Contents
June Issue 169
Ad Index
Features
On Father’s Day, Honoring Their Courage 4 Quaker Steak & Lube Flashback 10 Big Dog’s Patio 15 A Father’s Day Tribute 18 Charlotte’s Webb 10yr Anniversary 21 River’s Edge-Rumble at The River 31 Stephanie Karidas-More than just a Biker 32 Dirty’s Trouble Maker-Josh Kurpius 50
Columns
32
Rob Brooks-Road Dirt 43 Woman’s World-Myra McElhaney 45 Craven Moorehead 69 Spyke & Mike 58 Christian Motorcycle Association 70
Departments Ride Safe, Ride Smart-Stopping Everywhere Eddy-Is Everywhere Born To Ride Events-BornToRide.com Born To Ride Kids
7 39 66 70
Reports
51
Cherokee Stories That Burn into your Memory 8 Almhütte for his Francoise 13 My First Father’s Day-Eric Lane 24 Finz Finds Coastal Cruise 31 Jeeps vs Harleys 48 Roadhouse Review-Sonny’s BBQ 40 Craig Can Fix It 65
On The Cover
Stephanie Karidas, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Bay Area Speech, Language & Cognitive Therapy LLC
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AAA 6 Affordable Motorsports 46 Allstate - Jeff Ard 62 Attorney Fran Haasch IFC, 7, BC Big Dog’s Patio 17 BTR Facebook 58 BTR Great American Biker Bash 36 BTR Heat Up 59 BTR Lifestyle 19 BTR Radio 68 BTR TV-This TV Tampa Bay 65 BTR TV-Great 38 66 BTR TV-ABC 20 71 Charlottes Webb 23 Cherokee Blue Ridge Run 8 CJ Seats 68 Copperhead Lodge 46 Cycle-Rama 64 Finz Finds Coastal Cruise 30 H-D Crystal 72 H-D Florida 47 H-D Lakeland 25 H-D Rossiters Sarasota 27 H-D War Horse IBC IThai Sushi Sports Bar 51 Love Jugs 42 Masters Bike Builders Show 14 Media Design Shop 64 Progressive Insurance 3 Old Town Bike Night 63 Quaker Steak & Lube 12 Rivers Edge Bar & Grill 38 Salty Shamrock 49 Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix 28 Powersport Car & Bike Show 29 Screwie Louie’s-Scooter Haven 20 Smugglers Island Pub 26 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 41 St. Pete Bike Fest 56 Sturgis Kentucky 44 The Ride Factory 60 Tropic Trailer 60 Wanted Gi Joe 61 Wild Side 62
HONORING THEIR COURAGE AND
June is here and let’s not forget Dad. Father’s Day is a day honoring fathers, celebrated on various days in many places around the world. It compliments Mother’s Day. Happy Father’s Day to all the father’s reading this ad and Happy Father’s Day to all the mother’s reading this if you are a sole parent, mom and a dad of the family. Grandfathers, step-dads, uncles, brothers and sisters, you all deserve to be noted for what you do to be a figure in a child’s life. If dads not there someone who steps in as a fatherly figure. As the originator we have only one father but it’s up to life to keep it all together, life, family, growing up in a household that’s strong and loving. Happy Father’s Day to my dad! A Marine and Ex Police Officer for 28 years. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me in my life. I admire you for who you are and how you always provided for the family. I love the way you love your grandchildren and I’m proud they love you back! To anyone reading this, call your dad and tell him Happy Father’s Day. And if you’re not speaking, now is the time to start speaking to your father again.
In Loving Memory Albert Galletti April 10-1928 October 9-2016
Ron Galletti BTR 4 | BORNTORIDE.COM
My Uncle “Gee” was my dad’s father figure in his life for many years because his father worked many hours. He came from Italy and worked with marble but then later became ill and couldn’t do much with my dad. That’s when Uncle “Gee” stepped in and helped my dad in life as a father figure. So in this month of June, as a special Father’s Day tribute, we would like to honor my Uncle “Gee” Fidel Galletti who was a real WWII war hero pilot who flew B-17s. Most of all, he was my dad’s hero. This story is courtesy of The 390th Memorial Museum and my cousin, Marie Galletti Mitchell. Ron Galletti As Marie Galletti Mitchell and I corresponded regarding her story in the Sq. J, I found myself reflecting on how I enjoy talking with and writing to our descendants. They are special people … people who realize the importance of what our 390th did during WWII. Allow me to quote from one of Marie’s letters: “What a group of good-looking, virile young men in Dad’s crew! Dad is first on the left in the front row. Laverne Dillow was killed in action. What a waste of life it was for him to have died so young! When Dillow went missing, his mother wrote to my mother to ask for news of her son. My mother has kept that letter in her wartime scrapbook ever since. Now that I’ve gotten older (age 61), I realize how many years and how many of life’s chapters young men like Dillow have missed. So true…and today we honor those living and we memorialize those who have passed on to their reward. Heroes all ... and we hope that this story adds yet another chapter to their lives … let it be so!
THE WARSAW AIRDROP OF 1944
On September 1, 1939, Nazi tanks rolled into Poland and started World War II. By September 18, 1944, the Polish resistance, which had bravely fought Hitler’s military might for five long years, was trapped in Warsaw with food, ammunition and other supplies running dangerously low. The Poles called upon the Allies to provide supplies by airdrop. The Allies agreed, and airmen of the 390th, along with the 95th and 100th, were called upon to replenish the patriots of Warsaw with the supplies they desperately needed. There was a catch, however. Warsaw is situated west of the Vistula River from Russia, and the Soviets had an unstated plan: Joseph Stalin wanted to weaken Poland in order that Russia could add this formerly sovereign nation to its empire once WWII was over. So while Stalin orally agreed to the Polish Airdrop, he kept delaying it by refusing to allow Allied planes to land on Soviet soil. (At that time, B-17s could not carry enough fuel to fly from England to Poland round trip.) Meanwhile, the Poles were getting weaker, and thousands died fighting Nazi soldiers on the streets of Warsaw. Finally, in September
1944, Stalin relented, giving the Allies permission to land about one hundred B-17s at some makeshift airfields in Russia. On September 18, 1944, my father, First Lieutenant Fidel Galletti, along with his crew of eight men, climbed into their Flying Fortress to complete their 23rd mission of WWII. These airmen would fly for 10 hours that day to provide the Poles with the supplies they desperately needed. My father’s log for that day reads, “We were to drop supplies to the Polish partisans holding parts of the city. Load was 10 containers and 2,800 gallons topped off. Bombing altitude was to be 14,000 feet. We ran into weather about 50 miles west of target and did several 360s trying to get over it. Colonel Tuesdale [command pilot of the lead plane] gave up trying to get on top and decided to go under as the base of clouds was at 12,000 feet. We got to the IP [Initial Point] and started on the run when fighters hit us. We were flying 565 #2 in the high of the high and out of position as they hit us. They came out of the clouds, and the tail, waist and ball opened up on them. Nine of them attacked from six o’clock level, and Rogers [tailgunner] had the best shot at them. He got the fourth coming in. Two 20 mm shells hit in the cockpit alongside of Spencer [co-pilot], and the oxygen started burning.” Behind the pilot and co-pilot were two oxygen tanks. Flak from the German ammunition pierced both tanks, setting the highly volatile gas into a blaze which quickly spread throughout the cabin. The co-pilot, William Spencer, found himself sitting next to a three-foot hole in the side of the plane, with oxygen burning all around him. His only option was to jump from his seat, through the hatch and into the nose. Before he leapt from the cockpit, he used the interphone to order the crew to bail out. At the same time, my father pulled away from the formation so that his plane, if it went out of control, would not bring down any other B-17s. He then set up the autopilot and hit the alarm bell. Both my father and the co-pilot were unaware that the fire had eaten through the communication lines, rendering it impossible for the crew to hear the orders to bail out of the crippled aircraft. Meanwhile, the interior of the airplane continued to burn, and the plane was filling with smoke. The airmen, while still able to breathe through oxygen masks, were unable to see through the dense smoke. The crew would have to act quickly if they were to save their lives and those of the Polish people they had flown so far to help. Top Turret Gunner Eduard H. Daly, reacting quickly to a five-foot hole and a fire in the waist of the plane,
