Born To Ride Florida #123

INSIDE

THE LIFE & TIMES OF MOTORCYCLES AND THE PEOPLE WHO RIDE THEM

August 2014 #123 FREE

Motorcycle News | Events | Product Reviews | Exclusive Biker Event Coverage | Test Rides | Biker Travels | Event Photography | Page 3 Babes | Events Listings | and more inside ...

Contents

August Issue 123

Ad Index

Features

H-D Archive Collection 12 Harley-Davidson of Tampa 36 David Meaders 46 Rock The Kilt 56 Venom Anniversary Party 54

Columns Spyke & Mike

79

Departments

12

Page 3 Girl News MSF Ride Safe Ride Smart Hottest Bike Nights Featured Event Test Ride Events, Rides & Destinations Born To Ride Kids

3 4 9 11 11 34 76 80

Reports Finz Finds Rides H-D Petersons Bonding with my Son

1 52 80

On The Cover

36 INSIDE

Harley-Davidson of Tampa

THE LIFE & TIMES OF MOTORCYCLES AND THE PEOPLE WHO RIDE THEM

August 2014 #123 FREE

RIDING OUT? TAKE US WITH YOU!

®

Motorcycle News | Events | Product Reviews | Exclusive Biker Event Coverage | Test Rides | Biker Travels | Event Photography | Page 3 Babes | Events Listings | and more inside ...

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. ­­

BTR 2 | BORNTORIDE.COM

9/11 Gratitude Ride 59 AAA IBC Affordable Motorsports 72 Al Estes Bail Bonds 68 Allstate - Jeff Ard 63 Angel City Rally 61,62 Applebee’s 44 Attorney Fran Haasch BC Bacchus Bike Fest 66 Bad to the Bone 78 Biff-Burger 8 Born to Ride TV 29 Bradenton Freedom Fest 65 BTR Trilogy IFC CJ Seats 70 Copperhead Lodge 60 Cycle-Rama 67 Champ’s Locker Room 75 Concert for a Cause 74 Cycle Stop 6 Festival of Speed 1 Freedom & Family 43 Fun Bike Center 32 Grace-FX 47 Green Iquana 13 H-D Lakeland 21 H-D Ocala 24 H-D Peterson’s 51 H-D Tampa 39 H-D Manatee 17 High Octane 40,41 Iron Horse Motorcylces 64 Jimbo’s Joint 70 Johnny G’s Bar 58 Key West Poker Run 58 Kolor-Tek 72 Know Tow 71 Love Juggs 63 MoJo’s 33 Moto Hearse 68 MoJo’s 33 My EZ Smokes 74 Optical Elegance 67 Peggy’s Corral 45 Plant City Bike Fest 7 Pride Cycles 70 Raccoons 50 Ramp Free Motorcycle Trailers 53 Saddle Creek 58 Sky Powersports 47 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 73 South Beach Bike Week 6 Thunder Beach 42 Treasure Coast Bike Rally 69 Twisted Tea 11 USO Benefit Ride 31 Venom Bar & Grill 54 Wings N’ Weenies 75 Xtreme Motorcycle 64 Yelvington Trikes 50

BORN TO HARLEY-DAVIDSON® AND MARVEL STUDIOS CONFIRM PROJECT LIVEWIRE™ WILL APPEAR IN MARVEL’S AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

Announcement at San Diego Comic-Con Confirms Harley’s First Electric Motorcycle will Light-Up the Screen in Another Heroic Adventure from Marvel, Alongside New Street 750.

On July 25, 2014 at the San Diego Comic-Con, Harley-Davidson® and Marvel Studios introduced Project LiveWire™ – Harley-Davidson’s first electric motorcycle – to fans gathered at the annual international convention.

Project LiveWire, which is featured in Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, will be the ride of choice for Natasha Romanoff (a.k.a. Black Widow) played by Scarlett Johansson, in an epic scene with Captain America in the film.

The addition of Project LiveWire to Avengers: Age of Ultron confirms months of speculation that Harley-Davidson and Marvel are, indeed, teaming up again. Harley-Davidson motorcycles – including the Harley-Davidson Street 750™ featured in Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier earlier this year – have appeared in a number of Marvel movies and television shows over the last several years.

BTR 4 | BORNTORIDE.COM

“Our partnership with Marvel continues to provide thrilling platforms to showcase our latest innovations to existing and new fans of the brand,” said Dino Bernacchi, Director of U.S. Marketing at Harley-Davidson Motor Company. “Not one, but two bikes will be featured in Avengers: Age of Ultron - Project LiveWire and the all-new Street 750, which is now available at Harley-Davidson dealerships.”

While not for sale, Project LiveWire is specifically designed to get insight into rider expectations of an electric Harley-Davidson motorcycle. In keeping with the company’s customer-led product development approach, HarleyDavidson is taking Project LiveWire to consumers across the country.

Fans in San Diego will be able to ride the bike at the San Diego Harley-Davison dealership July 25-26 and provide feedback to help shape the future of Harley-Davidson’s first-ever electric motorcycle.

To learn more about Project LiveWire and The Experience Tour visit www.projectlivewire.com.

See the LiveWire up close and personal coming in December to Brandon Harley-Davidson.

RIDE NEWS

BORN TO RIDE Magazine

PO BOX 3021 Brandon FL 33509

PUBLISHER

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

Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com ART DIRECTOR

Shawn Jones art@borntoride.com

ART DEPARTMENT

Seth Wuertz, Juan Guzman, Bob White, Chris James art@borntoride.com

WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Juan Guzman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jim Miller

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Jesse Williams

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Nancy Ray nray@borntoride.com

MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST

Seth Wuertz

ROAD CREW

Vick Velosity, Mr. Clean, Charlie Kelley, Craven Moorehead, Bam Bam, Victor Lima, Birdman Mike LOGISTICS & MARKETING

Mr. Clean

SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT

Steve Finzelber

East Coast Editor

Bryan Lambert 407-430-6800 CONTRIBUTORS

Neale Bayly, Paul Garson, Craven Moorehead, Jim Miller, Spyke & Mike, Susan Hurst, Josh Kurpius, Bill McDaniel PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jim Miller, Jesse Williams, Neale Bayly, Michael Whitney, Ron Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Bryan Lambert, Mathew Jacobson, Brent Michael, Mike McBee,Durk Gescheidle, Bruce Burman

BORN TO RIDE, INC. P.O. Box 3021 Brandon, FL 33509 info@borntoride.com TO ADVERTISE CALL THE SALES OFFICE

(888) 795-5779

Start an extraordinary relationship with Born To Ride! 888-795-5779

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 5

The Basic Left-Turn

Approaching a busy four-way intersection there are a lot of elements to monitor: cross traffic may or may not stop for the light; pedestrians could step out at any time; an oncoming car waiting to turn left could fail to detect your presence and turn left in front of you. Sure enough, just as you approach the intersection, the car in the opposing left-turn lane swings into your path. You brake hard and swerve at the last second, barely avoiding a broadside collision.

Strategy: Without a doubt, this scenario is a frequent hazard for motorcyclists riding in urban areas. A common type of motorcycle crash (for sober riders) occurs during daylight hours, at low speeds (around 30 mph), when an oncoming vehicle turns left into your path. Again, when approaching an intersection with a vehicle waiting in the left-turn lane, your best bet is to assume the worst: that a car will pull out in front of you. Reduce your speed as you approach the intersection, either downshifting or lightly applying the front brake. Adjust your position in the lane to be seen better. Slowing will increase your safety cushion: slowing just 10 mph reduces your stopping distance significantly, and covering your brake greatly reduces reaction time. After you’ve slowed, continue to visually monitor the car in case it moves and forces you to change position or stop quickly.

For more information go to www.msf-usa.org

Attorney Fran M. Haasch isn’t just our attorney, she’s yours as well! 1-866-LAW-FRAN

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 9

Hottest BIKE NIGHTS

M O N DAY

Beef O’ Brady’s Wesley Chapel • 813-994-1511

T U E S DAY

Call Born To Ride to promote your Tuesday Night

W E D N E S DAY Biff Burger St. Pete • 727-244-8519 Quaker Steak & Lube Clearwater • 727-572-9464 Raccoon’s Valrico • 813-689-5079 MoJo’s Lakeland • 863-583-9119

T H U R S DAY

Applebee’s (2nd Thurs.) Sarasota • 941-355-1400 Johnny G’s Lakeland • 863-858-3366 Manatee Harley-Davidson (1st Thurs.) Bradenton • 941-745-2429 Neon Cowboy Dade City • 813-781-9290 The Bar Out Back Sanford • 321-926-3996

F R I DAY

Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Radio Bar & Grill Tampa • 813-915-1556 Venom II Hudson • 727-378-5850

S AT U R DAY

Biff Burger St. Pete • 727-244-8519 Charlotte’s Webb Pub Wauchula • 863-735-8887 Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson Sarasota (Monthly) • 941-745-2429 Venom II Hudson • 727-378-5850 Plant City Bike Fest First Sat.of every month • 813-754-3707

S U N DAY

Charlotte’s Webb Pub Wauchula • 863-735-8887 Neon Cowboy (1st Sun.) Dade City • 813-781-9290 Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Venom II (3rd Sun.) Hudson • 727-378-5850 Boot Hill Saloon Daytona Uncle Mikes Plant City • 813-737-4444 Green Iguana Brandon • 813-643-7800 Seffner Tikibar Sefner • 813-689-7605

GET YOUR BIKE NIGHT LISTED

CALL 888-795-5779

Featured EVENT

Content Feature H-D The Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Collection had sufficient capital and was able to develop Housed in the 3800 Building is the Harley-

We have all heard the rags-to-riches history of one of the most revered motorcycle marques in the world, Harley-Davidson. We’ve heard the story of three Davidson’s and a Harley starting the company in a backyard shed and building three vehicles back in 1903. Much of the early history of the company is the subject of conjecture and speculation, but some things we know for sure.

In 1903, there were more than 150 domestic motorcycle manufacturers in the United States, 7 of which were located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the same city in which Harley and the Davidson’s began building motorcycles. As with most industries in their infancy, the majority of these motorcycle companies were short lived, either due to undercapitalization or to an inability to develop a distribution network and market, and then consistently serve that market. Harley-Davidson

BTR 12 | BORNTORIDE.COM

an outstanding distribution network and market. Davidson Archives, a 3,100-square-foot area containing the company history in the form of By 1920, Harley-Davidson had become the historic corporate documents, literature dating back largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, and to 1905, service manuals, owner manuals, tens of by 1953, there were just two American motorcycle thousands of images and photographic negatives, manufacturers left standing: Harley-Davidson point-of-sale and advertising materials, dealer and Indian, based in Springfield, Massachusetts. correspondence, rider apparel, and all manner That same year Indian closed its doors. Today, of Harley-Davidson collectibles. This collection Harley-Davidson corporate offices occupy the creates a rare historic timeline, preserved from same buildings that used to house the original the very early years of the company. A separate factory, which are just a stone’s throw away space houses the vehicle collection, and above from the location of the original shed. From the padlocked gate, a sign reads: “Through this the very beginning, all things Harley-Davidson gate pass the oldest and greatest motorcycles in came from Milwaukee. By 1973, when vehicle the world!” That’s what this book is all about: the manufacturing moved to York, Pennsylvania, Harley-Davidson vehicle collection. It’s the first more than 1.25 million motorcycles had been comprehensive look into the only collection of its built and shipped from this site. The Juneau kind in the world. Many have speculated over the Avenue complex, as it is now called, is listed years about why the vehicle collection was started, in the National Register of Historic Places.

Content Feature H-D question for which there is no concert explanation. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that it does exist, and includes more than 450 vehicles.

The core of the collection consists of vehicles from 1915—the year the collection was started—to the present. Most of these vehicles were taken directly from the production line and, in some instances, may have been engineering prototypes or test units. Vehicles from 1914 back to 1905 were actually re-purchased, either from owners or dealers in the field. To this day, at least one vehicle from each model year takes its place within the collection. There are special-interest vehicles, as well as a Harley-Davidson boat, snowmobiles, golf cars, police vehicles, and prototype models that never saw their way to production. There are special, one-off customs used for advertising or dealer point of sale. No other motor vehicle manufacturer had the foresight to save what Harley-Davidson has saved for more than 100 years. The archival artifacts chronicle more than just Harley-Davidson history; they represent the evolution of technology, styling, advertising, and product development. Most important, however, is that the collections reflect the lives of those who built, sold, and rode a true American Legend. To dealers and riders of yesterday as well as today, thank you for keeping the Legend alive.

