Carolina Chrome Magazine July 155 issue!

Issue #155

July 2021

FREE NOT FOR RESALE

The #1 Magazine for South Carolina Bikers!

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Travis Groff’s Racing Story Pages 20-21

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Mr. Chrome July 2021

Mr. Travis Groff Hopkins, SC

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full page ad otw

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CONTENTS

cover Ms. Bridget Hall

3 Travis Groff - Hopkins, SC

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Cover Story

8 Dr. DILLIGAF

12 7th Annual Rolling Honor Ride 14 “RACIAL TENSION” Article By Dennis Reynolds

events

16-19 20-21 Did Someone Say; Motorcycle Racing?

Story of Travis Groff 24-25 How To Measure

Motorcycle Handlebars?

ADVERTISING SALES & MARKETING

Cover Photography by Lynn Blizzard

803-931-2613 803-572-2172 803 931-2613or803 238-8258 carolinachrome@yahoo.com

Carolina Chrome LLC ® PO Box 85293 Lexington, SC 29073

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CCM IS CREATED BY SOUTH CAROLINA BIKERS IN AN ECOLOGICALLY FRIENDLY & ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS NATIONAL AWARD WINING MANNER

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INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS PROVIDED BY ADVERTISERS AND READERS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. WHILE EVERY REASONABLE EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO INSURE THAT THE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE AS OF PUBLICATION DATE, CCM AND ITS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, CLIENTS, AND DISTRIBUTORS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE OF OR RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PUBLICATION OR FROM THE OMISSIONS OF INFORMATION FROM THIS PUBLICATION. CCM’S PARTICIPATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE VIEWS, OPINIONS, PRODUCTS OR SERVICES OF ANY ADVERTISER OR OTHER PARTICIPANT APPEARING HEREIN. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION SHALL BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORMAT WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER. CCM DOES NOT PROMOTE THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. CCM IS TO BE HELD HARMLESS FOR FAILURE TO PRODUCE ANY ISSUE ON SCHEDULE DUE TO REASONS BEYOND OUR CONTROL INCLUDING ACTS OF NATURE; TO BE HELD HARMLESS FROM SUITS OR CLAIMS DUE BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A PERSONS NAME OR PHOTOGRAPH, PLAGIARISM, LIBEL, OR COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT. THE CAROLINA CHROME NAME AND LOGO IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK AND IS THE PROPERTY OF THE OWNER AND PUBLISHER NICOLE GANTT AND CAROLINA CHROME LLC.

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Cover Story & Pictures by Lynn Blizzard

Ms. Bridget Hall BridgetHallwaslivinginMyrtleBeachandjustlikesomanyofus,hadaguyshewasdating break-upwithherandrideoffintothesunsetwithanothergal.Atthatverymoment,she decidedshewasgoingtorideherownbike.Aftertakingoutaloanshecouldn’treallyafford at the time, she bought a Honda Shadow 750.

Theguythatsoldittoher,solditwithadeadbatterythatwasstucktothecaseliterallyglued down.ShewentstraighttoJokersinSurfsideforassistance.MikefromJokershelpedBridget getthebikerunning.WhileatJokersthatday,practicallyintearsfrombeingsoupset,a randomguycameinandgotstucktherebecausehiscarwouldn’tstart.Bridgetdrovehimto thepartsstoretogetastarterandthatwasit,hecalledheraweeklaterandtheyhungout everydaythesummerof2017.HetaughtBridgethowtorideintheparkinglotofthestorage unitwhereshekeptthebike,“Pinky.”Sherodeintheparkinglotforamonthin1stand2nd gearbeforegoingontheroad.SheeventuallymovedtoSurfsideandrodeonOceanBoulevard (because it was slower traffic) to practice.

InJanuary2018,shemovedtoHartsvilleandbought“Verna”inFebruary2019.Duetothe longrakeand250tireonthebackofher2007VictoryVegasJackpotArlenNess106Stroker, Bridgethadtoreteachherselftoride.Nowsheridesasmuchaspossibleandhasriddento Daytona and Maggie Valley.

