Born to Ride Motorcycle Magazine Florida #164

Contents

January Issue 164

Ad Index

Features Wreaths Across America 9 Cigar Heritage Festival 15 Finz Finds-Seven Springs Ride 26 A 55 Year Love Story 31 Harley’s for Hearts Toy Run 34 Compass Expeditions-15 Week Asian Tour 44 Diamond Gusset-100% American Made 53

Columns

9

Woman’s World-Riding Fearlessly Craven Moorehead Spyke & Mike Christian Motorcycle Association

13 69 63 70

Departments Ride Safe, Ride Smart 7 Everywhere Eddy-Is Everywhere 43 BTR Events Update 66 Born To Ride Kids 70

Reports

44

Florida Cigar Club 19 Bruce Brown-A Legend is Gone 22 How Can Born To Ride Help Your Business 51 Keeping The Dream Alive 60 Craig Can Fix It 64

On The Cover

Gibtown Bikefest Jan 12-14 www.GibtownBikeFest.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 30 Al Estes Bail Bonds 56 Allstate - Jeff Ard 62 Attorney Fran Haasch IFC, 7, BC BTR Advertise 30 BTR Beer Club 56 BTR Cigar Club 18, 24 BTR Facebook 59 BTR For Life 55 BTR Lifestyle 24 BTR Patch 24, 38 BTR Radio 42 BTR Subscribe 62 BTR TV-This TV Tampa Bay 65 BTR TV-Great 38 5, 66 BTR TV-ABC 20 71 BTR VIP Text 8 BTR Youtube 2 CJ Seats 58 Copperhead Lodge 55 Cycle-Rama 58 Dania Vintage Show 42 FOE Party Under The Bridge 58 Gibtown Bike Fest 20, 21 H-D Crystal 72 H-D Florida 25 H-D Lakeland 4 H-D Barracuda 37 H-D Black Widow 36 H-D War Horse IBC Heat Up 57 L.A.M.A. Tampa 41 Leasure Automotive 65 Love Jugs 45 Media Design Shop 50, 52 Midwest Motorcycle 33 New Hope Ministries 40 Peggy’s Corral 12 Progressive Insurance 3 Old Town Bike Night 14 Ride Factory 42 Rider on the River 61 Rivers Edge Bar & Grill 38 Saddle Creek 11 Salty Shamrock 29 Screwie Louie’s-Scooter Haven 28 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 39 The Ride Factory 42 Thunder By The Bay 48 Trikes By Design 42 Tropic Trailer 61 Visit Sarasota 48 Wings-n-Weenies 59 Whiskey River 32

BORN TO RIDE Magazine

PO BOX 3021 Brandon, FL 33509

PUBLISHER

Ron Galletti 813-785-3895 rg@borntoride.com CO PUBLISHER

Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com ART DIRECTOR

Shawn Jones art@borntoride.com

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com ART DEPARTMENT

Seth Wuertz, Juan Guzman, Mike Agulair, Wyatt art@borntoride.com

WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Juan Guzman

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Jesse Williams

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

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Vick Velosity, Kenny Bowers, Mr. Clean, Charlie Kelley, Craven Moorehead, Bam Bam, Birdman Mike ROAD DIRT/TEST RIDE

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SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT

Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds CONTRIBUTORS

Neale Bayly, Paul Garson, Craven Moorehead, Spyke & Mike, Susan Hurst, Eric Albright, Rob Brooks, Eric Vician, Myra McElhaney PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Whitney, Ron & Selena Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Eric Albright, Vick Velosity, Rob Brooks, Tom Seiter, Billy Wright Advertise in FLorida or South East BTR Magazine Call the Sales Office

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PASSING OTHER VEHICLES

Search: Traveling again along a two-lane state highway, you approach a slow-moving vehicle and make a decision to pass.

Passing on a motorcycle is not substantially different than passing in a car, though (as is always the case on a motorcycle) taking steps to ensure your own visibility is more important when you are riding.

Take every possible step to be sure the driver you are overtaking is aware of you.

Evaluate: Make sure there is a good opportunity to pass. Check for oncoming traffic, and gauge whether or not there is sufficient clear roadway available to complete the passing maneuver safely.

Execute: Once you have determined that it is safe to pass: move to the left portion of the lane, at a safe following distance.

This will increase your line of sight, and also make you more visible. Signal and perform a final traffic check, remembering to glance in your mirrors and also make a head check to look for traffic approaching from behind. Move into the left lane and accelerate.

Select a lane position that maintains a sufficient space cushion between you and the car you are passing, but that also leaves you the space to avoid hazards that may appear in the oncoming lane.

Signal to return to your lane, and check your mirrors and perform a head check to make sure you won’t cut off the car you just passed before returning to your lane. Resume SEEing.

For more info, go to www.msf-usa.org

Share your Travel Story with Born To Ride, call us to talk about it before you go. 888-795-5779

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Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, teach our children the cost of freedom

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Remember, Honor, Teach • Sponsor a Wreath for this Year at wreathsacrossamericabushnell.com

Women’s World Riding Fearlessly

Sandy Weaver rode on her brother’s dirt bike when she was a kid. When riding at the dirt track with the boys she hit a patch of sand and dumped the bike. Her dad rescued her, and despite the fall she still thought riding was cool!

At age nineteen Sandy moved to Washington, DC where she had a sports car and sometimes rode on back of a boyfriend’s bike. She really wanted to drive her own! When that boyfriend was history and she was just about to buy a motorcycle, Sandy met a new man. A man who didn’t like motorcycles! Somehow despite that major flaw she ended up marring him.

With motorcycle riding on the back burner, Sandy was busy building a career in radio.

Having started at the small, local radio station in her home town of Columbus, Georgia, she moved to Boston, MA, Arlington, VA and Washington, DC. Sandy worked her way up through the ranks as an assistant program director, promotions assistant, mid-day and afternoon drive time on-air personality, music director and on to morning show host.

While rising through the ranks in radio, Sandy was very involved in another hobby that’s dear to her heart. She owns and shows Siberian Huskies. Enamored with those beautiful amazing animals she’s owned as many as six at a time! For a while she trained dogs for other people but that wasn’t as exciting as showing dogs.

Have you ever watched dog shows on TV and seen the person at the center of the ring directing the dogs around? That’s the judge. After traveling the country showing her own dogs, Sandy became interested in judging. Judges aren’t judging dogs against other dogs. They’re assessing each dog to the breed standard to find the perfect standard of that specific breed. To do that you need to study, test and become certified in each breed you judge. Sandy is approved by the American Kennel Club to judge eleven different dog breeds and is working toward additional certifications.

Sandy and her husband moved to Atlanta where she continued in radio for a bit before starting her own business. As CEO and Program Director for The Center for Workplace Happiness, Sandy works with corporations and associations to increase morale, pump up productivity and boost the bottom line. Her radio background helps her to emcee events, interview experts, produce audio books and podcasts and to write articles and blogs. With an Amazon. com #1-selling author with “The Happiness Recipe” as well as an award-winning author with “The Original MBA - Succeed in business using Mom’s Best Advice,” Sandy is considered an expert on Happiness.

(You can learn more about Sandy’s business at SandyJWeaver.com and @ SandyWeaverHappiness on Facebook.

After a successful radio career, starting her own business and thirty years of marriage, the non-motorcycle husband is now a ‘wasband’! (He was her husband, get it?)

By the time the ink was dry on the divorce papers Sandy had signed up for a motorcycle safety class! After getting the ‘M’ on her driver’s license, she purchased a Whisky-colored Harley-Davidson Softail Slim.

Wanting a special name for her bike, Sandy went to the process she’d always used for naming her Siberians. As a professional radio personality, music is very important so each one was named for a song or singer.

If you would like info on Born To Ride Womens Club, Email info@borntoride.com

The two dogs she currently has are Duffy, named for Stephen Duffy of Barenaked Ladies and Henley after Don Henley of the Eagles. Since riding makes her feel fearless, Sandy named her bike after the song, “Fearless by Taylor Swift.” She calls her Taylor. Sandy had an amazing sketch she’d drawn years ago of a very special Siberian named Vin. She was able to get a friend to wrap her helmet with the sketch of Vin’s face.

Now when Sandy rides Taylor she mixes her love of motorcycles, Siberians and music!

She feels fearless and with her special helmet knowing Vin has her back!

(Do you have a great story about riding?

