March Issue #129

Carolina Chrome

The #1 Magazine for South Carolina Bikers!

Issue #129 March 2019

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FREE

NOT FOR RESALE1

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Ms. Chrome March 2019

Ms. Holly Morris

Photographer Robert Holley Owner of Robert Vance Photography3 WWW.CHROMESC.COM

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What is ABATE of SC ?

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ABATE of South Carolina is Bikers Rights!

ABATE of South Carolina is a motorcycle rights organization dedicated to preserving individual liberties and bikers rights.

A BROTHERHOOD AGAINST TOTALITARIAN ENACTMENTS ABATE of South Carolina is a state level not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the rights and liberties of motorcyclists and to promote motorcycle awareness and voluntary motorcycle rider training.

ABATE advocates adult choice of protective riding equipment; ABATE advocates that you have the right to decide.

ABATE works to increase motorcycle awareness among motorists and supports voluntary rider training.

ABATE works to educate concerned citizens on how to effectively impact the legislative process.

ABATE encourages bikers to become politically active in their communities.

ABATE is a volunteer organization and is nonpartisan welcoming ALL RIDERS and FRIENDS of LIBERTY.

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ABATE works closely with other state organizations and national motorcycle rights organizations throughout the country such as the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and the American Motorcycle Association (AMA)

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ABATE of SouthCarolina, Inc. is the motorcyclists’ rights organization of South Carolina. Our members brought freedom of choice to South Carolina in June of 1980; ABATE amended South Carolina’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law to allow adult freedom of choice. ABATE stands for A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments. Our philosophy is to defend liberty; while we do not oppose safety devices, we do oppose laws that mandate the usage of those devices.

Why Join ABATE of SC? By joining ABATE of SC, you can be part of a grass roots biker political power that has come together to oppose anti-motorcycling legislation. Get involved by lobbying your elected officials in the ongoing struggle against legislation that would rob you of liberty in South Carolina and across the United States.

Help promote the programs that preserve motorcycling and the lifestyle. ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________

ABATE of South Carolina Membership Application Today’s Date:

Chapter Joined:

Member #

Would you like your newsletter by E-M Membership:

Single $25

Couple $35

ABATE patch FREE to new member ($5 for each additional) (B)

Name: (A) Address: E-Mail:

City:

State: Phone: (

Zip: )

Mail application and payment to ABATE Membership Coordinator: Jim Buczkowski 532 Knox Abbott, Suite 7 Cayce, SC 29033 or turn in to your Chapter Membership Coordinator.

Information provided shall not be made available to any person or organization other than ABATE of South Carolina, Inc.

A l t o a t

ON THE COVER Ralph and Stephanie Bell

Tony Culpepper of TLC Photography

Ralph and his wife Stephanie, are very active in the SC Motorcycle community. Both have spent over 10 years working with members from all over the state, protecting the liberties of the bikers of South Carolina.

Currently, Ralph is the State Coordinator for ABATE of South Carolina.

Photos by Nicole CGW

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Photography by Robert Holley

Photos by Nicole CGW

Lessons from the Open Road

By K. D. Byrd

Watch Out For The Rain

Watch out for the rain. I can remember the first time I rode my bike in the rain. I’d read that I should decrease speed, especially on curves. That part was easy. No one bothered to tell me that the raindrops would feel like bee stings peppering my skin and that visibility would be near zero once my glasses and/or face shield were covered with moisture. There’s an old saying that “into everyone life a little rain must fall.” It’s true. Some things in life are beyond our control. It’s important when tragedy strikes to have a strong relationship with God because there are times when only He can see us through. I’ve found that sitting on a church pew isn’t enough. In order to have an intimate relationship with Christ, I must study the Word and pray.

I challenge you to develop a relationship with Christ that’s so strong that you know that nothing can happen to you today that you and God can’t handle together.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33 “And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” ~Romans 8:28

Dear God: Help me through the struggles of life. I know that you’re so powerful that nothing is too great for you.

Byrd, K. Dawn. Lessons from the Open Road: A Devotional for Motorcycle Riders (Kindle Locations 237-239). Sixteenth Street Publishing. Kindle Edition.

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Photos by Nicole CGW

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All’s Well, That Ends Well Short Story

The entire pack rolled down the highway at about 70 mph. Leaning in and out of curves, and moving as smooth as a snake in nature. The Road Capt. made a caution signal with his arm and the pack slowed down to about 25 mph.

