JAN 2022 #212
read it/watch it/ride it
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Contents
JANUARY ISSUE 212
FEATURES
Metalsport Wheels-Chip Foose Signature Line Isle of Man-Greatest Show On 2 Wheels Choppertown Live Sarasota-The Builders Are Coming Gibtown Bikefest Is Coming Isle of Man-We Had a Great Ride Santiago Chopper Tribute To The Isle of Man Guzzi
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Nefarious James Spyke & Mike Christian Motorcycle Association
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COLUMNS
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DEPARTMENTS
Contents Page Letter From The Editor Dave Nichols Movie Review - Harbortown Bobber BTR KIDS
REPORTS
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ON THE COVER Gibtown Bikefest January 14, 15, 16 2022 www.gibtownbikefest.com Info: 813-577-3590
Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779
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Ride Safe Ride Smart James Irwin Offer Fidelis Automotive Born To Ride Youtube
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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.
BORN TO RIDE Magazine
PO BOX 3021 Brandon, FL 33509 PUBLISHER
Ron Galletti 813-785-3895 888-795-5779 rg@borntoride.com
CO PUBLISHER
Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com
Letter from the Editor
DAVE NICHOLS
FROM THE HELM
EDITOR
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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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
FRAN HAASCH LAW GROUP www.LawFran.com 866 LAW Fran BORN TO RIDE OFFICE
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FOREVER HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS! Born To Ride kickstarts the new year with an action-packed issue. It’ll make you laugh at the antics of Spyke & Mike. It’ll make you cry with the glory of riding. It’ll make you want to throw your leg over your scooter and get out there in the wind! Yes, my brothers and sisters, Born To Ride proves that the power of print is alive and well, back and burnin’. Do you have a motorcycle dealership, motorcycle-related business or bikerfriendly bar or restaurant? Let Born To Ride share your products and services to the riding world! Case in point, we welcome Attorney Fran Haasch as our exclusive attorney to the two-wheeled family here at Born To Ride. The Fran Haasch Law Group has been helping riders in Florida with personal injury law for 20 years. Call 866-LAW-FRAN and welcome this talented caring dynamic Woman to BTR. Speaking of the power of getting the word out about your business in the south’s best biker magazine, Metalsport Wheels shares its latest custom wheel creations with us. Be the first to see the very latest parts and accessories for your scooter right here. Our cover this month shows the glory and wonder found at Gibtown Bikefest! It’s been called Florida’s most entertaining bike week and it’s roarin’ your way this January 14th through the 16th. Enjoy a festival packed with vendors, bike accessories, great food and drink, high flyin’ motorcycle daredevils, and a kickass lineup of live musical entertainment. You’ll also find three unique feature articles in this issue that capture the incredible Isle of Man TT races in Ireland, 12 pages for you the reader to feel the power and emotions come to life. Scott O’Dell takes us to the ultimate road race
through the streets of the Emerald Isle. It’s been going on at the end of May since 1907 and is the greatest show on two wheels! Follow along with this trio of honor and tribute of the grit, the glory, and the thrills and spills captured at the Isle of Man right here in the pages of Born To Ride. Don’t forget that the Great American Motorcycle Show in Atlanta will host a Born To Ride Choppertown custom chopper show on January 22nd and 23rd at the Cobb Galleria Centre. It’s primed to get you all revved up for the mind-meltin’ Thunder by the Bay Choppertown Show at the Sarasota Fairgrounds this February 18th through the 20th sponsored by Classic Easyriders magazine. The Best of Show chopper will win a full photo shoot in America’s “biker’s bible.” We’ll cover this righteous rally and if you’re there, you might just see your mug in the pages of Classic Easyriders. We’re looking for custom chopper builders to come out and participate in both of these amazing ridein chopper shows. See the flyer in this issue to sign up! Our movie review this month looks back to 2009 at an early film by Zack Coffman called Harbortown Bobber that follows the exploits of bike builder Scott DiLalla as he builds his 1969 bobber from the ground-up. Backyard builders get their day in the sun in this piece of historic cycle cinema. Plus, our own Nefarious James sets us straight on new year’s reflections, resolutions, and riding as only he can, and Spyke & Mike present a cackleworthy tune that puts your resolutions in perspective. It’s all just a page turn or a computer click away in the dazzlin’ display known as the January 2022 issue of Born To Ride! Let’s twist the grip! — Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com
CHIP FOOSE JUST ADDED MORE DESIGNS TO HIS SIGNATURE LINE FOR METALSPORT WHEELS
Legendary Chip Foose has been busy designing new wheels for his Signature Motorcycle line. With the overwhelming response he received when his 3D Hotwire design came out, he felt he needed to go back to the drawing board and create some more designs. Just in time for the new year, here are the new wheel designs debuting in January 2022. The Bel Air and The Twizz are 2D; and the Impala is only available in the Hybrid format with limited sizes. Forged in the U.S.A., these wheels show off the intricate designs, whether in Chrome finish or in the Black anodize with the 2nd cut feature. For more information on these innovative designs, call us at (562) 776-9594.
