Contents
July Issue 146
Ad Index
Features Saddle Creek Logistics Services Test Ride-Yamaha YZF-R1 Barney’s Celebrating 70 Years Great American Biker Bash-Peggy’s Corral Rolling Thunder Big Boy Toy Show Book Review-Japanese Tattoos
15 28 30 36 45 58 76
Columns
15
Women’s World-Linda Dalton Craven Moorehead Spyke & Mike Christian Motorcycle Association
52 69 79 80
Departments Ride Safe, Ride Smart Hottest Bike Nights Featured-Copperhead Lodge Finz Finds-Great American Biker Bash Born To Ride.com Events BTR Kids
7 9 11 35 74 80
Reports
44
Bruiser Gets His Dirt Bike Show Us Your “A” Team International Female Ride Day Find It Now GPS-Made in the USA Everywhere Eddy-Is Everywhere
12 23 32 42 50
On The Cover Peggy’s Corral Great American Biker Bash Sunday July, 31 Photo: Mike Whitney
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AAA 6 Affordable Motorsports 48 AIMExpo 4 Al Estes Bail Bonds 70 Allstate - Jeff Ard 65 All Steel Buildings 70 All World Lift Truck 56 Angel City 71 Applebee’s 44 Attorney Fran Haasch IFC,1,BC Barney’s 27 Biff Burger 3 Bike Builders Challenge 5 BTR Biker Babes 67 BTR Facebook 39 BTR Lifestyle 39 BTR Great American Biker Bash 38 BTR TV 60 Born To Ride.com 61 CJ Seats 78 Copperhead Lodge 38,39 Copperhead Lodge-Win a Trip 8 Cycle-Rama 44 Dick’s 54 Find It Now 72 Fun Bike Center 13 H-D Brandon 59 H-D Crystal IBC H-D Lakeland 17 H-D Manatee 34 H-D Panama City-Sand & Sass 22 H-D Petersons 19 H-D Orlando 9 H-D Rossiter’s 34 H-D Seminole 24 H-D War Horse IBC JT’s Roadhouse 67 Las Vegas Bike Fest 64 Love Jugs 67 Mako’s 73 Michelle Osborne 40 Mugs -n- Jugs 54 No Rules Rock-98.7 FM 62 Optical Elegance 65 Peggy’s Corral 30 Renli of Florida 53 Roscoe’s 14 Saddle Creek 64 Showtime Mobile Stage 56 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 49 Sturgis Kentucky 51 Suncoast Brotherhood 72 Summerland Tour 26 Tampa Triumph 42 Thunder Beach 57 Toys Wanted 53 Tropic Trailer 55 Twisted Tea 10 Ultra Bright LED Lights 48 Venom Super Tues Bike Night 33 Venom & Venom 2 32 Viral Videos 53 Wagon Box Inn 66 Wildwood Offroad Park 21 Wings-n-Weenies 73
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You should be especially aware at intersections, where other vehicles can cross your path of travel. There are many things to scan for, including traffic devices, road surfaces, and the traffic and pedestrians around you. For more information go to www.msf-usa.org
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F R I DAY
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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) • 941-951-6103 Rossiter’s Manatee River Bradenton (4th Sat) • 941-745-2429
S U N DAY
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Special Thanks to David Dorsch and his amazing staff. “Let’s have some fun.”
President Mike Delbovo, A Forward Thinking Leader “We provide exceptional logistics and services for our customers.”
Whatever It Takes!
Michael Delbovo breezes his four-wheeler past dozens of people, waving, beeping and saying “hello.” Wearing a reflective vest, he negotiates turns and inclines with precision. Safety first, don’t forget. There is a lot to see – 2.3 million square feet – to be exact but not enough time to take every little nuance in and fully appreciate the behemoth backdrop. Stacks of beverages stand ready for shipping to the left. Light manufacturing is taking place on the right.
Delbovo is the president of Saddle Creek Transportation in Lakeland and he is cruising in and out of warehouses and office buildings on a golf cart tour. In his 20th year at the company, Delbovo is in charge of a fleet of 18-wheelers. He will tell you that Saddle Creek is a forward-thinking leader in its trade with 2,700 associates nationwide from the northeast to the northwest. He will tell you that the company is more than just transportation – it also has
Experienced Drivers Needed. Join Our Team. Call: 866-432-2244 • sclogistics.com
divisions for warehousing, packaging and manufacturing. And he also will tell you, as he weaves in and out of shipping bays loaded with tractor trailers coming and going that maybe, he just might prefer being on two wheels the most. You see, Delbovo the corporate president, is also a Harley rider. And he’s not the only one at Saddle Creek who rides. Associates there estimate approximately 100 workers ride bikes and Delbovo has helped create a BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 15
Saddle Creek Lakeland, Florida culture of inclusion when it comes to being biker-friendly – which becomes obvious as soon as you hit the front parking lot and see multiple motorcycle-only spots. Let’s take a ride with Delbovo – we’ll get to his big rigs soon, but let’s start with his blue Harley Ultra Limited since it’s not every day you see a white collar, C-level executive leading a true-blue ride.
“I’M A RIDER”
Delbovo rides with three main groups: other executives from the city of Lakeland, friends from the community and his church – Church of the Resurrection and what he calls “trucker bikers” – those who are trucking industry executives. He recently took a 9-day trip with the first group and his son, Mike II who handles recruiting for Saddle Creek out of its Jacksonville location. A small group of riders shipped their bikes to Boise, Idaho and were greeted with 38-degree weather, freedom and the open road – which is not too dissimilar from what Delbovo’s drivers BTR 16 | BORNTORIDE.COM
experience at work. He has been to Montana and Canada on his Ultra Limited and is planning a trip to the Sedona desert, but the Boise trip was a little different because it was his first long ride with his son. “It’s great camaraderie from traveling executives and this is big deal,” Delbovo said. “It’s amazing how people who love to ride congregate and do this together. Everybody is a gear head – they love riding and the freedom.” The group started the trip up a mountain on State Highway 21 through Boise National Forrest – interstate riding is off limits when there are sights to be seen. They cruised through Yellow Stone National Park and some mountain range called the Rockies. On the tail ride home, they opened it up full throttle through the plains of Kansas before entering SEC country, passing Tiger Fans, Tide supporters and Gator Nation for their home stretch. While many in the group of executives toured the nation on their Harleys, Mike II
rode his Kawasaki Vulcan 1600. Delbovo said that’s a statement in itself. “He’s poor,” dad joked, even though his son did trade in a Honda for the Kawasaki because it has a bigger gas tank to take on longer trips. “When you’re 26, you don’t want to be sitting on the back of a frumpy Harley, you wanna be cool.” The younger Delbovo has a slightly different take – on riding with his father as well as working with him. “I have the most miles on my bike, but I’m the least experienced,” said Mike II whose mom, Annette, rides along sometimes I don’t have a mentality difference. It used to be the mentality you couldn’t ride unless it’s a Harley – people share the same love for riding There’s a perception that they ride crotch rockets and ride 200 miles per hour. …. “I enjoy it. My dad does a good job of meshing everything together.”
