Born To Ride Magazine Florida #131

Contents

April Issue 131

Ad Index

Features Leesburg Bikefest 19 L.A.M.A. 29 Uncle Mike’s 38 Longest Ride 55

Columns

55

Test Ride 24 Women’s World 71 Craven Moorehead 69 Spyke & Mike 79 CMA 80

Departments News 5 Ride Safe Ride Smart 7 Hottest Bike Nights 9 Featured 9 www.BornToRide.com/Events 76 Born To Ride Kids 80

Reports Finz Finds Rides-Cruise For Kids Scooter’s Saloon

22

10 14

On The Cover Uncle Mike’s Celebrating Two Years on Sunday, May 3

RIDING OUT? TAKE US WITH YOU!

Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779 The information contained herein is provided by Born To Ride Magazine or by its advertisers. BTR makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information in the issue. Born To Ride Magazine does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness or correct sequencing of such information throughout this magazine. Use of such information is voluntary on your part, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after your independent review. Reference herein to any specific manufacturer, company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement of or recommendation of said by Born To Ride Magazine.” “Born To Ride Magazine (including its employees, contributors and agents) assumes no responsibility for consequences that may result from the use of the information herein, including the use of the information obtained at www.borntoride.com and it’s linked sites, or in any respect for the content of such information, including (but not limited to) errors or omissions, the accuracy or reasonableness of factual or scientific assumptions, studies or conclusions, ownership of copyright or other intellectual property rights, and the violation of property, privacy, or personal rights of others. BTR Magazine is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. No guarantees or warranties, including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties are made by BTR Magazine with respect to such information contained throughout the site.” No part may be copied without written permission of the publisher, Born To Ride, Inc. P.O. Box 3021, Brandon, FL 33509. 888-795-5779, Fax 813-689-2996. ­­

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AAA 6 Affordable Motorsports 46 Al Estes Bail Bonds 68 Allstate - Jeff Ard 73 Applebee’s 63 Armed Forces MC 61 Attorney Fran Haasch BC B.U.B.B.A. Poker Run 60 BB’s Bar & Grill 15 BTR Biker Media 66 BTR Lifestyle 22 BTR TV 76 Buffalo Solders MC 58 Charlotte’s Webb Pub 61 CJ Seats 75 Cobra MC 54 Copperhead Lodge 51 Cycle-Rama 28 Cruise for Kids 11 Deland Motorsports 70 Doc’s Pub & Grill 12 Fox & Hounds 46 Fun Bike Center 26 Ghost Riders Saloon 20 H-D Crystal IBC H-D Lakeland 13 H-D Manatee 33 H-D Ocala 23 H-D Rossiter’s 33 H-D Space Coast IFC, 1 High Octane Saloon 44 Indian Orlando 34 International Female Ride Day 49 Jaw Droppin’ Customs 64 JT’s Roadhouse 70 Kool Kat Saloon 22 Let Them Live 65 Like Us on Facebook 22 Love Jugs 74 Lucky-You Cycles 17 Mojo’s 25 Motolistings 5 Motorcycle Freight 68 Nam Knights 36 Nature Coast Biker Bash 53 Nemours Ride 35 Optical Elegance 28 Peggy’s Corral 30 Pig’n & Pickin’ 63 Predator Patrol Poker Run 70 Pride Cycles 63 Red Top Pit Stop 27 Ride For The Girls 3 Riverview Optical 34 Saddle Creek 73 Scooter’s Saloon 14 Screwie Louie’s 53 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 67 Thunder Beach/Spring Rally 40 Twisted Tea 8 Uncle Mike’s 37 Venom Bar & Grill 47 Wanted 78 Wings N’ Weenies 75 Yelvington 52

BORN TO RIDE Magazine

PO BOX 1428 Cedartown, GA 30125

PUBLISHER

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

Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

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ART DIRECTOR

Shawn Jones art@borntoride.com

ART DEPARTMENT

Seth Wuertz, Juan Guzman, art@borntoride.com

WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Juan Guzman

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jim Miller

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

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MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST

Seth Wuertz

ROAD CREW

Vick Velosity, Kenny Bowers, Mr. Clean, Charlie Kelley, Craven Moorehead, Bam Bam, Victor Lima, Birdman Mike SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT

Steve Finzelber

CONTRIBUTORS

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

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(888) 795-5779

BORN TO RIDE, INC. P.O. Box 3021 Brandon, FL 33509 info@borntoride.com BORNTORIDE.COM BORNTORIDE.COM | |BTR BTR555

Lose your worries. Every last one of them.

Get Motorcycle coverage from AAA and enjoy our legendary roadside assistance protection every time you ride. Current members’ dues are prorated when upgrading, and nonmembers can add Motorcycle for $35 to any membership level when they join. Ride with confidence. Ride with AAA. • Coverage on any bike • 4 tows up to 100 miles each • Free fuel delivery • Member rates on motorcycle travel packages • Trip interruption coverage 1-866-506-9370

AAA.com/Motorcycle

Visit any AAA office

Offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Membership benefits vary with membership levels and are subject to change without notice.

THE CREEPER

Imagine a typical scene from a nature-Riding along a suburban street, you approach a slowmoving car. You would like to pass, but the driver keeps speeding up and slowing down, causing you to delay that action After following the creeper for several blocks, you become frustrated and decide to accelerate by. As soon as you pull out to pass the creeper, the driver makes a sudden left turn into a driveway, leaving you no room to stop or swerve.

Strategy: The car’s erratic pace should have tipped you off that the driver was searching for something (a street address, perhaps) and that her attention was elsewhere rather than on surrounding traffic. Evaluating the situation, you should have predicted that the driver might turn or stop suddenly. Your best strategy in a situation like this is to separate yourself from the hazard. You could have dropped back at least two seconds.

If you choose to pass, do so only after clearly establishing contact with the driver, preferably after receiving a hand signal from her. Never pass at an intersection or other traffic situation where the car could turn in front of you.

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

Call Stefanie Drake Burford when you need her! 1-844-STEF-LAW

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Hottest BIKE NIGHTS

Featured

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

T U E S DAY

Green Iguana

Call Born To Ride to promote your Tuesday Night Venom Back Room New Port Richey • 727-816-8700 Time Out (2nd Tues.) Brandon • 813-685-7999

W E D N E S DAY

Biff Burger St. Pete • 727-244-8519 Quaker Steak & Lube Clearwater • 727-572-9464 MoJo’s Lakeland • 863-583-9119 Uncle Mike’s Plant City • 813-737-4444

T H U R S DAY

Scooter’s Saloon (3rd Thurs.) Brandon • 813-621-1694 Applebee’s (2nd Thurs.) Sarasota • 941-355-1400

F R I DAY

Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Venom II Hudson • 727-378-5850 RhonDavous Seminole • 727-398-5579

S AT U R DAY

Biff Burger St. Pete • 727-244-8519 Charlotte’s Webb Pub Wauchula • 863-735-8887 JT’S Roadhouse Tampa • 813-962-4440 Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson Sarasota (Monthly) • 941-745-2429 Venom II Hudson • 727-387-5850 Fox & Hound Brandon • 727-387-5850

S U N DAY

Charlotte’s Webb Pub Wauchula • 863-735-8887 Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Venom II (3rd Sun.) Hudson • 727-387-5850 Boot Hill Saloon Daytona The Red top Pit Stop Lakeland • 813-438-8913 High Octane Saloon Homosassa • 352-794-6037 Doc’s Pub & Grill Dade City • 352-567-4050 Ghost Riders Saloon Ocala • 352-494-1983

GAIN ATTENTION TO YOUR BUSINESS

GET YOUR BIKE NIGHT LISTED

CALL 888-795-5779

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Born To Ride Finz Finds Rides

Cruise 4 Kids 2015 (60 miles - 1 hour 24 minutes)

This is a self-guided ride, so journey at your own pace. Our route will get you to the stops in a timely manner while enjoying scenic roads, especially on the last leg of the ride.

