Born To Ride Motorcycle Magazine #202 - March, 2021

SEPT MAR 2021 2020 #202 #91

EK E W BIKE read it/watch it/ride it

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Contents

MARCH ISSUE 202

AD INDEX

FEATURES

Choppertown Live Thunder By The Bay Crossroads Lodge

9 38

COLUMNS

09

Nefarious James-Life Is A Ride

43

Spyke & Mike

54

DEPARTMENTS Contents Page

2

Letter From The Editor Dave Nichols

4

Ride Safe, Ride Smart-Intersections

7

REPORTS

21

Letterfly - The Iconic Artist

32

Leather Lid Inserts-Ray Gordon

34

Craig Paints Bikes

49

ON THE COVER Busted Knuckles at Spacecoast Harley-Davidson Bike Week 2021 info :321 259 1311 Photo Erick Runyon

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. ­­

All About Leather 49 All Steel Buildings 26 Allstate - Jeff Ard 46 All World Lift Truck 43 Angel City 30 Biker Rendevous 35 BornToRide.com 34 Boss Hogg Radio 51 BTR.com 36 BTR Facebook Group 48 BTR Radio Live 48 BTR Subscribe 53 BTR TV 25th year 33 Cannabis Fest 41 Craig Paints Bikes 49 Crossroads Lodge 38 Cycle-Rama 34 Denver’s Choppers 11 Elite Transmission & Auto 49 Estrella TV 51 For Two Wheels 20 G.I. Joe Wanted 49 Gotta Haveit Insurance 44 H-D Adamec 27,28-29 H-D Crystal 56, IBC H-D Crystal Rosie Ride 55 H-D Spacecoast 15 High Seas Rally 8 Howard’s Flea Market 48 JF Kicks 37 John & Heather Show 40 Lakeland Antique Mall 45 Leasure Automotive 44 Leather Lid Inserts 34 Media Design Shop 44 Metalsport Wheels 5 Mid-USA Motorsports 18 Midwest Motorcycle 42 Paughco 12 Pop A Beer 26 Progressive Insurance 3 Rat’s Hole 6 Red Star Bar 51 Roosterz Rods 31 Rubenstein Law IFC,1,BC Seattle Engraving Center 23 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 47 T-Blue 49 Tropic Trailer 46 Twisted Tea 17

ISSUE #202

BORN TO RIDE Magazine

PO BOX 3021 Brandon, FL 33509

Letter from the Editor

DAVE NICHOLS

PUBLISHER

Ron Galletti 813-785-3895 888-795-5779 rg@borntoride.com

CO PUBLISHER

Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com

FROM THE HELM

EDITOR

BORN TO RIDE TV’S 1,300TH EPISODE

Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com

ART DIRECTOR

Peter Soutullo art@borntoride.com

Plus, Choppertown Live, Daytona Bike Week and more!

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS! There are big doin’s around here at Born To Ride as we celebrate the 1,300th episode of America’s longest-running biker lifestyle TV series, Born To Ride TV. Ron and Deb Galletti started Born To Ride TV over 25 years ago and the little show that could, just keeps on rollin’ down the tracks! Imagine creating thirteen hundred incredible episodes. Catch Born To Ride TV on Facebook, Choppertown and YouTube.

It’s biker TV, made by bikers, for bikers.

We have to say, this year’s Thunder by the Bay and the Choppertown Live bike show was a huge success on February 19th through the 21st out at the Sarasota Fairgrounds. The mighty Choppertown Live show hall was packed to the seams with hundreds of killer custom creations by over 50 amazing builders. Catch all the farout action in this Special Issue.

Born To Ride magazine was the proud presenter of Choppertown Live, an allout 1960’s-style chopper show. When the dust cleared, the two top winners were James Alcorn of Alleyway Kustoms out of Jacksonville for his astounding root beer panhead. James did everything on this bike, from the fabrication and hand-casting of many of the one-off parts, to the mindblowing paint and even the one-off seat.

He won Best of Show, the Bill Dodge Award of Excellence, Builder’s Choice 1st Place as well as a custom-made springer front end by none-other-than Mondo Porras of Denver’s Choppers.

