Contents
November Issue 162
Ad Index
Features First Impressions 2018 Harley-Davidsons 9 1948 Turk Panther H-D 19 Meet The Cigar Boss Lady 33 The Distiquished Gentlemen Ride 39 Blue Ridge Parkway Skyline Drive 49
Columns
33
Woman’s World-Myra McElhaney Craven Moorehead Spyke & Mike Christian Motorcycle Association
15 69 63 70
Departments Ride Safe, Ride Smart Everywhere Eddy-Is Everywhere BTR Events Update Born To Ride Kids
7 42 66 70
Reports
54
Sena-Bluetooth Integrated Half-Helmut 12 Finz Finds Rides-The Green Swamp 44 Horsepower, Speed, Performance 46 Lifestyle Report-Dean DeSantis 54 Movie Review-Hell Ride 64 Craig Can Fix It 65
On The Cover
Cigar Heritage Festival Sunday, December 3, 2017 www.YborCityCigarFestival.com
Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779 The information contained herein is provided by Born To Ride Magazine or by its advertisers. BTR makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information in the issue. Born To Ride Magazine does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness or correct sequencing of such information throughout this magazine. Use of such information is voluntary on your part, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after your independent review. Reference herein to any specific manufacturer, company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement of or recommendation of said by Born To Ride Magazine.” “Born To Ride Magazine (including its employees, contributors and agents) assumes no responsibility for consequences that may result from the use of the information herein, including the use of the information obtained at www.borntoride.com and it’s linked sites, or in any respect for the content of such information, including (but not limited to) errors or omissions, the accuracy or reasonableness of factual or scientific assumptions, studies or conclusions, ownership of copyright or other intellectual property rights, and the violation of property, privacy, or personal rights of others. BTR Magazine is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. No guarantees or warranties, including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties are made by BTR Magazine with respect to such information contained throughout the site.” No part may be copied without written permission of the publisher, Born To Ride, Inc. P.O. Box 3021, Brandon, FL 33509. 888-795-5779, Fax 813-689-2996.
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AAA 6 Affordable Motorsports 48 Al Estes Bail Bonds 56 Allstate - Jeff Ard 60 Amvets Post 44 41 Adopt-A-Family 56 Attorney Fran Haasch IFC, 5, 7, BC BTR Advertise 58 BTR Beer Club 56 BTR Cigar Club 26 BTR Facebook 59 BTR Lifestyle 60 BTR Patch 26, 58 BTR Pin-Up Girls 26 BTR Radio 68 BTR Subscribe 58 BTR TV-This TV Tampa Bay 65 BTR TV-Great 38 66 BTR TV-ABC 20 71 BTR VIP Text 3 BTR Youtube 5, 16 Cigar Heritage Fest 35 CJ Seats 58 Copperhead Lodge 61 Cycle-Rama 46 Gibtown Bike Fest 53 Great American Motorcycle Show 57 H-D Crystal IBC H-D Florida 17 H-D Lakeland 11 H-D Barracuda 37 H-D Black Widow 36 H-D War Horse 72 L.A.M.A Tampa Heroes Benefit 20 Leasure Automotive 60 Love Jugs 4 Media Design Shop 43, 47 Mojo’s Biker Night 23 Peggy’s Corral 14 Old Town Bike Night 32 Rampless Motorcycle Trailer 52 Rivers Edge Bar & Grill 30 Saddle Creek 30 Salty Shamrock 13 Screwie Louie’s-Scooter Haven 27 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 45 Stitch On Time 62 St. Pete Bike Fest 8 Tampa Triumph 38 The Ride Factory 28 Thunder By The Bay 28 Tropic Trailer 62 Vietnam Vets Toy Run 29 Wings-n-Weenies 59 Whiskey River 48 Wreaths Across America 31
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Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds CONTRIBUTORS
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RIDING POSTURE
Maintaining good posture in the saddle is an important component of good riding. Not only will paying attention to your posture help you stay comfortable over long distances, it will also enhance your control of the motorcycle by helping your body stay relaxed. Sit on the motorcycle in an upright position with your back straight, your head
up, and your eyes focused on the roadway ahead. Ride with your knees and elbows turned inward. They should be comfortably bent (not locked) so you can quickly move or respond to changes in riding conditions. Keep both feet on the footrests at all times so you can quickly position them to operate the rear brake pedal or shift lever. Grip both handgrips firmly with your wrists turned downward and knuckles pointed up. Make a conscious effort to keep your body limber and relaxed. Tensed muscles will cause you to fatigue quickly, and will lessen your ability to respond promptly to any obstacles that might appear in your path. A relaxed rider is a ready rider. The better your skills are, the more relaxed you’ll be. A wrist-down position on the throttle hand is recommended. It will help avoid overrevving the engine and will make it easier to reach for the front brake lever when it comes time to slow down. In a standard turn, lean with the
motorcycle for smoothness and stability. In a slow, tight turn, such as turning around in a parking lot, it helps to counterweight by leaning in the opposite direction of the motorcycle and direction of the turn. Put pressure on the outside footrest.
For more info, go to www.msf-usa.org
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NOVEMBER 15-19, 2017 PRESENTED BY THE ALL NEW:
TM
ENTERTAINMENT LINE UP Wednesday - Saturday:
Daily & Nightly LIVE entertainment plus Nightly Beach Bar Crawl!
Thursday Nov. 16th
Colt Ford
Friday Nov. 17th
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Saturday Nov. 18th
Visit www.StPeteBeachBikeFest.com to find out more! Official Headquarters: #StPeteBeachBikeFest
2018 Harley-Davidson Road King & Heritage
The quintessential American motorcycle company radically remodeled their Softail line for 2018, and shoehorned the Dyna line into it, introducing 8 all-new models. This, after debuting the brand new Milwaukee Eight 107ci last year in their touring line. With a new stiffer chassis, a monoshock suspension under the seat, and some models getting the bumped-up 114ci powerplant, fans of both the old Dynas and Softails should find much to love. Harley-Davidson unveiled the new line in August. I was straddling one, blasting off into the central Alabama foothills, courtesy of our friends at Mt. Cheaha Harley-Davidson in Oxford. For comparison, I was also loaned a 2018 Road King, which had been among the models to receive the Milwaukee Eight 107 for 2017. It promised to be an abundantly entertaining day. In the midst of Mt. Cheaha’s 3rd Annual Rumble on the Loop, I first took off on the Road King, to sample the 107ci mill. Immediately, I was enthralled with this bike.
Instant, head-snapping acceleration at the wrist-twist; thrilling, brutal power on tap up through each cog of the 6-speed gearbox. Granted, I ride a little more aggressively than some, being a sport as well as cruiser rider, so I was a little heavy with the roll-on. But this bike delivers! Up through the hill
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country, the Road King dives into curves easily, brakes extremely well, shifts up/down solidly, and of course, that throttle! The bike felt like a comfortable touring cruiser with the heart of power cruiser. Next, I took a spin on the newly remodeled Heritage, which actually wears the new 114ci
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motor. Thinking this bike would ride similar to the Road King, but with a power bump, I lit out hard like I had on the King. The Heritage quickly settled my raucous energy. Roll-on is more measured, spread out, and smoother. The 114 is clearly tuned for a more relaxed, laid-back ride, as I discovered while motoring BTR 10 | BORNTORIDE.COM
along the same roads I had traversed on the Road King. Don’t get me wrong, I completely enjoyed the new Heritage, once I synched with her vibe. Smooth, even power delivery, a solid yet compliant suspension, and gentle flickability through mountain curves, the Heritage was a dream to ride.