Bridgetsaysshehasmetmanynewpeoplewhileridingandcan’twaitforthenextadventure.

Reprint of June Issue 154 Article for Correction; Joey Chastain is not a Hardwood Cruiser member however they were apart of the fundraising efforts. Timms Harley-Davidson and Denise Scalf were a large part helping for his benefit as well. This article below was written and submitted

by Terri Lynn Chastain.

July of 2017 Joey Chastain was diagnosed with squamous cell cancer on the base of the tongue. He received 35 radiation treatments and 3 large doses of chemo at MUSC in Charleston. This was over an 8 week period, in which he and his wife Terri Lynn had to pick up and leave their 3 kids.

Treatment was success. Joey went into remission. Things

went back to a new normal. Then everything changed in August of 2020. He developed a small cough. After a couple of tests they discovered a lime size tumor in his upper lung.

Once again they were sent back to Charleston for 6 weeks of treatment which was 30 radiation treatments, and 6 doses of 2 different chemotherapy treatments. Things were looking good through all the treatments, the scans showed the tumor was shrinking. A month after the treatments ended everything still showed the tumor was shrinking. In December he was placed on immuno therapy. In February of 2021 he went for a scheduled pet scan as a routine checkups. It showed that the original tumor was gone, but it showed 7 new small tumors in his lung. It also showed a shadow on his brain. They scheduled a brain scan for the following week.

The results were not what anyone expected. It showed 5 tumors in his brain. The largest being on his optical nerve, this tumor had started to take away Joey’s peripheral vision on the right side of both eyes. After the team of Doctors met.

They decided that the best option for Joey would be to do a procedure called gamma knife. Joey was fitted with a halo which was screwed into his skull and he was bolted to a table for 4 hours, and a 192 beams of radiation was then shot into each tumor. He also began a regimen of chemo for his lungs. He wears a pump for 4 days every 3rd week. As of right now the brain & lung tumors are shrinking and dying.

He will be going back for more scans in June. Joey's hope is that the Lord will continue to heal him and use his journey as a testimony for others. He wants other to know that you should NEVER STOP LIVING, when you stop living, your life is over, and he is going to live whether that is for 6 days, 6 weeks, 6 months 6 years or 6 decades.

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Dr. Dilligaf

Dr. Dilligaf, How long into a pregnancy can I ride? I got a lot of strange looks at Myrtle Beach Bike Week. I am 21 weeks but I still ride comfortably.

P&R

P&R, I have always ridden right up until the due date. But then I wasn’t the one carrying. I believe you answered your own question though. Ride as long as you are comfortable. The strange looks you received may not have anything to do with pregnancy. Remember, you were at Myrtle Beach, strange looks there can mean a lot of things. Could have been looks from Chubby Chasers, pregnancy fetish creeps or any other type of pervs. Or it could be the natural attraction of a woman doing what she was designed for and I don’t mean sandwich making and laundry.

Anyway, you keep on riding as long as you are comfortable and if that due date comes and you haven’t dropped your load go jump on a dirt bike and hit some bumpy roads. Best thing to stimulate a contraction other than to vacuum the house or cut the grass.

Dr. Dilligaf

the nut that hold the handle bars.

Nowbacktothetop.Theinfotainmentsystemsaredesigned withsafetyinmind.Afterall,weliveinthegoodoldUSAwhere nooneisaccountableforthemselvessowemustbeprotected fromourselves.Alotofthefeaturescanonlybeutilizedifyou arestopped.IdofindthatthefeaturesthatIamallowedtouse while moving operate somewhat seamlessly.

Asforcruisersonlongtripsbeingcomfortablethatissomewhat relative.Howabikeissetup,mid-controlsvsforwardcontrols, seatchoices,handlebarsorwindshieldsallplayapartinriding comfort.Thephraselongtripisambiguousaswell.Whatyou consideralongtripmightjustbeaquickrunforothers.Forme, 165to200milesonacruiserisnothingbutitmaybetortuous for someone with circulation problems or hemorrhoids.

Speakingofhemorrhoidsletmegetbacktothispaininthe butt job I have. Peace out and ride safe.

