You are riding along in the left lane of a one-way street, with a car ahead of you on your right. As the two of you enter an intersection, the car swerves left across your path to make a turn.
Strategy: Because traffic was light, the driver may have forgotten that he was traveling on a one-way street and never looked in his blind spot for you. Since there was no traffic in the oncoming lane, he felt free to make a normal left turn (without signaling), inadvertently trapping you in his path. There was no way, short of watching for the non-existent signal, to predict that this driver was going to turn left. But remembering that intersections are always situations of increased risk, you might have prepared for this by taking actions to separate yourself from the other vehicle. By riding so close (and inside the driver’s blind spot) you effectively hid yourself from the driver’s vision and greatly increased your exposure to danger.
Greetings fellow motorcycle enthusiast I am enclosing a letter I recently received.
Hey Jim, I’m just throwing in a couple pics of my two favorite Harleys. 2003 100 year anniversary model heritage Softail. I called her Diamond Girl, lots of bling and then not sure what year Mellow Yellow was. Early 90’s I rode Trudy, my 1st Harley a red heritage Softail from St. Pete. to Washington DC when you never saw girls on bikes. Very different than today. Long story short been riding two wheels, wind in your face, for 60 years so far and not about to stop yet. During my real estate years, I even showed some biker friends properties on our Harleys. Only a biker can understand and feel the excitement mixed with the peace and tranquility of motorcycle riding. I’ve met so many awesome people and explored so many fun roads including Big Sur, Route 66 to The Grand Canyon and Sedona plus Sturgis and the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC. Feeling blessed to have had such a special gift of adventure throughout my life. Live to Ride. Ride to Live. Was a pleasure meeting you, James. — Pat Kelly
A Biker Helping Bikers
LET’S AVOID EVER HAVING TO
SAY
“I WISH I KNEW BACK THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW”
Pat holds true to the saying “You don’t stop riding when you get old you get old when you stop riding”. I first met Pat when her key fob wouldn’t work when she was trying to get into Anytime Fitness. I’m sure that is one of the reasons she looks so great at 79!!! Yes thats right 79 and 80 this August.
And now for one of the many dreaded phone calls I receive daily… “Hi James I was referred to you. My Mother passed away a month ago and I am having issues with her estate. She had POD on financial accounts and TOD on vehicles. She alway said when she passed I would inherit her
house, and had a beneficiary deed set up. Its the house I grew up in and holds many fond memories.” I’m gonna stop the phone call now and tell you what happen next. Unfortunately, the son is going through hard financial times and involved in a serious lawsuit. TOD POD designations in this situation insures those dollars amounts are more that likely going to pay creditors, lawsuits and Lawyers. In addition he entered financial dire straits during Covid when his businesses up north were shut down. The beneficiary deed on house is a good idea unless this happen. And since the Mom passed is was too late to change the beneficiary.
DON’T PUT THIS KINDA STUFF OFF! TAKE CONTR OL OF YOUR LIFE! Call me or attend one of our educational estate planning seminars. We have a team of lawyers,Tax mitigation and financial advisors that can help. We can educate you and make sure this kinda stuff never happens to you.
Remember, Its never too late to start doing the right thing, Estate planning and retirement is not a one size fits all paint by the numbers solution. You don’t need more money you just need a better plan. After having the privilege of serving tens of thousands of people I can attest to the statement ‘That money won’t make you happy! But riding a motorcycle will!
My passion is to help bikers in life changing ways. Hence the reason I created www.BikerHelpingbikers.com Call 833-467-2865 weekly Money School 18 min. Webinars at IslandRetirementAdvisors.com
James Irwin, CSA, FRC SM Certified Senior Advisor® IslandRetirementAdvisors.com
MARCH 14-16 2025
RIDE APPALACHIA
A BOLD STATEMENT... Who’s Ready to Ride in 2025? We sure are but the question is are you really going to RIDE the same old places again everyone else does every Season or are you ready for something New that will blow your Mind this Year? Well if you are, I am here to tell you that this NEW place to RIDE not only exists but is ready and waiting for you right now and all the hard work has been done for you already! Just Click and RIDE! What if I also told you that it was all created by a Non-Profit Organization and a Group of Local Riders “All Volunteer” with input from our Visitors and our Local and Extended Communities! Now what if I told you it was all created to help our people here prosper again by bringing economic development through Motorsports Tourism here to replace the Loss of our Coal Industry! We are not talking about 1 or 2 good routes and a few slightly memorable places to stay or stop, We are talking about an entire Region for you to RIDE and Explore covering 4 Central Appalachian States and over 5000 Miles of Pure Freedom without all the things us Riders are all burned out on doing the same old same old. Now a lot of you may be thinking well I have been to KY, TN, WV, and VA and we are not here to disagree with anyone who has visited our States in the Past and we thank you greatly for it but what we can promise you is that you have not been to some of our Most Incredible Places here in the Central Appalachian Mountains as some of these things and the Phenomenal Riding they offer getting there were virtually unknown and undiscovered until now! This is truly the “Last Unexplored Frontier on the East Coast” and we have things here you will never forget and the Riding to go with it in spades and it is all COMPLETELY FREE!