ABOUT METALSPORT WHEELS Metalsport offers a full line of 3D, Hybrid and 2D finished wheels featuring over thirty designs including the Chip Foose exclusive line. We have the largest selections of wheel sizes in the USA. Wheel sizes start from the 16” wheel to their monster 34” wheel. We now offer the widest selection of fat wheels and tires also. All wheels come with options to add matching rotors, pulleys, sprockets and hubs.
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For more information Contact: Metalsport Wheels (562) 776-9594
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Scan Everything To Stay Alive
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
Attorney Fran M. Haasch isn’t just our attorney, she’s yours as well! 1-866-LAW-FRAN
THE GREATEST SHOW
ON TWO WHEELS
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Photos and Story by Scott and Carla Odell >
Shift through the gears as fast as possible, tuck in the elbows and get behind the windshield ... hard on the brakes, downshift 3 gears and look out for the stone wall on the left. Accelerate out of the curve and watch for the telephone pole... take a deep breath as you come down the hill at 150mph and go airborne! Try to keep the bike level when the wheels come down and remember to stay to the right, never the left. Do this for 37 miles and then repeat it five more times while avoiding buildings, fences, poles and other motorcycles. Let us know what you think about our 3 part feature of the Isle of Man. email: info@borntoride.com
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WELCOME TO THE
Every year the world converges on a small island between Ireland and the United Kingdom in the Irish Sea. They come to witness and experience the only motorcycle race of this kind in the world. It was time for Carla and me to check it off our bucket list and record it in photos and words for the Born To Ride readers. What we found out after investigating this trip is you have to book at least a year in advance if you’re looking for a hotel. Most of the action happens in Douglas, the biggest town on the island, so we called the Rutland Hotel home
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base for the week. There are plenty of campsites, bed and breakfasts, and the very popular home stay where you rent out a room in someone’s house on the island. This includes some of your meals and is very economical. They also have the Snooze Box, which is a small city made up of steel containers stacked three high. It is like sleeping in a storage trailer, no windows, steel walls and a door. They sell out every year as they are next to the grandstand area. Next step is getting to the island either from England or Ireland. If you are riding a bike or driving a car,
you will have to take the Steam Packet ferry. There are quite a few different flights if you want to fly, but remember, if you miss your flight you may not be able to book on another, they are just too full. Steam Packet ferries are already taking reservations for 2014, but the airlines usually don’t release flights till 6 months out. After unpacking we made our way up a very steep hill to the grandstands to pick up our media credentials. One thing became quite clear, that this was sport bike territory ... not a HarleyDavidson in sight. Thousands of sport bikes from
Charlie Collier was the winner of the single-cylinder class and overall winner in 1907.