Second Place went to the equally-talented George Casale of Good Looking Customs out of Edgewater, Florida, for his stunning rigid shovelhead with its chrome frame and psychedelic paint job. George won a

Erick Runyon

ART DEPARTMENT

Juan Guzman, Jared Hartman, Erick Runyon , Peter Soutullo, Craig Miller, Beatnik Steve Werner art@borntoride.com

WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA Juan Guzman

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Nancy Ray nray@borntoride.com

MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST Jared Hartman, Craig Miller Jasper Harris

SALES & MARKETING 888-795-5779

ROAD CREW

Vick Velosity, Mark Crowder, Doug Bright, Birdman Mike,

SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds

ON THE ROAD TEAM

The John & Heather Show

CONTRIBUTORS

JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Susan Hurst, Spyke & Mike, Eric Albright, Eric Vician, Myra McElhaney, Paul Murray, James Gladstone Greg Blackwell, Felicia Morgan, John Sullivan

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ron & Selena Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Eric Albright, Chopper Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon, Craig Miller, Vic Lawall

LAW FIRM

Rubenstein Law 1-800-FL-LEGAL BORN TO RIDE OFFICE

888-795-5779 BTR 4 | BORNTORIDE.COM

custom-made rigid frame from Paughco Motorcycle Parts.

We also want to thank Joe Smallarz the welder from FTW in Plant City for throwing in $1,000 cash for the winners and MidUSA for giving out gift certificates. Find out about all this and more in this edition of Born To Ride. It’s our Choppertown Live Special issue with ten-pages of killer coverage. If you were there, you might just see yourself in this scorchin’ hot issue!

Born To Ride is also working with the High Seas Rally, the world’s only biker cruise of the Caribbean. When the band Molly Hatchet took to the Thunder by the Bay stage on Saturday night, they gave out a free cruise to Louis Bavaro, a member of the Blue Knights of Sarasota. Louis and a guest will get a complementary cruise this coming October on the one and only High Seas Rally.

This issue has it all, including another punch to the throat from Nefarious James and more piratical plunderin’ from Spyke & Mike. It’s all burnin’ rubber your way in this miraculous March issue Tribute to Choppertown Live and the 1,300th episode of Born To Ride TV. But wait, there’s more! Join Born To Ride at Daytona Bike Week, March 5th to the 14th and come out to the Rat’s Hole Bike Show.

We’re picking the winner and handing out the trophy for Editor’s Choice. You don’t wanna miss that! The Run to the Sun in Daytona is the kick off to riding season and this is going to be one kick ass year, brothers and sisters.

Get ready to ride with Born To Ride and don’t forget to join our Facebook Group.

— Dave Nichols

editor@borntoride.com

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.

In a slow, tight turn, such as turning around in a parking lot, it helps to counterweight by leaning in the opposite direction of the motorcycle and direction of the turn.

Put pressure on the outside footrest.

Info: www.msf-usa.org

WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU COMBINE A GOOD HEALTHY MIX, OF OUTRAGEOUS CHOPPERS, VANS, HOTRODS, SKATEBOARDS, GREAT BUILDERS, BEAUTIFUL WOMEN AND PERFECT FLORIDA WEATHER? You get Choppertown ‘Live’! We hosted a royal feast of a chopper show at Thunder by the Bay on Feb.19, 20 and 21st and we gotta say it was an amazing event!

With the deep cut hits of the 70s pumping in the background and impressive line up of choppers, the 11,000 square foot building was filled on all three days with chopper lovers and people young and old alike, who just look back to the 70’s as that time period they connect with A beautiful and sunny Saturday with the sound of V-Twins in the air, brought us a plethora of choppers for the 10 Class Ride-In Chopper Show with all the first-place winners receiving $100.00 cash courtesy of All Steel Buildings and the Best in Show winner receiving the cash and a $150.00 Gift Card from the good people at Mid-USA Motorcycle Parts.

Sunday was capped off by the ‘Bill Dodge Award of Excellence’ Builder’s Choice Award’. With a building full of almost 60 beautiful Choppers, the choice was a very tough one to make, but in the end, there were two very clear-cut favorites, but the 1951 Panhead build named ‘Francine’ meticulously crafted by James Alcorn of Alleyway Kustoms took home $1000 from FTW and that beautiful custom springer built for us

by Mondo of Denver’s Choppers. Second Place and a hardtail frame from @paughcoparts went to George Casale of Good Looking Customs. This eye popping 1970 Shovelhead had more bling than strip club in Vegas on New Year’s Eve! Third Place went to @m_stevens1 for his beautiful 1946 EL Knucklehead.