Starting at Brandon Harley-Davidson Turn right onto State Road 60 East (14.3 miles) Make a U-turn (0.2 miles) First stop is on the right Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill 106 State Road 60 East Plant City, FL 33567 Head west on State Road 60 West (308 feet) Turn right onto State Road 39 North (5.6 miles) Turn left onto West Baker Street (0.1 miles) BTR 12 16 | BORNTORIDE.COM

Turn right at the second cross street onto State Road 39 North /North Wheeler Street (3.6 miles) Turn right onto State Road 39 (16.0 miles) Second stop is on the right Cahill’s Motorsports 8820 Gall Boulevard Zephyrhills, FL 33541 Head north on State Road 39 North/U.S. Route 301 North (2.7 miles) Turn left onto Clinton Avenue West (3.1 miles) Turn left onto State Highway 579A/Prospect Road (3.9 miles) Turn left onto Curley Road (5.9 miles) Turn right onto State Road 54 West (2.3 miles) Continue onto Wesley Chapel Boulevard (1.0 miles) Turn right onto Old Pasco Road (0.9 miles) Final stop is on the left Quail Hollow 6225 Old Pasco Road Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

For more information on Finz Finds Books & Maps visit us at: FinzFinds.com

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Don’t miss Bike Night Thursday April 16th w/ Soul Circus Cowboys

THUR. APRIL 16TH 6-10PM BIKE SHOW • QUALITY VENDORS FOOD • DRINK SPECIALS GAMES • C ON T ES T S PRI Z E G IVEAWAYS & MORE! 7PM: MISS DAISY DUKES CONTEST $1 ,500 IN CASH AND PRIZES FOR TOP 3

Live Music by:

BIKE NIGHT: EVERY 3RD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH

FOR MORE INFO: scooterssaloon.com

DON’T DRINK AND RIDE!

Bike Night is n! back in Brando

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9847 E Adamo Dr (Hwy 60) Tampa, FL 33619 | 813.621.1694

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Don’t miss Leesburg Bikefest. April 24,25,26. Info go to www.leesburgbikefest.com

Friday Night April 24th

Saturday Night April 25th

Sunday Afternoon April 26th

100 Page Online Exclusive @ BornToRide.com Scan Code to see this Motorcycle come to life

2015 KAWASAKI VULCAN

®

Head-turning Looks, Miles of Attitude Who says you can’t have a stylish cruiser that is still practical and dependable? Owners of a Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero® bagger have the best of both worlds. The traffic-stopping good looks will make you smile every time you throw a leg over this beauty. A frame-mounted, abbreviated fairing sets the stage while the elegant tank leads the eye to the shapely rear luggage of this V-twin bagger. The multitextured, blacked-out engine and chassis treatment has been applied to components (like the air-cleaner cover, wheels, fork assembly and tank cover) that would normally be chromed. This leaves only a special few parts (engine guards, exhaust, mirrors, etc) that receive plating in order to act as bright accents to either the Candy Lime Green or Metallic Carbon Gray paint.

HIGHLIGHTS • Sporty, one-piece saddle with low seat height • Powerful 1799cc V-twin engine • “Muscle car” inspired instrumentation • Blacked-out looks accentuate the lines and body shapes • Six-speed transmission for effortless acceleration and relaxed cruising • Electronic throttle actuation system • Kawasaki’s sophisticated

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K-ACT II ABS braking system • Electronic cruise control • AM/FM/WB audio system with iPod® and SiriusXM® radio compatibility • Twin tapered mufflers maximize that undeniable V-twin sound • Includes a class-leading 36-month limited factory warranty SPECIFICATIONS Engine: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, SOHC, four valve per cylinder, 52° V-twin Displacement: 1,700cc / 103.7 cu in Bore x stroke: 102 x 104mm Compression Ratio: 9.5:1 Maximum Torque:

Motorcycles • ATVs • Watercraft • UTVs • PWCs • Dirt Bikes • Generators

1700 VAQUERO ABS ®

108 ft-lb @ 2,750rpm Cooling: Liquid, plus Fuel Injection: DFI® throttle Ignition: TCBI

cooling fins with dual 42mm bodies

with Digital Advance Transmission: Six-speed with overdrive and positive neutral finder Final drive: Carbon-fiber reinforced drive belt Frame: Steel, double-cradle with box-section single-tube backbone Rake / trail: 30 degrees / 7” Front suspension wheel travel: 45mm hydraulic fork / 5.5” Rear suspension wheel travel: Swingarm with twin air-assisted shocks, with 4-way rebound damping / 3.1” Front tire: 130/90x16 Rear tire: 170/70x16 Front brakes: Dual 300mm discs, dual twin-piston calipers, K-ACT II ABS Rear brakes: Single 300mm disc, twin-piston caliper, K-ACT II ABS Overall length: 98.8” Overall width: 38.2” Overall height: 50.8” Ground Clearance: 5.7” Seat height: 28.7” Wheelbase: 65.6” Curb weight**: 844.5 lb Fuel capacity: 5.3 gallons Colors: Candy Lime Green with Ebony frame graphic, Metallic Carbon Gray with black racing stripe

1845 E. Memorial Blvd · Lakeland, FL 33801

Visit us at www.funbikecenter.com/ or Call: 863 688-3333

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Thank You to the Biker community for supporting Born To Ride. Special thanks to 866-Law-Fran

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Congratulations to L.A.M.A Sarasota and their New Chapter. All the Best in the years to come.

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Thank You L.A.M.A. for the love and comaraderie you share with BTR and the Biker Community

Nam Knights 9th Annual Pig Roast–At Uncle Mike’s

The local Nam Knights Westside Chapter from Valrico will be having their 9th annual Pig Roast event on Saturday, April 18, at Uncle Mike’s. I had the honor of speaking with chapter president, Todd “Swirl” Harr. “We do this fundraiser every year; 100% of the proceeds go both to the Haley House Fund and the Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation.

“The Westside Chapter takes great pride in putting a lot of our energy towards supporting the Haley House. The Haley House Fund is in place today and provides rooms at a local, nationally known and respected motel chain at reduced rates.

This support is available to those who cannot afford to pay for lodging and other costs themselves. The Haley House Fund provides living arrangements for families to spend needed time with the recovering current duty injured and veterans. In addition, to the Haley House Fund, we proudly support the Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation. The Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization established to financially assist Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office employees who have suffered an unforeseen catastrophic event.”

“These two organizations align perfectly with what the Nam Knights are all about!” Todd said, “We have over 60 chapters in the United States

and 14 here in Florida alone. These chapters are comprised of current and retired police officers, active, and retired veterans. We have active Hillsborough deputies in the club as well as

active military in the club. I just retired after 25 years in the Army. So, in order to give back, this is what we do.” What’s impressive that just over their nine years as a chapter, they’ve raised just under $100,000 for these two charities!

What are the Nam Knights all about? “The organization’s main interests are to stress the importance of helping fellow police officers and family members who may be in need of assistance. We also place a great deal of importance in the well-being of our veterans and bringing out the message to the general public about our prisoners of war and those who are missing in action. We support legislation for the

benefit of veterans and veteran’s facilities, the advancement of studies and treatment of Agent Orange, Post Traumatic Stress, and Hepatitis C.” The Nam Knights have a great day planned for everyone who will be coming out. “We are fortunate to be having three local bands come out to Uncle Mike’s. They donate their time and talent to this fundraiser.” In addition to the great entertainment and food, there will be drink specials, vendors, and some raffles. “The local radio station, WQYK, will be donating some type of memorabilia item from a well-known musical artist. One year we had an autographed guitar!”

How did the Nam Knights hook up with Born To Ride? “The relationship has grown over the years. I’ve been in Florida four years and always saw Ron Galletti at the various biker events. He saw how involved the Nam Knights were over the years. So a few years ago, Ron facilitated a relationship with Nam Knights and Fran Haasch.

