SEPT 2020 2021 #208 #91
read it/watch it/ride it
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Contents
SEPTEMBER ISSUE 208
AD INDEX
FEATURES Born Free 100% 2021
King of Flames Dave Perewitz & Flash Cherokee Blue Ridge Run
21
Choppertown Live at Cherokee Blue Ridge Run
24
Rise Again Sabrina
34
06
6
COLUMNS
Nefarious James
39
Spyke & Mike
54
Christian Motorcycle Association
55
DEPARTMENTS Contents Page
2
Letter From The Editor Dave Nichols
4
Movie Review - Electra Guide in Blue
52
BTR KIDS
55
REPORTS
21
Jim Dohms Art at Choppertown
30
ON THE COVER Born Free 100% 2021 Oak Canyon Ranch Silverado, California www.bornfreeshow.com
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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 Allstate - Jeff Ard 46 All World Lift Truck 40 Angel City Rally 53 Boss Hogg Radio 16 BTR Choppertown Ride In Show 27 BTR Facebook Group 48 BTR Heat Up 51 BTR Multimedia 46 BTR Radio Live 45 BTR Youtube 50 BTR TV 26th Year 12 Charlotte’s Web 15 Cherokee Blue Ridge Run 19 Cherokee Choppertown 28 Cherokee Rocks 20 Choppertown Live 28 Craig Paints Bikes 49 Cycle-Rama 40 Denver’s Choppers 8 Elite Transmission & Auto 49 Estrella TV 51 FTW Kustoms 18 G.I. Joe Wanted 49 Gotta Haveit Insurance 42 H-D Crystal 56, IBC H-D Crystal Ghost Biker 41 Heat Up 51 High Seas Rally 17 Hogg Wild 37 John & Heather Show 48 Lakeland Antique Mall 43 Leasure Automotive 42 Leather Lid Inserts 39 Media Design Shop 43 Metalsport Wheels 5 Mid-USA Motorsports 31 Paughco 10 Perewitz Custom Paint Show 23 Progressive Insurance 3 Rise Up Against Addiction 33 Rubenstein Law IFC,1,BC Salty RV 32 Seattle Engraving Center 36 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 47 Subscribe 53 Thunder Beach 44 Tropic Trailer 50 Vintage Vinyl 49 Wildwood Antique Malls 38
BORN TO RIDE Magazine
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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 FREE – THE ULTIMATE CHOPPER SHOW AND CHOPPERTOWN LIVE SOUTHEAST!
Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com
ART DIRECTOR
Peter Soutullo art@borntoride.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR 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
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Vick Velosity, Mark Crowder, Doug Bright, Birdman Mike,
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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
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HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS! Sizzlin’ September kickstarts with one helluva a two-wheeled bonanza! Hot on the heels of America’s ultimate Chopper Show, Born To Ride is proud to present killer coverage of this month’s cover event Born Free, all the way from California. Check out all the bikes, babes and boneroo good times plopped right in your lap! This issue will also get you geared up for Choppertown Live Southeast. It is all part of the fantastic Blue Ridge Run in Cherokee, North Carolina this September 10th through the 12th. Join us to check out the very best bike builders in the entire southeast! If you can only make it for one day of this knockdown, drag out biker bash, make sure you slide in on Saturday the 11th when Born To Ride will pull out all the stops for one awesome chopper show! The Cherokee Blue Ridge Run Born To Ride Choppertown Ride-In Show will feature an amazing collection of wild rides by today’s top custom bike builders. Top winners will get five sets of Vee Rubber tires from Metalsport Wheels plus $1,000 in cash! We are bringing Choppertown Live to North Carolina as part of one of the best rallies of the year. Meet the amazing photographer Brad Patton who will be shooting the event for Classic Easyriders magazine. The Best of Show winner will also get a bike feature for Classic Easyriders shot by Brad himself! You can meet the builders that Born To Ride is bringing up from Florida in a killer article right here. Plus, motorcycle photographer Jim Dolms will be on hand to showcase
his amazing motorcycle art. See the article about his farout photography in this issue!
