Contents
April Issue 191
Ad Index
Features Chopporama Spotlight-Vigilante Metalworks 12 Appalachian Backroads 14 Nick Amrhein-Tattoo Photography Series 20 Daytona Bike Week 2020 32
Nefarious James Gladstone 16 Ranger Greg Blackwell-Veterans Needs 30 Craven Moorehead-April Fools 53 Spyke & Mike-Social Distancing 54 Christian Motorcycle Association 55
Departments Contents 2 Ride Safe, Ride Smart-Following Vehicles 7 Born To Ride Kids 55
Reports
32
River’s Edge Fuel Take Rusty-Craig Can Fix It! Tiny Trailer Nation
Affordable Motorsports
45
Allstate - Jeff Ard
51
All World Lift Truck
18
Appalachian Backroads
14
BornToRide.com 40
Columns
20
AAA 6
BTR App
50
BTR Babes
51
BTR Boss Hogg Radio Show
41
BTR Lifestyle
50
BTR Radio
4, 52
BTR Youtube
8
BTR TV-Great 38
64
Charlotte’s Webb
40
Choice Med Group
31
Cross Creek Band
44
Cycle-Rama 18
42 43 48
On The Cover
MotoModel Christal Maiden is ready to roll on a ‘78 Honda CB400 Chopper built by her husband Jon Bonnner at his shop Vigilante Metal Works based in Ft.Myers, FL. Photo by: Erick Runyon
Dukes Brewhouse 9 Estrella TV 11 Gotta Havit Insurance 46 HawgFest-The New Ride 28 H-D Crystal
IBC
Lakeland Antique Mall 52 Leasure Automotive
45
Media Design Shop
45
Progressive Insurance 3 Old Town Bike Night 47 Rivers Edge Bar & Grill 42 Rubenstein Law
IFC, 7, BC
Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 5 Tiny Trailer Nation 49 Tropic Trailer 46 Twilight Zone 19
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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BORN TO RIDE Magazine
PO BOX 3021 Brandon, FL 33509
PUBLISHER
Ron Galletti 813-785-3895 888-795-5779 rg@borntoride.com CO PUBLISHER
Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com ART DIRECTOR
Shawn Jones art@borntoride.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Jesse Williams
ART DEPARTMENT
Juan Guzman, Jared Hartman, Erick Runyon Peter Soutullo, Craig Miller art@borntoride.com WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA
Juan Guzman
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Erick Runyon
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Stan Barnhisel
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Nancy Ray nray@borntoride.com
MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST
Jared Hartman, Craig Miller SALES & MARKETING
888-795-5779 ROAD CREW
Vick Velosity, Mark Crowder, Doug Bright, Birdman Mike, Mr. Clean SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT
Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds CONTRIBUTORS
JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Spyke & Mike, Susan Hurst, Eric Albright, Eric Vician, Myra McElhaney, Paul Murray, James Gladstone, Greg Blackwell PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ron & Selena Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Eric Albright, Tom Seiter, Chopper Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon, Craig Miller LAW FIRM
Rubenstein Law 1-800-FL-LEGAL
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FOLLOWING ANOTHER VEHICLE
off the seconds: “onethousand-one, onethousand-two.”
• If you reach the marker before you reach “two,” you are following too closely.
“Following too closely” is a factor in crashes involving motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles need as much distance to stop as cars. Normally, a minimum of two seconds distance should be maintained behind the vehicle ahead.
Togauge your following distance:
• Pick out a marker, such as a pavement marking or lamppost, on or near the road ahead.
