Carolina Chrome April Issue #183

Cover Photography By Deb Davis

Cover Kevin Blewer

aSC Motorcycle Safety Task Force on Site

aSC Highway Patrol Rider Demonstration

aFREE Motorcycle T-Clock Safety Inspections

aFREE Helmet Inspections

aDMV Permit & License Information on Site

aHand Signal Demo

aGroup Riding Information

aMSF Practice Course on Site

aInsurance Coverage Information

aABATE eLegals Chapter

aFood Truck Food & Drinks Available for Purchase

aDoor Prizes & 50/50 Raffle

aBike Club Setup Information Available

Ms. Farrah Kirby Elgin, SC '17

Photography By Cherokee

Page Photography by Grange Simons Lucas III

Page Photography by Grange Simons Lucas III

Veterans Last Patrol Honor

Ceremony for Veterans in Palmetto Patriots Home

By Wally Wersching

Approximately 150,000 veterans go into hospice care each year. Many spend weeks and months with little companionship or attention from the veteran’s community. The Veterans Last Patrol (VLP) is an organization that works to provide friendship to military veterans who are in a nursing home or hospice care. To learn more about VLP, visit their website at www. veteranlastpatrol.org. Their Mission is to Befriend, Honor, and Support veterans in hospice care. The veterans served us. The VLP continues to serve them. They have committed their team to help wherever they can. NO

I will definitely be part of an Honor Ceremony or any other VLP event again. It was very rewarding for the veterans and all the VLP volunteers. It is a worthwhile endeavor to help the veterans in their waning hours. I know that they will be there for me when I need them.

If you want to get involved, contact them through t heir website: www.veteranlastpatrol.org . There’s always room for one more!

VETERAN IS LEFT BEHIND.

Every fall, the VLP holds an Honor Ride to Nursing Home Facilities, and a car show to honor the veterans. It gets bigger every year. I went to the last 3 and had a great time. During the last ride, I signed up to receive notifications from them on upcoming events.

Last week, I received a notice that they were going to hold a veteran honor ceremony at the Palmetto Patriots Home in Gaffney, SC.

After lunch on Tuesday, February 27th, I headed south on Rt 150 toward Gaffney, SC. I knew where the Patriots Home was because I donated books and other stuff to the veterans.

After I parked, I walked to the main entrance. I noticed that everybody was wearing a mask, so I put one on. They had some cases of COVID recently, and it is always better to overprotect than to catch something.

The home is very large and modern. I followed one of the VLP volunteers into the Chapel where others were setting up for the ceremony. There are 11 veterans in hospice care from multiple branches of military service. We were there to show these veterans that we respect and honor their military service and that our country owes them everlasting gratitude.

Many of the veterans were rolled in on a wheelchair that could double as a bed. There was one woman veteran. I was told that she was 101 years old and served as a nurse during WWII.

During the program, we said the “Pledge of Allegiance”, and sang the “Star Spangled Banner”. The veterans were given many presents and awards, like a custom-made set of “Dog Tags”, and a plaque with their name on it along with their branch of service. Members of the Veteran’s Last Patrol distributed the tokens of our appreciation to the veterans with a personal friendly talk and hand salute.

Current SC Motorcycle Related Information

Crossover?

When I first got involved in ABATE and ran around with Reb pushing the Red Light bill I learned really fast what Crossover is and why it such an important date. Most legislation starts the process on the second Tuesday in January and the session ends on the third Thursday of May. With our legislators only working on legislation from Tuesday to Thursday along with holidays and furloughs this really isn’t very long to get anything passed. That could be good for some legislation and bad for others!

So, what is a crossover? The short answer is any legislation that doesn’t cross over from one chamber to the other by this date is dead for that year. This year most of our legislation was stalled in subcommittees and with the crossover date of April 10th will not make it and the House of Representatives will be taking a furlough (week off without pay) after April 1st.

I am submitting this article on March 15th the bills below will more than likely die but the ones Awaiting Subcommittee may pass.

Legislation that is Dead:

Dead and will need to be introduced in 2024 H 3394 “SC Hands Free Act”

Distracted driving is our #1 priority. Passage of this would make driving with a cell phone in your hand illegal.

Dead and will need to be introduced in 2024

H3962 “Large Debris Falling from Vehicles”

Passage of this would make it illegal for large 2’ polyethylene pieces to fall from a vehicle in the roadways.