Harley-D has done a phenomenal job with these new 2018 models, and the Milwaukee Eight engine is another giant leap forward for the iconic brand. I strongly encourage sampling these bikes. They do not disappoint. Get your 2018 Harley-Davidson, check em out at a dealer near you.
If you have an interesting story, product, destination ride event or location let us know. 888-795-5779
The Cavalry Half Helmet comes fully equipped with Bluetooth 4.1 technology in a sleek and easy to use half-helmet design. IRVINE, Calif. (February 1, 2017) – Sena Technologies, Inc., the global leader in Bluetooth innovation for the motorsports, action sports and outdoor sports lifestyles, has announced today the release of the new Cavalry Helmet. The Cavalry is a motorcycle half-helmet with Bluetooth technology integrated to meet the connectivity needs of those motorcycle riders who prefer the lowprofile helmet style. With its sleek design and simple functionality, the Sena Cavalry is changing the game for riders everywhere. Forget the hassle of installing a headset, the Cavalry is an all-in-one helmet and Bluetooth communicator that comes ready to go. The DOT approved Cavalry Helmet was created with the rider in mind to meet the communication and connectivity needs of those who prefer the half-helmet style. Rock out to your favorite music, answer phone calls, listen to GPS navigation, and use the built-in half-helmet Bluetooth intercom to talk with four of your buddies up to 900 meters away, all through your helmet and without sacrificing your personal style. Kick back and relax on longer rides. With up to 10 hours of talk time, the Cavalry is the perfect Bluetooth half-helmet. The Cavalry comes equipped with HD quality speakers and is engineered with Sena’s Advanced Noise Control™ technology for wind noise reduction and a wide volume
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control in order to get the most out of any ride. The Cavalry also comes with optional ear pads in order to boost audio while you’re out on the open road. Enhance your riding experience by linking the Cavalry to the Sena Smartphone App, available for free in the iTunes App Store and on Google Play, the Sena Headset App will simplify your ride. Configure device settings, create FM radio and speed dial presets, and even access the interactive Quick Start Guide all through the easy to use Sena Headset App. The Cavalry will be available for the retail price of $349. Features DOT approved Bluetooth 4.1 Built-in speakers & mic 10 hours of talk time Universal Intercom 900 meter intercom Four-way Intercom Group Intercom Advanced Noise Control FM radio Music Sharing Voice prompts Water resistant Firmware upgradable Like all Sena products, the Cavalry is firmware upgradable and comes with Sena’s industry-leading two-year warranty, and is now available on BuySena.com. For more information as well as the full Sena product
line, please visit: www.Sena.com. About Sena Technologies Inc Sena Technologies, Inc. is the global leader in Bluetooth Communication Devices for motorsports and industrial solutions – enabling real-time communication and optimal performance in the thick of the action. Since its first flagship product, the SMH10 Bluetooth intercom/headset for Motorcycle helmets, the most cutting-edge technological designs have allowed riders across
powersports and motocross to change the way they communicate while charging tracks and courses worldwide. With cyclists, action sports and outdoor sports enthusiasts taking advantage of its impressive communications and onboard technologies – Sena is enhancing the lives of speed demons and action-seekers for the better. Sena currently offers its products worldwide through its global network of distributors, retailers and OEM partners.
Enter To WIN the NEW SENA 10R Headset, Email: info@BornToRide.com
Women’s World
Smokey Mountain Women’s Motorcycle Summit, Myra McElhaney
Transformational! Inspiring! Life changing! Amazing! These are some of the adjectives I heard as women were preparing to leave the Women’s Motorcycle Summit – Smokey Mountain Edition in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The summit, held October 6th through 8th, was hosted by the Steel Horse Sisterhood Charities (SHSC), a recognized 501c3 charitable organization. SHSC’s mission is “to provide opportunities for women to develop and refine their skills while encouraging the art of women mentoring women and serving people in the motorcycle community.” After hosting several summits in the Rocky Mountains Joan Krenning, founder and director of Adventure and Lynn Martin, vice president of the SHSC Board of Directors wanted to bring the event to the Smokey mountains, too. About thirty women (and a few good men who love and support them) rode in from Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin. From women in their early thirties to one in her mid-seventies and everything in between. Married, divorced, widowed and single. Women who had ridden for over forty years and women who had gotten their
license just months ago. The bikes, three-wheelers, trailers and a sling-shot in the parking lot attests that SHSC welcomes all types of riders. Women who ride their own, women who co-ride with their partners and women who aspire to ride someday are all welcomed and encouraged. BMW’s, Harley-Davidsons, Indians and Victory’s parked side-by side and shared the road. “With our faces to the wind, we enjoy, collaborate, inspire each other to live life with no limits and die with no regrets,” says founder Joan Krenning. The Hearthside Cabins “Big Moose Lodge” provided a spacious and luxurious base camp with a spectacular mountain view. With sixteen bedrooms, two hot tubs, a theatre room, pool table and an electric fireplace it provided ample space for the whole group as well as smaller areas for entertainment, conversation and connecting. The kitchen and dining area was the gathering place for a homecooked breakfast with everyone pitching in. The early risers helped with cooking and late risers took care of cleanup. There were always plates of fresh baked cookies on the counter! The days were filled with rides around the local area, visits to nearby motorcycle shops for demonstrations, T-Clock workshops
If you would like info on Born To Ride Womens Club, Email info@borntoride.com
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and motorcycle maintenance by Verhulst Motorcycle Service. Inspirational speakers set the tone for the event. The founder encouraged women to become S.T.R.O.N.G. Smart, Tenacious, Radical, Outrageous, Natural and Grateful. Humorist, June Cline entertained with stories she calls IMO’s (Idiot Moments) about learning to ride. Happiness expert, Sandy Weaver taught techniques for living a happier life. Dr. Laura Ellis shared the Science of Peak Performance. During the evenings there were dinners, a wine tasting and sharing stories around the fireplace. That still left time for sitting on the deck to enjoy the view or to soak in the hot tubs. Guests enjoyed visiting Dollywood Theme Park and the Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum. A few braved the legendary Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, navigating 318 turns in 11 miles. The event closed with the blessing of the bikes. Attendees met fellow motorcycle enthusiasts, made new friends and took home many memories to cherish. Many agreed to meet in the summer at the Rocky Mountain summit. Don’t you hate that you missed this incredible jam-packed event? Don’t despair!