• When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes the marker, count
A two-second following distance leaves a minimum amount of space to stop or swerve if the driver ahead stops suddenly. It also permits a better view of potholes and other hazards in the road. A larger cushion of space is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead, or if traffic is heavy and someone may squeeze in front of you, open up a threesecond or more following distance. Keep well behind the vehicle ahead even when you are stopped. This will make it easier to get out of the way if someone bears down on you from behind. It will also give you a cushion of space if the vehicle ahead starts to back up for some reason. For more info, www.msf-usa.org
Chopporama Builder Profile: Jon Bonner of Vigilante Metalworks, LLC. of Fort Myers, FL.’Bonner’ as his friends call him, and his wife Christal Maiden form a pretty interesting dynamic duo within the motorcycle community.in the Fort Myers area. Bonner has been building and fabriBTR 12 | BORNTORIDE.COM
cating since he was a kid in a bicycle shop. About six yrs ago he was in a serious bmx bicycle accident which literally cost him his life (for a brief moment). After a year in recovery he decided it was a good time to pursue his dreams and open up a custom motorcycle shop. As anyone
knows in the business, it’s not easy to start from ‘nothing’, but if you have a dream or a goal that you want bad enough, you can make it happen. Here we are 5 years later and he’s busy as ever with everything from fabrication jobs to complete builds His contribution to Chopporama was
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a beautiful Yamaha XS650 Chopper with so many hidden Gems built into it, your head would spin. His wife, Christal Maiden has a name in the industry as well, Christal has a huge social media presence,
with thousands of followers within the motorcycle, modeling and tattoo industry. Her pin -up, and Moto Model images have garnered attention from publications worldwide. So the dynamic between Bon-
ner and Christal works out really well, he builds great looking bikes, she makes them look even better! I’d call that a ‘win-win situation’ for everyone involved. If you wanna touch base with Bonner or Christal, you
Are you interested in being a part of Chopporama 2021, Let us know: info@borntoride.com
can give them a ring at his Fort Myer’s shop at 423303-9560. You can also find Bonner on Instagram @vigilantemetalworks and Christal @christal_maiden_official BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 13
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Nefarious James “unspoken
First and foremost I am proud to be an American and an American citizen. That seems to be taken for granted by a lot of people out there but with that statement comes a lot of unspoken responsibility. Our country and the world are currently going through life changing, historical, times BTR 16 | BORNTORIDE.COM
right now. We are shaping and molding a new image of the world we live in. I got to say this, and I’m putting it out there for the whole world to read, what the hell is wrong with a majority of the people living here? We were a country made up of men with ideals and moral fiber to do what is right by
those who needed guidance and wisdom. Words and deeds of men who lead us by their example and by the righteous deeds they exhibited. How are we to look at the world and hold our heads up high during this time of great need by those looking for a shred of hope?
Born To Ride Magazine, Real Editorial Content, Real Value every month for you the Reader
responsibility”
own yet. We horded emergency supplies that less fortunate people, our neighbors and fellow countryman, could not find to just exist because others bought them up and price gouged those around them. Animals give more respect to their prey than we give to our own people. This is Disgusting and absolutely shameful. The whole world is watching and these social scums let the world believe all Americans are like this. This is how they may remember us in history books. They watch it on youtube and laugh at the funny Americans. They laugh at us as a country and as a people for the actions of these low lives. Sounds like a real bleak and horrific way for what was once considered by many to be the greatest country in the world. Well now my two cents. The United States of America, to me, is and always will be the greatest country in the world. I will not
“You don’t get any more American or have a bigger heart than the American Biker. Step up and Show us all what you got.”
Italy put its citizens on lockdown and what did the people do? To pass their time and ease their loneliness, they sung to one another from their balconies. What an incredible statement without the use of words. Meanwhile what did we do as Americans? We acted like buffoons and oversized spoiled children. We fought in grocery stores over toilet paper, milk and paper towels that we didn’t even
allow our government to change that. I will not allow people who don’t deserve to be citizens change that. I won’t let politicians change that. YOU shouldn’t allow anyone to change that. We should all be making this country of ours the shining example it should be. It should be the example of hope, bravery, freedom, caring, giving and humanity. That example should not only be abroad but here in our country. If you’re not on board with this then get the hell out. Leave. We don’t have to be remembered as greedy, selfish, egotistical opportunists praying on the weak like pieces of crap. This is one of the greatest opportunities that have come along in decades. This is America’s chance to show the world why everyone wants to come to this country. We give out billions of foreign aid to everyone else in the world and now it’s time to take care of us. It is time for the citizens of this country to show their pride in our country and why hundreds of thousands of us have given our lives to defend it and our way of life. If you think I’ll sit here and allow the world to define MY Country, better yet, OUR country by a roll of toilet paper, you’re out of your friggin mind. If you allow that to happen then you’re no better than what gets wiped on that paper. Be American. Show your strength by showing your compassion to our people, our neighbors here in America. Show those MF’s we the best there is and ever was. It’s up to you. So how does this pertain to Bikers? That’s the Easiest question you could ask me. You don’t get any more American or have a bigger heart than the American Biker. Step up and Show us all what you got. Show the world. Be an American.