Dead and will need to be introduced in 2024

H4712 “Yard Debris in Roadway”

Passage of this would make it illegal to willfully sweep, blow, move, place of otherwise deposit yard debris.

Dead and will need to be introduced in 2024

S 852 “DUI VIP Panel and Interlock”

Passage of this would add more requirements for VIP Panel and does not change the motorcycle interlock exclusion.

Dead and will need to be introduced in 2024

H4627 “Excessive Noise from Vehicles”

Passage of this would make a person be charged for violating a county noise ordinance by adding this to state law.

Legislation that may Pass:

Awaiting subcommittee in House S 375 “Hazard Lights Move Over”

Passage of this would require the driver of a vehicle to move over if possible and slow down when approaching a stopped vehicle that has its hazard lights on the side of a road. This would make it a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $500. Senator Grooms sponsored this bill, and it passed out of the Senate in February 2023 with a vote of 41 ayes and 0 nays and is now in the House of Representatives Judiciary subcommittee.

Awaiting subcommittee in Senate H 3168 “Antique Motorcycles Use at Night”

Passage of this would allow antique motorcycles to ride at night for certain purposes if they are equipped with working headlights and rear lights. Representative Chumley sponsored this bill, and it passed out of the House of Representatives in April 2023 with a vote of 100 ayes and 0 nays and is now in the Senate Transportation subcommittee.

Awaiting subcommittee in Senate H 4436 “Hazard Lights Move Over Tow Truck”

Passage of this would require the driver of a vehicle to ensure that the vehicle is kept under control when approaching or passing a tow truck and its operator. This would make it a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $500. Representative Chris Wooten sponsored this bill, and it passed out of the House on March 7th with a vote of 109 ayes and 0 nays and is now in the Senate Transportation subcommittee.

December 03, 2021, 29-year-old Dalton Nichols lost his life to a failure-to-yield collision. As devasting as this was to his parents his mother realized she had to do something to bring awareness to the motto "Look Twice, Save A Life". With this the Doolin Dalton Awareness Ride began.

Each ride has been unique to Dalton's life. With the first spreading his ashes over the bridge he rode his first 100 miles and the second was taking the last route he rode the day of his collision. So, you ask what we will do this year? Let me tell you...

Although we will always continue to promote awareness, we also realize the need to give back. Dalton had a servant's heart and humbly gave without recognition. We want to continue his legacy with a heart of serving.

This year's ride will begin in Seneca. We will make a small detour. This is where a fellow biker by the name of Warren will be sitting on his porch. In 2015, Warren was diagnosed with Parkinson's. He is also Dalton's great-uncle.

Warren's battle with Parkinson's has been difficult. In 2020, he gave up his love for riding by selling his beautiful Harley, "The Skunk." In a bittersweet moment, Dalton's parents purchased Warren's bike.

We would love for you to join us in this benefit ride. This year "The Skunk" will lead the way as we ride by Warren's house and make some noise. We want him to hear the rolling thunder loud and proud as he loves the sound of the bikes.

We want to make this a "Ride for Parkinson's." ALL PROCEEDS from this event will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foun-dation for Parkinsons Research as a tribute to Warren.

Please join us on April 20, 2023, at 409 E. North First Street- Seneca, SC. Arrive between 9:30 AM and 10:15 AM. KSU at 11:00 AM. We will travel to Aunt Sue's Corner in Pickens, SC.

https://www.facebook.com/DoolinDaltonHeartofServing?mibextid=ZbWKwL

SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH

COMBAT VETS 34-1 Spring Ride

This ride is open to the public! Start & End @ Goodfellas Grill & Bar 630 Hwy 6 Lexington 29072. Reg:9:30am- 10:30am FBO 10:30am LBI 3:30pm. ALL PROCEEDS go to midlands VETERANS.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH

Dice Run to Benefit Lynn & Howard Rogers

Reg Thunder Tower HD 10:30am. KSU @Noon. LBI @5pm. ALL vehicles welcome! Lynn Rogers, who has spinal cord injuries and requires constant care from her husband Howard, is struggling financially due to medical bills. They are asking for prayers and support. FMI Fran Rogers 803-243-2654