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Pilot-Fidel Galletti grabbed a fire extinguisher, put out the fire in the rear of the cockpit, then passed the fire extinguisher to my father. My father worked on putting out the fire up front, all the while knowing that if any flak were to nick the nearby primer fuel line, the plane would explode. The primer, next to the punctured oxygen tanks, was constantly charged with gasoline. Whenever fighter planes and ground antiaircraft artillery hit a plane, shrapnel can boomerang around inside the aircraft and hit anything or anybody in it, including, of course, the primer line. Fortunately, once the fires were extinguished, the worst was over. The primer was never nicked, and no one but the pilot sustained even minor wounds. However, danger still threatened the aircraft and its crew. The right tail elevator, necessary to stabilize the aircraft, had been almost torn off, and the cables to the tail section were nearly severed. One of the duties of a pilot is to keep his plane stable, but the damaged tail elevator pulled against my father, physically moving him back and forth as he tried to control the aircraft. In effect, the damaged tail was working against him for control of the plane. In addition, my father was concerned that the torn tail cables, which had been shredded into wires, would get caught in the pulleys through which they threaded on their way from the control stick to the tail. Fortunately, this was not the case and finally, almost miraculously, after what must have seemed like hours of German attack, the Flying Fortress set down as scheduled on an improvised landing field in Mirograd, Russia. In spite of fire and the damage to the plane, bombardier Harry Evje had been able to drop the supplies on target, thus fulfilling mission #23 of my father’s crew: to assist the Polish dissidents in resisting the Nazi army. In August 2005, a CNN documentary, “Warsaw Rising,”
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filmed from Warsaw during the airdrop, shows the B-17s approaching the city. They looked so heroic as they flew in to the rescue! In the words of narrator David Ensor, “Suddenly, in the sky – a miracle!” In the same documentary, Nina Januszowska Thiessen, a Polish underground courier, recalls of the airdrop: That was the most wonderful picture, when the American planes came. They were very, very high, so you didn’t see anything; you just heard the mmmm [sounds] of the heavy bombers. Then, all of a sudden, there was –like flowers. The parachutes were multi-colored, you know. And those multicolored flowers brought hope that Warsaw would live another day. Over 2,500 years ago, Herodutus, “The Father of Western History,” declared that the purpose of written history was to memorialize glorious deeds. The Polish Airdrop of 1944 is one of modern history’s glorious deeds. America can be proud that the crew of B-17 #565, along with hundreds of other young American airmen, bravely risked their lives to take part in this gallant operation. Galletti Crew #95 Pilot – Fidel Galletti Co-pilot – William Spencer Top Turret – Eduard H. Daly Radioman – John Dudar R. Waist Gunner – Franklin Mesmer L. Waist Gunner – Laverne Dillow Ball Gunner – Virgil Burton Tail Gunner – Arthur K. Rogers Bombardier – Harry Evje Navigator – John J. Vitou
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Total Stopping Distance
3. Ease out the clutch lever and roll on the throttle smoothly to match engine and raod speed. Shifting to a lower gear: Be sure the road speed is slow enough so you do not over-rev the engine or cause the rear wheel to skid as you release the clutch lever. Use a three-step process to shift to a lower gear: 1. Roll off the throttle as you squeeze in the clutch lever, 2. Press down the shift lever firmly, then release it to allow it to reset, 3. Ease out the clutch lever as you roll on the throttle. If you roll on the throttle slightly as you ease out the clutch lever, you can help engine speed come up to road speed, makin g the downshift process smoother.Shifting to a lower gear and easing out the clutch lever has an effect similar to using the brakes. This is known as engine braking. To use engine braking, shift down one gear at a time and ease out the clutch lever through the friction zone between each downshift. Coordinate the use of the clutch lever and throttle to keep the process smooth. It is possible to shift down more than You change gears to match engine speed (rpm) to road speed. one gear at a time when the clutch lever is squeezed.When learning Lower gears are used for lower speeds, and higher gears are used to shift gears, shift only when going atraight. Shifting while leaned for higher speeds. Shifting to a higher gear: Shift up soon enough over can complicate the smooth process. Once you have learned to to avoid over-revving the engine (high rpm) but not so soon as to downshift well and gained some experience, you will have the choice cause the engine to operate at too low an rpm (jerky or lugging to downshift more quickly by using a quick throttle blip (a quick rollmotion). Use a three-step process to shift to a higher gear: on of the throttle) before easing out the clutch lever to control the 1. Roll off the thottle as you squeeze in the clutch lever, 2. Lift the shift lever firmly as far as it will go, then release it ti allow amountof engine braking and match the engine speed to road speed more smoothly. it to rest, For more information on MSF, contact us at library@msf-usa.org. www.msf-usa.org
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Cherokee North Carolina, Vast Beauty and Heritage, it’s priceless. www.visitcherokeenc.com
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August 2
006 Issu
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e# 27
Flashback form 2006 Born To Ride 11th Year Anniversary Party at QS&L (12 Years Ago)
Now it’s 2018 and We are Going To Make It Great Again! Are You With Us?
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While on a family trip to Austria two years ago, Fran spotted an Almhütte and commented to her father Werner how she would adore a hut like this in her back yard. An Almhütte is an Alpine hut that is found in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany. It’s commonly used for animals grazing in the wild to seek shelter from weather. It has a peaked roof with an approximate 4-foot overhang on the sides. It’s common in Germany to see a huge boulder on the roof to hold the roof down during windy conditions. You see, Fran has a love for all animals; she has goats, cows, donkeys, and dogs … they all have names and personalities. Fran could only imagine how her animals would benefit from such a structure. Werner saw Fran’s imagination going wild. He found some photos and his mind began working on the plan. Werner was going to build Fran her animal hut. After returning to the States, Werner began the design on paper; soliciting help from a family friend Edward Fitzpatrick and his grandson Henry, the project was underway. He made a list of materials needed, which included properly treated cedar from Chiefland, FL. He had a wood burned “Almhütte” sign made to hang over the door which has an image of a goat and a cow. There are four layers to the roof; the inside layer made of small tree logs to give it an authentic rustic ceiling when you look up once inside. The outside has wood shingles. And yes, the boulder is going to be mounted on the
roof to replicate the authentic Almhütte. It’s all in the details. But there are two extra special touches that are going on Fran’s Almhütte to complete the project. One is a masterpiece work of metal that Werner twisted himself by hand in 1957 while completing his apprenticeship in Germany as a metal worker. It adds the perfect Alpine look to the Almhütte window and comes from the heart. The other special touch is slightly difficult to explain. When Fran was able to open her first law office, she chose a site in Palm Harbor, FL. The property had an existing small building and next to it a unique historic free standing door with old rusty hinges and a door knocker. Image just a door standing there alone. Werner could never have been so proud to see his daughter break ground on that site and grow her own business into what it is today. He kept that old rusty hardware from the demolished door and has been polishing it diligently to place on the Almhütte. For Werner, this special Almhütte is a one-of-a-kind for a one-ofa-kind daughter. It signifies where they both came from and where they are today. There have been proposals from others for a similar build, but Werner declines and explains he will be the one to complete the task for his daughter who has become a wife, mother, business woman, and philanthropist. He is proud of her accomplishments and wants to create an authentic Almhütte for his Francoise.
Happy Father’s Day from Born To Ride to All the Fathers out there reading this.