She started funding our full page ads in BTR for our Pig Roast. She’s always helped us out tremendously.”

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at Uncle

Are you in the mood for some good food, fun, and fellowship? I’m talking about having a great pulled pork sandwich and a hand crafted Bloody Mary, listening to great live music while meeting friends for a good time. Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse sets the stage!

Located on 11-acres on State Route 60, Uncle Mike’s does not disappoint the traveling biker. The rustic atmosphere, the friendly faces, and the scrumptious food bring us back over and over again.

Mike and Simone Tolley, owners of Uncle Mike’s, are amazing people who are truly community-oriented and well-known throughout the biker community. Uncle Mike has been in the restaurant and bar industry for a long time. He has dedicated his life to perfecting cocktails and guest experiences.

I had the honor of speaking with Simone on a busy Saturday night! Her enthusiasm is contagious! “We are open six days a week for lunch and dinner. Some amazing foods include items like our Hog Wings, smokehouse chicken wings, great angus steaks, and the ½ pound burgers are to die for! We are closed every Monday for private parties.

Every day is a special day because we do something different and

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unique. For example, Tuesday is Kids Eat Free Night. Wednesday is all you can eat snow crab legs from 5-10 p.m. On Thursday, I teach line dance starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday night is our night for “ALL”—this is where we have Idol Karaoke night with DJ Erik in Blake Hall; 10 p.m., DJ Sean plays all of your favorite line dance and top 40 hits in the Saloon.

He rocks the house! Outside we have an outdoor pavilion with long-time resident DJ Wiggles—our teen night! The teens can come and be themselves. Their parents can have dinner at our restaurant while the kids are having fun in the pavilion. We make it a fun time at Uncle Mike’s. Saturday nights are our live music nights, where we bring in talented local acts weekly, and Sunday is Biker Sunday at Hog Heaven. Live music, an abundance of up front bike parking and relaxed outdoor atmosphere—located in the pavilion. All on property at Uncle Mike’s!”

On property, they have added the final piece to Uncle Mike’s growth, the adjacent building, named Blake Hall which lends itself to amazing private parties and catering possibilities. Blake Hall is a huge 8,500 sq. ft., two-story cabin which comfortably handles up to 275 people for any event like weddings, corporate outings, birthday parties, anniversaries and much more.

Simone added, “We have also increased our catering portion of our business for both on premise and off premise!”

Simone also shared with me that last year’s Hog Heaven Biker Bash was extremely successful. “We like to promote the fact that we raise funds during this event for a local charity that is always dear to us.

Like last year, the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch will be the recipient again this year. We raise money thru 50/50 raffles, gift baskets and auction items and selfless donations from many friends and businesses. There will also be a bikini bike wash and lots of vendors on hand as well!”

An interesting and challenging fact is that just over a year ago when Uncle Mike’s had just opened, that same week—Simone gave birth to their son Blake. “We had two miracles happen for us at the same time last year!” I had the pleasure of speaking with Maggie Lyn Custer, the amazing bartender and marketing guru at Hog Heaven.

Enjoy Dinner at Uncle Mike’s for a great family experience! Call: 813-737-4444

She told me all about the great ideas they are implementing as well as the super May 3 Hog Heaven Biker Party!

what a great facility we have for anything! If a group wants to do a poker run or have a charity event or a biker wedding this is a great location for that! It’s as simple as going on a ride with a bunch of your friends and just making your way to this new destination!”

Thank you, Mike, Simone and Maggie, for sharing with us this exciting event at Uncle Mike’s! All of us at Born To Ride look forward to seeing YOU at this great event! Mark it on your calendar now!

What: Uncle Mike’s 2nd Anniversary Biker Bash at Hog Heaven When: Sunday, May 3, 11:00 a.m. - ?

Where: 106 State Road 60, Plant City Web: www.UncleMikesGrill.com Phone: 813-737-4444

Maggie has been with Uncle Mikes for a few months now, and so far, it’s been great ride! “We have many goals and ideas and we’ve reached every one of them. I’m so happy!”

“I’m very involved in the biker world and the biker charities. This is something that I’ve done for a long time. We’ve had a wonderful kick start here at Uncle Mike’s. Everything has been taking off very well!

We keep building upon that success. So far, so good!” Adding to the great jump start, Maggie added, “It’s my personal commitment to make Hog Heaven a place that bikers can go and have a good time—including our Wednesday Bike Night and Bikers Sunday.”

On Biker Sundays, we have live music beginning at noon until 4 p.m., $1 Bloody Marys, $3 Margaritas, $10 domestic buckets, $3 pulled pork sandwiches, and $5 wing and fry baskets. “As long as I have the bikes rolling in, no matter the time, we keep Hog Heaven rolling. I’m notoriously known for keeping the party going when bikers are still rolling in, even at the dark of night.”

In closing, I wanted to know Simone’s thoughts about this upcoming event and future of Uncle Mike’s. “We want the biker community to come on out for a fun day and see Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill at our new location in Plant City. We enjoy our setting, atmosphere and great food here above and beyond anything else. It is fun, it is exciting, and we have a great bartender who really loves what she does! She caters to the biker community and knows pretty much every biker by name—that’s Maggie! We want to show the bikers

Oh, by the way! Simone will be celebrating her 40th Birthday Bash with a Male Revue and a free drink night for the ladies on Friday, April 17. Additionally The Nam Knights Westside Chapter is also hosting a pig roast at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill on Saturday, April 18. This is a large fundraiser for The Haley House Fund and the Lynn Sowers Memorial Foundation. Todd “Swirl” Harr, Chapter President said, “The Westside Chapter takes great pride in putting a lot of our energy towards supporting these two organizations. Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill is the perfect location for this fundraiser!”

Live music, food, drink specials, raffles, vendors and more will be at this event! And you can be a part of it at Uncle Mike’s!

A very special Thanks to 866-Law-Fran for all she does in the Biker Community

Susan Hurst

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MORE VALUE AND HOSPITALITY FOR RIDERS AT THE HOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH

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Bikers don’t miss this Rally! For Vendors or Hotel info: www.thunderbeachproductions.com

Women’s World Ready to Live the EQ LifeStyle

turn to really live your life, time to see and start experiencing life in a whole new way. Time to experience the EQ LifeStyle!

Living the EQ LifeStyle is living like others only dare to dream! -- Hayley B. Colina I walk the talk; I don’t just spout a bunch of motivational hoopla at you. I want to awaken you to a life that is so incredibly fascinating where you will scream “I cannot believe how much time I wasted simply existing!” I want to hear you scream in utter delight as you discover the person inside you who you did not know existed and is so unstoppable!

My biggest reward is seeing you step out of your comfort zone and watching how strong you become with every step. Observing you melt away your excuses and doubts every time you experience another step out of your comfort zone is rewarding. My passion has always been to see women succeed, and my recent cancer experience has taken my passion and purpose to a whole new dimension.

The cancer diagnosis was actually a blessing in disguise.

Last year I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I haven’t smoked in over 18 years so it is not a smoker’s cancer: it can happen to anyone. Last year, I faced the darkest moment in my life not knowing if I would survive and/or for how long. However, that experience was also an incredible gift. I know it sounds crazy to many but it is true. Allow me to explain.

The cancer experience opened up my world like an invincible fish living in a tiny dark pond that can now swim fearlessly in the huge sea.

After my diagnosis, life took on a whole new level of meaning. Like many of you, I also believed all the things people go around saying: like “life is too short, “To Live is the rarest experience in the world! Many people dream big, blah, blah, blah. However, it hit the depths of my merely exist.” Are you living or are you simply existing? It soul when I was lying there in a hospital bed and it was just is so easy to get caught up on life’s rollercoaster and all of me and God. I realized what life really is all about—I began societies imposed expectations. Consequently, you may lose to remove the societal blinders so to speak—blinders that your true self—the person with all the dreams, hopes, and kept me from experiencing being my true self and living my visions. Some of us settle for a life of mediocrity because of life the way I was meant to live it. Sadly, so many people will fear, doubt, or ignorance. Sometimes we are simply unaware die without ever experiencing such an awakening and never of the unbelievable power and strength we possess. tasting the core of their being with such an immense passion.