BTR 14 | BORNTORIDE.COM

The Harley-Davidson vehicle collection is actually composed of three distinct groups of motorcycles: the core collection, vehicles from 1914 back to Serial Number One, and vehicles purchased from collectors and restorers around the world to fill holes in the collection. The core collection consists of at least one model from each model year beginning in 1915. As required, these motorcycles are disassembled, and each piece is meticulously cleaned by hand using non-abrasive cleaning agents so as not to degrade original pinstriping or other cosmetic details like decals and appliqués. At no time are parts re-plated, painted, or replaced. Items that deteriorate over time, such as rubber hand grips, tires, and seats, are replaced as required, although the vast majority of the collection vehicles retain these original items. The vehicles from 1914 back to Serial Number One, excluding the 1909 twin, were purchased by the Motor Company from riders or from dealer inventory, probably in 1915. Some of these machines have been modified in some minor ways, but otherwise they have been retained in the collection in the same condition as originally acquired. As with the core collection, these vehicles have been disassembled, cleaned, and re-assembled. Serial Number One was restored for the company’s celebration of its 95th anniversary.

Content Feature H-D

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 15

BTR 16 | BORNTORIDE.COM

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 17

BTR 18 | BORNTORIDE.COM

BTR 20 | BORNTORIDE.COM

BTR 22 | BORNTORIDE.COM

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 23

BTR 24 | BORNTORIDE.COM

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 25

Content Feature H-D

BTR BTR26 26| |BORNTORIDE.COM BORNTORIDE.COM

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 27

The 1909 twin was retained from the original production run and is completely original.

The last group of vehicles consists of those purchased to fill holes in the collection. Were we to have saved one of each model vehicle from each model year, several buildings the size of our Juneau Avenue facilities would be required to house them, so vehicles in the core collection were usually those deemed historically significant at the time of their manufacture. Over time, other vehicles that weren’t selected at the time of manufacture have attained historic significance. When a vehicle is later deemed important to the collection, Archives acquires the best available example of that vehicle.

These acquisitions, if not accurately restored, are completely disassembled. Proper finishes and plating are then applied, incorrect parts are replaced, and the vehicle is reassembled. The Archive collection of photographs, manuals, bills of materials, and same-era reference vehicles ensure the accuracy of the restoration. As a rule of thumb, full restoration is only used as a last resort, for a vehicle is original only one time, yet can be restored many times. Motorcycles like King Kong, the Rhinestone FLH, and the 1939 and 1955 Servi-Cars, for example, have been retained in their as-acquired condition other than superficial cleaning. To restore these vehicles would remove the patina acquired over time, and they would not be original anymore.

BTR 28 | BORNTORIDE.COM

“Untouched for 82 Years” The Harley-Davidson Archives vehicle collection is currently housed in a 94-year-old building within the Juneau Avenue complex.

Known as the “3800 Building,” it had been used for American Lightweight production from 1948 to 1966. Prior to that, the 3800 Building housed single-cylinder flathead engine, transmission, and vehicle production. It also served as the center for shipping and for spare-parts storage.

In a way, the building itself is somewhat of a time capsule, complete with ceiling brackets that held shafts and wood pulleys to drive leather belts that ran lathes, drill presses, and milling machines.

The concrete steps are worn concave, evidence of those who came before us and who worked their craft in the early years of the company.

The process of vehicle conservation can at times be somewhat tedious, with literally weeks spent in cleaning one cylinder and similar time spent in conserving original sheet metal with its varnish top coat. Yet every once in a while, as we disassemble an early model, the past speaks to us. One such moment recently occurred while disassembling a 1925 JD that had not had a wrench put to it for more than 80 years. As the tank halves were unbolted, it became a rather solemn moment. It required two pairs of hands, and you can imagine our reaction when the tanks were split, revealing a clear, distinct thumbprint on the inside-left tank

half. There were also a couple of trial stripes on the inside as well. One can’t help but wonder who the person behind this thumbprint was?

How old was he? Was he married? Did he have children? For an instant, we were taken back to another time and briefly touched the hand that was the first to assemble this piece of history The Harley-Davidson Museum Since the very beginning, Harley-Davidson has been located and headquartered in a part of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, known as Concordia/ Merrill Park, the latter named after one of the early city fathers. The famous “shed” was located on the southwest corner of what is now 38th Street and Highland Boulevard. When you consider the fact that at the turn of the last century, there were more than 150 domestic motorcycle manufacturers, it is amazing that only Harley-Davidson has survived. As we reflect on the last 100-plus years, one asks why all the others didn’t make it. What formula did HarleyDavidson have that the others lacked? The simple answer is that the company provided a dealer organization that met customer needs, be those needs for sales, service, or socialization. Each dealership had and has its own personality and unique atmosphere. Today, as always, HarleyDavidson dealers are as much enthusiasts as the customers they serve. They too ride, race, and love Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Wisconsin. The museum is located on a 20-acre parcel of land at the corner of Sixth and Canal Streets near downtown Milwaukee and features vintage and special interest motorcycles and related memorabilia, as well as a restaurant, café, retail shop, meeting space, special events facilities, and the company archives. The total square footage of the Museum is approximately 130,000 square feet, and includes both permanent and temporary exhibit space.

I

T

he individuals who comprise HarleyDavidson management were and are great savers of everything pertaining to the business, and in the Harley-Davidson Archives resides literature dating back to 1905, as well as more than 100,000 negatives and images dating back to the early days of the company. The Archives also houses advertising pieces that chronicles the design and development of Harley-Davidson products to this day, miles of early racing and motorcycle club event footage, vintage clothing and race gear, trophies, awards, signs, clocks, and AMA memorabilia, not to mention more than 450 motorcycles beginning with serial number one, the first V-twin from 1909, military vehicles, police vehicles, dragsters, factory customs,

BTR 30 | BORNTORIDE.COM

and prototypes, all part of a rich heritage. The document collection itself dates back to 1903 and consists of millions of pages, including customer communications with the factory as well as personal diaries and scrapbooks, a true mosaic of the company’s early development. The Archives collections house the company history, dealer history, and most important, rider history.

For, in the end, were it not for loyal HarleyDavidson customers from the very beginning, this book would not have been possible. To celebrate the company, the dealers, and the riders, the Harley-Davidson Museum was conceived and designed as a fitting place to house the collections, and in what better location than the place where it all began: Milwaukee,

n the museum, visitors will be able to view motorcycles from every model year, right up to the present day. Early racing exhibits will show how important racing was in the early days of the company, and how the saying “Race on Sunday, Sell on Monday” came about as a result of the popularity of racing in the teens, twenties, and thirties.

In those days, racing was the best form of advertising for Harley-Davidson dealers nationwide. And the rivalry between Indian and HarleyDavidson drew huge crowds until Indian closed its doors.

Exhibits will provide visitors with a snapshot of HarleyDavidson’s vehicle support of allied troops in two World Wars and include a special model XS designed for use in North Africa, a vehicle featured in this book.

V

isitors to the museum will experience the Motor Company’s role as a creator of American folk art when viewing early “bobbers” and the Billy and Captain America reproductions from the cult-classic movie, Easy Rider. They will be reminded of how important police vehicles have been to our society from the teens to the present.

Through letters, scrapbooks, and diaries, they will relive the experiences of dealers and riders from the now-distant past and better understand why Harley-Davidson is a survivor.

See the Archive Collection at the Harley-Davidson Museum, www.h-dmuseum.com

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 31

2014 RAZOR IRS CONVERSION Motor Trike offers an Independent Rear Suspension on many of their conversions.

This makes for a great ride by allowing each wheel on the same axle to move independently of each other. This alone creates a smooth ride. However, Motor Trike did not stop there.

First, they designed and patented an air ride suspension that offers over four inches of wheel travel. Then, they lowered the spring rate to create a more comfortable ride with plenty of ‘give’ when traveling over bumpy terrain, with an extra passenger, heavy cargo, or pulling a trailer. Because of the fingertip adjustable air ride suspension and softened spring rate, optimum ride quality is reached. Motor Trike also uses rubber bushings on all suspension components as well as on the differentials to reduce the noise, vibration, and harshness that can be bothersome to riders. Also the roll center height has been lowered ensuring both tires are kept in contact with the road at all times which helps to prevent rolling. And finally, Motor Trike uses a calibrated sway bar to ensure comfortable and secure cornering. With all of these preventative measures in place, the inconsistencies in the road are completely absorbed creating an effortless ride.

STANDARD FEATURES • Independent Rear Suspension • Chrome Steel Wheels

BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM

• • • • • • • • • • • •

On-Board Air Compressor LED Air Suspension & Voltmeter Readout Patented Air Ride Suspension Over 4” of Suspension Travel Progressive Coil Over Shocks Integrated Disc Brake System Trike Trunk “Open” Warning Indicator Trunk Light on Interior of Door Hidden Trunk Door Hinges 12 Volt Power Outlet in Trunk Exceptional Plastic Side Cover Fit Features newly redesigned driveshaft

SPECIFICATIONS Overall Width: 55” Wheelbase Length: 69” Overall Length: 110” Weight: 1,200 lbs Storage: 9.2 cubic ft Trunk Door Opening: 24.5” x 16” Suspension Style: Unequal Length Upper and Lower Control Arms Body Material: Polyester Resin

Did You Know:

You can

get your motorcycle featured here. Call (888) 795-5779

HONDA GL 1800 MOTORCYCLE Fiberglass Drive System: Shaft Drive Motor Trike does not significantly increase the wheelbase length when installing a trike conversion onto a motorcycle. This preserves low-speed maneuverability similar to that of a two-wheel bike while still allowing the trike to handle and ride smoothly at any speed, without a rake kit.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS • Front & Rear Billet Aluminum Wheels

• Performance Machine Front & Rear Wheel Options • Front Wheel Balancer • Fender Bras with Optional Embroidery • Front End 4.5 Degree Rake Kit • ABS Integration Kit • Parking Brake Kit • One-Piece Weight-Bearing Aqua Shields • Aqua Shield Fog Lights • Aqua Shield Bras • Aqua Shield Color-Match Paint • Trailer with Complementary Styling • Trailer Hitch Assembly • Trailer Wiring Harness with 6 Pin Connector • Chrome Nerf Bumper • Chrome Peterson Light Bar • Chrome Kuryakyn Light Bar • Echo Exhaust • Trunk Carpet • Embroidered Trunk Mat • Chrome Side Cover Upgrade (2012 & Up) • Trike Cover • Color-Match Paint • Two-Tone Paint To view a closer look at the Razor IRS conversion kit contact Fun Bike Center 863-688-3333.

GET YOUR 2014 RAZOR IRS CONVERSION AT

1845 E. Memorial Blvd.

Lakeland, FL 33801

www.FUNBIKECENTER.com

For more info on the 2014 RAZOR IRS CONVERSION visit

FUNBIKECENTER.com or (863) 688-3333

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 35

Pat Hunts Vision of Team Excellence

“The Premium Harley-Davidson Experience 100% of the Time for 100% of Our Guests” Tampa Harley-Davidson

are tables set around, televisions, a place for a band, and a bar. This area is constantly in use every weekend.” So, who is Pat Hunt? “I tell people all the time that I’m one of the most least-likely people to work at a Harley dealership. I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 16. I’ve always ridden metric bikes until one day after church, my pastor, who was an avid Harley rider, asked me if I wanted to take his bike out.

After some strong persuading, I agreed. When I made the turn out of the parking lot, I almost dropped the bike because the balance was so much better than my metric bike, it just glided around the curves.

When I got back, I was grinning from ear to ear! I was amazed and hooked for life! One week later, I purchased a 2007 Ultra Classic. After 10 days I had it in the shop getting the 1,000 mile check-up. In eight weeks, I was in getting my 5,000 mile check-up. While waiting for my bike, I walked out on the showroom floor and saw a brand, spanking new 2008 Ultra Classic 105th Anniversary Edition model. I went nuts and I told my wife I had to have this bike. So, I bought it and put 60,000 miles on it. I recently sold that bike and just purchased a 2014 Street Glide Special that is getting some custom work done to it; you have to make it your own, right?

It is truly the bike of my dreams!”

First impressions always hold a lot of weight with me. Walking into a business where I want to spend money, I hope to be treated well. When I entered the doors of Tampa Harley-Davidson, I felt comfortable and valued. I was treated with such respect and genuine kindness that it was really hard to leave once my visit with the staff was over.