If so contact Myra@MyraMcELhaney.com and maybe, you’ll be interviewed for a story here!)

Myra McElhaney BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 13

Our Culture. Our Heritage. Our History • Get info for Next Years Event www.yborcitycigarfestival.com

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Sign Up for the Born To Ride Cigar Club at www.BornToRide.com “Send Us Your Photo’s”

Our Culture. Our Heritage. Our History • Get info for Next Years Event www.yborcitycigarfestival.com

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For many of us, Kipling said it best “a good Cigar is a Smoke.” Now add a group of cigar aficionados to the equation and you have the makings of a cigar club. We spoke with Mike Palmer the founder of the Florida Cigar Club about his passion for a good smoke and good company.

It all started in 2014, my wife told me to find a hobby. I was already an avid cigar smoker, so I decided to start a Facebook group called the Florida Cigar Club Lounge. It has grown over the last 3 ½ years to what we have now the Florida Cigar Club (FCC). As of this past Saturday, which is the day we add new members (had to be cut down to one day a week because we are getting about 10 a week) 436 members statewide.

Are there any general guidelines that members must follow?

We have a set of rules that each member must adhere to: 1. Be nice 2. No Buying/Selling/Trading of Cigars and accessories on the main page 3. All content and photos have to be PG13 rated 4. All posts must be cigar related 5. You must post or comment once every two weeks to stay a member 6. You must be a resident of Florida

We have three big events each year.

1. The Clubs Birthday (June) 2. Holiday Party (December) 3. Spring Meet and Greet (April) We rotate the events each year to allow members to go to as many events as possible. This year our Meet and Greet event was held in the Clearwater Area.

The Birthday Party occurred in North Cape Coral and the Holiday party will be here in

Deltona at Cigar Hustler our headquarters.

We have several weekly events in regional areas that allow for members to get out and meet each other for fellowship and a chance to just enjoy the hobby of cigars.

1. The Weekly Tradition meets in the Tamp/Clearwater/St Pete Area 2. Jokes and Smokes covers Brandon/ North Tamp/Lakeland 3. East Side Boyz are West Palm to Fort Lauderdale 4. Downtown Fellas are Fort Lauderdale to Miami 5. Sticks Movie Night is every Wednesday

Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value for you the Reader.

in North Fort Meyers In addition to this, we have a monthly meetup in Orlando just called “Orlando Meetup” and one in Apollo Beach area called “The Breakfast Club” where they meet for breakfast then a cigar shop for a mid-morning stick.

Wow, it seems like there is a lot of work to this hobby of yours, do you have any help?

Dominic Gemelli and I run the day to day operations and maintenance of the club through Facebook. But we have three admins who help us keep track of all the events. As you can see it’s all about getting out and making new friends.

Smoking and discussing cigars is a social hobby, or it’s supposed to be, so why not take advantage of things we all have in common and love while making friends.

It sounds like there is a strong sense of fraternity within the Florida Cigar Club?

The FCC has become a huge part of many people’s lives. In the last three and a half years I have had the rare opportunity to go to several members birthday parties, been a part of members weddings, the birth of their children and stood with them at funerals of their loved ones. This group for many is now their Family.

Mike if someone wants to know more about the Florida Cigar Club what should that person do?

Visit our Facebook page Florida Cigar Club. Tell them Born To Ride Sent You. BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 19

Bruce Brown, A Legend is Gone His Work Will Live on Forever

Bruce Brown 1937-2017

New York Times, Vincent Canby said that after “On Any Sunday” and “The Endless Summer,” Mr. Brown was in line to become “the unofficial poet of the sports world.” He added, “By putting his cameras on the cycles, Brown achieves audienceparticipation effects with speed that amounts to marvelous delirium.” His son Dana said the cause was probably heart failure. He was 80.

This month in Bruce Brown’s Honor Born To Ride reviews the classic “On Any Sunday.” On Any Sunday is not a typical motorcycle exploitation film, but on the contrary a very positive motorcycle ‘sport’ documentary piece featuring Steve McQueen, Mert Lawwill, Malcolm Smith, and a cast of hundreds of other motorcycle racers and enthusiasts. This 1971 expose was produced by Bruce Brown, and Steve McQueen, and features some very good cinematography considering it’s vintage. It also portrays motorcycle enthusiasts as ‘good guys’ instead of the alternative. The opening scene shows a group of kids racing their bicycles, making motorcycle noises. Some credit this scene with the ‘creation’ of BMX, but I looked at it as a positive thing for the motorcycle community, as we watch our kids aspire to be like us as they grow older.

This film leaves no stone unturned in the motorcycle racing world, covering everything from road racing to the “Widow Maker” hill climb. A good portion of the movie focuses on the career of Mert Lawwill who held the AMA number one plate for one grueling season, riding his Harley XR 750 in the flat track series. The film follows Mert through one of his bad years where multiple engine failures and other calamities cause him to lose BTR 22 | BORNTORIDE.COM

the coveted number 1 plate to Gene Romero at the season finale in Sacramento. Mert didn’t just flat track it all the way through the film however. He and his costars, Malcolm Smith and Steve McQueen are filmed in various situations in multiple divisions of motorcycle racing. Most know McQueen as an actor who would spend a lot of leisure time as an auto racer, but On Any Sunday will show you that he is a very accomplished motorcycle racer as well.

On Any Sunday is often credited as the best and/or most important motorcycle documentary ever made. Roger Ebert says “It does for motorcycle racing what The Endless Summer did for surfing.” I agree with Ebert on this (for once we agree) but don’t forget that Bruce Brown produced both of these films, so that quote is more of an insult than a compliment in my opinion.

On Any Sunday is available on a digitally re-mastered DVD and the “Directors Cut” edition comes with yet a second DVD which covers the making of the movie behind the scenes, the trailer, interviews and et cetera. This flick runs 96 minutes, and you will likely enjoy at least 90 of them! If you love motorcycles and racing, you will like this film!

I’ll give this one 5 out of 5 stars for keeping me entertained a true motorcycle classic. Thank You Bruce Brown and RIP.

Do you have a favorite Biker Movie we don’t have? Let us know: info@borntoride.com

Florida has many hidden gems, and the springs she holds are some of the good ones. It is a magical destination to visit one of them, and the surrounding back roads to get there are outstanding. The Florida Springs ride I have included in this months issue is one of my favorites out of my new book “Scenic Rides To Florida Destinations”.

The book contains 60 scenic back road rides to some of Florida’s best destinations.

You will find castle rides, a Florida Keys ride, winery rides, zoo’s, aquariums & marine park rides, botanical garden rides, park & forest rides, lighthouse rides, seafood shack rides, and of course springs rides. Go to www.finzfinds.com for more info.

The route that I put together, is for you to ride at your own pace. It is not a structured guided ride, but one to be enjoyed whenever you feel like taking off and exploring. The ride is 103 miles long, and approximately 2 hrs 20 min. It is in northern Florida and visits seven different springs. It starts at Troy Springs State Park and heads to Wes Skiles Peacock Springs Park. The next stop is Lafayette Blue Springs, State Park. From there you go to Madison Blue Spring, then off to Suwannee River State Park. You will continue to Falmouth Spring and will end at Suwannee Springs. I hope you enjoy this great part of Florida as much as I do.

1) Troy Spring is popular for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The spring run is only about 325 feet long before it reaches the Suwannee, and has the remains of the Civil War-era steamboat Madison. It is located at 674 Troy Springs Road, Branford, FL 32008 - (386) 935-4835

cave diving, with two second and one third magnitude springs. Cave divers have explored and surveyed nearly 33,000 feet of complex underwater passages, thus documenting one of the longest mapped underwater cave systems in the world. It is located at Peacock Springs Road, Luraville, FL 32066 - (386) 776-2194

3) Lafayette Blue Springs State Park is one of Florida’s 33 first magnitude springs.

The headspring starts from a twenty-foot deep fracture in the limestone, flows up into a spring pool, then out under a limestone land bridge to the Suwannee River 300 feet away. It is located at 799 Northwest Blue Springs Road, Mayo, FL 32066 - (386) 294-3667

the west bank of the scenic Withlacoochee River. It is located at 8300 Northeast State Road 6, Lee, FL 32059 - (850) 971-5003

5) Suwannee River State Park is situated where the Withlacoochee River joins the Suwannee River. At this point, the Suwanacoochee Spring gushes from the base of a 25-foot high bank of the Withlacoochee as a second magnitude spring. It is located at 20185 County Road 132, Live Oak, FL 32060 - (386) 362-2746

6) Falmouth Spring flows about 160 cubic feet per second. It is located within a 276-acre recreation area managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District.