If vintage bikes are more your thing, we’ve got you covered there as well. We’ll serve up a hot and juicy banquet of mindblowing classic iron for you to feast on. You can also step right up and meet “the King of Flames” Mr. Dave Perewitz. Dave is a truly one of the finest master bike builders in the world and a living biker legend! See his Perewitz Paint Show at the rally and read about how Dave is helping Bikers Against Bullies to raise money for kids in need right here in the September issue of Born To Ride! This issue is packed with September excitement! Pop a coldie and check out the best times you can have on twowheels. Nefarious James has much to say about not believing everything you read, see or hear on the Internet. As always, his insights are right on the money. Check out Spyke & Mike for a real squawk on the wild side and also learn about how Born To Ride is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Rise Again Poker Run in honor of Sabrina Best. All this and more is just a pager turn or a mouse click away. Don’t forget that Born To Ride has been offering up quality motorcycle lifestyle entertainment for over 25 years. If you’re looking for throttletwistin’, tire-burnin’ entertainment, you’ll find it here and at www.borntoride.com.
Don’t forget to join the Born To Ride Facebook page to keep tabs on the latest news in the biker world. — Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com
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“Born Free back to basics motorcycle event built on the shared passion
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of people building and riding their motorcycles‘’ - Mike & Grant , Owners
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“Amazing builders great people, a photographers dream“ Erick Runyon
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It’s the soundtrack to every motorcyclist’s nightmare: you’re sitting astride your bike at an intersection, patiently waiting for the red light to change to green, when you hear the screech of tires. Next you’re flying through the air and into the intersection. You’ve just been rear-ended by an inattentive driver who was too busy dialing his cell phone to notice you stopped at the red light. Strategy: Remember, even to attentive drivers, motorcycles are difficult to see—especially at night. Remain aware of the fact that drivers approaching an intersection may not see you. Frequently check your mirrors to monitor traffic approaching from the rear, keeping an eye out for fast-moving traffic approaching from behind. Flash your brake light. If you do notice a car speeding toward you, move to one side or another to get out of its way. Don’t shift into neutral when stopped at an intersection. Keep your bike in gear, so you can quickly escape if a dangerous situation arises. For more info www.msf-usa.org
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THE AND BIKERS AGAINST BULLIES many years in the motorcycle industry, Dave Perewitz was suddenly an overnight star! Dave was one of the original Hamsters. These custom bike riding scalawags are known for doing good deeds for charities all across America. It is no wonder that Perewitz has joined forces with Bikers Against Bullies to produce rides to assist youth in different areas directly and Born to Ride Magazine has stepped up as a media sponsor on an ongoing basis. As the Bikers Against Bullies says, BAB USA is a not-forprofit group created by bikers, but not limited to bikers, that is committed to creating awareness and educating both children and adults on the benefits of living in a society of MASTER BUILDER AND PAINTER DAVE respect for each other combined with self-empowerment. Bikers PEREWITZ JOINS FLASH FROM BAB USA Against Bullies strives to create a society in which our mutual When it comes to true master custom bike builders, the old guard respect will create a new role model for others, and through our actions enable others to have the confidence to emulate this of original custom builders are few and far between. I’m talkin’ behavior and reiterate its positive message to others. about the guys who started the whole chopper craze. When you think about the top three master bike builders of the old guard “To earn one’s respect, one has to give respect,” says Fred of fabricators, only three men tick all the boxes to be named the “Flash” Van de Perre, whom, with his six-year-old daughter, best of the best. Those three intrepid bike builders are the late Melody “Wink” Van de Perre, in 2001, co-founded BAB USA. Arlen Ness, Donnie Smith and Dave Perewitz. BAB USA’s principles are based largely on Wink’s fundamental The noble originator of “the Look” of what a chopper should be is principles back then. “Be kind, be respectful and be who you Dave Perewitz of Halifax, Massachusetts. His Cycle Fabrications are, just respect others’ rights to be who they are as well. It’s the same stuff we learned in elementary school. If you want to be a shop has been around since 1971. Dave is known worldwide as rock star fine, if you are a nerd, that’s good too, but own it, and “the King of Flames” since his amazing flame-painted designs others will embrace it.” have become legendary. Nobody paints flames like Dave. He began by painting his own 1964 Sportster and rode it to Laconia where he and it won rave reviews. This led to more bikes, more customizing and more paintjobs. In 1975 he met California builder Arlen Ness at a Detroit show and formed a friendship that lasted a lifetime. Soon selling Arlen Ness parts, painting and building bikes, Dave was instrumental in creating the long and lean nimble look of what have become known as “Digger-style” bikes. Along with another lifelong best friend, bike builder Donnie Smith, Dave, Arlen and Donnie formed the trifecta of custom builders of the 1970’s and ’80’s, achieving god-like status in the biker world through exposure in custom bike magazines. Dave has built bikes for celebrities such as Hulk Hogan as well as NASCAR drivers, NFL greats and rock stars. Then stardom came knocking at his own door when he appeared in TV episodes of The Discovery Channel’s “Great Biker Build-off” series. After