Pat Hunt, the new general manager of Tampa Harley-Davidson, made me feel at home. Greeting me in the beautiful Motorclothes department, he invited me outside to check out Gearhead Gary’s Tiki Bar, their tiki hut and picnic area! As Pat was leading the way, I was immediately drawn to his passion and love for his job. Pointing to a large deck, Pat enthusiastically explained what was going to happen out on the grounds of Tampa Harley-Davidson. “One of the things we’re going to do is bring in a food truck. With America’s passion for the food truck, we feel it would be a great fit!

We’re in the process of talking with some food truck owners to see what they will be able to offer our guests. After enjoying the culinary fare from the food truck area, our guests can take a short walk over to Gearhead Gary’s Tiki Bar. This is a place where you can come and relax. It’s nice and cool underneath here. We just had the thatch roof re-done. There On-Site Financing | Top Dollar for Trade-ins | Free Demos | H-D of Tampa BTR 36 | BORNTORIDE.COM

also just completed building our brand new, beautiful store in Panama City as well as having acquired our Tallahassee location.

Throughout this time, the attention was on other things. Now that those dealerships are going strong, Gary Bang is putting more of his attention on this location.

We have a remodel coming soon that will allow us to create a better experience for our guests as well as be an even better place to hang out.”

Tampa Harley-Davidson has a rich history that goes back to 1996 when they bought Barnes Harley-Davidson. One year later, they moved to the current Dale Mabry location. From the initial purchase Pat had been working at the Tallahassee H-D store as general sales manager after starting out as the finance manager.

Pat met Gary Bang and Preston Farrier during the acquisition of Capital City Harley-Davidson in Tallahassee and soon after, they asked Pat to move to the Tampa store and take over as the general manager. “I’ve been here for just over a month now and already I can tell you that I love the Tampa Bay area. What an awesome area to live in. What a great opportunity to share my passion for Harley-Davidson!”

What do Pat and the team see for Tampa H-D? “We want Tampa H-D to be a place for everyone to hang out. Every weekend we have burgers and hot dogs to serve our guests. During the past few years, we’ve been busy with our Brandon and New Port Richey locations; we’ve

2013, the company opened the Panama City location and purchased Capital City Harley-Davidson in Tallahassee! What a time-line!

Walking around the showroom, I kept noticing little red stickers on motorcycles that said, “YouTube.” I was curious to know what this meant. “We are a big, big user of YouTube. One of our team members takes each motorcycle and creates a YouTube video of it. Believe it or not, we have over 13 million hits on our H-D Florida YouTube channel! Gary is big on innovation. He’s dedicated to doing the research to find new ways of marketing.

We even have a very cool mobile app for your iPhone or Android device! And all of this can be accessed through our website at www.hdflorida.com.”

What makes Tampa Harley-Davidson special? “That’s easy! You can go to a lot of places and buy a Harley-Davidson.

The difference at this dealership is that when you get your bike from us you also get me and this great team. No matter what you need, we’re here to help you by providing an exceptional experience.

For example, these amazing motorcycles that we love are machines and occasionally the machines break. How we handle that situation makes all the difference in the world. We, as a team, do whatever it takes to insure every guest is taken care of. You see, our team comes with every deal. If you go somewhere else to get a bike, you just won’t get that level of dedication and service. Our team makes

in 1996, Tampa Harley-Davidson expanded again when they opened Brandon Harley-Davidson in 1999. In the new millennium, they added Cigar City Rentals and purchased Sunset Harley-Davidson, changing the name to Gulf Coast H-D. Then in 2001, the company added Buell at the Tampa and Brandon locations. In 2003 Gulf Coast H-D relocated to a new 30,000 sq. ft. location. In 2004 the remodel at the Tampa location was completed.

Then in 2005 Rider’s Edge was added at the Tampa location. In 2006 Brandon went into a new store and Rider’s Edge was added there as well. 2007 brought the Rider’s Edge into the Gulf Coast H-D location. And in 2008 the airport store location got a make-over. Then in Saturday September 13th, it’s H-D Tampa’s 17th Anniversary Party!

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 37

the difference. We will be here for you with every bike you buy, with every bike your family buys, and with every bike your friends buy.”

The first Thursday of every month, Tampa Harley-Davidson has a New Owners Orientation night. “From 6:30 p.m. until …

(there is no set ending time) all of our guests who purchased a motorcycle at our dealership during the previous month come in for an evening of meet and greets with our staff. Plus, our local HOG chapter also comes in and does a presentation about being a part of the local Cigar City HOG chapter.”

“Also, on the third Sunday of every month, we have a guest appreciation day. We will throw something good on the grill, have some good music, and just hang out for the day. This is just another small way of showing our gratitude to our guests.”

Guest is a word that was used throughout the day during my visit at Tampa Harley-Davidson. Everyone working there used this word instead of ‘customer.’ “We consider everyone who walks through those doors our guest and our friend. We welcome you into our dealership. I see it this way, when you walk into a convenience store, you’re a customer, but when you walk into any of our dealerships, you’re our guest.” Pat added, “It’s our goal to provide every guest with a premium Harley-Davidson experience 100% of the time to 100% of our guests.”

You can’t even begin to run a successful business if you don’t have the right people in the key positions. Tampa Harley-Davidson has far surpassed this by having remarkable, talented, and expert people who know their jobs inside and out. Pat really has immersed infectious enthusiasm to this team; however, he is not alone with that positive attitude. Every staff member I was introduced to exuded that same zeal and passion for the work they do and the company they work for.

Pat introduced me to the sales manager. Virginia Duncan has been extremely successful in managing the sales staff at Tampa Harley-Davidson. “I’ve been riding for 28 years. I owned an after-market bike shop, sold that and moved to South Carolina and went to work at the local Harley-Davidson shop there. My husband spent a lot of his childhood here in Florida, hence, moving to Florida. I was hired in as the sales manager starting at the Gulf Coast store. I’ve always been in a male dominated world. I had to prove myself … that I ride, and that I know BTR 38 | BORNTORIDE.COM

motorcycles inside and out. All my years doing this I had one customer tell me he wouldn’t buy from a woman. You will get tested and I’m up for the challenge.”

If you’re like me, you love to meet the person behind the voice on the telephone. I met the Director of First Impressions, Cami Cancel … or Miss Enthusiasm. “I’m a people person. I love meeting people. I’m the first one they meet when they walk through the door or call on the phone. It’s even more exciting to put the face to the name when that guest comes to visit us.

I love coming to work. We treat everyone like family. Come on down and say hello!”

The nuts and bolts of Tampa H-D (literally and figuratively) is the service department. Ritchie Nelemans has been the service manager since the late 1990s. After a great walk through his department and meeting all of his talented and entertaining staff, we sat down in his office and had a great conversation about his role at Tampa H-D. “I had a motorcycle shop in Ybor City then came here to work. It’s important that our guests know that we want them to be part of our family. We invite you to our home—Tampa H-D. In all that we do on a day-to-day basis, we strive for excellence. We’re able to meet or exceed the expectations of our guests. I have an open door policy for our guests to come back and meet our team.”

My visit at Tampa H-D was a wonderful and memorable time.

These fine people are committed to making your visit a lasting one in that you will forever be in their family. It’s not just a saying; it’s what they do and who they are. The anniversary

party on Saturday, September 13, will be full of fun for everyone! From great food and music to our Harley girl contest and giveaways, this is something that you need to put on your calendar now!

Thank you Pat, Virginia, Cami, Ritchie, and the entire crew at Tampa H-D for a great day. Since I’m part of their family, I am already looking forward to seeing everyone again at the Tampa Harley-Davidson 18th Anniversary Party, Saturday, September 13, at 920 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa.

More info at www.tampaharley.com When you see Pat, tell him you saw him in Born To Ride.

Tuesday August 12 Free Womens Garage Party, Reserve your spot today

BTR 42 | BORNTORIDE.COM

To make a difference in the lives of our children visit www.YouthRanches.org or call (386) 842-5501

He’s a Biker, an Artist, a Potter and He May Be a Philosopher, Too

One of the best parts of my work for the last 30 years has been the people I have met and worked with. I have shot interviews with world leaders as well as icons of the music, film and sports industries. For the most part, these shoots are fun and every once and a while they’re exciting. But many times it’s the person I don’t know beforehand that will leave the biggest impression on me. Meeting fellow biker, David Meaders is one of those times. Now to hear David speak about himself, he’s just a “rednecked hillbilly” who would just like to “live up to his reputation as the second laziest man in this part of the country.” But he is also one of the last of his kind, especially here in Georgia. His family has been making pottery since his great-granddaddy built their first fire kiln in 1892.

I visited with David on a warm north Georgia afternoon and the first thing I see is four horses, I mean four dogs challenging Stuart and me as we rode up the gravel driveway to his home and potting studio. Nestled in a little wooded cove with a pasture across the drive, David lives and works on his grandmother’s old homestead with four British mastiffs—and recently he had a temporary addition to his family with five little pups. There are old pottery jugs sitting on top of the fence posts that surround his home. His Harley-Davidson Wide Glide sits outside his studio door, while Leroy, Sabra, Brutus

BTR 46 | BORNTORIDE.COM

and Number Five warn us to wait until David says it’s alright to come inside the fence. He comes out of his studio with a grin on his face and a hand in the air to greet us.

The first time David remembers getting on a motorbike he was nine years old, “First time I got skint was about 1960, I believe about everybody’s been skint by a mini-bike, most dangerous machine ever made, most fun I ever had.” Since then he’s ridden everything from Bultacco to Norton to Triumph to Harley. His ride now is a ’02 Harley-Davidson Wide Glide with a dropped down front end and several other modifications, which basically make it a “hot rod.” He used to take it to the drag strip and consistently ran around 13.10 seconds in the quarter mile, which is somewhere around 107 mph.

David’s wife of 32 years, Anita, passed away in July of 2002. “Hospice came in to be with his father two days after Nita’s passing” and 31 days later he passed away as well. David never had time to grieve the loss of his wife because he had to take care of his father. “I didn’t realize how tired I was physically, mentally, and emotionally until after that was all over with.” Shortly afterwards he bought the Wide Glide and without it “I probably wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you today.” Riding that Harley “gets me out of my head, totally and completely.”

Grace FX

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 47

Sometimes David will throw a leg over his bike late at night or early in the morning and ride his favorite road, the Richard B. Russell Parkway. “My favorite time to go up there is when the moon is full and there’s no clouds.

Nobody around you, there’s no traffic. See you can run 20 mile an hour if you want to or you can run 50 mile an hour.” To David life is precious but simple, “Life to me is making a little pottery, riding that Harley and chasing those fair haired petite women.”

David is the nephew of Lanier Meaders, who is probably the most famous folk potter in the US. The Meaders family history of potting began in 1892 when David’s great grandfather John Milton Meaders and his sons built their first log shop and fire kiln in White County, Georgia. As early as the 1830s, as many as 70 potters were operating within a four mile radius of Mossy Creek in White County. Storage jars for food, pitchers, bowls and cups as well churns were all coming out of this small north Georgia region. John Milton hired some of these local potters and in turn they taught his sons how to pot. It wasn’t considered a folk art then, these were necessities of life. In 1967 the Smithsonian Institute came to White County to shoot a documentary on the old way of making pottery and (David’s GF) was going to be one of the subjects, but he became ill and his uncle Lanier stepped in to do the job.

One of the most well known styles of folk pottery is the face jug, and David is keeping the art form alive, but he likes to call his jugs “Goober Heads.”

The face jug evolved over the years into also being called the ugly jug. It is said that some people would store their alcohol in them and wanted to be sure to keep the children away. So by the 1920s they were making them even uglier to maybe frighten the children or at the very least be able to warn them off.

David says, “There has been a Meaders continuously, from the day they started (in 1892) until today making pottery.” And he is still doing it the old way. He gets his own clay from Georgia creek sides, makes his own glaze, mixes and hand turns the clay and fires it in his old brick kiln. Many people have asked him if there’s any difference in how he and his grandfather potted, and “I say yeah, I got a chainsaw and electric lights.”

For me the only bad part about my afternoon with David is when I have to wrap up what I’m doing, strap everything back on my Road King and say goodbye. But I always want to ask for one parting thought, one life philosophy you might say. With David it came easy, “Get up every morning and see what happens, I mean that’s it. What can you do about it? I have no control over nothing, the only thing I have any control over is my attitude.