When you were young did you have dreams or aspirations Instead they tend to foolishly focusing their time and energy that have gone unfulfilled? Are you living other’s expectations on insignificant pursuits while losing the valuable gift of life instead of your own? Have you allowed yourself to be prothat stands before them. grammed to live a routine life that you have accepted and just When facing mortality, my life flashed back and I saw how settled for? foolish I was—how foolish the human race can be. We go While you go through the motions of just living your life, the through life focusing and placing our energy on insignificant days turn into months, the years turn into decades until your goals or ideologies. Many people go through life whining and life has passed you by. It’s time to create more passion, more complaining, not taking action to create change but instead purpose, and more meaning into your existence. It’s “Your” BTR 48 | BORNTORIDE.COM

Continued on Pg. 71

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Bikers don’t miss this Rally! For Vendors or Cabin info: Call: 706-835-7433

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Bikers don’t miss this Rally! For Vendors or Cabin info: Call: 706-835-7433

If you don’t

believe

in a Higher Power you will now … it is a miracle that this man lives to tell this tale.

his is the journey of a lifetime that we all wish we could take, but most of us would never dare attempt it … if a thousand mile journey truly begins with a single step, it is a miracle that Emilio Scotto’s journey ever ended successfully.

This mad man’s quest to see the world (I call him mad because he is the only man in existence to ever attempt such a ride), evolved into a history book adventure filled with cannibals, trigger-happy soldiers, anacondas, hallucinations and deathly diseases. Yes, Emilio Scotto’s story is unlike any ever told … until now.

Scotto’s adventure began on his eighth birthday when he received a World Atlas. Promptly he announced his plan to make a route that would pass through all the countries of the world, and he named this route the Blue Road One. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Emilio Scotto began his professional life as a pharmaceutical salesman, but his long-simmering dream to travel the world eventually got the best of him. In 1985 he set out on a motorcycle journey around the

T

world that would last a record-setting 10 years.

At the beginning of this journey, he found himself astride a black 1100 Honda Goldwing motorcycle and the Blue Road One beckoned.

The story of how he obtained this Honda Goldwing he calls the Black Princess is comical, yet his determination is inspiring. In 1980, Emilio convinced a dealership to finance this $16,000 motorcycle on a note. As he attempted to pull out of the parking lot, he realized that he had never even saddled a motorcycle before, and immediately dumped it before exiting the dealership.

Was this a premonition? What would inspire one to purchases such an elaborate motorcycle for a 500,000 mile journey, that they didn’t even know how to ride? (This was 1980, in Argentina, there were no rider instruction schools and you didn’t purchase a motorcycle for showmanship). Was the calling of Blue Road One his destiny or just plain insanity?

Scotto set off on a worldwide journey that would last more than a decade, which eventually landed him in the Guinness Book of World

This book is a must-own! Google it now! The Longest Ride - Emilio Scotto

Records. The only thing that would match the miles traveled would be the list of adventures he

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“He who does not get fun and enjoyment out of every day ... needs to reorganize his life.” - George Matthew Adams

“Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.” - Frank Borman

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had during the journey.

The Longest Ride: My 10-Year 500,000 Mile Motorcycle Journey is Scotto’s story of one man’s unbeatable determination. This thrill ride begins in his native country of Argentina, crosses through Panama into Noriega, Mexico in the midst of an earthquake. Treks even further into Los Angeles where Emilio finds himself dead broke. By chance he meets Muhammad Ali, who gives him fifty dollars.

Breaching the Iron Curtain, crossing the Berlin Wall at Checkpoint Charlie, being blessed by the Pope, dodging a tribe of cannibals in Sierra Leone, fleeing Somalia on a freighter— Scotto’s adventures is unbelievable true. His tale of touring the world from Tunisia to Turkey, Petra to Afghanistan, and Yugoslavia to Singapore, is unlike any ever told. This man traveled enough miles to take him to the moon and back, If you don’t believe in a Higher Power you will now … it is a miracle that this man lives to tell

this tale. Emilio Scotto literally makes it through uncharted territory in the Amazon Jungle on a Goldwing—this man truly has his own Guardian Angel.

This book takes the beatnik way of life to another level. Kerouac’s style and philosophies, that unexplainable yearning for the road can be identified here, but Scotto’s mind-boggling courage and faith cannot be compared. The Longest Ride effortlessly spans the globe to tell the story of one amazing man’s journey to discover the world for himself.

The story-telling style places the reader in the seat with Scotto and the accompanying color photographs makes this one of the most electrifying chronicles I’ve read in years! This book is available in bookstores everywhere or through www.motorbooks.com.

Book Statistics Title: The Longest Ride: My 10-Year

10 years of his life devoted to this ride - See over 250 photos from his 500,00 mile ride!

500,000 Mile Motorcycle Journey Author: Emilio Scotto ISBN: 0-7603-2632-0 Details: 8 1/2 x 11 / 224 pages / 250 color photos Binding: Hardcover Retail Price: $34.95 The tolls of his travels? How about: • 10 years of his life • 12,500 gallons of gas, 300 gallons of oil • 86 tires, 11 batteries • 9 motorcycle seats • 15 traffic fines • 2 times the target of gunfire • 5 times robbed • 3 major illnesses (including malaria) • 6 times imprisoned • 1 time a potential meal for cannibals

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 59

Erik Buell Racing employee Cory West had a perfect showing at Zhuhai International Circuit in southern China, taking back-to-back wins in two races and setting a new lap record along the way. The event, which took place March 21-22, was the opening round of China’s Pan Delta Superbike Series’ 2015 season.

Riding an EBR 1190RS for the Splitlath Motorsport team, West had never seen nor experienced the Zhuhai International Circuit before he arrived in China the Wednesday before the race. He quickly learned the course, however, qualifying in pole position for the first main event on Saturday afternoon. West’s qualifying time of 1:35.859 was the first time a Superbike lapped the circuit in under 1:36.

West battled China’s Li Zheng Peng riding a factory Yamaha R1 in both races. The pair traded the lead until West was able to ride BTR 62 | BORNTORIDE.COM

deep into the corners and out-accelerate his rival and hold Li off as the two riders raced through lapped traffic.

“Getting to go race in China for the Splitlath team and represent the EBR brand was an amazing experience,” said West. “To finish the weekend out by setting a new track record, qualifying on pole position, and winning both races on the first attempt was icing on the cake! Big thanks to everyone that made it possible and I can’t wait to come back and build on our championship points lead.”

West and the Splitlath EBR team now hold the lead in the Championship points race for the Pan Delta Superbike Series. The next round, along with much higher temperatures, is sure to bring renewed pressure from competitors as they focus their efforts on catching Cory West. For more: www.splitlathgroup.com/Pandeltaone

For more information on EBR or how you can become a dealer, visit www.ebr.com

6606 GaLl BlVd ZePhYrHiLlS, Fl 33542 (813)-782-4272

Craven Moorehead

already loaded), I took the behemoth bus (loaded like freight truck full of pineapples), and a friend drove the pickup. The bike was already comfortable hiding out in our new garage.

Imagine the terror on the faces of the neighbors when our convoy of slightly used vehicles (read ugly conveyances) arrived in the hood, loaded down like the Beverly Hillbillies. I love this sort of reaction and instill it at every opportunity! (Never grow up.)

This sort of effect is seldom seen in the trailer park, so it feels good to be entertainment to a new class of people.

Bricks in the sticks are costly—Back to un-kept resolutions.