Got something to say to James? Let Us Know Your Thoughts: info@BornToRide.com
James “Nefarious” Gladstone
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The tattoo portrait series I’ve created is called THE SHOP, which is a series of 10 heavily tattooed individuals. I wanted to feature not only their tattoos but their personality as well. I shot the portraits waist up and close so they would stand out and pop. The photos were all shot in studio on white background and then cut out and composited onto a grungy brick wall to make it more fitting for the style I wanted provoke. The concept was just to shoot unique individuals with tattoos and showcase it in a series. They came from all walks of life from a stay at home mom, a chef, hair stylist, business owner etc just all passionate about getting ink. The only challenges I had was narrowing down my subjects I would include for the series. I used social media to find my individuals by asking people who were tattooed and showcased personality to volunteer for the shoot if they
“I’m always wanting to push myself and see what I can come up with. I love shooting and creating, especially when its my own passion project that I’ve created and concepted”
were interested or if they knew someone to tag them. The response was bigger than I had imagined, so it made it difficult to narrow down my people I chose. To capture someone’s look, personality and get the shot that will pop, I tend to use inspiration images that Ill pull online to help guide their posing. Once we get shooting, Ill let the subjects just be themselves and not pose them too much and see what we can get with just shooting and being in the moment. I tether all my shoots to a computer monitor to reference the shots with the subjects so they can see what were getting. It helps make changes on the fly, and be in a collaboration with the subjects. For myself to grind and push comes naturally, I’m always wanting to push myself and see what I can come up with. I love shooting and creating, especially when its my own passion project that I’ve created and concepted. Sometimes just BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 21
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“Nick’s work is Amazing. I Love having him part of Born To Ride”
Ron Galletti
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creating without any guidelines, or a client can be awesome and can be more self expressive. I think the important part for me is to always find that happy balance between paid work and passion work. Also making sure to take on work that makes you love your job at the end of the day. If the job makes you say Fu*% Yeah then take it, but if you question it and are not 100% about the job you should take a pass on it. As for tattoos in American Culture, I think it stands as a way of self-expression. I feel it’s a statement to others without even have to speak any words. Many of us that are tattooed have tattoos that symbolize are beliefs, or what we stand for. I was always drawn to art work, designs. I use to drawl on my arms in high school with markers for fun, so it was just natural for me to get BTR 26 | BORNTORIDE.COM
“Many of us that are tattooed have tattoos that symbolize our beliefs, I was always drawn to artwork and designs. I drew on my arms in high school with markers for fun, so it was just natural for me to get tattooed”
tattooed earlier on at the age of 18 years old. The feedback on the series has been good! I only have released them on social media which has gotten love, and I have received several in person compliments on the series. I plan to submit them in future contest for photography categories. My name is Nick Amrhein photographer + director. I’m 32 years old from Toledo, Ohio. I have been shooting since I was 15 years old when I picked up my first camera to shoot skateboarding. I’m happily taken, Type 1 Diabetic, heavily tattooed, ride a Harley Seventy – Two Sportster, enjoy CrossFit, hanging with my dog Chopper a Chihuahua mix, and shredding at the local skatepark on my days off from work. I specialize in commercial & advertising imagery. Last Words : What you put out, is What you get in return.
