/90-16 73H Rear Wheel / Tire Cast 16” x 3.5” / 150/80-16 71H
1750 COBB PARKWAY SOUTH MARIETTA, GA 30060 770-956-9577
Come in and get your Indian Motorcycle or Slingshot Today! Call: 770-956-9577
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Sound & Fury The Ballad of Ricky Patterson
Since a motor was first paired with a set of wheels and handlebars, riders have felt compelled to race. Down dirt country roads, hard-packed sandy beaches, on board track ovals and race circuits, and especially drag strips, the thrill of top-end speed has always held a firm grip on motorcycling. With the resurgence of American road and flat track racing, renewed attention has returned to motorcycle drag racing, arguably among the oldest forms of motorcycle racing. For a recent evaluation article, we did on the Triumph Street Triple (see our Dec. 2017 BTR), we borrowed a bike from Freewheeling Powersports. Imagine my surprise when entering general manager Ricky Patterson’s office, to find trophies, photos, and memorabilia adorning the place, testifying to Ricky’s motorcycle drag racing years! I had to dialogue with him about it, fascinated by this soft-spoken, gentle giant of a man with a slow Southern drawl, who spent BTR 28 | BORNTORIDE.COM
years roaring down a drag strip in excess of 100mph on motorcycles. Mainly running local motorcycle bracket racing, Ricky started racing back in 1985 while working at a dealership. As Ricky tells it, “A guy came by the dealership with a drag bike on the back of his truck, and I thought, ‘Man, that is so cool!’ He invited me to a race night nearby, and I was hooked.” At the time, Ricky owned a 1982 Honda CB750, so he took it to Paradise Drag Strip in Calhoun one Sunday, entered in the ET open bracket, and ended up winning. Ricky reflects, “I kept going back, realized I was pretty good at it, and really enjoyed it. I kept progressing, moving up to larger dedicated drag bikes, racing every Saturday and Sunday. I couldn’t get enough of it.” The main track Ricky ran was the Southeastern Dragway in Dallas, Georgia, an NHRA sanctioned strip. A typical racing season ran from March to October, and
competitors in the top 10 points standings were invited to the NHRA Bracket Finals, running against racers from across the Southeast. In 1993, Ricky won the track championship at Southeastern Dragway, moving on to the NHRA Bracket Finals in Atlanta. Ricky took 2nd place in the “Race of Champions,” a competition of the points winners from all the regional tracks. “That was a huge thrill for me,” Ricky recalls. And then, Ricky won the coveted Wally, an NHRA National event trophy. The Wally is only won at national events, either by winning in Pro Stock or in Bracket Finals. In 2005, National Dragstrip, NHRA’s official publication, sponsored a grass-roots level, bracket racing series of events, awarding the winners a Wally. “I had stopped racing by 2000,” Ricky shares, “and the Dallas strip was closing up. That was going to be Dallas’ last race, and they were putting a Wally up for winning. I didn’t have a bike, but a
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buddy of mine loaned me one. I arrived too late to get in a couple of practice runs and times.” Ricky advanced up through his bracket, winning runs across the evening. Inclement weather threatened the rest of the weekend, so at 4:45 a.m. (yes, you read that right), amidst Pro Stock, Funny Car, and other category finals, Ricky won his final run, taking home the prized Wally trophy, in the last race at the legendary Dallas Southeastern Dragway. “I’ll always treasure that, always be grateful to the friend who made it possible,” Ricky declares. “We went out and celebrated with breakfast at a local Waffle House.” Of course! With a racing career spanning 20 years, Ricky names the Gainesville, Florida ¼ Mile and Atlanta Dragway as among his favorites. “We ran a lot of AMA Pro Star events, went on that national circuit, all ¼ mile tracks.” Ricky recalls a weekend he broke a crank in the final round at Dallas, losing the race, drove home, pulled the motor and replaced the crank, drove to Calhoun, and won the race on Sunday. “On no sleep, I might add,” Ricky chuckles. After literally thousands of runs across two decades, Ricky hung up the leathers after
the Wally win in 2005. “Motorcycle drag racing was a little different than other forms of motorcycle racing,” Ricky says. “You didn’t have to spend a lot of money to be competitive in bracket racing, and there were strips all over the South.” Ricky is the co-owner/general manager of Freewheeling Powersports in Douglasville, Georgia, along with his business partner and long-time friend, John Feckoury. These pals go back to 1985, when John hired a young 16-year-old Ricky at Honda of Cartersville, only to be reunited decades later when they went in together to buy Freewheeling, itself a Triumph, Honda, and Suzuki dealership. The establishment is one of the oldest Triumph dealers in the nation, and one of the most decorated and respected by Triumph North America. Ricky’s racing legacy only adds to the mystique here. When in North Georgia, east of Atlanta, stop by Freewheeling Powersports. Browse the bikes, talk with the great staff, and look up Ricky, whose office is back in the Triumph section. His easy-going, laid-back friendliness belies a great love of motorcycles and racing, of sound and fury. Rob Brooks