A BIKE-FRIENDLY COMPANY
Saddle Creek entered the transportation
Experienced Drivers Needed. Join Our Team. Call: 866-432-2244 • sclogistics.com
business with just one truck. David P. Lyons founded the company around good old fashioned American sweat labor. That one truck drove around delivering locally grown oranges stuffed in feed sacks. That was exactly 50 years ago. Lyons died last year at 85, but not before imparting his brand DNA into all of his workers and setting Saddle Creek on an expansion path that veered past transportation alone. Saddle Creek also warehouses everything from beverages to bread and distributes items behind the scenes for companies like Amazon and Sam’s Club. If you recently bought a mixand-match bulk package of multiple flavored Gatorade, there’s a good chance Saddle Creek had a hand in the packaging. Delbovo calls the diverse business model more than just shipping. “It’s supply chain management,” he said. “We have different technology for different customers. We need to be nimble with our labor and flexible with our contracts.” The company will repackage Nestle water and fulfill millions of e-commerce orders every month from places like Staples and online clubs. Oh, and the workers doing all
the labor are encouraged and invited to ride their bikes to work and form weekend riding groups. It’s not unusual to see 15-20 bikes parked in special bike-only parking or lined up in bike-only sections on a daily basis at Saddle Creek. Riding and Saddle Creek go hand in hand and everybody seems to appreciate it. “It helps a lot with recruiting when they come here and see 15 bike parking spots,” said Mike II. “Happy drivers are safe drivers. Ashfield Vanterpool was recruited to drive for Saddle Creek two years ago. He said there are similarities in riding his Suzuki Hayabusa and driving for Saddle Creek, like being aware of your surroundings. “When I want to fool around, I go on the drag strip,” said Vanterpool, who has been riding for seven years and was pleasantly surprised when the company gave him a kickstand holder for when he rides his bike to work. “But I want to be cautious because I don’t want to lose my license.” Director David Burr also enjoys riding his Street Glide 14 when he’s not thinking about whether Saddle Creek is properly distributing Arizona Ice Tea or Corona beer or the
50,000 Brother printer/computer parts that go out weekly. The company’s commitment to its riders parallels its pledge to its customers. Whether you are white collar or blue collar, the company bleeds green – both in its logo and its operations. According to Delbovo, the company in 2012 invested $55 million into using compressed natural gas to fuel its fleet. “We are innovators in terms of clean transportation,” said Delbovo. He said the company is all about sustainability. Since the natural gas feeds from underground right onsite where drivers fill up before leaving Lakeland, it is a stormproof concept because their drivers will never be waiting around for delivery trucks during a gas crisis. The Saddle Creek trucks also run much quieter and, with no smokestacks, leave a lower carbon footprint as they travel over the road.
BREAKING BAD... STEREOTYPES “The term biker is not derogatory, it’s empowering,” said Mike II. Stop reading for a second and think about
The Truck that started it all
the first thing that comes to mind when somebody says the word BIKER. To some, it’s Hell’s Angels. To others it’s James Dean. Fonzie anyone? Maybe not so much. Evel Knievel brought something to the table for those of us who had his windup toy in the 1970s. More recently, “crotch rockets” have earned status as a buzz word to describe many non-Harley riders and recent road rage news accounts have served to drive bikers into that pigeon hole. OK, if you haven’t started reading again, you can pick back up here. Now think about these images: fundraising poker runs, Toys for Tots drives, rides for a cause, community service, respect for wildlife, giving back to children and always honoring the military and the fallen. Saddle Creek has a plethora of patriotic riders who bleed red, white and blue from working for an American company that gives back. Here are a few examples:
WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA
Every December, bikers start lining up at Saddle Creek headquarters at 6 a.m. which acts as a staging arena for more than 600 bikes who take a 50-mile pilgrimage to the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell to lay wreaths that honor the fallen military veterans. At the Jacksonville location another 100 bikers follow suit and next year Saddle Creek will be adding its Cocoa Location. Law enforcement assists in the planning BTR 20 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Son Mike Delbovo & Dad
and takes part in the event. Military riders, veterans and first responders take center stage. “People see that the whole sheriff’s department is behind our organization and they forget about the stereotypes,” Mike II said. “it’s a wonderful event,” Delbovo said. “I really believe in giving back to help make this company, and the world, a better place. I support things that are important to the people who work for me.”
RESPECT OUR NATIONAL BIRD
Bob Carufel has worked in Saddle Creek transportation for eight years and rides an Ultra Classic. His average truck route takes him 450 miles in a day, while his average bike trek covers 200 miles on county back roads. In 2013, he went riding in Frostproof along Highway 630 when he came across an injured bald eagle who had obviously hit a high wire in flight and appeared burned. Carufel decided the humane thing to do was call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to see if they could save a protected national symbol of patriotism. He and his riding group parked their bikes and waved oncoming traffic over while they waited two hours for a ranger to reach the remote location and tend to the eagle on the highway. “That was quite interesting,” Carufel said. “It was cool but scary. Riding is more like therapy (for me).”
HELPING THE CHILDREN
In his youth, Wes Perry was a different motorcycle rider than he is today. He started riding at 18 and has worked at Saddle Creek for a decade. “I used to do crazy things like race from Orlando to Tampa just to see how fast we could go,” said Perry, who notes he hasn’t crashed since 1995. Perry rides a Road King now and sponsors “predator rides” to help children who are the victims of molestation. He also is helping build a playground near Sarasota called Angels Playground for what he calls forgotten children who have died. When it comes to his driving, Perry said tractor trailers and motorcycles are a lot alike because “you never know what’s going on around you 360 degrees.” … The golf cart turns into a parking spot and Delbovo exits. The peak inside Saddle Creek has come to an end. Somewhere between the motion sensor that turns on the lights near the stacks of Gatorade and the electronic logs and video recorders that help track the driver’s routes, the executive trucker biker makes one final point about the culture he tries to instill in his employees at Saddle Creek – whether they ride or not. “I don’t care what you do, but you have to do something,” said Delbovo, who serves on multiple boards including the Lakeland Regional Medical Center. I encourage everybody to give back.” ERIC VICIAN
Join us this year for Wreaths Across America. Find out how you can help. 866-432-2244
STEVEN TYLER READS BORN TO RIDE
Show us your “A” Team from your Dealership. Boost internal morale. Call: 888-795-5779
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Yamaha 2016 1. Cutting - edge MotoGP ® - Derived Crossplane Crankshaft Engine The YZF-R1® features a lightweight and compact crossplanecrankshaft, inline-four-cylinder, 998cc high output engine. Featuring titanium fracture-split connecting rods—the first ever for a production motorcycle—the motor delivers extremely high horsepower and a strong pulse of linear torque for outstanding performance.
measures pitch, roll, and yaw, as well as an accelerometer, or G-sensor, that measures acceleration in the fore-aft, up-down, and right-left directions… all at a rate of 125 calculations per second. By calculating each signal, the IMU finds the precise vehicle position and movement, and communicates it to the ECU, enabling it to control the bike’s systems.