Commercial / Advertising Photographer and Director, creating imagery for whatever your needs may be:
Nick Amrhein • www.nickamrhein.com • www.facebook.com/3byonenick
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Veterans Needs for the motorcycle community “22 Veterans a day are committing suicide and one of the key indicating factors is the lack of connectivity”
“I am so Thankful To Greg Blackwell for Believing in Born To Ride and for Giving Veterans a platform to come together and to let them know how much we care” Ron Galletti I am Greg Blackwell, past US Army Ranger that spent 11 consecutive years in the special operations world. I have been twisting the throttle inside the Motorcycle community since 1982. I also work with organizations to help rebuild the lives of (and sometimes houses) of veterans. So I bring a unique perspective to what is happening currently. I say this not to brag, but to add validly to my statements. I have seen an issue and opportunity inside the veteran and motorcycle community. In the Veteran and motorcycle community we are experiencing a time that has not been felt since World war 2 and the VietNam era. World War 2 brought our brotherhood together because of a need to be around like minded individuals, and the motorcycle clubs were formed. Viet Nam started a resurgence in our community based on the same reason. At the time we did not know why, or how to identify that BTR 30 | BORNTORIDE.COM
social or mental needs. Today we have a better understanding of the need that our soldiers are coming home with a sense of comradery and a feeling that there is still a mission. Our community provides that connection. The majority of veterans clubs have a mission and focus to provide help and support, not only national charities but local individuals as well. It is time for us to look at how we can reach them. I ask this question. When you are at an event are you standing there with sunglasses on, arms crossed and staying in a small group, or are you out introducing yourself and talking to the public? Just remember, that one person you walk by may need the same brotherhood that you have. It’s time for us to come out of our protective shells and reach out to the community. 22 Veterans a day are committing suicide and one of the key indicating factors is the lack of connectivity. By a simple act of introducing yourself could save a warriors life. I truly understand MC protocol and respect our traditions, but it’s time for us to reach out. Not just for the growth of our community but for the health and well being of those warriors that are
returning home. It’s time for us to band together. Every warrior you meet will have different needs. Some may fit better with a motorcycle association, riding association or some may be a good fit for another 3 piece club other than yours. We can’t turn our backs on our brothers. As long as everyone communicates we can have an impact on this epidemic. As I’m writing this article I was called by a warrior’s wife who’s husband was having issues. He was not a fit for my club or any traditional club for that matter, but I know of a MA that would be a good fit and connected him with them. My closing point is this. As veterans we have a primary mission to defend and protect our country. It is now a unique time to start talking to each other, MA,RC,VMC,MC. We have warriors that are out there looking for a brotherhood. We must put down our guard and reach out. If we communicate amongst each other we can direct that soldier in the right direction. If we get to know each other without an agenda we could not only grow our community, but more importantly save a life, “Rangers Lead The Way” Ranger Greg Blackwell Get Involved with Greg Blackwell’s Mission. Let him Know Your Thoughts: info@BornToRide.com
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Rubenstein Law Your Florida Law Firm • 800 - FL - LEGAL
Representing Riders Since 1988 • www.Fight4U.com
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Rubenstein Law Your Florida Law Firm • 800 - FL - LEGAL
Representing Riders Since 1988 • www.Fight4U.com
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Fuel Tank Rusty? Craig Can Fix It!
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
S Gooday To H bye Costotel s!