The spring starts in a depression within uplands, flows for roughly 450 feet, and then disappears underground. It is located at the Suwannee River Water Management District, Live Oak, FL 32060 - (386) 3621001, (800) 226-1066

4) Madison Blue Spring is a crystal-clear spring and a popular swimming hole. The spring pool is a small limestone basin on

2) Wes Skiles Peacock Springs Park is an international destination for recreational BTR 26 | BORNTORIDE.COM

Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value for you the Reader.

7) Suwannee Springs is a featured recreation site managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District. The historic park is home to the old spring house that was built in the 1800s around the sulfur springs. You can swim in the springs, picnic, and enjoy the snow white river sand bars of the Suwannee River. It is located at 9119 32nd Street, Live Oak, FL 32060 - (386) 362-1001 1) From Troy Springs State Park Head south NE Troy Springs Rd (0.3 mi) Turn left onto Jeff Walker Rd (0.2 mi) Continue onto Troy Springs Rd (0.9 mi) Continue onto CR 425 (0.2 mi) Turn right onto US-27 N (7.8 mi) Turn right onto Co Rd 354 (6.7 mi) Turn right onto FL-51 N (2.0 mi) Turn right onto 180th St (3.1 mi) Turn right onto 185th Rd (1.5 mi) 2) Stop at Wes Skiles Peacock Springs Park Head north on 185th Rd (1.5 mi) Turn left onto 180th St (3.1 mi) Turn left onto FL-51 S (2.5 mi) Right onto NW County Road 536 (3.0 mi) Turn right onto US-27 N (1.1 mi) Right onto NW County Rd 292 (2.5 mi) Turn right (0.4 mi) 3) Stop at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park North toward NW County Rd 292 (0.4 mi) Right onto NW County Rd 292 (1.8 m) Left to stay on NW CR-292 (1.3 mi) Continue onto NW CR-290 (1.6 mi) Turn right onto NW CR-53 (7.4 mi) Keep right on Co Rd 255 (14.5 mi) Turn right onto FL-6 E (3.3 mi) 4) Stop at Madison Blue Spring Left onto Old Blue Springs Rd (1.6 mi) Continue onto CR 414 (0.2 mi) Continue Old Blue Spring Hwy (0.5 mi) Slight left toward CR 414 (0.2 mi) Merge onto CR 414 (1.0 mi) Continue onto Magnolia Ave (0.9 mi) Left Magnolia Ave/Old Blue Springs (0.3 mi) Left onto US-90 E (8.3 mi) Turn left onto Stagecoach Rd (381 ft) Continue straight 201st Path (0.7 mi) Turn right toward 201st Path (151 ft) Make a U-turn (151 ft) Turn left onto 201st Path (0.3 mi) 5) Stop at Suwannee River State Park

I hope you enjoy this ride from in my new book, “Scenic Rides To Florida Destinations.” It is available along side of all my other scenic riding guide books at www.finzfinds.com. Keep current with new books, ride destinations, road condition updates, and all ride-related info on my Facebook page “Finz Finds Scenic Motorcycle Rides” Remember to stay in the wind Steve “Finz” Finzelber

Head south on 201st Path (0.4 mi) Continue onto Stagecoach Rd (381 ft) Turn left onto US-90 E (2.1 mi) 6) Stop at Falmouth Spring Head southeast on US-90 E (4.7 mi) Turn left onto 153rd Rd (4.0 mi) Slight left onto Co Rd 249 (0.2 mi)

Photo credits: Troy Spring – Facebook photo Joe Cruz Wes Skiles Peacock Springs Park Facebook photo, Jason Parker Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Facebook photo, JoAnna Lemmon, Madison Blue Spring State Park - by Instagrammer 2vagabondgirls Suwannee River State Park Facebook Photo Pop Poperoni

Right CR-132/Stagecoach Rd (7.8 mi) Turn left onto US-129 N (0.3 mi) Turn right onto 93rd Dr (0.3 mi) Turn right onto 32nd St (0.3 mi) Turn left onto 91st Dr (285 ft) 7) End at Suwannee Springs

Tell us about your Favorite Ride or Bucket List Ride and we might just sponsor your Trip. info@borntoride.com

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When you’re in a great relationship, it always adds more substance when you and your love share the same interests and desires. For bikers like us, having your soul mate enjoy motorcycles as much as you only create more of a life-long bond with one another!

Many of you reading this article may be heavy duty, nose-to-the-grindstone, bike builders. I’m sure if I mention the name Tommy Anderson, you’ll say, “Ah yes! I know him! He builds some amazing, oneof-a-kind motorcycles!” I also wager that you may know of Tommy’s sweet, loving wife, Georgina. She was Tommy’s “oneof-a-kind” and someone you would never forget once you met her!

I had the opportunity to speak with Tommy about his sweet love of 55+ years that, unfortunately, passed away on November 11.

We spent a great deal of time talking about “Gina” and the outstanding organization and management skills she had in setting up some of the most elite and unique bike shows throughout the United States. You may have attended one or more!

When I asked Tommy how he met his love, he said, “Gina was a cheerleader back in Kansas City where we grew up. I was always building and creating custom cars.

One day, she came out with the guy that was going to pinstripe my car. Sitting on a picnic table, I was visiting with her for about two hours one day while we watched her

boyfriend pinstripe my car. A month or so later, I started calling her. After six months, she finally went out with me.”

“When people talk about “’Ol School People,” she was definitely one of them!

For example, the day we got married by the justice of the peace, there was the part where the Justice said, “Gina, do you take Tom to be your husband, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, etc. She looked me right in the eye and said, ‘Do you really mean it?’ She scared me. So, I said, ‘Yeah, I do.’ That was in the beginning. Throughout our 55 years together, we kissed every morning and kissed every evening.”

Tommy taught high school for 10 years while Gina stayed home taking care of their business. They had a custom bike shop in Kansas City for 17 years. “When I retired, we sold everything in Kansas City and moved to Florida. I got involved with Steve Lamb who owns Crystal River Chevrolet and Crystal River Harley-Davidson. I’ve been with Steve for 19 years and am currently managing his museum.”

Tommy and Gina’s bike shows were top notch and elite! We had a show where the prize of $1,000 was awarded for the best bike in the show. It was back in the early 1990s when the custom world was starting to grow. We had 80 bikes show up for this event. These were all custom bikes – no street bikes at all. We always try to have a higher end type of event – not the street-type bike shows that were staged in parking lots. We would find a motel with palm trees and swimming pools and stage each of these custom bikes throughout the hotel layout. We got to know all the top bike builders.” Tommy and Gina were in the bike building business for 40 years. Having shows during Bike Week in Daytona and Biketoberfest. “Over the years, we both got to know many bike builders like Arlen Ness.

Gina was good friends with all of them.”

Gina was small in stature but very large in personality and attention to detail. “She was 5’ tall and 100 pounds all her life. Lovingly called Pinky because of her small stature, Gina made friends with everyone she met!

In fact, a lot of the guys Gina dealt with BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 31

respected her and the work she did in the industry. Gina didn’t tolerate any filthy or demeaning talk while she was around. She would let everyone know, in no uncertain terms, that that kind of conversation would NOT be tolerated! When she was setting up these fancy bike shows, she didn’t take any guff or attitudes with anyone – including these high profile bike builders. That’s how she was and she was respected for that.”

Nothing slid by Gina. She was the contact person with all the bike builders, hotel venues, etc. Working with bike builders from other countries, Gina brought in some amazing and one-of-a-kind creations.

The Master Bike Show was the name of the event they organized together; A very upscale, exclusive show.

What would you think if your phone rang, you answered it, and the guy on the other end said, “Hi! I’m Jay Leno!” That truly happened to Tommy on his way home from a swap meet! “I was working the Webster Swap Meet and was on my way home. My phone rang and I answered it. The guy said, ‘Hi! This is Jay Leno!’ I thought to myself, ‘Yeah, Jay Leno is calling ME!’ Jay said, ‘Your wife Gina sent me this picture and I

just wanted to talk with you about this bike.’

A few days later, Jay called me again!