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DAVE IS KNOWN WORLDWIDE AS “THE KING OF FLAMES” SINCE HIS AMAZING FLAME-PAINTED DESIGNS HAVE BECOME LEGENDARY. In 2011, Flash was approached by a local Montana school to assist them in raising money for their anti-bully campaign, and over 1,500 shirts were needed. He was also asked if he could bring some biker friends to share a message of empowerment and it was then that Bikers Against Bullies was born. Flash and Wink recruited two close friends, Jefe’ and Magnum and between them an assembly was created that more Montana schools wanted to be a part of. Word got around, and BAB grew to over 27,000 patched riders in five countries. They have visited over 1,000 schools to-date with a “Buddy Bench” program now getting underway nationally as well. “I was very nervous at the time, not knowing how the kids would receive our message,” recalls Jefe’, “When we were done, I felt like a rock star and all warm and fuzzy, the kids hear and feel that we are genuinely interested in them, and the effect has been profound.” The more Flash and Jefe’ learned about the effects of bullying, from destroying self-confidence to suicide, their passions grew like wildfire. “According to statistics, 14.75 kids die every day as a direct result of bullying in the USA. If we can make that 13.75 in just one day, everything we ever do will be worth it,” says Flash. The BAB presentation varies between 60-90 minutes and is fitted to the age groups and demographics of the area. “It is like flipping a switch,” now 16-year-old Wink says. “We change the vibe from fearing the bully to understanding why a person like that can feel so badly about themselves.” “We don’t tell kids what not to do, that “DON’T BE A BULLY” stuff is bulls---t,” Flash adds. “We share that it’s okay to both be cool, be the badass you are, and still make good decisions. Young people seem to respond to it. Despite our looks, dress and loud bikes, we are the parents and grandparents and the people that live down the street. We care.” BTR 22 | BORNTORIDE.COM
All bikers have a warm spot for kids. Why not show up to ride with your friends from Born To Ride as well as “the King of Flames” Dave Perewitz and “Flash” from Bikers Against Bullies this coming September 10th at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. You can pre-register at www.babusa.org.
—Dave Nichols
at the
his stable. Most importantly, he’s bringing ‘Boujee,’ the bike that took First Runner Up at our inaugural show. Also returning is Jared Weems of Weems Motor Co. bringing those beautiful David Mann-inspired choppers that will eventually be on permanent display at Barber Motorsports Museum. What do you call it when you bring a bunch of bikers and fun-filled folks together to celebrate choppers, the chopper lifestyle and all the fun that goes along with it? Sprinkle in a few custom vans, hot rods, and really cool vendors? We call that Choppertown Live and baby, it’s back! Choppertown Live, sponsored by Born To Ride, is headed to the beautiful countryside of Cherokee, North Carolina, and will be held concurrently with the Cherokee Blue Ridge Run on September 10th, 11th and 12th. Staying true to form with the first Choppertown Live event a few months back, Born To Ride will be highlighting some of the very best bike builders found in the entire Southeast. First off, we have four very talented builders coming up from Florida, bringing along a total of 15 beautiful bikes. You’ll meet George Casale of Goodlooking Customs coming to the event with a bunch of beauties from BTR 24 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Next up is George Girod out of South Florida bringing his fresh new Triumph build called ‘Endless Summer.’ Last, but certainly not least on this impressive list of Florida builders, is Nick Pensabene of Mad
eleven! The Chillbillys will be there with chops, vans and anything else cool that contains a motor and wheels, while the Chillbunnys will be there to add just the right amount of stylistically good flavor to the pot to make things perfect. If you can only make it out for one day, Saturday, September 11 would be the perfect day as we are also hosting the huge Cherokee Blue Ridge Run Born To Ride Choppertown Ride-in Show with our friends from FTW Kustoms. This event is open to all makes and models of