Dr. Dilligaf

Dr.Diligafismeantforentertainmentonly!Theviewsandopinionsexpressedin thearticlesarenotmeanttooffendanyoneorgroup.Ifyouhavebeenoffended, understand;thatisnotourobjective.Thankyouthickskinreadersandforthose other readers; the Chrome Crew offers FREE hugs!

Send in YOUR Questions for Dr. Dilligaf to: carolinachrome@yahoo.com.

Dr. Dilligaf, Admittedly,Idon’tknowmuchaboutmotorcyclesand thismaybeobvioustomostofyouguysbuthowdothe infotainmentsystemsonnewermotorcycleswork?Would I be able to easily use the GPS? Also, how comfortable are cruisers on long trips? And how dangerous are motorcycles,I’veheardthattheyaresignificantlymore dangerous than cars?

Full of Questions

Full of Questions, Lastquestionfirst,Motorcyclesarenotdangerouscompared to trains, planes or automobiles. Just like guns they are perfectlysafeuntilsomeonedecidestouseone.However, motorcyclesarelikeplanesinthatifyoucrashonetheresults havethepossibilityofbeingdramaticallyworsethanthey wouldbeincar.Themostdangerouspartofamotorcycleis 8

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Page Photography

By Retread

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Page Photography By Lynn B.

June Bike Night at Saints N Sinners Bar 10

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June Bike Night at Oslo’s

Page Photography By Lynn B.

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7th Annual Rolling Honor Ride

Each year, Jack Michel, of Camden SC, organizes a ride on Memorial Day to pay respect for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s ride consisted of gathering at East Camden Social Club and riding to Fort Jackson National Cemetery. The 70-mile ride also included a stop at Potter Park Memorial in Elgin, SC before going back to Saints N Sinners bar in Camden, SC for a Spaghetti meal and fellowship. Overall, the day was very humbling and allowed the group to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Photo submitted by Donna Rollins

Page Photography By Lynn B.

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From all of us, Happy Independence Day! Bar Closing at 6 pm Restaurant Closing at 7 pm Join us for Fireworks at Dark

July 2021 Events Friday, July 2, 2021 Taylor Richardson Band 7:00pm-11:30pm Saturday, July 3, 2021 Ryan Perry Band 2:00pm-6:00pm Whits End 7:00pm-11:30pm

3482 John G Richards Rd. Camden, SC 29020 (803) 273-3448

Monday: CLOSED Tuesday: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday, July 17, 2021 DJ Jon 12:00pm-4:00pm Kyle Dills 7:00pm-11:30pm Friday, July 23, 2021 Ryan Trotti 7:00pm-11:30pm

Sunday, July 4, 2021 Ryan Trotti 2:00pm-6:00pm Wet Nose Dogs 7:00pm-11:00pm

Saturday, July 24, 2021 Zack Teague 2:00pm-5:00pm Carter Lybrand 7:00pm-11:30pm

Friday, July 9, 2021 Mister Pleaze 7:00pm-11:00pm

Sunday, July 25, 2021 Faith Bardill 2:00pm-5:00pm

Saturday, July 10, 2021 Parker Ford Band 2:00pm-6:00pm Wet Nose Dogs Band 7:00pm-11:30pm

Friday, July 30, 2021 Kevin Mack Band 7:00pm-11:30pm

Sunday, July 11, 2021 Parker Ford 2:00pm-5:00pm

Saturday, July 31, 2021 DJ Jon 12:00pm-4:00pm Justin Anderson Band 7:00pm-11:30pm

Friday, July 16, 2021 Uptown Dueling Pianos 7:00pm-11:30pm

Sunday, August 1, 2021 Kaylee Green 2:00pm-5:00pm

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“RACIAL TENSION” The first time I walked into Grenola School in 1969, it was day one of integration in our Greenwood SC school district. I have no idea what the ratio of black students to white students in our small classroom happened to be, we were all just kids with no predispositions or concerns for the tone of each other’s skin.

My first-grade teacher was an African American lady named Mrs. Rucker. I recall the love that lady showed for EVERY one of her students and I had no idea that just 5 years earlier, this type of integrated environment was being fought over in the court system.