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Don’t Miss Second Saturday of Every Month, Big Dog’s Patio Plant City
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Don’t Miss Second Saturday of Every Month, Big Dog’s Patio Plant City
A Father’s Day Tribute “A Spec
So many of us remember times spent with our dad’s in various projects we did together throughout the course of many years. This Father’s Day Tribute is a very special one indeed where a fatherson duo work, play, ride, as well as eat, sleep, and dream about Cushman Scooters and Mustang Motorcycles! This is a fascinating story and one that you will enjoy reading here in Born To Ride magazine! To start out, this is NOT a business BTR 18 | BORNTORIDE.COM
story; it’s a hobby story! Richard Jr. explained, “My dad is 73 years old. He has a bad hip and has had knee surgery. Now, he’s not able to ride a Harley anymore. When he was a kid, he used to do a paper route throwing the papers from a Cushman Scooter. In order to earn the money to buy that Cushman, Dad cut grass with front yards for $1 and back yards for $1 in his neighborhood back in the 1950s. Now that he can’t ride the heavier two-
wheeler, he decided to get back into the Cushman.” Both Richard Reese Jr. and his dad, Richard Sr., travel all over the country buying old Cushman’s and the parts to them, restoring, rebuilding, and riding them together! Richard Junior was born in Augusta, Georgia. In 1992, the family moved to Florida. When did the Cushman passion actually start? “We’ve always had a passion for motorcycles. We used to build Harley’s and tinker with those. Dad wanted a Cushman for years, but they are rare and hard to find. Dad heard about these Cushman meets and we started attending them.” One show that they attend is a vintage motorcycle bike club event in Portland, Indiana. “We go to Portland, Indiana, every year. That is the largest antique motorcycle/scooter show in the United States. We go there to buy parts and pieces to build more Cushman Scooters. We also go to the Cushman meet in Perry, Georgia, every year. We also go to Dillard, Georgia, for the Southeastern Cushman Club meet and ride the mountains! We have a blast!” One thing that Richard Junior shared is the love of riding next to his dad on their Cushman Scooters – even in the mountains! Currently, they have seven Cushman’s that are ready to ride and enough parts to build an additional six more! “We also have two antique Mustang motorcycles, too!” Dad always wanted one of them when he was a kid.” Currently, they are in the process of restoring a 1952 Cushman Eagle barrel springer and a 1957 pony. “Dad rides to the store every day, uptown, and just all around the area on his Cushman. Most Cushman’s run 5560 mph wide open. We have a couple modified ones that run 80-mph.” When I asked Richard Junior if he rode the
Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers who are Born To Ride!
ial One Indeed” modified Cushman, he laughed and said, “Dad and I both ride it!” Speaking of family, Richard Junior’s two girls help in the restoration process; 12-year-old Alexus and 10-year-old Teagan have absolutely no problem getting in there and helping their dad and Papa! It’s a nice, full circle of love and passion focused around the Cushman Scooters and Mustang Motorcycles! A funny story Richard Junior shared with me about dad taking the Cushman Scooter and sidecar rig to town! “My dad put a sidecar on a scooter. On his way into town, he had a malfunction with the sidecar. The scooter went out of control and road into a ditch. The scooter was submerged underwater in the ditch – and his dog was in the sidecar! We pulled the scooter and sidecar rig out of the ditch (the dog was fine!) and brought it back to the house. My 10-year-old daughter said, ‘We have to fix Papa’s scooter.’ She refused to stop telling me we had to fix dad’s scooter. She wouldn’t stop, and I finally said, ‘Go fix it!’ She went out there and fixed everything on her own, refusing to let me help her do anything!” Almost like a repeat of history, Richard Junior’s grandfather had a Mustang motorcycle! “My grandfather had a Mustang motorcycle when my dad was a teenager and dad used to ride it. My grandfather used to help my dad work on his Cushman when dad was a kid. My dad got his first Cushman at age 13. My grandfather rode an Army 45 Harley through hostile territories during WWII. He was a messenger in the war. It’s crazy to think my grandfather’s job in the military was riding through hell from one area to another, on that Harley to deliver messages!” Richard and his dad will be attending a National Mustang motorcycle Meet in Texas.” He added, “These bikes are very rare, and parts are very hard to come by.” Winding up an already great conversation, Richard Junior said, “It’s just a passion for me to be able to spend time with my dad since he won’t always be here with me. He enjoys it and can’t do it without me unloading and loading the scooters, the hard work at events in picking up heavy totes and engines, etc. My dad is the greatest dad in the world and the one thing he said to us many times over (which has always stuck with me) is to always have fun and enjoy life while it’s still here because one day you won’t be able to. To this day, he lives his life that way and has taught me to live my life the same way.” You can visit with the Reese father and son duo at the Fun Bar in Bartow, Florida. They will also be at the Webster Westside motorcycle swap meet held on the first Sunday of every month! Be sure to tell them that you read their story in Born To Ride magazine! Susan Hurst
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Did you know there are thousands of photos from past events at www.BornToRide.com?
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Come Out and Get Caught in the Webb at Charlotte’s Webb Real Deal Biker Bar.
After about 5 years of agonizing scans procedures, chemo, and once a week checkups, I have to endure my first Father’s Day without my best friend, mentor, and most of all just Dad. The prayers for longevity are all over, but the “how’s your dad doing” are still coming from the ones that you just don’t see very often, bringing back the feelings, although for shorter lengths of time. But now I’ll have all waking hours of Father’s Day to remember him. My father and I have always shared a lot of time together, some of which was discussing our differences of opinion, most of the time centered around show business and motorcycles. The show business is where he taught me mechanical skills, driving skills, and how to run a business. Generally, the whole thing BTR 24 | BORNTORIDE.COM
is about problem-solving and dealing with people. Now to me the motorcycle side, take away the running a business, is almost identical, although a lot more fun and a little more dangerous, with all the crazy drivers they give licenses to today! So, I think back to a time when I was a senior in high school and Dad who was an Enduro racer before my time was telling a story about this old Harley-Davidson that he and a buddy (who had gotten an old Indian) had gotten as projects to fix up and ride. Needless to say, they got shelved when they went off to college and Dad’s old Harley was sitting on a pallet in pieces in Grandma’s garage. Let’s just say don’t tell principle Sneider, but the next two weeks of skipping school were mainly putting together the 1941
Flathead and just a little bit of the term paper. I don’t have to tell anybody reading this, but the memories that come from projects like that, are timeless. I am riding that 1941 Flathead today and since, we’ve sold all of our dirt bikes, and have a garage full of Harley-Davidsons that my father put his stamp on. I thank God for these bikes and the ever-enduring good memories and times that I had with my father. I could go on with many stories like these, but the long version might be coming later, but for now, Happy Father’s Day Mr. Bikefest. Your son, Eric In Loving Memory: Ron Lane May 26, 1945 – Feb 2, 2018
“Ron Lane was one of the most loyal and coolest guys I’ve ever known” Ron Galletti
This year’s ride takes you along scenic coastal waterways and over our beautiful bridges along the Suncoast. With the coastal breezes and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it should make for a very enjoyable and scenic ride. The ride starts from Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson, heads towards the coast, over the Ringling Causeway Bridge, through St. Armands Circle to the first stop, The Old Salty Dog Restaurant on City Island. Riders will draw a boat number from a bag, and it will be notated on their playing sheet. If your boat number is among one of the winning boats in a virtual race at final check-in, then you will receive drawing coupons for prizes. Winners will be determined later that afternoon. After the first stop, you will head down Longboat Key to Coquina Beach. There will be a tent set up for riders to draw another boat number to match up with virtual race number two. There will be a total of three virtual races, Finz Finds Coastal Cruise Motorcycle Charity Ride (37.2 mi 1 hr 20 min) Starting at Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson (330 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota Fl) Turn right on Cattlemen Rd. (0.6 mi) Turn right onto Bahia Vista St. (4.8 mi) Turn right onto S. Tamiami Trail (0.4 mi) Turn left onto Mound St./N. Tamiami Trail (0.6 mi) Continue onto Bayfront Dr. (0.7 mi) Turn left onto Gulfstream Ave. (0.2 mi) Continue onto John Ringling Causeway (2.1 mi) At St. Armands Cir, take the 1st exit onto N. Boulevard of the Presidents/John Ringling Pkwy. (1.1 mi) then right onto Ken Thompson Pkwy (0.2 mi) 1st STOP - The Old Salty Dog (1601 Ken Thompson Pkwy, Sarasota Fl)
and riders have a chance for a winner from each race. The third and final stop will be at the Finz Finds Tent, at the Grand Prix Fan Fest, located in the Van Wezel parking lot near downtown Sarasota. We will have a special guest for you to meet and greet. Captain Edgar Hansen of the fishing vessel Northwestern, featured on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, will be on hand to greet riders as they check-in. We will have the winning boat numbers posted from each of the three virtual races at final check-in. I hope you enjoy this ride and the Grand Prix Fan Fest activities, which are all part of the Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Festival benefitting Suncoast Charities For Children. For more information about the Festival visit: sarasotapowerboatgrandprix.org
Right on Ken Thompson Pkwy. (0.2 mi) Turn right onto John Ringling Pkwy./Gulf of Mexico Dr. (11.0 mi) 2nd STOP - Coquina Beach on the left (Bradenton Beach, FL) Turn right onto Gulf Dr. S/Gulf of Mexico Dr. (12.1 mi) At St. Armands Cir, take the 4th exit onto John Ringling Blvd. (0.7 mi) Continue onto John Ringling Causeway (1.7 mi) Turn left onto N. Tamiami Trail (0.4 mi) Turn left onto Boulevard of the Arts (0.1 mi) Turn right onto Van Wezel Way (0.2 mi) *Show your armband to be allowed inside the event to park. 3rd STOP - FINAL CHECK-IN FINZ FINDS RIDES TENT at end of Van Wezel Way (Van Wezel Parking Lot)
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There is assistance available when someone you know and love has had a traumatic brain injury resulting from a fall, an accident, or physical assault. People who have had an accident may not know what to do or what options they may have in order to treat these issues. Educating the public is very important when it comes to understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Aphasia. BTR 32 | BORNTORIDE.COM
In this month’s cover story, we are going to introduce you to Stephanie Karidas, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. Stephanie is an accomplished speech-language therapist, sailboat racing competitor, and Harleyloving rider! Stephanie knows just too well what consequences a head injury can have. Stephanie helps those riders and others who suffered a brain injury to rehabilitate their communication
and cognitive (thinking) skills. She has met many different clients throughout her career as a speech-language pathologist and has seen the positive long-term benefits of early, but also late intervention. Brain injuries can impact an individual’s ability to think, speak, write, read and drastically impact someone’s quality of life. But not everybody knows what to do after a head injury or stroke.