Then to a complete stop. From where we were in the pack, we couldn't see what had interrupted our annual run to the river, to hang around each other and just enjoy Brotherhood. It was a great day for riding, not to hot, smooth roads, not much traffic. The pack slowly moved forward and pulled over to the side. There was a school bus pulled over and had a flat tire. No spare. The Road Capt. got off his scooter and knocked on the door of the bus. The bus driver opened the door with a leary look on his face.

Reject said, "Hey you look like you could use some help." The bus driver said, "Oh man, yes, I was kind of worried when I seen you guys pull up. You know, with all you see on T.V." Reject just sort of smiled and said, "Yeah, I guess so."

The bus driver waved his hands at the kids on the bus. Then I looked at the bus and written down the side, in big letters were School For The Deaf.

Turned out, they had stopped for a pic-nic, and some punks had came up and robbed them. A bus driver, two teacher/ chaperones and a parent/ chaperone. No wonder they were scared when a bunch of burly looking bikers showed up. When the punks started to leave they slashed a tire. With no cell phone service, they were pretty much stuck. The two teachers had left out walking to call the police and get help.

Reject found out which way they went in, and sent Mizer to go get them on his scooter with a sidecar. He left out in a rush.

The kids filed off of the bus, and made their way outside. They were all wiggling their fingers, and waving their arms. Scared, mad, excited all rolled into one. It was so quiet, but yet so busy and 'loud'. The kids quietly giggled, pointing at the motorcycles and looking at the 'bikers', and their 'chicks'. They acted as though we couldn't see them pointing at us and making gestures.

They discussed something amongst themselves, before approaching The Creep. He was probably the most grouchy, unpleasant, mean old cuss 12

you'd ever want to meet. When they got about three feet from him, one of them made a few hand gestures at him and smiled. The Creep looked at him and shrugged his shoulders. The kid took a few steps closer and reached up towards the handle grip and made a motion like turning the throttle. As he did that, he bounced up and down, bending at the knees. He stopped and looked at The Creep. He got the idea. He stood and primed his motor, flipped the switch, and kicked 'er over. "WHOOP-OW, POW, POW, P-P-POW, POW, POW." All of the kids smiled real big. One by one, each of 'em laid a hand on the back seat of his motorcycle. They were feeling the rumble of his motor under their hands.

The (soft hearted) Creep, even let the kids rev it up a few times. Through the bus driver, the parent/ chaperone, and the kids, each of us learned a tad of sign language that day.

Talking to the teachers we found out that kids had sold candy bars to earn enough money to pay their way to Six Flags over Georgia. And the punks that robbed them , had taken that money.

The Prez., V.P., Party Chairman, and Treasurer got together and had a talk. The Treasurer went around all of us with his helmet in his hand. A few of us made a run to an ATM and we rounded up enough money to pay their way in, and still have enough to pay for gas and food. The kids even made up a "sign" for biker. Making "L's" with their thumbs and index fingers making a rectangle in the air, and crossing their arms, over and under the rectangle, making "rockers" They thanked us, and hugged us, and gave us a million smiles. After getting the tire fixed we watched them ride away. About fourteen hands waving and six hands reving up an imaginary throttle at us in the back windows of the bus as they faded.

We all piled back up and headed back to the clubhouse. We postponed our annual camping trip.

We'd gotten a description of the car the punks were driving, and since it is a small world, we found them. Something really odd happened.

Suddenly all of the punks went deaf. Somehow they had all lost their hearing. Plus, we got most of our money back. So, All’s well that ends well.

The End

By Angela S. Hall, a.k.a. MAWG

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CWC ABATE Chili Cook-Off Photography bu Tony Culpepper

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Photography bu Tony Culpepper

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Photographer Robert Holley Owner of Robert Vance Photography

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Ann Ward

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Chappells, SC

Brian Ward

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SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, AprilWWW.CHROMESC.COM 2nd! Chrome Bike Night @ Oak Grove Fish House!19

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1952 BSA bantom frame for sale 125.oo obo 864.325.9173 Stock Wheel with Rotors and Tire 17 inch Excellent Condition and Tire has great tread almost new condition currently has ABS bearing which can be changed if needed $100 or best reasonable offer. Contact Woody Phone # 8032405121 Email: woodywhitlock@gmail.com

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Dr. Dilligaf, I’m new to the state of South Carolina having moved here from Georgia. So therefore, I am new to having the right to wear or not wear a helmet being over the age of 21. In conversations with some of my older riding friends some of them have in seriousness made the comment that they don’t ride with a helmet because they are dangerous. Is that true?