They are already planning next year’s events. You can get your tickets and plan your next vacation around riding and experiencing one or both incredible events alone or with your riding buddies. The Rocky Mountain Women’s Motorcycle Summit will be held June 10-16, 2018 in the San Juan mountains of Colorado where you can ride
the “Million Dollar Highway” and the San Juan Skyway Scenic and Historic Byway. The Smoky Mountain Women’s Motorcycle Summit will come back to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee in October of 2018. Visit www.womensmotorcyclesummit. com for information and to sign up for the newsletter to keep you posted on upcoming events. Myra McElhaney
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hs ago; t n o m 8 ut 6 or o b called a d e n k i a b g s o i l h cb tt “I bough the BornLoserm w weeks and fe n I saw it o ugged him for a uz’ I knew this B alone c ke” him up. m i h e v bi lea wouldn’t uld be my dream wo
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DID YOU KNOW: Types of Panheads, 1948–1965 61 cubic inch (1,000 cc), and 1948–1965, 74 cubic inch (1,200 cc)
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“There’s nothing fancy about this bike, but to me, it has the perfect stance and everything else that goes with it. I don’t plan to changing anything major on it-- and I couldn’t be any happier. It’s my dream bike and I love it!” - Love Turk BTR 24 | BORNTORIDE.COM
BIKE BUILD TECH SHEET Owner: Bike’s Name: Fabrication: Year /Make/Model: Build Time: Contact:
Chris “Turkey” Stopnik Panther Turk 1948 Harley FL 6 Months czombieblog.com 714-317-7288
Manufacturer: Year: Model: Builder: Displacement: Flywheels: Heads: Lower End: Cylinders: Rocker Boxes: Carburetor: Ignition: Coil/magneto: Exhaust Pipes:
Harley 1948 FL Fast Ed, Big Scott, Turk? 60 over 80”? Stoker 1966 Shovelheads Panhead 60 Shovelhead S&S Super E Kick Coil Custom by Turk
Manufacturer: Year: Gears: Clutch: Primary Drive:
Harley 1959 4 Primo Primo
Painter: Color: Type: Graphics: Plating/Polishing: Molding:
Turk? Gloss Black Rattle Can Max Bush Turk
Manufacturer: Year: Type: Color:
Harley 1948 Wishbone Black
Handlebars: Grips: Hand Controls: Foot Controls: Headlight: Taillight: Risers: Pegs: Electrics: Electrical: Gas Tank: Gas Cap: Oil Tank: Starter: Seat: Fenders:
Turk T-Bars Swap Meet Sportster? Mid Controls by Turk Re-Pop Chopper 7” by Turk Big Scott Cloth Chopper 2 Of Them Stock None Custom by Turk and Soliz One Round One In the Back
Front End: Type: Tire/Size Triple Trees: Hub:
35mm Narrow Glide Shaved 21” Avon Chopper Hamburger
Rear End: Tire/Size Brakes: Hub:
16” Avon Mechanical Star
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
FINISH/PAINT
FRAME
ACCESSORIES
SUSPENSION
Josh Kurpuis Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value for you the Reader. 888-795-5779
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Meet the Cigar City Boss Lady! The owner of Cigar City talks about her love of cigars, motorcycles and the Cigar Heritage Festival!
The owner of Cigar City talks about her love of cigars, motorcycles and the Cigar Heritage Festival! In the sixties, Lisa Figueredo did not spend her summer days at daycare, but instead, she spent them in the home of her great-grandparents, Mercedes and Ulysses Henriquez who she affectionately calls, Abuela Nena & Abeulo Lee. “I can remember waking up in the morning to the noise of clanking pans and the smell of soffrito (a combination
of green peppers, onions & garlic cooked in olive oil). As I walked into the kitchen, there on the table sat my empty cup waiting for me to arrive. My Abuela Nena would give me a big hug as she poured steaming milk into my cup and added just a bit of Cuban coffee and two tablespoons of sugar.” “Then the screen door to the kitchen would squeak and a giant of a man, my Abeulo Lee, would come in from outside!” Figueredo said he had to
Cigar Heritage Festival. Sunday Dec, 3 • 11am-5pm • www.YborCityCigarFestival.com
duck his head a bit to walk through the frame of the door. Dressed in his Lee overalls and hat with a white t-shirt that made him look every bit like a railroad conductor, he bent over to kiss her good morning. Then with just one swoop of his arm, he picked her up as King Kong did with Fay Wray. “Good morning,” he would say followed by a short sermon explaining how God loved her. She would then intensely watch as he handed his wife a bag filled with leaf tobacco. She would go to the refrigerator and take out a baby jar filled with a milky gluey liquid. Sitting down at the kitchen table, she selected the quality tobacco leaves from the bag then stretched it flat on the table and started removing the stem from the middle of the leaf. More leaves would be used, but this time the leaves were bunched in her hand to make the filler. Next, the bunch would be placed on the wrapper leaf, and the rolling would begin as she formed the long cylinder that became the cigar. Then she dipped her fingers lightly into the baby jar using the gluey liquid to finish the tip. The leftover tobacco leaf at the end of the cigar was twisted and cut off. Figueredo remembers her greatgrandfather kept 4-5 small boxes behind the seat of his big old Ford truck. In each box were the cigars made by his wife. All rolled on the glass kitchen table with the smell of soffrito, Cuban coffee and the curiosity of a little brown eyed girl! “Those were my days of summer as a child,” said Figueredo. “I remember being so curious about what it must feel like to smoke one of those cigars! The smell of that burning cigar was like perfume to my soul, and I could not wait to grow up to smoke my first cigar!” In 1976 she would move to West Tampa next to the legendary Carlos Fuente, owner of the Arturo BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 33
Fuente Cigar Company. There is where she met her childhood friends Carlito, Cynthia, and Richard Fuente. “Wow, what a great family, my family! I remember always wanting to go to their house because they were the only family on the block that had an inground pool,” laughs Figueredo. “Anna and Carlos would always make sure we had lots to eat during those pool parties, either grilling hotdogs or getting us pizza, it’s a great part of my childhood I will never forget,” says Figueredo. Recently, the legendary Don Carlos Fuente past away. “It has been a great loss for the family, the cigar industry and myself.” Figueredo reminisces about the days of going over and smoking cigars with “The Man” who was as big as life in her eyes. “He was a giant in my eyes, and I had the privilege to know him and seek advice from him when I needed it the most,” said Figueredo. “I remember every time I walked out of that house after sitting with him for hours smoking my favorite cigar, the Casa Cuba, just feeling so inspired! For that, I will forever be thankful for the time I shared with him!” “I miss him every day,” says Figueredo. Cigars aren’t Figueredo’s only passion! “Oh yeah motorcycles, I just love everything about them. The way they hug the road on the turns, the smell of the gas and oil, the sound they make and the power of freedom you feel while riding a bike!” Back in 1975, she was introduced to her little brother’s YZ80. Learning some off-road biking, Figueredo turned to the streets in the 1980s with her first street bike, a 1970 Indian Velo and then in the 1980s with a HarleyDavidson 1340 Wide Glide. “My Dad, I would say is the biggest lover of bikes in our family, he collects them like coins,” she laughs. “He lives in Georgia, and it’s a great place to ride!” My Dad is 79, and he still rides so I have some years to catch up,” laughs Figueredo. Figueredo possesses another passion, Tampa history! Thinking back BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM
on all those great days spent with her family, she thought to herself, “Gosh, I wonder if people would like reading about these types of stories?” That’s when I came up with the idea of the magazine,” says Figueredo. Cigar City Magazine is the only publication on Tampa’s rich past. The first issue was released back in 2005 and is the vision
Cigars aren’t Figueredo’s only passion! “Oh yeah motorcycles, I just love everything about them. The way they hug the road on the turns, the smell of the gas and oil, the sound they make and the power of freedom you feel while riding a bike!” of Figueredo, who feels passionately about her blended culture, history, and family. “We all have a responsibility to keep these stories alive by passing them on to our children,” says Figueredo. “By sharing the past, our children will come to know their roots and recognize the foundation of love and family they can carry with them into the future. They will become the voices of our ancestors!” Then in 2015, the Cigar Heritage Festival came knocking at her door. This festival, first introduced by Tampa’s famous radio personality, Jack Harris of WFLA was back in 1996. Harris wanted to bring back the cigar festival from its heyday of the 1930s cigar festival called Viva La Verbena. This four-day event included a cigar making contest, a cigar factory open house where members of the community were invited to tour local factories, and a daytime parade that drew over 16,000 people. It was a celebration put on by the cigar industry to thank its workers and the Tampa
community. From 1996 -2013 the Cigar Heritage Festival has passed through a few hands. It became evident that these organizations did not have the staff to continue with such a huge event. This is where Cigar City Magazine’s event making expertise stepped in! It’s no secret the magazine is known for providing some of the best events in Tampa like the Tampa Mafia Tours, Cigars & Stars, and Bada Bing: A Killer Event just to name a few. So back in 2015, they decided to step in to save this much-wanted cigar festival. The event was a success, but they needed to add a few more things to make it bigger and better. In 2016 they did just that! In 2016, they knocked the Cigar Heritage Festival (also known as the Ybor City Cigar Festival) outta the park with nearly 10,000 people in attendance making it the largest attended cigar festival in the world! With the leading cigar industry families, Arturo Fuente Cigar Company and J.C. Newman Cigar Company as presenting sponsors, this helped drive -in cigar aficionados, Ybor supporters, local families, history enthusiasts, and out-of-town visitors from all around the world! The cigar festival carried the “BEST” cigars from around the world, and cigar aficionados could find the most famous and the rarest cigars along with some “Boutique” cigars that they had never experienced! This year, Harley-Davidson Motorcycles is stepping in for the first time, and they’re bringing with them some of their latest models to the festival! “Yes, I’m so excited to have Harley-Davidson Motorcycles as one of our sponsors this year! I feel like a kid, and Christmas is right around the corner! This year’s Cigar Heritage Festival is going to be fantastic, and I just hope all your readers can make it! They are not going to want to miss this one!” said Figueredo. For more information about the Cigar Heritage Festival, please visit www.YborCityCigarFestival.com
Cigar Heritage Festival. Sunday Dec, 3 • 11am-5pm • www.YborCityCigarFestival.com
Full disclosure: I lost a lifelong friend to prostate cancer in 2012. I am a two-time bladder cancer survivor (so far). Recently, an old classmate of my wife’s committed suicide. This is personal to me. When I learned last year about the annual international Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, for men’s cancer and mental health, held globally on a specific Sunday every September, I knew I wanted to join in. So, I jumped online and signed up for the ride nearest to me in Greenville, South Carolina.