Fourth Place went to Richard Ruck of It’ll Ride Choppers w his ‘Red Devil’ of a 1975 Shovelhead and the Fifth Spot went to Weems motor Co. for his legendary 1952 Triumph Twin Speed David Mann replica build. The craftsmanship for all the builds was over the top. We can’t wait to see who wins the next one. Special thanks goes out to our friend Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycles for helping us out with the judging from home. He wanted to be there, but he is still healing up from his accident. Bill, we will see you at the next one. Take care of yourself and focus on getting better!

Was there a better way to start our year off with a ‘bang’? We may be a little biased, but after a year of disappointments and show cancellations we think Choppertown ‘Live’ was just the kick in the ass that 2021 needed to start things off right. To those of you who missed the fun, stay tuned Choppertown ‘live; 2022 is already in the planning stages/ Stay tuned!

Next month full impact report and feature on 2021Thunder by the Bay

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 9

WEEMS MOTOR CO.

WENDELL TURNER / TURNER’S CYCLE SHOP

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We want to thank everyone who was a part of Choppertown live get ready for next year

TONY AGOSTO

Born to Ride Magazine , real editorial content for you the reader every month

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 13

GEORGE CASALE / GOOD LOOKING CUSTOMS

TURNER’S CYCLE SHOP

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“It was such a honor to showcase such wonderful people and their machines “ Ron Galletti

TOSHI KOBAYASH

GARY GIFFORD

MARK STEVENS

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Where should we do Choppertown Live 2 ? Let us know editor@borntoride.com

IT’LL RIDE CHOPPERS

ROOSTERZ ROD SHOP IT’LL RIDE CHOPPERS

Special thanks to :Denvers Choppers , paughco , FTW , All Steel Buildings for the big prizes

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 19

NEXT MONTH

Thunder By the Bay feature is coming!

Born to Ride Magazine , real editorial content for you the reader every month

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 21

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Did you get a choppertown t shirt or poster ? Find them at www.borntoride.com

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Special thank you to Erick Runyon for making choppertown a reality ! Great job Erick !

JAMES ‘FISH’ ALCORN

ROOSTERZ ROD SHOP

You can watch Born to Ride on the Choppertown platform Tues. night 7 PM est & Thurs. 7PM

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 25

T H E I C O N I C A m a z i n g A RT I S T THUNDER BY THE BAY’S C HOPPEREOWN LIVE - C REATIVI T Y C E NTRA L

Aside from the old chrome and stainlesssteel components securely attached between welded and painted structural tubular steel, I saw an old shovelhead engine with slight wear pocks and a cast iron texture that spoke of the fifties carefully polished to a mirror sheen. The only color on the machine other than chrome and black was the color of the spark plug wires.

“Make the design yellow,” My bearded customer commanded, “to match the wires.” Then he added, “with a little bit of gray.”

A small bobber with apehanger handlebars and a coffin gas tank echoed old school fun. I would make this home spun building project complete with my retro pinstripe design. Many others came through the din of engine noise, dust of the festival grounds and the glare of polished metal to stand, stare and appreciate yet another nice bike. While creating pinline designs and handBTR 32 | BORNTORIDE.COM

painted images at Thunder by the Bay, we couldn’t help but notice the creativity that exists on many of the bikes visiting the new feature called Choppertown Live.

Others noticed too. While these admiring bikers feasted on the smorgasbord of two wheeled apparatus on display, they named the essential ingredients that made these bikes popular.

Innumerable combinations of parts, both custom made and off the shelf, is what makes the variety of what is on display immense. The congregation standing in the middle of all these choppers attracted other like-minded motorcycle aficionados. One corner of the venue became a pivotal place for the allocation of motorcycle revelations.

Choppertown Live became Creativity Central for the backyard builders. Unable to compete with the high-profile chopper builders who attend big money functions to sign autographs and share the lucrative corporate limelight with huge sponsors

like Budweiser and Dodge, these underdogs none-the-less, accumulate a following, albeit much smaller, in the midst of the throes that seem to be everywhere at Thunder by the Bay.

With bikes being wheeled in and out of the Letterfly pinstriping area, personal painted touches often qualified as the task that brought about the magnum opus and the completion of a truly unique combination of mechanical components that states American ingenuity all the way.

We at Letterfly salute the dedication, precision, passion and creativity that the unsung basement bike builders possess in admirable quantities. We thank those who found our friendly think tank as a haven to congregate, dream and connect.

I feel privileged to be included as a contributing brush-holding member of this elite group; those who build and ride the endless creativity of Home Built USA.

— Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer

Let Letterfly create amazing art for your home or business.t Call 813-505-5539

Ray V. Gordon is The Owner & Founder of Leather Lid Inserts, an established Leather Saddlebag Accessory business based in southwest Florida. They’ve coined the phrase “We take the sag out of the bag” because that is exactly what they do. Ray has been riding motorcycles since he was 14 yrs old and has watched the motorcycle industry grow and is glad to be a part of what it is today.

After 35 years of owning and operating a successful aluminum company in Ft. Myers FL, Ray sold the business so he could retire (he thought) and bought himself a new Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. Just like everyone else with leather saddlebags,

his also started to sag and cave in. He saw a need to fix this problem. Ray says, starting this new business was something he just fell into by fixing his own saddlebags and then behold, friends of friends and others witnessed what Ray did and wanted him to fix their saddlebags too. As an inventor and entrepreneur, Ray took his creative background and put his skills to work by experimenting with several different types of materials to finally come up with a patented ABS lid and bag reinforcement kit that would be designed to help keep the original shape of any leather saddlebag made on the market. So, if you’re tired of looking at your caved in leather saddlebags and/or if they are starting to lose their shape and their parts, or if you have brand new bags and you want to prevent them from ever caving in, please keep Leather Lid Inserts in mind. For all your leather saddlebag accessory needs as a do-it-yourselfer or if you want them to

install, visit www.LeatherLidInsert.com and order your DIY Kit or Find an area Dealer Installer.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A DEALER INSTALLER CONTACT RAY AT 239-339-7294 OR RAY@LEATHERLIDINSERTS.COM RIDE SAFE!

Leather Lid Inserts 18160 Old Bayshore Road N. Fort Myers, FL 33917

“THE PLACE EVERYON

CROSSROADS LODGE

BTR 38 | BORNTORIDE.COM

Get ready as Don V & Scooter Goods team with Born to Ride May 13th,

NE IS TALKING ABOUT”

E LEBANON STATION

14th & 15th for Rally at the Station #2 , More info 352-400-0444

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SEE US DURING BIKE WEEK

JOHN & HEATHER WEDDING SWEETNESS

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MARRIAGE!

TUEDAYS LIVE ON FACEBOOK 9pm-10pm and OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

LIFE IS A RIDE. LIVE IT! fellow biker needed help, others would Hello again, everybody. Welcome to band together to help that person. Help another edition of Nefarious James. No him find a part, a little gas money or politics this month, no government talk, just plain old reflection. Had a really good some smoke, whatever he needed to get safely back on his journey. We didn’t time at the Thunder by the Bay event leave our brothers behind if they broke and its inclusion of Choppertown Live. down or were having a rough patch. We Choppertown Live brought back a lot of sure as hell wouldn’t let him ride if he got personal memories for me. Seeing the old bikes and cars really sent me back to to messed up. We didn’t put the party before the brother. We took care of each when I was growing up. other.

Things were much simpler back then.

No computers, it was safe to drink out of a garden hose, and lots of time spent outdoors. Didn’t really worry about getting " We didn’t leave our brothers sick from everything you touched because behind if they broke down or realistically you touched everything. were having a rough patch. We Camping was done in a tent, under a sure as hell wouldn’t let him tarp or even under a picnic table. No Holiday Inn at every exit. ride if he got to messed up. We I believe those experiences helped me didn’t put the party before appreciate life more. Motorcycle events the brother. We took care and gatherings were a hell of a lot of fun as well. Rain or shine, we partied of each other." with friends and new acquaintances.

Sometimes these events were the only times we would see certain people We would always make sure we could because of the distance between us. have another day to ride. We had a We would run into them and it was like totally different sense of freedom from we would just continue where we left the rest of society. We thought what off from last time we saw each other. If we wanted, did what we wanted and someone had a problem with their bike, went where we wanted. We respected everyone would try to help that brother/ others boundaries and enjoyed the hell sister get back on the road. Back then, out of everything we did. We knew true it was about the ride and not necessarily brotherhood down to the core. Those the destinations. Most of the time we left for trips with no plan at all or really knew around us enhanced our lives and made everything more worthwhile. Sometimes where we would lay our head that night. a new brother was made while tucked What we did know was that we could under an overpass waiting for the rain to depend on the people next to us. That pass. each day held a new adventure and a The machines we rode were an extension new place to explore. We didn’t have to of our personalities and what we loved worry about those who couldn’t hold her in life. Normally, it was the crazier the alcohol as we knew there was always better, but we knew where to draw the someone there to have their back and line. Individuality was paramount. We keep them safe.

