Letter from Rick
March is here, and I must say, I can’t wait to get on the road and share more adventures! This year should be a BUSY year. I have several trips in mind. From racing to riding, it’s gonna be a packed year!
First up is motorcycle drag racing! To top off my list is Ruth ‘Track Queen’ Harris. She’s featured in this month’s issue, and I think you will like her story.
As Spring goes along, there will be features on some drag racing events with former ‘Whisky River’ editor.
Next up, although still floating a time, is a Key West trip! Yeah yeah, I say that every year. But this year it will happen.
And there’s the forever anticipated trip, but illusive one is the Sturgis Ride. I’m not as confident about that one I tend to overload my plate, so we’ll see.
One feature I’m sure about is a ride to Corolla, NC. It’s a little town in the northern section of the Outer Banks. This trip will feature some local personalities and, of course, HORSES!
So, as you can see, I have a lot planned and look forward to sharing my summer with you!
I'm thankful for my readers who follow me on my travels. I love telling my stories and hope you enjoy them.
I’m looking for your story! If you have a story you’d like to share in my magazine, contact me via my email. I’d be glad to check it out and use it!
Ride safe! Ride Often! storiesroad53@gmail.com
Ride Safe
Welcometoanothereditionof’RideSafe.’ AsImentionedlastmonth,thisisthe secondinstallmentofhowtobrakeinan emergencystoppingsituation.
RemembergettingyourmotorcycleclassificationandtakingtheDMVmotorcycleskills test?Onepartofthetestwastoperforman emergencystopwithinapre-determined length.Itwasprettyeasy,andyoupassed thetestandroaddowntheroadwithyour newlyacquiredmotorcyclelicense.
But,haveyouevergivenathoughtto practicethatveryemergencystopinareal trafficenvironment?Haveyoubeenfaced withhavingtobrakeandswervetoavoid hittingavehicleintherear?Doyouknowif yourbikehasAnti-brakeSkidcapability? Thesequestionsshouldbeembeddedin yourbrainandpracticedregularly.Ican’t emphasizeenoughtheneedtopracticethis maneuver.IhavemanysituationswhereI haveneededthatskill.Knowingmybike anditscapabilitieshavehelpedmemore thanoncetoavoidapotentiallydevastating realendcollision.
Kevintalksabouttwoskillsthateveryrider shouldknowaboutbrakingandhowto practicethem.Checkoutthevideoandplan topracticetheseskillsoften!
Pleaseridesafelyandresponsibly!
Click here to start the video
2 Braking skills every rider needs to master
Corky
Bell’s Seafood & Steak
OneweekendinFebruary,Itookmy sisterbackdowntoPalatka,FL,where shecurrentlylivesinher5thwheel RV.Afterdrivingallday,Iwasinthe moodforseafood.So,shetookmetoa localrestaurantcalledCorkyBell's SeafoodandSteak.
Aftera10or15-minutewait,wewere escortedtooneofthelargedining
areasfacingtheStJohn'sriver.The decorandviewofStJohn'sriverwere perfect.Iwashungry,soIorderedthe 'YourChoicePlatter.'Ichosethe3piecemeal,whichconsistedoffried shrimp,broiledscallops,andwhite CODfish,abakedpotato,andgreen beans.Whew.Oh,andwater. MymealwasDELICIOUSanddidn't hitthepocketbooktoohard.Allinall, Ilovedthisplace!IfI'meverriding downI95,I'llmaketoshort25mile tripdownhwy20andenjoyanother greatmealatCorkyBell'sSeafood& SteakRestaurant!
CorkyBell’sislocatedat:
CorkyBell'sSeafood&Steak
185SUSHighway17, EastPalatka,FL32131
(386)325-1094
Corky Bell’s is a quaint seafood and steak restaurant nestled underneath Spanish mossed trees and next to the St. John’s river.
One visit here will have you returning for more of ‘this good thing!’
For a view of Corky Bell’s Menu, click here! And don’t forget the dessert!
Photograph - Courtesy Danny Stogner
Ruth Harris
I first met Ruth one hot Sunday afternoon in Summerville during a July 4th photo shoot. She was posing on a drag bike and right then I knew I wanted to feature her in an issue of Stories From the Road!
I enjoy seeing women participating in competitive auto sports. One woman who has reached a notable status in motorcycle drag racing is Ruth Harris. She has become one of the premier women in semi-professional motorcycle drag racing, not to mention she is a native South Carolinian! Ruth and her husband Mike met me at Carolina Wings to talk about her career.
Photograph - Courtesey Chromalusion Photography
More than a pretty face, Ruth has made herself know as a competitive female motorcycle drag racer.
drag bike. At that time, I didn’t know you actually raced that bike. Needless to say, I was quite impressed. So, I did a little research and found out that you are indeed a semiprofessional motorcycle drag racer, enthusiast, rider, occasional model, AND you are the parts manager for a performance parts shop. How awesome is that?! So, my question would naturally be, at what point did you become interested in motorcycles?