Pen Cycles out of the Daytona area. Every one of Nick’s amazing builds are the perfect blend of artistic creativity and style. We can’t wait to see what he brings. We also have a great contingent of builders representing the entire Southeast. We have John and Kristin Shipwash of ‘The Rebel Spirit’ in North Carolina returning to Choppertown with their groovy Honda chopper build, as well as a couple others nice scooters. Brandon Shipwash of Midnight Oil Cycles, also out of North Carolina, is bringing a bunch of great builds. Our friends at The Low Road Motor Co. will be there to show us how they do things in the Atlanta area, and Stay Humble Performance will be there from North Carolina with a couple of great rides. We also have Caleb Dula from the same area, bringing his sweet chopper. The Southeast will certainly be greatly represented, and the list continues to grow by the day. As if all this wasn’t enough, we have our good friends the Chillbunnys and Chillbillys returning to Choppertown Live to turn the good time factor up to
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motorcycles. Registration starts at 10AM and will continue until 2PM. If antique motorcycles are your thing, there will also be a separate Vintage Motorcycle Show on Saturday. So custom or classic, we’ve got you covered! Where, you scream with drooling lips? Why, at the Cherokee Blue Ridge Run Born to Ride Choppertown Ride in Show! Damn, that’s a long name. Born To Ride will be giving away five sets of VeeRubber tires from Metalsport Wheels to our Choppertown Live builders plus $1,000 CASH and prizes to our bike show winners. If that’s not enough, Classic Easyriders magazine will be bringing out photographer Brad Patton to document the entire thrill-packed threeday event and the custom motorcycle that is picked as Best of Show will get
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a full bike feature in Classic Easyriders magazine! Where, you whisper aghast and agog with tongue all aquiver? Why, at the Cherokee Blue Ridge Run Born to Ride Choppertown Ride in Show, that’s where!
But wait, there’s more! Oh, so much more. Ace photographer Jim Dolms will have his amazing art on display in our Choppertown Live Pavilion and sensational moto painter Makoto Endo will be painting a live performance of his unbelievable, “must see” art. All this plus legendary custom bike builder and painter Dave Perewitz will be on hand with his astounding Perewitz Paint Show. Come on out and meet this biker legend! We’re excited to bring Choppertown Live to this world-class event at the
Cherokee Blue Ridge Run. Located in Cherokee, North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Run is located deep in the heart of some of the best motorcycle riding in the United States. Add an impressive lineup of bands, entertainment, vendors, great people and Choppertown Live will definitely be a weekend you will never forget.
You don’t want to miss this one and there is still time to get involved. For more information on Born To Ride’s Choppertown Live and the Cherokee Blue Ridge Run, call 888-795-5779 or visit www.cherokeeblueridgerun.com See you there!
—Erick Runyon
MOTORCYCLE PHOTOGRAPHER
CHECKOUT JIM’S ART on display at Choppertown LIVE I began my journey into motorcycle photography in 2010 on the Florida West Coast where I was living at the time. Since then I have met many riders and collectors who have allowed me to photograph their bikes, and in some cases, their motorcycle collections. There are many different groups, each passionate about their machines. Daily
riders, show bikes, vintage bikes, even racing bikes. Then there are sub-groups within each group like race bikes, where I have photographed board track racers, vintage race bikes, motocross and flat track. In 2012, I traveled to Maggie Valley, North Carolina, to photograph the collection of bikes that the late Dale
Walksler curated at his Wheels Through Time; a world-class museum which showcases over 300 vintage Americanmade motorcycles and automobiles. I photographed hill climbers, board track racers, flat track bikes raced on Daytona Beach, Harleys and Indians starting from the early 1900s, and other bikes manufactured by companies long
gone. There were plenty of subjects to photograph and I published a book in 2014 entitled “Classic American Motorcycles Wheels Through Time.” In 2015, I left Florida for the mountains and now live just ten minutes from the museum. Since my move, I’ve had the opportunity to create portraits of riders with their bikes with mountains in the background and various road runs featuring vintage motorcycles. There’s nothing like pulling alongside a 1942 Harley Knucklehead riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains
to grab a shot. I had the opportunity to meet motorcycle artist Scott Jacobs in 2012. Scott’s ability to create paintings of motorcycles with fine detail is unrivaled. In 2013, he asked me to photograph three 110th Anniversary Harley-Davidson motorcycles for a painting he wanted to create to commemorate the occasion. I arranged with the former Jim’s HarleyDavidson dealership in St. Petersburg to allow me the use of the bikes for the photo shoot. From the image I submitted, Scott created “110 Years of Great Motorcycles” which was unveiled
at the 110th Anniversary Motorcycle Rally in Milwaukee. I’ve been photographing the Sons of Speed Races founded by Billy Lane since the first race during Bike Week in 2017. Twelve racers in a single class of early Harley twin engine bikes has grown to include 50 racers in three classes. I hope to have the group shot taken at the last race in March 2020 on display at the Cherokee Blue Ridge Run coming up on September 10. Also on display will be the photos in this article and may more. Hope to see you there. — Jim Dohms
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JUST AS THE PHOENIX ROSE FROM THE ASHES, SO TOO WILL SABRINA BEST.
emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. All to feed the addiction that could never be satisfied. A detox will not fix this. A 30-day program will not fix this. Women need to have access to, not only quality substance abuse care, but also long term emotional support. In conjunction with treating the chemical addiction, they need group and individual therapy sessions via Intensive Outpatient Programs. They need mentoring, so they may reenter society as healthy individuals. They need the opportunity to find their self-worth outside of the environment of their sickness. Unfortunately, many of these women do not have the financial resources to obtain this level of care.” That’s where Rise Again comes in. Humankind is at its best when it takes a personal tragedy and turns it into a way to help others. Such people rise above the pain and sorrow of loss to create an enduring legacy. One such person is Heather Cooper, who lost her daughter Sabrina to a Fentanyl overdose last year. Rising above her grief, Heather created the Sabrina Best Foundation to provide support to women and their families in an effort to obtain quality treatment programs, recovery housing, and counseling for addiction.
Born To Ride is a proud sponsor of the Sabrina Best Foundation and Rise Again’s 2nd Annual Poker Run in memory of Sabrina. We asked Heather Cooper to share her hopes regarding the goals of the Foundation. “Rise Again is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to supporting women (and their families) seeking help for an addiction to drugs and alcohol. Although I was not afflicted by this devastating disease, I experienced the next worst thing. I helplessly watched my daughter, Sabrina, battle against it for ten years. My daughter lost her life to a Fentanyl overdose on February 13, 2020.” “At the time, I thought there was no pain greater than what I was feeling,” Heather recalls. “That was until I read the words she had written during treatment, until I listened to the stories of other women fighting for their lives. It wasn’t until then, that I truly began to understand the trauma these women endure; BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM
“Our goal at Rise Again is to assist women and families during their journey. Through the support of our donors, we can provide access to quality treatment, for both physical and emotional health,” Heather says. “We can reduce the financial burden to encourage family involvement in treatment. And we can ease the transition back into responsible adulthood.”
How can you help? We all know that bikers go out of their way to participate and give to charitable causes, especially those that help the young. Join Born To Ride on the 2nd Annual Rise Up Against Addiction Poker Run in Memory of Sabrina Best this coming Saturday, September 18, 2021. The ride starts at High Octane Harley-Davidson at 1 Chelmsford Rd, North Billerica, Massachusetts 01862. Meet up with us at 9:30am at the dealership to register. There will be food, raffle tickets and a 50/50 raffle. The cost is $25 per rider, per hand in advance and $30 the day of the event. Passengers are just $10. We’ll be kickstands up at 11:00am, rain or shine, and cars are welcome too. Winners will be announced at 5:30pm with $250 going to the best hand and a free drink for the worst hand. Food and live music is included with registration. Poker Run stops will include The Boat in Dracut, Massachusetts; Saddle Up Saloon in Londonderry, New
“I TRULY BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND THE TRAUMA THESE WOMEN ENDURE; EMOTIONAL, PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE ALL TO FEED THE ADDICTION THAT COULD NEVER BE SATISFIED.”
Hampshire; The Crow’s Nest Pub in Plaistow and the Chop Shop in Seabrook. All proceeds give Rise Again the ability to scholarship women into a structured sober living program and provide support to families by giving them the opportunity to rebuild relationships. “Last year’s event was a huge success with close to 100 bikes coming out to help raise awareness in Sabrina’s memory,” Heather tells Born To Ride. “One of the strongest weapons we have in the war against addiction is awareness!”
Through your generous donations, the 1st Annual Rise Up Against Addiction Poker Run raised enough money to put several women into treatment. Please join us this September 18, for a day of riding, food, fun, and prizes. Enjoy the passion for motorcycles and the comradery of like-minded brothers and sisters for a good cause. Let’s double last year’s numbers!
Big thanks to The Ancient Craft Chapter of Widows Sons Branded MRA who stepped up when I needed help creating a fundraiser that would raise awareness while having a safe ride for all. Widow’s Sons are committed to supporting charities all over the world. But extra love to Ken Murnane and the whole Massachusetts group for the love and support of Rise Again: The Sabrina Best Foundation. This couldn’t happen without them.