2. Class - leading Electronics Package The YZF-R1 features the most advanced MotoGP®-inspired electronics package ever offered on a supersport machine: a full suite of inter-related technologies, enabling the rider to enjoy the fullest range of performance with great comfort, control, and ease of operation. 3. MotoGP ® - level Controllability Featuring the first six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) ever offered on a street-going motorcycle, the 2016 R1 represents the dawn of a new digital era where all riders can experience total 3D controllability. 4. Informed Systems IMU consists of a gyro sensor that
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YZF-R1 5. Digital Rider Aids The YZF-R1 is fully equipped with banking-sensitive
Traction Control, as well as Slide Control, Wheel Lift Control, Quickshifter, Launch Control, ABS, a Unified Braking System, and much more. The all-new R1 gives street riders, track day participants, and full-on racers an unmatched and unprecedented level of rider-adaptive performance. 6. Deltabox ® Frame Advanced aluminum Deltabox® frame uses the engine as a stressed member of the chassis and is designed to provide optimum longitudinal, lateral and torsional rigidity balance. 7. Titanium Exhaust System A lightweight and free-flowing exhaust system with titanium headers and muffler canister features a mid-ship layout, positioned low and in the middle of the chassis for improved mass centralization. 8. MotoGP® Styling The styling on the new R1 is inspired by the YZR-M1, purposely sculpted for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
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PEGGY’S RIDE ROUTE
Total Distance 64.6 mi Total Time 1 hr 48 min Whether you’re at the Great American Biker Bash or just visiting Peggy’s Corral, you might want to explore this scenic ride. I put together back roads from the rides that are in several of my scenic ride map books for motorcycles. I used part of my Palmetto Ride, and combined it with back roads I ride all the time in Manatee County. You can tell your friends to meet up at Peggy’s, do the ride, then end up back at Peggy’s about 2 hours later. First you will explore some of the roads in Palmetto with lots of trees and waterfront views. Then you will travel through parts of Ellenton and ride through the canopy of Spencer Parrish
Road. You can pick up a little more speed on 675, as you head down FL-64 to Rye Road. Golf Course Road will take you to some really nice back roads in Ellenton, like Old Tampa Road. You are only on 301 for about a minute, so don’t be too concerned if you have any traffic on that road. It will be over very quickly. A couple of more nice back roads and you will be back at Peggy’s, where you started. This is a ride at your own pace, as are all of the rides in my Master Guide Book of Florida. I highly recommend you check out one of my books at www.finzfinds.com. Find all the hidden gems that most tourists will never see. It’s a
From Peggy’s Head southwest on S Tamiami Trail/US 41 (0.2 mi) Take the ramp onto US 19 N (1.6 mi) (Cross over water bridge) Right Bayshore Dr. (0.7 mi) Left Terra Ceia Rd. (1.4 mi) (Cross US 19) Becomes Bayshore Dr. (1.7 mi) Sharp Right Horseshoe Loop Rd. (1.0 mi) Right Bayshore Dr. (1.8 mi) (Cross US 19) Right Terra Ceia Rd. (0.6 mi) Becomes 77th St E/Gillette Circle Rd. (0.4 mi)
Left Bayshore Rd./Old US 41 S (0.2 mi) Left 79th St. E (0.4 mi) Continue onto Bishop Harbor Rd. (2.1 m) Right US 41 S/S Tamiami Trail (0.3 m) First Right Bayshore Rd. (2.3 m) Left 61st St. E/Palm View Rd. (1.8 mi) Left Hwy 683/36th Ave. E/Ellenton Gillette Rd. (2.3 mi) Right 97th St. E/Moccasin Wallow Rd. (6.4 mi) Right US 301 S (0.4 mi) Left SR 62 E (1.0 mi) Right Spencer Parrish Rd. (0.8 mi) Left Rutland Rd./SR 675 (10.1 mi)
great way to avoid traffic too! There are no freeways, not dirt or gravel roads, and no congested areas in any of my rides. It’s the best way to enjoy old Florida. Enjoy your journey, and stay in the wind until next time.
Scenic Back Road Ride from Peggy’s (Palmetto & Manatee County)
Don’t miss The Great American Biker Bash, Sunday July 31 at Peggy’s Corral.
Right SR 64 W (6.8 mi) Right Rye Rd E (5.9 mi) Left Golf Course Rd. (3.5 mi) Left Fort Hamer Rd. (0.6 mi) Right Old Tampa Rd. (3.4 mi) Left onto US 301 S (1.0 mi) Right onto Victory Rd. (0.8 mi) Victory Rd turns left and becomes 37th St. E/ Mendoza Rd. (2.3 mi) Right onto State Hwy 683 (0.7 mi) Left onto 49th St E/Experimental Rd. (1.8 mi) Left onto S Tamiami Trail (0.2 mi) End back at Peggy’s
Steve Finz
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 35
American Biker Bash. But it’s actually a salute to our veterans. It basically is to be geared around them. They are the forgotten people.” “There are so many events going on in the winter that we decided to have this event during the summer. We wanted to be able to get as many of our veterans to this event via the many riding clubs. There is a special place in our heart for our veterans.” Debbie and her fabulous staff at Peggy’s Corral go above and beyond when it comes to putting this event on. “We will have our special flag raising ceremony,” said Debbie. “We try to honor our veterans that are out Great American Biker Bash – Saluting our Local Veterans Anyone who’s anyone knows that Peggy’s Corral in Palmetto puts on one heck of a party! What many folks may not know, is that Rip and Debbie Toner are all about taking care of our local veterans. That’s the reason for the Great American Biker Bash – giving back to those that gave their time for us and our freedoms. This is the third year of this popular and wellattended event.
Thankfully, I got to speak with Debbie about her event and why she does this every year. Why did you start this? “We started this for the veterans because we wanted to do something to honor them. So, Ron Galletti of Born To Ride, came up with the name: The Great BTR 36 | BORNTORIDE.COM
in the community doing things for other people – the biker veterans especially; for example, the LAMAs, the American Legion Riders, the Nam Knights, and the Am Vets, etc. They are always doing for others. They get a special invite every year for this event. The flag raising ceremony is at 2:00.” In addition to the flag raising ceremony, we are going to have some wonderful raffle giveaways. The Fran Haasch Law Group has provided some amazing raffle prizes every year and we certainly appreciate her and her generosity. There will also be a 10-class bike show, some great BBQ and regular food. There will be a big tent and places for people to sit out of the sun.” The money from this year’s event will be going to the Manatee Veterans Village. Debbie explained. “This is in Bradenton. This is a facility that opened in 2013. This is an apartment complex that helps veterans get back on their feet. It provides a place for them to stay and helps them with transportation to and from their jobs and doctor’s appointments.
Peggy’s Corral, Manatees Finest Music, Beer, Games, Food and Fun Place to be.
Whatever they need, they get. We sponsor them with this event so they are able to get items they need – like blankets. Last month we raised over $600 on our raffles. They were able to buy sheets and blankets for the veterans. Right, now they are trying to raise money for a new van to get them back and forth to all the doctor appointments and jobs.” Working with the Ellenton VFW, Debbie gives all the donations they raise at Peggy’s Corral (with their various raffles). The VFW, in turn, puts the money into a special account. With this account, they hope to raise enough funds to purchase the new van that is desperately needed. “I met the director of the Manatee Veterans Village, Frederick FritzPotter. He let me know that they are in need of Queen size sheets, shower curtains, and rods.” Debbie said that people coming out to the Biker Bash can bring these aforementioned items, and most importantly, money for the van. “Mr. FritzPotter will be at our Great American Biker Bash. You can meet him and learn more about the Manatee Veterans Village and what they need, what referrals are needed for a veteran to live there, etc.” One is never disappointed at Peggy’s Corral with the talent lined up to entertain us! “The Soul Circus Cowboys and Bad Boy Elroy will be the two bands coming in. It starts at noon and usually runs until 6 PM.” In addition, “We’ve got vendors, the flag raising ceremony, the bike show, the BBQ people, and our famous Bloody Mary $2 specials. I also
believe there will be some bikini bike wash girls, too!” So, let’s get out our calendars and pencil in Sunday, July 31, at Peggy’s Corral! And if you think of it, purchase some queen size sheets and shower curtains and place them in your saddle bags or cars! It’s all for our veterans. … All of us at Born To Ride Magazine look forward to seeing you there!