At other schools in our district, white people and black people alike were throwing things at buses because NO ONE wanted integration in their neighborhoods. In our little classroom though, we simply made new playmates.

The innocence of youth... Where did it go?

Every first and third Friday, a local Greenwood African American Motorcycle Club host a fish fry at their clubhouse where there is always good food, great music, and awesome fellowship. When we get together with these guys, there is never a dull moment!

I was thinking about this one night when some friends and I attended the fish fry. We were enjoying some of the best fried fish and fries imaginable, when my buddy Jim looked up and said, “All this race stuff going on all over the place, and look at us.”

He was right. Here we were, black and white, all enjoying each other’s company. There was not talk of White Supremacists or Black Panthers, no mention of flags or memorials, no one spoke of hate or anger. Ladies just danced to the music and guys sat around enjoying food, talking bikes, and telling stories. Divisions we are told and taught exist everywhere melted away into a night filled with fun and good friends

It was a great time...

The world needs more of this. More fellowship and less finger In today’s world where everyone is offended by something, there pointing, more love and less division, maybe even more understanding and less defense mechanism. When we get down to is great vocal condemnation for “the other side” and very little the root of it all, we are all pretty much the same, with similar in the way of real compromise. Our emotions are dictated by a interests, values, and goals. news media looking for a story and people on both sides who make a very good living by keeping the race issues in this counSo tomorrow or next week when you see things on the news, try alive and well. Leaders on both sides of the issue keep the internet, or social media, don’t dive into the hype and allow your general public in a full-blown tizzy in order to maintain control. emotions to be stimulated by people who perpetuate hate and White leaders bash black leaders and black leaders return the discord. Don’t buy into the “us vs. them” mentality we see so favor. prevalent on both sides in our society. Just take a breath and realize that people, regardless of color, are just people.

About a month after Dylan Roof committed murder with the shooting in Charleston SC, about 100 of the whitest redneck bikers on the planet roared into that old southern city to worship with the folks at Mother Emmanuel and let them know we cared.

That day the temperatures were near the 100 mark and by the time we made it to the front steps, we were pretty sweaty and stinky, but that didn’t keep some of the sweetest little ladies from rushing up to give us all big hugs and kisses. We had given advance notice we were coming, and the deacons of this predominately African American church had reserved over 100 seats for us. The service was amazing. Nothing about racism, division, or hate. Only the love of God for all people. Then, in what I thought was nothing short of a miracle, they made sure to mention the young man who had killed their fellow members and his family as they bowed and prayed to God.

And then, go for a ride together.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

Ride on and stay safe

We were all of one accord... It is one of the most profound memories of my life...

Dennis Reynolds You may not be aware, but one of the largest African American motorcycle rallies on the East Coast happens right here in Greenwood SC, barely a half mile from my home. While the attendance is mostly African American, myself and several of my friends are regulars, and we spend the day with some of the greatest people you can imagine. We hang out, eat some AWESOME food, and enjoy the day with friends.

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Mideast Regional Elder Bikers For Christ M/M

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Photo by Joker Photo by Retread

Photo by Retread

Photo by Retread

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Thursday, July 1st Bike Night with Southern Born Band 7–10pm, Lake Bowen Country Club, 2870 SC-292,Inman, SC Saturday, July 3rd Harley-Davidson of Greenville Bikini Bike Wash Join us on Saturday, July 3 from 12 pm - 4 pm for a Bikini Bike Wash We are sure your bike is nice and dirty, come get it cleaned up! Free beer!!! Vendors, Food Available and Women in Bikinis Saturday, July 3rd @ 9am 2021 Harper Street Bike Parade All are welcome to join this July 4th celebration - on July 3rd!

Decorate your bike and show your patriotism. Line up as early as 9:00 a.m. at the corner of Harper and Hunt Streets. Many children will be present, so vehicles are not permitted, for safety reasons. Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. and proceeds towards Calhoun Street.