FIX IT YOURSELF SATISFACTION
A confession: I’ve never been very mechanicallyminded. I have always admired my father, who can build, repair, modify, or tear down just about anything with a motor. Still can, even at 78 years old. I, however, was not blessed with the same skill set. Any abilities I’ve acquired have come by learning from him, teaching myself, and much trial and error (emphasis on error). Yet I’ve come to enjoy wrenching on motorcycles as of late, learning their inner workings and what makes them tick, or how to trace down issues and repair them when they cease to tick. Maybe it’s just my (middle) age, and the intrigue of stepping into new territory, out of my comfort zone and into the mechanical world of my father. But I’m enjoying this. Busted knuckles, greasy fingernails and all, my evenings are often spent tinkering on the bikes in my garage, not just riding them. A little selfpsychoanalysis has revealed a few reasons I’m digging this so much. Challenge of the Task Back in 2012, I obtained a 1999 Triumph Sprint ST and 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 from a guy in town, neither of which had run in some years. Upon closer inspection, I surmised, “I think I can fix these and get them running for next to nothing, with a little help from Pop.” So with the two steeds soon in my shed, I set to learning each bike from their manuals and taking them apart with the assistance of my pappy. After new batteries and plugs, some strategically placed contact cleaner, and some carb/injector cleaner, the Triumph was growling like a British bulldog, and the old Vulcan drew a buyer as soon as we got it running. The whole experience was at first kind of daunting. When I first surveyed these non-running bikes sitting in my basement, wondering, “What have I gotten myself into?” Soon the challenge BTR 30 | BORNTORIDE.COM
listen to the wisdom of my father, and the threats of my wife, and learn how to do some things for myself on the two-wheelers. The quid I’ve saved over the years has been phenomenal, especially in difficult economic times. Besides, I’ve been able to turn some of the cash saved back into the bikes, in the way of improvements, accessories, riding gear, or road trips. Priceless. Learn New Skills Rebuilding a petcock. Replacing brake pads. Cleaning and tuning overcame the trepidation, and I’ve since carburetors. All these and fixed/flipped about 16 bikes over the past more I would have never attempted on my several years. own had I not decided to learn how. Not Getting Intimate long ago, scanning a wiring diagram at the Ok, that sounds kind of weird, but I’ve back of a motorcycle service manual was come to realize that the appreciation of my akin to deciphering hieroglyphics to me. I motorcycles is enhanced when I’ve spent had no idea what I was looking at. Now, time, effort, and resources wrenching on after some help in understanding what these them. Even if it’s only changing my own oil/ show, I’m not so intimidated. “Knowledge is filter, plugs, air cleaner, etc., I feel more power” as the saying goes, and the more I connected to the bikes, more in tune with learn, the more confident I feel. each, when I’ve spent time “under the tank” Satisfaction of a Job Well Done with them. Another bike of mine is a 1998 There is nothing like the feeling of stepping Yamaha Royal Star Tour Classic that I’ve back after completing some work on your owned for about 17 years. I’ve ridden all over bike and admiring your handiwork. The first the US of A on her, and handled much of time I installed a set of aftermarket slip-on the basic service myself, as the years have pipes was on a 1993 Suzuki VS800 Intruder gone by. I’ve come to know her sounds, some years ago. With the help of a friend, smells, vibrations, strengths, quirks, not only we fitted them in properly, retuned the fuel/ by riding but also by diving in and getting my air mixture some, then fired it up. The roar hands dirty with her. This all actually reminds that bike gave as it sprang to life with those me a lot of my relationship with my wife … pipes was thrilling for me. And I did that but we better not go there (wink). - with a little help from a riding bro. Huge Penny Pinching sense of accomplishment! There was a time that whenever my bike(s) I’m certainly nowhere near as skilled as needed maintenance or repairs, I paid a my gear-head old man, and I’ll never be a local dealership or bike shop to do all the certified motorcycle mechanic. Not trying to work, much to the chagrin of my dad, who be. But I can do some basics, I’m learning often offered to help work on them, and my more each project, and enjoying the whole wife, who never liked the invoices. Plinking adventure. down $300 for a front/rear brake job, or Now, time to get that rebuilt Triumph $400 for a carb overhaul, even $100 for an alternator back in! oil/filter change, got ridiculous. I decided to Rob Brooks Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value for you the Reader.
BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Our Culture. Our Heritage. Our History • www.yborcitycigarfestival.com
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“Junior’s Destination”
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Rider Training & Education Contributes Little to Motorcycle Safety (According to U.S. Safety Experts)
By Matt Danielson, The Motorcycle Law Group
Many reputable groups within the highway safety community have taken the position that motorcycle rider training and education contributes little to motorcycle safety. It is their position that rider education does not have a discernable impact on motorcycle safety, and universal helmet laws are the only reliable method of reducing motorcycle fatalities. Do not take my word for it. Here is what the experts have to say: “While basic rider courses teach important skills, the effectiveness of training as a safety countermeasure to reduce motorcycle crashes is unclear.” (Traffic Safety Facts, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – March 2010) “There is no scientific evidence that motorcycle rider training reduces crash risk and is an adequate substitute for an all-rider helmet law.” (Lethal Loopholes, Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety – January 2015) “Laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets are the only strategy proved to be effective in reducing motorcyclist fatalities.” (Motorcycle Safety: Increasing Federal Funding Flexibility and Identifying Research Priorities Would Help Support States’ Safety Efforts, U.S. Government Accountability Office – November 2012) “Helmets are the only safety measure proven to save lives.” (Motorcycle Safety:
How to Save Lives and Save Money, Center for Disease Control and Prevention – June 2012) Before I start to get angry emails concerning the value of motorcycle helmets, let me be clear that my purpose in writing this has nothing to do with riders wearing or not wearing motorcycle helmets. I am merely questioning a position shared by many within the highway safety community that dismisses the value of rider education. Let’s take a look at statistics which can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website: Between 2005 and 2015, the latest year for which we have complete data at this point, motorcycle registrations have increased 38 percent nationwide while motorcycle fatalities per 100,000 registered motorcycles have decreased 21 percent. Additionally, motorcycle vehicle miles traveled have increased 88 percent during that same timeframe, while motorcycle fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled have decreased 42 percent. Is there an explanation for this sustained decrease in fatalities during this time frame? We know that between 2005 and 2015 not a single state promulgated a universal helmet law. In fact, one state, Michigan, repealed their universal helmet requirement. What else
Have you been injured in an Accident? Contact our Law Firm1-800-321-8968
could be responsible for this decline? One possible explanation is that during this time frame there has been an increased emphasis on motorcycle training and education. In fact, 47 states currently have state legislated motorcycle training programs in place, with the remaining three having private programs. I believe that it is likely that having more motorcyclists trained to ride properly and defensively naturally leads to less crashes. So to all the training instructors out there please accept my hearty thanks for making motorcycling better for all of us. Matt Danielson McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller The Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8968 MotorcycleLawGroup.com