Ruth - Since I was a little girl, I have always had those sparkles in my eyes about all kinds of motorcycles. It never mattered the make or model; I appreciate the flowing body lines and tasteful modifications. It didn’t matter how mild or wild even the totally absurd, eye-catching details that make you have to look to figure it out. I’ve always loved going to bike week and different shows to see all of the different styles and builds. I began riding at 15 and been having a blast since then, meeting new people and enjoying dodging potholes with the best of them lol.
SFTR – I can agree on dodging the potholes part! You started riding about the same age as I. When did the racing bug get hold of you?
SFTR – Thank you Ruth for taking the time to chat with me. I first met you during a photoshoot with MinT Photography. During that shoot, I noticed you were modeling on a blue
Ruth - I started motorcycle drag racing at 18 and boy has it been a ride! I raced for several years as a bracket racer just trying to develop my skill. I did really well. I won some and lost some but gained lots of knowledge and lots of racing family and got to see so many places and new faces. their stuff.
SFTR – That sounds simple to do, but in reality, that would mean doing the
exact same things during each run. Every great rider, no matter what type, had a mentor or someone that helped them get where they are today. Who would you say was your mentor during your accent into the professional arena?
Ruth - I spent lots of time at the track on the weekends making lap after lap trying to develop my skill. Several of the veteran racers took me under their wing and helped mold me into a better racer. I am forever grateful for them taking their time to help me. One of the best parts of being a racer is the majority of everyone around treat their fellow racers/competitors like family.
SFTR – Sounds like you had some good advice from a lot of people in the motorcycle drag racing world. And to be able to call them family speaks volumes about their love for you and your success. Are there other sides of motorcycle drag racing that you participate in?
Ruth - I entered into the grudge racing side of the spectrum about six years ago. The idea with grudge racing is to be the absolute fastest you can be. This is so much fun for an absolute speed-addict, but it gets expensive quickly. I accomplished some times and speeds on a streetridden bike that are completely insane. At one point, I was able to touch into the seven-second area in the 1/4 mile. I almost reached the 200mph mark, which has been a long -time goal of mine.
I went on to compete in several women-only shootouts and let me tell you these events bring a huge crowd. I
never thought being a female racer got as much attention as it does. It was empowering yet humbling to sit side by side with some of the quickest and fastest women in the southeast and go toe-to-toe in a Battle Royale.
SFTR – What happened in 2017?
Ruth - In July of 2017, I got married at my favorite racetrack. I was on cloud nine and a half, you couldn’t tell me anything. I was fast; I was successful. I was having the time of
my life!
Then when all seemed to be going great, I had a catastrophic structural failure in August of 2017. I totaled the bike and beat myself up pretty bad. The crash put me out of commission for the rest of the season. Had to rebuild the bike and give myself time to heal, something no rider ever wants to have to do. We all seem to be rather impatient.
SFTR – After your accident, when were you able to get back on the dragstrip, and how has your racing changed since the accident?
Ruth - I’m back at it, having more fun than ever. My husband and I have rebuilt my crashed bike better than
before. I’ve worked my way up to a separate more purpose-built race bike. I am now competing in several different series, The Manufacturers Cup series, Kings of Grudge, Major League Grudge series, as well as participating in local events. I landed a position on one of the most successful race teams in the sport. I scored a few other major sponsors in the game including Rob Bush Motorsports, 190hookup.com, Hickman Customs, and Vanson Leathers. Having support on equipment and parts is huge in racing, especially if you are an owner/rider. I also managed to land a job with one of the best sportbike performance shops in the southeast, which is super cool. I get to work on bikes and sell parts to all my fellow racers and do a job I truly love. Bonus points, my boss is awesome.
I’m looking forward to a great season with fun and sun.
SFTR – Coming back stronger and better than before. What a story of will and determination! I for one will be following you in the coming year and I too look forward to watching you race in 2020! Thank you Ruth!
Falling in love with motorcycle drag racing at the young age of 18, Ruth has worked hard to make a name for herself. At the end of race day, her riding may be complete, but her work is far from over.
In 2017, Mike and Ruth became partners in life. But it didn’t stop there. Mike and Ruth are team partners on the track as well as in the garage.
After a race, the work to get the bike ready for the next race begins with Mike. He wears many hats to make it possible for Ruth’s bike to be competitive. Mike is what you might call the chief cook and bottle washer. What do I mean by that? If the engine needs tuning, or the clutch needs tuning, Mike is the man. Need suspension/ chassis work, or electrical work, Mike does it. So Mike is the crew chief and everything in between. But Ruth is by his side wrenching and helping any way she can. Any maintenance needs with changing clutches, oil changes, fuel, or bodywork, Ruth is in there. Preventive maintenance like air pressure in tires and air shifter, or replacement of spark plugs, Ruth is in.
How does Ruth feel about Mike as a partner? In Ruth’s words: ’ I couldn’t ask for a better partner to have by my side.’
Ruth, I think you’re right!
