Carolina Chrome Magazine Issue 171

Lexington

Photography By Deb Davis

Ms. Chrome December 2022

Ms. Melayna Barnett

Pappy's Adventure to the G. A. S. Swapmeet

Spent Friday loading the truck and put the Harley chassis on the trailer. I got too much crap. I had some Jap stuff and just parts. My brother Joey came over to help. Good Brother. Got up Saturday morning and Headed to Piedmont, got there early. Lot’s of nice bikes and the weather was awesome. Did not sell much, but I got a t-shirt, paid for the spot, got a pair of shocks and came home with five more bucks that I left with, and had a great time! The G.A.S. show has lots of British and Jap bikes and a bunch of cool people. See you there next year!

Had a good time. See you out and about! ---Pappy

Till Next Time

Pappy

Pictures By Wendy Rogers of Promising Signs

Our state is a four corner state!

I was listening to a local radio station program about rental agreements and the eviction process. They were talking about an eviction hearing where the property owner did not have a written rental agreement and was making his case to the judge when the judge stated “You know South Carolina is a four corner state?” The property owner said “No, I didn’t, but what does this have to do with my eviction proceedings?” The Judge held up a blank piece of paper in his hand and said “Our state uses the written information in between these four corners, so if you don’t have anything written then you don’t have anything to evict on!”

So with Lobby Day just around the corner let’s get our pens and paper out. We need to have our issues written down for our representatives so that they know what is important to us. Sharing some posts on social media is fun, but having your issues written down between the four corners of a piece of paper goes even further.

Laws, Laws, and more Laws!

I find myself constantly dealing with the laws, laws, and more laws. Recently during a presentation at the Lexington Chapter I was asked about the issues with autonomous vehicles, and some had concerns with the drivers not using their hands. This was the one time I was happy to say that there currently are No Laws to allow these vehicles to operate in our state. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s not coming, but currently our laws cover only vehicles that are driven by a licensed operator.

No, we didn’t Forget...

little shortly.

Photography Page By Cherokee

Red’s Watering Hole Annual Bike Run

On Saturday October 15th, Red’s Watering Hole held their annual Bike Run for the Jerusalem Project. The Jerusalem Project is designed as a local mission effort to help those that may not be able to help themselves (whether physically or financially) for one week each summer. In serving others, the students and adults learn that we, as individual churches, can and should work together. The youth and volunteers help members of our community with small projects such as building wheelchair ramps, painting, and other small construction projects. All of the projects are free to the needy members of our community.

I hadn’t heard about the charity before but it sound ed like a good one so I decided to go. I always enjoy going to Red’s because I see some olds friends, and make many new ones.

The run was scheduled to start at noon with reg istration starting at 10:00AM, so I left home at about 9:30 heading south toward Gaffney on Rt 18. When I saw the temperature posted on the church sign, it was 47 degrees. I was glad that I wore my long-johns and winter leather jacket. I always have trouble deciding what to wear on days like this – cold in the morning, and warming to 80 degrees in the afternoon. I usually lean toward over dressing rather than under. I’d rather be too warm than cold. Once I get cold, it’s hard for me to warm up again.

When I arrived at Red’s, there was only one mo torcycle there. I parked next to him, and we talked as we waited for more bikers to arrive. After a young lady rode in on her bike, they opened the registration table.

I walked over to the registration table with a stack of magazines. I gave my donation, and got the list of stops where each rider would roll the dice. When they left Red’s, they would ride to the 55 Grill in Clover, SC. From there, they would ride to 4 Lanes in Clover. After that they would ride to Highway 5 Grub Hub in Smyrna, SC. The next stop was Burnt Mills in Blacksburg, SC. They would end up at Red’s Watering Hole for all the festivities – 50/50 drawing, raffle prizes give-away, and food.

I met a young man who rode in from Blacksburg. He parked his Harley next to “Miss Vickie”. We talked for a long time as we waited for the run to start. I re minded him of his dad, and then he remembered that it was his dad’s birthday, so he called him.

The manager of Red’s came by where I was sitting, and we talked for a short time. She was very busy get ting things ready for later when the bikers came back. When she smiles, you know that everything is OK.

Later I walked to the other building to see all the door prizes. They were all on a table with bags in front. I guess that you would put your raffle ticket in the bag if you wanted it and then they would draw the winner later. They were giving away a lot of stuff.

I walked out front to watch the bikes roll in. As two of the bikes came down the street, I noticed that one sounded better than all the others. I waked over to talk with the owner and realized that it was an old Harley Shovelhead. They have a unique sound – different than any of the newer Harleys. It wasn’t a show bike like some of the other bikes. It was a bike that was rid den a lot, and enjoyed by its owner.