Matt Danielson is a partner at The Motorcycle Law Group, a personal injury law firm whose attorneys all ride motorcycles and practice in VA, NC, SC, GA, and WV. Matt has successfully represented clients in cases from simple property damage to complex multi-million dollar personal injury claims. He is also a lobbyist, adjunct professor and works with motorcycle rights organizations. To learn more about The Motorcycle Law Group, visit MotorcycleLawGroup.com. BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 41
Events www.B February 1 Burford, GA Frazier’s H-D Leather Event. Stop in for 15% off select leather jackets. 770-945-6011 February 1 - 28 Athens, GA Cycle World of Athens Demo Ride Event. Stop in and demo your next Harley-Davidson motorcycle. 706-548-3300 February 3 Huntsville, AL 5th Annual VoA RC Polar Bear Dice Run Diamonds Sports Bar 10am, KSU 11am, LBI 3pm. Best & Worst Roll, 50/50, Live Music, food and more, $15 Single - $25 2-Up. Proceeds go to benefit the Tutt Fann State Veterans Home. Come on out for a good time, benefiting a good cause. Visit our Facebook page February 3 Lithia Springs, GA Stage Kit Performance Workshop 10am & 2pm H-D of Atlanta. We took a stock Street Glide Special and equipped it with a Stage 4 Big Bore Kit, Screamin’ Eagle Performance Exhaust, and a brand new Screamin’ Eagle Auto-Tune Module. Here’s your chance to see, touch, and RIDE the finished product. 770-944-1340 February 8 Lithia Springs, GA H-D of Atlanta Bike Night with Foos McCoy 6pm9pm. Join us inside the showroom for live acoustic music, free food, and FREE BEER*! Sponsored by Lawbike. *Please ride responsibly. 770-944-1340 February 9 Burford, GA Frazier’s H-D HOGS and Kisses Sale. Stop in for 15% off H-D licensed products. 770-945-6011 February 10 Athens, GA Cycle World of Athens Valentine Event. 706-548-3300 February 15 - February 18 Sarasota, FL Thunder By The Bay. “The Festival Where Rock Meets Country” Born To Ride Kickoff Party, Block Party and more. thunderByTheBay.org BTR4442| BORNTORIDE.COM | BORNTORIDE.COM BTR
There are someLetgreat so getand outadvertise there andyour meet with old Bornevents To Ridecoming market,up, promote, nextupevent; call frie 404
s, Rides & Destinations BornToRide.com/events February 24 will work toward accomplishing Burford, GA Frazier’s H-D Ladies the vision of changing the world Intro to Motorcycling Event 11am. one heart at a time. 770-945-6011 March 2 - March 3 February 24 Shelbyville, TN Lynchburg Flat Lithia Springs, GA H-D of Atlanta Track Racing at Calsonic Arena. Premier Pre-Owned Tent Sale. Indoor Flat Track Racing: Modern Are you in the market for a bikes, Hooligan (Street Bikes), new Harley? This is the perfect Speedway bikes and Vintage/ time of year to pick up the AHRMA bikes. 3/2/’18 Friday bike of your dreams. All preNight Practice 6pm to 10 pm. owned inventory will be priced 3/3/’18 Saturday Main Events at at or below NADA. Every bike in 7pm. 256-361-7279 stock goes through a 30-point inspection. Bikes starting as low March 3 Gibsonton, FL Rumble at the as $3900.00! 770-944-1340 River Pre-Bikeweek Biker Bash at Rivers Edge. Featuring The February 25 Greg Billings Band, meet Nation’s Clarksville, TN Clarksville Fire Krista Grotte, enjoy Micro 32nd Annual Swamp Meet Championship Wrestling & more. 10am Clarksville Speedway & 813-671-9196 Fairgrounds. Tennessee’s longest running swap meet. Indoor & March 3 outdoor vendors with motorcycles Burford, GA Frazier’s H-D Pack & parts of all kinds. New & up Your Saddlebag Event 11am. vintage parts, jewelry, leather, 770-945-6011 motor clothes and auto parts; 10x10 indoor\outdoor spaces March 8 - March 9 available for $40 - reserve your Mobile, AL Daytona Thunder Run space now! 931-221-9127 at Mobile Bay Harley-Davidson. This is an eight-day run from March 1 - March 4 Harbor City, CA to Daytona Georgiana, AL Stock Law Gap Beach, FL. It has many Starting Spring Rally. Spring Rally at points along the way. You can do the Gap - Always a Good Time a single leg or all eight, it’s up to at the Gap! Field events, bike you. All to support the Wounded games, adult