Susan Hurst Check out PeggysCorral.net This is the place to be Sundays with your friends.
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 37
Find It Now GPS, The Original Security System Made in the USA! Ask your Dealer for it!
Most of us have a lot of money invested in our two or three-wheeled motorcycles. Can you even imagine what it would feel like to realize that your bike has been stolen? If you get the ‘Find It Now’ device installed on your bike, there’s a good chance your bike will get back to you in an hour or two! Mike Conners, CEO and Founder of ‘Find It Now’ (FIN®) is the inventor of this invaluable item. I had the pleasure of speaking with him about his business and the Find It Now device. “I was in the automotive sub-prime business for 12 years before I started this. They used a device that would remind customers that it was time to make the payment on their vehicle. That was years ago! That was the pre-curser to more advanced things, and has evolved into using cellular and GPS.” “I’ve been riding for over 50 years. There wasn’t anything directly designed for motorcycles or power sports for security. You have LoJack but that only worked in the major cities of 27 states. It doesn’t work in all states even today. So, over the years, I started to design a new product, working directly with the builders and engineers.” “We launched in 2009 at the V-Twin show in Cincinnati. We have over 300 dealers with coverage in all of North America including Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands. FIN® is sold primarily in the Finance and Insurance departments in the dealerships. It’s also sold through the service department at dealerships. When people have a lot of money invested in their motorcycles, they want to keep them protected.” FIN® is used on everything that is considered a toy; motorcycles, quads, jet skis, boats etc. “We even have this installed on helicopters! FIN® can only be purchased through a dealership. We provide them a huge point of sale package to promote the product. We sell directly to the dealer; not through eBay, Amazon, etc. I find that to be unfair to the dealer when we’re asking them to sell to their customers. We are very hands on with our dealers and their customers. We reach out to them immediately when the sale is made. After 7 days, someone calls the customer for follow up. We are a 100% green company – we have been since the beginning. We offer the longest warranty in the business – three years. We have a $1,000 recovery guarantee. That means if your vehicle is stolen and we are not able to recover it, we pay up to $1,000 towards your
deductible when buying a new vehicle.” Here is an actual recovery story! Chattanooga, TN – On May 8, 2016 at 6:30AM, the Find It Now GPS Security theft recovery team received report of a stolen trailered 2014 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic motorcycle. Leveraging the powerful GPS tracking features of the FIN security device
We are the only company in this country that deals 100% in motorcycles and power sports. That’s it – no cars or trucks. Anyone else in this field is in the automotive field.
installed at motorcycle purchase, along with state-of-the-art software and tracking tools, a FIN vehicle recovery exert was able to locate the stolen motorcycle within moments. Returning to Indiana from a trip to Panama City Beach, FL, the motorcycle owner stopped at a hotel to rest for the evening. It was reported that he disconnected the trailer, secured it with a tongue lock, and left it in a well-lit area of the parking lot. The FIN device owner woke up the following morning to find a motion alert, reported via text message, on his cell phone. He immediately looked out of his hotel window to discover that the trailer was gone. After contacting Find It Now, the customer quickly contacted local police as instructed. FIN was able to provide the specific location of the stolen motorcycle and trailer to responding deputies, which was a rest area in Chattanooga, TN, approximately 70 miles from the hotel. Several deputies responded to find the trailer attached to a van, which
appeared to be abandoned, and later found to be stolen as well. After approximately 60 minutes of surveillance with intentions to capture the thief (or thieves), and no sign of the perpetrator(s), it was decided that they would recover the stolen van, trailer, and motorcycle without waiting for their return. The Harley owner was relieved to find no damage to trailer or motorcycle. “Our success rate is 94.6%. We work strictly with the police departments. We not only save them time and money; we make their jobs easier for them.” Mike, a veteran, was in the Navy from 1964-1970. “VP of Operations, Ray Banken and Bill Pierson, our chief technology officer/ IT manager, have both been here from the beginning. Both are former Marines. Sales people around the country are also former military. My wife is the CFO. This is a family business. We treat everyone like family. FIN® is Made in America, something we are very proud of. The major players in this company are all veterans and again, we are very proud of that. That goes a long way with me.” In closing, Mike gave me a great closing statement: “Thanks for checking us out and remember this, ‘The bitterness of poor quality and service remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.’ You will soon realize the quality of our brand and service is our pledge to you.” If you don’t have a security system on your bike, I highly recommend you calling your local motorcycle or power sport dealership today and make an appointment for your Find It Now GPS security system. The peace of mind will be worth the time in getting this installed!
Find It Now GPS is what’s right with American Business. Dealers call Mike Now! 888-811-3883
Susan Hurst
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Rolling Thunder is the largest 1st Amendment demonstration run in the United States, and every year during Memorial Day weekend motorcyclists roll into our Nation’s capital to emphasize the urgency of keeping POW/MIA issues current. “With the economic recovery and healthcare reform taking center stage, the POW/ MIA issue is one that nobody in our government wants to address anymore. If they keep dragging their feet, sooner or later anyone who was captured alive will have passed away. But for their families, there is never any closure. Searching for and returning remains is a valid mission but there is too much evidence that live POWs
were left behind, particularly in Southeast Asia, and we shouldn’t give up efforts to find them.” Artie Muller, Rolling Thunder national executive director and co-founder I never cease to tire in participating in this ride since I started going in 1995. If you
Rolling Thunder, America may we never forget. Thank You for your service & sacrifice.