Since I was already a couple of months behind in all my enjoyment of goofing off, hanging out drinking beer, and avoiding work at all costs I didn’t want to have to do all that labor intensive hauling and displacing stuff. I’m not really done yet. But with more room to collect stuff and hide from all the drama that is trailer park life it doesn’t seem so bad at first. I mean, I could always go sleep in the RV if I really wanted to. While hiding out enjoying a cold beer in the garage one day, I was hunted down by the Ol’ Lady. She had message to deliver to me and as usual I wasn’t ready THERE ARE SOME BENEFITS TO CHANGING UP ato frightening accept it! “Look Craven, all this house and property and stuff is gonna cost us a lot more than living in your stupid trailer park.” My Making the cut - late as usual… simple reply was “Yeah I know, I just paid the friggin rent!” “Craven Every year people try to make resolutions they never intend you are going to have to resolve to give up some of your bad to keep. I’m such a procrastinator it took me till March to even habits, so we can keep it real here!” I never like to hear bad news think about what I would do should I make a half-hearted attempt but I listened for a few minutes.… to consider conforming to silly traditions. Being a writer is not “No more smoking in the house. In fact, you should just quit. No necessarily a tough job, but creativity on the other hand can be more drinkin’ beer with all your buddies. No more writing about challenging. Then there is regular work—whatever that is, and other the Government. No more writing about poverty and the great time consuming tasks that a guy has to deal with to get the daily depression. No more writing about your feelings regarding being bread, beer, or whatever it is that floats your boat. cashless. No more writing about the trailer park. No more emulating What would you be willing to give up in an effort to make your escape from the trailer park? I’ve lived in regular houses before, but Hunter S. Thompson with recreational pharmaceuticals. No more fast-food and those expensive trips to the local gentlemen’s club.” in most cases I had to bury axles and wheels under the foundation I’m sure the list went on in more detail, but these are some of the just to sleep. I know most of you, my dedicated readers, do not highlights that I can actually remember. Tirades are like machine live in trailers, so it is probably unlikely that you would understand gun fire.

A lot of the rounds miss in most cases providing additional the nuances and perks of that simple mobile life. Heck, it was hard damage to the surrounding material and property. … It took me enough for me to learn how to type. In the past when I published a little while to absorb the reality of moving up in life and doing a story I simply wrote the stuff down on an old grocery sack and something really good. My old lifestyle is compromised. Someone handed it in at the office. Either way changes are good and moving please pass the cyanide! up from a permanent RV/Trailer lifestyle takes a minute to get used I guess that this new-found lifestyle is actually worth it just like she to. I guess you can take the boy out of the trailer, but you can’t take said.

It takes a little time to get used to being responsible and taking the trailer out of the boy. care of your family. I even quit cussing around the kid and the dogs I’ve escaped again but all this digging is making my typing & cats. I even took a shower this morning! (It’s nice to use a full fingers tired! size shower for a change.)

I’m not a big fan of moving stuff. Usually, I just load up all my There are some benefits to changing up, even if at first you don’t yard crap in the trailer and haul all my junk down the road with want to let go of the stuff that you are used to. Yeah, I can’t afford the truck. Now I just use the truck to move all the crap I shouldn’t have collected in the first place. Oh yeah, and I almost forgot about to go to bars and hang out all the time but the family being happy is worth it. And as of yet I’m not giving up my beer and cigarettes, just the darn motor-home which was a grand idea I had so I could still cutting back a bunch! But right now she won’t know that I’m getting ‘go mobile’ if you will. Well it ends up that particular vehicle came on the bike to seek refuge from the storm in some seedy tavern—no in handy moving all the junk I didn’t want to try to stuff into the wait! Strike that notion. I’ve gotta bail and get the mower and chop pickup truck. Now to find more drivers for all the other vehicles down several acres of grass and weeds. So until next month “Speed I’ve collected and because the ol’ lady didn’t want to go back to Safely” And make the cut when you can!! her career of driving semi-trucks, she just took the car (which was Craven Let us know what you think of Craven Moorehead, info@borntoride.com

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 69

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Continued from Pg. 48

Women’s World choose to settle. We go around judging others instead creative dialog and learning from our differences—discriminating without even getting to know others. We become so entrenched with our ingrained beliefs that we limit ourselves to thinking our way is the right way—the only way. We spend time worrying about what other people think of us; whether they will approve of our social status, how we look, what car we own, where we live, etc. … It is an exhausting way to live!

Living the EQ LifeStyle opens your world to not only see all the possibilities but to step right in and live them!

Living the EQ LifeStyle is living like others only dare to dream!

Unfortunately, many of us don’t think enough of ourselves to take the actions we really desire. We allow fear to control us and rob us from unleashing our true power. Many of us just don’t believe or are unaware of how powerful and capable we truly are. EQ Women Succeeds (“EQWS”) puts an end to all that wastefulness. It’s combining the power of women from all walks of life and together breaking out of our old mores, daring to recreate ourselves and live with passion and purpose. Life is not forever and now is the time to fulfill our dreams. No more I coulda, shoulda, woulda but instead take charge and Live Life.

Ultimately, you’ll be saying “Holy crap I did it!”

EQ Women make a commitment to live a life of excellence and refuse to settle for anything less than their very best. Leave fear and doubt behind and live like others only dare to dream.

The EQ LifeStyle is a sign that you are about to experience an adventure called life like you never knew before! -- Hayley Colina The followers of the EQ LifeStyle identify and support other followers. We are comfortable in our own skin—no pretending and no need for impressing, just be You. Regardless of who you are or where you came from we are all one and we support and encourage each other’s dreams. NO talkers! We are the Doers—constantly breaking out of our comfort zone, growing, learning and changing our destiny!

I invite you to come check out our upcoming events (Born to Ride’s Women’s World: An EQ LifeStyle) at www.EQWS.org and/or www.borntoride.com. Join our mailing list so you don’t miss out. I’m looking forward to meeting you and making this journey called life tremble with love, joy, purpose and passion!

