Born To Ride Southeast Motorcycle Magazine #83, January 2020

Contents

January Issue 83

Features Chopporama 10 Creative RV 12 Kory Souza-Originals 20 HD-Dothan-Bubba Blackwell Rocks Again 34

Columns

18

Woman’s World-Myra McElhaney 28 Ramble On-JP 2020 40 R.I.P. Craven Moorehead-Happy New Year 47 Christian Motorcycle Association 48

Departments Contents Page 2 Ride Safe, Ride Smart-Multi Lane Records 6 Born To Ride Events-www.BornToRide.com 42 Born To Ride Kids-Happy New Year 48

Reports

20

Born To Ride-Build Your Business 4 Diamond Gusset-Original Jeans 17 24 The Great American Motorcycle Show Movie Review-Choppertown-The Sinners 32 Hulk Hogan Reads It! 33 Craig Can Fix It! 45

On The Cover Kelly Willett and Kory Souza coming to The Great American Motorcycle Show, Atlanta, GA Jan 25, 26 www.natcshows.com

Ad Index

AAA IFC BornToRide.com 16 Biker Business For Sale 33 BTR App 27 BTR Cigar Club 46 BTR Facebook 41 BTR Heat Up BC BTR Lifestyle 27 BTR Magazine Subscription 46 BTR Radio 27 BTR YouTube 38 Chopporama 10 Chopporama Facebook 41 Cigleske Law Firm 26 Creative RV 14 Cycle World of Athens 31 Gibtown Bike Fest Chopporama 8 Great American Motorcycle Show 24 HD Dothan 34 HD Fraziers 5 HD Raging Bull IBC HD Smoky Mountain 7 LawBike.com 1 Leather, Love & Freedom 41 Meet Krista Grotte 18 Motorcycle Law Group 39 Nation’s Fire-The Movie 19 Progressive Insurance 3 ProRider Ken Anderson 6 Tiny Trailer Nation 38 Thunder Beach 29 Thunder By The Bay 30 Toys Wanted 41 Wanted GI Joe 41 Wife Swap-Now Casting 46 Xtreme Rider 33

WHY BORN TO RIDE? WHY NOW?

Start an extraordinary relationship

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

PO BOX 3021 Brandon, FL 33509

PUBLISHER

Ron Galletti 813-785-3895 rg@borntoride.com

Meet Us at The Great American Motorcycle Show. Find out how we can Help your Business Grow

CO PUBLISHER

Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com ART DIRECTOR

Shawn Jones art@borntoride.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com ART DEPARTMENT

Seth Wuertz, Juan Guzman, Jared Hartman, Erick Runyon Peter Soutullo art@borntoride.com WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Juan Guzman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Erick Runyon

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Stan Barnhisel

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Nancy Ray nray@borntoride.com

MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST

Jared Hartman

SALES & MARKETING

888-795-5779 ROAD CREW

Vick Velosity, Kenny Bowers, Doug Bright, Birdman Mike SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT

Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds CONTRIBUTORS

JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Paul Garson, Spyke & Mike, Susan Hurst, Eric Albright, Eric Vician, Myra McElhaney, Paul Murray PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ron & Selena Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Eric Albright, Tom Seiter, Chopper Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon

Born To Ride Motorcycle Media is ready to contribute to your success!

Going into our 25 year, we have been dedicated to the biker community. We will 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 Advertising Results, 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 a Million Registered Motorcycle owners in these States. Tourism brings even more riders to these states 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. Feel free to Call to setup a Special Meeting. 813-785-3895 Ron & Deb Galletti

LAW FIRM

Rubenstein Law 1-800-FL-LEGAL

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Let’s start the production of your promotion today! See you at The Great ameican Motorcyle Show!

MULTI LANE RECORDS

Search: You are traveling along a multi-lane highway in heavy traffic. Following distances are very close and your space cushion is reduced.

Searching this chaotic traffic pattern, you observe all of the following hazards: other vehicles, reduced space cushion, inadequate following distances, and reduced space to both sides. A hurried-looking driver is in the lane to your right, tailgating the car ahead of him and obviously looking for an opportunity to pass. He begins to change lanes into the space that you presently occupy.

Evaluate: Immediate action is required. Decide to communicate with the other driver and take action to protect your space.

Execute: Execute by sounding your horn. Steer to adjust your position away from the offending automobile, cover your brakes and clutch, slowing or speeding up as necessary to avoid the car.

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

JAN 17,18,19 GIBTOWN

KENNY DUKES

Chopporama Builder Profile: Kenny Dukes of Hellbenders Motorcycles and Steven Toth of @toth_fabrication. What we have here is a great combo of old school meets new school. Kenny has been in the Industry for most of his life. He’s put in his time w other major bike manufacturing companies and Ike many, decided it would be more gratifying

to open his own shop. Named ‘HellBenders’ after his Army Unit, he set out to build one of a kind, choppers comprised of only U. S. Parts, complete w his own manufacturers license. Fast forward a few years to a couple short months ago when fabricator Steven Toth moves from South Florida to just outside the Tampa area looking for a new home to continue his passion in bike building. Kenny welcomed Steve

DREW CEMER

into his shop w open arms and it’s been full steam ahead since. Their contribution to Chopporama can be seen here, and I believe there will be many people out there appreciative of its classic styling clues. The build is going to be a great addition to the awesome line up of bikes and builders and we’re looking forward to seeing the finished machine under the bright lights of the show.

Chopporama Builder Profile: Several years ago when Drew Cemer of Freakshow Fabrication told his father that he wanted to work in a motorcycle shop, he was told in a discouraging manor that he needed to know someone to work in a bike shop. With that in mind Drew went to a local bike shop and 12 minutes later he had a job! Thankfully, Drew seems to be a lot like many other bike builders... tell them they can’t do something,and they get it done! A few years later he was working with another bike shop who’s owner decided to pack up and head to California.

Drew’s options were either to move with him or stay and do his own thing.His own BTR 10 | BORNTORIDE.COM

For more information on Chopporama go to: www.Chopporama.com or Call: 888-795-5779

thing turned out to be ‘Freakshow Fabrication’ and he’s been busy doing his thing for nearly 10 years. Whether he’s repairing and restoring an old chopper and bringing it back to it’s glory days or if he’s doing a total ground up custom build, his work is timeless.

He has a great eye for capturing the spirit of those glorious choppers of the past. In fact there will be more than a few builds at Chopporama that Drew hasn’t had a hand in. He’s known throughout the community to be a guy you can turn to for a random part, advice or help. If he doesn’t have the part you need,he knows someone that has it etc.