r e d n U of the a 1/i3ce of a Pr Hauler! Toy
Tiny Trailer Nation Inventive Craftmanship & Affordable Custom Conversions
During a weekend camping outing, the thought of sleeping on the ground in a tent was just not appealing anymore. Randy Clouse looked for an inexpensive alternative to travel trailers. One day, he came home with a brand-new enclosed utility trailer with the idea of tricking it out as a camper, but during the building stage, he decided that he also wanted to travel/camp with his Harley-Davidson. The result was not only a camper but a toy hauler. After much encouragement and being tired of the slow seasons at work, he decided to venture out on his own building these Tiny Trailers. BTR 48 | BORNTORIDE.COM
“Tiny Trailers let you live in comfort on the spot; eliminating hotel costs while taking your bike with you anywhere”
One year later, Tiny Trailer Nation now exists, and sales have boomed to over two dozen custom builds. Randy not only caters to motorcycle enthusiasts but
also to recreational campers and musicians; of which Randy is one himself. He transforms any enclosed utility trailer into a customized home on wheels including electric/water hookup, microwave, refrigerator, sink, paint, flooring along with many other options including rooftop A/C, awnings, oil-resistant flooring, bike tie-downs, outdoor showers, charging stations, televisions, and convertible beds just to name a few. Builds can include one or two bike capacity. The average price for a Tiny Trailer is approximately $6k depending on the building design; which is considerably less than any full-
“Randy is the Hardest Working Man in Selling Your Dreams of Travel and Adventure”
Ron Galletti
size camper or toy hauler. Completion of a Tiny Trailer can even be accomplished in as little as one week! This year alone, Tiny Trailers have traveled to Sturgis, Daytona Biketoberfest, Myrtle Beach, and frequently to Scooter Haven Country Club. One even ended up used in the Panhandle during Hurricane Michael cleanup/renovations. All of Randy’s Tiny Trailers can be pulled by a normal vehicle with at least the recommended 6-cylinder engine.
As a musician, Randy has played the drums for many bands in the Tampa Bay area over the past 20 years. In his early career, he played for national recording artists such as Leon Russell, Rick Derringer, and Derek St. Holmes. As a small business owner, Randy also believes in giving back to the community, caring for disabled veterans for the past 14 years by building wheelchair ramps, providing household maintenance, and running needed errands.
Let Born To Ride help Market your Products with our Multi-Media, 888-795-5779
Tiny Trailers let you live in comfort on the spot; eliminating hotel costs while taking your bike with you anywhere. Randy and Tiny Trailer Nation can be seen at various Bike Festivals, Harley-Davidson Dealership Grand Openings, and some local Bike Nights or at 12847 66th Street N, Largo FL. You can also look them up at www.facebook.com/tinytrailernation. Let Randy build you the Tiny Trailer of your dreams!
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Craven Moorehead APRIL FOOLS - A LOT OF THEM. …
Yeah, time flies by once again. Nothing seems to be simple in life anymore and I won’t bore you with the details as I did last year. I will, however, share one of the highlights of my life from last year but not too much. By the way, It is not plagiarism if I use my own quotes from an original piece that I created so don’t go there! Besides, I rarely get criticism regarding my articles, but when I do, I try to take the readers concerns and hatred of the content to heart. For some reason, I don’t seem to care if people just hate me for being me, I do however become unsettled when my dedicated readers take cheap shots or express dislike for my literary expressions. These articles and columns are like children to me - kinda, and I like it when people respect them as if they were a living entity. No, I am not suggesting that these pieces are alive but to me, they are something that I created so whether I think I did a good job or not, is not important, it’s simply that I did something that I hope my readers enjoyed. Look at it this way, I’m just a cook at a cheap diner and if you don’t like the food, you can always send it back and refuse to pay for it. But because you picked up this magazine for free (or paid a small fee for a subscription) there is little reason for the cook to leave a bad taste in your mouth simply because we have a difference in opinion, and the consumer of this material is always welcomed to comment on content in this magazine whether it be good, bad or indifferent. Don’t be an “April Fool” just be cool!! Getting down to the business of real foolishness, if you want to see how things are going in our society, just watch the news for a few minutes and you can see where our country (and the world) are headed. No, not the biker community just these people who make