SUNDAY, APRIL 7TH

35th Annual Bub Lollis Whitten Center Ride

Spring Bub Lollis Whitten Center Ride coming up. Noon-3:30pm. Sponsor or FMI 864-993-3718.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH

11th Annual Cruisin’ For A Cause Benefiting Victory Junction Ride

Police escorted country ride, no highway riding! Registration starts at 10:30am. KSU at 12:15 sharp, ride thru Victory Junction Camp with campers cheering us on, and return around 2:45pm to Rixsters Grill. $20/ Bike, $10 Passenger. Rixster Grill, 3815 Tinsley Dr. High Point, NC.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH

Benefit Ride for Orange Heart Medal Foundation

Benefit Ride hosted by Warthogs SC MC. Reg 10am KSU Noon @ MB H-D North MB.Destination is VFW Post 10420 in Murrells Inlet, SC. $30/bike includes meal @ VFW Post 10420.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13TH

Wolf Pack MC's Different Abilities Ride

Benefitting The Champions Center for Special Children. Reg at Boneyard Cycles @ 10am. FBO 11am LBI 4pm

WEEK APRIL 17TH-24TH

Angel City Motorcycle Rally Unadilla, GA. www.angelcityrallys.com

FRI & SATURDAY APRIL 19-20

Two Wheels to Freedom Fest Part Biker Rally part Moto Event. Pit Bike Race/ Step Up, Dirt Drags, Biker Games, Camping, Bands, FMX Contest, Best Whip Contest. Get Tickets online or at the Gate. Ceader Grove MX Park 10024 SC200, Winnsboro, SC

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

Anthony's 1st Annual Car Show to Benefit The Burn Foundation of America 11am-5pm. Cars, Trucks, Jeeps, Motorcycles & Special Interest (bicycles, tractors, etc). 1121 Calks Ferry Rd., Lexington SC. 100% of proceeds go to The Burn Foundation of America.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

3rd Annual Doolin Dalton Awareness Ride for Parkinsons

Norton Thompson Park, 226 Main Street Seneca, SC starting @ 11AM. 100% of funds raised will be donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research. 5 stops- 3 prizes!

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

Helping Hands for The Boys Farm

Starts & Ends @ Bubba's Sign up @11am. KSU @1pm. LBI @6pm

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

12th Annl 2nd Amendment Run

Starting @ 3555 Dobbins Bridge Rd, Anderson, SC at 10am LBO NOON. LBI @ 4:30 at Timms HD. Anna Leigh Band@ 3:30. Food & Drinks on-site. Sponsored by Confederates MC, Upstate Gun and Pawn and Timms Harley Davidson.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

13th Annual Motorcycle Ride Fundraiser For Ability Beyond Barriers

Ability Beyond Barriers, formerly Horry County Disabilities & Special Needs. Travel back roads through Horry County, fully escorted by the Horry County Sheriff's Dept. Then return for Great Food, Great Music, Door Prizes, Silent Auction, and Raffle. 250 Victory Ln, Conway, SC

SATURDAY, APRIL 20TH

RIDE-A-WISH DUAL RIDE

DUAL RIDE with Myrtle Beach HD & Summerville HD, all to benefit local Make-A-Wish SC Chapter MBHD Reg:9:30AM-11AM. KSU at 11AM. Police escorted ride

SUMMERVILLE HD Reg:9:30AM10:30AM KSU at 10:30AM. Scenic ride led by the local HOG group Coffee, donuts & music in parking lot. Ride to Georgetown Corner Tavern for the After Party! Free food, Music, H-D Door Prizes, Raffles, Giveaways & more!

WEEK APRIL 20TH-28TH

Outer Banks Bike Week

Outer Banks, NC

www.outerbankshd.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH

SOMOTO Bike Night

6:30pm-9:30pm Not your typical bike night, SoMoto is an Eclectic Gathering of Unique Motorcycles in South Charlotte. Vintage, Euro, Cafe, Sport and Touring Bikes Welcome! grapevine Wine Shop/ Wine Bar - Riverwalk. 895 Terrace Park, Rock Hill, SC

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH

Carolina Honda

Motorcycle Safety Fair

10am-3pm in Parking lot of Carolina Honda, 501 Buckner Rd, Columbia SC

Camp Kemo Fundraiser! Please bring Food &/or Gas Cards to donate!