Luckily for us, he’s bringing a few bikes to Chopporama and were stoked! He’s a great addition to an impressive list of builders that will be at the show.

he acquired this survivor frame is pretty spectacular. Lets just say persistence and a new true life long friendship.paid off for him in more ways than one. When Justin asked the previous frame owner about how he came up with the idea for the square tubing idea, his response was, “Hell I don’t know, the wife and I were trippin’ balls when we worked on it”.The bike set in an attic for almost 50 yrs, when ,before it was pulled back out into the sunlight, when his friend exclaimed, ‘This bitch has had one hell of a trip”. Right then, Justin knew it’s new name would be ‘Bad Trip’.

We look forward to seeing Justin and his ‘Bad Trip’ along with a great mix of other builders, vintage bike enthusiast and fellow Chopperheads.at Chopporama!

Justin Valcourt

Josh Laurenti Chopporama Builder Profile; Meet vintage bike historian and chopper builder Justin Valcourt! Justin is very prominent in the antique motorcycle scene, and the event moderator for the Antique motorcycle Club of America. To be fair, Justin will tell you, “I’m not a builder, and I just take old stuff and put it together” There may be different types of builders, but whatever he does, ‘works’. If you’ve been involved in the chopper scene in the Southeast U.S in the last couple years, there’s a pretty good chance you know of or have seen his square tubed, panhead chopper, which he lovingly calls, ‘Bad Trip’. The story on how Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value every month for you the Reader

Chopporama Builder Profile: The name @shadetree_surgeon conjures up various ideas and thoughts but in the motorcycle community it’s known to be kick ass @ youtube channel put on the interweb by a cool cat named Josh Laurenti. If you haven’t checked out his channel yet, do so after you read this. Though his videos are primarily moto related, you also get a very entertaining glimpse into his life, and his friends. The thought behind a XS build was simple - ‘I’ve never built a bike before. Let’s see if I can do it.’ Josh documented the entire build on his channel. My take away from was A) If he didn’t know how to do something, he figured it out. B) He built a pretty sweet bike! Josh himself has said, “If I can do it, anybody can do it.” I’m glad he built it! Chopporama isn’t all about pro builders with big budget bikes, it’s about everyone sharing the same passion.

Erick Runyon BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 11

As a youngster growing up, we were so fortunate to experience the joy and fun of camping. Every summer, my parents would take us on an adventure to places we would read about in school.

Now that I’m older, the thought of getting back into camping – AND taking my motorcycle along – is more intriguing, thanks to my conversation with Marc McAdams of Creative RV Atlanta!

Creative RV is an amazing company whose headquarters are located in Chino, California. “We are technically the largest bus sales company in the nation. We specialize in buses also; school buses, church buses, tour buses, etc., 35 years in buses. The RV side of the business is three years old. The way we got into the RV world is through a company called Forest River RV. They are an RV/Bus company (a Warren Buffett Company). They are the third-largest RV manufacturing company in the nation.”

Forrest River approached Creative RV asking them to sell the RVs thanks to the reputation, manpower, facilities, etc. of Creative RV. “We have locations in Chino, CA, Washington state, Arizona, Atlanta, BTR 12 | BORNTORIDE.COM

Jacksonville, Florida, and a facility in Pennsylvania.”

Marc was hired to run the RV side of the business. “I came from Maryland to Georgia. I am the manager for the east coast. My job is to build up the business on the east coast. There is another guy that mirrors my job out on the west coast. This year in May, we had matched the number in Atlanta from last year. We doubled our numbers before this year was over – thanks to the biker community!”

Travel & Adventure, The RV Lifestyle Coincides with the Biker Lifestyle

Marc was quick to mention that their success was due, in part, to Ron Galletti of Born To Ride. “It’s not through natural leads like Craig’s List, RV Trader, our website, etc. It’s because we are in the motorcycle community. We do bike events and did a Born To Ride event with Ron at the Great

American Motorcycle Show here in Atlanta, showcasing our toy haulers for bikers.

Having a toy hauler AND your motorcycle can make all the difference in the world when you’re on a trip. “A lot of bikers have never been in a toy hauler.

At our shows, we expose them to the toy hauler lifestyle and understanding that if at age 60, for example, you’re going to Sturgis, you don’t need to be riding. Having a toy hauler, you have your “motel,” your bike is not in the elements or in the threat of getting stolen or damaged, and you are living in luxury.”

Most floor plans are pre-arranged. You can deviate from an established floor plan; if you want a king-sized bed versus a queen.

But, if you want to get into changing color schemes, it’s not cost-effective. “All floor plans are going to have the same tank capacity. But the manufacturers have gotten away from doing one-off units. It’s a road we prefer not to go down because the costs are substantially more to the customer.”

Toy haulers start at $22,000. This is a 26’ rig standing strong at 5,000 pounds.

“You can put two Harleys in this rig AND it can be towed with a Ford F150/Chevy 1500

CreativeRV.com, 866-201-8990 • Atlanta, GA 770-795-4295, We Deliver Anywhere in the U.S.

pickup truck! Payments are really low when purchasing a new toy hauler. It’s simple interest with no pre-payment penalties. If your taxes are done properly, you can write off the first 5 years of interest because the IRS sees RVs as a home.” In order for the IRS to see this as a home, the RV has to have a bathroom, kitchen, and a place to sleep. It’s tax-deductible as a second home! Under $50,000 you can finance up to 15 years, over $50,000 you can finance up to 20 years. The Vengeance 5th wheeler, tri-axle RV (my personal favorite) is the most popular unit Marc sells. Selling at around $56,000, payments can be in the neighborhood of $400 or so a month.

Marc explained, “Our price point starts at the low $20s to $100,000. We can fit any economic situation including finding the right RV for you and your truck.”

Marc is a rider, owning a Hayabusa motorcycle. Technically, it’s the fastest production bike made, and he loves riding it! “I started riding at the age of eight with dirt bikes in Maryland where I grew up.”

Why a toy hauler? “The RV lifestyle coincides with the biker lifestyle. Three of my new RV/toy hauler customers

just returned from Sturgis. They were all together and met new people at the campsites they stayed at. In fact, they sent me pictures of the little town they all created at this campsite! They didn’t need to get a hotel every night, they stayed in their RV, they were out of the elements because they were in their trucks, they get their bikes out and rode, came back to their little town with their little house, and it all just comes together. You find yourself seeking out other places to go! You want to be free and see stuff that you wouldn’t normally see as a typical person.”

Normally, our vacations are based around an air flight and a rented car. Marc clarified, “You are limited. If the airport is a bit away from the ‘fun stuff,’ the best food, the best of America, you’re not going to see it because you’re basing a trip around that airport. Your hotel is in conjunction with the airport – and you’re limited. You have to check out at a certain time, you can’t bring your dog, you’re limited on how many people can stay in one room, etc. You have a rental car. You don’t have your stuff in your car, you may smoke but can’t in a rental car, you may have a limited amount

of miles you can drive. Again, you’re restricted. With your own! toy hauler, you can avoid all the stuff we just mentioned and do what you what, when you want! It changes the whole outlook by taking time off.” Quick weekenders are the most fun. If you own an RV, you can jump in the truck, drag the RV and head out to a place 45 minutes from home! It may cost you less than $100 for the weekend!