Newberry, SC

Sunday, July 4th Independence Day Wednesday, July 7th Mulligans Bike Night 2-6PM. 410 US-21 Fort Mill, SC 16

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Thursday, July 1st Bike Night 6pm-9pm Timms Harley-Davidson of Anderson Velvet Willow performing on the Timms Stage, cold drinks from Typsy Gypsy, Creekside BBQ, Iron Horse Law Firm, 864 Cigars and Anderson Axe Throwing!

Saturday, July 17th Benefit Ride American Legion Riders of South Wednesday, July 7th @7pm Carolina Chapter 25 Benefit Run! $20 for 1 person $30 for couple.

Yahweh and Sons Bible Includes food ticket. Door Prizes, Church Bike Nite In addition to our normal bike night 1st and WORST prizes! Live Muevents and vendors, we are offering sic by Cody Holmes! Registration a bike blessing. If you have not had at 10-2 Last Bike in by 4! Raising money for Local Charities and your bikes blessed. Swing by and we American Legion Legacy Fund. will bless your bike. FMI Daniel Fore 803-463-7381 Saturday, July 17th Salute to the Veterans Saturday, July 10th Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson Stephanie’s Ride Benefit Join us for Food, Fun, and to Poker Run support the Fisher House FounMikey’s Bar & Grill. All proceeds dation in their mission to help for her fight against cancer.

America’s Veterans and their families!

Saturday, July 10th @ NOON Bikini Bike Wash!

Saturday, July 24th @ The Corner Bar in Bishopville ABATE Hell Hole Sat, July 10th -Sun, July 11th VFW Post 9509, Monks Corner FMI Dick 843-696-1037 2-Day Motorcycle Safety Foundation Course Saturday, July 24th BMW Performance Center, Greer, SC Benefit/Poker Run For Russell Vickery and Russell Saturday, July 17th Rabon Woodlawn Baggers Poker Run $25sr/$35wp T-shirt Summer Jam 2021 with poker run riders. Family WRMC clubhouse, 317 Logan Rd, Friendly event. Hot dog plates.

Greenwood Live Music, Ticket Raffles. Russell Vickery has asked we comSaturday, July 17th bine the event for both of them.

Mid Year Christian Bikers Because Russell Rabon is also United 2021-07-17 CBU needing help with medical bills 11am-3pm @ Frontline Biker Church and bills. This is for my mother (7728 Hwy. 341, Kershaw) * Guest in law brother also Preacher: Rev. Doug Pate!* Special Music! Door Prizes,Fellowship, Music,Food,Fun, & More!Contact: Thursday, July 29th Preacher Cotton @ 803.246.0554 Bikes & Brews Event by Low Country Harley-DaSaturday, July 17th vidson Come on down to Low 4th Annual CVMA 34-2 Country Harley-Davidson at 5:30 Benefit Ride pm and then we will all ride to Harley-Davidson of Greenville Swig & Swine - Summerville Come join the Combat Veterans KSU at 6 pm Motorcycle Association to support Veterans in the Upstate. A full day of ridding followed by food, drinks and Haphazard on the stage.

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EVENTS & EVENT UPDATES @

JULY

Friday, July 9th @7pm Bike night The Tenth Inning Bar & Grill, 732 E Buena Vista Ave, N.Augusta, SC

Saturday, July 17th Benefit Ride American Legion Riders of South Carolina Chapter 25 Benefit Run! $20 for 1 person $30 for couple. Includes food ticket. Door Prizes, 1st and WORST prizes! Live Music by Cody Holmes!

Registration at 10-2 Last Bike in by 4! Raising money for Local Charities and American Legion Legacy Fund.

Saturday, July 17th Salute To The Veterans Thunder Tower Harley-Davidson Join us for Food, Fun, and to support the Fisher House Foundation in their mission to help America’s Veterans and their families!

Saturday, July 24th ABATE Hell Hole VFW Post 9509, Monks Corner FMI Dick 843696-1037 Saturday, July 24th Benefit/Poker Run For Russell Vickery and Russell Rabon Poker Run $25sr/$35wp T-shirt with poker run riders. Family Friendly event. Hot dog plates.

Live Music, Ticket Raffles. Russell Vickery has asked we combine the event for both of them.