Hayley B. Colina, Esq. Founder EQ Women Succeed, LLC www.EQWS.org

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

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 71

The Six Million Dollar Man READS BORN TO RIDE

www.B Events Saturday, April Thursday, Friday, August July4 13 BRADENTON 1st every Thu 6PM Fri 9—9:30AM Manatee CENTRAL/EAST Brandon, FL Hawgs for Dawgs 10am H-D BTR River TV H-D Bike CH49 Night 941-745-2429 Brandon -BH Adoptable animals, animal food every Fri DJ, 6PMHOG Venom Bike HUDSON drive, vendors, prizes, swapIImeet Friday, July 4 Night 727-378-5850 813-380-5674 every Fri Corral July CENTRAL/EAST PALMETTO 12PM Peggy’s 9—9:30AM BTR& TV BH CH49 4th PartyFL941–729-5442 Brandon, Fox Hounds BikeAMVETS NightII1st Sat every 1st Fri Fri 5:30PM 6PM Venom Bike HUDSON PLANT CITY Music, food & more 813-438-8913 44 NightRiders 727-378-5850 Steak Dinner 813-651-4444 5PM Fraternal Order ST. PALMETTO PETE every 9PMFriPeggy’s Corral July Hudson, Venom Customer Appreciation of Eagles 4147 Bike Night 727-452-3991 4th PartyFL941–729-5442 Day - Live music Mayham) 1st(Mr. Fri 5:30PM AMVETS SANFORD 12PM The Bar Out Back All PLANT CITY 727-387-5850 index page for ad 44 RidersBash BigSee Azz Steak Dinner American 321-926-3996 813-651-4444 STURGIS, SD 8PM Iron Cowgirl LIVE every FriOctane 5PM Fraternal Order ST. PETE Sturgis Buffalo Chip 605-347-9000 Homosassa, FL High Saloon Concert every Radio Bar & Grill of Eagles 4147Fri Bike Night 727-452-3991 TAMPA Party (Retribution) and7PM more 352-794-6037 Concert & The BTR Radio SANFORD 12PM OutShow Back All See indexSeries page for ad Bar 813-915-1555 American Bash 321-926-3996 SEFFNER 12PMRiders Seffner TikiConcert Hut July Ocala, FL Ghost Saloon and4th Saturday, 2 Party Female813-689-7605 Bike August Show 352-494-1983 9—9:30AM CENTRAL/EAST TAMPA 12PM JT’s July 4th See index page for every adRoadSatHouse BTR TV BH CH49 Party 813-962-4440 ELKTON 12PMSteel L.A.M.A. Augustine TAMPA 12PM HorseSt. Tavern July PalmParty Bay,Anniversary FL Space Coast H-D Customer 4th 813-935-4500 Chapter St. Johns County Appreciation Day 11 a.m. music TAMPA every Fri 7PM- Live Radio Bar(Matt & Grill Fairgrounds 904-347-6776 Adkins),CITY free food beer, Radio free bikini bike wash, Concert Series BTR Show LAKE 8AM&& American Legion and moreChapter 321-259-1311 813-915-1555 Riders, 57 Poker Run American Legion Post 57 386-752-7776 every 12PMAnnual Paradise Saturday, 5 Sat LAKELAND Panama CityJuly Beach, FL Fourth every SatPanama Power Booty Short Bike Wash CENTRAL/EAST CelebrateSports the Arts 10am H-D City & 9—9:30AM BH CH49 BBQ Beach863-858-4801 CelebrityBTR lunchTVauction, fashion show, Sat 5PM Plant CityFinz Bike BRADENTON-SARASOTA 9:30AM PLANT CITY 1st court, food-beer-dessert children’s activities, (BTRlive TV music taping(Natalie & magazine Fest Finds Freedom Ride Manatee River H-D wine &Downtown cheese tasting, shoot) 813-754-3707 or Rossiter’s or Reynolds Band)H-D and 941-745-2429 more 800-547-2905 ST. PETE everyRide Sat ends 6PM atBiffVan Burger 941-951-6103 Wezel Bike Night 727-244-8519 Performing Arts Hall (BTR 10-class Bike Wauchula, FL Charlotte’s Webb 7th show) AnniversaryAugust Party -Venom Free live music and HUDSON 12PM II Customer Sunday, 3 BBQ, more 863–735-8887 every727-378-5850 Sun 11—11:30PM Appreciation TAMPA BAY Day everyWTTA Sat 12PM Paradise BTR TV Great38 LAKELAND Sunday, April1st 5Booty Sun Short 2PM Neon Cowboy Power CITY Sports Bike Wash & DADE After Webster Party 813-997-1133 BBQ 863-858-4801 DUNEDIN for SamRed, Sr. LAKELAND9AM 11AMSunshine H-D Lakeland Happy Easter!

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Food specials, live music WAUCHULA every Sun 12PM and more 863-583-9119 Sunday, July 6 Biker Day Charlotte’s Webb 863–735-8887 TAMPA BAY every Sun Thursday, April 9 TV8AM 1stBTR Sun Webster 11—11:30PM WEBSTER Great38 WTTA Sarasota, FL Applebee’s Bike Night 1st Meet Sun 2PM NeonThursday Cowboy Westside Swap 352-793-9877 DADE CITY 2nd Thu 941-355-1400 After Webster Party 813-997-1133 every4Sun 12PM Peggy’s Monday, August PALMETTO Corral Bike SD Day74th 941–729-5442 STURGIS, Annual Sturgis Friday, April 10 12PM Charlotte’s WAUCHULA Motorcycle (8/4Sun – 8/10) Homosassa,Rally FLevery 4/10– 4/12 5th Annual Nature Webb BikerBash DayHigh 863–735-8887 www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com Coast Biker Octane Saloon Music, 1st SunBrothers, 8AM Webster WEBSTER (Big Engine, Bearded Bobby Friss, Westside Meet Tuesday, August 5and352-793-9877 Highway toSwap Hell) food drink specials, burn Tue Born To Ride TAMPA BAY every out pit, AMFM247.com giveaways, Tuesday, July 8vendors 352-794-6037 Radio TAMPA BAY every Tue 7PM–11PM SpringToHill,Ride FL BB’s BarAMFM247.com &6Grill Bike Night Born Radio Wednesday, August 5 p.m. 2nd Friday H-D New PortBike every everyfeaturing Tue Wed7PM 6PM The Mojo’s Landing VALRICO LAKELAND Richey, drink813-653-0002 specials, Mystery bike show, hot Night Bike Night 863-583-9119 food PETE & moreevery 727-861-1769 Wed 6PM Biff Burger ST. Wednesday, July 9 Bike Night 727-244-8519

BTR 76 || BORNTORIDE.COM

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

BornToRide.com/events s, Rides & Destinations Saturday, April 11Wed LAKELAND VALRICO every every Wed 7PM 6PM Mojo’s Raccoons Bike NightFL Bike 863-583-9119 813-689-5079 Lakeland, H-DNight Lakeland 44th WedBiggest 6PM party Biff of ST. PETE every Anniversary Party 11am Thursday, August 7 band, BBQ, Burger Night 727-244-8519 the year Bike - Live Bluegrass every 1st Wed Thu 6PM 7PM Manatee BRADENTON VALRICO beer and more 862-802-1971 River Raccoons H-D Bike BikeNight Night 941-745-2429 813-689-5079 every Women Thu 6PM Neon DADE CITY Ocala, FL 4/11-4/12 Rider’s Thursday, July 10 Cowboy Bike Night 813-997-1133 Expo 11 a.m.

Ghost Saloon.

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Buckaroo Roadhouse -Hog Live auction, 12PM (BTR 10-class Bike show) LAKELAND Ride forinthe Cycle MARION, INevery 12PMSat Daze Beautiful on theshoot) famous vendors, live entertainment and more Paradise Power Sports Booty Short 1965aloia@gmail.com (BTR TV mountain taping & riding magazine (8/15 -8/17) 765-661-8755 Gauntlet.

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941-745-2429 BRANDON Born 727-530-9799 To Ride 407-705-7588 WingHouse 12PM bar & Grill School – 8/15) Party hot dogs,Drive full bar(6/7 & more 407-438-4055 Sun 12PM 19-Year Party LAND LAKES 3rd SUNRISEAnniversary 10AM Let’sTrilogy Ride for Ethan 8/16 atO’SunSports 239-209-3187 Hudson, FLH-D Venom Customer 10-class Bike show) Appreciation Good Fellows Biker Bonanza Rock Chester’s 954-300-5748 GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO Rockin’ 2AM (BTR Palm Bay, FL Space Coast H-D Day 727-387-5850 Harley Saloon Bike 30th Annual 1000-IN-24 Endurance Saturdays - Live musicNight (Spanks Band), (BTR TV taping & magazine shoot) Green Iguana 813-406-4871 Tuesday, July 813-643-7800 29 Ride 303-781-0032 food & beverages, vendors, and Road more Lakeland, FL H-D Lakeland Stripped 3rd Sat every 12PM Sun JT’s 12PM every Tue CAPE CORAL 7AM 2nd 7PM–11PM Annual PALMETTO TAMPA BAY TAMPA 321-259-1311 Down for Series Bear it All AMFM247.com Workshop 11 a.m.