Last thoughts today, Marc? “I’d like to convey that we are RVers. We live the lifestyle and we are bikers. We know how to maximize the fun level. When we share something with you, we are telling you the truth. This is our passion. Hopefully, it will be yours too! Why get caught in a torrential downpour on your motorcycle and stay at a nasty hotel? An RV will eliminate that trouble.”

Be sure to tell Marc that you read this story in Born To Ride magazine. You will receive a unique Born To Ride pricing when you purchase a toy hauler at this event or at their showroom! Thank you, Marc, for sharing your story with the readers of Born To Ride magazine!

Susan Hurst

Let Marc McAdams Help you find your Dream, 470-259-7630, Creative RV, MarcM@CreativeRV.com

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GET THEM AT THE GREAT AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE SHOW

Many companies today provide quality protective clothing for motorcycle riders. Blue jeans are often the go-to pant for bikers, for their comfort, utilitarian function, and general good looks. Yet often, these offer sub-par protection in the event of an “off.”

Several companies offer armored jeans, with sewn-in protection at key points around the garment. Companies like Joe Rocket, Icon, Alpinestars, and Cortech are among those who offer high quality riding jeans.

At a recent Great American Motorcycle Show, I had the privilege to meet with David Hall of Diamond Gusset Jean Company, a unique, all-American outfit based in Bon Aqua, Tennessee. Among their many and varied jean styles, they manufacture a “biker jean,” with fantastic features I’ve never seen before in a riding jean. Hall outfitted both Ron Galletti and me with a pair of their “Defender” riding jeans, for the purpose of giving our impressions and suggestions, as well as penning an evaluation for our readers.

But first, a little background on this extraordinary American entrepreneur and his company. Hall spent years working for the likes of Levi Strauss and Lee Jeans, during the time when those companies, as well as so many others, were outsourcing their manufacturing to places like Mexico, China, and Indonesia, to name a few. In 1987, Hall had a dream for a completely American jean company, with every fiber, thread, stitch, rivet, button and patch made right here in the States, by American hands, start-tofinish. He also envisioned a unique diamondshaped crotch design, known as a gusset, for better durability, comfort and movement. For motorcycle riders, this would prove to be a tremendous selling point.

Hall struck out to pursue this dream, with

feature I use daily. The coin pocket is located on the left, so riders can keep a grip on the front brake while paying tolls, gate fees, etc. A nice touch. A Velcro ankle strap can be pulled over to secure the pant securely around boots, with no “ride-up.” I also like the extra right side lower pocket, perfect for a knife, small tool, or notably, my iPhone 6s.

The Defender is available in blue and black, a wide range of sizes, and comes in Women’s cut and sizes as well.

I’ve spent the past few months with my pair of DG jeans, wearing them in all kinds of conditions. I’ve been riding in them almost daily, on short commutes and long days in saddle, wearing them around the office and around town, and working in them indoors and outside. Heck, I’ve even copped a few afternoon naps in them. My wife has washed them for me numerous times, and the jeans are retaining their color, with no noticeable fade, and virtually no shrinkage. The jeans remain very comfortable, with no fraying or coming apart at any seams, no wearing thin at the seat or knees. Superb manufacturing.

Out on the road, the Defender remains supremely comfortable to wear. I do not no “seed money” or bank financing. In an era experience the typical, how shall I say, that has seen many companies fold, move “binding in the subterranean regions”, causing offshore, or sell out, DG has stayed true to me “adjust” from time to time while riding. to their vision—a superior constructed and A welcome change from regular jeans. For supremely comfortable jean that is entirely comparison, I have owned a pair of Cortech American made, with the fantastic diamond DSX armored riding jeans, for about 10 years. gusset crotch concept. And they have They have been among the best riding jeans continued to grow. The perfect riding jean?

I have ever owned. And yet, I find the DG We decided to take the challenge.

The Defender jean, DG’s “100% American Defender more comfortable and functional than even my DSX jean. I really like these Made Biker Jeans” as they bill it, contains pants. I’d say Hall and Diamond Gusset have numerous features that set it apart from hit a grand slam with the Defender jean. Be other riding jeans on the market. The hips, sure to meet David at The Great American knees and seat contain double-stitched, military-grade Kevlar protection. DG sews in Motorcycle Show and see the quality his a right-side metal D-ring for key clips, a nice products have to offer you.

Check out all the great products Diamond Gusset Jean Company offers at www.gusset.com

Rob Brooks

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You have a chance to meet the Hottest Bike Builder that everyone is talking about.

His Creations are a WOW Factor X10!

The Great American Motorcycle Show is the place in Atlanta, GA January 25 & 26 and you will see the Creations of this new Master Builder!

Kory Souza Originals has a unique BTR 20 | BORNTORIDE.COM

style that is ahead of the times and recognizable by people who follow the industry. After spending 8 years in the motorcycle business under a great mentor and bike-building legend, Kory stepped out on his own in 2010. Landing on the pages of dozens of motorcycle magazines and websites, Kory Souza Originals hit

the ground running - catching the eyes of people internationally and sparking the interest of some major players in the game.

Kory’s passion for motorcycles and cars shines through in each project. Every build displays Kory’s one off style, known to his friends and customers as “krispiness”.

Clean lines and minimalism are evident

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

from top to bottom of every custom build.

Designing, building and maintaining beautiful custom machines is more than just work to Kory - it is what his life revolves around - and the best part of what he does, Kory will tell you, is not the money or the notoriety, it is the look on the face of his customers when he presents them with

their very own Kory Souza Original: a look that says “wow”, “thank you” and “I can’t wait to show this off” all at the same time.

Kory Souza Originals now offers the KSO Instant Up Kit - an add on kit that you install on your motorcycle. This the guy that will create something for you beyond your Dreams and you will have an opportunity to

consult your vision, Kick some tires or just ask some questions of what’s hot in the Big Wheel Bagger Market and beyond.

Give your car or bike the attention to detail it deserves! Please email Kory to setup a personal consultation while he is in Atlanta. Email: kory@korysouza.com or Call: 508-294-0760, www.korysouza.com

For more info on The Great American Motorcycle Show • www.natcshows.com • 770-279-9899

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Kelly Willett

Meet Kory Souza Jan 25,26, The Great American Motorcycle Show

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

For more info on The Great American Motorcycle Show • www.natcshows.com • 770-279-9899

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Special Custom Bike Show Judge

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Women’s World RECOVERING, RIDING AND RAISING FUNDS

In her High School yearbook, Danielle Bosser Dahm had lots of comments from friends about her dark suntan. Tanning became an addiction for her. Not only did she enjoy the compliments on her skin tone, but studies show that tanning raises endorphins.