A great ride, among great people, for a great cause. It doesn’t get much better than that. The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride was started six years ago by Mark Hawwa and several mates in Sydney, Australia, who conceived the idea of conducting a benefit ride for male prostate cancer. They came across a photo of fictional “Mad Men” character Don Draper, astride a vintage Matchless motorcycle in coat and tie, and the theme of well-dressed, “dapper”
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riders on classic motorcycles was born. Supporting the Movember Foundation for Men’s Health, this year’s DGR encompassed over 93,000 registered riders in 581 cities and 92 countries across the globe, raising over $4.7M USD, to date. With the support of sponsors Triumph Motorcycles and Zenith Watches, DGR 2017 surpassed all expectations. My friends at Hourglass Cycles in Buford, Georgia sponsored me by providing a bikeowner Kyle Campbell’s own 2016 Triumph BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 39
Thruxton R. Sleek, café racer-looking and crazy-powerful, the Thrux served me well among all the vintage, classic, and “modern classic” bikes on the ride. In only its second year, the Greenville event grew from 50 registered riders in 2016 to over 180 this year, a quantum leap in participation. Our ride began and ended at Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest, just north of Greenville. With control riders, lead and sweep riders, plus full police escort, the whole entourage BTR 40 | BORNTORIDE.COM
navigated through Travelers Rest, looped down through Greenville proper, then took a break under the tall oaks of Furman University before returning to Trailblazer Park for awards, recognitions, music, prizes, food and drink. A “splendid affair.” In this age of division, animosity, growing intolerance, and even spreading violence, the DGR epitomized everything a society can and should be. Men and women, young and old, wealthy and working class, every ethnicity,
every cultural and political persuasion, all riding together, sharing a common cause, focusing on our commonalities rather than our differences. We rode, we talked, we enjoyed the day together. It was a beautiful sight to behold. For more information on how you can “Support the Gentry,” visit the official DGR websitewww.gentlemansride.com Rob Brooks
If you have an interesting story, product, destination ride location or event let us know. 888-795-5779
Born To Ride Finz Rides
The Green Swamp Preserve
For some reason every time I hear the Talking Heads song Road to Nowhere I think of riding a motorcycle, jumping on the scoot with the intention exploring new roads or scenery. Here’s a suggestion for an exploration ride, the Green Swamp Preserve. The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is located in the fourcorner area of Lake, Pasco, Polk, and Sumter counties. How you get there is up to you. What does matter is you realize this is an exploration ride, so don’t be afraid to go left when the directions tell you to go right. Don’t take the following directions too literal—think of them as reference points to your road to nowhere. 1. I-75N exit 266 for 582A (0.5) 2. Left onto CR-579/CR-582A (12.3 mi) 3. Right Chancey Rd (8.9 mi) 4. Right CR-54 (4.4 mi) 5. Right FL-35 S/FL-700 E/US-98 S (0.2 mi) 6. Quick 1st Right Old Dade City Rd (7.4 mi) 7. Left Rockridge Rd (stay left) (13.4 mi) 8. Continue onto Greenpond Rd (4.0 mi) 9. Left FL-33 N (10.1 mi) 10. Left Lake Erie Rd (5.0 mi) 11. Right on CR-565/South Bay Lake Rd (5.5 mi) 12. Left Sloans Ridge Rd (3.8 mi) 13. Left FL-50 W (1.5 mi) 14. Left CR-773 (0.2 mi) 15. Right CR-772 (3.9 mi) 16. Right at Church (151ft) 17. Left FL-50 W (9.6 mi) 18. Left Burwell Rd (4.3 mi) 19. Continue on CR-575/Trilby Rd (3.6 mi) 20. Right Ramsey Rd (1.0 mi) 21. Right CR-578/St Joe Rd (0.8 mi) 22. 1st Left Happy Hill Rd (2.1 mi) 23. Continue onto Prospect Rd (2.2 mi) 24. Left CR-579/Handcart Rd (4.5 mi) 25. Right CR-579/Eiland Blvd (15.3 mi) 26. Turn left to merge onto I-75 S Total Distance 132 mi Total Time 3 hr 40 min
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For more info on maps and rides or to buy Finz Finds Scenic Rides book go to www.finzfinds.com
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What better way to come back south from Rolling Thunder, than down Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. I had been on it from Cherokee to Asheville, but never completed the entire run and it was on my “bucket list.” Leaving Rolling Thunder and on Memorial Day, Dana Ashberry and friend, Beth Ingram and I left Washington, DC for Front Royal, which was the area where the 105mile Skyline Drive starts from the North to South. When you are in Virginia, even on the Interstate, the stations are not on the highway, but can be a mile or more off the Interstate. I had already gone over 220 miles since I last fueled which was the limit for my bike and couldn’t find a station, so I got off Interstate 66. As soon as I did, the engine sputtered and I came to a halt. Dana had bought a ½ gallon can of gas and was able to fuel me enough to get to a gas station. That was our first adventure and we hadn’t even gotten to our destination yet. We stopped at the Old Mill Restaurant at Front Royal for lunch and then continued to
one of the top ten rides in the US and one of the best through the Appalachians. Dana had been talking about Seneca Rocks over and over for the past two years. From Front Royal, we headed up Route 55 west and made our way through Strasburg and over the interstate. From this point, Route 55 becomes a pleasure to navigate, with virtually no traffic and perfectly-banked curves that come one after another, over and around the contours of the Shenandoah and Allegheny Mountains towards Wardensville. Out of Wardensville you’ll find another 25 to 30 miles of even better riding, crossing numerous mountain ridges and following rivers. Route 55 joins U.S. Route 220 at Moorefield and follows it south for a few miles before returning on its westerly course at Petersburg. Route 220 is a good road itself, following narrow valleys through West Virginia and well into Virginia. It is often named by numerous motorcycle magazines as one of the best unknown roads in America. This must still be true, because there was hardly any traffic.