Only a few know how many resources can be utilized to rehabilitate from an acquired brain injury - and this is why we are introducing Doc Steph to you in this month’s cover story! Stephanie is easily approachable when it comes to helping folks who need help. My conversation with her was fun, enlightening, and educational. Tell us a little bit more about yourself, your life, and your family! “I grew up in Germany. My family is pretty big, and they have been my major support throughout my life. I left Germany in 2007 after I graduated university to continue my studies at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa. I graduated with my second Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and actually planned on moving up North to pursue a career in Speech Pathology. But, I met my husband about a year before my graduation and decided to stay.” Tell me about your husband! “Nate and I met at the Davis Island Yacht Club through racing sailboats competitively. We traveled together from one regatta to the next. Nate also introduced me to motorcycles!” “One day I decided it was time for me to get my own license – after all, riding on the back is only half the fun! At that time, my husband was working on oil rigs in Louisiana and when he came back from one of his trips, I proudly showed him my new ‘two-wheel-independence’ license! We are both very responsible and careful riders and before I rode on the streets, I asked him to continue practicing riding with me, riding in large parking lots. I learned a lot from my riding class but didn’t feel accomplished enough to face the heavy traffic out there. I think it was about two weeks of daily routine activities, such as practicing turns, sudden stops, figure eights, anything you could think of, where I finally felt more comfortable to face the heavy traffic. We started riding on the road and I actually rode his Honda Fury for a pretty long time until I got my own bike, a Sportster 48, 1200cc. She is a pretty one and she can certainly hang with the big boys! I take her to different events, but when it comes to long rides, I still hop on my husband’s Road Glide and just enjoy the ride with him.” What are signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)? “There are many signs and symptoms that can occur, such as emotional and behavioral changes, cognitive complications which present as problems with memory, learning, making decisions, problem-solving, concentration/attention, reading, and writing, but also speech and language impairments. Aphasia is a language disorder that can occur after a stroke but also through a TBI.” What is your mission as a therapist? “My mission is to provide language, speech, and cognitive treatment for individuals suffering from TBI and/or Aphasia. I provide individual sessions, which are offered as standard sessions of about two hours per week or as an intensive package (five or more hours per week). I am an Aphasia and TBI advocate – I want to spread the knowledge! Many people do not know about acquired communication disorders such as Aphasia. The term ‘Aphasia’ is often unknown! TBI is very common and obviously more of a general known medical term than Aphasia. But do you really know what it means to suffer from a TBI on a daily basis? Do you know how the life of a loved one changes after an accident and/or a BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 33
stroke? And do we know what resources to utilize after a brain injury? The results of a communication and/or cognitive disorder can have major impacts on an individual’s social life, their families, and friends. It can cause social isolation, depression, and emotional distress. Simple tasks that we take for granted are often impaired, such as speaking and understanding, maintaining attention, solving problems, remembering events, names, appointments, organizing and following a daily routine, and interacting socially. But, there is so much more help out there than one might imagine! And that is where I come into play – I support and rehabilitate individuals with TBIs and Aphasia. I teach compensatory strategies for impaired skills, I strengthen skills that remained intact. I consult with the individual’s families and train them how to make adjustments to these immense changes. My goal is to improve and maintain the quality of life after a traumatic incident or stroke through therapy. I urge everyone to think about loved ones in their family or circle of friends who have suffered a brain injury or stroke that may need help. The sooner we start the rehabilitation process, the better the outcomes!” What are the options for people suffering from a TBI and/or Aphasia? As a Speech-Language Therapist, I provide individual, client-centered therapy that is based on the client’s personal needs and skills. I focus very strongly on functional therapy outcomes to improve the client’s everyday life to help provide a better quality of BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM
life. Life changes drastically after experiencing Aphasia and/or TBI, and it is my mission to deliver the most effective treatment to you and consult with your family.” Stephanie, you mentioned that you also volunteer at a nonprofit organization in St. Petersburg! Tell us about that! “Yes, I am volunteering and working for Voices of Hope for Aphasia (VOHA) in St. Petersburg. VOHA was established in 2012 by Mike and Kathy Caputo. Mike suffered from a stroke at the age of 51 years which resulted in Aphasia. Until then, Mike was living a normal life with his family in New Jersey. He was a director and International leader for a large company. His life changed after his stroke; he had to learn how to live with Aphasia. Mike and his wife decided to form an organization to help others with Aphasia. VOHA is a communitybased aphasia program for people living with aphasia and their families. They offer several programs, such as a 2-day Workshop, which is designed to educate people with aphasia and their families about different communication strategies and resources available. VOHA also offers group meetings for people with aphasia where members get together to talk about current events, do different and fun activities, discuss interesting topics, and many more things. At these meetings, therapist like myself, lead the groups to provide skilled support for members with Aphasia. These meetings are fun and get people with Aphasia (and other neurogenic disorders) involved in different activities. They are able to socialize with others
Stephanie Karidas, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Bay Area Speech, Language & Cognitive Therapy LLC
who are also experiencing a communication disorder and are just ‘getting back to life’ as we say at VOHA. VOHA also offers many more program options which you can access on their website www. vohaphasia.org. I have been with this organization for many years, they are like family to me, and I highly recommend them! You will
“Simple tasks that we take for granted are often impaired, such as speaking and understanding, maintaining attention, solving problems, remembering events, names, appointments, organizing and following a daily routine, and interacting socially”
What would you like everyone to take away from your story? “Know that therapy is vital during your recovery process. Seek my professional help. Ride with me on the road to recovery and let’s work on this together!” Thank you, Stephanie, for helping those in the motorcycling community with TBI and sharing your story with the readers of Born To Ride magazine!
greatly benefit from joining the many programs offered by VOHA, and I promise that you will meet the most amazing people who will eventually all become your friends.” One particularly successful story is when Stephanie worked closely with a young teenager who was in a serious car accident and suffered from a severe TBI about two years ago. He is the son of dear, good friends who also ride motorcycles with Stephanie and Nate. Their son was in a long coma and the doctor’s initial prognosis was devastating to his family and friends. But, against all odds, he started progressing and finally came home! Stephanie explained, “I spent 7-9 hours a week with him for about 8 months. I worked with him on metacognitive skills (identifying errors, reflecting on his own performance, applying used strategies independently, etc.), attention, memory, problem solving, reading and language comprehension. Once it was time for him to go back to school, I had meetings with the school officials and therapists to make sure everything was set up correctly for him and his needs (in my area of expertise). I’m still working with him this summer, a few hours a week. He is a fantastic kid who has a great amount of outstanding support and truly unconditional love from his family. His accident was a terrible experience for his family and friends, but he is blessed with very strong and amazing parents who did absolutely everything right and possible during his recovery process.” Let’s say someone got into a motorcycle accident and a TBI has occurred whereby it has affected speech, language, and cognitive skills. What is the process of getting them the help they may need? “I get involved when he or she is released from the hospital (out-patient rehabilitation) and speech, language and/or cognition skills need to be rehabilitated. The first six months of recovery is an important part of the recovery process; individuals usually notice fast improvements during this spontaneous recovery phase. It is very important to know and understand that progress still occurs after this speedy recovery phase. Recovery can occur even after two Who: Stephanie Karidas, Ph.D., CCC-SLP years post-injury. Our brain has the ability to ‘rewire’ itself after an What: Bay Area Speech, Language & Cognitive Therapy LLC injury by forming new neural connections; it can adapt to the changes Where: 716 S Oakwood Ave, Brandon, FL Web: www.bayarea-speech.com in its environment which are why therapy is so vital for everyone Email: office@bayarea-speech.com suffering from a brain injury or stroke. This phenomenon is called Tel: 813-956-9564 Neuroplasticity and it truly has a profound impact on the recovery process.” Susan Hurst “Stephanie is a very Kind and Caring Person that will go the extra mile to help you.” Ron Galletti
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“Talk about Biker Friendly! We easily parked to the right of the building in the designated bike parking. This area was paved AND covered.”