If you are unable to attend and still want to donate, please visit shewillriseagain.org or scan the QR code with your smartphone
www.shewillriseagain.org
To register for the Poker Run visit shewillriseagain.org or contact heather@shewillriseagain.org —Dave Nichols
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DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ How in the world do we even know what to believe anymore? It unfortunately appears that we are surrounded with so much misinformation that it is hard to tell the truth from the lies and the fairytales. It’s like when you ask that new rider how long he’s been riding and he’ll either tell you he took his first cross-country trip on his 1947 knucklehead when he was younger or that he grew up riding dirt bikes. Then you watch him leave the parking lot, and he almost dumps his bagger on the ground.
hope the rock you live under collapses on top of you.
Hearing honesty out of people has become such a rare trait that sometimes it’s almost hard to identify it when you do come across it. I test my theory sometimes on the social media pages and make posts that go with what other people say at times. I find out that people react more to posts containing drama then they do to posts containing honest and wholesome thought.
“Hearing honesty
There is no doubt that there are some sad and miserable people out there. There are people out there going through tough times in their lives whether it be financial, health related, or relationship related, just to name a few. I can absolutely understand that. But I’ve also noticed that at times when somebody’s at their lowest, there’s always some scumbag that wants to kick you when you’re down. To those people who like to do that to others, I
I guess my point on all of this is don’t believe everything you read or see on social media. There will be people who will post things or write things in hopes of getting attention and responses to help uplift their spirits when they are feeling bad. It doesn’t make them a whore. Unfortunately, there are those that will respond as if they are. Again go find a rock.
out of people has become such a rare trait that sometimes it’s almost hard to identify it when you do come across it”. We should try to spend as much time uplifting others and trying to make each other feel better than trying to put each other down just in hopes of making somebody feel worse about their lives than
we do about our own. Thank goodness for motorcycles. To some of us bikes are a way for us to have a creative and emotional outlet. Others call it their wind therapy. Whatever label you want to put on it, the reasoning behind it is all the same. It makes us feel better. Regardless of what you wear, what you ride, or where you ride to, it’s all for the sake of letting ourselves loose and feeling better. It’s that emotional and physical release we get from the ride. Some of us go as far as living with motorcycles as part of the way we live our lives. Our lifestyle choice. The way we express our lives. The way some of us used to live, by a code of ethics and conduct. Not just words, but a way of life. So keeping all this in mind, when someone posts something in social media, it may just be someone reaching out through their post to see they aren’t alone. That they aren’t as bad as they feel at the moment. That they do look good, that there is more to life. We know this, but some need reassurance. Some need to know we don’t have to go through this alone. There are more of us than anyone realizes. Think about that. Now get your ass off that couch and go for a ride.
Tell Jim what you’re thinking, what do you want to say to him? editor@borntoride.com
— Nefarious James American
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Coming to
CRYSTAL HARLEY-DAVIDSON Saturday, October 30th & Sunday, October 31st YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!
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Movie Review
Biker “Exploitation” is a term coined by producers, actors, and ultimately YOU the viewer. Not all biker films are actually geared at the (exploitation) or in other words, the “bad” angle of the biker lifestyle. Some of these actually “miss the target” and simply feature the motorcycle as secondary component to the plot. However, in literally every film involving bikers or the biker ‘lifestyle’, one thing you, as a viewer can count on is the presence of the Police. Electra Glide in Blue has the unique twist of actually using story of a motorcycle cop as the baseline. In this film, Blake plays a motor officer named John Wintergreen. His character is not really into being a ‘traffic cop’ as he has aspired to become a homicide detective. In my opinion, if you had to be a cop, what better job than cruising around on your departmentally funded Harley? But hey, this review isn’t about me, it’s about the film!! Back to the chase, and no code-4! John Wintergreen patrols the rural Arizona highways with his partner “Zipper.” Wintergreen is laid-back