can imagine doing a toy run in your own city or a city as big as Atlanta. What about riding your Nations Capital, greeted by people on overpasses as you come in and people slapping your hand as you ride down Independence and Constitution Ave? Each year at the end of the ride at the Lincoln Memorial, you may see veteran RT returning performers like Nancy Sinatra & Country Singer Gordon Painter. In past years, I was able to meet Nancy Sinatra, a regular participant, Gary Sinese, Connie Stevens, Chris Noel and TV and film actor Robert Patrick, who rode his bike all the way from California. I say it every year to my friends and fellow riders, if you are a
vet, this is the “bucket list”, the one to go to. Even if you are not a vet, this is still the one to go to support and honor those who served and died for us, so that we can ride free. After my first run in 1995, I was inspired to write a poem which is featured on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial web site www.thewall-usa. com. Paul B. Murray BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 45
REFLECTIONS ON ROLLING THUNDER It started from the Pentagon, it was an awesome sight, A motorcade of cyclists, an entourage of knights. Winding through the streets, as far as you can see, Across Memorial Bridge, through Washington, DC
Up Independence Avenue, and ‘round the Capitol, By Washington’s Monument, on and on they roll. Down Constitution Avenue, past the reflecting pool. The roar of different cycles, but all playing the same tune. Past the cheering crowds, lined up along the street, With their hands outstretched, to bikers they would greet. Where do they all come from, why is it they come? From Pacific, North and South, like sounds of rolling drums. From rows of eight across, to fifteen bikes abreast, Assorted motorcycles, honoring the best. The ultimate direction, for the bikers all, All headed down the city’s streets, for the Viet Nam Wall. Feelings of emotions and feelings of much pride, Respect for those missing, and in ‘Nam that died. Despite the controversy, they were well up to the task. Those inscribed upon the wall, served when they were asked. They gave their lives for us, so that we may be free, Free to live and ride, wherever that we please. For POW/MIA’s, that is why we roam, Never to be forgotten, bring all of them back home. Author: Paul B. Murray 1st Mobile Combat Communications Group, USAF (1st MOB), “Black Hats”, based in the Philippines SouthEast Asia: 1967; Tet Offensive 1968; 1969 VIETNAM: Khe Sanh 2/68; Quang Tri; Hue; Phu Bai; Chu Lai; Pleiku; Bien Hoa; Ban Me Thout; Nha Trang; Da Nang; Cam Ranh Bay; Saigon (and other places with no names) THAILAND: Nakhon Phanom (Laotian border); Udon; Ubon; Korat; Bangkok KOREA: PUEBLO INCIDENT-1968 Osan; Kunsan, Seoul JAPAN, TAIWAN, OKINAWA KOREA: Taegu 1970-1971
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6606 GaLl BlVd ZePhYrHiLlS, Fl 33542 (813)-782-4272
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I read somewhere that “Motorcycling is Life Changing” and my life is proof of that. In 2001, I bought a Road King Classic. Being a girl I called it Road Queen instead of Road King. Wow … who knew that changing the name of my motorcycle back then would grow into what is now known as Road Queen USA around the country! Road Queen USA, Inc. is a 501c3 public charity and an organization that promotes women and motorcycling while riding for a cause. Big Brothers Big Sisters, the We Care Food Pantry, the Independence Fund, the Austin Relief Network and many many others have all been recipients of the efforts of Road Queen USA and the amazing people I am blessed to have surrounding me. In the months to follow you will learn about not only future events but the wonderful women who are part of this organization. Road Queen USA is committed to
building a community of women who share their passion and inspire other women to ride. We provide not only encouragement and education but we provide an organization whose events have created everlasting friendships. We have many events throughout the year. Crystal Harley-Davidson and War Horse HarleyDavidson both are huge supporters. Road Queen hosts Ladies Only Night the first Monday of the month at Crystal and the second Monday of the month at War Horse Harley-Davidson. We have catered food, wine, giveaways (and I mean NICE giveaways) – as well as guest speakers who have taught us everything from personal protection, motorcycle laws, insurance, picking up your motorcycles, touring and so much more! The next ladies night is July 11 at War Horse HarleyDavidson in Ocala 6-8 PM. Ladies, bring a guest and everyone will be included in a giveaway for a $100 shopping spree for that night! Linda Dalton, Road Queen USA
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98.7FM, No Rules Rock, Bubba The Love Sponge Mornings, www.norulesrock.com
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Let Born To Ride Market, Brand and Promote your next event. 888-795-5779
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 61
98.7FM, No Rules Rock, Bubba The Love Sponge Mornings, www.norulesrock.com
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 63
CRAVEN MOOREHEAD & THE DA
Recently, several central Florida media outlets ran a story regarding two local Fire Department Captains who also belong to, or are leaders of local Motorcycle Clubs. Before we delve into the dark minds of the regulated media’s slant on ‘Journalism’ we should explore what they do on a slow news day. Typically if there are no dramatic or tragic news events to report, they will dig dirt with the voracity of a drag-line. If you are a reader of this publication, you are in one way or the other involved with the motorcycling community and you are likewise exposed to the regulated media. At Born To Ride Multi Media, we like to report the news and events that are compelling, interesting, and informative to those who ride motorcycles or those whom are involved in the industry – or both. Even if you don’t ride a motorcycle, you have the right to know what’s really going on in regard to our lifestyle. Even though I have lived this biker lifestyle 30+ years, I do not profess to be an expert on this or any other experience, but I do have the ability to sort out the drama & BS and accurately portray it to my dedicated readers. Keep in mind that there a many professions out there that do not require you to put yourself ‘in harm’s way’ on a daily basis and I am certain that if a local handyman or cable installer were a member of a Motorcycle Club, it wouldn’t be sensational enough to do a news expose’ on them. However, our First Responders – Fire Fighters, EMT personnel and Law Enforcement put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety. Is it anyone’s business what they do on their days off or when they are not on the clock – especially when none of these men have committed crimes, have criminal backgrounds, or bad reports from their employers? I think not. Think about it for a few minutes and answer these questions honestly: • Is this an important news story at all? • The stories say there are no fire department policies preventing gang members from becoming firefighters or firefighters from becoming gang members. Should there be? • Should anyone be concerned what these firefighters are doing on BTR 68 | BORNTORIDE.COM
their off-duty time if they haven’t been charged with a crime? • Is this activity something a fire chief should be concerned about? • Should the local government be concerned about the impact such activity has on the image of the department? • Should it be the business of the department, the news media or even the public when, or if, there are criminal charges connected to this activity? • Should a Motorcycle Club of any sort be considered a “Gang”? Keep in mind that Law Enforcement, Fire Fighters, Veteran organizations and other factions (including Masonic & other popular Fraternities) often join together and “Fly Colors.” According to law enforcement, there are two distinct groups within Motorcycling Community. There is the 99 percent, who believe in following and respecting the law. Then there are the “1%ers” who proudly display a patch that signifies an anti-law abiding lifestyle. WFTS-TV’s Jarrod Holbrook states that “In recent years we’ve run a number of stories about firefighters, EMS workers and even 911 employees who’ve received disciplinary action or lost their jobs after making public statements against law enforcement.” However in this case, neither of the Fire Captains exposed have been involved in crimes, issued derogatory statements regarding Law Enforcement or had a bad employment review within their respective departments of service. Holbrook couldn’t expound on a reason or rhyme to the instant case but as an ‘Investigative reporter’ he has to dig deep to get the scoop on something we assume. In my opinion the reports are slanted against (not just club members) but the entire motorcycling community. Remember that everyone believes everything they hear on social media or the news, so this is injurious not only to clubs but to all of us as bikers. Let’s focus first on Capt. James Costa of the Hillsborough County Fire Department. Costa has served 35 years as a first responder and in his career has worked his way up to the position of captain in the department. Chief Dennis Jones of HCFD quoted that “there are no issues” regarding Costa and that there are no policies regarding employees being involved with what the ATF, FBI and other alphabet soup agencies refer to as OMG’s or Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. Chief Jones further quoted that he “did not consider it a safety or security issue.” “He’s had a clean criminal record since becoming a firefighter.” And in his 35 years with the department, Costa’s evaluations have been above average and positive, per county human resource documents. Costa was clearly exposed and targeted by the yellow journalism practiced by the local news channels, and the ramifications did come home to his employment at the very minute of his retirement. After seeing the ‘report’ on the news, Chief Jones did approach Costa regarding the story and offered him the opportunity to take ‘sick time’ away from the department in lieu of the possibility of being fired, but the Chief decided to allow Costa to take his retirement and not investigate these matters any further. As of the publication
I’ve known Jimbo for over 20 years. I want to Thank him for his service to our community and
RK MINDS OF REGULATED MEDIA Costa was clearly exposed and targeted by the yellow journalism practiced by the local news channels, and the ramifications did come home to his employment at the very minute of his retirement.