You would also know that you could have didn’t want to be like everyone else. We wanted to be ourselves and expressed your ol’ lady with you and nobody would it accordingly. We had things like honor, mess with her because they knew who she was with. They would watch her back respect and loyalty. They weren’t just words; they were our way of life. This to as well, like their own sister, instead of me is what old school is about. Not trying to hit on her. When a brother or

just a fashion statement. Not a contest about how much money you can spend on your motorcycle. It was genuinely a lifestyle. A way of life every day, not just on weekends.

We didn’t need to walk around acting like tough guys and always wanting to fight. We didn’t have to prove anything to anyone. We knew who we were. That was the beauty of the entire thing. I guess what I’m getting at is, enjoy the life that you have while you are able to live it. I always thought it was kind of ironic that the 70-year-old guy is the one driving the Ferrari and the 20-year-old guy is driving a beater. You don’t have to wait until you’re 70 to enjoy the little things in your life.

Friends and family are a treasure. The memories that you build now may be the only thing you have left later on in your life. We lose our friends and loved ones every day. Live with no regrets but do it in a way to live another day. Enjoy everything you can now while you still can with those that are nearest to you.

Don’t be afraid to meet new people and go on new adventures. Remember, those machines were built to ride and look phenomenal heading down those roads.

They look way better in motion than they do parked in front of a bar. Get out there and see the world, even if it’s just the one around you. There’s something new waiting for you just outside your door every day. All you have to do is open your eyes and soak it in.

Enjoy the ride and I hope to see you out there. Be safe and take care of one another because we are a dying breed. Think for yourself, live your life however you please, and do it without the regret of not trying. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You just might find a new passion.

Keep the wheels rolling and the bugs in your teeth and I’ll see you out there. Who knows what we will get into next.

NEFARIOUS JAMES AMERICAN

Tell Jim what you’re thinking, what do you want to say to him? editor@borntoride.com

BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 43

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Fuel Tank Rusty?

Craig Can Fix It!

The heart and soul of your bike is the fuel tank.

Originally, the tank was new and clean, but over the years that all has changed. If you are tired of cleaning carburetors or think you need a new tank because yours is too rusty or it leaks, I have the solution. We clean tanks and preserve the metal – even permanently stop leaks! The highgrade epoxy coating we use is second to none; we can even remove most Kreem and Red-Kote liners.

We have a fast turnaround time; it’s the easiest thing you’ll do all week. Call 813-407-2226 or CraigPaintsBikes.com

IRISH STAMPEDE at RED STAR ROCK BAR

CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAy MARCH 17th

DO YOU LOVE A GOOD BIKER BAR? OF COURSE YOU DO! Well, come on out to the Red Star Rock Bar in Tampa, right behind the Harley-Davidson of Brandon dealership for a day of killer food, excellent drinks and awesome live music.

We’re talkin’ a St. Patrick’s Day biker blowout celebration on Wednesday, March 17th called the Irish Stampede! Join the Soul Circus Cowboys for some righteous rock ‘n’ roll and scooter-friendly good times.

Paul Medrano, owner of this rip-roarin’ whiskey bar and roadhouse says the venue started because of his love of Led Zepplin. “I’m a rock ‘n’ roll guy,” he laughs. “We try to find eclectic bands and touring bands and bring them out to our beautiful property. It’s a great location, right at the crossroads of everything. It’s not fancy but it’s clean!”

Geared toward the riding crowd, the Red Star Rock Bar is the place for great grub, too. Paul says, “All the food is made fresh and with love.” What more could you want? How about a quarterly Bike Night? “Yeah, our bike night is very popular,” Paul tells us. “We’re trying to turn it into a monthly event.”

Sounds great to us. Come on, Born To Ride brothers and sisters, let’s make it happen!

Celebrate the luck o’ the Irish with your friends at the Red Star Rock Bar on March 17th. Remember, it’s right behind HarleyDavidson of Brandon at 9847 East Adamo Drive. For more info, visit the website at redstarrockbar.net and visit their other killer location at 5210 N. Florida Avenue in Tampa.

Tell ‘em Born To Ride sent ya.