On a recent Spring day in Central Florida, we decided it was perfect for a ride to a place we had never been – but heard great things about – Sonny’s BBQ in Zephyrhills. Yes, you heard me correctly – Sonny’s. I’ve always enjoyed Sonny’s for their fair prices and consistently great food. They are also known for having a terrific salad bar, (something many other places have discontinued). Talk about Biker Friendly! We easily parked to the right of the building in the designated bike parking. This area was paved AND covered, and has electricity and
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individual charging stations for cell phones or other electronics. Inside, we saw a very inviting bar area, with seating at the bar and tables. We chose to sit in the restaurant, where a server took our order within moments, and answered our questions and requests with a smile. Eddy ordered Sonny’s Sampler and I was anxious to check out the bottomless salad bar. From ordering until I returned from the salad bar, (well under ten minutes) - Eddy had his Sampler in front of him! The sampler meats were ample and savory and included sliced pork, beef brisket, a quarter of a BBQ chicken and
two moist and yummy ribs. Two side dishes with it were also more than generous. The salad bar was clean, well put together and replenished frequently. It had an abundance of fresh vegetables and dressings including a pleasing assortment of side salads, and little cakes and puddings. We were offered a choice of breads, and empty plates were removed within a reasonable time. The restaurant, the parking, entry, and restrooms appeared well cared for. From start to finish, our trip to Sonny’s BBQ in Zephyrhills was a very enjoyable experience. We are looking forward to returning. Lynne Motejaitis Knight
“This Sonny’s BBQ has Covered Bike Parking just for you. Support them and thank them” Ron Galletti
6606 GaLl BlVd ZePhYrHiLlS, Fl 33542 (813)-782-4272
That New Bike Fever
So recently, I did a thing – I purchased a brand-new motorcycle. I’ve never bought myself any new vehicle before, much less a bike. Needless to say, I “pulled the trigger” after much handwringing and arguing with myself. After selling my Triumph Sprint 955ST, the venerable “Born To Ride Bike,” I debated whether or not to buy something to replace it. I still have my old trusty Yamaha Royal Star, can’t part with her – too many miles and memories. Yet I’ve enjoyed riding a smaller, more performance-based bike these past six years, everywhere from track days to mountain roads. I’m also beginning to see the “handwriting on the wall” so to speak – I’m getting older, my knees are wearing out, and it seems the bikes keep getting heavier. ... I’ve had the opportunity to ride many motorcycles over the years – ones I’ve fixed up and sold, ridden for evaluation articles, or “demoed” at events. I’ve found something to love in each I threw a leg over, the Suzuki SV 650 is a recent particular fave (see “Ride Naked,” Feb. 2017, BTR SE). Yet honestly, nothing has come close to how the Triumph Bonneville Street Cup felt to me, after riding one for four days last year (“Cafe’ Cool,” May 2017, BTR SE). I grew up around my dad’s old Bonnevilles and TR6s, and have always loved that classic British marquee. I made my decision. I’d buy a new Triumph Bonneville. Triumph North America had been running a month-long “0 down, 0% financing for 48 months” promo on their 2016-2017 Bonneville models, helping dealerships move old stock. That, coupled with my friends at Hourglass Cycles offering me their last 2017 silver/black Street Cup for an unbeatable price, even my beloved said, “It’s a great deal! If you want it, buy it!” God, I love that woman. ... When buying a new motorcycle, several personal factors should always be considered: your experience and riding style, your size and build, your stylistic tastes, and
of course, your wallet. I guess I’m a bit of a “hooligan cruiser,” if there is such a critter, enjoying open roads and scenery, but reveling in speed, acceleration, and cornering as well. I’m about 5’8”, 155 lbs (wet weight), and have always been enamored with “old school” motorbikes. So for me, the Triumph 900 Street Cup was the perfect fit – fun in twisties, as well as leisurely jaunts, has that Brit “cafe’ racer cool” factor as well as that connection to my father’s old rides, it fits my smaller stature and my bank account. Checked all the boxes for me. Also, when buying a new cycle, there are several factors in choosing a dealership: familiarity, proximity, and continuity. Motorcycle sales reps are different from auto salespeople. Whereas those in auto sales are often held in suspicion (right or wrong) when it comes to honest dealings, motorcycle dealers are usually passionate riders themselves, who know buying a bike is often a luxury purchase, not a necessity – although I can’t imagine life without riding!
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I believe in the importance of knowing your local dealers – attend special events they host, visit the showroom often, and get to know the men and women in sales, parts, and service. I honestly consider the folks at my dealership to be friends, and I enjoy spending time with them, talking and riding. That’s how trust is built. Living within a reasonable distance to your dealership is important as well. For service intervals, repairs, parts, etc., living close by is critical. Not only that, but the old adage, “service after the sale” becomes crucial for new bike owners. My guys are about a 30-minute ride for me, across the winding, hill country roads. Perfect. Whatever my needs are, they are not far away. A dealership that wants to score a sale, then not seek to maintain a relationship with you, isn’t worth the time, effort, or expense. So, I’m officially a new bike owner. I’m glad I caught that “new bike fever,” and I don’t want a cure – except for taking another ride. Rob Brooks
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Women’s World Riding the Tail of The Dragon
Sam Nabb of Wilmington, Delaware works in bookkeeping and accounting for a FlameTech® store that her brother manages. That’s where she met Wayne who installs fireplaces. It wasn’t long before they started dating and eventually married. One weekend while on vacation in Virginia, Sam and Wayne rented scooters to ride around the town. They had a blast! Sam (short for Sandee) had never ridden a scooter or motorcycle before, and Wayne hadn’t ridden since he was a kid. Back at home, they decided to look at scooters since they’d had so much fun. They came home from the store with matching Yamaha Virago
250s. From January through May they practiced riding around the neighborhood. In May they took the MFS class which was both eye-opening and fun. After putting 4,000 miles on the 250s they traded up for Harley Sportsters. A few months later she had an accident and totaled the bike, but she walked away with only bruises. Within a few months, they both got H-D Street Glide Specials. Since she’s only 5’ 2” she had hers lowered to better fit her size. BTR 26Sometimes | BORNTORIDE.COM someone will comment on what a big bike that is for such a small woman. Overall people seem impressed to
see a woman riding and are encouraging. Sam and Wayne love to ride and have taken several motorcycle vacations. The first was to Pennsylvania for a weekend where they saw many covered bridges. On another, they rode 10 hours to Niagara Falls. They love to ride the long, twisty backroads. When they married in Colorado in 2017, they rented a trike and toured around together. While riding on the back allowed her to enjoy the scenery and take pictures, Sam didn’t like being a passenger. Earlier
Leaning right, then immediately leaning left. According to TailOfTheDragon.com this road, which begins at Deals Gap on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, is 318 curves in an 11-mile stretch of highway US 129. It’s one of the most popular places in the country for sports cars and motorcycles. Every curve is different on this unique section of highway. The tight turns and steep ‘S” curves make it a totally thrilling ride. The Dragon has been featured in several movies including “The Fugitive” and “Two-Lane Blacktop.” “It was amazing!” Sam said. She couldn’t wait until she got home to let her brother know that she’d ridden the Tail of The Dragon!
this year they took a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and enjoyed riding the curvy mountain roads. Sam’s brothers both ride and one of them told her and Wayne about the Tail of the Dragon in the Smokey Mountains. The GPS said they were about twenty minutes away from the Tail of the Dragon when she saw a sign. “CAUTION MOTORCYCLES: High Crash Area next 11 miles.” She knew this was it. With hearts pumping and adrenaline racing, they started on The Dragon. “Oh, my Goodness!” Sam thought. “My God, what am I doing?” she asked herself as she maneuvered the dips and angles.