games, live band, Warrior Project. Website has wet t-shirt contest, food vendors, registration, News and updates, and more. Must be 21 to enter. and Schedule. This is the start of Gates Open Thursday-Sunday. Day 7 DTR, we’ll be going From Primitive camping, RVs welcome, Mobile Al to Jacksonville FL. We but no hook-ups. 334-525will be going through Pensacola, 0409 FL and Tallahassee, FL. If you plan on doing the whole leg, its a March 2 - March 3 long one (418 miles) Start time is McMinnville, TN TCMA Bikers also early (7am). for Change at Pioneer Baptist daytonaThunderRun.com Church. Bikers for Change conference sets the stage for March 10 ministry in the upcoming year. It Eight Mile, AL Combat Vet’s provides great opportunities for Motorcycle Association Poker you and your chapter to meet Run 10am American Legion Post with the Regional Evangelist 153. 251-242-0219 Randal Tebeau, connect with other CMA’ers, be challenged March 17 and refreshed in ministry. In the Albany, GA Lieutenant Cliff enriching training sessions, you
Rouse 8th annual Memorial Dice Run 9am American Legion Post 30. Music, food, auction, 50/50, raffles.alpost30@mediacombb.net
Rally by the River. 2018 Spring Kick-Off Rally (8th Year of the Best Adult Only Party). Best “Adult Only” Bike Rally Party in the South; $30 per 21+person March 17 includes 3-day “armband” pass & Burford, GA Frazier’s H-D Come primitive campsite, hot showers See Us at the Suwanee Beer and bathhouses, $75 electrical Fest. 770-945-6011 hookups for Thursday-Sunday; $10 for additional days, Limited March 17 cabins & bunkhouses available Lebanon, TN Thaw Bike Show for rent, Bands perform Friday & Swap Meet 10am-4pm Wilson & Saturday nights, ATVs & golf County Exposition Center. New carts welcomed (limited speed); & used bike parts, accessories, merchandise & food vendors bikes for sale, biker clothing & available. 205-680-2962 more; $10 per person, under 12 free. 615-364-1828 April 6 Somerville, TN Bull Moose Poker March 22 - March 25 Run 8am Somerville Moose Tellico Plains, TN March Moto Lodge. KCBS BBQ & Poker Madness-Mother Rally. If you love Run for our friends with Down to ride, love to eat, love camping, Syndrome. Visit our Facebook love spending time with good page people, March Moto Madness is for you! marchMotoMadness.com April 7 Woodstock, GA American Flat March 24 Track Atlanta Short Track 9pm Acworth, GA Ride 2 Read Dixie Speedway. American 9am Brookwood Christian Flat Track is America’s original School. Please join us as extreme sport. At its core, it’s a we honor National Reading highly competitive, adrenalineMonth by hosting our very first fueled American motorcycle sport charity motorcycle ride with featuring customized motorcycles Acworth’s very own Chef Henry reaching top speeds of up to Chandler leading the ride. 140mph, piloted by young, athletic brookwoodChristian.com and marketable world-class athletes. 386-492-1014 March 29 Athens, GA Cycle World of Athens April 12 - April 14 Two Wheel Thursday Bike Night Pigeon Forge, TN GWRRA 6pm-9pm. Hot food, cold beer, District Spring Fling. Come join raffles & live music. 706-548your fellow Goldwing Riders for a 3300 weekend of motorcycle fun 2018 theme Sounds of the Sixties. April 4 gwrraTN.org Concord, NC Dogwood Crew Orphan Run 11am Speedway April 13 - April 15 Harley-Davidson. Please help Grandy, NC Barrys Bike Rally Disciple Christian Motorcycle Club Navy SEAL Tribute Ride. Threeraise money for a young boy day motorcycle rally that includes or girl to find a Forever family. the Annual Navy SEAL Tribute Whether you ride a motorcycle or Ride.Admission is free SEAL Ride not, come on out and show your is $25 donation to the Navy SEAL support. Visit our Facebook page Museum. April 5 - April 8 Cleveland, AL Boogie Bottoms
To submit and viewineven events visit www.GeorgiaBikeEvents.com ends! 4-788-3907. Send your more events to info@BornToRide.com, help us help you.