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH

13th Annual Meltdown

Vintage Motorcycle Show

Noon-4PM @ Hendersonville Airport 1232 Shepherd St, Hendersonville, NC. Ton Up Highlands and the Southern Appalachian Brewery are teaming up and will the regions largest gathering of vintage motorcycles. Bikes 35 years and older are eligible trophies in 10 classes , swap meet area, food and beer vendors and live bands.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH

Blessing Of The Bikes

Motorcycle blessing and a chance to enter the raffle to win a Harley Davidson Motorcycle.VFW Post 641 534 S Beltline Blvd, Cola SC

MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH

MAY IS ALSO WOMEN RIDERS MONTH

FRI & SATURDAY, MAY 3RD-4TH

Black Cats MC's 51st Bike and Car Show Greenwood, SC

MAY 10 – 19, 2024

MYRTLE BEACH SPRING BIKE RALLY

SATURDAY, MAY 11TH

Faith Fest! Christian Bike Night 9530 Augusta Rd, Pelzer, SC. Join us for a Spirit filled Bike Night. Live music, food, fellowship, vendors, and much more. Come out for a family friendly event, everyone is welcome.

Operation Feeding the Homeless

Page Photography by Grange Simons Lucas III

FULL RESTORATION

Devotional By Dennis Reynolds

Dale’s Wheels Through Time is home to the world’s premier collection of rare motorcycles, memorabilia, and a distinct array of unique “one-off” American automobiles. Located in Maggie Valley, North Carolina the museum houses a collection of over 300 rare machines. Dale’s Wheels Through Time was originally founded by a guy named Dale Walksler who was a master when it came to American motorcycles. Sadly, Dale passed away a few years ago from cancer, and the museum has since been run by his son Matt.

Every year since 2003, Dale’s Wheels Through Time has raffled off some type of professionally restored classic American motorcycle. Over the years, they have given away an assortment of bikes including a ’36 Knucklehead, a ’32 Flathead Bobber, ‘46 Knucklehead, and last year a beautiful ’48 Panhead went to a gentleman from Ohio. Each of these motorcycles were fully restored to like new, immaculate condition from the ground up.

If you have ever taken on any full restoration vehicle project, you understand what an expensive and painstaking process this can be.

While I have neither the patience nor the desire to attempt such an overwhelming task, I know many people who have. I have watched family members and friends throw things, kick parts across the shop floor, and use the most colorful language imaginable in the name of “Full Restoration.”

Today, at the famous HD factory, it roughly takes a mere 100 minutes for workers to assemble 1400 parts into a new Harley Davidson motorcycle on a 46-station assembly line. Pretty quick huh? A full frame up restoration of an older bike however, averages three months to a year for completion according to the folks at Dale’s Wheels Through Time depending on availability of parts.

So, why would someone take on the task of making a rusted up old motorcycle look new again?

The answer is simple… Love!

To take something apart, then meticulously sand, paint, polish, rebuild, and reassemble, requires a sacrifice of time and finances that most people are just not willing to give. It is truly a labor of love.

Dale loved old motorcycles and every time I spoke with him, he was excited to show off his bikes and tell where they had come from. He talked of the smallest details, reverence for the original builders, and the love he had for the art of motorcycling. When Dale Walksler looked upon an old rusted-up pile of two wheeled junk, he saw only the beauty underneath the grease and grit.

God views us the same way.

No matter what our current situation may be, God sees us as His most beautiful creations.

We may have come from abusive relationships, the loss of loved ones, or addiction. Our lives may be covered in the grit and grime of bad life choices that have resulted in the belief that we are nothing but worthless junk. People may even view us as such, but not God.

Just as the folks at Dale’s Wheels Through Time take old junk motorcycles and restore them to like new condition to display or give away, God can “fully restore” us as well. If we put our trust in Jesus, He will take our old dirty, nasty, sin ridden lives and give us a new outlook and direction.

You see, when we deserved it least, God sent His son Jesus to die for us to pay the price for our salvation. Why? Just because he loves us!

To be allowed a new start… Regardless of our history… What an amazing gift!

1 Peter 5:10 (NIV) says, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Ride on and stay safe, Dennis Reynolds

Mideast National Elder Bikers for Christ M/M

Dr Dilligaf,

Have you ever heard of a dual clutch transmission on a motorcycle? Huh? Is that really a thing?