If you have read any of our previous articles you already know that over the last 4 years we have flat laid down the miles continually creating, revising, improving, and expanding our BOA Trail Route System, our “Uniquely Appalachian” POIs, our Events Schedules, and our Mission to make our Region #1 if you Ride a Motorcycle while also helping Charity, our Small Forgotten Coal Towns, and our Small Businesses Prosper Again! After all that has always been our Goal here and now we are ready for the Motorcycle World to come and experience the “Best Riding in the U.S.! Period!” and tell us what ya think! We stand behind that claim and we are here to prove it to you, especially you “Hard to Please” Riders! We have something here for every bike type and every rider type as we made sure of that by a large margin with our Routes! There is simply nothing that touches our Riding here in Central Appalachia anywhere out there! How do we know that for sure? It is not just because we created it and it is “By Riders for Riders”, or because it was created by our Grassroots Community here, it is also because everyone who rides with us at an AMG event or visits us here on the Backroads of Appalachia each season totally agrees! Over 100K+ thus far and we are just getting started! We never stop moving or riding and we have paid close attention to every detail and everything you see has been done from a Riders perspective with every trail route we have created and with every event we do! We are all about the RIDE and the Memories that go with it! Isn’t that what it is all about? Words we live by here!
If you read our article last month you might have seen our announcement about our expanding relationship with our friends
over at REVER! If you have not used the REVER Mobile Application before then you have been missing out on a whole lot of Motorcycle Navigation Greatness! It is our “Go To’ Platform here at the AMG and BOA and for us nothing works better or has more features and just like our BOA Mobile App, REVER is a FREE download! Remember we did say FREE earlier but if you like the sound of that keep reading brothers and sisters because things are about to get even better! Over the last month we have been grinding to get our most popular BOA Mobile Application Routes and all of our currently scheduled AMG Motorcycle Events and Rides in 2025 into REVER before we head out for the 84th Annual Daytona Bike Week. Guess it is time for another one of our infamous BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS! We are happy to announce that we don’t just have our most popular trail routes from our mobile app on REVER now but ALL of our BOA Mobile Application Trail Routes! That’s right and you heard it here first! (Unless you have already seen us at Daytona at the Legendary Boothill Outpost across from the IRON HORSE before this Article Drops this monthShameless Plug-See ya There!)
Last but not least so are ALL of our currently scheduled 2025 Appalachian Motorcycle Group Events and Rides now! We have 3 Great Communities on REVER for you to check out and join and they are all ready to roll or should we say RIDE! Find Backroads of Appalachia’s Kentucky Trail Routes, Our West Virginia Trail Routes, and ALL of our Appalachian Motorcycle Group Events and Custom Ride Routes in 2025 NOW ON REVER! Just scan the QR Codes in this article with your phone’s camera to gain access
to the “Best Riding in the U.S.! Period!” Right Now! Although the REVER APP is FREE you definitely want the REVER PRO functionality as it allows you to use Off-Line Maps and host of other features that is sure to please any Rider type! Remember the REVER app is FREE and so is all that great riding we put in there but If you don’t have their PRO version yet You’re in Luck as our partners over at REVER are still offering us 30% Off REVER PRO! Like we say here in these parts “you all better get it while the gettin is good” as it aint gonna last forever”! Just use DISCOUNT CODE: BOAREVER30
Well what are you waiting for? The AMG, Backroads of Appalachia, and over 5000 Miles of The “Best Riding in the U.S.! Period!” is now on REVER and it is all totally FREE! That is a BOLD statement we know but remember we are here to prove it to you and if you just scan through the BOLD WORDS throughout this article you get the message! Stay tuned for next month’s article as we begin highlighting different areas throughout our Region for you to check out right here in the “Last Unexplored Frontier” on the Backroads of Appalachia!