The picture she sent him a twin-engine motorcycle that I built. She was always promoting and marketing the bikes and the shows. Thanks to Gina, I have sent bikes to Germany and Sweden for various shows. I built probably 5 or 6 high end, competitive bikes. We’re talking $60,000-$70,000 bikes.”

Gina was constantly giving and doing for others. Tom explained, “If there was a homeless person she passed by, she would give them money. If Gina knew of a family in need, she would take food or clothing to them. At Christmas time if there were children going without, Gina stepped in to help make their holiday a bit brighter. Her heart was huge and real. You couldn’t ask for a more caring and supporting person than Gina.”

In addition to excelling in the high-end game of organizing bike shows across the country, Gina was also a fabulous, outstanding mom!

With pride and love inflecting in his words, Tom said, “We had two beautiful children; a son William and a daughter Candace.

Unfortunately, we lost Candy three years

ago to an aneurysm. Today, Bill goes to work with me every day and has taken over cooking and taking care of the household duties. He does a great job and we have a great time every day we are together!” Tom is also proud of his grandchildren. “When Gina passed away, my grandkids came over and took care of me for a few days. I am so thankful!”

Tommy and Gina have been a part of the Born To Ride family for many years. When I reached out to Ron Galletti to ask for a quote for this exclusive story he said, “Both Tommy and Gina have always been a part of the Born To Ride family. In addition, they are respected friends to all who know them.

Gina will be deeply missed by all of us.”

With all the sadness Tommy and his family have gone through, his love for Gina is undeniably strong and solid. “They say that when you meet that one person – your soul mate – that you are truly set for life. I am so very fortunate that I was able to spend 55 years with Gina. We shared more together than most folks, and for that, I shall be ever thankful.” If you would like to reach out to Tommy, send it to info@borntoride.com We’ll make sure he gets it.

Susan Hurst

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Are You Ready For A 15 Week 103 Day Asian Motocycle Expedition?

Compass Expeditions is excited to announce its newest addition to its major expedition program, the Asian Overland Expedition. “Due to public demand we have created this new exciting 103-day expedition that begins in Darwin and ends in Beijing”, says co-founder Mick McDonald. “We have many clients who have done all of our major expeditions, some doing the same expedition twice, and it was with these people in mind we have decided to launch this new amazing expedition that traverses two hemispheres and promises to become one of our most epic journeys”, continues Mick.

This extraordinary journey visits one of the world’s newest countries of Timor Leste before island hopping some of the 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia, BTR 44 | BORNTORIDE.COM

islands such as Nusa Tenggara, Lombok, Bali, Java & Sumatra. We cross onto the South East Asian mainland at Malaysia, renowned for its superb food, and ride north into stunning Thailand; an impossibly beautiful landscape of white beaches bordered by limestone “Karsts”, megacities & mist-­covered mountains. We enter remote landlocked Laos and ride amongst its forests and visit the legendary Buddhist complex of Luang Prabang. From Laos, we enter magnificent China and spend 47 amazing days in China. The ride includes the sensational passes of the Sichuan – Tibet & Qinghai – Tibet highways to & from Lhasa experiencing one of the most spectacular viewpoints on earth, Everest Base Camp. Ancient cities, Terracotta armies, hanging monasteries, impossibly

green rice terraces and endless mountains are only a part of what makes our time in China breathtaking. The ride eventually enters triumphantly into Beijing after traveling over 20,000ks across two hemispheres at the completion of what has been one of the world’s greatest long-distance rides.

If rarely visited islands, rare wildlife encounters, smoldering volcanoes, dense forests, towering mountain peaks, ancient antiquities, superb food & some of the best riding on earth is your thing then the Asian Overland is your expedition.

For more information contact info@ compassexpeditions.com or visit the Asian Overland Expedition webpage or call 1300 887 327 (within Australia) or +61 3 9747 2379 (outside Australia) or visit www.compassexpeditions.com

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Week One This mighty expedition kicks off in the Northern Australian capital of Darwin, where we spend two nights allowing time to visit this remote city before taking our flight to Dili. We spend three nights in Dili, capital of one of the worlds newest countries, allowing us time to collect our bikes and explore this tropical outpost. We ride via Balibo the infamous site where the Australian journalists were murdered before crossing into Indonesia and seeing the week out at the port city of Kupang, the site where Capitan Bligh landed after the mutiny.

Week Two Our first ferry crossing is also one of the longest and takes us across the Savu Sea to Ende on the islands known as East Nusa Tenggara, a wondrous landscape of technicolor volcanic lakes, semi arid savannah, brilliant beaches and lush jungles. We visit the stunning lakes of BTR 46 | BORNTORIDE.COM

Kelimutu National Park before the famous Spider Web rice paddies and of course the legendary Komodo Islands where we see the dragons of the same name. The week comes to an end as we take another ferry from East Nusa Tenggara to West Nusa Tenggara.

a sunrise trek for an aweinspiring view over a number of volcanic peaks. Riding across Java we reach Yogyakarta where we spend two nights allowing us time to visit Expedition Indonesia’s premier archaeological sites, the mystical UNESCO listed Borobudur and Prambanan.

Week Three We ride across the little known Sumbawa in West Nusa Tenggara province via Bima and take another ferry to sublime Lombok before another ferry to the world-renowned Bali. Bali is known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches, coral reefs and innumerable temples; it is the epitome of paradise. We spend five days exploring this incredible island.

Week Four Leaving Bali we take another ferry over to Java where we visit the absolutely stunning Mt Bromo, scenically located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. We enjoy

Week Five Leaving Java we cross onto Sumatra, an aweinspiring landscape of rugged tropical terrain, wildlife and smouldering volcanoes.

We spend two nights at the superb Way Kambas National Park where we get the chance to go on an elephant trek. We hug the stunning coastline to Bengkulu and visit the old British influenced, Fort Marlborough.

Continuing on we visit Kerinci Seblat National Park, the last remaining place on earth for the Sumatran Tiger.

Week Six We start the week with a thrilling 44 twisties down to Lake Manijau before

Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value for you the Reader. 888-795-5779

crossing the Equator and riding onto Bukit Lawang on the edge of the Gunung Leuser National Park. No visit to Indonesia is complete without a visit to the Orangutans and we spend two nights at a nearby Orangutan centre allowing us time to visit these amazing creatures, along with some other primates. After five amazing weeks in Indonesia we see the week out crossing the Malacca Straits into Malaysia. Riders starting the ride in Singapore will meet the group as we enter Malaysia.

Week Seven Our first experience of Malaysia is the wonderful Melaka with is UNESCO Heritage listed old town before we move north to the legendary Penang, nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient. Penang is famous for its soft sandy beaches and is regarded as the food capital of Malaysia. We spend two nights in Penang allowing us time to wander the

UNESCO listed old town and of course sample its legendary food. We cross into Thailand and visit the amazing karst and mangrove scenery around Krabi. We spend two nights at Railay exploring this fantastic scenery. We see the week out at Khao Sok Khao a nature reserve containing dense virgin jungle, tower like limestone karst formations and the man-made Cheow Lan Lake.

Week Eight Leaving the countryside we ride into the maelstrom that is Bangkok where we spend time allowing us to work on our bikes or simply relax. We quickly leave this metropolis via Kanchanaburri, home to the famous yet tragic “Bridge over the River Kwai” that formed part of the Burma Railway in WW2. Riding due north we reach the highlands of Northern Thailand renown for its lush forests and endless valleys and mountain peaks. We visit

Northern Thailand’s epicentre of Chiang Mai before riding the superb Mae Song Loop, a wonderful mountain escape of terraced hill tribe farmlands and endless twisties. This region is home to the legendary Karen hill tribes otherwise known as the long neck women.

Week Nine This week we cross into Laos and spend two nights in the French influenced capital of Vientiane, a wonderful leafy town more than a bustling city, scenically located o the banks of the Mekong. We can wander the old town, enjoy one on the many sidewalk cafes or enjoy a Beerlao watching sunset over the Mekong. Continuing north we spend another two nights at one of South East Asia’s most iconic religious sites. Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses & Golden-roofed wats. The site is stunningly located at the confluence of BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 47

the Mekong and Khan Rivers. We see the week out at the Laos / Chinese border.

Week Ten We cross into China, an immense country of impossibly diverse landscapes and peoples with a storybook history. We start our Chinese adventure riding though picturesque hilltop villages covered in centuries old rice terraces, tea gardens and undulating countryside, it is the quintessential Chinese scene. We continue on to Kunming where we spend two nights giving us time to visit the 1000 year old Yuantong Temple and explore the “Spring City” as it is known. We continue onto Dali, stunningly located between mountains and Erhai Lake.