The street was filling with motorcycles and Red’s was filling with the bikers. Everybody was having a good time visiting with old friends. Some were club members, and others were like me – independent. It didn’t matter, everybody was very friendly.

Soon, it was time for the run to start. Everybody wet to their bikes. At a little after noon, they all started them with a roar, and got in line for the run. It seemed like it took a long time before the leader got on his bike, and rode out with all the other bikes behind him, but it was only minutes.

Once the run started, it seemed like everybody was in a hurry to catch up. The bikes roared by me as I took pictures. Before I knew it, they were all gone – on their way to the 55 Grill in Clover.

I walked back to “Miss Vickie” and headed home. After I got home, I talked Cindy into going out for lunch to our favorite Mexican restaurant – Mi Pueblitos. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning, and I hope next Saturday will be as fulfilling, and as much fun.

Article and Page Pictures By Wally Wersching

SouthernCongratulations Carolina Cycles!

A local motorcycle shop has been voted The Best Motorcycle/ Powersports dealer by the readers of the the State newspaper! Southern Carolina Cycles in Lexington has won the annual recognition! They pride themselves on low mileage, clean motorcycles at a price that reflects their low overhead and quality! Owners Bobby and Anna Maner along with their son Bobby Maner Ill always try and make sure the customer is happy and satisfied when they sell one of their bikes. They always make sure the bikes are detailed and look good as new! They maintain a 5-star rating across the board! They have customers from right here in the Columbia area, and as far away as New Orleans! Everyone is always greeted with a smile and a bottle of cold water! "Come see us, you'll be glad you did" is there motto, there hours are always at the convenience of their customers!

They feel blessed that their little shop won the same award as some of the biggest companies in the midlands! They want to thank the community they live and work in, there loyal customers and everyone who voted for them.

Submitted eventS 2022

Sun, Dec 4, 12 PM

37th Annual Greenville ABATE Christmas

Toy Run

@Greenville Shrine Club to benefit clients of The Julie Valentine Center that are in foster care due to physical or sexual abuse. Please bring one (or more) new unwrapped toy or gift card. Don't for get the teenagers!! Parade line up begins at noon and KSU 2pm. Parade is escorted by the Greenville County Sheriff's and led by the Parker Fire District. For those who would like to donate, but don't ride, please welcome the riders in at end of run, where toys will be collected by the Julie Valentine Center, located at the Westwood Shopping Center in front of Storage Sense. Whiskey's will host breakfast for ABATE and supporters begin ning at 9:30am and an after party when run is over, everyone is welcome! As always, greenville chapter abate thanks all of you for your contin ued support!!

Saturday, Dec 4th Dude's Toy Run for Bluffton Self Help Line up at Aunt Chiladas Easy Street Cafe, 69 Pope Ave HHI SC 29928. Line up starts at Noon, KSU 2pm, group ride to Bluffton Self Help to drop off toys them we ride to Old Town Dispensary for free Tacos and live music by Spike Ivory! 50/50, raffle prizes! FMI Dude 843-384-4184

Sunday, December 5 Florence Lions Club Toy Run Registration will begin at noon Bikes will leave at 2 p.m. from the Florence Center. There will be food and an auction at the end of the ride. Registration for the event is $20 per rider or a toy. You can participate in this event even though you do not ride a motorcycle. Santa Claus will be avail able for pictures.

Saturday, December 10th 2022

NEWBERRY TOY RUN

Starts around Noon with filling a fire truck at Bolands Ace Hardware. Kick stands up at 2pm, to the Newberry Shrine Club for lunch and presents for the kids of the Boys Farm. Then the remain ing toys are divided between the Newberry Co. Sheriffs Department and the Shriners Greenville Hospital.

FMI contact Lindsey Rackliffe 803-924-0564

Sunday, December 11th 22nd Annual Vets Ride 2pm Departure From Carolina Honda We Will Ride This Year!!

Thu, Dec 15th 6 – 10 PM

Smoke and Mirrors rocking Captain Archie’s 17 Customs Bike Night

@ Captain Archie's, 2200 Little River Neck Rd, North Myrtle Beach

If you like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, ZZ Top, 3 Doors Down, Seven Mary Three, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Metallica, Twisted Sister, Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Everlast, Silverchair, Nickelback, Jimi Hendrix, and many of your favorite hits. You will want to come down to check these guys out.

Saturday, December 24th @ 7 PM

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

@Yahweh And Sons Bible Church 111 Peachtree Rock Rd Lexington

Sunday, January 1ST Noon-5 PM

Frosty's FROSTY BALLS RIDE

SO it's an OLD wives tale that "Whatever you are doing on the 1st day of the New Year, YOU WILL DO ALL YEAR LONG".