Let’s Ride Appalachia!
—Jay Fryman (FryDaddy)
Founder, Whitley County Motorcycle Group Backroads of Appalachia Journalism Team
BIKE WEEK 2025 & MOTORCYCLE RIDING SAFETY
Bike Week is one of the most anticipated events for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. Held annually in Daytona Beach, Florida, it attracts thousands of bikers who come to enjoy the festivities, show off their prized motorcycles, and celebrate the culture of two-wheeled freedom. In 2025, Bike Week promises to be an exciting gathering filled with motorcycle races, live music, vendor displays, scenic rides, and more. As the event grows near, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of motorcycle riding safety, ensuring that all riders can enjoy the event responsibly and return home safely.
THE THRILLS OF BIKE WEEK 2025
Bike Week 2025 is expected to be a largerthan-life event, featuring a blend of social gatherings, motorcycle competitions, and family-friendly activities. Motorcycle races, such as flat track races and motocross events, are always crowd favorites, while the scenic rides through Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas offer riders a chance to experience some of Florida’s most picturesque views. The event will also feature a series of vendor displays, showcasing the latest in motorcycle technology, gear, and accessories. Custom bike shows, charity rides, and live music performances will further contribute to the celebratory atmosphere, making it an unmissable event for any motorcycle lover especially first timers.
However, with large crowds and motorcycles roaring through the streets, the need for safety becomes paramount. While Bike Week is a time of celebration, it also serves as a reminder that riding a motorcycle requires a high level of responsibility and caution, especially in a crowded, festive environment.
MOTORCYCLE RIDING SAFETY: A CRITICAL FOCUS
Motorcycle riding safety cannot be overstated, especially during largescale events like Bike Week. Riders often find themselves navigating unfamiliar roads, heavy traffic, and adverse weather conditions, all of which can increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, adopting safe riding practices is essential for reducing these risks.
1. Wear Protective Gear: The most important safety measure for any rider is to wear the right protective gear. This includes a well-fitted helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. Helmets are particularly crucial as they significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident. The gear should be comfortable, weather-appropriate, and meet safety standards to provide optimal protection.
2 Stay Visible: Visibility is key when riding in a crowd. Bright-colored gear, reflective vests, and well-lit motorcycles are essential for making sure you’re seen by other drivers. At night or in low-light conditions, using reflective tape on the bike and gear can make a world of difference in preventing collisions.
3. Obey Traffic Laws: It might seem obvious, but during major events like Bike Week, some riders might be tempted to speed, weave through traffic, or ignore traffic signals. However, abiding by the rules of the road is crucial for everyone’s safety. Speed limits exist for a reason, and maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles is always recommended.
4. Ride Defensively: While you may be in control of your motorcycle, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. Defensive riding involves anticipating potential hazards and reacting accordingly.
Always be alert for changes in traffic patterns and be prepared to adjust your speed or position on the road
5. Take Breaks: Long rides can lead to fatigue, which can significantly impair reaction times and focus. Stay hydrated. During Bike Week, take regular breaks to stay refreshed and alert. Fatigue can lead to mistakes, and no event is worth compromising your safety for.
6. Proper Maintenance: Before embarking on a ride, it’s important to ensure that your motorcycle is in optimal working condition. Check tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, and lights to avoid any mechanical issues during your ride. Don’t overload your bike beyond its weight/performance limitations.
Bike Week 2025 will undoubtedly be a thrilling and unforgettable experience for motorcyclists, filled with camaraderie, breathtaking views, and the sheer joy of riding. However, riders must prioritize safety to ensure the fun does not come at the cost of their well-being. Wearing protective gear, staying visible, adhering to traffic laws, riding defensively, taking breaks, and maintaining your motorcycle are all essential aspects of staying safe while enjoying the festivities. By following these safety tips, participants can focus on what matters most – the ride – and make Bike Week 2025 an event to remember for all the right reasons.