Week Eleven We visit the tiny market town of Shaxi, an BTR 48 | BORNTORIDE.COM

ancient cultural treasure on the Tea Horse Road, a road of similar importance to that of the Silk Road but far less famous.

We visit Lijiang, a maze of cobblestoned streets and canals lined with pagodas and vendors; nothing it seems has changed much in centuries. Ascending ever higher into the mountains we visit the renowned Tiger Leaping Gorge before riding into the real Shangri-La, a stunning landscape of dense forests, alpine lakes, grasslands, and gorges set amongst meadows and plains. Leaving beautiful Yunnan Province we cross into Tibet and ride one of the most stunning highways on the entire ride, the Sichuan – Tibet Highway. This route still remains partly unpaved yet we are rewarded with utterly stunning high altitude views of mountains, glacier fed lakes, remote monasteries and alpine vistas on what is some of the highest, wildest and

remotest routes on earth.

Week Twelve We arrive into the high altitude Lhasa where we spend three nights allowing us time to acclimatize and visit the remarkable Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and witness the great pilgrimage around Barkhour. Joining the Friendship Highway we continue southwest via the stunning Tashilunpo Monastery and visit one of Tibet’s biggest monasteries, Sagya before eventually reaching Tingri, a tiny hamlet that offers sweeping views of the mighty Himalayan Peaks that border China and Nepal. It is from here we continue onto the worlds highest monastery, Rongphu, where we overnight allowing us the best opportunity to get immense views of the towering Mount Everest. Watching the rays of the day reflect of the snowcapped

For more information contact info@compassexpeditions.com • www.compassexpeditions.com

Everest is an indescribable sight that will remain with you forever, it’s a rare privilege to view the absolute top of the world at sunrise.

Week Thirteen Leaving Everest Basecamp we return to Lhasa via the Tibetan village of Gyantzse and Yamdork Lake, one of Tibet’s holiest lakes. After one more night in Lhasa we visit Namsto Lake, a magnificent turquoise lake surrounded by snowcapped peaks and Buddhist prayer flags before continuing north over a series of 5,000 m passes through a landscape of prairie, lakes, mountains and desert at an average altitude of 4,000 m on the Quinhai – Tibet Highway, the main artery to/from Tibet.

The road continues into the province of Quinhai and descends to Golmud. This is a ride we will remember forever for its

outstanding mountain views at every turn.

We visit Caka Salt Lake before seeing the week out at Xining.

Week Fourteen We ride onto Xian where we visit one of the worlds most famous archeological sights, that of the Army of Terracotta Warriors. We spend two nights in Xian giving us time to visit this extraordinary site created by Chinas first dynasty, the Qin Dynasty from 246 to 206 BC. This is one of the most extraordinary archeological sites ever discovered after being dug up by famers digging for a well in 1974, having lain buried for 2000 years!! We also visit the ancient Ming Dynasty city walls that encircle numerous backstreets, narrow alleyways and shops. We visit the superb Pingyao, China’s best preserved ancient walled town giving us a real taste

of “Old China”. The week comes to a close in Datong, home to the amazing Huayan Hanging Temple built precariously into a cliff face.

Week Fifteen Our last week of what has been an utterly amazing adventure we visit the incredible Yuangang Caves that are home to over 50,000 Buddhist statues. From Datong we ride into the capital of China, Beijing, after experiencing an impossible array of landscapes, cultures and experiences. We spend three nights in the capital giving us time to visit some of China’s most legendary sites such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square to name a few. Our final days riding will see us travel to Tianjin to pack our bikes and prepare for shipping.

Asian Overland Expedition, call 1300 887 327 (within Australia) or +61 3 9747 2379 (outside Australia)

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Find Out How We Can Help Your Business Grow

Born To Ride Motorcycle Media is ready to contribute to your success!

For 23 years, we have been dedicated to the biker community. We can put your product and service into a direct market of consumers using our various media platforms. Our TV Show and Magazine in Florida has made us the number one go to Motorcycle Media Outlet in the State.

Our SouthEast Magazine Market in: Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee

has a great demographic reach as well. We specialize in Events, Promotions, Third Party Marketing, Media Consulting, Branding & Social Media Platforms. BornToRide.com is a powerhouse rated #1 by Google for Motorcycle Events, we also have a YouTube Channel and the Born To Ride Radio Show to reach even more consumers on the World Wide Web. There are over 500 Thousand Registered Motorcycle owners in the State of Florida alone. Tourism brings

even more riders to the state every year, riding the beautiful roads, while adding economic impact. Born To Ride reaches those riders and so will your message. We are confident we can create a dynamic media package that will fit your budget and contribute to your success. We want to be your media partner and help your business grow. Come by our booth, say Hello and we will have a great idea for you.

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Ron & Deb Galletti

Call Ron on his Cell to setup a media package for you to effect your bottom line. 813-785-3895

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 51

Many companies today provide quality protective clothing for motorcycle riders. Blue jeans are often the go-to pant for bikers, for their comfort, utilitarian function, and general good looks. Yet often, these offer sub-par protection in the event of an “off.” Several companies offer armored jeans, with sewn-in protection at key points around the garment. Companies like Joe Rocket, Icon, Alpinestars, and Cortech are among those who offer high quality riding jeans.

At a recent Great American Motorcycle Show, I had the privilege to meet with David Hall of Diamond Gusset Jean Company, a unique, all-American outfit based in Bon Aqua, Tennessee. Among their many and varied jean styles, they manufacture a “biker jean,” with fantastic features I’ve never seen before in a riding jean. Hall outfitted both Ron Galletti and me with a pair of their “Defender” riding jeans, for the purpose of giving our impressions and suggestions, as well as penning an evaluation for our readers.

But first, a little background on this extraordinary American entrepreneur and his company. Hall spent years working for the likes of Levi Strauss and Lee Jeans, during the time when those companies, as well as so many others, were outsourcing their manufacturing to places like Mexico, China, and Indonesia, to name a few. In 1987, Hall had a dream for a completely American jean company, with every fiber, thread, stitch, rivet, button and patch made right here in the States, by American hands, start-tofinish. He also envisioned a unique diamond-shaped crotch design, known as a gusset, for better durability, comfort and movement. For motorcycle riders, this would prove to be a tremendous selling point.

Hall struck out to pursue this dream, with no “seed money” or bank financing. In an era that has seen many companies fold, move offshore, or sell out, DG has stayed true to their vision—a superior constructed and supremely comfortable jean that is entirely American made, with the fantastic diamond gusset crotch concept. And they have continued to grow. The perfect riding jean? We decided to take the challenge.

The Defender jean, DG’s “100% American Made Biker Jeans” as they bill it, contains numerous features that set it apart from other riding jeans on the market. The hips, knees and seat contain double-stitched, military-grade Kevlar protection. DG sews in a right-side metal D-ring for key clips, a nice feature I use daily. The coin pocket is located on the left, so riders can keep a grip on the BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 53

front brake while paying tolls, gate fees, etc. A nice touch. A Velcro ankle strap can be pulled over to secure the pant securely around boots, with no “ride-up.” I also like the extra right side lower pocket, perfect for a knife, small tool, or notably, my iPhone 6s. The Defender is available in blue and black, a wide range of sizes, and comes in Women’s cut and sizes as well.

I’ve spent the past few months with my pair of DG jeans, wearing them in all kinds of conditions. I’ve been riding in them almost daily, on short commutes and long days in saddle, wearing them around the office and around town, and working in them indoors and outside. Heck, I’ve even copped a few afternoon naps in them. My wife has washed

them for me numerous times, and the jeans are retaining their color, with no noticeable fade, and virtually no shrinkage. The jeans remain very comfortable, with no fraying or coming apart at any seams, no wearing thin at the seat or knees. Superb manufacturing.

Out on the road, the Defender remains supremely comfortable to wear. I do not experience the typical, how shall I say, “binding in the subterranean regions”, causing to me “adjust” from time to time while riding. A welcome change from regular jeans. For comparison, I have owned a pair of Cortech DSX armored riding jeans, for about 10 years. They have been among the best riding jeans I have ever owned. And yet, I find the DG Defender more comfortable

and functional than even my DSX jean. I really like this pant.