Costa(left) served 35 years as a first responder and in his career worked his way up to the position of captain in the department. deadline, Capt. Costa is retired and Chief Jones has not taken ANY disciplinary actions against Costa or other members of the HCFD. After 35 years of dedicated service to his community Capt. James Costa may now enjoy his retirement and spend his time without the scrutiny of the various media outlets that simply want to sling mud and dig dirt. Costa has spent many years fighting fires, saving lives and supporting his community. He will continue to serve this community and his club into the future. In the case of Glen Buzze, the situation is exactly the same. Buzze is a Fire Captain and EMT with the Pasco County Fire department. He was also exposed in this, one of the most bizarre nonsensical media stories in Florida history. Yes, Buz is also a member of a motorcycle club and he is also a respected first responder in his county of service. PCFD Chief Scott Cassin quoted that “To the County’s knowledge, no criminal activity was discovered regarding Mr. Buzze, and therefore, the SO did not make an arrest in the case.” The news report says Buzze has no criminal record. According to Chief Cassin, during that investigation “the Fire Rescue Department did monitor Captain Buzze’s activities more closely” of course, no reason to was found to terminate Buzze’s employment, and the only ‘crime’ that was committed by Buzze, according to Chief Cassin was that he used a PCFD computer or internet connection to generate a flyer for an upcoming club activity. He received a verbal reprimand for that heinous act, and wait – REALLY? You work every day and night saving lives and property and you can’t use a company printer to print one stinkin’ page? I believe the media needs a major spanking. Buzze according to Chief
Cassin also has a stellar employment record with the PCFD. When confronted in a surprise attack by WFTS-TV Cassin quoted “There are no policies in place regarding employees of PCFD being members or ‘gangs’ or otherwise.” When asked if he would like to instate a policy regarding ‘gang’ membership in the department, Cassin quoted: “We would like a lot of policies, but we have no resources or cause to implement them at this time.” When asked about Buzze’s ‘patch’ he stated, “Well the Republican Party wears a patch and they are involved with {descriptions deleted} so. …” ATF Agent Keary Hundt (Tampa, FL) says when you’re a 1%er, “You consider yourself not subject to society’s rules and laws.” Agent Hundt investigates criminal motorcycle gangs. He says they are known for all types of crimes, “Drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, extortion, arson, bombings, you name it.” As bikers, we are probably all familiar with the various motorcycle clubs in our state and community. I can speak to all of you as a journalist, a biker and a former member of a motorcycle club. The Government’s descriptions and definitions of 1%er clubs are inaccurate, inflammatory and overly dramatic. The regulated media feeds on the exposure of these organizations as gangs or criminals. The truth is that most motorcycle clubs exist to share brotherhood, camaraderie and the simple mutual enjoyment of riding motorcycles in a group. Seeing new places, enjoying events together and keeping it real are paramount in these organizations. 1%ers are, in my opinion at the top of the class. I can speak to you from a place of knowledge and will assure all of you that it isn’t easy to become one of the members of a 1%er club. It’s simply not for everyone. For that matter, being a first responder in any capacity is not for everyone either. All of these tasks are tough, but you must have the heart, soul and drive to make it happen. I will assure in my career as a biker and club member I have never had to commit a criminal act in any capacity. This does not mean that I will not stand my ground, because I will. This life isn’t for everyone and for all of us who share it, it is a blessing. We all have to work to survive, and once again in my opinion it is a travesty when the media wants to attack bikers at their workplace and possibly destroy their reputation and life, it’s a crime. A crime not committed by bikers of any caliber. A crime committed by people in the media who are trying to make a living exposing things that should not be brought to the public’s attention. Your Comments are welcome, info@borntoride.com Until next month, Speed safely!
Congratulate him on his 35 year retirement. BTR supports our first responders. Ron Galletti
CRAVEN
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 69
ANGEL CITY FALL RALLY... PUT THIS RALLY ON YOUR BUCKET LIST! SEPTEMBER 14TH-18TH
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SEE THE BORN TO RIDE TV EPISODE, PHOTOS FROM THE LAST RALLY AND MORE
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www.B Events Friday, July 1
Lakeland, FL 7/1 - 7/3 H-D Lakeland 4th of July Weekend Celebration. Live music, food, beverages, Infotainment Workshop Sat. 11am. For more call 863-802-1971
Saturday, July 2
Sanford, FL 7/2 - 7/4 Seminole H-D 4th of July Weekend Party. Three days of bikes, music, and BBQ. For more information call 855-842-3511
Sunday, July 3
Clearwater, FL Independence Day Blast 12pm Quaker Steak & Lube. All proceeds to benefit High Point Family Center. For more 727-572-9464
Monday, July 4
Inglis, FL Scooter Haven Country Club 4th of July Party. Live music, vendors, and more. For more event information call 727-686-4977 Palmetto, FL Peggy’s Corral Customer Appreciation Day. Drink specials and more. For information call 941-729-5442
Tuesday, July 5
New Port Richey, FL Venom Tuesday Bike Night 7pm - 10pm every Tue. Live music, prizes, vendors and more. For more information 727-816-8700
Wednesday, July 6
Largo, FL Mako’s Wednesday Bike Night 6pm. Best bike, giveaways, live band, drink specials and more 727-595-6256 St. Petersburg Biff Burger Wednesday Bike Night (Happy Hour 3-7pm). The original old school bike night. For more info 727-244-8519
Thursday, July 7
Port Richey, FL Venom2 Thursday Bike Night 7-11pm every Wed. Live music, prizes, vendors and more. For more information 727-378-5850
Saturday, July 9
Bradenton, FL Manatee River H-D Gun Safety Seminar 1pm. For more info call 9941-745-2429 Brandon, FL H-D Brandon Saturday Jam 12pm - 4pm (every Saturday). Live music & more. FMI call 888-293-1517 Homosassa, FL H-D Crystal Saturday Music Fest 1pm - 5pm every Sat. For more information call 800-584-8755
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There Thereare aresome somegreat greatevents eventscoming comingup, up,sosoget getout outthere thereand andmeet meetup upwith withold oldfriends! friends!