Starting somewhere before Petersburg and with increasing frequency you’ll notice signs for the Smoke Hole Caverns, Crystal Grottoes, and Seneca Caverns. There are probably more attractions of this type in this region than any other because many of the ridges in this area of limestone caves. After Petersburg, Route 55 spends its remaining time chasing a series of rivers before intersecting with U.S. Route 33 at Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. This is a popular destination for those who come to climb the rocks. Seneca Rocks’ ragged edges stand out from the smooth ridge lines of the hills that surround them. Often in cases like this, the rock that remains was molten rock that was pushed to the surface by geologic forces below. The heat and pressure made it harder than the surface it pushed through and when that surface wore away, the harder rock was exposed. The Park Ranger told us that the U.S. Army Rangers used the rocks for training and it was the site of the recent movie, “Hacksaw Ridge.” The trip to Sena Rocks had been
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completed and hopefully was now out of Dana’s system. Next is a great section of Route 33 between Seneca Rocks and Harrisonburg, Virginia. The first ascent you’ll make is long. It will bring you to a fantastic panorama of the Germany Valley. Wait until you get to a spot along the road that has a “Germany Valley” marker. It’s near the top it offers the best view. To the left and right are the high, impressive ridges of the Alleghenies, while in the valley below, a series of small, uniform ridges. From Franklin, the route settles for a minute and then makes another ascent before dropping into Brandywine. From here, the last great ascent is soon upon you as you ride up the Shenandoah Mountains. After a few miles of switchbacks, you can pull off to the side of the road and retrace your path, finding Brandywine in the valley below. Once over the hills, it’s another 20 miles or so to Harrisonburg, where we spent the night. After eating breakfast, we proceeded from Harrisonburg up Route 53 through BTR 50 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Elkton to the Swift Run Gap entrance of the Shenandoah National Park and rode north 15 miles on Skyline Drive to the Byrd Visitor Center to gather some souvenirs and to eat a light lunch. We then backtracked south 55 miles over Lewis and Loft Mountains, past numerous overlooks to the Rockfish Gap South entrance. The trip south would take us by a number of named gaps, overlooks, trails and valleys. While on this trip south, we ran into some Canadian veterans on a Can-am Spyder, that we had met at Rolling Thunder. Talk about a small world. While Rockfish Gap ended the Skyline Drive portion of the Shenandoah National Park heading south, it was also the north entrance of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway. The nice thing about the Blue Ridge was while we passed a few trucks and tankers on Skyline, no commercial vehicles are allowed on the Blue Ridge. Our next stop was the James River visitor center for a break (and more souvenirs), then the Peaks of Otter visitor center. The last run of the day was to Roanoke Mountain where
we pulled off to stay in Roanoke, VA. Dana and Beth were so tired, they passed on the excellent Mexican restaurant, El Toreo, that I ate supper at. Riding 240 miles in the mountains is a lot different than riding on the interstate. The next morning, Dana and Beth went on, while I got some gas. On the way down the parkway, I stopped off at different spots to take pictures, one of which was Rakes Mill Pond. I met up with the two at the Rocky Knob visitor’s center which is near Mabry Mill, of which we took a tour of. Near the intersection of the Blue Ridge and highway 634, we stopped at the Mayberry Trading Post, near Meadows of Dan, which claimed it was the original from the Andy Griffith show. It was a post office in the early 1900s. They have knick-knacks, snacks and a wide variety of jams, jellies and apple butter. Our next stop was at the Blue Ridge Music Center, where we watched a group playing Bluegrass music on a dulcimer. From there it was a stop at the Northwest Trading Post
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and then off the Blue Ridge to Boon, NC for a late lunch. Getting back on the parkway, we of course, stopped and took pictures of the famous Linn Cove Viaduct. This is a 1,234foot concrete segmental bridge which snakes around the slopes of Grandfather Mountain. Due the traffic and few turnoffs near it, it was difficult to take decent pictures. It was the last section of the Blue Ridge to be completed and has received 11 design awards. Linville Falls was our next stop which was definitely worth the walk up to the
a tavern (ABC license), lounge and deck and one of the most beautiful mountain views right outside your balcony. It is also conveniently right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The owner, Mike, is friendly and has a great sense of humor, especially with the breakfast menu. See info at www.skylinevillageinn.com and contact thriftymike@gmail.com. The next morning, we were off again and this time it was a morning ride up to Mount Mitchell which is the highest point East of the Mississippi. We ate lunch on the mountain
falls. The end of our next 240 miles was at the Skyline Village Inn in Little Switzerland, NC. When we stopped for lunch in Boone, we called ahead to the Skyline Village Inn for accommodations. This is a motorcycle friendly hotel which has touring and sport bike rentals, as well as outdoor adventure guide services in Little Switzerland, near Spruce Pine, NC. This is a down-to-earth hotel offering clean rustic rooms that has
which was surprisingly good and for an area frequented by tourists, was priced very reasonable. I would highly recommend it. My last stop was the Folk Art Center, around 5 miles north of Ashville which we toured. Beth and Dana went on to Cherokee and further on to the Dragon’s Tail, and I bid goodbye to both of them at Asheville and headed to Myrtle Beach for business. I had already done the 80-mile ride from Cherokee to Asheville numerous times, so I felt that my
trip on the 575-mile Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway was completed. The consensus of most riders is that they like the Blue Ridge Parkway better than Skyline Drive. Which is the better road, has better scenery and less traffic? Right after Memorial Day, there was hardly any traffic, since much of Skyline has blind curves, you will find it hard to pass. They allow commercial vehicles on Skyline, but not on the Blue Ridge. The roads conditions are comparable and very well maintained. Skyline mostly is through forested areas with trees
on both sides, while on the Blue Ridge, you can ride on the ridges and have a view down the mountain/ridges on both sides. There are more straight areas on the Blue Ridge that go through meadows and roads that are lined with rhododendrons, trillium, fire pink, crested dwarf iris, trout lily, mountain laurel, tulip tree, mountain ash and dogwood flora. So, based on these observations, I agree with them. Either way, I would not pass up another opportunity to do both. By Paul Murray If you have an interesting story, product, destination ride location or event let us know. 888-795-5779 BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 51
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Scan to see Copperhead Lodge come to Life
than a Seagull Spyke & Mike Happier with a French Fry
Well, it just figures my BTR friends, some of our best riding weather is upon us. But for Mike and me, we’re only cruisin’ around town. Things are moving right along in the transformation of the Fat Bird 2, except at the speed a turtle could beat. And for good reason, you can’t rush a masterpiece. Craig, the painter is doing his best on the fab work and Mike is slowly saving his money to pay him. I’m not sure who is going to finish first, and it puts me between a rock and a hard place. Mind you, I enjoy the rides around town, I just don’t like the gawkers, picture takers, and the non-drivers that Mike has to avoid. I really miss the long adventures we used to do: riding to Biketoberfest in Daytona, camping trips at Scooter Haven, and the Peterson’s poker run to Key West. But, on a lighter note, when it rains it pours and this time in a good way. Mike and I, along with this great magazine, reach many lives. Brian, the owner of Stitch on Time, knows that and has reached out to Mike requesting to put his two cents in on the resurrection of the Fat Bird 2.