Born To Ride Radio Peggy’s House Road CorralDogs BikeBikefest Day Ride Bully Awareness Germanevery Tue 7PM The VALRICO 941–729-5442 813-962-4440 American Social Club 239-283-1400 Also meet Shealyn 862-802-1971 Plant City, FLGA Nam Knights every Sun 12PM Landing Bike Night WAUCHULA NEWNAN, 9AM Ride9th forAnnual the CLEARWATER 8AM813-653-0002 Ride Against Pig Roast Lynn Memorial Charlotte’s WebbSowers Biker Day Kids Traffick KIDS (To&support the Fragile Quaker Palm Bay,with FL Erik SpaceEstrada Coast H-D End of Foundation 12 678-357-6855 p.m. Uncle Mike’s Wednesday, July 30music (Smokin 863–735-8887 Foundation) Steak & Lube 727-572-9464 the Month BlowoutLive Smokehouse Live entertainment every Wed 6PM Biff and PETEfood NEW PORT -RICHEY 1PM Diva& more ST. Country), & beverages, vendors, Burger Bike Night 727-244-8519 Tuesday, JulySpaghetti 22 Monday, August 25 Angels Pasco Dinner 813-737-4444 more 321-259-1311 Tue 7PM–11PM VALRICO every Wed TAMPA BAY Tuesday, August 26 7PM Raccoons Bourbon Streetevery 727-808-0276 Born To Ride Radio AMFM247.com Bike Night 813-689-5079 Wednesday, August 27 WOODLAND PARK, CO 7:30AM Tampa, FL JT’s Road House 4 p.m. Sarasota, FLAugust Rossiter’s28 H-D Spring Fever 27th Annual POW/MIA Recognition The VALRICO Road Dog every Bash -Tue free7PM food, drink Thursday, Demo Ride 11July a.m.31 941-951-6103 Thursday, Landing Ride 719-487-8005 Bike Night 813-653-0002 specials, live music 813-962-4440 every DADE Friday,CITY August 29Thu 6PM Neon Sarasota,Bike FL Inaugural Empowerment Wednesday, Sunday, August July 17 23 Cowboy Night 813-997-1133 CHARLOTTE, NC Queen City Bike Sunday, 19 Wed11—11:30PM Passport Run–every 8:30am Child7PM Protection everySun 6PM Mojo’s LAKELAND Johnny LAKELAND TAMPA April BAYevery Fest (8/29 8/30) Thu Clearwater, FL Buffalo Soldiers Poker BTR Bike Night TV Great38 863-583-9119 WTTA G’s BikeInc.Night 863-858-3366 jon@queencitybikefest.com Center, $15 rider/$5 passenger Food, Run PETE for Leshawn 69 Blue everyWilliams Wed8AM 6PM Biff every ThuBanks 6PM The and Bar CASTLE ST. ROCK, CO SANFORD GRANDY, NC Outer Bike cold beverages, live music, drawings Quaker & Lube,727-244-8519 Registration Burger Steak Bike Night Bike Night252-453-2261 321-926-3996 Thunder Memorial Poker Run 9 a.m. Out Show (8/29 – 9/1) moreBack 862-802-1971 KSU 10:30am RainWed or shine every 7PM$15 rider/$5 VALRICO julezwid@gmail.com passenger $5 additional hand Live music 3rd Sun 11AM Venom II Saturday, August Raccoons Bike Night 813-689-5079 HUDSON Wednesday, April 29230 Live auction 50/50 drawing Biker Appreciation Party Raffles ELKTON 12PM L.A.M.A. St.

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

Sunday, August Panama City Beach,31Anniversary FL 4/29 - 5/3 St. Augustine Chapter Sun 11—11:30PM TAMPACounty BAY every Johns Fairgrounds Thunder Beach Spring Rally.

National BTR TV Great38 WTTA 904-347-6776 entertainment, Factory demo rides, Miss BRIDGEWATER, NJ 9AM Dawn Sat 5PM Plant PLANT Thunder CITY Beach 1st Swimsuit pageant, andCity Patrol MC Downtown Labor Day(BTR Run TV 848–228taping & Bike Fest more thunderbeachproductions.com 9299 magazine shoot) 813-754-3707 PALMETTO 12PM FL Born To- 5/3 Ride Panama City Beach, 4/29 19-Year Anniversary Party Thursday, August 7Trilogy Thunder Beach Bike Spring Rally at Boardwalk (BTR 10-class show) 1st Thu 6PM Manatee BRADENTON Beach Resort 800-224-4853 (BTR taping & Night magazine shoot) River TV H-D Bike 941-745-2429 Peggy’s Corral 941–729-5442 Saturday, 2 14 Thursday,May August Bradenton, Pig’nThu & Pickin’ Thursday,FL September 4 Party 2nd 6PM Bike and Night SARASOTA Ride 9 a.m. F.O.E. Live music 1st 3171 Thu -6PM Manatee BRADENTON at Applebee’s 941-355-1400 River H-D BikeBand), Night beer 941-745-2429 (Smokey Daniels specials, Saturday, August BBQ w/ sides, 50/5016raffles, vendors and Saturday, September FT. 12PM Great6Back to moreMYERS 941-447-4448 WESLEY CHAPEL Annual School Drive (6/7 –8AM 8/15)5th Party 8/16 9/11 Gratitude Ride Quail Female Hollow Rider at SunSports Homosassa, FL239-209-3187 International 813-928-2160 Day Crystal River H-D 105PM a.m.Plant - rideCity ends 1st Sat23 PLANT CITY Saturday, August at High Octane Live music (Undercover (BTR Bike Fest Downtown every SatTV taping & CENTRAL/EAST Betty Band), drawings magazine shoot) 9—9:30AM BTR813-754-3707 TV352-586-3504 BH CH49 ST. PETE 12PM Born To Ride Sunday,September May 3 Friday, 12 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Party Palmetto, FL6PM Peggy’s Corral Rock-a-Billy ORLANDO Ride Welcome (BTR 10-class BikeUSO show) Ho Down 12 Orlando p.m.&Live music (Jeff Vitolo & Party H-D 407-892-2246 (BTR TV taping magazine shoot) the Quarter Rebels) 941-729-5442 Biff BurgerMike 727-244-8519 Saturday, September 13 BONITA 4PM Smokehouse Hot Wheelz Sunday, August Plant City,SPRINGS FL Uncle24 Mike’s Weekend Naples Myers Sun TAMPA BAY 2nd annual Bikeevery FestFort - Live entertainment, Greyhound Track 11—11:30PM BTR 239-549-5599 TV Great38 WTTA food & drink specials, burnout pit, vendors, ORLANDO 10:30AM annual BRANDON 12PM Born10th To Ride games & more 813-737-4444 Jason Memorial USOParty Benefit 19-YearBurnett Anniversary Trilogy Ride 10-class H-D Orlando 407-892-2246 (BTR Bike show) Seminole, FL Lou’s Birthday Bash Screwie (BTR TV taping & magazine shoot) Louie’s Live music, food, raffles, games & Thursday, September 18 Green Iguana 813-643-7800 more WEST 727-393-7616 KEY 42nd Phil Peterson’s Key West Poker Run (9/18 Sunday, August 31 - 9/20) Friday, May 305-651-4811 TAMPA BAY8 every Sun Bradenton, FLBTR 5/8–TV 5/10Great38 Florida Legion 11—11:30PM WTTA Saturday, September 20 PALMETTO 12PM Born To Ride Riders 3rd Annual Rally 12 p.m.

American PALMETTO Help OurParty Heroes 19-Year Anniversary Trilogy Legion Post 24.10AM Awards, raffles, music, Poker10-class Run Peggy’s Corral ends (BTR Bike show) rides, vendors, food, activities, more. Free Rivers Edge 813-406-3603 (BTR TV taping &hotels magazine shoot) shuttle service to 941-920-3214 Peggy’s Corral 941–729-5442 Sunday, 21 Saturday,September May 9 SARASOTA 9AM 4th12Annual HapRun Friday, September Bradenton, FL Let Them LiveRun Poker Poneleit Memorial Poker Haps ORLANDO 6PM USO Ride Welcome 11Party a.m.H-D Clancy’s - ends407-892-2246 at Peggy’s Corral Cycle Sales 941-809-7433 Orlando benefits animals sheltersRiver 813-428-4948 VENICE 12PMinPeace ABATE’s Pre-Biketoberfest Event 13 Tarzan’s Saturday, September Lakeland, Mojo’s & Born Ride Cinco Jungle BarFL941-429-9917 ORLANDO 10:30AM 10thTo annual De Mayo Party 2Memorial p.m. - LiveUSO music, food Jason Burnett Benefit & drinkH-D specials, bikini contest, custom bike Friday, October 10407-892-2246 Ride Orlando NEW RICHEY Cotee River show &PORT more 863-583-9119 Bike Fest (10/10 - 10/12)18Downtown Thursday, September New WEST Port Richey KEY Phil Peterson’s Wildwood, FL42nd Lucky727-842-7651 U Cycles 8th Key West PokerParty Run- (9/18 Anniversary Sign up- 9/20) now to win 305-651-4811 a Harley! Drawing to be held 5/9 benefits Tavares HS Athletic Dept 352-330-0047 Saturday, September 20 Saturday, June 6 Help Our Heroes PALMETTO 10AM Wauchula, Charlotte’s Webb 8th Annual Poker RunFLPeggy’s Corral ends Gemini 60th Birthday Rivers Party Edge(Charlotte’s 813-406-3603 Bash) Live music, food & beverages, games and more 863–735-8887