Remember, Always Look Twice and don’t take anything for granted. Be safe out there
— Nefarious James Patriot
“This Sonny’s BBQ has Covered Bike Parking just for you. Support them and thank them” Ron Galletti
Zephyrhills
Craven Moorehead
More Random Thoughts for March
Floating along on a cloud of uncertainty, a writer passes high in the sky observing all that is going on beneath him. Or perhaps, I should not refer to myself as a writer but simply an observer. Either way, it is up to that person to decide what is reality and what is fantasy. Sometimes it is difficult to correctly identify between the two because things that aren’t real often come cloaked in an endless pile of substantiating facts and evidence that most people could not refute. Every situation requires careful examination, not just on the surface but all the way down to the core. As humans, we only see what we want to see anyway. So it often becomes a situation where we learn later that something is not authentic. This is not a fault just a fact. I am not addressing the specific issues; I am simply trying to suggest that people look deeply into situations and try to determine on their own whether the content or item is truly legitimate. Using care when checking reality is paramount to preventing dissatisfaction in the future. No, this isn’t all about fake news and some of the other drama that we hear about every day. This is just about checking out the real facts.
Last month was really a hoot! We had Valentine’s Day, the return of NASCAR and the Olympic games to deal with and enjoy, plus the US won a bunch of medals so it’s a good thing. Everything considered, there are a lot of great things coming up on the horizon, including Bike Week in Daytona and locally, the strawberry festival in Plant City. Usually, this month is the beginning of the serious riding season, but the weather has been so warm a lot of folks are
already out on the road enjoying the ride. As I said last month, there is no better place for a biker to live than right here. Seriously, a year-long riding season and no snow rocks! However, this year it seems that in Florida spring as we know it was totally skipped and we went directly from winter into summer. Believe me, I am not complaining! Just enjoying the ride like all the rest of you. When you live here and venture out of your trailer park, or wherever you live, you will always experience new and exciting things. Once, I left here on a beautiful sunny Sunday and got on the bike for a ride. With no particular destination in mind, I just started out heading east from where I live and began enjoying the ride. Somehow, I ended up on RT60 in the middle of nowhere, and after a few hours I drank all of my bottled water and was getting a little dehydrated—not unusual when the temps are in the 80s or 90s. In a town without a name and a tavern (I can’t remember the name), I decided to stop and have a beer or whatever just to cool off for a few minutes. Maybe this would be as far as I go for the day or maybe not. I saw this place over on the left and there were several motorcycles parked. I felt like this would be a good place to go hang out because it was apparent that bikers were welcome there. Well, it turned out pretty good since there were other road-dogs who actually knew who me in the establishment, and one or two even offered to buy me a cold brew. This is the kind of camaraderie that you will find when you venture out every now and then to places unknown and destinations undecided. Our world as bikers may be a small one but all our hearts are very massive. As it turned out, I drank a couple of beers, met a few new awesome friends, and had a great time enjoying the air-conditioning and the hospitality. I realized that every day may not be as good as this one, and when all was said and done I ventured back home to savor the memory of the ride and the new people I encountered. Sadly, the next time I went out that way for whatever reason, I discovered that the place was closed, and it was another 30 miles to the next watering hole. I went there without the expectation of anything in particular but the point still remains. As bikers, we all seem to have an unspoken bond that people who don’t ride motorcycles rarely understand. It’s okay though. It seems only the best of the best are in our circle. I know that Bike Week is coming up, and I expect to see a lot of old friends there and possibly make some new ones once again. This is what our lifestyle is about.
Ride Your Donkey: The Power of EmotionaL Restraint on the Road
Sunday traffic through Orlando proved to be a test of patience. My big RV, towing my beloved VW bus, crawled forward, inch by inch. As I signaled a trucker to merge, he held his lane, blocking reckless drivers from squeezing in—a move I respected.
But one impatient driver in a gray car had other plans. Ignoring logic, he wedged himself into a closing gap, even knocking on my rig in desperation. As expected, he lost his battle with physics. Then, to my disbelief, he pulled in front of me and stopped.
I’d seen road rage clips before, but this was different. Instead of yelling or
making threats, the man simply stood there—phone to his ear—adding to the congestion. So, I gave his bumper a gentle nudge. That got his attention. As cars swerved around us, I maneuvered to the shoulder, grabbed a sandwich from my kitchen, and waited. Watching him pace with his phone, I realized: he wasn’t angry—just entitled, clueless to the reality of the road.