Confused in South Carolina Dear Confused, Welcome to South Carolina. I can tell by your apparent ignorance that you fit in well and should feel right at home. Stating that wearing a helmet is dangerous is like saying “Football is the devil.” We know it is not truth, but we don’t want to argue with the idiot. Whereas I don’t always wear a helmet (translate seldom) they certainly have their place. I support the right of an individual to choose and respect those who’s choice is to wear a lid. If you aren’t a member of ABATE, I encourage you and other readers to join a local chapter. They advocate for the rights of bikers in other concerns as well as the right to choose helmets or not.

Where I can admit that helmets have added to injury in rare cases the same is true about seatbelts and protective eye wear. That does not negate however the fact that use of safety equipment makes you safer. People have died in homes because of locked doors but people still lock their homes, others have died in a life boat, but people still fight to get in one.

Don’t let other ignorant people talk you into or out of doing what you think is best for you.

So, don’t wear one or do wear one, your choice. But I suggest that if you want to live dangerously there are many ways that you can that are perfectly legal.

Buy single ply toilet paper, stand on that ladder rung labeled “this is not a step”, run with scissors, buy a BB gun and learn some games to play in the street.

By the way I have some old containers of lead paint that I’m looking to let go of cheap as well.

I seriously advocate these few things to riders though. Take a course, take the test. The biggest common denominator in motorcycle fatalities is being unlicensed. Exercise caution in intersections and curves or corners, these areas account for over 70% of all MC deaths. Maintain your equipment, especially tires and brakes. Don’t ride diminished or distracted. Follow these rules and the helmet question will be less of an issue.

Dr Dilligaf, What is RESPECT and who gets it?

Curious Reader

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Curious Reader, Here is an acronym to help define what respect means to me.

R-recognize the worth of a person.

E-eliminate negative words or thoughts of that person from your life.

S-speak with someone, not about them.

P-practice empathy. Understand that we are all different, yet valuable.

E-earn respect from people through respectable behavior, especially towards others.

C-consider others before speaking or acting.

T-treat others with dignity.

That’s the easier answer. Who gets it? With me the person who gets it is the one who gives it. You can’t get it by demanding it, stealing it or buying it. You also can’t have the respect of others without respecting yourself. So, if someone wants respect, I suggest that they consider the acronym above and put it into practice. Those who deserve it will always have it.

In all seriousness (for once), ~Dr. Dilligaf

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Dr. Dillig

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Photos by Clint Watts

Photos by Clint Watts

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Photography by Retread

Photography by Retread

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Photography by Retread

Photography by Retread

Photography by Aaron Lucas

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The BMW Zentrum, Cherokee Cycles, and Campbell’s Covered Bridge

I left home heading west on Rt 74 at about 10:00AM. It was about 40 degrees so I wore my longjohns under my jeans, and my leather chaps over them. My old leather jacket still kept me

By Wally Wersching pretty warm. After a few minutes, I was comfortable. My body The BMW plant opened in 1994. They also opened their adapted to the temp. visitor’s center and museum – The Zentrum which is German When I got to the herd of buffalo at the Pea Ridge Road exit, for center. It was the jewel of the BMW plant drawing visitors they were all up the pasture under the trees. I couldn’t get a from all over the world. They had early BMW motorcycles and cars along with a short three screened movie showing how the good picture of them – maybe next time.

I exited at Rt 9, and headed south. Rt 9 is a fun road to ride with Z3 sports car was made from the perspective of the car itself. its many turns. Before I knew it I was entering Boiling Springs, There was a small gift shop, and a café too.

SC. I didn’t realize that it was so big, and it took quite a while to get to the Grapevine Restaurant.

When I entered the restaurant, I was greeted and led to a seat in a booth. The waitress took my order, and I asked to see the owner. Dimitri (the owner) came over, and I gave him a couple Carolina Chrome magazines with the article I wrote about the AMCA Club meeting in his restaurant. He was very pleased and wanted me to place an ad in the magazine for him. I don’t do that so I showed him where Nicole’s phone number was so he could call her direct.

After finishing my delicious egg and cheese croissant, I got back onto Rt 9 heading south. The entrance to I85 was very close. I entered heading toward Greenville. There was some construction but the road surface was clear and safe.