Because Russell Rabon is also needing help with medical bills and bills.

This is for my mother in law brother also

Thursday, July 29th Bikes & Brews Event by Low Country Harley-Davidson Come on down to Low Country Harley-Davidson at 5:30 pm and then we will all ride to Swig & Swine Summerville KSU at 6 pm Thursday, July 29th Sunday, August 1st South Carolina State CMA Rally 2021 Hosted by CMA @ Oconee Christian Academy; 150 His Way, Seneca SC 29672. All Weekend Praise, Worship & Fellowship with Rides, Bike Night Thurs, Seminars, Prayer & Bike Blessings, Ice Cream Social, Friday Cookout. Entertainment, Bike Shows, Poker Runs, Tours, Vendors, Event Merchandise & More. Contact Ronnie (601)278-5079 Saturday July 31st TRINITY M/C KERSHAW **JULY JAM**

Rain Or Shine Food, Fun, Door Prizes, Dj & more.

Bring Bathing Suit For Water Slide $15.00 Cover (Food, Band And Solo Artist) Primitive Camping Avalible ~No Coolers Please~ Contact Info: Fw 8038042947, Taz 980-313-6666, Cooter 803-288-0961 2990 Flatrock Road Kershaw, Sc 29067 CHROMESC.COM

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Did Someone Say Motorcycle Racing?

I was lucky in meeting up with a young man whom is quite popular on the racing Circuit. Im talking aboutTravis Groff. Even though he doesn't say much I was able to talk with him and learn more about him and his love for Motorcycle racing.

bike and rebuilding it, right here in the back yard in Eastover, SC. Shawn and Travis custom fabricated multiple things on the bike this past year to make it launch better and to make the bike itself lighter. The bike started out the season weighing almost 1000lbs.

It now weighs less than 400lbs. Another thing that sets Travis apart from the others, is he ran the smallest engine (107CI) in the Draggin Bagger class.

He think the most challenging thing for him was coming into this as a rookie and trying to make a name for himself. So many things had to come together and he can’t even begin to tell you how much work was involved to make a great race season. But they did it.

He came into the AHDRA as a nobody from somewhere in South Carolina that nobody knew of with an old denim black Electra Glide called “the bucket.”

Needless to say; people were learning his name and his bike very quickly. Every pass being made was increasingly faster and faster and “the bucket” was reborn as “Plan B”.

Travis also has earned huge bragging rights with his last season. Travis started his racing career out in May of 2020 as a Rookie and finished up his season in October as AHDRA'S "Rookie of the Year" and while taking 2nd place in points Championship.

Everyone should be on the lookout for Soda City Racing in 2021 season He told me" Stay tuned beNow lets go back further to see where all began for cause he can show you better than he can tell you" him; Plan B 2.0 Will set records again this year... but this Raised in Bedford, Pennsylvania , he started out year... Travis and his team are moving up to the Pro riding motorcycles at a very young age. Racing just came natural to him as he started out racing 4 wheel- Bagger Class! ers , tractors, Cars and then Motorcycles....He said."

If it would run he would race it" He has made a career as a truck driver since the age of 21. He moved to Columbia, South Carolina in 2004. After moving here, he met and married his wife Suzanne, and in the union he was joined by a ready made family. His wife has been very dedicated and been his #1 fan ever since.

Travis drag races his Harley, He took his 2009 Electra Glide, His daily0 rider and converted into a full blown race bike to race in the AHDRA ( All Harley Drag Racing Association) sanction. The ADHRA has been around for a while but has taken off since Bill Rowe purchased it in 2019. Bill hosted a stellar race season in 2020 and Travis is looking forward to the 2021 season. Travis has also started a local drag racing team here in South Carolina named Soda City Racing. His team mates are Shawn Floyd of Eastover, South Carolina and Paul Uricchio of Charleston, South Carolina.

What sets him apart from the other racers is that he built his own bike. His best friend, Shawn Floyd and himself have spent countless hours tearing down the

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Travis had advice for someone starting out in AHDRA...