Like Mike, he’s got a vision and has convinced him to see it through. This time it’s with the seat on the new scoot. He’s going to stitch a headshot of me and my stretched wings in some awesome blue ostrich skin for Mike to park his derriere on. This is going to make it more ‘one-off’ than the original. Brian is the seventh wonder of the seat world. He’s an artist, perfectionist, and a magical designer of custom seats. His works can be found worldwide and on the best bikes ever built. He and his partners, Mark and Wayne, can create anything from mild to wild. Pick from ostrich, alligator, or snake then choose your color and give them an idea. They will create one sweet seat for you! If you want more comfort, they can do that with the best foam and gel in the industry. Brian definitely lives up to the title of ‘The Seatman.’ Stop by the shop and check out his wonderful works of art, then register to win a trip to Copperhead Lodge in Georgia, he’s giving away at the St. Pete Beach Bike Fest. If you’re dreaming of a sweet seat, he
can make that dream come true! Speaking of the St. Pete Beach Bike Fest, Mike and I will be at the Tradewinds enjoying the first of its kind this area has ever seen. They’ve got four days of unusual and spectacular events: a motorcycle auction and free demo rides, beach bar crawls, poker runs, an iconic Sunshine Skyway photo shoot and crazy poolside biker games. Or, just come out for all the free great music they have lined up. See the full schedule in their ad, plan on being here, and creating a few good memories with us. You might even want to skip some of the events, go where the Wi-Fi is weak and the rum is strong. Join me and suck up some sun as I love to lay where the water meets the sand. I’m gonna be happier than a seagull with a French fry. Mike wobbles over and blurts out, “Yeah Spyke, we hope to see a lot of our friends come and go that weekend, like the waves in the Gulf. But the true ones will stick around, like an octopus on your face!” Oh brother Mike, I squawk. Have you gotten an early start on that bottle of Captain Morgan? Mike babbles, “Well Spyke, it’s important to go about staying hydrated at the beach, but that doesn’t mean I have to stay sober. I’m just getting a few practice drinks in. I want to lay beside you and get my bronze on. I’m a better person when I’m tan. I can be sure of myself and come out of my shell. I can then take the time to coast and avoid peer pressure. I won’t get tied down and I love making waves. But most of all, I sea life’s beauty.” I cackle, OK Mike, we get it. You’re a beach bum trapped inside a biker’s body. Put away that bottle and go take a nap. Later on, today Bert’s Barracuda has live music, free food, and free beer. The first two will do you good. So, when you wake, get the scoot out of the garage and give it a birdbath. I’ll be done with this story and we’ll both need some two-wheeled therapy. You can get my wings in the wind, your knees in the breeze, and the Fat Bird 2 wheels rolling down the road fender-less and heading to Bert’s, by the way of the beach SPYKE
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Confusion and chaos pretty much sums up this movie. It is the modern day version of all the biker exploitation “B” movies ever made. Curiously, Larry Bishop (as Pistolero) appeared in a variety of films including The Savage Seven, Mad Dog Time and Kill Bill to name a few. His collaboration with Quentin Tarantino in this most recent effort, would lead one to believe that “Hell Ride” is a major cinematic production destined for the A list. Sadly, it falls short of that mark. The story revolves around Pistolero and his gang “the Victors.” The main characters are himself, the Gent and Comanche who set out to avenge the death of his ol lady Cherokee Kisum. Cherokee, it seems, was murdered by the 666er’s, a rival gang. But wait, let’s back up! This is exactly what makes the flick so confusing. … We flash back and forth from 35 years back to 35 years forward. It seems that Bishop as the writer, director, and star is the only one who understands what is going on at any given time. I was lost after viewing it twice, but again I digress. The film is soaked with girls, drugs, and murder. I like all those facets in a biker exploitation film, but the chaotic pace leaves one BTR 64 | BORNTORIDE.COM
wondering where the plot is. It seems the Victors MC have an underlying code of deceit and distrust. As the movie rolls along, several of the members of gang are killed by the Gent and other Victors—leaving only Pistolero, the Gent, and Comanche in the gang. Ahhh, but there is another member hiding in the desert! Eddie Zero, played by Dennis Hopper appears as a (possibly retired) member of the gang. How they were able to get Hopper to appear in this mess was a mystery in itself, and I was surprised, and entertained for a moment until I saw David Carradine playing rival gang member “The Duce.” Evidently, the Duce and Pistolero had some under-the-table dealings and this conflict led to the ongoing battle between the two clubs. The 666er’s use arrows and darts to carry out their hits while the Victors use the more conventional revolvers, available at Wal-Mart. The Victors trademark murders–you will see a few of these involve the tying of one to a chair, the cutting of the throat, and the soaking of the subject in gasoline, which is then ignited by the tossing of a Zippo lighter, also available at WalMart. Somewhere in my recall, it seems to me that this ritual was borrowed from the 666er’s when they did in Cherokee Kisum. In the end, the Victors cut off the Duce’s head, and Eddie Zero delivers it to the 666er’s hangout in a nice wicker basket (see Wal-Mart above). He departs and rides off down the road until his motor quits for some reason. He gets off his vintage ride to repair it, and sees the 666er’s pull up behind him. The leader of the 666er’s, (played by Vinnie Jones) shoots him in the back with a dart fired from an air powered device that looks like a Shark Gun. He collapses on the highway. Much to the 666er’s surprise the Victors pull up behind them and the Gent kills all of them, but only wounds Jones who falls to the pavement. Pistolero in a strange twist of role, shoots Jones with a small crossbow, then reloads and fires a dart into Jones’ gas tank. As the fuel surrounds Jones, who is bleeding cussing and etc, one of the Victors cuts his throat, and Pistolero tosses the classic Zippo into the pool of gas. In the next frame, Hopper gets up off the pavement, and removes his armor-laden jacket – arrow still intact- and hands it to his girl who gives him a similar jacket. They depart the scene, and the three meet in the desert where the 666er’s had previously buried some sort of lockbox containing some sort of (something). … There are three keys that have 666 stamped into them. There is a short argument, and Comanche digs up the lock box and the others give him the three keys. What’s in that thing you ask? You will never know, because the shot shows only Comanche’s face from the inside as he opens the box. I think it was empty, but what do I know? The trio then fire up their motors and ride off in three different directions as the credits roll. If you are a fan of naked ladies, cool classic motorcycles, and blood and guts, this film is for you! However, if you were expecting a plot, a story line, or a coherent slide show of pleasant desert scenes you aren’t gonna be too happy. Tarantino once told Bishop “It is your destiny to write, direct, and star in a movie.” Sometimes destiny is not all it’s cracked up to be! I would reluctantly give this film 2 out of 5 stars, because there were two REAL stars exploited in this mess. It is rated R for ridiculous, and runs approximately 86 minutes. In my opinion it should be 86’ed altogether.