“He can’t stop saying how happy he is!” she said. Happy that she and Wayne got to experience that exhilarating ride. (Maybe secretly just happy they both survived it!) Sam has two adult children. Her son rides a Sportster. Her daughter hasn’t shown any interest in riding but seems very proud of her Mom riding. Sam and Wayne plan to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary by going back to Colorado. This time rather than flying and renting bikes; they’ll ride across the country on their own motorcycles. In the meantime, they’ll enjoy riding any chance they get!
If you or someone you know has a unique story contact Myra@MyraMcElhaney.com.
Myra McElhaney BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 45
On behalf of Blackwater Jeepers, TriCounty Jeepers, Offroad Alliance, and Trail Monkeys 4x4, we cordially invite you to our event, Jeeps vs. Harleys, Saturday, October 6, 2018. All Motorcycles are welcome to participate. This event has grown into a fun family event for charities and continues to grow each year. Last year, we produced Jeeps vs. Harleys with only three months to plan, successfully bringing Jeepers and Harley owners from all over the state to this oneday event—and had in excess of 1,200+ attendees! We had 360+ Jeeps, 180+ Harleys attend the police escorted non-stop convoy from Brandon, Florida to Pasco Sheriff’s Safety Town in Hudson, Florida. The success of the first event garnered $16,000, and 100% of the proceeds went to two amazing charities; C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) and the Farrell Cares Foundation, both 501c3 organizations. This year’s proceeds will be distributed to mainly 501c3 charities, local charities, churches, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and rehabilitated programs across west central Florida. All proceeds from the 100th Anniversary Harley-Davidson Grand Prize will go to the west-central chapter of
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C.O.P.S. in Tampa, FL. This charity has done so much to help family survivors put their lives back together by offering: child therapy, scholarships, grief counseling, and sending survivors to a camp with other survivors from around the country. A brief description is as follows: • 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. will be staging for the convoy and the sponsored hospitality tent • 9 a.m. the convoy will roll out together, Jeeps and Harleys for the police escorted 36-mile ride to Sun n Fun in Lakeland • The entire convoy will arrive at 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. • As the convoy finishes parking we plan to have the national anthem played • 11:30 a.m. the live band will have started, there will be beer, raffles, prizes, food, vendors, a bike show and jeep show • Born To Ride will be on hand doing a TV Taping for their TV Show, so come out and get on TV • At 5p.m. The Grand Prize Raffle will be held to see who will win the fully-customized Jeep Wrangler or the Harley-Davidson Fatboy • 6 p.m. the event will wind down with food, drink, and vendors still available as the attendees are collecting their trophies and
filing into the show areas This year the Grand Prizes include a fully custom-built Jeep Wrangler AND a 100th Anniversary Edition Harley-Davidson sponsored by Jeepin Central Florida magazine. Tickets to Win the Jeep are only $20 and tickets to Win the Harley are only $10. We are looking for vendors and sponsors for this one of a kind charity event. Donations, prizes, giveaways, and raffle items are welcomed, which will be on display to the entire crowd of attendees for the whole day and announced as they are won. We look forward to working with you on this amazing event, save the date, Saturday, October 6, 2018. We will have much more info next month, but feel free to contact us with any questions or how to get your tickets for this great event that will bring many people together for such an awesome cause. Sincerely, Coty Byers and Al Feliz cotybyers@gmail.com doctoralfeliz@gmail.com Ron Galletti-RG@BornToRide.com
Don’t miss your chance to WIN a Jeep or Harley. Tickets are Limited, CALL NOW ! 813-203-5600
I
built this bike with the premise that I could barhop and smoke anyone light to light, or hop on and go 1,000 miles on the weekend. Happy to say ... have done both! That’s the good part of the story. The first build of this bike was slightly different, Denver’s springer, magneto, and a few other differences. On the way to Smokeout East, I pulled into JW’s place in Wilson, NC and the throttle stuck— launching me into the woods!!! Missed most of the trees! However, the last tree really deraked the front end. Trailered it the last 50 miles to show and 70% of the people looking at it couldn’t tell it was crashed. Good thing I had insurance! Problem with insurance is you can’t fix it yourself. So I took it to an “authorized” shop in Minneapolis for the work. Used this as an opportunity to make a few upgrades and worked with the owner on some really cool fabrications. The “invisible” tank mounting system was probably the best improvement. I’ve been on motorcycles since 1969 and Harley’s since 1976. So for me it’s about clean functionality. I will not tolerate
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Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value for you the Reader.
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a
Motorcycle that isn’t roadworthy. If I have to make choice between cool and reliability, reliability wins every time. That’s where the lesson learned for me comes into play. This shop is probably one of the best fabricators in the country. But building a motorcycle is more than fabricating. It’s about creating a design that can hold up to hundreds of miles on Midwest potholed roads. Story continues, I had moved from Minneapolis to Milwaukee during the time the bike was being repaired. After the most hassles I have ever had dealing with the conflict between the shop and the painter I was ready to unload my Glock into both. Three weeks turned into 4-months. Losing 4-months of riding season in Milwaukee is basically the whole season. So on a cool October night, I am cruising down the highway at 75 miles an hour and the bike starts cutting out due to an electrical short. I go to step on the clutch and the arm is gone. As I try to move this bucking bronco of a bike onto the shoulder, a car rams me into the concrete medium. After flying over the bars and sliding on the asphalt 50 feet I get up and run over to check my bike. One side good, one side not so good. Of course, the asshole that hit me took off! Fortunately, a Good Samaritan who was behind me saw it all and stopped to help. I got out of the hospital at 5 a.m. the next morning in a pair of borrowed shorts and t-shirt. Only had one problem, no ride and didn’t really know anyone. So I called the only person I knew, Milwaukee Mike and he showed up to give me a ride back
to my apartment. After getting the bike from the towing company, I found the “custom cover” the shop had made to conceal the electrics under the tank was held on by Velcro!!! The cover came loose from the heat and vibration and shorted out the system. Lesson learned: have your bike repaired by a shop where guys aren’t afraid to hop on their bike Friday after work and ride a 100 miles to a party! NOT the “I fab everything” shop but, trailer it to the show pricks. Version
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Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value for you the Reader.
3, I try to get the insurance company to cut me a check to do the repairs myself, but I am not an “authorized” repair shop. I thought I had a pretty good case on how that wasn’t necessarily the best option. I mean who cares more about the roadworthiness? Is it the guy
making a few bucks or the guy blasting down the road at 75 miles an hour? Anyway, there is a tremendous riding contingency in Milwaukee and they directed me to Competition Cycles in Butler. Charley and his crew have been around for years. They redesigned the foot clutch and I redesigned the electrical cover so it bolts on the oil tank. The bike over has 6,000 miles on it with virtually no problems since. Did I mention that El Treviso, means The Troublemaker? Selffulfilling prophecy? I’m currently building a ‘58 pan. It has a Jesus taillight and I’m thinking a set of praying hands painted on the tanks.
Mario “Dirty” Sanchez “Let’s get Stinky!”
Not just filled with ad after ad it’s not the coupon clipper. Real Editorial for you the client.