You leave me alone and I’ll leave you alone. Don’t kick your dog, don’t hit women, and sure don’t hit kids.”

Eric Albright For more Info on David Meaders and his Artwork, www.folkpottery.com

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 49

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 55

BTR 56 | BORNTORIDE.COM

This event helped the Dunedin High School Scottish Highlander Band go to Scotland.

For more information on the 2015 event go to www.RockTheKilt.com

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 57

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 59

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 61

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 65

BTR 66 | BORNTORIDE.COM

For more information on the book, France in America, go to: www.garysfrance.com

P O

N E

Events Saturday, Thursday, Friday, August August July 13 2 BRADENTON 1st every Thu 6PM Fri 9—9:30AM Manatee CENTRAL/EAST Sat 9—9:30AM BTR River TV H-D BHBike CH49 Night 941-745-2429 every StoreL.A.M.A. Frihours 6PM(8/1 Venom 8/31) II Bike HUDSON LAKELAND ELKTON 12PM St. -Augustine Saturday, Friday, July August 4 Back2to Night Lakeland 727-378-5850 H-D Chapter Anniversary St.school Johnsdrive County every every Fri Sat 9—9:30AM CENTRAL/EAST PALMETTO 863-802-1971 12PM Peggy’s Corral July Fairgrounds 904-347-6776 1st Fri 5:30PM AMVETS BTR 9—9:30AM TV BH BTR CH49 TV BH CH49 4th PLANT Party CITY 941–729-5442 LAKE CITY 8AM American Legion every 1st 57 Fri Fri 5:30PM 6PM813-651-4444 Venom II Bike 44 Riders Steak Dinner ELKTON HUDSON 12PM L.A.M.A. St.AMVETS Augustine PLANT CITY Riders, Chapter Poker Run American every 7PM Bar & Grill 44 Night Riders 727-378-5850 Steak Dinner 813-651-4444 TAMPA Chapter Anniversary St.Radio Johns County Legion Post 57Fri 386-752-7776 every 5PM Fraternal Order Concert &Fri BTR Radio Show ST. PALMETTO PETESeries 9PM Peggy’s Corral July Fairgrounds 904-347-6776 LAKELAND Store hours (8/2 - 8/31) of Eagles 4147 Bike Night 727-452-3991 813-915-1555 4th Party 941–729-5442 LAKE CITY 8AM American Legion Lakeland H-D Back to school drive 1st57 Fri 5:30PM AMVETS SANFORD 12PM The BarRun Out Back All PLANT Riders, CITY Chapter Poker American 863-802-1971 44 Riders Big Steak Dinner Saturday, August 2 12PM American Bash 321-926-3996 Legion Post 57Azz 386-752-7776 every Sat Paradise LAKELAND Store every hours (8/2 9—9:30AM - 8/31) 813-651-4444 CENTRAL/EAST STURGIS, SD 8PM IronSat Cowgirl LIVE& LAKELAND Power Sports Booty Short Bike Wash every Fri 5PM Fraternal Lakeland BTRPETE TV BH H-D CH49 Back to school drive Order ST. Sturgis Buffalo Chip 605-347-9000 BBQ 863-858-4801 every 7PM Radio BarCity & Grill of Eagles 41471stFri Bike Night 727-452-3991 863-802-1971 ELKTON 12PM L.A.M.A. St. Augustine TAMPA PLANT CITY Sat 4PM Plant every SatSt.Bar 12PM Paradise Concert & Park BTR Radio SANFORD 12PM The Out Back LAKELAND Chapter Anniversary Johns County (BTR TVShow tapingAll & Bike FestSeries McCall Power Sports Booty Short Bike Wash & 813-915-1555 American Bash 321-926-3996 Fairgrounds 904-347-6776 813-754-3707 magazine shoot) BBQ 863-858-4801 SEFFNER 12PM Seffner Hut July 4th LAKE CITYevery 8AM Sat American Legion ST. PETE 6PMTiki Biff Burger 1st 57 Sat2Poker 4PM Run PlantAmerican City Saturday, August PLANT CITY PartyNight 813-689-7605 Riders, Chapter Bike 727-244-8519 every (BTR SatHouse 9—9:30AM TV taping & Bike Fest McCall Park CENTRAL/EAST TAMPA 12PM Road July 4th Legion Post 57JT’s 386-752-7776 every 813-754-3707 magazine BTR BH shoot) CH49 Party TV 813-962-4440 LAKELAND Sunday, August 3Sat 12PM Paradise ST. PETE every SatSun 6PM Biff Burger Power Sports Booty Short Bike Wash ELKTON 12PM L.A.M.A. St. Augustine TAMPA 12PM Steel Horse Tavern July& BAY every 11—11:30PM 4th Party 813-935-4500 Bike Night 727-244-8519 BBQ 863-858-4801 Chapter Anniversary St. Johns County BTR TV Great38 WTTA TAMPA every 1stFri Sat 7PM 4PM Radio Plant BarCity &Sr.Grill PLANT CITY Fairgrounds 904-347-6776 DUNEDIN 9AM Sunshine for Sam (BTR TVShow taping & Sunday, August 3 Concert Bike Series McCall Park BTR275 Radio LAKEFest CITY 8AM&Post American Legion America Legion 727-736-4664 every 813-754-3707 Sun 11—11:30PM magazine shoot) TAMPA BAY 813-915-1555 Riders, Chapter 57 Poker Run American NOKOMIS 8AM Breast Cancer Benefit ST. PETE every Sat 6PM Biff Burger BTR TV Great38 WTTA Legion Post 57 386-752-7776 Poker Run FOE Eagles 3482 every Sat 12PM Bike Night 9AM 727-244-8519 Saturday, July 5Sunshine DUNEDIN for Paradise Sam Sr. LAKELAND 941-484-4470 every Sat727-736-4664 Power Sports Booty Short BikePeggy’s Wash & CENTRAL/EAST America Legion Post 27512PM PALMETTO every Sun 9—9:30AM BTR941–729-5442 TV CH49 Benefit Sunday, August 3 BHCancer BBQ 863-858-4801 NOKOMIS 8AM Breast Corral Bike Day every 1st Eagles SatSun 5PM 11—11:30PM Plant CityFinz Bike BRADENTON-SARASOTA 9:30AM TAMPA BAYFOE PLANT CITY Poker Run 3482 WAUCHULA every Sun 12PM (BTR TVDay taping River & magazine Fest BTR TV Great38 WTTA FindsDowntown Freedom Manatee H-D 941-484-4470 Charlotte’s WebbRide Biker every Sun Sun 2PM 12PM NeonPeggy’s Cowboy shoot) 813-754-3707 DADE CITY 1st or Rossiter’s H-D 941-745-2429 or PALMETTO 863–735-8887 ST. PETE Sat8AM 6PMWebster Burger After Corral Webster Bikeevery DayParty 941–729-5442 813-997-1133 941-951-6103 Ride ends atBiffVan Wezel 1st Sun WEBSTER every Sun (BTR 12PM 10-class Bike NightSwap 727-244-8519 DUNEDIN WAUCHULA 9AM Sunshine for Sam Bike Sr. Performing Arts Hall Westside Meet 352-793-9877 Charlotte’s show) Legion WebbPost Biker275 Day America 727-736-4664 HUDSONAugust 12PM II Customer Sunday, 34 863–735-8887 NOKOMIS 8AM Venom Breast Cancer Benefit Monday, August 1stDay every Sun Sun 8AM 11—11:30PM Webster Appreciation 727-378-5850 TAMPA BAY WEBSTER Poker Run FOE Eagles 3482 STURGIS, SD 74th Annual Sturgis every Sat352-793-9877 BTR Westside TV Great38 Swap Meet WTTA LAKELAND 941-484-4470 Motorcycle Rally (8/4 – 12PM 8/10) Paradise every SunSun 2PM 12PM Neon Cowboy Power CITY Sports1st Booty Short BikePeggy’s Wash & DADE PALMETTO www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com Monday, 4 813-997-1133 After Corral Webster BikeAugust DayParty 941–729-5442 BBQ 863-858-4801 every 12PM STURGIS, SD 74th Annual DUNEDIN WAUCHULA 9AM Sunshine forSturgis SamRed, Sr. LAKELANDAugust 11AM H-D Lakeland Tuesday, 5Sun Charlotte’s Webb Biker Motorcycle Rally (8/4 – Day 8/10) America Legion Post 275 727-736-4664 White & BAY Blue Event 863-802-1971 TAMPA every Tue Born To Ride 1st Breast Sat 5PM PlantBenefit City 863–735-8887 www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com NOKOMIS Cancer PLANTAMFM247.com CITY8AM Radio 1st Sun 8AM (BTR Webster TV taping & Bike Fest WEBSTER Poker RunDowntown FOE Eagles 3482 magazine Westside shoot) Swap Meet 813-754-3707 Tuesday, August 5 352-793-9877 941-484-4470 Wednesday, August 6 ST. PETE every every every Sat Sun Tue 6PM 12PM Born BiffMojo’s To Peggy’s Burger RideBike TAMPA BAY PALMETTO LAKELAND every Wed 6PM Monday, August 4 Radio Corral Bike Night AMFM247.com Bike 727-244-8519 Day 941–729-5442 Night 863-583-9119 Sun 12PM STURGIS, SDevery 74th Annual Sturgis WAUCHULA ST. PETE every Wed 6PM Biff Burger Wednesday, Sunday, 6 August Charlotte’s Webb Biker–6Day Motorcycle Rally (8/4 8/10) Bike NightJuly 727-244-8519 every every Wed Sun 6PM Mojo’s Bike LAKELAND TAMPA BAY 863–735-8887 www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com VALRICO every Wed 7PM Raccoons WEBSTER 1st Sun 8AM Webster Night 11—11:30PM 863-583-9119 BTR TV Great38 WTTA Bike Night 813-689-5079 every 1st Meet Sun Wed 6PMNeon Biff Burger Cowboy Westside Swap 352-793-9877 ST. DADE PETE CITY Tuesday, August 5 2PM every Born To Ride After Bike Night Webster 727-244-8519 Party Tue 813-997-1133 TAMPA BAY Thursday, August 7 every every Wed 12PM Raccoons Peggy’s Monday, August 4Sun7PM Radio AMFM247.com PALMETTO VALRICO 1st Thu 6PM Manatee River BRADENTON Bike Corral Night Bike813-689-5079 Day 941–729-5442 STURGIS, SD 74th Annual Sturgis H-D BikeNight 941-745-2429 every Sun 12PM Charlotte’s Wednesday, August WAUCHULA Motorcycle Rally (8/4 –67PM 8/10) LAKELAND every Thu Johnny G’s LAKELAND every Wed 6PM Mojo’s Bike Thursday, August 7 Webb Biker Day 863–735-8887 www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com Bike Night 863-858-3366 BRADENTON 1st1stSun Thu8AM 6PM Webster Manatee River Night 863-583-9119 WEBSTER every Thu 6PM The Bar Out SANFORD every Wed 6PM Biff Burger H-D Westside BikeNight Swap 941-745-2429 Meet ST. PETE Tuesday, August 5 352-793-9877 Back Bike Night 321-926-3996 every everyThu Tue7PM BornJohnny To RideG’s Bike Night 727-244-8519 LAKELAND TAMPA BAY every Tuesday, July 8Wed 7PM Raccoons Bike Radio Night AMFM247.com 863-858-3366 VALRICO Friday, August 8 every every Thu Tue 6PM 7PM–11PM The Bar Out Bike Night 813-689-5079 TAMPA BAY SANFORD CENTRAL/EAST every Born To Radio AMFM247.com Wednesday, August 6Fri 9—9:30AM Back BikeRide Night 321-926-3996 BTR TV BHevery CH49 every Tue Wed 6PM TheMojo’s Landing Bike Thursday, August 7 7PM VALRICO LAKELAND HUDSON every Fri II Bike 1st8 Thu6PM 6PMVenom Manatee River Friday, August Night Bike Night 863-583-9119 813-653-0002 BRADENTON Night 727-378-5850 every941-745-2429 Wed every6PM Fri 9—9:30AM Biff Burger H-DPETE BikeNight CENTRAL/EAST ST. OCALA 6PM 1st Annual Ocala BikeFest every Thu Neon Wednesday, July 9 6PM Bike BTR Night TVCITY BH727-244-8519 CH49 DADE

BTR 76 || BORNTORIDE.COM

There are some great events coming up, so get out there and meet up with old friends!