foolish decisions regarding the actions they take. Every day there are reports of shootings, robberies, and a plethora of other stupidity that seem to defy reality and often these foolish actions seem as if they were ripped from the pages of a horror novel. On the bright side, the regulated media often cover stories of the good that bikers do for the community and the world. I have lately seen positive reports regarding the Phoebe Jonchuck run and the ride to Bushnell paying respect for our veterans. These events happen very often because as bikers, we have respect for our country, family, veterans, and community. The other blundering fools who commit crimes that seem senseless probably do not possess the heart and soul of a biker. It’s a sad situation when we have to witness the senseless, foolish commission of crimes against our children, communities, and nation in general. These, my friends, are the real “Fools” and we should be thankful that our 2-wheeled society does hold a higher standard when it comes to the affairs of the world that we live in. Here, once again I have to make a reference to ‘social media’ and the latest issue regarding “Facebook” which is currently under scrutiny for information that was stolen from it users by one of its associates that allegedly gathered (your) personal information for illicit purposes. Alleged election interference was at the forefront but there are more important implications involved in this issue. This story began in late March but I’m sure they will still be covering it long after the time that you read this article. I don’t think that I know anyone who does not use Facebook or the myriad of other social media sites but I’m not the judge of what you personally should do. I do know one thing and that is simply ‘don’t put stuff on these sites that you don’t want the world (or your parents) to see. ‘And be careful about what you share on these outlets. I have often said that big brother is watching but nowadays it’s more than just the government. There are a lot of fools out there who will use any personal information they can garner to do harm to people whether it be financial, hate or revenge motivated. Users beware and don’t be a fool!! There are many more things that I could add to this opinion that I possess but I am responsible for my own thoughts and actions. I try to do the best for my community and keep my heart as pure as I can under the circumstances! Yeah, I’m broke all the time, but I come up with a few bucks by recycling aluminum cans which also helps our planet. I told you earlier that I was going to re-run a small piece from last year’s article but I didn’t. “APRIL FOOLS”!!! Until next month ‘speed safely’
R.I.P. Craven Moorehead, Your Words Will Live On Forever
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for all of you, our biker brothers and sisters that are being safe and hunkering down, I’m sure y’all have deeper questions to ask from within. How ironic these times have become. Now you all get to experience what I felt for the past 9 months of having to distance myself for a totally different reason. But you know what, if everyone had a choice, I bet most of y’all would rather take the lesser of two evils, a broken femur, than what is going on today. The one you’ll heal from, the other can kill you! It’s the perfect time to start acting like a family again. To do what mom and dad did with us while growing up. Detach from
Oh, the trying times we live in my BTR friends. Mike starts babbling, “Spike doesn’t understand the concept of what’s going on and now she’s getting hit between the eyes with humanity poop. The world throws so much at us from the moment we wake up to the instant we pass out. We are constantly facing a thousand ways to die. If it isn’t job issues, family problems, dealing with getting old, riding our motorcycles around the millions of crazy drivers or just the everyday hurdles we have to jump through to stay alive, it’s now SARSCoV-2. Call it what you want: Coronavirus, Covid 19, Wuhan virus, or the Wu Flu. Just like 9/11, it will change life as we know It. Actually, more like life as we knew It. For Spyke and I, it actually makes us look back to the times when things were simpler; where do we go for dinner tonight? What event are we attending next weekend? What does the Fat Bird need to keep it on the road? What nuts does Spyke get today? What do I need to do to make my girlfriend happy? All very reasonable questions to ask except when in trying times where there are more important situations that need to be addressed. As BTR 54 | BORNTORIDE.COM
“Social distancing has been a biker attitude since two wheels were invented”
society, play cards or a board game, make something in the garage or kitchen, read a book together, work in the garden, go on a scavenger hunt, start or finish a home improvement project, maybe just plain sit down and talk to each other...If you must be online, learn how to use the internet to your advantage. Go on and be that family man or woman that your parents raised you to be. If you’re single or not, now is the time to be by yourself. Time to reflect, meditate, anti-socialize and leave this crazy world that revolves around us. When you do need to socially disconnect and get off the property, just stay six feet away. Most of us have been practicing that for years. There’s no better way to do it than to go into the garage, raise that door, put your leg over a mechanical miracle called the motorcycle, and disconnect from the world. Social distancing has been a biker attitude since two wheels were invented. There’s nothing like being in the wind with not a care in the world except for what’s in front of you, the people you’re riding with, and the next gas stop. When they say to practice social distancing, that’s your hall pass to get out there and ride. There isn’t a