BornToRide.com/events s, Rides & Destinations Lakeland, FL Fun Bike Center Crack the Vault. Every Saturday the first 50 people in the door can guess the combination for a chance to win $25,000 cash. For more information call 863-683-3333 Morrow, GA Military Appreciation Day 11am - 3pm Thunder Tower West H-D. For more information call 770-960-6000 Ocala, FL H-D War Horse Saturday Music Fest 1pm - 5pm every Sat. For more information call 800-935-7059
Sunday, July 10
Brandon, FL H-D Brandon Sunday Jam 12pm - 4pm (every Sunday). Live music & more. For more information call 888-293-1517
4pm - 7pm. For more information call for Tyler Poker Run. Starts at VFW every Sat. 3pm - 12am). For more South Tampa 9am and ends at JT’s information call 863-325-5949 800-935-7059 Road House. FMI 813-962-4440
Saturday, July 16
Bradenton, FL Manatee River H-D Sunday, July 24 Free Craft Beer 12pm - 4pm. For Lehigh Acres, FL Mugs n Jugs more info call 9941-745-2429 Summer Time Fun 11am - 3pm every 4th Sun. Slow race challenge, music, Chattanooga, TN NoogaStrong prizes, vendors and more. For more Memorial Ride 9:30AM Sportsman’s information call 239-369-5069 Warehouse. Let’s come together to remember the 5 brave American Orlando, FL Hogs for Hope & Hero’s & to honor the sacrifice Tolerance Ride and Concert 10am that they made. For more info visit - 3pm Orlando H-D. Join us as NoogaStrongRide.com we roll through our town with pride. Live music, special guests, food & Conyers, GA Falcons Fury H-D beverages and more (100% of the Military Appreciation Event 12PM - proceeds go to OneOrlando Fund). For 4PM. FMI 770-979-7999 more info call 407-423-0346
Sunday, July 17
New Port Richey, FL Suncoast Lakeland, FL Roscoe’s Old Time Brotherhood Meet and Greet 12pm All Motorcycle Dirt Drags 8am. VFW Post 6180. Food, raffles, Elimination 1pm admission $10 adult, vendors and more. For more information call 727-359-6112 $5 child. Call 863-858-6249
Palmetto, FL Sunday Fun day 124pm Peggy’s Corral every Sun. Live music, food, Bloody Mary specials, vendors and more. For more information call 941-729-5442 Roswell, GA Speed date a Harley at Killer Creek H-D. Come to Demo Day and test ride the new 2016 Harley-Davidson® line-up. 12:304:30pm. FMI 770-777-1000
Monday, July11
Thursday, August 18
Panama City Beach, FL 8/18 - 8/20 Sand & Sass Ladies Motorcycle Rally Panama City Beach H-D. For more information call 850-334-0055
Sunday, September 11
Athens, GA Cycle World of Athens Ride to Remember Never Forget 9AM. All bikes are welcome, free ride, free lunch and free fun. For more info call 706-548-3300
Wednesday, September 14
Unadilla, GA 9/14 - 9/18 Angel City Spring Motorcycle Rally. Off I-75 Exit 122 Bike games, bike show, bike ride, Wildwood, FL Crawl Fest at Wildwood live music, wet t-shirt contest, burn Off Road Park (Open every Sat. 3pm out pit, vendors, RV sites, and two - 12am). For more info 863-325-5949 saloons in an “Old West” theme town, For more information 478-627-3168
Wednesday, July 27
St. Petersburg Biff Burger Wednesday Thursday, September 15 Bike Night (Happy Hour 3-7pm). The Key West, FL 9/15 - 9/18 Key West Tuesday, July 19 original old school bike night. BTR TV Poker Run. Ride starts at Peterson’s New Port Richey, FL Venom Super taping and more. FMI 727-244-8519 H-D of Miami and Peterson’s H-D Tuesday Bike Night 7pm - 10pm every South. Winner takes all $10,000 cash, Tue. Live music, prizes, vendors, Friday, July 29 six cards and six stops. For more info BTR TV taping and magazine, plus Lakeland, FL H-D Lakeland Ready to call 305-747-0281 more. For more info 727-816-8700 Rally Workshop 6pm - 8pm. For more Saturday, September 17 information call 863-802-1971 Thursday, July 21 Athens, GA Adventure Bags 5th Brandon, FL H-D Brandon Bike Saturday, July 30 Annual Motorcycle Ride 10AM. Night 6pm - 10pm. Quality vendors, Alva, FL Dick’s Restaurant & Bar Round-trip scenic bike ride returning food, prize giveaways, contests, drink Kruisin with Katie Get Your Ride to Cycle World of Athens to enjoy specials, live music & more. FMI call on Party 11am - 3pm. For more lunch and entertainment. For more 888-293-1517 info call 678-425-0316 information call 239-267-0995
Ocala, FL H-D War Horse Ladies Night 6pm - 8pm every. For more Homosassa, FL H-D Crystal Sanford, FL Seminole H-D Queen- Thursday, September 29 Bike Night 3pm - 7pm. For more tronics Backpack & Tablet Poker Run Las Vegas, NV 9/29 - 10/2 Las information call 800-935-7059 information call 800-584-8755 Vegas Bike Fest Downtown. Over 9am. For more call 855-842-3511 $100,000 in cash prizes, bike shows, Thursday, July 14 Sarasota, FL Applebee’s Bike Night Saturday, July 23 Sarasota, FL Rossiter’s H-D Free parties every night, free beer, poker Bradenton, FL Manatee River H-D Craft Beer 12pm - 4pm. For more info walks, vendors and more. For more Thursday 2nd Thu. BTR magazine Spin the Prize Wheel all day. For 941-951-6103 information visit lasvegasbikefest.com shoot, great food and more. FMI more info call 9941-745-2429 941-355-1400
Sunday, July 31
Brandon, FL H-D Brandon Welcomes Palmetto, FL Great American Biker Buffalo Soldiers 12pm. For more Bash 12-4pm Peggy’s Corral. Live information call 888-328-0960 music, contests, vendors and more. For information call 941-729-5442 Sanford, FL Seminole H-D Poker Run & Rally 9am. Come join our 135- Thursday, August 11 Wednesday, July 13 mile scenic ride and rally. For more Sarasota, FL Applebee’s Bike Night Madeira Beach, FL Summerland information call 855-842-3511 2016 Tour 6pm R.O.C. Park Thursday 2nd Thu. BTR magazine featuring Sugar Ray, Everclear, Lit shoot, great food and more. For more Sarasota, FL Rossiter’s H-D Spin information 941-355-1400 and Sponge. For more information the Prize Wheel all day. For more visit ticketweb.com info 941-951-6103 Saturday, August 13 Friday, July 15 Wildwood, FL Muddy Brute challenge Ocala, FL H-D War Horse Bike Night Tampa, FL JT’s Road House Riding at Wildwood Off Road Park (Open Sturgis, KY 7/14 - 7/17 Kentucky Bike Rally. Live music, games, contests, vendors, showers and more. FMI 270-333-7244
To Send submitinand yourview events even to more info@BornToRide.com, events visit BornToRide.com help us helpEvents you.
Saturday, October 15
Orlando, FL 10/15 - 10/16 AIMExpo Orange County Convention Center. The most prestigious custom bike show in America; see thousands of new products from national and international vendors. For more information call 855-627-4697
Wednesday, October 19
Panama City Beach, FL 10/19 10/23 Thunder Beach 16th Autumn Motorcycle Rally. For more information visit thunderbeachproductions.com
BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 75 77 BORNTORIDE.COM
BOOK REVIEW: JAPANESE TATTOOS HISTORY • CULTURE • DESIGN
Along with more than 350 full-color photos, Japanese Tattoos features interviews with tattoo artists* on a variety of topics. What’s more, there are interviews with clients, who are typically overlooked in similar books, allowing them to discuss what their Japanese tattoos mean to them. Those who read this informative tattoo guide will be more knowledgeable about Japanese tattoos should they want to get inked or if they are simply interested in Japanese art and culture.
Japanese Tattoos explains the imagery features in Japanese Irezumi (tattoos) so that readers can avoid getting ink they don’t understand or worse, they’ll regret.