but upright about enforcing the law, while Zipper is predominately lazy. Zipper likes busting Hippies (remember them?) even going so far as to plant evidence on a young ‘hippie’ during a search of his van. Wintergreen again proves to be the polar opposite of his partner Zipper, as he continuously states how much he hates riding his motorcycle, and Zipper’s only real dream is to own his own motorcycle. Zip spends a lot of time reading comic books, and eating junk food while John takes his job seriously. One of the things about Wintergreen that is out of place in this film is (in one scene) he is firing his pistol at an “Easy Rider” poster in the police firing range. … It gets worse! Crazy Willie, an older local – perhaps homeless- person comes in contact with John BTR 52 | BORNTORIDE.COM
and Zip near an old shack in the desert. They almost playfully chase Willie on their bikes and finally capture him. He tells John about his friend Frank who had committed suicide in the shack. John goes to the shack and discovers the body and believes the case is not a suicide, but a murder. The coroner later arrives and disagrees with John who was feverishly taking notes. After a shouting match with the coroner, in walks Detective Harve Poole, who admires Wintergreen’s savvy, and arranges for Wintergreen to be transferred to homicide as his ‘driver’ to help with the case. Harve and John return to the shack and find a large statue of Jesus, which is full of “Reds” and as the investigation continues, John and Harve interrogate a group of hippies, looking for a drug dealer named Bob Zemko. The theme of good cop – bad cop comes into play as Harve roughs some of the hippies up after John had nicely questioned them. John’s initial joy at being promoted is short-lived, as his relationship with Harve deteriorates after he finds out that John has been sleeping with ‘Jolene” (Harve’s girlfriend) and the waitress at the local bar. But when Jolene mocks Harve’s sexual prowess (implying that Harve is impotent) and brags that Wintergreen can “go three times in one morning” things just go downhill for our hero and he is demoted back to traffic. After a wild motorcycle and car chase the pair capture and question Zemko. More good cop - bad cop scenes cause Wintergreen to eventually realize that Crazy Willie committed the murder; the victim was an old friend of his who had taken to selling the drugs and hanging around with a younger crowd. Jealous, Willie had murdered his friend and arranged it so it appeared to be a suicide. As usual there is some stolen money, and the search for this money is when Wintergreen discovers another terrible fact: Zipper’s dream was to own his own motorcycle, and had stolen the dead man’s drug money (initially blamed on Zemko) to pay for it. At Zippers trailer in the desert, the movie’s theme is uncovered when zipper shows John the “Electra Glide in Blue” sitting in the yard. Later, Zipper is drunk and begins firing his gun at Wintergreen, missing him but striking a random passer-by. Wintergreen then shoots Zipper in self-defense, and Zipper dies in his arms. Back in the desert on patrol, Wintergreen spots the same van that was featured earlier in the film, and he pulls it over. He recognizes one of the hippies as the very same one that Zip had planted the drugs on in the beginning of the film, and decides to let them go. They take off down the highway, but Wintergreen realizes that he still has the hippie’s Driver license in his hand. As he tries once again to pull the van over to return the license, the passenger opens the rear window and fires a shotgun killing Wintergreen. It’s a very sad ending to a really weird flick! For me, this is where the whole deal goes bad. The movie is loaded with plagiarism of the iconic film “Easy Rider.” Yeah, I believe that “Electra Glide in Blue” truly is a ‘cult-classic’ sort of piece, but the constant blasts from Easy Rider kinda turned me off. The Phantom Movie Review
Do you have a favorite Biker Movie we don’t have? Let us know: info@borntoride.com
I chirp, “Dude, don’t remind me. I spent days wooing that rooster to my coop only to have you dress him up and take him out for his final ride on the Fat Bird. Anyways, I must squawk and give you credit, he did look awfully nice with those booties on and carrots in his cups. You really are a good daddy but that taught me a lesson not to lure home any of my boyfriend’s ever again.”
zombie, chasing after you with a bottle of
barbecue sauce in one hand and tongs in the other. After that, you’re on your own.”
SQUAWK ON THE WILD SIDE
Holy crap my BTR friends, it’s still hotter than donut grease at a fat man’s convention! When Mike makes me poop and it hits the sidewalk in the sun, those turds just sizzle like carnival elephant ears! September used to be the start of cooler weather, but I don’t think Mother Nature sees it that way. Undoubtedly for the past decade, she’s been disregarding the Labor Day weekend/end-of-summer ritual by staying on an extra-long vacation in Hades.