s, Rides & Destinations LAKELAND VALRICO Cowboy HUDSON for Arc Marion Bike every every every Night (8/8 Fri Wed Wed 813-997-1133 6PM - 8/9) 7PM 6PM Venom Ocala Mojo’s II every Thu813-689-5079 7PM Johnny Raccoons Bike LAKELAND Bike 863-583-9119 727-378-5850 Night H-D Night 352-732-2488 every Wed 6PM Biff & G’s Bike8AM Night ST. OCALA PETE 6PM 1st863-858-3366 Annual Ocala Ocala Motorcycle every Thu Bar Thursday, August 7 6PM Burger Bike Night 727-244-8519 SANFORD BikeFest forMeet Arc Ocala Marion (8/8The - 8/9) Car Swap Drive-In every 1st Wed Thu 321-926-3996 6PM 7PM Manatee Out Back Bike Night BRADENTON VALRICO Ocala H-D 352-732-2488 Theatre 352-470-7352 River Raccoons H-D Bike BikeNight Night 941-745-2429 813-689-5079 OCALA 8AM Ocala Motorcycle & TAMPA every Fri 7PM Radio Bar every Thu&Drive-In 6PM Friday, August 8 DADE CITY CarGrill Swap Meet Ocala & Concert Series BTRNeon Radio every Fri Thursday, July 10 Cowboy Bike Night 813-997-1133 CENTRAL/EAST Theatre 352-470-7352 Show 813-915-1555 every every FriTV every 7PM Thu Radio Thu Johnny 6PM Bar 9—9:30AM BTR BH7PM CH49 APOLLO BEACH LAKELAND TAMPA every Fri 813-641-8676 Venom II & G’s Porky’s Grill BikeConcert Bike Night Night 863-858-3366 Series & BTR Radio HUDSON Saturday, August 96PM every everyevery Thu Thu6PM 6PMThe Neon Bar Bike Night Show SANFORD DADE 813-915-1555 CITY727-378-5850 CENTRAL/EAST Sat Out Cowboy Back6PM Bike Bike Night 813-997-1133 321-926-3996 OCALA 1stNight Annual Ocala 9—9:30AM BTR TV BH CH49 every Thu 7PM Saturday, 9 12PM LAKELAND BikeFest forAugust Arc Marion (8/8 Johnny - 8/9) Sat every Booty Sat Short Friday, August 8Sports G’s Bike Night 863-858-3366 CENTRAL/EAST Ocala H-D 352-732-2488 Paradise Power every 2nd Thu FriCH49 7PM &Rock 9—9:30AM BH CENTRAL/EAST LAND O’8AM LAKES OCALA Ocala Motorcycle Bike Wash &BTR BBQTV 863-858-4801 every 9—9:30AM Harley Saloon BTR Bike TVSat Night BH12PM CH49 LAKELAND Car Swap Meet Ocala Drive-In LARGO 5PM Suncoast Brotherhood every 6PMBooty Venom II Paradise Power Sports Short HUDSON 813-406-4871 Theatre 352-470-7352 Poker Run AgingFri Still every Fri Thu 7PM 6PM RadioThe BarBar Night 727-378-5850 Bike Wash &every BBQ 863-858-4801 SANFORD TAMPA santi91.bs@gmail.com & Out Grill Back Concert Bike Night Series 321-926-3996 &Brotherhood BTR OCALA 6PM 1st Annual Ocala LARGO 5PM Suncoast every Sat 6PM Biff Radio Burger ST. PETE 2ndMarion Thu Show SARASOTA 813-915-1555 BikeFest Arc (8/8Bike - 8/9) Poker Runfor727-244-8519 Aging Still 6PM Bike Night Night atH-D Applebee’s Ocala 352-732-2488 santi91.bs@gmail.com OCALA Motorcycle &941-355-1400 Car Swap every Sat 6PM Biff&Burger Saturday, August OCALA 8AM Ocala & ST. PETE Meet Ocala Drive In9Motorcycle Theatre Flea everyDrive-In Sat Friday, July 11 Ocala Bike Night 727-244-8519 CENTRAL/EAST Car Swap Meet Mkt 352-470-7352 every Fri 9—9:30AM BTR CH49 CENTRAL/EAST OCALA Motorcycle &BH Car Swap Theatre 352-470-7352 ZANESVILLE, OHTV 9PM 12th Annual every Sat 12PM 9—9:30AM BTR TV BH CH49 LAKELAND Meet Ocala Drive In Theatre & Flea PALMETTO 12PM Peggy’s Corral 2014 SE Ohio Motorcycle Ride every941–729-5442 Fri 6PM Venom II Paradise Power Sports Booty Short HUDSON Mkt 352-470-7352 July 4th Party 440-259-4793 5PM12th Fraternal Night every 727-378-5850 Bike Wash & BBQ 863-858-4801 ZANESVILLE, OHFri9PM Annual ST. PETE Order of 5PM Eagles 4147 Night LAKELAND 11AM H-DBike Lakeland LARGO Suncoast Brotherhood 2014 SE Ohio Motorcycle Ride Sunday, August 10 727-452-3991 Riding Run Academy (7/11 Poker Still 440-259-4793 TAMPA BAYAging every Sun-7/13) 11—11:30PM SANFORD 12PMWTTA The Bar Out Back 863-802-1971 santi91.bs@gmail.com BTR TV Great38 every every Sat Fri 5PM 6PM Fraternal Biff Burger All American ST. PETEAugust Sunday, 10321-926-3996 dBash Sun 11AM Venom II HUDSON 2n every Fri4147 7PM Radio Bar Bike OrderNight ofBAY Eagles 727-244-8519 Night TAMPA every SunBike 11—11:30PM Swap Meet 727-378-5850 & GrillTVConcert & for BTR Radio OCALA 727-452-3991 Motorcycle & Car Swap BTR Great38 WTTA VALRICO 9AM Series Wheels a Cure every d Fri Sun 7PM 11AM Radio Venom Show 813-915-1555 Meet TAMPA Ocala Theatre &Bar FleaII HUDSON 2nDrive AMVETS Post 26 In 813-523-0184 Swap & Meet Concert 727-378-5850 Series & BTR Radio MktGrill 352-470-7352 Saturday, August 9 for VALRICO Show 813-915-1555 9AM Wheels Cure ZANESVILLE, OH 9PM 12tha Annual Tuesday, August 12 every SatRide CENTRAL/EAST AMVETS PostH-D 26 813-523-0184 2014 SE6PM Ohio Motorcycle TAMPA Tampa Garage 9—9:30AM BTR12TV BH CH49 Saturday, July 440-259-4793 Party 888-328-0959 everyevery Sat Sat LAKELANDAugust Tuesday, CENTRAL/EAST 12 12PM 9—9:30AM BTR TV CH49 Paradise Power Sports Short TAMPA 6PM H-D Garage Sunday, August 10Tampa Thursday, August 14BHBooty LAKELAND Bike Wash BBQ 863-858-4801 Party 888-328-0959 TAMPA BAY&every every Sun12PM 11—11:30PM BROWNFIELD, TXSat 12PM 4B Wild Paradise Power Sports Short LARGO 5PM Suncoast Brotherhood BTR TV Great38 WTTABooty West Bike Rally 806-831-2409 dBBQ SunStill 11AM Venom II Bike Wash &10AM 863-858-4801 Poker Run Aging Thursday, August 14 HUDSON HELEN, GA2n Destination Helen Swap 727-378-5850 OCALAMeet Motorcycle & Car Swap santi91.bs@gmail.com BROWNFIELD, TX 12PM 4B Wild Motorcycle Rally (8/14 -8/17) every Sat 6PM Burger VALRICO forBiff a &Cure MeetPETE Ocala DriveWheels In Theatre Flea ST. West Bike 9AM Rally 806-831-2409 706-878-8520 Bike Night 727-244-8519 AMVETS Post 26Thu 813-523-0184 Mkt 352-470-7352 HELEN, GA 10AM Destination 2nd 6PM BikeHelen SARASOTA every 6PM Biff OCALA &941-355-1400 Car Swap ST. PETE Motorcycle Rally Sat (8/14 -8/17) Night at Motorcycle Applebee’s BurgerOcala BikeAugust Night In 727-244-8519 Thursday, 14 Meet Drive Theatre & Flea 706-878-8520 2ndTX Thu 6PM4B Bike BROWNFIELD, 12PM Wild Mkt 352-470-7352 SARASOTA Friday, August 15 Sunday, July 13 Night at Applebee’s 941-355-1400 West Bike Rally 806-831-2409 ZANESVILLE, OH 9PM 12th Annual CRIPPLE CREEK, CO 9AM 22nd every Sun Ride TAMPA BAY HELEN, GA 10AM Destination Helen 2014 SESalute Ohio Motorcycle Annual to American Veterans Friday, August 15 11—11:30PM BTR TV719-487-8005 Great38 Motorcycle Rally (8/14 -8/17) WTTA 440-259-4793 Rally (8/15 – 8/17) CRIPPLE CREEK, 9AM 22nd ENGLEWOOD 3PMCO Southern Steele 706-878-8520 MAGGIE VALLEY, 10AM Maggie 2nd Thu 6PM Bike Annual Salute toRally American Veterans MC 5thSummer Anniversary Party Will’s Sunday, August 10NC SARASOTA Valley (8/15 -8/17) Night atTonk Applebee’s 941-355-1400 Rally –southernsteelemc.com 8/17) Sun 719-487-8005 Honky(8/15 TAMPA BAY every 11—11:30PM 336-580-1638 HUDSON 2nd Sun 12PM Venom II MAGGIE VALLEY, NC 10AM Maggie BTR TV Great38 WTTA MOUNTAIN VIEW, AR(8/15 8AM every Sun 12PM Friday, August 15and Swap Meet 727-378-5850 Valley Summer Rally -8/17) PALMETTO Mountains, Music Motorcycles every Sun 12PM22nd Peggy’s Corral BikeCO Day CRIPPLE CREEK, 9AM PALMETTO 336-580-1638 807-269-8068 941–729-5442 Peggy’s Corral Bike Day Annual Salute to American Veterans MOUNTAIN VIEW, AR 8AM SANFORD Friand 6PM Seminole Sun 12PM WAUCHULA 941–729-5442 Rally (8/15 3rd – every 8/17) 719-487-8005 Mountains, Music Motorcycles Harley-Davidson Bike Night every Sun10AM 12PMMaggie Charlotte’s Webb Biker Day WAUCHULA MAGGIE VALLEY, NC 807-269-8068 407-328-1212 3rd Fri 6PM Seminole Charlotte’s Webb Biker Day 863–735-8887 Valley Summer Rally (8/15 -8/17) SANFORD SOMERSET, PAWheels 7AM America’s Harley-Davidson Bike Night 863–735-8887 VALRICO 9AM for a Cure 336-580-1638 9/11 Ride 240-393-1902 407-328-1212 AMVETS Post 26 813-523-0184 MOUNTAIN VIEW, AR 8AM Tuesday, July SOMERSET, PA157AM America’s Mountains, Music and Motorcycles Saturday, August every1116 Tue 7PM-11PM TAMPA Monday, August 9/11 RideBAY 240-393-1902 807-269-8068 CENTRAL/EAST Sat Born To Ride SANFORD 3rdRadio Frievery 6PM AMFM247.com Seminole Tuesday, August 12 9—9:30AMevery BTR Tue TV CH49 7PM The Harley-Davidson VALRICO Bike Night Saturday, August 16BH ALEXANDRIA, KY 1PM 5th every Sat Landing Bike Night 813-653-0002 407-328-1212 Wednesday, August 13 CENTRAL/EAST