If I were to offer any improvement suggestions to Diamond Gusset, I think I’d recommend the option of an inner pocket in both legs for knee pad inserts. After the three knee surgeries I’ve had over the years, I’d certainly make use of them. The seat pockets could also be about a ½” deeper for folks with larger wallets or cell phones, common today. Other than those two observations, I’d say Hall and Diamond Gusset have hit a grand slam with the Defender jean.

Check out all the great products Diamond Gusset Jean Company offers at www.gusset.com.

Rob Brooks

Motorcycling’s Small Business Owners Keeping The Dream Alive

I recently needed a rear tire on my big Royal Star and planned on taking it to a local Yamaha dealership I’ve used before.

I happened upon a small privately-owned shop behind a trophy store, called Melton’s Trike & Cycle Works, and dropped in to check it out. Turned out, David Melton, the proprietor, has been receiving our magazine for several months now, and I enjoyed a brief conversation with him. I decided to bring my bike to David, and let him do my tire mount and balance. He installed it while I waited, chatting me up all the while, and at a price better than the local dealership would have done. I’ve been recommending Melton’s Trike & Cycle Works to my riding friends ever since.

I also picked up an old project bike to restore, a 1986 Yamaha Radian 600, which had sat in the back of a machine shop collecting dust and rust for over 12 years. The tank was among the worst I’d ever seen, full of caked-in rust and corrosion. Upon discovering Craig Skiver’s “Craig Paints Tanks” ad in our mag, I shipped it off to him, to see what he could do that local radiator shops could not. He promised a three-day turnaround from reception, and sure enough, within days, I got an email from Craig declaring the tank complete and on its way back to me.

BTR 60 | BORNTORIDE.COM

When I unpacked it, I was astounded at the job he’d done. The tank looked nearly new inside, scoured clean and shiny again, with a thick aircraft tank-grade clear coat throughout. Craig has my tank (and paint) work from now on. See my full article in last month’s Florida BTR. While the large dealerships have so much to offer, not only in bikes, but in apparel, accessories, parts, and great service, I admire and applaud the small shops, the family, and individually owned establishments, for their passion, dedication, and personalized attention to detail. The big enterprises get all the attention, but these “Little Men” as Alan Jackson once immortalized in song, are in many respects the backbone of American motorcycling, and certainly of our national economy. My father still rides at 78, and carries his ’03 Harley Heritage to a small one-man shop in Sparta, Georgia, owned

by Mike, a retired H-D mechanic, when he needs service or parts. They’ve become friends, and Pops completely trusts his bike to Mike. “I’ll never take my Harley to anyone but Mike,” Pops declares.

With the American economy rebounding, unemployment dropping, and wages inching back up, optimism is returning for many of America’s small business

owners. The motorcycle industry has suffered in recent years as well, yet hope abounds for the future of our sport, our passion. The older generation of riders is passing on the love of motorcycles to a new generation, and they are already shaping the future of motorcycling (see my article on Brother Moto, September BTR Southeast edition). This is especially good for the privateers, the small shops like David Melton’s and Craig Skiver’s, and the countless other repair, paint, custom, and restoration shops dotting our great land.

I have many friends at large, established brand dealerships, and everyone I know at these is passionate motorcycle enthusiasts themselves. But the private “mom & pop shops” hold a special place in my heart, and I plan to encourage and support them with my business whenever I can.

My grandfather ran a garage in Boston, Mass. throughout the 30s-60s, wrenching on everything from early motorcycles to boat motors to automobiles and diesels. I guess it’s in my blood, however unskilled I personally I might be with a wrench.

So here’s a shout-out and salute to “The Little Men,” those small business owners, the backbone, heart, and soul of American motorcycling. May you grow and prosper in 2018.

Rob Brooks We are looking for Shops to feature, who are keeping the Dream the alive. 888-795-5779

Spyke & Mike

It’s finally over, my BTR friends. Goodbye 2017, hello 2018 and with it the hopes, dreams, and aspirations that Y’all want in a New Year. I’m a biker bird. I have no real cares, resolutions, or desires in the world except for getting another nut and showing up for the next motorcycle event. But, I know how you creatures treat holidays and...

Mike pops over my back, startles me while I’m typing, and babbles, ‘well Spyke, according to my grandfather, I’ll be leaving 2017 filthy rich with everything but money!

He says I’ve got silver in my hair, gold in my teeth, crystal in the ole kidneys, and sugar in my blood. This past year I’ve also gained lead in the butt, iron in my arteries, and an endless supply of natural gas. I never thought I’d accumulate such wealth!’

I cackle, Oh brother Mike, have you and your forefather been into the eggnog already? He takes a sip out of his cup and bellows, ‘Pops came to me this morning with a mug in one hand and some wisdom to share. He said the holiday season is much brighter with a little hooch in your glass then handed it to me. And you know what? It HAS made me see the light and how rich I am.’

I coo, speaking for everyone in the house today, your as bright as a night light during

Goodbye 2017

a full moon and please keep your wealth to yourself! Mike swings his arm around my left wing and slurs, ‘awww Spyke, thanks for listening, the kind words, and loving me.

Everyone else makes me exhaustipated. But not you, you love me unconditionally.’

I squawk, well Mike, I have to, you are my daddy! But, where did you come up with exhaustipated? He replies, ‘grandpa taught me that word. He says it describes how my grandmother and the rest of the world makes him feel: too tired to give a s**t.’

I chuckle, that figures. Well then, since you and grampy have been chit chattin’ about the past year, has he given you some inspirations for any New Years resolutions? Mike backs away, starts waving his arms, and yacks, ‘Better yet Spyke, the ole geezer has opened my eyes to some well-known superstitions. He says if I can prevent them from happening, I won’t need any resolutions. He told me that whatever you do on New Years Day will set the pattern for the rest of the year. So, January 1st. I’m going to invite lady luck into my life and ward off those evil spirits by doing these things: I will wear mostly red new clothes on New Years Day. He says it means I’ll be receiving more new garments over the year and wearing red is a happy color. It will bring me

a brighter future.’

I squawk, grandpappy really means newer clothes as in you buying them, not pulling them from the bottom of your hamper. As for the color red, I don’t think he’s referring to blood stains.

Mike chatters on, ‘then the ole man told me that if I wash dishes on New Years Day, someone in my family will die.’ I chirp, well Mike, I hate to tell you this but, kinfolk will die and sooner if you let them eat off those plates at your house.

Mike replies, ‘The ole hound also shared with me that kissing at midnight ensures the affections and ties will continue throughout the new year. So this holiday I’m bringing you along for that guaranteed midnight kiss.’

I blurt out, you’ll get that kiss alright but, I can’t guarantee that you’ll get a girl or even if people will still talk to you after seeing you groping a parrot at midnight. Mike gasps, ‘ouch Spyke, that hurts! I thought you loved me?’ I cluck, I have to. Didn’t I tell you that you are my daddy? It doesn’t mean I have to stop calling a spade a spade!

Mike babbles, ‘OK Spyke, well grandad also told me that the bad spirits hate loud noises and a monotonous din. I just spent two paychecks on fireworks from blow up Bob and I’ve got a lighter in my hand ready to go.’ I cackle Mike, Mike, Mike, all you had to buy was a bullhorn and some 5-hour energy drinks. Then stand outside the Sanctuary and yell at us about the meaning of life. That would have saved you a whole lot of money and definitely been a loud monotonous din.

I think the golden-ager is a few pies short of a holiday and has made you all wax and no wick. It’s still great riding weather and some wind therapy will blast out all of grampy’s’ silly superstitions, blow some sense back into you, and air out my feathers. I’ll finish typing here while you get the scoot from the garage. Fire that V-Twin up and plop my feathered ass on the backrest.

Let’s get my wings in the wind, your knees in the breeze, and the Fat Bird 2 wheels’ rolling down the road, really roaring away the evil spirits of 2018.

SPYKE

Why Born To Ride? Why Now? Hit your ideal audience with maximum impact. 888-795-5779

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 63

Fuel Tank Rusty? Craig Can Fix It!

If there are any common issues faced when restoring old motorcycles, dirty carbs and rusty tanks would have to rank near the top. I’ve tinkered a bit over the years in old bike renewal, and have encountered both with regularity. Carbs are fairly simple, but tanks are a bit more difficult, at least to me. I’ve used a variety of over-the-counter kits and local radiator shops, so when I came across Craig Skiver’s ad in our magazine, I thought I’d give him a shot.