Although she tanned easily, Danielle began tanning daily at lunchtime. She felt like it was a form of therapy from her teens into her twenties.

Danielle and her Airforce husband, Chris lived in California until he was given orders to go to Germany. In 2000, she was a young Airforce wife with three children, ages eight, six and one-and-a-half. (She never tanned while pregnant, by the way) Danielle noticed a raised spot on her leg that eventually started bleeding. When a biopsy showed it was Stage 3 Melanoma, she was sent via Medevac to Walter Reed Hospital back in

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the states. There she was only given a 60 percent chance of surviving five years.

Danielle underwent multiple surgeries to remove the tumor and lymph nodes then to reattach her thigh muscle. Chris was given a

They hit a pothole and loose pavement threw the bike into a slide down a 30-foot embankment.

“Humanitarian Assignment” by the Airforce to be transferred to Tacoma, Washington so she could receive treatment. Her mother came to help. Danielle was treated with high doses of Interferon which caused flu-like symptoms and short-term memory loss. After eight months of treatment, she was down to only 86-pounds and walking with crutches. She’s now been in remission for 18 years.

Once she was healthy again Danielle began riding as a passenger on Chris’s motorcycle. They became part of a local motorcycle club called Olympia LowLife Riders where she’s known as “Sparkle” because of her sparkly clothes. In addition to riding, they do fundraising events for various charities.

In 2015, Danielle and her husband had a horrible motorcycle accident! They hit a

pothole and loose pavement threw the bike into a slide down a 30-foot embankment.

They slid 50 feet and hit a phone pole.

When Chris realized the bike was going down, he turned and put his arm around Danielle to shield her. He sustained most of the physical injuries. She had scrapes and bruises and gravel in her arm. He broke his shoulder blade, collarbone, and several ribs, crushing some. He also had a lacerated spleen and three lobes of his lungs collapsed.

Their daughter came home from college to take care of them during recovery and the riding club surrounded them with amazing support.

After the accident, not only did Danielle want to continue riding motorcycles—she wanted to ride her own. Only three years after the accident she got her license and bought a 2018 Indian Scout named SweatPea Hope.

Danielle and Chris continue to ride and raise funds for charities. She started a cancer support group called Melanoma Warriors and Cancer Club Friends on Facebook that has over 4,900 members.

By Myra McElhaney

If you or someone you know has a unique story contact Myra@MyraMcElhaney.com.

Workin’-Man’s-Motorcycle-Anymore, shift of market consciousness, one of the things that has been exorcised out of the motorcycle market and media is the hospitality of the working grunge machinist.

Your local bike shop used to be a place where you could stop by on your way home from work with a 12 pack and share a beer with they guys who kept your life rollin’. You could sit in the petroleum thick air and BS about women and cars and women and fishin’ and huntin’ and cars and bikes and women and guns and. … The bike shop was a sanctuary.

Filmmakers Zack Coffman and Scott Di Lalla are good friends who love bikes and are insiders in the culture of motorcycle brotherhood in southern California. Over beers they decided the off-the-rack, buy-in mentality of the Sunday rider was eclipsing the truth and the authentic relationships of those who ride were being lost by distraction. There was a time when the denim jacket was enough to keep the wind at bay, or your work overalls would get you to the club with your good clothes under; but after a while the black leather jacket and vest became a badge of the masses. Conformity confounded the community and riding was reduced to a few highly organized bike nights through the week and a Sunday putt for some noble cause. ‘Nothing wrong with noble causes but noble causes comes in a variety of faces and need— meaning different things to different social circles. Sometimes the noble cause is helping a friend get his bike back on the road.

When the film was being figured out by Di Lalla and Coffman they fell into the perfect scene. They knew a guy who was a friend of a guy who was about to launch a build out of an Evo motor on a bobber frame using the support of junk yards and the collection of odd materials accumulated over the years by the Sinners. This guy is a Sinner. The Sinners are what the riding life was and is still, but

One World Studios, Filmmakers Zack Coffman and Scott Di Lalla are becoming iconic. They’re just a couple of regular guys who love bikes and like to tell stories as they occur. While there are planned events in their work nothing is scripted, and often stuff does not go off a planned. The films are pure and rough—lacking anything that might make them seem contrived or counterfeit. This not to say the films are without sentimentality. There are some extreme moments in these works and there is the expression of deep respect and love between friends forged in brotherhood.

To experience the beauty of craft, the support of community, and the celebration of life these guys will carry you kindly to the place where the truth about us dwells.

Following are three reviews of documentaries from One World Studios.

KC O’Dunn aka Chaplin Plato, Choppertown, The Sinners, a motorcycle fabrication documentary film by Zack Coffman & Scott Di Lalla Over the last 20 or so years, since Harley got Malcolm Forbes and Mickey Rourke to be the centerpieces of their We-Ain’t-aBTR 32 | BORNTORIDE.COM

Filmmakers Zack Coffman and Scott Di Lalla are good friends who love bikes and are insiders in the culture of motorcycle brotherhood in southern CA.

conformists would be very uncomfortable among them.

The Sinners are the ultra network of brothers who span hundreds of miles of California and support each other with everything a person might need; even haircuts. One of those rare republican societies where there is complete support of one another and the hierarchy is loosely defined but staunchly protected ... a sanctuary.

This is the sweet spot where Coffman and Di Lalla chronicle the love, the society, and the brotherhood. The meaningful details of wrenching and welding and dancing and singing and bar fighting and playing hard driving and soulful music.

This is a very good documentary and in fact has become the cornerstone of One World Studios. It was the European debut of this film that was the purpose of One World Tour Europe. The guys documented an amazing journey to the Old-World to show the film and to meet Europe’s underground rouges of custom bikes and cars. www.choppertown.net The Phantom

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

HULK HOGAN READS IT!

The rain, thunderstorms and lightning strikes that passed through Dothan, AL canceled the show on the scheduled date of his performance, but it did not stop Bubba Blackwell from coming back the following week to put on his Bubba Blackwell ”Thrill Show” at Harley-Davidson of Dothan. Our group of American Legion Riders from Sylvester, GA rode to Dothan to watch the show, so I was able to cover the event.

Most of his stunts were done on a Harley XR750, but when he brought out his FLHTCU and did wheelies with it, that’s when it related to the bike similar to what I ride. His shows also include the VRSC V-rod, XR1200 and Super Glide, doing wheelies, burnouts and running a bike until the tire blows. He also likes to do front and rear wheel stands while sitting on the handlebars.