—Dave Nichols BTR 50 | BORNTORIDE.COM

RED STAR ROCK BAR

9847 E. Adamo Dr. Tampa, FL 33619 redstarrockbar.net

SPYKE & MIKE GO TO THE PET STORE

It’s a great time to be living in Florida my Born To Ride friends. As the rest of the country is shut down either from snow, freezing temperatures, or creeping corona virus, we here in Florida are enjoying a fairly open for business state with warm weather, outdoor events and live music on a limited but regular basis.

Most recently, the Gibtown and Sarasota Bikefests are now a memory of good times.

Many Kodak moments were made with new and old friends.

Check it out on the Born To Ride website. All that fun was just getting our partying taste buds wet for the upcoming and hopefully eventful Daytona Bike Week.

For those of you “up north” who think we have it too easy in the Tampa Bay area, I want to tell you that it was only a brisk 55 degrees this morning, foggy and drizzling. Mike rummaged through his closet for a jacket.

He needed to decide between his Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Champions jacket, his Tampa Bay Rays American League Champions jacket, and a Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl Champions jacket. By the time he made his decision, it had warmed up to a balmy 72 degrees and he didn’t need the jacket anymore.

This was way too much stress for Mike, so he put on a BTR tank top and decided for us to begin our day at a beach bar with brunch.

OUR STRUGGLE IS REAL, BUT WE’RE GETTING THROUGH THIS! We have good days and bad days. Just last week while out shopping, we had one that could go either way. I’ll let you, my BTR readers, be the judge of which way it went.

Mike and I were visiting our favorite pet supermarket and had a little incident while checking out. Mike was paying for a large bag of sunflower seeds and I was getting

BTR 54 | BORNTORIDE.COM

my usual weigh in on the counter scale, when a lady behind him asked, “Do you have a pet that likes sunflower seeds?”

Mike babbles, “Spyke I know you want to tell the rest of the story but, let me do it ‘cuz I have to get it right so I can be properly judged.”

weight coming back on, I decided to give it another try.” (I have to mention here that other people in line and the store manager were intensely listening by now.)

“With a horrified look on her face, she asked me, ‘Did you eat some rotten seeds that made you so sick you ended up in the hospital?’

“I stared her right in the eyes and with my most believable look said, ‘No I was standing at the bus stop, popped a few in my mouth, spilled the water, then slipped off the curb into the street and a passing car hit me!’”

“The next girl in line was laughing so hard I thought snot was going to come out her nose, making her drop a bag of cat food. The manager that was overhearing our conversation immediately escorted us out the door.

Needless to say, I can’t shop at that Pet Supplies Plus anymore.”

I squawk, “I must give it to you Mike, that was one clever way to get a free bag of sunflower seeds. I’m just glad you didn’t use the same story while in the checkout line at the garden center when you bought bags of cow manure.”

Mike chuckles, “I couldn’t Spyke, the couple that I was chatting with in Lowe’s knew me from an OTA meeting and would have called me out at the next one. All this talk of food and poop has got me thinking that we need to ingest the best. Let’s stop by Popeye’s on the way to my weekly Over Thinkers Anonymous (OTA) meeting, send you in with a pickup order and see what you come out with.”

I cackle, “That’s cool, I’m up for some cousin and fries! Let’s jump in the truck and you can get my wings in the windows, the A/C on, your knees under the keys and its wheels rolling down the road.”

— SPYKE

I cackle, “Okay dude, for your sake I wouldn’t want to get it wrong.” Mike begins, “After having three cups of coffee and skipping out on my weekly Thinkers Anonymous (TA), or what I like to call Over Thinkers Anonymous (OTA) meeting, then hearing a question like that, my mind begins racing. Did she not see Spyke?

Does she think I’m feeding squirrels? Does it look like I have farm animals for pets?

So, still being on medical leave, highly caffeinated, falling off the OTA wagon and slightly bored, I replied; ‘Actually, they’re for me and not a pet. I’m going back on a seed-only diet.’””

“I then began to fill her head with the details. ‘I probably shouldn’t do this, because last time I ended up in the hospital. I had lost 50 pounds before awakening in intensive care with tubes sticking out of all my orifices and IVs in both arms.’ I told her it was pretty much the perfect diet. All I had to do was keep my pockets full of seeds, and when I got hungry, I would just pop a few in my mouth and wash them down with some water.”

“Since getting healthy and feeling the Do you have a riding pet story? Let us know, Spyke wants to feature them! editor@borntoride.com

SUNDAY

MAY 30,2021