The lesson? Emotional restraint. A renowned brain surgeon once called it the most valuable skill a person can develop. Reacting impulsively lets life define you. But pausing, assessing, and choosing a composed response shifts the power back
into your hands. By the time I reached the circus, my perspective had shifted. I had navigated the situation without fear, anger, or escalation. Growth isn’t about winning battles—it’s about mastering yourself. Next time you encounter an aggressive driver, pause. Don’t engage. Just radiate calm. After all, we’re all on the same road. Let’s make the journey a little smoother—for everyone.
Be Good, Be Well, and Ride Safe
—Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer
Ray V. Gordon is The Owner & Founder of Leather Lid Inserts, an established Leather Saddlebag Accessory business based in southwest Florida. They’ve coined the phrase “We take the sag out of the bag” because that is exactly what they do. Ray has been riding motorcycles since he was 14 yrs old and has watched the motorcycle industry grow and is glad to be a part of what it is today. After 35 years of owning and operating a successful aluminum company in Ft. Myers FL, Ray sold the business so he could retire (he thought) and bought himself a new Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. Just like everyone else with leather saddlebags,
his also started to sag and cave in. He saw a need to fix this problem. Ray says, starting this new business was something he just fell into by fixing his own saddlebags and then behold, friends of friends and others witnessed what Ray did and wanted him to fix their saddlebags too. As an inventor and entrepreneur, Ray took his creative background and put his skills to work by experimenting with several different types of materials to finally come up with a patented ABS lid and bag reinforcement kit that would be designed to help keep the original shape of any leather saddlebag made on the market. So, if you’re tired of looking at your caved in leather saddlebags and/or if they are starting to lose their shape and their parts, or if you have brand new bags and you want to prevent them from ever caving in, please keep Leather Lid Inserts in mind. For all your leather saddlebag accessory needs as a do-it-yourselfer or if you want them to install, visit www.LeatherLidInsert.com and order your DIY Kit or Find an area Dealer Installer.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A DEALER INSTALLER CONTACT RAY AT 239-339-7294 OR RAY@LEATHERLIDINSERTS.COM RIDE SAFE!
Leather Lid Inserts 18160 Old Bayshore Road N. Fort Myers, FL 33917
CHRISTINA MEET
PHOTOS BY DANIEL GALLANT
Hey there, I’m Christina, and I’m here to turn it up! I am a Florida native and if I’m not at the beach, I’m either rockin’ on the drums in my band, or out enjoying live music. I crave the freedom music creates. On a bike, that freedom enters a new realm. It harnesses a feeling like nothing else can. I will continue to chase that exhilaration
and presence on my road ahead. Stay rockin’ in the free world and I’m Born to Ride !
2016
Bike:
Harley Breakout provided by Lou Perez Location: Daddy Kool Records\The Factory Model: Christina Wright
This month’s movie is CC & Company starring Joe Namath and Ann Margret. Namath Plays C.C. Ryder, a former motorcycle mechanic who is a member of the “Heads” Motorcycle Club. Margret plays Ann, a fashion journalist. The flick opens with CC in a grocery store, as he cruises the aisles and makes a sandwich by removing this and that from shelves to assemble the sandwich on the child seating portion of the shopping cart. OOOH NOOO!
This may be the most dangerous part of the film! Can you imagine what sort of bacteria may exist on that little plastic seat? No telling what sort of soggy diaper may have been there just minutes before! Anyway, CC eats the sandwich, drinks a carton of milk, and throws away the evidence, before heading to checkout with a package of candy. Outside he dons his “colors” and rides off on a fairly cool looking shovel head chopper.
As usual in these “B or less” films, he meets up with his fellow gang members in the desert. As I said last month “It’s always in the desert.” As they cruise down a desert highway, they encounter a broken-down limo containing Ann. While CC looks over the engine compartment, a couple of his cohorts try to molest Ann in the back of the
Limo. CC rescues her by roughing up the guys, and begins a romantic connection with Ann, which is cut short by the arrival of a tow truck. Down the road a piece we meet up with Moon, who is the leader of the gang. He sits in a fancy chair, which the club mamas call the throne. Moon isn’t too happy with the mamas, and sends them out on a mission to get him more money. Moon’s whole gig seems to revolve around money, and the girls go out hitchhiking to collect some from whatever citizen or ‘Square’ they can find. Later in the evening they all reconvene at their campsite in the desert. Moon’s mama seems to have a thing for CC, but he pretty much has his sights set on Ann, and refuses her advances.
