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