"Never stop working at it and Never get complacent" Travis gave me this to share:

" I want to give shout out to some folks who have helped me along the way. I want to thank Shawn Floyd, my best friend and crew chief, my wife Suzanne for her unlimited support, Revolution Performance, Snipes Machine, Wes Brown of Cycle-Rama, Branon White and Mad Monkey Motorsports, Raptor Performance, Rob Bush Motorsports, Stinger Race Fuel, C&S Customs, Aqua Seal, Carolina Metal Systems, and God himself for always allowing me to race another day."

In finishing this with Travis Groff I would like to thank him for his wonderful interview and wish him the Best in his racing season from Carolina Chrome Magazine and all of the Chrome Crew.

The Racing schedule for Soda City Racing is :

Article By DDeb CHROMESC.COM

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Page Photos By Tammy P

Photo By Starla

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How To Measure Motorcycle Handlebars?

You may think that measuring motorcycle handlebars is a straightforward thing. That would be the case if there were only one kind. Experience and the nuances between motorcycle manufacturers tell a different story. It’s not merely a matter of height and width. There are also angles and diameters of the components to consider when tricking out a ride to suit a particular individual.

Also, you’ll see variations depending on the model year. Again, you’ll find that the industry moves the goalposts, further complicating matters which vary with what is “in” at a particular time. The dimensions may vary by how different measurements are defined by the brand since there isn’t a universal, be-all-endall definition. They may depend on the type whether you’re taking sport bikes or cruisers.

Further complicating matters are federal regulations often hinging on safety that will vary on the international front too. Don’t get us started about imperial versus metric measurements. In the end, it usually means that you’ll need to contact the company to get the entire picture with a complete list of the specs.

Terms You Need to Know You need to begin your journey with understanding how manufacturers approach this concept. The center width, for example, describes the flat base of the handlebars before they take off to the sides, upward, or downward. Consider this portion as your home base.

The overall width covers the entire link of the handlebars from left to right.

A lot can happen in between these two points so that it’s really the end of the story without the juicy details that make the 24 magic happen. The pullback pro-

vides an indication of the angle that the handlebars deviate from a 90-degree height. They may move toward or away from you. The sweep defines the angle at the end of the handlebar as if affects your wrist placement.

adjust the width to suit your ride. Their placement also allows the driver to lean forward into the wind to increase speed. They have crossed over into different types of bikes such as bobbers. The advantage of this type is that the driver’s position often gives them more confidence on the road.

Then, you need to consider the rise or height of the handlebars. That can vary from a simple zero drag to serious ape hangers. The ends may also drop to give you your wrist angle. There is also the diameter of the bars. The materials play a role as well as how you will customize your ride and how comfortable you are on the road. They’ll also play a role in motorcycle values.

The Z-bar handlebar brings style and a short rise into the picture. It gets its name from the sharp angles going up from the center width that resemble the letter. Each side angles either up or toward the rider. The cruiser model is a direct contrast to this style with smoother angles that also go toward the back of the bike. The positioning is more relaxed, hence, the name.

How Size Matters With Handlebars The essential thing to remember is that less is more. Even a seemingly slight variation can make all the difference between a trip you enjoy and one that left you reaching for the ibuprofen. It’ll also affect your choice. You’ll find a lot to choose from with standard handlebars to wicked aftermarket models that you will set you back hundreds of dollars.

The ape hanger is the classic chopper look with a curved handlebar and a rise of 12 inches or more. This type isn’t about handling or comfort. It’s all about looks and the vibe they create. You’ll see different riffs on this theme called mini apes or buckhorns. They have a shorter rise. The latter also has grips that are angled downward. They both provide a compromise to the challenge of the ape hanger style.

You don’t have to ride long before you realize the impact of your body. You’ll likely see tradeoffs with variations on all the dimensions of motorcycle handlebars. The style is only the beginning.

You also need to consider the size of your bike, your skill level, and physical strength.

Types of Handlebars You’ll find a plethora of handlebar styles, each suited to different riding styles and types of bikes. One of the most popular ones is the tracker. It’s similar to what you’d see on a bicycle with a short dip at the center width, giving it a short rise.