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all over Europe were parked everywhere. The most remarkable thing was nearly everyone was wearing full sets of leathers, a helmet, gloves and boots. You won’t see that in the USA! It didn’t stop there; the whole island was motorcycle crazy! Every store front we went by, from hairdressers to clothing stores... they all had sport bikes in the front windows. A drug store even had a bike in the window. What is going on here?We have been to all the major rallies across the country and have never seen the communities so involved with an event. You could literally walk into any kind of store on the island and purchase some kind of TT memento, EVERYONE was on the bandwagon! We had arrived to motorcycle nirvana!We didn’t know a lot about the TT other than it was a road race on an island like no other. We didn’t even know the riders names or who was even the current champion. That all changed in a hurry just by talking to all the race fans who had arrived on the island with us. We bumped into a gentleman who had been to the TT 35 times and he proceeded to
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tell us all about Joey Dunlop, the all time record holder, his brother John Dunlop and the 2 nephews, Michael and William Dunlop. Then he bragged about the current reigning king of the TT, John McGuiness. “He hasn’t been beat on the Superbikes in over 10 years,” the man said with a gleam in his eye. “He’s the one to watch.” We barely got any sleep the first night because of the anticipation of actually witnessing the Isle of Man TT in person. After a quick breakfast of fried eggs, baked beans and stewed tomatoes (not a good combination, but traditional we are told) we made our way to the starting line area after passing through the massive pits. The race of today would be the sidecars with about 60 of them participating. After they all left the starting area at 10-second intervals, we packed up and headed to a section of the road called Governors Bridge. I knew there was a slow switchback and I should be able to get some decent shots. The Track marshals waved me over and told me I could get right next to the street because I had photographer credentials. To these guys, I was a
“snapper” and needed to take some “pickys.” I am used to being around cars and motorcycles on a track ... but not this close. I could have reached out and slapped their helmets if I had really tried. The sidecars coming down the hill and then swinging around the corner with the passenger shifting from side to side was an awesome site. This was the first time I had ever experienced sidecar racing and I will never forget it. Today was the only race because the Superbikes did not get enough practice during the week. I was just getting warmed up with my shutter finger! Now that we had the first day out of the way, we knew what was going on and where to go. It was time to hit the pubs and try out some pints of beer and maybe some fish and chips with the others mates. The Superbike race was being held on Sunday, which traditionally was called Mad Sunday. It is a day reserved for any bikers on the island to actually make as many laps on the race surface as they wanted. A lot of bikes headed out early and took advantage before the streets
Motorcycle racing in the Isle of Man did not restart after the end of WWI until 1920.
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WELCOME TO THE closed at 1 p.m. Today was the big bike race, the 1000cc motors with all kinds of modifications to them, the top dogs! We made our way over to the track and searched out the legend himself, John McGuinness. We found him sitting in the staging area doing interview after interview, it comes with the territory. He looked like an average chap to me, an occasional smile came out while he was talking, but you could tell the race was on his mind and he was chuffed (proud) to be here. There was some serious competition out there who wanted to take him down. It should be some good racing. You could always pick John’s bike out on the paddock as his name appears on the windscreen as John Mc with a pint of Guinness next to it. The main point of this race is how fast you can navigate the 37.75 circuit. Today was a 4 lap event and whoever has the best times combined would be the winner. We had to get out of the pit area and make it down to the bottom of Bray Hill
about a mile away before the race started. One thing to remember is once the streets close you cannot cross the road again until the racing is over and the temporary barricades come up. There are over 500 marshals around the island and their job is to keep everyone safe. They are dead serious and they don’t play games. We witnessed a French man crossing the road and before he got halfway across there were 3 marshals and 2 police officers on around him. “No Prob blem, no prob blem,” he kept shouting. They hauled him off so who knows what happened. I heard stories of people being banned for life on the Isle of Man because of serious infractions during the races. At the bottom of the hill we could hear the first bike screaming down the course. Within seconds, James Hillier’s Kawasaki flew by us and our jaws dropped. I didn’t even have time to get him in my camera’s viewfinder. I had to figure out how to photograph these bikes ... and quick. I finally got in
the groove and started to get some decent shots. The bikes were going by so fast it felt like they were creating a vacuum and were trying to pull me off the curb and on to the street. Words can’t describe what we were witnessing... hundreds of people behind hedges, walls and small metal barriers, just feet away from instant death if anything should go wrong. I finally understood what the TT was all about, no other race in the world like it. This was a four-lap race today and the lead switched back and forth a few times, but it would be Michael Dunlop taking his very first Superbike win and dethroning John McGuiness, who must have really been gutted. Over the next few days, the Superstock and Supersport classes would take to the roads of the Isle of Man. Superstock were the 600cc bikes and Supersport were 1000cc, but more closely resembling a bike you would buy from the dealer. Both classes were still lightning fast and kept
our adrenalin pumping through the entire races. We made our way around the island using the Manx electric train that has been in use for over 100 years. Traveling through glens and green fields full of sheep and lamb, everything was peaceful and laid back and gave us a taste of times gone by. We got some more great shots up in Ramsey at the other end of the island. We listened to the radio to hear the results of the days racing and again it would be Michael Dunlop winning both classes. Dunlop was on fire and it seemed no one could catch him. There would still be one more 4 lap Supersport race during the week and then the final Superbike race of 6 laps on Friday. Could Dunlop keep his streak going? Could Guy Martin or Bruce Antsley jump into the fray? It’s a day off tomorrow with no racing and a time to recharge our batteries and relax ... so we thought.