I recently acquired a 1986 Yamaha Radian 600, which sat in the back of a machine shop for probably a decade. The tires were dry-rotted, the carbs were indeed clogged and filthy, and the tank was nearly the worst case I’d encountered, with rust and corrosion literally coating the interior. The “Before” photos can’t capture the extent. I reached out to Craig, and shipped him my tank.

He emailed me when it arrived at his shop, and promised he’d have it completed within three days. The clock started ticking. …

Sure enough, on the third business day, Craig called to inform me the tank was on BTR 64 | BORNTORIDE.COM

wait and see.’ I’m happy with the way it turned out, and I think you will be as well.”

Two days later, the tank was on my front porch. I opened the box, examined the inner tank, and was astounded at the handiwork. The inside looked like new. The “After” photos don’t fully capture the fine job.

Craig completely removed any trace of rust and corrosion, and whatever pitting or scarring was left had been fully sealed by his exclusive epoxy tank liner process. I sent some photos to my father, an old retired airline mechanic, who declared, “that looks like a similar grade liner we would use to reseal aircraft tanks with. That’ll never leak again.”

Craig was right- “Any tank, any condition,” a three-day turnaround, and satisfaction guaranteed.

I, for one, am quite impressed and satisfied, and I wholeheartedly endorse Craig’s craft.

Contact Craig Skiver for your tank resealing needs, and the guy is a fantastic custom bike painter, as well.

the way back to me, completed. He commented, “That tank was pretty bad, for sure!

I even had several customers tell me ‘the owner of that just needs to buy another tank!’ To which I replied, ‘I’ll fix this, you

I save vintage tanks that leak, rusty tanks that nobody would ever think of using again. I turn them around quickly within three days. Many of the leading motorcycle dealers use me on a regular basis, when you’re tired of cleaning carburetors call Craig.

100% Guaranteed • CraigPaintsBikes.com • 813-407-2226

www.B Events Monday, January 1, 2018 Happy New Year Gibsonton, FL Rivers Edge Bar & Grill New Year’s Day Party. 813-6719196 Lutz, FL 25th Anniversary High Noon Ride 10am Lake Park. Ride, morning coffee and donuts - all at no charge.

Suggested donation $10 per person.

Palmetto, FL Peggy’s Corral New Year’s Day Hangover Party 12pm4pm. 941-729-5442 Saturday, January 6 Homosassa, FL Crystal H-D CMA Bikers and Breakfast 8am-10pm. crystalHarley.com Homosassa, FL Crystal H-D FHP Driver Safety Rollover Simulator 11am-4pm. crystalHarley.com Homosassa, FL Crystal H-D Live Entertainment 1pm-5pm. crystalHarley.com Palmetto, FL Peggy’s Corral Karaoke with Lance (every Sat) 9pm-1:30am.

941-729-5442 Thursday, January 11 Kissimmee, FL Old Town Bike Night 5pm-11pm (every Thu). Live music, and more. 407-396-4888 Friday, January 12 Gibsonton, FL (01/12-01/14) 15th Annual Gibtown Bikefest. Live music, great food, vendors, and more. gibtownBikeWeek.com Homosassa, FL Crystal H-D Ladies Night 6pm-8pm. crystalHarley.com Saturday, January 13 Ocala, FL War Horse H-D Women’s Ride KSU 11am. warHorseHarley.com Sunday, January 14 Homosassa, FL Crystal H-D Biker Church 10am. crystalHarley.com Saturday, January 20 Ellenton, FL Riders on the River Bikefest 11am-5pm Woody’s River Roo. To benefit area charities, $5 donation. 941-722-2391 Homosassa, FL Crystal H-D Guys ‘N’ Dolls Ride KSU 11:30am.

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There Thereare aresome somegreat greatevents eventscoming comingup, up,sosoget getout outthere thereand andmeet meetup upwith withold oldfriends! friends!

BornToRide.com/events s, Rides & Destinations crystalHarley.com Inverness, FL Wing Heaven Customer Appreciation 11am2pm. Snacks, drawings & more.

866-344-8637

music, vendors, great food, 50/50, games, bike contest and more; $15 donation includes dinner plate. 813-299-4482

Daytona Bike Week off on a positive, uplifting start. Join the ladies of Leather & Lace MC at their annual Bike Blessing.

Everyone is invited to be a part of this event. Coffee and donuts for all! 941-224-5343

kickin good time. Wet and dry camping available. 478-627-3168

Saturday, April 21 Ocala, FL Win a 2018 HarleySaturday, February 3 Davidson during Ocala Bike Fest.

Huntsville, AL 5th Annual Thursday, January 25 Veterans of America RC Polar Apollo Beach, FL Salty Drawing to be held at War Horse Bear Run 10am-11pm Diamonds Shamrock Bike Night (last Thu) H-D 8pm. 352-387-2210 Sports Bar. All proceeds to 6pm-10pm. Live music, food Friday, April 27 benefit Floyd E. “Tutt” Fann State Thursday, March 15 specials, vendors, bike show & Edgewater, FL Leather & Lace Leesburg, FL (4/27-4/29) Veterans Home. 256-880-6333 more. 813-938-5282 MC Bike Rodeo at Angels Leesburg Bike Fest Downtown.

Landing (L&L Clubhouse). One of The World’s largest motorcycle Friday, February 9 Saturday, January 27 Timonium, MD (02/9-02/11) Dania Beach, FL Dania Beach the best highlights of the Daytona and music event packed into 30 Timonium Motorcycle Show at Vintage Motorcycle Show Bike Week is the annual Leather blocks for 3 days with over 60 Maryland State Fairgrounds.

10am-5pm Frost Park. View & Lace MC Bike Rodeo! Door Concerts, 200 vendors, amazing Compare all competing brands, over 400 vintage motorcycles: bike shows, 5 Hotbody contests, vendors, antique bicycles, dealer foreign and domestic, under one prizes, raffles, 50/50, auction, food, and music! Cash prizes for 5 venues and a quarter million roof. The East Coast’s largest displays, bike field games, and most prestigious Custom, old parts swap meet, & more. winners of the Bike Rodeo! $10/ people! leesburgBikeFest.com daniaBeachVintageBikeShow.com Antique and Vintage Bike Display per person includes food and fun! and Competition. cycleShow.net 941-224-5343 Wednesday, May 2 Gibsonton, FL Rivers Edge Bar Panama City Beach, FL (5/2Thursday, February 15 & Grill Classic Car Show (every Sunday, March 25 5/6) Thunder Beach Spring Rally.

Sarasota, FL (2/15-2/18) 4th Sat) 12pm. 813-671-9196 Palmetto, FL Peggy’s Corral thunderBeachProductions.com Thunder By The Bay. “The Ocala, FL War Horse H-D Men’s Festival Where Rock Meets Anniversary Party 12pm-4pm.

Country” Born To Ride Kick-off Day. warHorseHarley.com 941-729-5442 Thursday, May 3 Party, Block Party and more.

Fort Walton Beach, FL (5/3thunderByTheBay.org Palmetto, FL Peggy’s Corral Saturday, April 7 5/6) Emerald Coast Bikefest.

TBMN Awards Show 12pm-4pm.

Titusville, FL Brevard Lawride This huge bike rally sponsored Sunday, February 25 941-729-5442 Ormond Beach, FL Midwest 8am-4pm American Police Hall of by Emerald Coast HarleyMotorcycle 23rd Anniversary West Palm Beach, FL Fame. This is a law enforcement Davidson, features free concerts Renaissance Charter School Car & Antique and Custom Bike escorted ride through the all day every day, quality Show 9am-9pm. Food, music, & Motorcycle Show Family Fun Kennedy Space Center (federal vendors, bike shows, food and Fair 10am-3pm. Trophies, food, swapmeet, vendors, and more. complex and requires helmets). beverage sold on site, charity drink, live music and more. 561- 386-257-6265 DJ and live music, raffles, poker runs, & hundreds of 255-9970 Palmetto, FL Peggy’s Corral 50/50, amazing BBQ (included motorcycles. There are plenty of Mardi Gras Party 12pm-4pm.

Atlanta, GA (1/27-1/28) Great with ride), vendors and more. biker friendly events and venues 941-729-5442 American Motorcycle Show. brevardLawRide.org throughout the area all week long.