You’ll often see them in track racing models. You can consider them a jackof-all-trades since they’ll work on a variety of rides.

The zero drag takes the angle of the picture with a handlebar that is relatively flat. That shape puts the driver forward, which ramps up the speed and acceleration by reducing wind resistance and improving aerodynamics. You’ll also see some variations on this theme with low and high versions that add a center bar for support and increase the rise.

Clip-on handlebars are typical features on sports CHROMESC.COM and drag bikes.

As the name implies, you can

Matching the Size With Your Style of Riding The best way to start is to home in on what works for you. That means trusting your instincts. Your goal at this point is to segue from getting used to a new position to find the one that you gravitate to naturally. Biking for long periods is challenging, especially if you’re not comfortable with the way your ride handles. The right position will minimize those pins-and-needle sensations.

Have a friend help you with the measuring part. First, find that instinctive position by holding your arms out in front of you. Move to the right, left, and back to the center. Then, have your buddy get the distance between your hands. Do it a couple of times more and average the figures. That will give you the overall width.

This dimension has a lot of impact on the maneuverability of your ride. The wider it is, the more demanding it’ll be to handle it and make sharp turns. It will also make you a bigger target for the wind coming at you on the ride. That can make a significant difference if you have a heavier bike. However, it will provide some added leverage for moving your ride.

Handlebar Measurements You may see some different terms based on the manufacturer, especially with imports. If in doubt, go to the manufacturer’s website for details. However, three dimensions will point you in the direction of the right style for you no matter what they’re called. They include: -Rise -Overall width -Pullback

The rise can vary from anywhere from zero inches to over 17 inches on a mean-looking ape hanger. Unless that’s the look you’re after, you’ll likely find that anything higher than shoulder height will become uncomfortable with the restricted blood flow to your hands. On the other hand, the forward position of a low-rise bike puts the strain on your wrists.

Pay attention to other features like the wrist angle too. It also affects blood flow to your hands and the comfort of your ride. If it works for your bike, handlebars with adjustable components are a godsend. They allow you to match the style The overall width goes from a modest with your bike. If you’re new to riding, you 12 inches to over 24 inches. While you’ll may find them a viable option until you pick up some leverage, you’ll lose some get a handle on what feels best to you. control on tighter curves. Bear in mind that it also factors into your comfort lev- Other Style Factors el. Wider ones will challenge your arm muscles on long rides by keeping them in a less natural position. That’s why you need to factor in your style of riding too.

You’ll see handlebars with an adjustable pullback or at fixed dimensions from zero to 12 inches or more. While a lot depends on your frame, a longer pullback will make you feel less cramped and can add to the comfort of your ride and help to prevent back pain. The tradeoff is aerodynamics. While you can sit more upright, you’ll also add to the wind resistance and demand on the bike.

Other dimensions you may find include diameter. It is more for matching the brand and model of your motorcycle. As a general rule of thumb, American bikes like Harley-Davison have one-inch handlebars, whereas imports lean toward seven-eighths. However, tracker models can push the limits to 1 ¾ inch across the center width and tapering to something more manageable toward the ends.

may not seem evident. A lot depends on how you ride. You’ll likely prefer something different for long jaunts than a cruise through town.

Remember that making drastic changes in the size means adjusting the wiring and cables too.

Whether you’re riding the latest Gold Wing or a vintage bike with a sidecar, the devil is in the details when it comes to how to measure motorcycle handlebars. Starting with the dimensions is easy. The hard part is deciding on which style you want with the dizzying array of choices you’ll find. Know what feels right for you will narrow the playing field.

You’ll see a lot of variations on materials from aluminum alloys to titanium plating—and everything in between. You’ll find out the impact they have on pricing when you start crunching numbers with a motorcycle loan calculator.

You’ll also find handlebars that are knurled.

The added texture in the clamp portion serves a functional purpose for the construction instead of the driver’s comfort. It can add a cool element too. Likewise, the terms, dimpled and drilled, let you know if you can swap out the wiring for internal or external setups if you’re customizing your handlebars.

The question of how to measure motorcycle handlebars doesn’t have a simple answer. Instead, you have to consider a lot of factors that

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