Our Hotel room looked out over the Promenade and the beach and after another lovely (sarcasm) breakfast, we headed up the promenade to check out Douglas. We noticed some backhoes and bulldozers on the beach that were not there the day before. Being curious, we starting asking about, what was going on? It turns out they were building a full-blown 3/4 mile racetrack with jumps, tabletops and whoops for an afternoon of Motocross racing. Can you imagine this ever happen on Daytona Beach? Not in a million years! So, off we went to Bushy’s beer tent for a few pints to kill a little time. When you order beer you better ask if it is hot or cold as they serve both. The crowds started gathering about an hour later along with a couple hundred MotoX bikes lining up on the beach. The first race had about 30 bikes of the most experienced riders and they tore up
the beach, throwing rocks and sand everywhere including into the crowd. I was hit by a very large stone in my right leg, but nothing serious. There would probably be about 50 lawsuits already being filed if this race was held in the USA, but not on the Isle of Man. Toward the end of the racing out of nowhere appeared the RAF Red Arrows acrobatic team, just like the Blue Angels. What were you suppose to watch ... jets or motorcycles? Brilliant! No... it didn’t stop there, at the other end of the Promenade, the Monster Energy FMX stunt show was starting with 3 worldclass daredevils performing the sickest tricks imaginable 70 feet into the air, ramp to ramp! We are getting sensory overloads from all the action taking place around us. We thought this would be a bit of a relaxing vacation ... NOT! What the hell could be next?
From 1907-2015, there have been 248 competitor fatalities during official practices and races.
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How about something called the White helmets vs. the Purple helmets. The competition took place on the closed-off promenade right after the FMX show ended. The White helmets were a military looking bunch of guys on Triumph motorcycles and they performed amazing pyramids and stacking of riders while they rode down the promenade. These guys were tight and synchronized and you could tell they had practiced hundreds of hours. So ... the Purple helmets came out next ... on scrappy motor scooters wearing dirty trench coats and such. They didn’t even have purple helmets and we were told it had nothing to do with helmets on their heads ... Oh! These guys were just as talented, but they were pure comedy that included a rather large naked biker ... you had to be there, it was too funny. As the night wore on, we realized we still had two more days of racing left, but we had already seen
more things this week than in the last 5 years. We hoped we would hold up. I am going to cut to the chase ... the second Supersport race was won by Michael Dunlop. Only 3 other racers in the 100-year history had won 4 races during the TT. “He was riding like no one I had ever seen before,” said John McGuinness. Looks like it’s time to pass the baton on.” That comment wouldn’t last too long as McGuinness at age 41 snatched the last race of the week out of Dunlop’s hands, the 6 lap senior race. The king still had a little bit left in reserve over Dunlop who was 24. We also survived the last sidecar race where Ben and Tom Birchall became the first brothers to win a TT. Bloody brilliant! It was a lot to take in, so much to see and not enough hours in the day to do it. As we sat at our favorite restaurant on the island for the 4th time, an Indian cuisine establishment called Chillies where you know you will great food every
time, we had a chinwag (discussion) of the week. The Isle of Man TT is the last great race on the planet where every rider looks at the Grim Reaper every lap. It wasn’t about the money; the overall winner gets 10,000 pounds. It was about the glory and bragging rights. There were some serious accidents where one rider lost his life and some spectators ended up in the hospital in another incident. You accept that when you come here, it is no surprise. How long will this race go on is the big question? The facts are chilling ... since the year 2000, 50 riders have died on the course and over 200 in its 100-year history. We said “cheerio” to the island and flew over to Dublin, Ireland and tried our luck at pouring a few pints of Guinness at the factory. The Isle of Man would be on our minds for a long time so we fancied the diversion the Guinness tour gave us. It was going to be a long flight home. ...
Ace Odell enjoying a Guinness
Motor racing began in 1904 and was originally restricted to touring automobiles.