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Spyke & Mike

No Thanks Bubba, I’ll Just Call My Buddy

My BTR friends, if it wasn’t for bad luck, Mike would have no luck at all. Breaking down in the middle of a long haul out in BF is one of those vicious evils of riding. It ranks just above running out of gas and way below having your scoot stolen. Anyways, after Mike fueled the Fat Bird up and headed out of some one-stoplight town in central Florida, things started to go wrong. A noise here, a thud there, but it wasn’t until a major vibration set in that forced us to come to a stop in front of a little diner. I squawk at Mike, “Well, is the Fat Bird’s belly rumbling? Does it need something to eat?” He bellows back, “I think it’s more like her guts have exploded and she’s ready to dump the big one!”

Sure enough, by the time Mike puts the kick stand down, there’s already a puddle of liquid lubricant under the ‘ole bird. They just turned the closed sign over, but a waitress yells out the door, “Come on in! We can still feed you two.” We go inside and the place is empty except for one big ass burly dude sitting at the counter and two waitresses, all three staring us down. One belches out, “Pick a seat we ain’t goin’ nowhere soon.” Mike heads to the nearest bar stool and plops me on the adjacent one.

The coverall wearing dude stares out the window and says, “Looks like your bike needs some help.” I squawk, “It needs to be pushed over, set on fire, and a phone call made to the insurance company.” Mike grabs my beak and says, “quiet bird brain, that monstrosity of a motorcycle has got us this far.”

The dude belches out, “Puking primary fluid like that, she ain’t goin’ any farther. You two are in luck, I’ve got a shop around back and nuthin’ to do today.” Mike looks up and says, “There IS a biker god!” I squawk, “and it’s about time luck went our way.” The big man comes over, introduces himself as Bubba, and the two of them push the Fat Bird around into the shop.

Bubba starts talking again in his long southern drawl. “I’ve gotta clean up this place a bit before we get started.” He reaches down and picks up an 8-foot 2X4. “This here board helped me lever the last bike upright after using my hydraulic lift on it.” Walking over to the platform lift sitting awkwardly on edge he says, “This here ingeniously designed and built in China tool is great for flipping bikes onto their sides, usually when I’m alone in the shop. Help me get ‘er upended and ready for your bike.” Mike strolls over

Nam Knights 9th Annual Pig Roast Continued from Pg. 36 Mike’s. The fabulous Parti Patti will be the MC throughout the day! Patti always keeps the party going!

Winding down our great conversation, I asked Swirl for some final thoughts on this event.

“This is such a great opportunity for us to have this event. The law enforcement agencies across the United States have been under such

and they struggle getting the lift into position and parts of it twisted around so it’s usable. After 15 minutes of strenuous prying and bending, Bubba states, “whew! Thanks for the hand! Now we need to break for a couple of cold ones. Let me get ‘em and finish yer tour around my shop.”

He starts at the bench where there’s a cooler with 16-ounce tall boys in it.

Grabbing two, Mike gets me to pop the tops. Bubba says, “Hey, that’s a pretty cool trick! Let me tell you about the tricks I do with my shop tools. Here hanging on the end of the bench is my trusty wire wheel. It’s great for cleaning off rusted bolts and throwing them somewhere under the workbench at the speed of light. It also removes my fingerprints in about the same time it takes Spyke to pop open another cold one.” He picks up a pair of vice grips and rambles on. “I use these on all my rounded off bolt heads and to hold things when I’m welding. They do a great job of transferring heat to my scabbed up fingers.

Check out my drill press. It does an excellent job of suddenly binding up and snatching anything I’m drilling right out of my hand, flinging it across the table and spilling my cold one all over the tools.”

Bubba picks up an old electric drill and mumbles, “One time I grabbed this here monstrosity, plugged it in, and got a zappin’ I’ll never forget. I should have let the beer dry before using it. Otherwise, it’s a great tool for spinning around pop rivets until they melt or bends the fender on the bike when I drop it ‘cause it gets so hot. And here’s my trusty hammer. It works well until it finds its way to the most expensive chrome part on the scoot not far from what it’s trying to hit. Now looky here at these two big ‘ole screwdrivers. The straight one I use for prying parts back into place after the hammer or drill has done its job. The Philips one I use for punching holes in the top of old oil cans I’ve had for 25 years to fill your primary with and to round off those stupid screws with an X on top.”

Mike grabs me up and starts pushing the scoot backwards. He yells over to Bubba, “Dude, I see you’ve got your hands full cleaning house … I’m just gonna call my buddies at Know Tow and get them to come pick us up.

Thanks for your shop tour. Spyke, let’s make like his handheld drill and slip on outta here!” He gets my wings in the slight wind coming in the garage door and the Fat Birds’ wheels rolling slowly, backing out of the shop.

tough scrutiny and a lot of it is not relevant or deserved. This is a great time. Over the past few years, we’ve done a great job recognizing our veterans. Sometimes we don’t do as good of a job as we recognize our law enforcement.

They’ve gotten a bum rap. This is a great event where everyone can come out, get an impressive meal, enjoy the super entertainment, and at the

SPYKE

same time support two different organizations that deserve and need our support.”

Of course, Born To Ride will be there! I look forward to seeing you there as well!

When: Saturday, April 18 Where: Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 State Road 60, Plant City 33567 Info: Swirl@NamKnightsWestside.com Susan Hurst

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 79

Christian Motorcyclists Association

One great thing about belonging to a group of bikers is the camaraderie and the support that members of that group offer one another.

Be it a club, an association, or a ministry group, the members have a common focus for gathering and spending time together. It may be a group who just wants to ride and visit some of the great eateries in the area. Some groups are made up of folks who have come through similar situations, such as serving in the military or as first responders.

Other groups may come together to reach into the biker community and share their faith.

Regardless of why groups may form, there is one commonality, they stand together and have each other’s backs. This may mean that they ride in formation, keeping the whole group safe from

BTR 80 | BORNTORIDE.COM

intrusion by cages. It may mean that they help out across club or group boundaries, realizing that we are all in this together, and that there is strength in numbers. When the chips are down, when things go wrong, they come together to help their brothers in need and get them on their feet again.

I recently had the opportunity to see this play out in a very real way, and it touched my heart to see how folks came together to help. The Bible says, in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”

A brother found himself going down on his bike and getting hurt enough that he needed surgery. Now if you are in the hospital facing an operation, you would be expected to be focused on the impending medical treatment.

That would be true of cagers, but it’s not necessarily the primary thought of a biker. He

would be concerned about his bike; did someone get it out of the road, is it safely stored, how much damage was done, and what will it take to get the bike back into the garage in which it belongs? Even if the rider has rehab to conquer before he can even consider getting back on two, he wants his ride close by where he can keep his eye on it.

This brother found himself surrounded with members of his group who stepped up to help him. They took it upon themselves to get the bike out of storage and get it home. No biggie, but it made a difference to the fallen brother, they had his back. Two brothers truly are better than one; they can help each other in time of need. Isn’t that what brotherhood is all about? If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior, you have that One who will lift you up! He has your back, all the way, and He’ll never let you go!!

In the Wind, Denny Dingler

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