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BIKE BUILD TECH SHEET Owner: Mario Sanchez aka Dirty Sanchez Bike’s Name: Fabrication: Year /Make/Model: Build Time:
El Travieso Mario Sanchez Custom n/a
Manufacturer: Year: Model: Builder: Displacement: Balancing: Cams: Carburetor: Air Cleaner: Ignition: Coil/magneto: Exhaust Pipes:
S&S 2007 93” High Compression Shovel Mario Sanchez S&S S&S S&S S&S Goodson Mallory Accel Paucho Modified
Manufacturer: Year: Clutch: Primary Drive: Engine Sprocket: Trans Sprocket:
Rev Tech 2007 Primo Primo Belt Stock 26 Tooth
Painter: Color: Graphics: Plating/polishing:
Brent at Sprockets in Savage, MN Candy Red Gold Leaf I&I Minneapolis
Manufacturer: Year: Type: Modifications: Rake/Stretch: Color:
Santee 2007 n/a n/a Four-Up n/a
Handlebars: Grips: Hand Controls: Foot Controls: Fenders: Headlight: Taillight: License mount: Pegs: Electrics: Gas Tank: Gas Cap: Oil Tank: Seat:
Drag Chrome Jockey Defiant Studios and Competition Cycle Handmade Bright Bass Metalcraft Bass Metalcraft Bear Trap Minimal Modified Indian Larry Cool Crown Paucho, Modified Xian Leather
Front End: Type: Length Triple Trees:
NYC Choppers Springer 8” Over NYC Choppers
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
FINISH/PAINT FRAME
ACCESSORIES
SUSPENSION WHEELS
Story and Photos
Josh Kurpuis
Front Wheel/size Tire/size Hub Brakes Rear Wheel Tire Hub Brakes
21” from Chica n/a No Brakes No Brakes 18” D7D Solid Chrome n/a n/a PM Brakes
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Spyke & Mike
Rise of The Phoenix
Check out these pics my BTR friends. From the destruction of the first Fat Bird rises the Phoenix, or more appropriately, the Fat Bird 2. My original ride was a legacy that ended during Leesburg Bikefest 2017. All it took was being parked in the wrong place at the wrong time, and one sport bike to come crashing into it. The blessing in disguise was that no one was hurt during the demise. Over the course of 10 months and with plenty of blood, sweat, and tears from Mike, a new legacy has been born. It took the help
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of many strangers, friends, and family to make the Fat Bird 2 a reality. Mike breaks in, “And I just want to thank everyone involved starting with Born To Ride magazine, Ron and Debbie Galletti, Craig the painter, Peppy’s parts, and Brian at Stitch on Time in making this happen for you, Spyke. Let’s hope I can keep my knees in the breeze, your wings in the wind, and its wheels rolling down the road for another 20 plus years and 180,000 miles.” I cackle dad, you built this, you got this! SPYKE
“I would like to Thank Spyke & Mike for the years of dedication to not only the Biker Community
but to BTR because they are true ambassadors of goodwill and happiness to all.� Ron Galletti
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SID HAIG READS IT!
I Will Make Your Old Tanks Last Forever
nk u J s i “Th me Out Ca f This O nk!” Ta
The heart and soul of your bike is the fuel tank. Originally, the tank was new and clean, but over the years that all has changed. If you are tired of cleaning carburetors or think you need a new tank because yours is too rusty or it leaks, I have the solution. We clean tanks and preserve the metal – even permanently stop leaks! The highgrade epoxy coating we use is second to none; we can even remove most Kreem and Red-Kote liners. We have a fast turnaround time; it’s the easiest thing you’ll do all week. Call 813-407-2226 or CraigPaintsBikes.com
www.B Events Saturday, June 2 Ocala, FL Kimberly’s Center Charity Ride at War Horse H-D 10am-4pm. Live entertainment, food, drawings, bike games, raffles and more. 352732-2488 Riverview, FL Jennifer Jeffery Benefit & Poker Run 9:30am American Legion Post 148. Live entertainment, Karaoke and Open Mic, raffles, auctions and more. 813-299-3792 Sanford, FL Lady Byrd Memorial Ride for Scholarship 9:30am Seminole H-D. Poker run with cash prizes, liquor wagon, picnic, 50/50 and more. Visit our Facebook page Wednesday, June 6 Clearwater, FL Quaker Steak & Lube Bike Night (every Wednesday) 6pm. Llive music, food & drink specials, Bike of the Night, and more. 727572-9464 Thursday, June 7 Kissimmee, FL Old Town Bike Night 5pm-11pm (every Thu). Live music, and more. 407-396-4888 Friday, June 8 Inglis, FL (6/8-6/10) Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven Pool Party. Live music and more. 727-565-8743 St. Petersburg, FL (6/8-6/10) Ink Mania Tattoo and Art Expo 12pm The Coliseum. Featured artists, live tattooing, tattoo contests, live entertainment, Bike Show (6/10) and more. InkManiaExpo.com Saturday, June 9 Largo, FL Let Freedom Ring Poker Run 5pm-11pm Jimmy’s Sports Lounge. Last stop King’s Seat Bar and Grill. 727-359-6112 Leesburg, FL Benefit Poker Run for Brooke 9am-4pm Gator H-D. Enjoy 50/50, raffles, DJ, kid activities, food and bar by the Lake Co. Firefighter’s Charity. All money raised will help Brookes mom and dad with medical bills and supporting Brookes 2 other siblings in this time of need. 352-7878050 Plant City, FL Big Dog’s Patio Biker Saturdays (2nd Sat) Live music, vendors, food, 50/50 raffles, BTR TV taping and magazine shoot, 12-class bike show & more. Sponsored in part 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 by Bound Brotherhood to help team! Voting is based on best Boys & Girls Club. 813-756-5775 decorated bed and fastest bed. Entry fee is $250.00 per team. (All Sarasota, FL Rossiter’s H-D registrations are tax deductible) Manly Man Expo 10am-3pm. Proceeds benefit Veterans and Celebrate all things manly. Free LEOs. 352-787-8050 beer & whiskey tasting. Hot dogs, and hamburgers and more. 941- Ocala, FL Summer Fun Day at War Horse H-D 3pm. Live 951-6103 entertainment, food, giveaways Wauchula, FL Charlotte’s Webb and more. 352-732-2488 11th annual Gemini Party 1pm5pm. Live music (The Ramblin’ Osprey, FL Band of Brothers Rose Trio) food, vendors, fun and Summer BikeFest 12pm Hoosiers Bar. Libations, Motorcycles, games. 863-735-8887 raffles, Vendors, food, Live Music and a Wet T-shirt contest, $5 Sunday, June 10 Palm Harbor, FL Biker Sunday donations at the door. Proceeds 12pm-4pm Smugglers Island benefit local community charities Pub. Free food (while it lasts), and events. Visit our Fb page for giveaways, music, drink specials, more Bike Show contest with trophies. FL (6/23-7/4) Event to benefit Racing for Sarasota, Sarasota Powerboat Grand Prix Orphans. 727-504-3138 Festival Car Show 10am-3pm Sarasota Fairgrounds. Admission Saturday, June 16 Brandon, FL HD Florida Free $5, participant entry fee $20. Bikini Bike Wash at all HD Florida Trophies, live music, raffles, food locations (Brandon, Tampa, New & beverages, truck displays and Port Richey, Panama City Beach, more. Race days 6/30-7/1. 941Tallahassee), Stop by ad get 371-1061 your bike washed, Live music, free food & drinks and more. Starke, FL 2nd Annual Stampton Bike Fest 12pm-7pm. The smallest HDFlorida.com town in Florida that doesn’t exist. Inglis, FL 50 Legs Fun Day at We have a few acres between Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven. Starke and Hampton, Florida, so Live music and more. 727-565- we created Stampton. Sponsored by Scott’s Cycles and more. 7728743 528-9468 Stuart, FL Nam Knight annual Charity and Raffle Event 11am- Tallahassee, FL Habitat for 3pm Treasure Coast H-D. Visit Humanity Poker Run 9:30am Tallahassee H-D. Cash prizes, our Facebook page 50/50 raffles, door prizes, food and fun; $15 rider, $10 passenger, Sunday, June 17 Brooksville, FL Brooksville Bike $5 additional hand. Visit our Rally & Cruise-in 2pm-6pm Facebook page Downtown Brooksville (every 3rd Sun). Food, beverages, live Sunday. June 24 music, raffles and more. 727- St. Petersburg, FL Wings for Recovery Mark Ezzell Benefit 422-3360 12pm-8pm Red Tiki Bar. Inglis, FL Screwie Louie’s Scooter Father’s Day Hamburger Cook- Wednesday, June 27 off. Live music and more Best Clearwater, FL Quaker Steak burger wins a free stay. 727-565- & Lube Bike Night (every Wednesday) 6pm. Live music, 8743 food & drink specials, Bike of the Night, BTR TV taping & magazine Saturday, June 23 Leesburg, FL The Great American shoot. BTR Radio Remote with Bed Race 10am-3pm Gator H-D. Everywhere Eddy and Lynn, plus Race around the parking lot at more. 727-572-9464 Gator Harley-Davidson with your
Thursday, June 28 Apollo Beach, FL Salty Shamrock Bike Night. Live music, food specials, 10-class bike show & more. 813-938-5282 West Palm Beach, FL Stars & Stripes Bike Night 6pm Palm Beach H-D. Free beer, free meals, live music, and contests. 561-659-4131 Friday, June 29 Inglis, FL (6/29-7/1) Screwie Louie’s Scooter 4th of July Weekend Party. Live music, fireworks and more. 727-565-8743 Ocala, FL Freaky Friday at War Horse H-D 3pm. Live entertainment, free Hooters wings 4pm-6pm. 352-732-2488