On the XR750, he successfully jumped 10 Christmas trees laid down and lined up along with 2 female HD of Dothan employees, one who wore “protective gear” on her front. After the show, I was able to corral the 87-year-young dealership owner, Dutch Holland, for a picture of them together with an autographed Born To Ride magazine of Bubba on the front page.

James “Bubba” Blackwell, 53, was born in BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM

H-D Dothan, 2418 Ross Clark cir, Dothan, AL 36301, www.HarleyofDothan.com, 334-792-0063

Panama City, FL and is best known as the only stunt performer who has broken all of Evel Knievel’s jump records. He began his career in 1998 by breaking the 19 car record of Knievel’s and went on the following year by tying the 14 bus record and broke the record of 15 buses 6 months later. In 2008, Bubba broke another Knievel record by jumping 52 stacked cars in 2008. Other stunts included jumping over 2 helicopters with rotating blades.

Bubba’s jumps did not seem to get the media coverage that Knievel’s crashes at Caesars Place and others got because Evel got more publicity from his crashes than successes. Bubba’s stunts did not go without risks and consequences.

Blackwell attempted to beat his own 22 car jump record, but lost traction in the soft dirt horse track and was not able to come up to the necessary speed, came up short and crashed. This was featured on “World’s Most Amazing Videos, Shockwave” and on the Discovery Channel’s “Destroyed in Seconds.” During his career, he has broken a total of 42 bones. Following this crash, Bubba “retired” from regular jumping and went on limited stunt shows with Buell. He retired again in 2015, going into the lawn care business.

I talked to his sister, Tammy, and she told a story where he was sitting on a zero-turn mower, gazing across the landscape and said, “This is not for me.” He came out of retirement in 2016 and continues to perform his stunt shows sponsored by Harley-Davidson at dealerships around the country. He expects to return to Harley-Davidson of Dothan on March 7, 2020, where “We will rock you again,” says Bubba.

Paul “Gadget” Murray

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 35

Ramble On

January 2020

I was still trying to live in 2019 … and now BAM … it’s already 2020!

Hello? Are you with me here?

December is always a busy month.

Shopping. More shopping. Going to UPS. Going to the busy USPO. I’ve got kids, grand-kids, mom and of course my beautiful wife, who has a birthday in December also. Her birthday turned out to be on Friday the 13th this year. Good thing neither one of us is superstitious!

Needless to say, everything got accomplished. It’s all over now until, well, this year. And then we do it all over again.

Only 11 months until Christmas!

December in GA still has plenty of good riding days. Ahhh, living in the south.

There is a lot more pleasant weather than where I came from in Northern Illinois.

That’s not to say that I didn’t ride in December while living in Illinois. Just fewer nice days and plenty of snow days. But I was still able to attend many Toys for Tots events and Frosty Balls rides.

New Year’s resolutions? I’ve got a few.

Attending more biker events is always a top priority. More stories, more pictures, more friends, and meeting up with the friends that I made last year. There is always sooo much to do on the weekends BTR 40 | BORNTORIDE.COM

here in north GA. But I can only be in one place at a time. I wish that I could spread out more … no … not my waist … there I wish I could slim down a bit. After all the good holiday food this year (as every year), I’ve put on a couple of extra pounds.

sent you. We depend on their business just as they depend on your business. It really is a two-way street.

Our advertisers enable me to keep fresh memory cards in my Nikon and gas in my Road King so that I can come and cover their biker events, and so you, our readers, can see in print the parties that you have attended, and parties that you missed. See yourself in the magazine. And see your friends’ pictures, too! Born To Ride tries to cover it all! And we do it for you … so please continue to support our advertisers, who oftentimes have specials on just what I’m looking for at just the right time that I’m looking for it. Funny how that works out.

I’m hoping this year to see all my old friends and all the new friends that I made So, as I always say, let us know here last year and add a ton more friends to at Born To Ride magazine what you’ve got my list this year. Stay in touch with Born going on in your parts of the woods. Get To Ride to let us know what’s happening it in our calendar of biker events. And if … and in turn, we’ll let our readers know I can make it to your event, I’ll be there, what’s happening. Another two-way street. notebook and Nikon in hand to shoot it up!

Look for me at the Great American Full coverage.

Motorcycle Show. Stop and say “hi.” Let And remember, this magazine is me take a picture of you and your friends supported by those who advertise with us. for the magazine. I’ll be looking for you!

Please patronize our advertisers and let Until next month, “Go Fast, You’ll Get them know that Born To Ride magazine There” JP If you have a Story for JP, or an Event you would like for him to cover, Call: 888-795-5779

Look for me at the Great American Motorcycle Show at the Born To Ride Booth, Stop by and say “Hello.”

Events www.B January 1 - January 31 Buford, GA Frazier’s H-D Sale. 770945-6011 January 1 - January 31 Warm Spring, GA Xtreme Rider January Black Sale. Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday 10am-5pm. If it’s Black, it’s on Sale! Xtreme-Rider.com January 1 Columbia, TN 5th Annual Polar Bear Run 9:30am Senior Citizens Building.

The first Motorcycle Ride of the year!

Ride begins & ends at the Senior Citizens Building in Maury County Park and will be held Rain or Shine. 615519-3199 January 1 Columbia, SC Gene’s Polar Bear Ride 9:30am Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson. Join us NEW YEAR’S DAY, for Gene Preston’s annual Polar Bear Ride. This year we are riding to Rhinharts Oyster Bar in Augusta GA. For more info visit our Fb page January 5 Warner, GA Take The LEAD Ride for The Blue 12pm American Legion Post 172. Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. We welcome Bikes and Cars to this Ride. Come Show Your Support for Our Law Enforcement Officers in Blue, $20 each for this Ride - Proceeds to Benefit Georgia C.O.P.S. Ride includes BBQ Sandwich and Chip; also, with the First 35 Registrations a LEAD 2020 Patch. Visit our Fb page for more info.

January 9 Lithia Springs, GA Harley-Davidson of Atlanta Bike Night 6pm-9pm. Live music, free food, free beer. Come out and help us celebrate our bike night.

Please drink and ride responsibly.

770-944-1340 January 10 - January 12 Savannah, GA Homeless Vets Campout VFW Post 660. Weekend long BTR BTR4442| BORNTORIDE.COM | BORNTORIDE.COM

Send in your events toLetinfo@BornToRide.com, get noticed, be seenyour and next get results.

Born To Ride market, promote, and advertise event; call 404

s, Rides & Destinations BornToRide.com/events camping event to help our local homeless Vets and show them they are not forgotten. Tent Camping Only. All Donations of Cash & Items are welcome ... Clothing, toiletries, sleeping bags, non-perishable food, etc.

912-631-8196 January 10 Maryville, TN Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson Funky Monkey Friday 7pm-9pm at The Shed.