This is your chance to see emeraldCostBikeFest.com Saturday, March 3 what’s new. See & compare Naples, FL New Hope Ministries Sunday, April 15 the new cycles for 2018 plus parts, accessories, & everything 6th Annual Motorcycle Rally Palmetto, FL Peggy’s Corral Friday, May 4 9am-2pm. Win a Kawasaki you need to get on the open Johnny Cash & Friends Tribute Ormond Beach, FL Shadow Vulcan 900 Classic LT. Your road. Saturday:9am-8pm; Show 12pm-4pm. 941-729-5442 Warriors Project Meet and $20 rally ticket covers lunch and Sunday:10am-5pm. 770-279Greet Mark “Oz” Geist (coexpenses, and also serves as 9899 Wednesday, April 18 author “13 Hours”) Bruce your entry for giveaways. 239Unadilla, GA (4/18-4/22) Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona.

348-0122 Friday, February 2 Nokomis, FL Thunder By The Angel City Spring Rally. Angel shadowWarriorMC.com Friday, March 9 Bay Sporting Clay Tournament City is the first town built with 11:30am Knight Trail Park. Starts Daytona, FL (03/9-03/18) biker’s in mind. It incorporates Saturday, May 5 at 1pm, $500 per team, $125 per 77th Daytona Bike Week. an “Old West” theme and has Ormond Beach, FL Shadow person, includes post-event BBQ officialBikeWeek.com an atmosphere all its own. Bike Warriors Project Ride with Grand and beer. thunderByTheBay.org Sunday, March 11 games, bike show, bike ride, live Marshal Mark “Oz” Geist 10am Edgewater, FL Leather & Lace Tampa, FL LAMA Tampa 13th music, wet T-shirt contest, burn Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination MC Bike Blessing 10am-11am Anniversary Party 12pm-5pm out pit, lots of vendors and two Daytona. shadowWarriorMC.com Angels Landing. Start the 2018 Teamsters Union Hall. Live saloons, you are sure to have a

To Send submitinand yourview events even to more info@BornToRide.com, events visit BornToRide.com help us helpEvents you.

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to go to Craven Moorehead JeffI Decided Gordon’s Garage

It seems like only yesterday when I was attempting to craft a story for Born To Ride in the January 2017 issue. Well, not only has time passed me by, but it seems that the entire year has blown by like a hurricane force wind. Now it’s 2018, and I am still sitting here wondering how I survived the last year. There are always a lot of trials and tribulations in life but somehow, I seem to pull through against all odds. Now, if someone could step up and tell me how I pulled this off, it would certainly be appreciated. In a whirlwind of real life and drama I seemed to get by somewhat unscathed and even though times looked bad, somehow, I was able to get back on the horse and ride, even though my mount was somewhat lame from a rock in the shoe.

Man, how time flies. If you are reading this now, the odds are fairly good that I survived Christmas and all the commercialism that it brings to bear and if there is no memorial page in the magazine announcing my untimely death, well then I guess that I am still kickin’ it out here somewhere and trying to survive. As long as I wake up above ground, I will keep striving to make every day a little bit better than the last one. Needless to say, ’17 wasn’t the greatest year, but I will just keep on digging and see what comes of it.

Regardless of the adversity, you gotta just keep on keeping on.

I rarely go into the office at BTR, but I was in there at the beginning of the month and when I go there - as usual, I talked to Jesse. He is the very proficient editor of this fine publication and we always exchange small talk and friendly salutations. Often, I will ask him what he thinks I should write about in the next month’s issue. This time it was an unusual request. He said I should write about finding a leprechaun and that was a true challenge. I thought I knew a few things about them but where to find one is another issue. According to Irish lore, they are usually depicted as little bearded men, wearing a coat and hat, who partake in mischief.

They are solitary creatures who spend their time making and mending shoes and have a hidden pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If captured by a human, they often grant three wishes in exchange for their freedom. I didn’t know which end of the rainbow to look under, but I figured that if there really was a pot of gold the little fellow would probably be hanging around nearby to guard it.

Not much luck with that search so I decided to go to Jeff Gordon’s garage and look around there - I mean they are called the “Rainbow Warriors” right? Since it was near Christmas time, there was nobody around anywhere. I wasn’t about to give up on my quest to find one of these mythical creatures. In my travels, I looked in every wooded spot and in a few neighborhoods known to be inhabited by Irish people. Maybe they could be hiding one somewhere. Not much luck there either (luck of the Irish?) but I did mistakenly tackle an inflatable lawn elf in front of someone’s house. After the gunshots stopped, I hastily made my escape back to my own neighborhood which is surrounded by woods anyhow.

I looked high and low, far and wide but it seemed that my search was futile. It was getting late, it was dark, but I continued on not realizing what day or time it was. At a nearby ranch house, I avoided tackling another inflatable and passed right by frosty and other decorations in the yard. Then I heard a noise. No, it wasn’t the owner racking a shell into the shotgun, it was like a scratching noise and some rumbling coming from the roof somewhere. It was really too dark to see much, but then I heard a rather tiny but terrifying scream. Out of nowhere, a tiny leprechaun looking creature all dressed in green landed right in front of me! I immediately lunged and grabbed the creature and stuffed him up under my arm and ran like a football player on the way to the end zone. Screaming and kicking the little fellow kept trying to say something but I couldn’t understand too much of the banter. A few seconds later, I threw him in the old truck and made a hasty retreat back to the home-front. “I done caught me a leprechaun,” I said out loud, laughing. “You idiot he hollered, I’m not a leprechaun, I’m Eli one of Santa’s elves”! Oh crap, I’m thinking as I beat feet back to the place where I captured him. I had totally forgotten what night it was and since it didn’t work out too well, I tried to apologize to him and his boss. That didn’t work out too well either. Oooops I kinda screwed up there a little bit but I figured it might be okay as long as I still believed. I headed right straight back home and went to sleep like a good little boy. The next morning when I woke up, I had a big surprise! A 40-pound sack of coal. I guess I deserved it, but I made it work yet again.

The steaks I made on that grill of mine sure tasted good!! (and I didn’t have to buy charcoal.)

Anyway, a new year is upon us and try your best to make the best of every situation whether good or bad! Let’s just believe that it will get better and we pray that it will. … So, until next month, Speed Safely and keep searching for that pot of gold!

Let us know what you think of Craven Moorehead, info@borntoride.com

CRAVEN

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 69

Christian Motorcyclists Association Maybe the decision of the day is to consider getting some long-awaited projects done. Yeah, I know that sounds like work, but work can be a good thing, especially if you are picking the project to undertake. There is sometimes a lot of self-satisfaction in a job completed and well done. It can feel mighty good to step back after you get a certain job done, and have a moment of pride in what you have accomplished!

These choices all have on common denominator; they all require a commitment on our part. We can think about a ride, a visit, or a project that needs doing, but until a decision is reached and a commitment made, nothing happens. Once one commits to a certain plan of action all of the other possibilities can be put back on the shelf for another day. That way nothing is on one’s mind except for what their chosen plan calls for, that’s freedom!

In Psalm 37:5 the Bible says, “Commit your way to the Lord.”

It is one thing to decide for yourself how to approach your day, but there is power in committing oneself to the Lord’s leadership and direction. When one takes their thoughts and concerns and gives them all to God, they can see God at work in mighty ways.

He can free you from concerns, frustrations, and confusion, by you simply giving your commitment to God! When you ask God to take over and lead you, He will gladly step in and show you the best direction. Trust in the Lord, He will direct your path and show you the way!

In The Wind, Denny Dingler Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association

Ask God to take over and Lead Life is full of wonderful choices, things to do, and places to go. When I wake up I am faced with a variety of opportunities, from which I can choose the best option for the day! Ultimately, to really enjoy the day before me, I must make a commitment as to which direction to go.

One decision, while planning to go for a wonderful ride, is what road and direction I will travel to reach my destination. Most rides offer a wealth of possibilities, sometimes it can seem overwhelming, and one can become paralyzed while trying to make a good decision. Do I take the short but efficient ride, or do I hold out for a leisurely pace with a scenic route? Do I have time constraints, or is the day entirely free before me?

Maybe my thoughts about what to do with the day encourage me to contact an old friend for a long-delayed visit to catch up with each other. As another alternative, I could even contact that friend and then go on the aforementioned ride together! I’ve heard it said that the one thing better than experiencing a wonderful ride by yourself is to share that ride with someone that is important in your life.

BTR 70 | BORNTORIDE.COM