“A well-researched book offering great information about the modern world of Japanese tattooing with a firm respect for the traditions that it comes from.” — Doug Hardy, second-generation American tattooist Japanese Tattoos explains the imagery featured in Japanese irezumi (tattoos) so that readers can avoid getting ink they don’t understand or, worse, they’ll regret. This photo-heavy book traces the history of BTR 76 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Japanese tattooing, putting the iconography and kanji symbols in their proper context so readers will be better informed as to what they mean and have a deeper understanding of irezumi. Tattoos featured range from traditional tebori (hand-poked) and kanji tattoos to anime-inspired and modern works—as well as everything in between. For the first time, Japanese tattooing is featured in a visually attractive, informative, and authoritative way.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Brian Ashcraft is a senior contributing editor for the video-game site Kotaku. Ashcraft was previously a contributing editor at Wired magazine; his work has also appeared in Popular Science, the Guardian, the Japan Times, and the design journal Metropolis, as well as numerous other publications worldwide. He is the author of Arcade Mania! and Japanese Schoolgirl Confidential. Originally from Texas, he has called Osaka home for well over a decade. Hori Benny was born in Minneapolis and moved to Japan in 2002. Two years later he settled in Osaka and began a tattoo apprenticeship at Chopstick Tattoo. In 2014 he formed his own studio, Invasion Club, near Osaka’s otaku cultural center in Nipponbashi. He does custom work in a variety of genres. www.horibenny.com This book is a must have for anyone who loves tattoos or is interested in the history and art of Japan. Get this Book at Amazon.com, search: Japanese Tattoos.
For more information on Tattoo Culture, go to www.thetattootourist.com
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Spyke & Mike SUZY MY LITTLE ANGEL
It was another long night of very little sleep, my BTR friends. I woke the next morning to see little Suzy standing in the doorway with a cup of juice in one hand and some cereal in the other. She says to me, “Good morning pretty Spyke. I hope you slept well. I kept hearing chirping noises coming from you that sounded like you were crying. I hope not Spyke. When my bunny Bugs was gone she didn’t cry. At least, that’s what I like to think. Mommy showed me all the posts on Facebook, your story in the paper, and I heard it on the radio when I was making my bed. A lot of people really like you and want to see you home, and I do too.” After my yummy breakfast, I took a little catnap but it felt like I didn’t. Visions of the TV news, what little Suzy said about hearing my dilemma on the radio and seeing it in a newspaper article kept racing through my head. I just couldn’t believe how much so many of you out there were doing things in person and blasting on social media for Mike and me. Most of you know very little about us. But in your hearts and minds you just wanted to help because y’all are animal lovers and it’s the right thing to do. I would occasionally flash back to better times when I enriched people’s lives by entertaining a group of friends or strangers. I’d give out kisses and stand on shoulders for an ideal Kodak moment. Then I would flash forward to that dark Saturday night and those two society-challenged, deodorant-deprived, Daytona scumbags who changed my life and made all these stories happen. My nap was full of delusions and a great deal of missing my daddy Mike, the Fat Bird, and our family of bikers back on the west coast. If it wasn’t for my two new friends and cute little Suzy, I probably would have turned into the typical parrot: I’d be biting every hand that came close, chewing on whatever I could get my beak around, and squawking so loudly anybody nearby would think I was being tortured. I was awakened by Suzy and a man with a hand held cage. She said, “Spyke, this is my daddy Dave. He won’t hurt you, he is going to help you.” He speaks out, “Hi Spyke, Suzy has told me all about you and I’ve seen your daddy’s heartfelt messages. A long time ago, before Suzy was born, her mother and I were part of an FBI sting and we ended up in the witness protection program. When she came into our lives we knew we had a mission: to bring up the best little girl in the world and not have her go through what we did. We made a pact to never put her in harm’s way. So, I had to figure out a plan to get you home without anybody knowing where you ended up and to show Suzy the right way to do things. By completing this you have helped us teach Suzy a great lesson. But I’m sorry it has to be this way. I called your daddy last night and asked him to identify you. He
did. Then I informed him that I have you, you’re safe, and in good hands. I told him I didn’t want the money, or to be known, and that I would arrange a pickup for you tomorrow. I went to the local bird rescue and she instructed me of what to do. She gave me this cage to transport you in. I hear you don’t like them, but it’s necessary.” Suzy blurts out, “Plus I don’t want you to get hurt or stolen again. I love you and will miss you, my pretty Spyke.” With that said she picks me up and I cuddle with her. I let her scratch my head and I give her a kiss. I award her that ultimate Kodak moment for her memoirs. Then she places me in the carry kennel. I turn around and our eyes meet. I see a small tear rolling down her cheek and she says “goodbye Spyke I’ll never forget you!” Dave drives to the Seminole County Parrot Rescue and Sanctuary in Geneva, Florida. It’s not far from their house but over 2 hours away from where I was abducted. He takes me inside and drops me off with Ellen. Dave tells her, “Thank you for being here and helping me keep Suzy and our family protected while teaching her a great lesson and getting Spyke back to her daddy. I just couldn’t trust anyone else and it would have killed me if Suzy found out that Spyke didn’t make it home.” I reply, “Your secret is safe with me. God bless you and your family. I wish there were more people like you, Susie, and Tracy in this world.” Wow! I couldn’t believe my ears! I’m REALLY on my way home! Now I didn’t mind the cage and I have another great friend, Ellen. Soon I’ll be with my daddy so he can get his knees in the breeze, my wings in the wind, and The Fat Bird’s wheels rolling down the road. SPYKE
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Christian Motorcyclists Association
There is nothing as important when going for a ride as to prepare for the time in the wind. Perhaps you check the gas tank and oil, or you check the pressure in the tires and shocks. I always like looking at the garage walls and seeing the reflection that the lights on my bike make, assuring that they are there to make motorists aware of my presence. One of my favorite toys on the bike is the air horn. Like louder pipes, an air horn can get a cager’s attention and help prevent a dangerous situation. If it is a cold day, you no doubt grab a warm jacket and maybe some gloves, trying to keep yourself comfortable during the ride. In the summer you can only take so many clothes off, but you can carry bottles of water with you, to keep hydrated along the way. Don’t forget the sunscreen, you don’t want to get a sunburn while having a good time when up on two. Make sure to check the weather radar, and redirect your route if necessary to avoid a wet ride. There are two other things you can do to make your ride, and your life, far safer and more enjoyable. When Jesus was facing capture by the Roman soldiers, He told His disciples, in Mt. 26:41,
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to “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.” He wanted their support as he was facing some incredible torture in the hours to come. In life, and on a ride, it is so important to keep watch of all that is going on around you. In traffic, keeping a close watch on the vehicles around you can literally save your life. You can make a mental note of any erratic driving, or riding, which is going on close enough to cause you a problem. At a party, keeping your eyes open can help keep you from accidently falling into making a bad choice, especially since so many big problems started out as a little problem. In life, taking a little extra effort to watch what is happening nearby can help you make better and safer decisions, and avoid the temptations that were mentioned in Jesus’ words. Even better than watching your surroundings is the second command, to pray. Over and over again we see throughout the Bible that before Jesus did anything, He took time to pray. He had an incredible connection with God, and wants for you to have that same relationship. Prayer is a first priority in hearing what God wants for your life, and in helping you accomplish what God has for you to do. That’s also why Jesus took the time to train the disciples how to pray. There is one prayer that will make an eternal difference in your life, asking Jesus to be your Savior. When you ask Him to forgive your sins, He does, once and forever! He’s waiting, are you ready?
In The Wind, Denny Dingler Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association