BMW started by making motorcycles after WWI with the R-32 in 1923. The first BMW automobile was the BMW 3/15 sedan in I was still very cautious, and exited at Rt 101, followed the signs 1927. So motorcycles should be prominent in a BMW museum, to the BMW plant. When I walked into the Zentrum, I was corand they were in the original Zentrum. Many motorcycle models dially greeted by the receptionist. Then I started to walk around were displayed on a banked road exhibit with more parked near taking pictures of the rare and unusual cars on display. I noticed a 1930 DIXI, and a 1934 319. There was also an Isetta sitting the windows. It was great seeing all the old bikes – some with high above the Isetta Café. The rest of the cars in the museum sidecars. were relatively new ones including some of the 2018 X-Series SUV’s that are built at the adjacent BMW plant. I looked for the motorcycles, and I found them stuffed all the way around at the end of the building. There were no identification displays; only four relative new motorcycles. When I got home, I went to www. myguestexperience.com, entered state – “South Carolina”, and voiced my opinion about the shabby display of bikes in the comment section. If you think that motorcycles should be part of the BMW Museum, you do the same. It only took a couple minutes.

I left the Zentrum, disappointed again, and headed north to Rt 80. I turned left, and then right onto Rt 14. Cherokee Cycles is a A few years ago, they wanted to update the 22 year old museum. short distance on the left.

It took almost a year, and when it reopened, the museum had a I again got a warm greeting when I walked in the door. They new look. I visited it, and there were no motorcycles anywhere are all very friendly there. Royce was at the break table behind a stack of Domino’s pizzas. A young man was going to make a in the museum. I was told that they were going to be added presentation and wanted everyone to enjoy the pizzas while he later after the motorcycle mounts were attached to the floor. was talking. I had a slice of peperoni. It was good.

Last Tuesday was going to be a great afternoon for a ride, so Then I walked to the parts counter. I needed some small parts I rode “Miss Vickie”. My plan was to ride west on Rt 74, stop for “Miss Vickie”. Roy was very obliging, and sold me the parts I and take a few pictures of the buffalo herd, then ride south on needed.

Rt 9 to Boiling Springs and the Grapevine Restaurant to have lunch and share a couple magazines with the owner. After that a short ride on I85 to the BMW Zentrum, then another short ride to Cherokee Cycles. After getting some gas, I would stop at Campbell’s Covered Bridge, then ride east on Rt 11 to Strawberry Hill for some Ice Cream. Then another short ride to visit with Dennis at Chesnee Classic Cycles. It was an ambitious plan but should be a fun ride.

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I headed north on Rt 14. I rode through Greer. The traffic wasn’t too bad considering it was still lunch time. I followed Rt 14 all the way until I turned left to go to Campbell’s Covered Bridge. There’s a sign. I followed the signs and was in the parking lot before I knew it.

The little park was empty. A few years ago, I stumbled upon the bridge. It was in disrepair with trash all around. It looked like a local party spot for the youngsters in the area. Now it has been made into a very nice roadside park with benches and even a walking track. It’s always a pleasure to stop in for a visit.

It was built in 1909, restored in 1964, and again in 1990. It’s named after Alexander Lafayette Campbell who operated a grist mill near the bridge. It is 35 feet long and 8 feet wide. It is an excellent example of a four-span Howe truss featuring diagonal timbers and vertical iron rods. The whole scene is very peaceful, and out of the distant past.

After taking a few pictures, I got back onto Rt 14, and rode north until I turned right onto Rt 11.

After a few miles, I stopped at Strawberry Hill restaurant across from their huge produce stand. I ordered a single scoop of Butter Pecan in a cup. The young lady really filled my cup. It was delicious, and very filling. I almost couldn’t finish it. I talked to the owner for a few minutes while he read his daily newspaper. He remembered the article I wrote in Carolina Chrome that had pictures of his place in it.

After finishing the ice cream, I continued on Rt 11 to Chesnee Classic Cycle to see Dennis. Again, he was out. I talked with “Vick Velvet” and one of the customers for a while.

Then I left to head home. I arrived home at 3:15PM. It was a great way to spend a retirement day. I will do it again soon.

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Pictures by Grange Simons Lucas111

Pictures by Grange Simons Lucas111

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Dedicated to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists. We ride so we understand.

If you’ve been injured, call the Motorcycle Law Group.SM

1-800-321-8968 www.MotorcycleLawGroup.com Licensed in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.

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