virus in the world that’s going to catch you at the speed of wind!. Riding motorcycles have been proven to reduce the feeling of depression, loneliness, and giving a shit. Whipping your leg over one, firing it up, and pulling the throttle back gives you an instant rush of serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline totally improving your outlook on life. The wind in the face goes right to your head and makes you smile like great sex or winning the lottery, but it comes with a warning; riding motorcycles can be addictive, reduces time in the workplace or at home, and allows bugs to get between your teeth. It increases friendship while maintaining social distancing with other like-minded individuals. Make sure to check with your doctor to see if riding motorcycles is right for you. I did and he told me to get back on the Fat Bird as soon as I could hold it up.When you do have to stop, make sure to leave your leathers, helmet, and bandana on. If you dare ride unprotected, at least bring a pair of disposable gloves with you. Boy, I never thought I’d say this but, those full faced brain buckets are looking pretty good right now.” I step up and cackle, “what about me? Again, you’re acting like I’m just a plain o’le chicken wing. I’ve made it through the swine flu, the bird flu, and now I’ve laid down with my buddy swimming over me, and done my part to protect you from the Corona in a bucket flu. I just don’t want you to leave us pets out of the equation. But I do understand your interest in humanity and the need to ride. I just want you to know that whether feathered, haired, or just plain skinned, us animals live and count on you humans. In return we give you unconditional love and no threat of spreading the virus.’ Mike babbles, “awww Spyke, for 28 years I’ve never left you out. As a matter of fact, you’ve driven my life more than anybody or anything else has. I always have had the utmost devotion, love, and respect for animals because of you. With that said, we are going for a ride and do some social distancing until we almost run out of gas. Unfortunately it will still be on 4 wheels, but at least it will get your wings in the wind, my knuckles out the sunroof, and the trucks’ wheels rolling down the road.”
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CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION There is nothing quite like riding in the mountains of North Georgia and the Carolinas. For the most part, the high traffic roads are easily ridden and full of sightseeing opportunities. Perhaps one of the best features of these bigger roads is that most of them are four or five lanes wide, making for an easier ride and fewer difficult passages. This means that we can ride without fear and trembling, and simply kick back and admire the beauty of the area. There is a “monument” to the trickery of more difficult roads, located at the start of the Tail of the Dragon. I am referring to the Tree of Shame at the start of the actual Dragon itself. When a rider goes down on the Tail, they are to put a wrecked part of their bike on the tree as a subtle warning of what lies ahead! When one takes on a twisty road such as the Dragon, he must be prepared mentally, physically and eagerly anticipate a great ride. Due to the numerous challenging roads throughout the area, when the ride on the Dragon is completed there are a bunch of great rides yet ahead. That’s why a rider has to be physically prepared as one can literally ride all day long without riding the same road twice. These conditions call for
a strong and courageous rider, one that has practiced his or her riding skills. With practice, confidence, and courage one can overcome trembling, fear or being dismayed. A positive attitude and careful planning can make the ride infinitely more enjoyable, not to mention safer. In the Bible, in Joshua 1:15, we find a great promise that gives us a great confidence. The verse reads, “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” We can easily understand having a brother that has our back, who is there for us and stands with us in times of difficulty. We can be blessed by such a friend, and the knowledge that we can call this brother any time, day or night, and he will be there to walk with us and help us through the dark times of life. The real blessing comes from knowing that the Lord God has promised to always be with us, without fail! This in turn helps us to be strong and courageous, no matter what is happening in the world around us. The Lord has never once fallen short of reaching me and blessing me with His presence and His plan for my life. And best of all, no matter where I go, or what situation I find myself in, He’s got me! If life has gotten you down, or left you feeling distressed by what is happening in your world, call out to the Lord! He is not only constantly present in your life, better yet; He’s cradling you in His arms of love! In The Wind, Denny Dingler BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 55 51 Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association BORNTORIDE.COM