The next day, the Heads are cruising down the road when they come across a sign for a Moto-X race. The heads blow the gate and disrupt the motor-cross by riding their choppers around the track. Of course Ann is there with her photographer and some models, who are on the scene with a Kawasaki factory race team. As the shoot continues Ann and CC again have a conversation, and he plots a scheme to win her heart. The next morning he dupes a local dealer into selling him a Kawasaki
dirt bike. He hands the dealer an envelope with a five-dollar bill and an I.O.U. while he “test rides” the bike. Thirty seconds later he leaves the rear of the shop with the dirt bike tied to his sissy bar. The next Sunday, he enters the motor cross and on the last lap, he crashes out while running third. CC picks up the bike and carries it across the finish line to the delight of his fellow gang members and the crowd. Moon at this point says he’s disgusted with all the racing crap and some of the members leave with him. The Kawasaki factory rep is impressed with CC’s riding skills, and loans him a bike for the next race. At the end of the day he wins $600.00 and returns to the Head’s camp. CC gives money hungry Moon $500.00 and says he’s keeping a hundred for himself. As usual, a fight ensues and Moon takes the money from CC while he is recovering. Moon gives the money to his girl, and later that night she once again tries to get with CC. While he is kissing her, he takes all the money out of her pocket and he leaves the next day to find Ann.
Ann puts CC up in her mansion, and the typical romance carries on for a few days. That is until Moon and the Heads kidnap her. Moon demands $2,000.00 for her freedom, but CC challenges him to a flat-track race on their choppers. CC bargains for a loan on the phone, and promises the money will be paid back the same night. Later that evening the Heads break into a high school, and use the school’s track for the race. After a few minutes of some fairly good stunt riding, the scene shows Moon crashing through a fence and into a parked car which explodes in a fiery mess.
As the rest of the group runs to Moon, CC and Ann leave on his chopper. The song CC Ryder plays as they ride down the road. This film was made in 1970, runs 94 minutes and is currently available on DVD under the “Cheezy Flicks” Label. I must agree that it was one of the most cheesy biker exploitation pieces that I have ever seen. Poor lighting, dialogue, and flaky acting add to the mess. One thing that really turned me off was Namath’s constant referral to his chopper as a Honda. With no visible redeeming qualities, I could only give this one 2 stars, and that based on one or two fairly nice ‘period’ choppers.
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BORN TO RIDE Magazine
Ron
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Erick
DAYTONA BIKE WEEK - THE MECCA OF ALL BIKE WEEKS!
Yes, my BTR friends it’s March, the start of spring and almost end of winter. That in between month when it could be warm one day and cold the next. It’s also the time of year Floridians break out the swim trunks and go to the beach during the day then put on a hoodie and hang by the fire during the night.
People flock to Bealls or Kohl’s and get in on the flash sale for winter coats while buying the newest line of swimwear at full price.
Mike breaks in, “Ok my informative, feathered friend. You should be on Fox news partnering up with the weatherman and letting us know what to wear. But I always see you wearing the same thing every day, you’re colorful plumage. You never change for any season!”
I squawk, “yeah Mike, unlike you humans, in the winter I’m half penguin and in the summer I’m half seagull. March is one of our transition months as we move from winter to summer so that makes it one of the greatest riding months of all, unless you like riding in spring showers.
Unfortunately it’s the most deadliest season for pop-up tornadoes so keep one eye to the sky, your other eye on the radar and the
insurance up-to-date on your trailer!”
Mike babbles, “you’re so right my friendly weatherbird. It’s also that time of year we get the winter birds. Similar to spring breakers, those are the people that come from the north that just can’t take the cold and snowy weather anymore and just want to escape for a brief period of time and then return to their homes in April and May when our humidity starts to kick in.”
I chirp, “yes and quite a few come for Daytona Beach Bike Week. The Mecca of all bike weeks. You’ll have my feathered ass behind the windshield or riding on your shoulder for several days. I can’t wait to see my old northern friends and meet some new ones.