Free live music every Friday in the Smokin’ Monkey Lounge.

865-977-1669 January 10 - January 12 Maryville, TN Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson Year End Inventory Blow-out. Up to 60% off End-of-Season Apparel.

865-977-1669 January 11 Lebanon, TN Annual Tennessee Motorama 2020 10am4pm Wilson County Exposition Center. Huge Swap Meet, Car & Motorcycle Show and Lots More, Rain or Shine - All Indoor Show. Admission: $10 - Show Vehicle: $25. 615-3641828 January 14 Columbia, SC South Carolina ABATE Lobby Day 2020 9am South Carolina State House. Come walk the halls and talk with lawmakers. Visit our Fb page for more info.

January 17 - January 19 Gibsonton, FL Gibtown Bike Fest at the International Independent Showmen’s Association in Gibsonton. Dubbed at “Florida’s Most Entertaining Bike Week,” Gibtown Bike Fest is packed with vendors selling apparel, bike accessories, all

the food that you can imagine, plenty to drink, and much more.

GibtownBikeFest.com

bound to have a whole lotta FUN! Come out and join us for our 13th Annual Chili Cook Off! The cost $40 Team Entry Fee, January 17 - January 19 $40 Vendor Fee, $5 Tasting Gibsonton, FL ChopporaFee. Teams need to be here ma. Held in conjunction with NO LATER than 7am for set Gibtown Bikefest. Born To Ride up. Vendors need to be here Media presents the Chopporama NO LATER than 8am for set Chopper Show! A three-day up. Cooking starts at 9:30am, chopper extravaganza of some Tasting starts at 1pm. Winners of the most talented known Announced at 3:30pm. Visit our (and unknown) builders of the Fb page for more info southeast. This ain’t a competition, just a gathering of January 25 chopper lovers young and old Shelby, NC Coalition of Chrisalike dedicated to those carbed tian Bikers Bike Night 6pm-8pm custom machines of years gone Landmark Baptist Church. First by. *For a chance to have your event of 2020. This is a family chopper build contact us at friendly event. It is absolutely info@borntoride.com free, and we will have special Guest Speaker “Bird” Michael January 18 Burkholder. The Landmark Raleigh, NC Revenant WarPraise Band will be playing also. riors - Wreaths Across AmerCome hear some good preaching ica - Wreath Recovery 11am and get more information about Raleigh National Cemetery. The our upcoming events for 2020.

You don’t want to miss this. Visit Revenant Warriors Motorcycle our Fb page for more info.

Organization has been asked to organize the clean-up effort January 26 for Wreaths Across America at Savannah, GA Frosty Balls Raleigh National Cemetery!

Poker Run and Membership Please come out and help us Drive 9am Indian Motorcycle remove the wreaths that were Savannah. Poker Run, 50/50, placed on Veterans’ gravesites Door Prizes and more; $15 First for Christmas. RevenentWarhand - $5 Additional Hands. riors.org Free additional hand for New ABATE Membership or Renewal.

January 25 - January 26 912-622-1292 Atlanta, GA The Great American Motorcycle Show Cobb Galleria Centre. See & compare February 1 Augusta, GA American Legion the 2020 cycles, plus parts, accessories, and everything you Riders 178 ALR Polar Bear Ride 8am IHOP. Ride, 50/50, Lunch, need to get on the open road.

Turkey Shoot and Fun. All Bikes NatchShows.com and Riders Welcome! Cost is $10 per Person - benefits GeorJanuary 25 gia War Veterans Nursing Home.

Jacksonville, NC 13th Annual 706-399-7539 Chili Cook-Off 9:30am-4pm New River Harley-Davidson.

February 14 Whether you want to Compete Dothan, AL Bike Nights are ... or just want to eat, you’re

To submit andgreat view events even more events www.GeorgiaBikeEvents.com There are some coming up,visit for more events, go to www.BornToRide.com 4-788-3907.

Back! Dothan H-D 6pm-9pm.

334- 792-0063 February 14 - February 16 Orange Beach, AL BMW MOA Orange Beach Getaway at Island House Hotel. Escape winter by spending a few days walking sugar white sand beaches and soaking up some southern sunshine. The Orange Beach Getaway is back on the beautiful Alabama gulf coast for 2020!

Join us in Orange beach and get a jump start on the riding season. BMWMOA.org February 14 - February 16 Sarasota, FL Thunder By The Bay at Sarasota Fairgrounds.

Freestyle acts, 17-class bike show, vendors, live music. burnout contest, charity Poker Run, and more. ThunderbytheBay.org February 15 Rockingham, NC 22nd Attempt Fear of February Party 12pm6pm The Hide-A-Way Tavern.

Come out and enjoy FREE oysters (raw and steamed) while they last, food will be available as well. There will be live music by Fair Warning, a Diamond Heart Pendant Raffle, Flat Screen TV Raffle, people games, burnout contest, best bike on the lot awards, and all the biker shenanigans you can handle. 336-885-5400 February 20 - February 23 Bloomingdale, GA 2020 CPL Systems National Roadrace Series at Roebling Road Raceway.

Vintage Motorcycle Road Racing at its best. Thursday and Friday AHRMA-run practice days.

AHRMA Roadracing School available. AHRMA.org February 22 - February 23 Union Point, GA Scull Shoals BORNTORIDE.COM| BTR BTR 45 BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BORNTORIDE.COM 4543

www.BornToRide.com/events DS at Durhamtown Plantation.

Scull Shoals Dual Sport has developed the best possible on/off road Dual Sport routes you can ride in middle Georgia. Our objective is to offer the most versatile Dual Sport riding in the whole state of Georgia.

Most of our routes are between 6080% dirt roads with creek crossings, beautiful swamps, and very famous historic landmark stops. Very little gravel, mostly hard packed dirt/clay roads. All roads are Adventure Bike friendly. With trails, jumps, hill climbs, and single track in Durhamtown Off Road Resort this give each individual rider an option to add a little more challenge to your adventure.

404-681-6294 February 22 - February 23 Burlington, NC 26th Annual All Harley Bike Show at Holly Hill Mall. All Harley Bike Show to benefit Hospice of Alamance County. Visit our Fb page for more info.

February 23 Clarksville, TN 34th Annual Clarksville Swap Meet 10am-5pm Clarksville Speedway. Come out to the longest running swap meet in Tennessee, & it’s a good one! Buy - Sell - Trade; New & vintage parts - Jewelry Leather - Motor Clothes - Auto Parts, Food, Soft Drinks & Beer available.

Admission: $10 Vendors $40 (10x10) - setup at 7am. 931-221-9127 February 28 - February 29 Reynolds, GA Hogs Gone Wild Season Opener at Silver Dollar Motorsports Park. Classes include Hot Street, Pro Street, E.T. Street. NON Bagger, Street Class $1000 Guaranteed Each Class. Big Wheel Bagger Shootout! Visit our Fb page for more info.