The Phantom Movie Review
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www.B Events Thursday, November 2 Kissimmee, FL Old Town Bike Night 5pm-11pm (every Thu). Live music, and more. 407-396-4888 Lakeland, FL (11/2 - 11/5) Roscoe’s Chili Challenge. The best Old School Biker Party in the State! roscoesChiliChallenge.com Galveston, TX (11/2 - 11/5) Lone Star Rally. The Lone Star Motorcycle Rally is one of the biggest biker parties in Texas, and you don’t want to miss it. Live music, bike shows, contests, rides, vendors, military tributes and much more. 832-437-2318 Friday, November 3 Palm Harbor, FL 9th Annual Fran Haasch Food Drive to benefit F.E.A.S.T. Food Pantry 12pm-5pm Law Offices of Fran Haasch. For more info 727-784-8191 Port Charlotte, FL Bert’s Black Widow H-D Drive-in Movie Night featuring Wild Hogs 7pm. 941-883-8000 Riverview, FL 5th Annual Gems & Jeans Ball 7pm-11pm The Barn at Winthrop. Live music, auction, food & drinks and more. Saturday, November 4 Clearwater, FL Veteran Enhancement Project Poker Run and Fundraiser 9:30am-7pm Quaker Steak and Lube. The Project utilizes motorcycles as a conduit to integrate veterans back into society thus reducing the number of veterans suffering from depression and who may take their own lives. For more info 727-572-9464 Homosassa, FL (11/4-11/5) Crystal H-D Demo Ride Event 9am-4pm. Demo rides, live music, food and more. 800-624-1910 Lakeland, FL Lynyard Skynyard in concert 7:30pm RP Funding Center. rpFundingCenter.com Lakeland, FL Lakeland H-D Customer Appreciation celebration. 863-8021971 Ocala, FL HOG Chapter Vet’s Ride 9am War Horse H-D. KSU 10am, live music, food and more. 800-624-1910 Port Charlotte, FL Bert’s Black Widow 66 | BORNTORIDE.COM BTR 76
There Thereare aresome somegreat greatevents eventscoming comingup, up,sosoget getout outthere thereand andmeet meetup upwith withold oldfriends! friends!
BornToRide.com/events s, Rides & Destinations H-D Bike Night 6pm-10pm. 941- Plant City, FL Patriot Day Observance and Remembrance 883-8000 Ride 1:30pm-5pm AMVETS St. Petersburg, FL Bert’s Post 44. Benefitting James A. Barracuda H-D Game Day. 727- Haley Recreational Services, First Responders and Veteran 527-9672 Programs. 813-675-5898 Ybor City, FL Ride Factory 10th Anniversary. Live music, bikini Port Charlotte, FL Bert’s Black bike wash, food & drinks, auction, Widow H-D Military Appreciation raffles, prizes, swap meet, Day with memorial ride to vendors and more. 813-247-1166 Veteran’s Park in Punta Gorda. Also, Dealer Demo Ride Truck (11/11-11/12). 941-883-8000 Sunday, November 5 Clearwater, FL Heart Strings for Heroes Honors Cruise. Three- St. Petersburg, FL Bert’s Harley-Davidson hour cruise, motorcycle ride and Barracuda AMVETS Ride 2 Ton Poker Run. more. 727-527-9672 heartStringsForHeroes.com
(11/17–11/19) at Long Beach Conventional Center. See all the latest bikes from all the major motorcycle manufacturers, Ultimate Builder Bike show, demos, entertainment, celebrity appearances, and more. motorcycleShows.com
Bert’s Barracuda H-D Black Friday. 727-527-9672
Inglis, FL Scooter Haven 2nd Blairsville, GA (11/11-11/12) annual Trike Show.727-565-8743 Copperhead Lodge Veterans Day Weekend celebration. Ceremony Ocala, FL War Horse H-D HOG Nov. 11 at 11am, followed by free Volunteer Appreciation Ride BBQ lunch for all veterans and 11:30am. Live music, food and a Freedom Ride KSU 1pm. For more. 800-624-1910 more info 706-835-7433
Friday, November 24 Homosassa, FL (11/4-11/5) Crystal H-D Black Friday Event. 800-624-1910
Saturday, December 2 Tampa, FL Cigar Heritage Festival Kickoff Party 3pm Davidoff Lounge. yborCityCigarFestival.com
Palmetto, FL Peggy’s Corral Sunday Fun Day 12pm-4pm (every Sun). Live music, $2 Bloody Mary’s. 941-729-5442 Port Charlotte, FL Bert’s Black Widow H-D Concealed Weapons Permit Class with J&J One Stop Gun Shop. 941-883-8000 St. Petersburg, FL Bert’s Barracuda H-D Day of the Dead. 727-527-9672 Wednesday, November 8 Lakeland, FL Mojo’s Bike Night 6pm-10pm (every Wed). Food specials, beer specials and more. 863-583-9119 Thursday, November 9 Kissimmee, FL Old Town Bike Night 5pm-11pm (every Thu). Live music, and more. 407-396-4888 Saturday, November 11 Inglis, FL Veteran’s Day Ride (canned food drive) at Scooter Haven, KSU 10:30am. For more info 727-565-8743 Lakeland, FL (11/11-11/12) Lakeland H-D Salute Our Veterans celebration. 863-802-1971
Tampa, FL Shriners Motorcycle Toy & Fun Run 10am Egypt Shriners. 813-884-8381
Sunday, November 26 Gibsonton, FL Marine Corps Toys Inglis, FL (11/17-11/19) Scooter for Tots at Rivers Edge Bar & Grill. Haven 34th Anniversary Party Bring in an unwrapped toy for kids Weekend. 727-565-8743 in need this holiday. 813-671-9196 Saturday, November 18 Thursday, November 30 Tampa, FL LAMA Heroes Benefit Apollo Beach, FL Salty Shamrock (Honoring SPC Julie Ann Padilla) Bike Night (last Thu) 6pm-10pm. 12pm-5pm LAMA clubhouse. Food, Live music, food specials, vendors, music, 50/50 raffle, silent auction. bike show & more. 813-938-5282 813-299-4482
Sunday, December 3 Tampa, FL Cigar Heritage Festival 11am-5pm Centennial Park Ybor City. Hand-rolled premium cigars, Sunday, November 12 beer & wine truck, cigar rolling Inglis, FL Scooter Haven Open Jam Sunday’s (every Sunday) Ocala, FL War Horse H-D Black demonstrations, gourmet food Friday. Live music, food and more. truck, live music and more. 2pm-6pm. 727-565-8743 yborCityCigarFestival.com 800-624-1910 Palmetto, FL Peggy’s Corral Veteran’s Appreciation and Flag Port Charlotte, FL Bert’s Black Sunday, December 10 raising ceremony 12pm-1pm Widow H-D Black Friday. For more Kissimmee, FL Toy Bike Run at Old Town. Police escorted ride, Privateers Poker Run 4pm-6pm. 941-883-8000 donate a new unwrapped toy. 941-729-5442 St. Petersburg, FL Bert’s 407-396-4888 H-D Black Friday. 727St. Petersburg, FL Travis Barracuda 527-9672 St. Petersburg, FL Vietnam Vets/ Brunelle Memorial Ride 8:30am Bert’s Barracuda H-D. Dedication Tampa, FL Tampa H-D Black Legacy Vets MC Toy Run 9am ceremony, raffles, drawings and Friday Bike Night 5pm-8pm. Derby Lane Dog Track. Ride ends at American Legion Post 138. more. 727-527-9672 Vendors, Harley Girls, drinks, Cost $15 rider, $20 couple, a new pit, Used Bike specials. unwrapped gift will be appreciated. Seminole, FL Toyz for Tykes 14th burnout 813-886-7433 813-285-8895 Annual Children’s Benefit 9am Bert’s off the Beach. Live bands, Saturday, November 25 live auctions, raffles. 727-439- Gibsonton, FL Rivers Edge Bar & Saturday, December 16 FL Wreaths Across 1722 Grill Classic Car Show 12pm. For Brooksville, America 8am Walmart Distribution more info 813-671-9196 Center. Ride to Florida National Wednesday, November 15 St. Petersburg, FL (10/15-10/19) Ocala, FL (11/25-11/26)War Horse Cemetery to place a wreath. Bert’s Harley-Davidson St. Pete Harley-Davidson Black and Orange wreathsAcrossAmericaBushnell. Beach Bike Fest. Free nightly Weekend. Live music, food and com beach party, contests, vendors, more. 800-624-1910 daily poker run and more. Go to Lakeland, FL Wreaths Across website for lineup America 6am Saddle Creek Port Charlotte, FL (11/25-11/26) stPeteBeachBikeFest.com Bert’s Black Widow H-D Orange Corporation. Ride to Florida National Cemetery to place a wreath. Weekend. 941-883-8000 Friday, November 17 wreathsAcrossAmericaBushnell. Long Beach, CA Progressive St. Petersburg, FL (11/25-11/26) com International Motorcycle Show Lakeland, FL (11/24-11/26) Lakeland H-D Orange is the New Black Weekend celebration. 863802-1971
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Craven Moorehead A Change in the Season