Annual Bugs BTR for Boobies TV CH49 Run 727-378-5850 Biff 19-Year Burger TV Anniversary Great38 727-244-8519 WTTA Trilogy Party Thursday, July 24 9—9:30AM Thursday, July 17 SOMERSET, PA 7AMBH America’s GRAHAM, KY 12PM Hawg Valley BTR (BTR 3rd Bike4th Sun show) Thu 10AM Central Rock ALEXANDRIA, KYJohnny 1PM 5th KISSIMMEE LAND10-class O’ LAKES LAKELAND 7PM G’s BTR BRANDON 9/11 Ride 240-393-1902 Bike Rally 812-660-0584 chromedivas2riversky@yahoo.com 12PM Born To7PM Ride Sunday, August 24 Florida Harley (BTR TVSaloon Motorcycle taping &Bike magazine Swap Night Meet shoot) and Annual Bugs forNight Boobies Run TV Bike 863-858-3366 FT. taping MYERS 12PM Great Back to 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Party SunSaloon 11—11:30PM TAMPA BAY every Green10-class Iguana 813-643-7800 813-406-4871 Cracker House chromedivas2riversky@yahoo.com Saturday, August Thursday, August 14 (BTR Bike show) School Drive (6/7 –16 8/15) Party 8/16 Greet BTR Great38 WTTA CAPETVCORAL 2nd Annual 407-705-7588 Friday, July 18 FT. MYERS 12PM GreatSatBack to CENTRAL/EAST BROWNFIELD, TXevery 12PM 4B Wild at SunSports 239-209-3187 (BTR taping &7AM magazine shoot) every Sun 9—9:30AM BTR TV BHFri CH49 Friday, July 25Awareness BRANDON 12PM Born ToGermanRide3PM Ride for Bully ELSINORE, CA 3rd CENTRAL/EAST School Drive (6/7 – 8/15) Party West Bike Rally 806-831-2409 NEWNAN, GA 9AM Ride for the 8/16 LAKE Green Iguana 813-643-7800 every Thu 6PM Neon every Fri 9—9:30AM BTR BH CH49 CalCORAL CRUISE IN 877-757-7997 ALEXANDRIA, KYTV 1PM 5th CENTRAL/EAST 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Party American Social7AM Club 239-283-1400 at SunSports 239-209-3187 DADE CITY KIDS (To support the Fragile Kids So CAPE 2nd Annual every Fri 6PM Run Venom 9—9:30AM (BTR 10-class BTR Bike 3rd TV show) BH SunCH49 12PM Cowboy Bike Night 813-997-1133 HUDSON O’Bully LAKES Annual Bugs for Boobies CLEARWATER 8AM Ride AgainstGood NEWNAN, GA 9AM Ride for the II LAND Foundation) 678-357-6855 Ride for Awareness Germanevery Fri 6PM Venom II Bike Night 727-378-5850 HUDSON (BTR TV with Biker taping Bonanza & magazine Rock shoot) Harley HELEN, 10AMthe Destination Helen Fellows chromedivas2riversky@yahoo.com Traffick Erik Estrada Quaker KIDS (ToGA support Fragile Kids NEW PORT RICHEY 1PM Diva American Social Club 239-283-1400 Bike GreenNight 727-378-5850 813-643-7800 PALM BAY 9AM Space Coast Saloon Bike Night Motorcycle Rally (8/14 -8/17) FT. MYERS 12PM Great BackH-D to Steak &Iguana Lube 727-572-9464 Foundation) 678-357-6855 Angels Pasco Spaghetti Dinner CLEARWATER 8AM Ride Against LAKELAND CAPE 7AM H-D 2ndLakeland Annual Anniversary Grand 813-406-4871 706-878-8520 SchoolPORT Drive (6/7 –Opening 8/15) NEW RICHEY 1PM Party Diva Bourbon Street 727-808-0276 TraffickCORAL with 11AM Erik Estrada Quaker every Thu 7PM Johnny Riding Ride for Bully August Awareness (7/25 27 -7/27) German(7/18 7/20) 321-259-1311 LAKELAND Wednesday, 8/16 at- Pasco SunSports 239-209-3187 Angels Spaghetti Dinner TAMPA 11AM Hope 4TB Homeless Steak &Academy Lube 727-572-9464 every863-858-3366 Fri813-767-5050 5PM CO Fraternal G’s Bike Night 18 239-283-1400 863-802-1971 American August Social ST. PETE LAKELAND 6PMClub Mojo’s Bike Night GREENWOOD VILLAGE, 2AM Monday, Bourbon 727-808-0276 Vets H-DStreet Brandon every ThuTampa 6PMEndurance The Bar Tuesday, BTR TV taping &August magazine Order of11AM Eagles 4147 Bike Night SANFORD August 19Ride CLEARWATER 8AM Against 30th Annual 1000-IN-24 TAMPA Hope 4TB Homeless H-D Grill-nWednesday, 27 shoot) 863-583-9119 Out Bike Night813-767-5050 321-926-3996 Wednesday, 727-452-3991 Saturday, 26 August 20Bike Traffick withJuly Erik Estrada Quaker RideBack 303-781-0032 Vets H-D Brandon Chill 888-328-0959 LAKELAND 6PM Mojo’s Night every 2nd Fri Thu 7PM 6PM Radio Bar & Thursday, every SARASOTA CENTRAL/EAST August 21 Satshoot) SteakTV& taping Lube NEWNAN, GA 9AM Ride forBike the TAMPA 11AM H-D Tampa Grill-nBTR &727-572-9464 magazine WOODLAND PARK, CO 7:30AM 29 Night Grill at Applebee’s Seriesthe941-355-1400 & Fragile BTR Radio 9—9:30AM BTR22 TV BH CH49 August KIDSConcert (To support Kids Friday, Chill 888-328-0959 863-583-9119 27th Annual POW/MIA Recognition every Sat 27 12PM CHARLOTTE, NC Queen CityParadise Bike Show 813-915-1555 LAKELAND Wednesday, August Foundation) 678-357-6855 WOODLAND PARK, CO 7:30AM Ride 719-487-8005 Friday, August 15 1PM Power Sports Booty ShortBike BikeNight Wash Fest (8/29 –6PM 8/30) Saturday, August 23 LAKELAND NEWAnnual PORT RICHEY Diva 27th POW/MIA Recognition Friday, August 29Mojo’s BTR TV 863-858-4801 taping magazine everyBanks Satshoot) CRIPPLE Saturday, CREEK, JulySpaghetti 1917CO 9AM 22nd & BBQ jon@queencitybikefest.com CENTRAL/EAST Angels719-487-8005 Pasco Dinner Ride GRANDY, NC &Outer Bike Sunday, August every11—11:30PM SatVeterans 9—9:30AM 863-583-9119 BTR TV BH CH49 Annual CENTRAL/EAST to727-808-0276 American LAKELAND 11AM H-D Lakeland GRANDY, Outer Banks Bike Hog BourbonSalute Street Show (8/29NC – 9/1) 252-453-2261 everySun TAMPA BAY 9—9:30AM TV BHH-D CH49 2PM Rumble on Rally (8/15 –BTR 8/17) Roast (8/29 (Finance Seminar 12PM) Show –AL9/1) 252-453-2261 TAMPA 11AM Tampa Grill-n- ANNISTON, Sunday, August 17 719-487-8005 HOMOSASSA 9PM High Octane BTR TV Great38 WTTA Friday, August 29&Weekend 3rd everySun Sat CO 12PM 11—11:30PM JT’sBlue Road Motorcycle Music Streetfest MAGGIE VALLEY, NC 10AM Maggie Noble 863-802-1971 HOMOSASSA 9PM High Octane Chill 888-328-0959 TAMPA BAY Saloon Labor Day Party CASTLE ROCK, 8AM CHARLOTTE, NC Queen CityRide Bike BTR HouseTVSummer Road Great38 Dogs WTTA Bikefest_Riders Valley Rally (8/15 -8/17) & 770-943-4175 PLANT– Labor CITY 12PM Born To Saloon Day Weekend Party WOODLAND PARK, CO 7:30AM (8/28 9/1) 352-794-6037 Thunder Memorial Poker Run Fest – 352-794-6037 8/30) CASTLE Rockers 813-962-4440 ROCK, CO 8AM Blue ATHENS, GA 9:30AM 10thWeek Annual 336-580-1638 Great(8/29 BikerBike Bash (8/28 –American 9/1) 27th Annual POW/MIA Recognition MIAMI South Beach julezwid@gmail.com Sat (BTR Bike show) jon@queencitybikefest.com Thunder LAKELAND Memorial Run for the Unborn Cycle World MARION, IN 12PM Hog12PM Daze MIAMI Beach Bike Week Ride 719-487-8005 (8/2910-class – South 9/1) 786-483-7714 HUDSON 3rdevery Sun Poker 11AM Venom II Ride Paradise Power Sports (BTR TV taping & magazine GRANDY, NC786-483-7714 Outer Banksshoot) Bike julezwid@gmail.com (8/15 -8/17) 765-661-8755 (8/29 – 9/1) Biker Appreciation PartyBooty Short 1965aloia@gmail.com 3rd Sun1711AM Venom II DUMFRIES, Uncle (8/29 Mike’s Smokehouse Bike WashAugust &VIEW, BBQ 863-858-4801 Show –VA 9/1) HUDSON 10AM RideGrill for the MOUNTAIN AR 8AM Sunday, Sunday, August 31252-453-2261 727-378-5850 everySun every 11—11:30PM SatCentral 6PM Pirate Biker Appreciation Party 813-737-4444 ST. PETERSBURG HOMOSASSA 9PM High Octane VIBAY 757-286-3377 Sunday, August 31 Mountains, and Motorcycles TAMPA BAYMusic TAMPA 3rd Sun 10AM every Sun 11—11:30PM KISSIMMEE every every Sun6PM 11—11:30PM BiffParty Burger BTR Biff Burger TVMotorcycle Great38 Bike Night WTTA 727-244-8519 727-378-5850 ST. PETE Saloon DaySat Weekend RAPIDS, MN 10AM Itasca TAMPA BAY 807-269-8068 Florida Swap Meet and GRAND BTR TVLabor Great38 WTTA 3rd3rd FriCO Sun 6PM 10AM Seminole Central Habitat BTR Bike TV Great38 727-244-8519 WTTA CASTLE ROCK, 8AM Blue KISSIMMEE (8/28Night – for 9/1) 352-794-6037 Humanity Construction SANFORD Greet Cracker House Saloon BRIDGEWATER, NJ 9AM Dawn Sunday,Motorcycle July 20 Bike Florida Harley-Davidson Swap Night Meet BRIDGEWATER, SEMINOLE 1PM G.R.I.T.S NJ 9AM Dawn National Thunder Memorial Poker Run and Cruise MIAMIMC South Beach Bike 218-244-5629 407-705-7588 Patrol Labor Day Run Week TAMPACracker BAY every Greet 407-328-1212 HouseSun Saloon Patrol Audition Screwie Labor Day Louie’s Run julezwid@gmail.com (8/29PETE –MC 9/1) 786-483-7714 ST. 12PM Born ToPorpoise Ride 848–228-9299 11—11:30PM 3rd BTR Sun7AM TV 11AM Venom WTTA II 19-Year 407-705-7588 SOMERSET, PA America’s 848–228-9299 Pub 727-393-7616 HUDSON Anniversary Trilogy Thursday, August 21Great38 PALMETTO 12PM Born To Party Ride 3rd SunJohnny 11AM 3rdVenom SunBike 3PM II PALMETTO (BTR 10-class