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In Memory and Honor of Ron Lane, a real Showman and Mr Bikefest
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The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland—and home to the one of the world’s most exciting races on two wheels. The history of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (IOM TT) race goes back to 1907, when the first race was run as the International AutoCycle Tourist Trophy. There were 25 entries featuring two classes—a single-cycler class and a twin-cylinder class. The first race was 10 laps on the 15-mile long dirt road course (now one lap is 37 3/4-miles long). The winner’s averaged speed was 43mph; he rode a twin cylinder Norton. The IOM TT is the race many motorcycle road racers dream about ... it’s not for the timid or the unskilled. Every summer, the isle’s governing bodies close the public roads and streets for race teams and individuals from around the world participate in the world’s deadliest race on the planet—racing through three small towns and over mountainous roads. There are six classifications: Senior TT, Supersport Junior TT, TT Sidecar, TT Superbike, TT Superstock, and TTXGP. The rider’s bike classification will deem how many laps are run on the course. Riders come to the isle for different reasons: some come to test their skill, some come for fame, and some come for glory. In the end—they come to run the timed 37 3/4-mile course! To find out more about the Isle of Man TT go to http://www.iomtt.com. In February 1974, the AMA Competition Director contacted us. He told us that because we were the top American Sidecar team in the Sidecar Racers Association, the AMA would give us the only IOMTT entry they were given for the 1974 races. However, this was only an entry with no sponsors. We would have to pay for everything ourselves. We jumped at the chance to go to England
and race the TT. We started sidecar racing in 1970 on a very old sidecar outfit. Early in 1973, we purchased a new, custom-made racing sidecar chassis from England. It was one of the best handling models available. When you buy one of these, all you get is the frame, wheels, tires, brakes, and fiberglass body. You must install your own engine, cables, and wiring. In our case, I choose a 1972 BSA 3-cylinder 750cc engine. We had to weld in all the motor mounts, make an oil tank, exhaust system, and shift linkage. The new outfit made the difference between finishing in the middle of the pack and winning. We filled out the forms and mailed them to the IOMTT, England. A few weeks later, we received a letter that said we were accepted. Now the fun starts. In 1974, there were NO sponsors ready to pay our way, so we set about planning the trip. A couple of the sidecar teams we raced against here in the SRA were from the Isle of Man, so they helped a lot. A racing sidecar outfit does NOT come apart. It is a one-piece frame including the sidecar, so I had to build a LARGE crate in which to ship the bike to England by airfreight. Next was booking airline reservations, hotel rooms, and a spot in a local garage for the bike. There were no garages at the track. We found space in a local auto repair garage along with several other riders. Finally, we are on our way. When we got to the Isle of Man, we checked into our hotel. We headed straight to the garage where the bike was shipped. To my surprise, the bike was not there. It was back at the airport in Liverpool, 100 miles back across the Irish Sea. They could not load the crate into the plane. If I could not fix the problem, I would have to reassemble the bike and ride to the ferryboat dock to get
“I hope you enjoy this 3 part Special on the T.T. Races Isle of Man.”
Ron Galletti
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it over to the IOMTT. I knew they would do everything they could to help me race. I did not come all this way to be stopped here! At the airport, I looked at the plane and told them to stand the crate on its side, as I knew that would not hurt anything, and just slide it into the plane. The next day the crate was at the garage. The entry only guaranteed us an opportunity to Qualify for the 750cc sidecar class race. During practice week, we would be on the track for 1 1/2 hours in the morning and again in the afternoon. To qualify you must post lap times under 33 minutes. Our first lap around seemed like it took us a really long time, but it was around 35 minutes. By the end of practice week, we were very low 29-minute times. One problem I was experiencing was trying to see far down the road. The roads are narrow two-lane public country roads, and they have many deep dips in them. When you are riding a racing sidecar outfit, you are riding in the kneeling position very low to the ground. When we would go into one of these dips, I would lose sight of the road ahead, which means I could not see the curve a short distance ahead. When you are on a motorcycle, you sit up higher and can see these curves. When you are racing at very high speeds and cannot see the curves coming, you need to be a little more cautious. It was very difficult to learn the hundreds of bends and turns that made up the 37 3/4-miles around the IOMTT course. Our race was scheduled for Saturday and consisted of three laps, 114 miles. Saturday morning there was heavy fog on the mountain section of the course, so the race was moved to Monday. Sunday there is no practice scheduled because it is MAD SUNDAY. They open the course to the spectators to ride and play IOMTT racer. There are about 100,000 spectators, most with their motorcycles there to watch the race. So the name Mad Sunday fits. Monday dawned clear and warm. All the sidecars had to be placed in the pits on Sunday night and had to be race ready at that time. We went to the pits early to warm up our engine and get our racing leathers on. Then the horn sounded the signal to get in your starting position. The racers line up in pairs.