Is there a better way to start the new year than to be on your bike with your hands around the one you love and riding with your EXTENDED BIKER FAMILY (the bestest people in the world)?

SIGN UP 12noon - Time Out - 121 Herlong Avenue

Warming Stop - Jokers - Neely Creek Road END PARTY at the Handlebar - Hwy 21 - Anderson Rd - Catawba SC

Saturday, January 21st, 2023

“A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist” 8:30am - 4pm Hosted by: Carl Solomon Law & the National Safety Council - Learn what to do in the first 5-30 minutes after a crash until professional help arrives. Helmet removal, jaw thrust, and moving the injured are all addressed & practiced. 6.0 CEs issued Southeastern Chapter Training Center 421 Mission Ct. Irmo, SC, 29063

Gibtown Bike Fest 2023

1/6/2023 - 1/8/2023

Riverview FL

Colorado Motorcycle Expo 2023

1/28/2023 - 1/29/2023 Denver CO

AIMExpo 2023 (American International Motorcycle Expo) 2/15/2023 - 2/17/2023

Las Vegas NV

Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival - 25th Annual 2/17/2023 - 2/19/2023

Sarasota FL

Daytona Bike Week - 2023 3/3/2023 - 3/12/2023

Daytona Beach FL

Route 66 Spring Fever Rally - 2023 3/16/2023 - 3/19/2023 Depew OK

Thunder in the Hill Country 2023 3/23/2023 - 3/26/2023 Bandera TX

Arizona Bike Week 2023 3/29/2023 - 4/2/2023 Scottsdale AZ

I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama 2023 3/31/2023 - 4/2/2023 Cleveland OH

Angel City Spring Motorcycle Rally 2023 4/19/2023 - 4/23/2023 Unadilla GA

Leesburg BikeFest 2023 4/28/2023 - 4/30/2023 Leesburg FL

Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally Spring 2023 5/3/2023 - 5/7/2023 Panama City Beach FL

BikeStock Oklahoma 2023 - Route 66 Biker Rally 5/4/2023 - 5/7/2023 Depew OK

Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally 2023 5/12/2023 - 5/22/2023 Myrtle Beach SC

Page Photography by Grange Simons Lucas III

2022 South Carolina HOG Chapters Chili Cook-Off

Submitted & Pictures By Michael Bradshaw

The Chili Cook-Off was hosted by Thunders Riders HOG Chapter and Thunder Tower HD at TTHD on November 12, 2022. Nine contestants from Thunder Riders HOG ( Thunder Tower HD), Myrtle Beach HOG ( Myrtle Beach HD) and Central South Carolina HOG (Harley Haven HD) competed. Other chapters rode in to support the event including Low Country HOG (Low Country HD). There were more than 90 people in attendance though out the event. All proceeds will go to local charities. The 1st Place Winner was Blaise Barnes with Myrtle Beach HOG. 2nd Place Winner was Don Liles with Myrtle Beach HOG. 3rd Place Winner was Greg Zimmerman with Central South Carolina HOG. Everyone bought tickets to taste the chili and the tasters were the judges for the event casting their votes by placing their tickets in the cookers basket. In addition to the chili, there were prize baskets raffled off, a bake sale, and a 50/50 raffle. A fun day was had by all!

Picture of the winners: From left to right Charity Redmon - Event Planner, Greg Zimmerman, Blaise Barnes, Don Liles, Joseph J HordychThunder Riders Chapter Director.

Page Photography by Deb Davis

The Forgotten Competition

Harley and Indian may have been fierce rivals, but there were also other companies vying for recognition. Cleveland Motorcycle Manufacturing Company was founded in 1915. Between 1915 and 1929, 40,000 Cleveland motorcycles were produced. Their first ride was a 13.5 cu in two-stroke. Unfortunately, the 1929 Stock Market Crash sunk the company.

Wagner Motorcycle Company was born in Minnesota and founded in 1901. A 1907 advert for the company promoted one of their rides as churning out 3 hp, with a top speed of 4 to 40 mph, while having single grip control. When you check out their bikes, you soon recognize the "loop frame", with the engine positioned lower.

American Motorcycle History

Christmas in America is an amazing time! Almost every weekend there are toy runs, Christmas parties, and a general feeling of good cheer abounds as we usher in the season in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Nothing else throughout the year even compares.

One of my most memorable Christmas stories comes from 25 years ago when the motorcycle group I happened to be President of was having our annual Christmas party.