Bike 31 show) Biker HUDSON Appreciation Party LAKE 9/11 Ride ELSINORE, 240-393-1902 CA 12PM Born To Party Ride Sunday, August LAKELAND 7PM G’s 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy SunTrilogy 11—11:30PM So Biker CalAppreciation CRUISE INParty 877-757-7997 (BTR 10-class TV BAY taping & magazine shoot) 727-378-5850 Sunday, Julyevery 27 19-Year Anniversary Party TAMPA Night (BTR TV taping & magazine (BTR Bike show) 3rd Sun (BTR 10-class Bike show) BTR Biff Burger TV Great38 727-244-8519 WTTA 727-378-5850 KISSIMMEE Saturday, August 16 10AM Central (BTR DAYTONA BEACH 12PM Born 863-858-3366 shoot) TV taping & magazine shoot)To every Sat Friday, August Florida Motorcycle Swap Meet and BRIDGEWATER, (BTR TV taping & 941–729-5442 magazine shoot) YORKTOWN, NJ 10AM 9AMRide Dawn for the KEY WEST Hoka22 Hey Motorcycle CENTRAL/EAST Ride Summertime Showdown Party Peggy’s CorralVA (BTR Bike show) 9—9:30AM BTR TV BH CH49 Peggy’s 941–729-5442 HOMOSASSA 9PM High Octane Greet House Saloon Patrol Pirate10-class MC VI Corral 757-286-3377 Labor Day Run Challenge Ride from Key West to Friday,Cracker August 22 (BTR TV taping & magazine ALEXANDRIA, KY 1PM Saloon 4-Year Anniversary Party 407-705-7588 848–228-9299 Homer, Alaska 9PM 605-890-0386 HOMOSASSA High5th Octane Thursday, September 4 shoot) 3rd Sun 10AM 3rdRun Sun Central 3PM PALMETTO Boot Hill Saloon Thursday, September 4To Manatee Sunday, August Annual Bugs Boobies (8/22 8/24)for Party 352-794-6037 LAKE CA 12PM Born Ride KISSIMMEE Saloon–ELSINORE, 4-Year Anniversary Party BRADENTON 1st 24 Thu 6PM every 1stNight Thu SunTrilogy 6PM 11—11:30PM Manatee So Florida Cal– Motorcycle CRUISE INSwap 877-757-7997 Meet and River LARGO 1PM 2nd Annual Heart BRADENTON TAMPA BAY chromedivas2riversky@yahoo.com 19-Year Anniversary Party (8/22 8/24) Party 352-794-6037 H-D Bike 941-745-2429 (BTR 10-class BikeNight show) River BTR TV H-D Bike WTTA 941-745-2429 Greet Cracker House Saloon Strings forGreat38 Heroes Patriot Ride Saturday, August 23 FT. MYERS 12PM Great Back to Friday, August 22–23 (BTR TV taping BRANDON 12PM Born 727-530-9799 To Ride 407-705-7588 WingHouse bar& &magazine Grill ANNISTON, AL 2PM Rumble on School Drive (6/7 8/15) Party Saturday, August Saturday, September 6 shoot) 3rd Sun 12PM Saturday, September 65thfor Peggy’s Anniversary Corral 941–729-5442 HOMOSASSA High Octane 19-Year Trilogy Party LAND LAKES SUNRISE 10AM Let’s Ride Ethan Noble Motorcycle &239-209-3187 Music Streetfest 8/16 atO’ SunSports ANNISTON, AL9PM 2PM Rumble on WESLEY CHAPEL 8AM Annual (BTR 10-class show) Good Bonanza Rock CHAPEL 8AM Annual Saloon 4-YearBiker Anniversary Party Chester’s H-DBike 954-300-5748 770-943-4175 GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO 2AM WESLEY Noble Fellows Motorcycle & Music Streetfest 9/11 Gratitude Ride Quail5th Hollow Thursday, September (BTR TV taping &Ride magazine Harley Bike Night Gratitude Quail4 shoot) Hollow (8/22 –Saloon 8/24) Party 352-794-6037 ATHENS, GA1000-IN-24 9:30AM 10thEndurance Annual 9/11 30th Annual 770-943-4175 813-928-2160 1st Thu5PM 6PMPlant Manatee Green Iguana 813-643-7800 BRADENTON 813-406-4871 Tuesday, July1st 29Sat Ride for the Cycle 303-781-0032 ATHENS, GAUnborn 9:30AM 10thWorld Annual 813-928-2160 PLANT CITY City Sat every 12PM Sun JT’s 12PM Road every 1st7AM SatTue 5PM 7PM–11PM Plant City& River H-D Bike Night 941-745-2429 CAPEFest CORAL 2nd Annual Saturday, 23 PALMETTO PLANT CITY TAMPA BAY 1965aloia@gmail.com TAMPA Ride for 3rd theAugust Unborn Cycle World Bike Downtown (BTR TV taping Born To Ride Radio AMFM247.com (BTR TV taping & Peggy’s House Road Corral Dogs Bike Bikefest Day Bike Fest Downtown Ride for Bully Awareness GermanANNISTON, AL 2PM Rumble on GRAND RAPIDS, MN 10AM Itasca 1965aloia@gmail.com magazine shoot) 813-754-3707 every Tue Saturday, September 6 The VALRICO 813-754-3707 941–729-5442 813-962-4440 Americanshoot) Social Club7PM 239-283-1400 Noble &MN Music Streetfest Habitat for Humanity Construction GRANDMotorcycle RAPIDS, 10AM Itasca magazine every 12PM Landing Bike Night 813-653-0002 WESLEY CHAPEL 5thAgainst Annual WAUCHULA NEWNAN, GA 9AM Sun Ride for the CLEARWATER 8AM8AM Ride11 770-943-4175 Cruise 218-244-5629 Habitat forsupport Humanity Construction Thursday, September Thursday, September 11 Charlotte’s Webb Biker Day 9/11 Gratitude Ride Quail Hollow KIDS (To the Fragile Kids Traffick with Erik Estrada Quaker ATHENS, GA 9:30AM 10th Annual HUDSON 12PM Venom II PreCruise 218-244-5629 SARASOTA 4PM 9/11 Remembrance (BTR TV 813-928-2160 Wednesday, July 30 SARASOTA 4PM 9/11 Remembrance 863–735-8887 Foundation) 678-357-6855 Steakstart & Lube 727-572-9464 Ride forRiver the Unborn Cycle World Cotee Bikefest Party HUDSON 12PM Venom II PreRide Bearded Clam end every 1st Sat Wed 5PM 6PM Plant Biff City taping & magazine shoot) ST. PETE Ride start Bearded Clam PLANT CITY NEW PORT RICHEY 1PM Diva 1965aloia@gmail.com Cotee River Bikefest Party (BTR TV Applebee’s 941-355-1400end (BTR TV taping & 727-378-5850 Bike Burger Fest Bike Downtown Night 727-244-8519 Tuesday, July 22 Applebee’s 941-355-1400 Monday, August 25 Angels Pasco Spaghetti Dinner GRAND RAPIDS, MN 10AM Itasca 2nd Thu Night SARASOTA taping PORT & magazine shoot) every Tue 7PM–11PM every 2nd Wed Thu 6PM 7PM Bike Bike Raccoons Night magazine shoot) 813-754-3707 NEW RICHEY 11AM H-D VALRICO TAMPA BAY SARASOTA Tuesday, August 26 6PM Bourbon Street 727-808-0276 Habitat for Humanity Construction 727-378-5850 at Applebee’s 941-355-1400 Born Port To Ride Radio AMFM247.com Bike at Applebee’s Night 813-689-5079 941-355-1400 New Richey Grill-n-Chill Wednesday, August 27 WOODLAND PARK, CO 7:30AM Cruise 218-244-5629 NEW PORT RICHEY 11AM H-D 27th Annual every POW/MIA Tue 7PM Recognition The Thursday, September 11 VALRICO 888-328-0973 August 28 HUDSON 12PM Venom II PreNew Port Richey Grill-n-Chill Friday, September 12 (BTR TV Thursday, Friday, September July 12Ride Landing RidePETE 719-487-8005 Bike Night 813-653-0002 SARASOTA 4PM31 9/11 Remembrance ST. 12PM Born To Ride Cotee River Bikefest Party 888-328-0973 ORLANDO 6PM USO every Thu 6PM Neon taping & magazine shoot) DADE ORLANDO CITY 6PM USO Ride Welcome Ride start Bearded Clam endWelcome 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Party Friday, August 29 ST. PETE 12PM Born To Ride Party H-D Orlando 407-892-2246 (BTR 10-class Bike show) Wednesday, Sunday, August July17 23 727-378-5850 Cowboy Bike Night 813-997-1133 Party H-D Orlando 407-892-2246 Applebee’s 941-355-1400 CHARLOTTE, NC Queen City Bike 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Party every everySun Wed 11—11:30PM 6PM Mojo’s SARASOTA 2nd Thu6PM 7PMBike Johnny Night (BTR TV taping & magazine shoot) LAKELAND TAMPA BAY NEW PORT RICHEY 11AM H-D LAKELAND Fest (8/29 –every 8/30)Thu (BTR 10-class Bike Grill-n-Chill show) Saturday, September 13 BTR Bike Biff Burger Night TV Great38 863-583-9119 727-244-8519 WTTA G’s at Applebee’s Bike Night 941-355-1400 863-858-3366 Saturday, September 13 New Port Richey jon@queencitybikefest.com BONITA SPRINGS 4PM Hot Wheelz (BTR TV taping & magazine shoot) every CO Wed8AM 6PMBlue Biff every Thu 6PM The Bar CASTLE ST. PETEROCK, SANFORD BONITA 4PM HotBike Wheelz 888-328-0959 GRANDY,SPRINGS NC Outer Banks Biff Burger 727-244-8519 Weekend Naples Fort Myers Sunday, August 24 Friday, September 12 Burger Bike NightBorn 727-244-8519 Out Bike Night 321-926-3996 Thunder Memorial Poker Weekend Naples Fort Myers ST. PETE 12PM ToRun Ride ShowBack (8/29 – 9/1) 252-453-2261 Greyhound 239-549-5599 every everyWed SunTrilogy 7PM 11—11:30PM TAMPA BAY ORLANDO Track 6PM USO Ride Welcome VALRICO julezwid@gmail.com Greyhound Track 239-549-5599 19-Year Anniversary Party Sunday, August 24 ORLANDO 10:30AM 10th (BTR 10-class 3rd Sun show) 11AM Venom II Saturday, August 2 Raccoons BTR TV Great38 BikeBike Night WTTA 813-689-5079 Party H-D Orlando 407-892-2246 HUDSON ORLANDO 10:30AM 10th annual annual 30 TAMPA BAY every Sun 11—11:30PM Jason Biker (BTR TV Appreciation taping & magazine Party ELKTON 12PMMemorial L.A.M.A.USO St. Benefit BRANDON 12PM Born Toshoot) Ride Jason Burnett Burnett Memorial USO Benefit