February, 29 Atlanta, GA Monster Energy AMA Supercross 4:40pm Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Do not miss your chance to experience the most competitive and highest-profile off-road motorcycle racing championship in the world. Part aerial excitement, part high-speed chase, an FIM World Championship, is comprised of 17 heart-stopping races inside the most recognizable and prestigious stadiums in North America. Every week, the greatest athletes from around the globe seek to outperform each other on custom-designed tracks in front of nearly one million live fans and broadcast to millions more worldwide. Featuring tight corners, fast straightaways, challenging rhythm sections, triple jumps and whoops sections, Supercross features the worlds most talented endurance athletes and attracts some of the largest and most impressive crowds, visiting 13 different states in 2020. SupercrossLive.com March 5 - March 8 Georgiana, AL Stock Law Gap Rally - Spring 2020. Spring Rally at the Gap is the perfect way to start the season An Old School style Bike Rally with Field Events, Bike Games, Adult Games & Contests, Live Band and Entertainment, Wet T-Shirt Contest, Food Vendors and lots more; $30 Entry Fee for the Entire Weekend $10 Discount with Military ID. Gates Open Thursday-Sunday. Primitive Camping, RVs

Welcome, But No Hook-Ups At This Time. Golf Carts Are Welcome, No ATVs Will Be Allowed in The Gate. Coolers Welcome. Please No Glass.

MUST BE 21 TO ENTER. IDs will be checked at the gate.

334-525-0409 March 6 Opelika, AL Big Swamp H-D First 2020 Bike Night 5pm9pm. We’ll be helping Big Swamp H-D kick of 2020 with a bang. 334-364-0400 March 7 Dothan, GA HD-Dothan, Bubba Blackwell Stunt Show. 334-792-0063 March 19 - March 22 Forkland, AL Bama Bike Fest Spring Motorcycle Rally (contact us for directions). The deep south’s wildest motorcycle event. Live Bands, Wet T-Shirt Contest, Bike Games, People Games and a Whole Lot more.

The saloon will be open! New pool tables, tv’s with sports, and DJ. Armbands $30 for the weekend! RV power/water spots available at extra fee All primitive camping is free!

Free hot showers. Come down and party with us, we promise you’ll love it! 334-341-2301

Chef Henry Chandler leading the ride. Proceeds benefit the International Dyslexia Association – Georgia Chapter as well as our Dyslexia Reading Programs.

Breakfast included and Catered

by Henry’s Louisiana Grill & Henry’s Uptown at Brookwood Christian School at 9am. Escorted Ride starts at 10am with Chef Henry leading and will last approximately 2 hours, ending back at Henry’s Louisiana Grill. Cost: $25 per bike/$15 per passenger if registered by 3/6. $30/$20 after 3/6. Register & follow our updates at brookwoodchristian. com. Registration begins 1/6.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 404-428-8960 March 26 - March 29 Tellico Plains, TN March Moto Madness - Mother Rally If you love to ride, love to eat, love camping, outdoors and love spending time with good people, March Moto Madness is for you! JOIN US FOR AN EXPERIENCE YOU WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER! MarchMotoMadness.com

March 27 - March 29 McCaysville, GA 1st Annual A.M.R Swap-Meet Appalachian Mountain Rides & March 21 Acworth, GA Ride 2 Read 9am Motorcycle Emporium. Bring your parts to buy, sell or trade.

- 12pm Brookwood Christian There will be food with a Language School. Please donation. If you would like to join us as we honor National Reading Month by hosting our set up a table please call and let us know so we can reserve 3rd annual charity motorcycle a spot for you. 706-584-2000 ride with Acworth’s very own

Fuel Tank Rusty? Craig Can Fix It!

If there are any common issues faced when restoring old motorcycles, dirty carbs and rusty tanks would have to rank near the top.

I’ve tinkered a bit over the years in old bike renewal, and have encountered both with regularity. Carbs are fairly simple, but tanks are a bit more difficult, at least to me. I’ve used a variety of over-the-counter kits and local radiator shops, so when I came across Craig Skiver’s ad in our magazine, I thought I’d give him a shot.

I recently acquired a 1986 Yamaha Radian 600, which sat in the back of a machine shop for probably a decade. The tires were dry-rotted, the carbs were indeed clogged and filthy, and the tank was nearly the worst case I’d encountered, with rust and corrosion literally coating the interior. The “Before” photos can’t capture the extent. I reached out to Craig, and shipped him my tank.

He emailed me when it arrived at his shop, and promised he’d have it completed within three days. The clock started ticking. …

Sure enough, on the third business day, Craig called to inform me the tank was on

wait and see.’ I’m happy with the way it turned out, and I think you will be as well.”

Two days later, the tank was on my front porch. I opened the box, examined the inner tank, and was astounded at the handiwork. The inside looked like new. The “After” photos don’t fully capture the fine job. Craig completely removed any trace of rust and corrosion, and whatever pitting or scarring was left had been fully sealed by his exclusive epoxy tank liner process. I sent some photos to my father, an old retired airline mechanic, who declared, “that looks like a similar grade liner we would use to reseal aircraft tanks with.

That’ll never leak again.”

Craig was right- “Any tank, any condition,” a three-day turnaround, and satisfaction guaranteed.

I, for one, am quite impressed and satisfied, and I wholeheartedly endorse Craig’s craft.

Contact Craig Skiver for your tank resealing needs, and the guy is a fantastic custom bike painter, as well.

Tell them Rob from Born To Ride Sent You.

the way back to me, completed. He commented, “That tank was pretty bad, for sure!

I even had several customers tell me ‘the owner of that just needs to buy another tank!’ To which I replied, ‘I’ll fix this, you

100% Guaranteed • CraigPaintsBikes.com • 813-407-2226

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, when you’re tired of cleaning carburetors call Craig.

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 45

Craven Moorehead

Angels are Real, Happy New Year I had a yard sale this weekend. I put signs out on the main drag and the other streets to direct people in. Just before it got totally dark, I jumped into the old Dodge pickup to go retrieve the signs.

I was at my 3rd stop (on RT 60 & Jerry Smith) when the truck ran out of gas. I’m standing in the turn lane realizing that I would have to walk back to the shop to get an empty gas can, and then walk back to the corner of Turkey Creek and 60 to get some fuel and then walk back to the truck. By this time it was dark. I swear to you, I could not believe what happens next. This isn’t Winslow Arizona – but a girl in a Ford Expedition rolls down her window at the stop sign and asks me “what’s wrong.” “I’m outta gas” I replied.