April 14 – April 15 Raleigh, NC EuroBike Rally BORNTORIDE.COM| BTR BTR 45 BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BORNTORIDE.COM 4543
www.BornToRide.com/events Downtown Raleigh. The ninth-annual Raleigh Eurobike is a family-friendly event dedicated to the style and sophistication of European mechanical design and the history of the machines that inspire the imagination with a feeling of freedom and a hint of rebellion. There will be rides and bikerelated events around the downtown Raleigh area. 919-525-1159 April 14 Winchester, TN High on the Hog Poker Run 10am Citizens Pavilion Best hand/worst hand poker run followed with BBQ, 50/50, door prizes & more. 931-607-6407 April 18 - April 22 Unadilla, GA Angel City Spring Motorcycle Rally. Angel City is the first town built with biker’s in mind. It incorporates an “Old West” theme and has an atmosphere all its own. Bike games, bike show, bike ride, live music, wet t-shirt contest, burn out pit, lots of vendors and two saloons, you are sure to have a kickin good time. Wet and dry camping is available. Come party with us “Southern Style.” Check for more info angelCityMotorcycleRally.com April 19 – April 22 Seven Springs, NC Thunder on Tobacco Road Mason-Dixon Park. Motorcycle Rodeo & Party, live music, group rides, bike games, people games & contests, signature midnight bare as you dare parade and a whole lot more; 18 & older, $30 entire event, $15 Saturday (come hear the band and stay the night) free tent and camper boondocking with paid admission. 804-894-0558 April 21 Milan, TN A Knight’s Ride 9am6pm Camelot. Camelot is hosting a bike ride and bike show for the TN Coalition to end domestic and sexual violence. Music, contest, awards, food, and vendors are part of the day’s
Alabama! The Premiere PreParty will be hosted on the USS Alabama Battleship. Registered participants ONLY! This is a Pre-Party you will not want to miss! Registration: $40 April 28 - includes two (2) weekend Tennessee Ridge, TN passes. Golf carts must be Tennessee Ridge Jeep & Motorcycle Poker Run 10am- registered! Spectators: $10-day pass - $15 weekend pass Kids 5pm City Hall. This event is 12 and under are Free! Visit our to raise funds for the Herb Gould Veteran Park. The Park Facebook page was started in 2015 to honor May 4 - May 6 veterans in Houston County. Maggie Valley, NC Thunder in They developed a DogTag the Smokies Spring Motorcycle Display, walking trails, is lay ground and picnic area. 931- Rally Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Come ride the Blue 348-9106 Ridge Parkway, the Dragon’s Tail, the Cherohala Skyway and May 3 - May 5 Newberry, SC GWRRA District more scenic roads. With topnotch performers, tasty treats A South Carolina District Convention. Rides, contests, and an enthusiastic crowd, it’s games, vendors, food & drink sure to be a good time. Win and lots of fun. Visit the event $1,000 at the Bike Games or website (below) for additional win $1,000 at the Bike Show. Stock up on gear with a great information gwrrasc.com selection of vendors. Tour rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway, May 3 - May 6 exciting entertainment, vendors Atwood, TN Boogie Hollar Spring Rally. Come join the fun & more. at this 126-acre biker park with 828-246-2101 paved roads, hot showers, and May 5 vast camping areas. Tazewell, TN Ride for Enjoy a weekend full of live Independence 10am-2pm Old music, great food, vendors, Own Grill. All proceeds to field events, stage contests, and more. Don’t miss out on benefit Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, Inc., the Saturday morning poker (SCHAS) Unlike other care run! Must be at least 21 to giving agencies, SCHAS offers attend. boogieHollar.com financial aid, known as the sliding scale fee fund, to clients May 4 - May 6 Mobile, AL Battle in Bama Hot who cannot afford the full fee Rod, Truck & Bike Show USS nor are eligible for government Alabama Battleship Memorial assistance. www.schas.org Park. Battle in Bama is the Premiere Hot Rod, Car, Truck, May 11 - May 20 and Bike Show on the Alabama Murrells Inlet, SC Myrtle Beach Gulf Coast located at the USS Bike Week Spring Rally. North Alabama Battleship Memorial Myrtle Beach to Georgetown, SC. “The Carolina’s Largest Park, voted #1 attraction in Motorcycle Event” Motorcycle
festivities, come and join us and show your support to the coalition and survivors! 731695-2298
Rally & Tours on the Grand Strand of SC. Myrtle Beach Bike Week® Coastal Motorcycle Tours, bike nights, bike shows, vendors, entertainment, attractions, event merchandise & more. myrtleBeachBikeWeek. com May 12 Bristol, TN Ride to Remember 11am-3pm Bristol Motor Speedway. Prelude to National Police Week 2018, in cooperation with Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office; proceeds go to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund in Washington, DC. Registration 8:30am at Bristol Motor Speedway (Hwy 394 Entrance) KSU 11am, $20 per bike. Ride tends at Bristol Motor Speedway; music & food provided. 423-444-9165 May 17 - May 19 Marion, SC Swamp Fox Spring Biker Bash at Swamp Fox Entertainment Complex. Ride, Camp, Party! The Swamp Fox Biker Bash is the place to be! Live entertainment, lots of great vendors, and amazing food and drinks at the FoxHole Bar and Grill! Bring your friends and have a great time. Free primitive camping with purchase of daily pass for day of pass entry. Limited RV spots with full hookups. 843-206-0862 May 18 - May 20 Grady, AL Shine in the Pine Spring Bike Rally. For Adults only 21 and up. Featuring adult activities and games, great food and entertainment, hot shower and plenty of primitive camping, RV’s & primitive camping with campfires (non-electrical) free. shineInLapine.com
Fuel Tank Rusty? Craig Can Fix It!