~Roger

Roger, I have heard of dual clutch transmissions on motorcycles. It is indeed a thing and it's been around a while. Honda introduced the world's first dual clutch transmission to the world back in 2010. It has evolved since to become both Quiter, easier to use and smoother operating. Contrary to popular belief it is not an automatic transmission but is an automated manual transmission. Shifting is controlled by the motorcycle ECM and can be controlled by a manual paddle shifter as well. An automatic transmission would shift itself based on torque input and output shaft RPMs. This type of transmission has made it into use in high end sports cars as well.

They shift incredibly fast due to the fact that the computer anticipates the next gear and engages it prior to shifting from one output shaft to the other. I believe the best application of this technology on a motorcycle may be on the Honda Africa Twin. The shifts are so quick that there is almost zero loss of power as the bike accelerates through the gears.

But Roger, I can't let you off with getting an answer and remaining unscathed. What on earth are doing with your time? The best way to get answers to questions like this is to post a question on social media. Within seconds you can have at your disposal the correct possible answer, but more importantly you can have hours of stupid entertainment. Apparently, you have lots of time on your hands.

~Dr. Dilligaf

Dr Dilligaf, Is it legal to bungy strap a woman on to the back of a motorcycle?

~Anthony

Anthony,

To answer that question, it would be easier for me if I knew what state you live in? I would just assume that it would be legal in certain places. You know, like West Virginia, Missouri and East Tennessee. But I am in SC, so I'll let you in on what I know from experience. First, let's talk about rider safety. Any man worth a dime is not going to strap no woman on his ride with a bungy. You get a big enough girl on the back there is no amount of elastic going to help defy Mother Nature and Newton's Law. Having said that, I cannot emphasize Strongly enough the importance of a sturdy tether. No girl of mine is getting away because I wouldn't spring for a ratchet strap.

As far as the legality of the aforementioned behavior is concerned the law is simple and easily applied. You can strap her to yourself, but you cannot strap her to the motorcycle or any of its modifications. I had to throw that modifications statement in there for the perverts that can read. These statements are made with the understanding that you were referring to a girl that is with you willingly, for kidnapping questions please refer back to the previous letter regarding social media.

~Dr Dilligaf

Page Photos by Rally Ronnie

Daytona Spring Bike Week

Page Photography by Cherokee

Page Photography by Cherokee

Day 4, well I'm up and its a nippy 39 degrees outside. I think I may have left a month to soon, I so hung around town for its small old buildings, cool old shops where I bought some tank badges for 5 bucks and a tool pouch for 3 bucks. Well its 50 degrees, I've got my leathers (that came with the bike) on, so I'm heading out. Flatty is running great, getting into rolling hills, blue skys and puffy clouds. After about a 100 miles I needed to stop for gas on Hwy 2, Me and Flatty were having a great day and I about forgot about gas, thankfully there was a Texaco gas station and a cafe. The guy at the station was super friendly and we talked for a few, then we went over to the cafe for coffee. A girl was watching us and had put on a fresh pot, she asked where i was heading? I told her Kalamazoo, MI., "you're kidding? will you take me with you?" Sure I said and she went out back and returned wearing full leathers and a small back pack. Things are looking good flatty had a "buddy" seat and extra springs for a good ride. The highway was smooth and the flatty had a good vib at 70 mph (if you girls know what im talking about, nuff said about that). There she is, a real biker chick always peed befor getting on the bike. On to Duluth, MN here we go.

I have some biker brothers in Duluth, I was in the Navy and its party time tonight, I have a lb in my bedroll (you dont need a bed roll in a motel). I had called Buck from the last gas stop and all is well; going to meet at Hwy 2 and Hwy 61, it's 6 miles to the club house. We meet up at about 8:15, then off to the club house. Dug out the bed roll got what i had there along with some stuff i brought back from Nam, some girls started rolling some, T had ti stick and woo hoo fun was had by all this Thursday nite. Buck is a brother from the Navy and most all the guys were vets, so some storys will never be told.

See y'all in a few days! As yoda would say "Stoned I am, see you next month", Ride Free Ride Safe, God bless and may Jesus ride with you brothers and sisters.

See you at Bike Nite

Pappy