Friday, July 13 Blairsville, GA (7/13-7/16) Born To Ride Great American Biker Bash at the Copperhead Lodge. Blessing of the bikes, live music (“Cowboy” the Ultimate “Kid Rock” Tribute Band is the main attraction), bike games, guided scenic rides, BTR TV taping and magazine shoot. Ken Anderson, from Pro-rider Atlanta, will also be featured. This motorcycle rally is complete with a 12-class custom and ride-in bike show with $100 Best of Show; $50 Best Bagger and $50 Best Paint. Saturday at 2 PM, there will be a Military and 1st Responders Appreciation Day Ceremony. 706-835-7433
Tampa, FL H-D of Tampa Bike Night 6pm-10pm. Come join us for Music, Motorcycles, Slow Race, Bike show, Food and drink! Visit our Fb page for more
Thursday, July 19 Sturgis, KY Sturgis Kentucky Bike Rally at Union Country Fairgrounds. Live music, games, contests, vendors, showers and more. Come enjoy the best Saturday, June 30 Ocala, FL Hooters Bikini Bike adult bike rally in Kentucky. Wash at War Horse H-D 10am. KentuckyBikeRally.com Live entertainment, food and more. Saturday, July 21 352-732-2488 Gibsonton, FL Born To Ride Palmetto, FL Celebration of Life Great American Biker Bash 12pm for Alicia Stephenson 2pm Peggy’s River’s Edge Bar & Grill. Live Corral. Live Music – Food music (“Cowboy” the Ultimate “Kid Come bring your party shoes and Rock” Tribute Band is the main meet old friends from West Coast attraction), bike games, guided Bike Rally and Tiki Hut Run. Thanks to the folks for hosting scenic rides, BTR TV taping and this event from all her family and magazine shoot. Food and drink friends from Pinellas and Manatee specials. Bike show and more. 813-671-9196 Counties. 941-729-5442 Sarasota, FL Finz Finds Coastal Cruise Charity Ride 9am Rossiter’s H-D. Ride $10 Per Rider / $5 Per Passenger last bike in at 1:30pm. After a coastal cruise out to Longboat Key, the ride will end at the Finz Finds tent located at the Grand Prix “Fan Festival” featuring powerboats on display, music, vendors, and a live simulcast of Saturday’s racing action. Meet Celebrity Guest Capt. Edgar Hansen, $500.00 In Cash Prizes • 1- $300 Cash Winner • 1- $150 Cash Winner • 1- $ 50 Cash Winner • 1 Winner – A Pair of VIP Tickets to the 2019 Thunder By The Bay. 941-951-6103
To Send submitinand yourview events even to more info@BornToRide.com, events visit BornToRide.com help us helpEvents you.
Inglis, FL (7/21-7/23) Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven Christmas in July. Live music and more. 727565-8743 Friday, August 3 Inglis, FL (8/3-8/5) Screwie Louie’s Scooter Haven Too Broke to go to Sturgis Weekend Party. Live music and more. 727-5658743 Friday, September 7 Cherokee, NC (9/7-9/9) Cherokee Blue Ridge Run. Fun for all with loads of great bands, bike shows, stunt shows, food trucks, craft beer and more. BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 67 77 BORNTORIDE.COM
Craven Moorehead It’s Summertime Again
So summer started in May evidently. Daily rain and high temperatures have made their way into the area and Hurricane season started a week early. Can’t complain too much I suppose - at least it isn’t snowing. It seems that lately, all I write about is the weather. It could be said that my life has become mundane and boring. If you observed that and thought the same thing then I guess we were both thinking alike. I remember back in the day when every moment was an adventure. Not so much anymore. Time is passed looking out the window at the rain coming down and listening to the dogs snoring. Yeah, I know you wouldn’t think that dogs snore and perhaps most don’t but for some reason mine do. I suspect that they learned that bad habit from me. They have picked up other bad habits as well but as boring as my life is lately I shouldn’t keep talking about it here and causing you, my dedicated readers to fall asleep while reading this article.
I recently was advised that I have to move from where I have been living. This is a serious problem. I am used to having a variety of nonspecific problems and other unpleasant situations, but so far, I have been fortunate enough to have a place to live. Well, not so much now, but somehow, I will find a way to survive. Seems harder this time but I will get over it one way or another. Stuff is expensive nowadays. It didn’t seem to be this bad a few years back. I do remember when a gallon of gas was more expensive, but I have never seen housing go to this limit. Even the grocery store kicks your butt every time you go in. It must be the economy that allegedly is better than ever or perhaps it is due to the unemployment rate that is lower than ever (according to the regulated media) but from where I sit, I can’t tell. If there is light at the end of the tunnel I can’t see to see it, or it is very dim. Not sure which at this point. So as we go through life with hopes and dreams of peace and prosperity, we still must accept the ups and downs and try to survive to the best of our ability. All I can advise is that we all keep keeping on and don’t let life drag us down. So no more bad stuff! I keep a positive attitude and continue to pray for better days. How does everyone else do it? I’m no expert but I suspect that most of you do the same thing. Being negative never produces a positive result. I like to get feedback from my readers and good or bad I take all your comments to heart. Born To Ride has been here for years serving the biker community in every way possible. Your opinions and comments are always welcome and appreciated. I sincerely hope that each and every one of you has a fantastic summer season and that the rain stays away from your ride to wherever it is you are going. CRAVEN
Let us know what you think of Craven Moorehead, info@borntoride.com
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Christian Motorcyclists Association day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I often think about that verse when I have the opportunity to go experience the world on my bike. While it is true that one can see through the windows of a cage, it just isn’t the same, and you simply can’t become as much a part of the experience! Based on the above verse, we have much to be grateful for when we climb onto our wheels and head down the road. As you feel the wind, as you breathe in the various scents, as you celebrate the beauty of the world around you, remember that what you are experiencing is not by accident. This is truly the day that the Lord has made, that’s why it is so incredible and beautiful. The verse encourages us to rejoice in it all, and what better time and place than while up on two? One other thought concerning this is not only did He make everything beautiful in the physical realm; He makes life beautiful for us internally as well. If we will take a moment to appreciate the physical magnificence, I believe that God can use that rejoicing heart to touch each of us emotionally. He has the power to impact us in a life-changing and positive way when we trust Him, follow Him and seek His love. The next time you are in awe of the physical beauty surrounding you, take a moment and ask God to speak to your heart. He will tell you that He loves you and that your happy life is in His hands! In The Wind, Denny Dingler Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association
One great benefit of riding is being able to be so close to nature. As you cruise down the highway the first thing you will likely notice is the breeze blowing across your face. This is especially wonderful on a cool day when a brisk breeze invigorates your whole being! The smell of the road awakens your senses to your surroundings and you become aware of the smell of the fresh cut grass, the blossoming flowers in the trees and shrubbery, and the smell of salt when riding along a beach road. You will notice your eyes coming alive at the beautiful sunrise or sunset, and the incredible artistry of the multi-colored leaves, the patterns on the freshly tilled earth, and the waves crashing upon themselves along the seashore. Your eyes get an overload as you ride the mountain roads, exploring where the road disappears around a blind curve, and experience the joy of seeing out across a valley to the adjoining mountain range. Let’s not forget the curves you encounter, and how you become as one with your mighty machine! As you face the many curves, trusting your ride, and yourself, as you both lean into the curves and accelerate out of the low spots. Man, that’s living!! In the Bible, in Psalm 118:24, it reads, “This is the BTR 70 | BORNTORIDE.COM