Of course some are blaming the exceptionally hot days and global warming on the release of greenhouse gases and raising the sea level. Mike just tells me humans eat way too much beef and dairy causing an overabundance of cow farts. He turns and says, “Chick-fil-A billboards have got it all wrong. We need to eat more barnyard fowls, your wild cousins and their next of kin. You’ve got nothing to worry about, Spyke. Cherry and I have your back. Your feathered butt is safe with us. But only until the time comes when Armageddon takes over and everyone turns into a BTR 54 | BORNTORIDE.COM
I cackle, “Dude, if that does happen, I’m afraid you two are going to form a group of zombie BBQ chicken enthusiasts. I could just picture you wearing a blue and gold headdress while being a grand poobah of the ‘Cue clucks clan. Cherry would be sporting a chef’s hat representing the head grillmaster and keeping the rotisserie spinning like a top with extra hot coals underneath of it. Then you two would probably get the R&B funk tribute band, Earth Wind & Fryer, to play at my roasting. Until that happens, y’all just gotta keep your wits about ya and remember I’m nothing but paltry poultry, skin and a beak, a mere morsel of cock-a-doodle-do and a chicken wing with a tiny little thing.”
Mike laughs and says, “It’s all good, Feather Locklear. You’re too cute to cook. You do have me wondering about one of your wildfowl cousins that randomly appears in the backyard. Have you been on the computer going to that dating site birdsforsex.com and giving out your address again? Don’t you remember what happened to the last one who clucked on you? It was right about Thanksgiving and that sawbill saved me a trip to the store. He was a bit tiny and you did have your wings up for him but I must say, he was mighty tasty!”
Then Mike babbled, “Well, that’s what good daddy’s do, look out for their middle-aged misbehaving misfit of a macaw. Sometimes I wish you didn’t know how to use the computer and didn’t type stories for Born To Ride. My life would be so much simpler with a bird that only crosses the road for one reason.” I shriek, “Do you really think you’ve got me figured out? You allow me to be free range but do you believe that I only cross the road to block traffic? Because I’m poultry in motion? I really am NOT a chicken? I just wanted to see a chicken strip at KFC? Well, you’re right. I’m all that and more! But really Mike, to my flock of close friends and to those that just see me out there, let it be known that I’m willing to go where no clucker has gone before, ride anything with two, three or four wheels and hang out with the broadest spectrum of humans. From upper echelon to the lowest of lowlifes, including you.”
“So come on over and pick me up,” I squawk. “I’m ready to ride the Fat Bird again and the good doctor says you are too! Let’s get my wings in the wind, your knees in the breeze and it’s two wheels rolling down the road. Now’s the time for the Fat Bird 3 to fly!” Mike says, “I must admit you are queen of the coop and I’m ready to ride but, that’s a story for another month.” — SPYKE
Do you have a riding pet story? Let us know, Spyke wants to feature them! editor@borntoride.com
RONNIE and EMILY’S
CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION Riding a motorcycle is a great way to learn some of life’s lessons. This is especially true for young people learning to ride a dirt bike Hopefully, the art of riding a bicycle has already been mastered. Many of the things that one learned on a bicycle can be the foundation for riding a motorcycle successfully. I started riding in the late 1960s and the motorcycles were primitive compared to today’s awesome hardware. Thankfully, we no longer need to mix the gas and oil on dirt bikes or street rides. We just fill the tank with quality fuel and away we go. The shock absorbers of today are incredible compared to those of days past, and it’s not as difficult to hang on while going through a bad pothole in the street, or through the whoops in the dirt. I have a friend who actually rode his full dresser Harley over an extension ladder that was laying in the road. He used his experience, got up on his floorboards, and just before hitting the ladder, he hit the throttle! Learning to ride can be full of difficulties and physical challenges. One must learn to lean the bike in tight curves, and power their way through, while making sure not to drop the bike, or put their foot down to keep the bike up. When riding, and in life, one must be careful to keep their eyes
focused on the terrain before them, being aware of rough ground, obstacles, or hills to climb. Endurance is important and perhaps harder on a dirt bike as the shaking and bouncing can be quite pronounced. There is even a special kidney belt that some riders may use to lessen the jarring impact. Road bikers can also use them for the longer rides. Stamina and durability are gained through practice and experience. One great benefit to learning to ride a bike is that there are numerous life lessons that apply not only to riding, but also to everyday life. The Bible tells us, in Romans 5:3 (NLT), that “You can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” There is even a class of motorcycles called trial bikes; they are ridden slowly and under much control, focusing on endurance and overcoming obstacles. Learning to keep our riding and our lives under control makes for a safer and more enjoyable ride through life. In life, we quite often face challenges and difficulties. When we practice our riding skills, as well as our life skills, we develop strength to conquer difficulties and successfully overcome life’s tests. And let’s not forget the source of our rejoicing, which comes from walking with the Lord. He will be there with you every step of the way! All you have to do is put your trust in Jesus. He will guide and direct you to help you overcome the trials of life. In the Wind, Denny Dingler
Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association
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