Well, it’s a brand-new month and I am glad that we are all still here to enjoy it. Lots of stuff happening out here on the street and things get weirder and more dramatic every day, but we all have a lot of good times to look forward to. The upcoming holiday season brings a lot of good opportunities to most all of us, and regardless of the past, we should all revel in the possibilities of a brighter future. I feel that if we just keep believing that it can get better – it will. Last month, as you will recall, I was writing about the impacts of hurricane Irma and some of the situations that followed with the obvious problems it caused. Last month as I delivered the magazine through Lakeland, I saw the remnants of some of the devastation we endured. I hope everyone is fully made whole again and my heart goes out to all of those folks who lost their homes or property or perhaps even lives of loved ones. Thank God there were very few casualties involved in the storm and there are always situations that we could have better prepared for. Sometimes it’s never enough. I also neglected to mention in last month’s article the appreciation that I have for our Governor Rick Scott and others here in Florida and the US government for helping all of us with food assistance since there were a ton of losses. We were without power for five days and lost a lot of good grub regardless of my luck with getting 40 pounds of ice. I’m sure some lost more than I did but as soon as it was over, existing benefits were paid early and overages were issued. Kudos to the Governor and all involved in the support effort. Lately, there have been a lot of really bad things happening. Hurricane here in Florida, Hurricane and flooding in Texas, another terrible Hurricane in PR, killings in Vegas, fires in California and a myriad of other local news stories that are somewhat shocking. Biblically it almost appeared that we were in the end times, but I haven’t seen any locusts yet. ... Our president has been very busy, like him or not. I just want everyone to be okay but it it’s beyond my power. Maybe we can get a smooth ride for the rest of the year. I certainly hope so because I really hate to keep writing about bad stuff. Besides, you already know about all of this and don’t wanna hear me continue to yap about it. I have bad news though. Christmas is right around the corner. For all of you who survive this year’s extended ‘Black Friday’ – may God bless you!
Halloween has passed, and Thanksgiving is upon us and the usual rituals will certainly be followed and upheld. I have written before about the scenario of families getting together for a nice meal and time together that always ends up in an inevitable fight. Again, I mention that since I have no living family, there is really no one around for me to fight with. You can look at this as a good thing or a bad thing, but to me, it’s just a thing. I do still communicate with my cousins who are still here with us and that simply reminds me there is always an opportunity to carry on regardless of the situation. I hope everyone out there reading this has a great celebration this year and for many more years to come. Now that the weather has gotten cooler a lot of things are better for all of us. Although the threat of another hurricane or tropical storm has not fully passed, the advent of not having to run the air conditioner all day and night is a major plus! Also, it is a lot cooler in my shop and the other places that I work, so in my opinion, the change in season, albeit a small one makes a big difference. Yeah, we all live in Florida because of the beautiful weather, but an occasional change in temperature is certainly a welcomed event. Some have said there is no change in season here, but I think that we as Floridians have learned to notice and embrace the subtle changes. I kinda have a daily ritual for my own life. Not that I have a lot to do, but there are still the usual chores and the daily grind. I put my dawgs outside during the daytime – when it’s not raining, and they bark, hoot, and howl like there is no tomorrow, sometimes to the dismay and discomfort of the neighbors. I tried to explain it simply to them – “they are celebrating Howl-A-Ween” but I rarely get a positive response out here where I live. In most cases, their dogs are barking more than mine but that’s another story. At least I know that I have a couple of true friends even though they are furry four-legged friends. Doesn’t matter - they still like hanging out with me. Speaking of barking dogs, Born To Ride Radio has had a lot of really good reports and content this past month. Just as the weather got cooler so did we with Everywhere Eddie’s and Lynne’s live report from the Las Vegas Bikefest and a further recap on last week’s show, where we had Steve Hall from WFLA sitting in the studio with us and expounding upon his special take on the news. He is a biker and a consummate radio professional who has been in the business for many years. I am proud to be able to say that Eddie, Lynne, and Steve are actually my human friends and although they only have two legs, they are always there and dedicated just like the dawgs. You can tune in for the Born To Ride Radio show every Tuesday night from 8 PM till 11 PM at www.BorntoRide.com – damn we are having fun doing it! I know that we have a lot of listeners who are enjoying it also. I always say, “Try it you’ll like it,” so don’t be a turkey, just tune in! Do yourself a favor.
Keep a positive attitude against all adversity, and until next month, speed safely! CRAVEN Let us know what you think of Craven Moorehead, info@borntoride.com BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 69
Christian Motorcyclists Association
Traffic is a universal challenge that we all face; for many of us it is a daily headache, going back and forth to our jobs. Have you noticed that traffic seems to be getting worse each year, with more congestion? Truth be told, we can’t blame the snow birds for our difficulty on the roads. The traffic challenge is a year-round issue, not just a winter problem. The real issue isn’t even about the volume of traffic; the biggest difficulty is more about how people drive. The volume of traffic just helps us better see the trouble with traffic. The biggest challenge is that it seems like people think the roads are their own personal racetrack, and they are willing to push their way to conquer the roads daily. Just yesterday, a pickup truck with landscaping equipment cut me off to cut across three lanes of traffic to get on an entrance ramp for the highway. Did he not know until the last possible moment that he would be needing to make that move to approach the entrance ramp? The worst part of it is that the company name was on the truck and trailer, really makes folks excited to do business with someone driving like that! The other incident yesterday was a smaller bike, probably BTR 70 | BORNTORIDE.COM
a 250cc or 350cc, that was sitting on International Speedway (appropriately named) waiting for the light to change. Mind you, this is a seven- lane road, and heavily traveled, and this rider decided when the light changed that he should pop a wheelie and ride in traffic, taking a real risk of a serious accident. I don’t know about you, but these kinds of issues drive me crazy! In the Bible, in Psalm 37:1, we are told, “Do not fret because of evildoers.” This means that when I witness such driving or riding, rather than get all excited, or displaying an angry attitude, I should pray for that person’s safety, despite themselves. Rather than speeding up to prevent being cut off in traffic, I should just let the person go on ahead, possibly keeping me from being involved in an accident they may cause. Perhaps this sounds weak to wimp out and let the other guy go ahead, but whose neck will it ultimately save? Do you perhaps have a bumper sticker that points to a group or church you are involved in, is that really how you want them to think of your group, that the group members managed to block them in traffic. Folks, what the Bible is trying to say here is that life is short, chill! If you have a kind, positive attitude while driving, your ride will be much more pleasant for you. I think that is the message Jesus would have us live out in our daily lives! Try it, it will make a difference! In The Wind, Denny Dingler
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