We reserved a room for a hundred people at a local restaurant called the Ranch and invited other chapters to bring their families for a good time of fellowship and food. Because we invited folks to bring their children, it was only fair that we invite Santa Claus to attend as well.

David, a somewhat mentally challenged local man in his early 40s, was everyone’s go-to guy when they needed a good Santa Claus. He was always smiling happy, he sported a big round belly, and he absolutely ADORED children. Christmas was David’s favorite time of the year and he so looked forward to playing the part of Santa.

As couples entered the room, if I noticed children with them, I made mention there may be a special guest in attendance later, and for them to be prepared. The children present at the party ranged in age from as young as five to as old as fourteen.

I noticed one older couple looking for a seat, and they had a young girl of about eight or nine with them. Most of the other children ran around and played with each other, but this girl sat quietly with what I assumed to be her grandparents and did not really say anything.

We ate a great meal, had some awesome dessert and coffee, and enjoyed a few moments of fellowship before a waitress popped her head into the room.

“Hey folks,” she said, “I have someone who is late for supper but would still like to come in and hang out for a while. Is that alright?”

To the cheers of the 25 or 30 children in the room, David walked in wearing his full Santa costume complete with a sack full of candy stuffed stockings! As children do, they went nuts and rushed toward their sleigh riding hero!

Santa David “HO HO HO’ed” his way across the room and took a seat which was already set up for him. One by one, children hopped onto his lap, gave their wish list, and grabbed their stocking full of candy.

The aforementioned little girl calmy waited her turn, and then eagerly jumped up into Santa’s lap.

“My, you are a beautiful young lady,” David stated, “What can Santa bring you this year?”

The little girl looked up at David with tears in her eyes and asked, “Can you please bring my daddy home? He left mommy and me and I really miss him. Mommy has to work a lot so Nanna and Papa brought me tonight.”

Santa David turned and looked directly at me, with a tear running down his cheek, as if to ask, “What do I say?”

“You got this Santa.” I quietly whispered.

David turned back to the little girl and said, “I don’t know if I can help with that one young lady, but I know who can.” Then, he bowed his head and prayed. He prayed for that little girl, he prayed for that mom, and he prayed that if God saw fit, that he put a burden on that father’s heart to reunite with his family. Then he prayed that if it was not to be, that someone would be there for her to take on that role. When he finished, he kissed her cheek and gave her a bag of candy.

There was not a dry eye in the place. David stood up, gave a teary “HO HO HO”, and walked toward the door.

The little girl’s daddy never came home, but her mom married a wonderful man a couple of years later who has raised her as his own. He was there for every soccer game, every track meet, he walked her across a football field for homecoming, and he stood to give her away at her wedding. Was it her faith or the prayer of a simpleminded Santa that did it?

I don’t know the answer to that. I do know however that about the time Santa prayed for her, that new daddy was praying for a family of his own. You see, he was horribly lonely after his wife and daughter were killed in a traffic accident a few months earlier. Coincidence? Nope. Just proof that God answers the prayers of the faithful. The outcome may not be what we pray for, but it will be what he sees as best for us.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:14-15 New International Version

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Ride on and stay safe, Dennis Reynolds Mideast Regional Elder Bikers for Christ M/M

Photos Submitted By Stefanie Barrett

On Nov 12 2022 we were invited to join American legion post 101 for a veterans parade for shut in vets. We visited 25 and made 25 boxed donations for each. It was such a fun filled day visiting with them Thank you American Legion 101 and to our Veterans.

On Saturday November 12th, The Pelion American Legion Post 101 Legion Family, took the Veterans Day Parade to Shut-ins.

A convoy of motorcycles, cars and trucks embarked on a predetermined route, visiting 5 shut-in veteran homes and ended at the Rapha Assisted Living Facility on Fish Hatchery Road. 25 veterans in all were visited and presented with care packages from Carolina Chrome Magazine and Pelion Girl Scout Troop 3327.

Afterwards, the Post Members performed a Flag Dedication Ceremony for the Facility's new flag pole.

There are other Shut-ins that will be visited another day.

Thanks to all that participated and donated: Carolina Chrome Magazine: Deb Davis & Brandi Reedy (with son Sterling), Pelion Girls Scout Troop 3327: Heather Carter, Post 101, Auxiliary, Sons and Riders: David Mills, Emerson Betts , Heath Mills, Doug Gordon , Thad Miller , Bill White, Tim Dozer Hall , Dewayne Drifter Hall , James K Sturkie, Charles Miller, James Rose Charles Heck, Sarah Mills, Frieda White and Brody Mills.