Photograph courtesy - MinT Photography
Shelli Knapp
One of the benefits of riding throughout South Carolina and surrounding states is I meet a lot of people from various walks of life. A few years ago, I met this woman who is an avid motorcyclist here in the Columbia area. We were acquaintances in the truest sense of the word. However, over time we got to know each other as individuals who share a love of riding motorcycles anywhere and anytime. Recently I ask Shelli if I could photograph her HarleyDavidson Deluxe. I’ve shared a few on
the following pages
Shelli has one of the prettiest Deluxe's I've ever seen. I don't believe I have ever seen it dirty. For me, it has just the right amount of chrome mixed with the black and white paint job. When the windshield is removed, the low sweeping handlebars and the low profile of the bike gives it a great retro look.
Her love for motorcycles doesn't stop there. She also flips houses. Her experience as a professional home stager gives her a jump on the competition flipping and selling her houses. Knowing what colors and furniture styles to place in a home goes a long way in closing the deal. Heck, I'm going to use her when I'm ready to sell my home!
If I only had her energy! Bikers are known for there generosity. Shelli is no exception. She's volunteers regularly to help local charities like Harvest Hope or to serve soup to the homeless
What more could I say about Shelli and her 2005 Deluxe? More than I can here, so I’m going to let her pictures do the talking! See ya on the road Shelli!
Shelli Knapp 2005
Reflections
Photograph courtesy of Vici Amanti and Mint Photography
I can be both!
The first portion of Reflections is about women in sports. We have spent a lifetime stereo-typing them as ‘Tomboys’. Not any more. Ruth Harris has proven that she can be both. Semi-profession motorcycle drag racer and model.
One of my favorite things to see is women excelling in sports typically known as a man’s sport. I love seeing them prove they can do it too. But another thing that can make them even better is being able to play hard like a man but look like a lady at the same time.
On the next few pages, I’ll show how true that is.
‘ I think I may have a slight addiction or come close to being considered a hoarder if there is such thing as being considered to have too many motorcycles. ‘ - Ruth Harris
Photograph - Courtesy Hotrod Chrissy
Ruth Harris
Columbia, South Carolina
Since I was a little girl, I have always had those sparkles in my eyes about all kinds of motorcycles. It never mattered the make or model; I appreciate the flowing body lines and tasteful modifications. It didn’t matter how mild or wild even the totally absurd, eye-catching details that make you have to look to figure it out. I’ve always loved going to bike week and different shows to see all of the different styles and builds. I began riding at 15 and been having a blast since then, meeting new people and enjoying dodging potholes with the best of them.
Photograph - Courtesy Chromalusion
Photography
Picture courtesy of Vici Amanti & MinT Photography
Ravine Gardens State Park
Palatka, Florida
In 1933, Palatka, like most other communities in the U.S., was amid the Great Depression. Local paving contractor, Thomas Byrd Gillespie saw what he described as a “prosperous community transformed by a depression into a section having many actually hungry and in dire distress.” He recognized that tourism was becoming an important economic force in Florida, noting that that several parts of Florida were attracting hundreds of visitors where they “had something worthwhile for them to stop and see.” Out of this observation, the concept of Ravine Gardens was formed. The gardens were officially opened on July 4, 1933. At the time over 270,000 plants were planted in the formal gardens and along the slopes of the ravines. - https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/historic-gardens-and-court-states
In My Opinion
Rick’s thoughts on just about anything
The light bulb. The one thing that lights up our world like nothing else. It sheds light on the night. It’s used as a symbol to represent a bright idea. It can be turned on or off at will. But did you know that Thomas Edison was NOT the first person to try to invent an incandescent light source?
Well, he wasn’t, and that’s not the kind of light source that is tweaking my opinions today. The automobile headlight. That is the pain in my arse today.
More often than I care to talk about, I’ve been blinded by the light of an oncoming vehicle with enough candle power to light a runway at Charleston International Airport!
I’m sure you’ve had the experience. However, what makes my experience unique is I don’t see well at night in the first place. Putting a floodlight in my face doesn’t help the cause!
Why are lights like this needed on cagers? Hey, I can see you just fine with the stock light bulbs. Bambi’s retinas would surely burn if they ever gazed into these death rays.
What about motorcycles with these bright white light bulbs. What about them. A motorcyclist can’t have
enough lights on the front of their bike during daylight hours! As far as night time riding, all the better to let you know a motorcycle is heading towards you and not a one light cager.
Anyway, back to my pain in the arse opinion. I don’t ride at night if I can help it. My vision is not good at night, and if it was, I certainly wouldn’t like Bubba’s jacked up Silverado's light burning my eyes out, meeting him on the road.
Heck, I don’t even like Bubba behind me with those lights when I’m in my car! The reflection of my rear window is bright enough to read the part number on his oil pan!
Let’ go back to common sense lights in cars and trucks. Let motorcycles shine their lights during the day to make their presence known. Don’t even mention those white light bulbs used in the Holiday Inn!
Y’all be safe out there!