So she says “Come on, I will give you a ride.” “Lemme see if I have my gas can.” After a short search, I realized that the can was not in my truck. Knowing that I had run out of luck, I just walked to the passenger side of this really nice truck and got in.

Oh my God in heaven, I looked at her and she was absolutely beautiful!! Long blonde hair, perfectly dressed, hot body, and to top it all off she was within my wheel-house of maturity. I am really surprised that a woman of this stature and elegance would even stop and look at an old ‘scooter-trash’ looking dude like me much less actually wait around and piss people off at a busy intersection while I took the time to look for my gas can. But she did, and evidently she is very brave. After a short introduction and some small talk she asked me which gas station I wanted to go to – the RaceTrac or the Sunoco. So naturally I said, “RaceTrac.” She told me that after she picked up her friend on the other end of the road she would give me a ride back to the disabled hillbilly truck. She went out of her way to drop me off at the gas station, and I reminded her that she was truly an ‘Angel’ for giving me a ride.

When I went inside the store, I searched for a gas can. Yeah, there was only one left. $12.99 plus tax which equals almost all I made in the last two days of the yard sale. But I was on a mission to get the truck back, knowing that the battery would be dead soon because I had left the parking lights on. Anyhow, when I get to the counter a girl that I’ve seen in my frequent visits to the store (which is also very cute and extremely nice) is wondering why I am buying a gas can. I asked “Do y’all rent these?” to which she replied – “No, they aren’t for rent.” But she would go check her car to see if she had one that I could borrow. This was yet another effort by someone to help me with a problem, with no expectation of recompense. She

returned and apologized, which was not necessary and I paid for the can and headed to the gas pumps after telling her the story of the beautiful angel that had given me a ride. “I saw her drop you off and I thought maybe she was your girlfriend or wife.” “I wish” is all I could say, and we both laughed.

I get a few dollars worth of gas and started hoofing it back down 60 toward the truck. A fellow in a pickup truck stops and says “Man, I heard the story about you running out of gas, and I actually saw that hot girl that dropped you off, so if you want me to, I will drive you back to your truck – just in case she doesn’t come back to get you.” I accepted the ride and the man even offered to hang for a minute just to make sure that I could get it started. I thanked him profusely and told him that I was very appreciative. We conversed about the ‘paying it forward’ thing just like the beautiful girl that brought me there did, and of course, I also told him that he was also an angel unaware.

I poured the gas in the tank leaving just a little to dump into the carburetor for good measure. After grinding the battery to the point of death, she finally fired up and as usual the old worn out hillbilly Dodge didn’t let me down. It’s been a very long road with me and that truck. I picked up my signs and went home.

This isn’t a fabrication or fantasy by any stretch of the imagination.

This is a TRUE story that you should ALL take heed to. I don’t care if you believe in God or whatever deity it is that you worship.

It’s none of my business. I can tell you this; there are good angels walking this earth, paying it forward every day that they live and breathe. Personally, I try to help people whenever I can, and I am not prophesizing or preaching here so don’t get the wrong idea. But do yourself one favor – help people if you can. Your reward may not come immediately, so have faith and push on. In the end, it doesn’t really matter, but you only take with you what you have put in.

Here’s the kicker. That beautiful woman did come back to look for me, she slowed down, got into the turn lane and after seeing me pouring gas into the tank she just blew the horn and drove away. It is what it is, but I believe that you should take every opportunity that presents itself to you. Perhaps I should have been more patient and had a little more faith in humanity, but alas I did not. Sometimes it is hard to make the right decision based upon faith alone, but I did accomplish the mission and made it back home intact.

My agent called to get me booked for some gigs coming up in the near future. I told her this story. She may not be impressed, but she questioned me about why I didn’t get this girl’s phone number. I should have. I learn something every day and my faith in people has been restored to a great extent. Angels are everywhere regardless of your religion. …

Everything happens for a reason I suppose. But if anyone knows who this beautiful angel is, then let her know that she has a fan that would love to repay her in so many ways. Later that evening. …

The woman somehow tracked me down. I was in my shop, working on an old computer when I saw a truck pull in. It was her! I went over to the window and she, in a sweet as sugar voice asked me if I would mind checking on what the strange ticking sound in the motor was. I of course obliged and after she opened the hood, I began examining the motor. The truck was so tall that I had to sort of get up on the front tire and lean under the hood. I had only been under there for about 20 seconds when something moving behind me startled me and I glanced over to see her standing behind me. All of a sudden, she began pulling on my leg, just like I’m pulling yours!

R.I.P. Craven Moorehead, Your Words Will Live On Forever

CRAVEN BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 47 69

Christian Motorcyclists Association There is not much that compares with the freedom of getting in the wind! It’s a beautiful day, the temperature is just perfect, and the gentle rumble of the pipes is pure music to your ears. Unfortunately, as you are cruising along, there comes a rider who thinks he owns road. He is cutting people off and weaving through traffic, causing anger to raises its ugly head. Youur wonderful ride goes from delight to a deep annoyance, and you need to remember to practive forgiveness! Perhaps you are riding through town and arrive at a four way stop. Everyone is taking their appropriate turns until a guy in a truck decides that the right of way rule doesn’t count! When the car before him goes through the intersection, the truck tagged along, through the same turn, running the stop sign. Only quick attention of the other drivers prevents what was almost a foolish accident. You need to practice forgiveness! A favorite challenge is when you are stopped on your bike at a light, and a large vehicle pulls right up on your tail. On my bike I have three extra back end lights than come from the factory and people still pull right up behind me. People just do not have any idea what could happen if

they are that close to a bike and their brakes fail. You need to practice forgivness! It is difficult to maintain your composure when such irresponsibility is happening all around us. The problem is that while these cagers are unaware of a bikes presence, they are likewise ignorant to efforts to educate them.

The bigger issue is if we give in to our anger our whole day can end up spoiled, and the offender just rolls merrily along!

As unnatural as it may be to forgive these unknown dangerous drivers, the benefit is for us. Our day is salvaged and we are safe and sound for having used defensive riding techniques.

Forgiveness can make a profound difference in how we are able to successfully face the day! In the Bible, in Luke 23:35, we are taught forgiveness by example. As He was giving His life on the cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Jesus came to give forgiveness to those who believed in and trusted Him as their Savior. Because of His sacrifice, and His perfect sin-free life, Jesus is in the unique position of being able to forgive all mankind, if they will only turn to Him for absolution. Knowing that Jesus paid such a high price to exonerate you and me, doesn’t it make sense that we should be able, and willing, to find it in our hearts to forgive others. You will be blessed, and your heart will be touched, if you can learn to forgive others as Jesus forgave us. That, my friends, is what true freedom is, forgiveness.

In The Wind, Denny Dingler Check48out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 48 BTR | BORNTORIDE.COM