On a motorcycle, your fuel tank is the heart and soul your machine What do you do when it’s rusty, when it leaks? Radiator shop over-the-counter stuff? You know it doesn’t work, with you try anyways and guess what? It doesn’t work. I offer an alternative service for the inside of your tank, I remove all rust clean them out and coat them with epoxy tank liner that’s clear and works, I guarantee it with gasoline and even methanol. I even repair failed Kreme and Redkote liners. I save vintage tanks that leak, rusty tanks that nobody would ever think of using again. I turn them around quickly within three days Many of the leading motorcycle dealers use me on a regular basis, (Tampabay Powersports, Tampa Triumph, and Eurocycles Tampa) when they’re tired of cleaning carburetors they call Craig. Prices are 129 any tank any condition, three day turn around.
www.CraigPaintsBikes.com • 813-407-2226
to go to Craven Moorehead JeffI Decided Gordon’s Garage
They are solitary creatures who spend their time making and mending shoes and have a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If captured by a human, they often grant three wishes in exchange for their freedom. I didn’t know which end of the rainbow to look under, but I figured that if there really was a pot of gold the little fellow would probably be hanging around nearby to guard it. Not much luck with that search so I decided to go to Jeff Gordon’s garage and look around there - I mean they are called the “Rainbow Warriors” right? Since it was near Christmas time, there was nobody around anywhere. I wasn’t about to give up on my quest to find one of these mythical creatures. In my travels, I looked in every wooded spot and in a few neighborhoods known to be inhabited by Irish people. Maybe they could be hiding one somewhere. Not much luck there either (luck of the Irish?) but I did mistakenly tackle an inflatable lawn elf in front of someone’s house. After the gunshots stopped, I hastily made my escape back to my own neighborhood which is surrounded by woods anyhow. I looked high and low, far and wide but it seemed that my It seems like only yesterday when I was attempting to craft a story search was futile. It was getting late, it was dark, but I continued for Born To Ride in the January 2017 issue. Well, not only has time on not realizing what day or time it was. At a nearby ranch house, passed me by, but it seems that the entire year has blown by like I avoided tackling another inflatable and passed right by frosty and a hurricane force wind. Now it’s 2018, and I am still sitting here other decorations in the yard. Then I heard a noise. No, it wasn’t the wondering how I survived the last year. There are always a lot of owner racking a shell into the shotgun, it was like a scratching noise trials and tribulations in life but somehow, I seem to pull through and some rumbling coming from the roof somewhere. It was really against all odds. Now, if someone could step up and tell me how too dark to see much, but then I heard a rather tiny but terrifying I pulled this off, it would certainly be appreciated. In a whirlwind of scream. Out of nowhere, a tiny leprechaun looking creature all real life and drama I seemed to get by somewhat unscathed and dressed in green landed right in front of me! I immediately lunged even though times looked bad, somehow, I was able to get back on and grabbed the creature and stuffed him up under my arm and ran the horse and ride, even though my mount was somewhat lame from like a football player on the way to the end zone. Screaming and a rock in the shoe. kicking the little fellow kept trying to say something but I couldn’t Man, how time flies. If you are reading this now, the odds are understand too much of the banter. A few seconds later, I threw him fairly good that I survived Christmas and all the commercialism that in the old truck and made a hasty retreat back to the home-front. “I it brings to bear and if there is no memorial page in the magazine done caught me a leprechaun,” I said out loud, laughing. “You idiot announcing my untimely death, well then I guess that I am still he hollered, I’m not a leprechaun, I’m Eli one of Santa’s elves”! Oh kickin’ it out here somewhere and trying to survive. As long as I crap, I’m thinking as I beat feet back to the place where I captured wake up above ground, I will keep striving to make every day a little him. I had totally forgotten what night it was and since it didn’t work bit better than the last one. Needless to say, ’17 wasn’t the