Page Photography by Deb Davis

Page Photography by Deb Davis

Protecting South Carolina’s Helmet Law is as Important Today as it was in 2009

November 2022

February 28, 2009. That was the date that South Carolina motorcyclists, led by members of ABATE of South Carolina, took a stand against the City of Myrtle Beach in order to take back what the City thought that they could take away. The City quickly learned that they were wrong.

Since 1980, adult motorcyclists in South Carolina have had the right to choose whether or not to wear a motorcycle helmet when riding in the Palmetto State. Today, South Carolina is one of 32 states that recognize that right. In 2009, the City of Myrtle Beach attempted to take that right away.

I remember the day that the Myrtle Beach Ordinance requiring motorcycle helmets within the city limits went into effect. It was February 28, 2009, and it was the first time that my law firm, Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group, had the honor of working with ABATE of South Carolina in order to protect the rights of South Carolina motorcyclists. I am proud to say that it was not the last time.

But it wasn’t the work of my firm that ultimately led to the defeat of the Myrtle Beach Ordinance. It was the dedication and sacri fice of South Carolina motorcyclists who were willing to take part in a protest ride in order to purposely violate that ordinance and be charged by the City so that we could go before the court and challenge the legality of what the City of Myrtle Beach had done. Without those riders there would have been no case to take before the South Carolina Supreme Court. Without those riders, the South Carolina Supreme Court would not have been able to tell the City of Myrtle Beach not just no, but hell no.

The purpose of this article is not to talk about the riders who took part in that protest ride, although I still tip my cap to each and every one of them. The purpose is to discuss the importance of what they did, and why they did it.

I am often asked why I support the right of riders to choose whether or not to wear a motorcycle helmet. The answer is simple. Because it is the logical position to take on the subject.

First and foremost, allowing adults to choose for themselves when it comes to their personal safety should be the default position of the government. It is the proper role of government to protect one citizen from another citizen. That is why we have laws against assault, mur der, burglary and robbery. It is generally not the proper role of gov ernment to protect a citizen from themselves. Rational adults should be trusted with making decisions as to their own personal safety.

But what about the health care costs that we all have to bear when an un-helmeted motorcyclists crashes and suffers a head injury? Doesn’t that affect everyone? The evidence would suggest that it doesn’t. When you compare both health insurance premiums and inpatient health care costs between the states that have mandatory helmet laws and those that do not, there is no evidence that the 32 states that allow adults to make their own choice are suffering higher health care costs as a result.

Those in favor of mandatory helmet laws often cite figures pro vided by both the National Highway Transportation Safety Adminis tration (NHTSA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which say that motorcycle helmets are anywhere from 37% to 41% effective in preventing fatalities. However, once again, the evidence does not support those claims. If motorcycle helmets were 40% effective in preventing fatalities, then we would expect to see roughly 40% more motorcycle fatalities per capita in the states that allow adults to choose. The problem is that we don’t. When you compare motorcycle fatalities per registered motorcycles between states that have mandatory helmet laws and those that don’t, you find no significant difference. How can that be if motorcycle hel mets are anywhere from 37% to 41% effective in preventing fatalities? I have asked that question to more than a few motorcycle safety advocates who favor mandatory helmet laws and have yet to receive a good answer.

Finally, and let’s come back to the role of government again, allowing adults to choose is good government. The law should nei ther prohibit nor compel unless there is a rational reason to do so. When it comes to the use of motorcycle helmets there is simply not a rational reason to prohibit riders from making their own choice by compelling them to wear one. That is why only eighteen states have mandatory helmet laws today.

This is why South Carolina riders stood up to the City of Myrtle Beach in 2009, and it is why members of ABATE of South Carolina continue to stand up today. It is not just about the right to ride without a helmet, it is about our right to our rights. You can draw a line from the riders who changed South Carolina’s motorcycle hel met law in 1980 to the ones who took a stand against Myrtle Beach in 2009. You can draw a line from those riders in 2009 to the ones who obtained equal access to public transportation facilities for motorcyclists in 2014. You can draw a line from those riders to the ones who continue to advocate for South Carolina motorcyclists to day. The right to choose is not just about helmets, it is about rights. The right to choose is not just about 1980 or 2009, it is about today, and it is about tomorrow.

Matt Danielson

McGrath, Danielson & Sorrell

The Motorcycle Law Group 1-855-LAW-RIDERS 1-855-529-7433

Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Matt Danielson is a partner at Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group, a personal injury law firm whose attorneys all ride motor cycles 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, lecturer, and works with motorcycle rights organizations throughout the country. To learn more about the Motorcycle Law Group, visit MotorcycleLawGroup.com.