We will be making Kodak moments happen at our usual haunts; Iron Horse, Broken Spoke, Destination Daytona, Main Street Station, Froggys, and Boot Hill Saloon to name just a few.”
Mike replies, “ok, my majestic motorcycle riding macaw. We’ve been flying around Daytona for more than 25 years. Between the stories we have created, the headlines we have made and the inspirations we have given to others has been a topic for people worldwide. I remember in 2006 they put you on an official Bike Week T-shirt from pictures that were taken of you standing on the mirror of the Fat Bird while it was parked on Main Street and you watching all the bikes cruise by. Man Spyke, we’ve had some good times in Daytona.”
I cackle, “yeah dude! I remember a few years after that we won $5000 by me pulling cards in a poker run. You then called your girlfriend at the time in Virginia, told her about it and said she better start packing. I could hear her saying she has nothing nice to wear in Florida. Then I remember you replying; I don’t care. Just be gone when I get back there!” Then Mike says, “Yeah and
that’s when the fight started!” I twitter, “speaking of getting back, after Daytona we will be enjoying holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and Easter but not looking forward to the dreaded moment when we spring ahead and lose an hour of sleep. I know how you humans, especially Mike, hate losing sleep!”
Mike bellows, “yes like in years past Irish I wouldn’t have had so many green beers ‘cause i’ll be suffering from Dublin vision! I’ll be like the Irish and stay out ‘till dawn on the Paddy O’Furniture all in the pursuit of hoppiness! When I wake I’ll be lager than life screaming: I’m here to Patty until I’ve reached the pint of no return...
Then on Easter I will be like the Easter bunny when he gets super stressed and everyone will call me an Easter basket case! I’ll dress up as the Easter bunny and hop around but forget to deliver the eggs then everybody will call me hare-brained.
I’ll have to fire the duck because he kept quaking all the eggs left in my basket and when he bites off my tail, I’ll have to find the closest re-tail store. But I’ll have the best complexion because I will eggs-foliate!
Six months ago I was a little dyslexic on daylight savings time. I was rubbing shoe polish on my pee-pee.
I screech, “yes you were supposed to turn your clock back!”
Mike responds, “well daylight saving time is coming up again and I’m going to lose sleep over it!”
I tweet, “your slinky is kinked! You need to get some bugs between your teeth and get unkinked. Go get the scoot out of the garage and I’ll wrap up the story. You need to get my wings behind the windshield, your knees under the triple trees and the Fat Bird 3 wheels rolling down the road, we are Daytona bound!”
— SPYKE
CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION
It is bike rally season again. When it comes to rallies, there are so many decisions to make. It is time to begin the research. There are several ways to discover places to go, things to see, and ways to do it. One option is to get a hold of one of the many different biker publications. One option is to get a hold of one of the many different biker publications. “Born to Ride” magazine of course is a very good choice. Another source might include internet websites and a google search. These sources can describe the various rallies in any region. There are addresses, contact information and featured events. Also contained in the articles or pages you will find choices for accommodations, food, and sales specials for every budget. The internet will provide road conditions, weather forecasts and sights to see on a route of travel. Information ranges from very detailed or cursory.
Once arriving at a rally, information abounds. Face to face and digital communication are effective.Devices can help find parking near our first destination. Texting on the phone connects families and friends at rally points. More and more shops and venues are using a QR code to give valuable information on what is being offered. It is truly interesting how reliable technology is a useful tool when traveling.
Considering how much we use the internet and our electronics, they are also useful tools to read the Bible. There
are Bible reading applications on cell phones. The phone is no longer just a phone. It can be used for research. People can also use it for seeking the most important thing of all. There is a key verse for traveling through life. It is found in Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Seeking God’s Kingdom through study of the Bible will help us to live well and receive what we need. While we use our phone to help us meet our physical needs, let’s use this technology to read the Bible and allow God to meet spiritual needs.
Teach’s Takeaway,
- Prioritize seeking the Kingdom of God today.
- We research so many things in our lives, what do you think you would find if you sought God by reading the Bible?
- Your needs will be added unto you as you put God first in your life.
Rallies will come and go. The research you do will become outdated. Seeking the Kingdom of God is relevant yesterday, today, and will always be up-to-date.Reading the Bible and seeking the Kingdom of God is the best decision you will ever make. Ride together, ride