greatest out too well, I tried to apologize to him and his boss. That didn’t year, but I will just keep on digging and see what comes of it. work out too well either. Oooops I kinda screwed up there a little bit Regardless of the adversity, you gotta just keep on keeping on. but I figured it might be okay as long as I still believed. I headed I rarely go into the office at BTR, but I was in there at the right straight back home and went to sleep like a good little boy. The beginning of the month and when I go there - as usual, I talked to next morning when I woke up, I had a big surprise! A 40-pound Jesse. He is the very proficient editor of this fine publication and sack of coal. I guess I deserved it, but I made it work yet again. The we always exchange small talk and friendly salutations. Often, I steaks I made on that grill of mine sure tasted good!! (and I didn’t will ask him what he thinks I should write about in the next month’s have to buy charcoal.) issue. This time it was an unusual request. He said I should write Anyway, a new year is upon us and try your best to make the best about finding a leprechaun and that was a true challenge. I thought of every situation whether good or bad! Let’s just believe that it will I knew a few things about them but where to find one is another get better and we pray that it will. … So, until next month, Speed issue. According to Irish lore, they are usually depicted as little Safely and keep searching for that pot of gold! bearded men, wearing a coat and hat, who partake in mischief. CRAVEN BTR 46 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Let us know what you think of Craven Moorehead, info@borntoride.com
HENRY WINKLER
Christian Motorcyclists Association He Will Show You the Possible! Recently I was reminiscing about past riding experiences and recalling some of the various memories that were created. Riding is not about a single activity; rather it is about a series of occurrences that happen over time as one takes joy in the process of riding and getting into the wind! A lot of those old recollections center around when I rode a dirt bike on small, poorly marked, trails in the woods. I distinctly recall riding on the back of a 250cc dirt bike, while my best friend was at the handlebars, plowing our way through a seemingly unmarked pathway. As I could not see where he was going, I innocently asked where the trail was, he replied by telling me that when there is no trail, you make one! Wow, what a concept, when it seems impossible to follow a path previously laid down, hang on tight and blaze your own way. I never forgot that philosophy of a dear friend, and have often used it in various aspects of my life. In all honesty, I must confess that while blazing your own way doesn’t always work; it is sweet when the effort pays off! When I got a street bike after some 22 years of waiting, I was overwhelmed with the size, the weight, and the power. BTR 48 | BORNTORIDE.COM
I was going from a 370cc dirt bike to a 1,100cc street bike, from a stripped-down frame to a bike with chrome, bags and a windshield. There was a difference of several hundred pounds of metal! When I first straddled the street bike I felt a whole lot of nervousness flood over me, especially once I gave the throttle a good twist. My first thought was that it was going to be impossible to learn to handle such a big and heavy ride. I had some confidence, born of ignorance, and decided to buy the monster, and force myself to learn how to control it. I spent a lot of time in the neighborhood (I’m sure that was appreciated!) stopping and starting and turning corners to get the feel of the bike. Thankfully I did not allow any passengers on until I had tamed the beast! I remembered the past lesson of my friend, that nothing is impossible. Since those days of learning to ride, I learned a biblical reality that makes all the difference in my life. Luke 1:37 says, “Nothing is impossible with God.” Just like blasting through the woods with my friend, creating a pathway, some things seem impossible on our own. The cool thing is that when you invite God to take the handlebars of life, those things that once seemed impossible are indeed doable. Finding peace, joy, and comfort are well within the realm of what God can do in the lives of those who trust Him. When something seems impossible, ask God to take over and show you His power and grace. He will show you the possible!
In The Wind, Denny Dingler Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association