To submit and view even more events visit BornToRide.com Events

Sunday, 31407-892-2246 Saturday, September 13 Augustine Chapter Anniversary St. Ride H-DAugust Orlando every 11—11:30PM BAY BONITA SPRINGS 4PM Hot17th Wheelz Johns County Fairgrounds TAMPA 11AM H-DSun Tampa BTR TV Great38 WTTA Weekend Naples Myers 904-347-6776 Anniversary Party Fort 888-328-0959 BRIDGEWATER, NJ 9AM 1st Sat 5PM Dawn Plant City Greyhound 239-549-5599 PLANT CITYTrack Patrol MCSeptember Labor Day(BTR Run 848–228taping & Bike Fest Downtown ORLANDO 10:30AM 10th annual Sunday, 14 TV 9299 magazine shoot) 813-754-3707 Jason Burnett USO VALRICO 1PMMemorial Raccoons FallBenefit Car & PALMETTO 12PM Born Bike To Ride Ride Show H-D Orlando 407-892-2246 (BTR 10-class show) Bike 19-Year Anniversary Thursday, August 7Trilogy Party 813-689-5079 (BTR 10-class Bike show) Sunday, September 14 Manatee 1st Thu 6PM BRADENTON (BTR TV taping & Raccoons magazine VALRICO 1PM Fall Car & River H-D Bike Night 941-745-2429 Thursday, September 18shoot) Peggy’s Corral (BTR 10-class Bike show)Key Bike KEY WEST Show 42nd941–729-5442 Phil Peterson’s Thursday, 14 - 9/20) 813-689-5079 West PokerAugust Run (9/18 Thursday, September 4 Bike Night 2nd Thu 6PM SARASOTA 305-651-4811 1st Thu 6PM BRADENTON Thursday, September 18 Manatee at Applebee’s 941-355-1400 River H-D Bike KEY WEST 42ndNight Phil 941-745-2429 Peterson’s Key Saturday, September 20 Saturday, 16 West PokerAugust Run (9/18 PALMETTO 10AM Help- 9/20) Our Heroes Saturday, 6Back FT. MYERS 12PM Great 305-651-4811 Poker Run September Peggy’s Corral endsto WESLEY CHAPEL Annual School Drive (6/7 –8AM 8/15)5th Party 8/16 Rivers Edge 813-406-3603 9/11 Gratitude Ride Quail20Hollow Saturday, September at SunSports 239-209-3187 813-928-2160 PALMETTO 10AM Help Sunday, September 21 Our Heroes 1st Sat 5PM Plant City PLANT CITY Saturday, August 23 Poker Run Peggy’s Corral ends SARASOTA 9AM 4th Annual Hap (BTR TV taping Bike Downtown CENTRAL/EAST every SatRun RiversFest Edge 813-406-3603 Poneleit Memorial Poker Haps & magazine shoot) 813-754-3707 9—9:30AM BTR TV BH CH49 Cycle Sales 941-809-7433 ST. PETE12PM 12PMPeace Born To RideABATE’s Sunday, September 21 VENICE River Friday, September 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Party SARASOTA 9AM Event 4th12 Annual Hap Pre-Biketoberfest Tarzan’s ORLANDO 6PM (BTR 10-class BikeUSO show) Poneleit Memorial PokerRide RunWelcome Haps Jungle Bar 941-429-9917 Jungle Bar 941-429-9917 Party H-D Orlando 407-892-2246 (BTR taping & magazine shoot) CycleTV Sales 941-809-7433 Biff Burger 727-244-8519 VENICE 12PM Peace River Thursday, September 25 ABATE’s Thursday, September 25 Saturday, September 13 Pre-Biketoberfest Event Tarzan’s STEWART Treasure Coast Bike Rally Rally STEWART Treasure Coast Bike BONITA SPRINGS Sunday, August 244PM Hot Wheelz Jungle-- Bar 941-429-9917 (9/25 9/28) (9/25 9/28) Weekend Naples everyFort SunMyers TAMPA BAY info@treasurebikerally.com info@treasurebikerally.com Greyhound Track 11—11:30PM BTR 239-549-5599 TV Great38 Thursday, September 25 WTTA ORLANDO 10:30AM 10th annual BRANDON 12PM BornCoast To STEWART September Treasure Bike Rally Saturday, September 27Ride Saturday, 27 Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Party (9/25 -MYERS 9/28) FORT MYERS Freedom & Family Family FORT Freedom & Ride H-D (9/27 Orlando 407-892-2246 (BTR 10-class Bike show) info@treasurebikerally.com Weekend (9/27 9/28) jetBlue Park Park Weekend -- 9/28) jetBlue (BTR TV taping & magazine shoot) 239-571-4683 239-571-4683 Thursday, September 18 Bike Green Iguana 813-643-7800 Saturday, September 27 SEMINOLE 11AM Bacchus Bike SEMINOLE 11AM Bacchus KEY 42nd Phil(9/27 Peterson’s FORTWEST MYERS Freedom & Family Fest Screwie Louie’s (9/27 9/28)Key Fest Screwie Louie’s -- 9/28) West Poker Run- (9/18 9/20) Park Sunday, August 31 -jetBlue Weekend (9/27 9/28) weprotectbikers.com weprotectbikers.com 305-651-4811 TAMPA BAY every Sun 239-571-4683 11—11:30PM BTR TVBacchus Great38 WTTA SEMINOLE 11AM Friday, October 10 Wednesday, October 1 Bike Saturday, September 20 PALMETTO 12PM Born To -Ride Fest Screwie Louie’s (9/27 9/28) NEW PORT RICHEY Cotee River PANAMA CITY BEACH Thunder PALMETTO 10AM- -10/12) Help Our Heroes 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Party weprotectbikers.com Bike Fest (10/10 Downtown Beach Rally (10/1 10/5) Poker Run Peggy’s Corral ends (BTR 10-class Bike show) New Port Richey 727-842-7651 478-627-3168 Rivers (BTR TVEdge taping813-406-3603 & magazine shoot) Friday, October 10 Peggy’s Corral 941–729-5442 NEW PORT RICHEY Cotee River Thursday, October Friday, October 10 16 Sunday, September 21 Downtown Bike Fest (10/10 - 10/12) DAYTONA BEACH Biketoberfest NEW PORT RICHEY Cotee River SARASOTA 9AM 727-842-7651 Hap Friday, September 12Annual New Fest Port Richey (10/16 -10/19) Bike (10/10 -4th 10/12) Downtown Poneleit Memorial Poker Run Haps ORLANDO 6PM USO Ride Welcome www.daytonachamber.com New Port Richey 727-842-7651 Cycle SalesOrlando 941-809-7433 Party H-D 407-892-2246 Wednesday, October 22 VENICE Peace16River ABATE’s PANAMA12PM CITY BEACH Thunder Wednesday, October 22 Thursday, October Pre-Biketoberfest Event Tarzan’s Saturday, September 13 Beach Rally (10/1 -Biketoberfest 10/5) PANAMA CITY BEACH Thunder DAYTONA BEACH Jungle Bar 941-429-9917 ORLANDO 10:30AM 10th annual 478-627-3168 Beach Rally (10/1 - 10/5) (10/16 -10/19) Jason Burnett Memorial USO Benefit 478-627-3168 www.daytonachamber.com Friday, October 10407-892-2246 Ride H-D Orlando Wednesday, October 22 NEW PORT RICHEY Cotee River UNADILLA, GA Angel City Rally Wednesday, October 22 Fall Wednesday, 22 Bike Fest (10/10 - 10/12) Thursday, September 18Downtown (10/22 - 10/26) 478-627-3168 UNADILLA, GAOctober Angel City Fall Rally Rally UNADILLA, GA Angel City Fall New Port Richey 727-842-7651 KEY WEST 42nd478-627-3168 Phil Peterson’s Key (10/22 - 10/26) 10/26) 478-627-3168 (10/22 West Poker Run (9/181 - 9/20) Sunday, November 305-651-4811 PINELLASNovember PARK 11AM Born To Ride Sunday, November Sunday, 11 Bandshell Jam England Brothers PINELLAS PARK 11AM Born To To Ride Ride PINELLAS PARK 11AM Born info@borntoride.com Jam England Brothers Bandshell Jam England Brothers Bandshell Saturday, September 20 info@borntoride.com info@borntoride.com PALMETTO 10AM Help Sunday, November 16 Our Heroes Poker RunNovember Peggy’s Corral ends SARASOTA 9AM 16th Teddy Sunday, 16Great Sunday, November 16Great Teddy Rivers Edge 813-406-3603 Bear Run Rossiter’s H-D SARASOTA 9AM 16th SARASOTA 9AM 16th Great Teddy 941-951-6103 Bear Run Rossiter’s H-D Bear Run Rossiter’s H-D 941-951-6103 941-951-6103

BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 77 77 BORNTORIDE.COM

Spyke & Mike

On a Wing and a Prayer •Out on the road I’ve heard him cuss up a storm at that scoot and he’d never apologize until it gets us both home • The Fat Bird has not ever gotten upset once when Mike forgets its birthday • She doesn’t get mad if you leave it alone for a month or two, but I do go through wind withdrawals • It’s always OK to use tie downs on the ole’ bird, but it does look sad when it’s occasionally strapped to a trailer • When it comes off, it’s always ready to go for a ride

It happened last month my BTR friends; the Fat Bird went down and almost left us stranded. I squawked at Mike telling him, ‘You can only ride ‘em hard and put ‘em away wet so many times before they come to a screeching halt.’ She’s been a good ole’ ride for us with nearly 200,000 miles under its wheels and I wholeheartedly believe she was being kept together by road dirt, dead bugs, and my bird poop. He should have thought twice when he had Mike’s mobile detailing clean it up one night when he was still at Biff Burgers. The scoot was already showing problems, but it all went downhill fast right after that.

When leaving a light in first gear, it would jump a tooth on the belt. The clutch slippage and fuel leak was getting worse. But the fork in the bird that did it in was the slow crank and then no start when trying to leave Screwie Louie’s Porpoise Pub one Sunday after enjoying the great music and free food. Yes, he’s got free food (and not bad at all mind ya) on most Sundays. It’s a beautiful place for a destination ride. With a little push from my friends, Mike and I flew the Fat Bird home on one wing.

The following week he got it over to Ironhorse Cycles at their new location: 12315 62nd St. N unit C in Clearwater. It’s just a few miles south of the old shop but much bigger. Mike warned Steve that we were coming; he cleared a lift for the ole’ bird. Steve, Renee, and the crew do little things like that for their customers. They are attentive to detail, honest, and very knowledgeable. If you haven’t used them, you ought to give ‘em a shot. Tell them Spyke sent ya for a feathered discount. I can guarantee you it will be more than peanuts! We leave the Fat Bird resting peacefully on the lift.

Later in the week, Steve called and asked me to bring birdbrain (Mike) in and review the damages. After 20 minutes of show and tell, Mike began to cry. As he sat and pondered the estimate, I thought of many reasons why Mike should spend good money on the ole’ scoot: •The Fat Bird doesn’t snore, complain, or sag •Mike and I don’t have to talk to it after riding it •I watch Mike choke that thing every time he goes to start it, and the ole’ bird likes it

• The ole’ bird doesn’t leak oil, it just marks its territory and home is where the bike sits long enough for these drips to turn into small puddles • Last but not least, it has given us the freedom to ride and understand why dogs stick their heads out car windows

Wiping tears from his eyes with estimate in hand, Mike gives Steve the thumbs up to repair the Fat Bird. I waive my wings in happiness, looking forward to getting back in the wind and out of the truck. Mike grabs me up and says, “I’m doing this for you Spyke. I just can’t see ya out there flying alone without me having your back. The last time that happened, you ended up in Canada riding with Mary the Mountie chasing Rocky and Bullwinkle.”

As we head out to the truck, Steve pats Mike on the shoulder and says, “She’s in good hands now.” We leave the Fat Bird on the operating table for him to patch up so we can eventually get my wings in the wind and its wheels back down the road.

SPYKE

N O S Y M H T I W G BONDIN TEST RIDE Tie-in When I think back to my youth, one of my fondest memories was my dirt bike. I purchased it from a neighborhood kid for $10 and a chuckle because "it would never run again." Here starts my journey of learning about engines, bloody knuckles from turning wrenches, and neighbor relations (it had no muffler). I rode that thing for four years and later sold it for a considerable profit.

Fast forward a solid 25 years, and the excitement returns as my son Jacob says to me out of the blue, "Daddy, one day I'd really like a dirt bike." Now, this statement was two fold for me and let me pause to explain why: I was really excited to be able to spoil my only child; after the sudden and recent passing of his grandfather, what else could possibly be a better distraction! Then I got really excited ... looks like I will have to buy one as well, I mean after all ... he can’t ride alone right?

So the plan was hatched and Easter Sunday was the day. Sorry Santa, you got demoted this year. On to Craig's List I went and after only a few minutess the perfect bike was found. A Yamaha YZ 80, just the right amount of features and enough room to grow into. Purchased from a family of dirt biker riders, it was clean and started on the first kick. Helmet, pants and shirt were also part of the deal. Score!

The day before the big reveal, I told Jacob that I had a friend with a dirt bike and ask would he like to go for a ride? His eyes lit up with excitement and we hopped into the truck. He asked me why we were bringing the trailer. I told him it would be pretty fun if we had a dirt bike of our own so we could go riding on our weekends together. "Sweet!" He replied and off we went for a ride. As the day drew to a close, and our purchase was being loaded onto the trailer, we all noticed Jacob’s demeanor changing. I asked him why the sad face, and he replied "I don't know, I kind of wish I had my own." The perfect setup had been created.

It was 8 AM Sunday morning; the excitement could not be contained, on my part especially. I spent the evening writing clues to a scavenger hunt that would take him around the house and thru the yard. Each egg with a riddle to the next location and at the end ... the culmination of every mother’s nightmare in the garden shed out back. The moment arrived, the

BTR 80 | BORNTORIDE.COM

final clue and off he went running. Upon opening the door the shouts of excitement rang out for all the neighbors to hear, and that moment was what it was all about. Now, can he ride?

The kick start was certainly the issue and will be for some time. But that was it. I couldn't believe how fast he picked it up. Covered head to toe in the appropriate safety gear he proceeded to tear around the yard for two hours straight. And then he asked me if I wanted to race? Well of course I wanted to race! But it was obvious that he needed more room, so I called our family friend whom we purchased my bike from and loaded up for their house. They have several acres and access to a great wooded area and open field.

After a short ride thru some pretty varied terrain and two minor falls, we reached a wide open field. I rode next to him and showed him how to shift gears. “Listen to the sound of the engine, just like the car.” He nailed it. All three gears were now at his disposal and the look of determination to master them was apparent from the huge smile on his face. We rode for hours. The shear focus he displayed while he zipped through the mud and around the trees was a level of intensity I had never witnessed from him before. We had a great first day out together, which is now a hobby we engage in almost every weekend. We find new places to explore; stop to have a drink and snack, and then head on down the trail for more adventure. All while he is learning balance, coordination, and the responsibility of owning a bike.

Any parent knows that their kid’s interests usually involve hauling them around to various sporting practices with a lawn chair under the arm. While it is rewarding to see them play and excel at these things, we are often not able to truly be involved. Other then tossing a ball around the backyard, or coaching the team, we are limited in the experience. I have found an activity that we can participate in equally, share the thrills, excitement, and grow our skills together. I never imagined more than 25 years later that I would be reliving my youth and bonding with my son all over a dirt bike.

Paul Brubacher

CMA will be back next month.