Each pair starts 10 seconds apart. At the IOMTT, you race against the clock. As we moved toward the starting line, on the side of the road were Boy Scouts holding the flags of the countries entered in this race. The American flag was there for us. When I realized the American flag was there for us, I took a deep breath of pride knowing we were there representing the USA. It was like going to the Olympics. Before we arrived at the starting line, 74 other sidecar racers had started their race. Please note, in the years up to about 1980, all road races were started with engine off, push/bump starts for both solo and sidecar classes. As we approach the starting line, we grabbed hands—looked at each other and nodded we were ready. Engine off, ignition on, transmission in first gear, the starter waves the flag and we were off. She takes two steps, and I take three. I release the clutch—the engine starts and we roar down Glencrutchery Road and down Bray Hill to the first turn, Quarter Bridge. On lap one, 17 miles out we fly over the jump at Ballugh Bridge. A little over 24 miles out, we approach the Ramsey Hairpin corner. This is a very tight, first gear, left hand corner. I glance at the crowd and the flagman. Alma moves out, hanging on firmly because I am on the breaks hard. We round the apex of the corner, I start to accelerate and all of sudden the bike snaps around. The passenger’s side flips up throwing Alma over me and knocking us off the bike. The bike falls back on its wheels and stops. We scramble to our feet, I look at her, she gives me thumbs up, she is ok—and so am I. I quickly look over the bike and everything looks ok. So we push the bike and the engine restarts, we are off again. On the second lap as we approach the Ramsey Hairpin and the flagman was waving the warning flag for “Oil on Track,” I gave him a one-finger wave. The remaining laps went without any problems. As we exited the last corner and headed toward the finish line, I was very proud of our accomplishment. We were told that less than 10% of the rookies finish their first IOMTT. After starting 76th, we were both happy with our 30th place finish. Over the years, I come to realize that our experience was similar to going to the Olympics—just
More than 200 people have been killed during official competition over the past 108 years
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Nothing is more exciting and bonding in relationships than creating together.
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to have the opportunity to compete at that level was worth the trip We continued racing in the Midwest and Canada until 1982. Over the years, we won many races and two championships and had a hell of a fun time racing! The sidecar racing started one at the races in Canada. After I had finished my race, we went over to a nearby corner to watch the sidecars run. We were watching these guys going around when Alma said, “That looks like a lot fun.” I agreed they look like they were having a great time. And to my surprise she said, “Let’s get one, and I will be the passenger and you can drive.” I answered yes. Later she was telling some of our racing friends about what she was going to do, they said she was crazy and she would never have the guts to do that. Her answer was, “Put your money where your mouth is!” She won and collected. I never had any doubt. Oh yes, she also won the rookie passenger of the year award from the Sidecar Racers Association. She was a very dynamic person, that’s what I loved about her. When she got into something, she was in 100 percent. When she wanted something, she went after it—even me. She picked me out of a crowd at a bike event and said to a girlfriend, “he is the one I want.” Now the question was, how she was going to let me catch her—a blind date. She knew a few members of the Detroit Highwaymen—I was a member. So with a little help from my friends, the rest is history. Thirty years later, she told me all about it. For the ladies reading this, she would tell you, go after the things that you want. In many cases, you will have only one chance to get it. She took no chances on gifts; she gave me her list. And ladies, don’t hope or hint about what you want, he will never get the message, tell him. Alma and I were married 38 years; she passed away in September of 2006 after fighting ovarian cancer. She loved life, going places, and doing things together. She wrote me a letter a few days before she died and ended it by saying, “We had a Great Ride.” It was true, we did
have a great ride, and this story is dedicated to my sidecar passenger! Joseph Rocheleau
After all this great reading and photo look back to the IOM TT, I can’t thank Joe enough for sharing his story with us. This is real; it’s old school. The bond between him and his wife Alma racing together goes beyond the power of motorcycles. It is life, it is love; it is a relationship that we all can learn from and be inspired by. Just when you think it’s over, it’s not over because ace Journalist Scott Odell went to the Isle of Man the summer of 2013 after this story ran to cover the race for Born To Ride. So in this issue, we’re seeing 1974 to 2013 and 2015 with Alain Bernards tribute Ducati to the Isle of Man all in this issue.
We can’t Thank Joseph Rocheleau enough for sharing his wonderful story with us.
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Two years ago I did my first Guzzi cafe racer, and I fell in love with the guzzi sport. It was something very different and the mechanical aspectss of this Italian bike are incredible-the power and torque of this engine are so cool. The customer saw an article about my Guzzi Memphis in a French magazine, and he contacted me to
build this bike. He gave me total control over the project to create something original. The bike will be delivered to the French Riviera, it’s called Guzzi of Man. In tribute to the Isle of Man Races. If you would like a theme Motorcycle Concept built designed & fabricated for you give us a call at Santiago Chopper. 423-883-4867 BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 39
BTR 40 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Santiago Chopper Guzzi of Man Engine size: 1064cc Engine type: 8v, V-twin, 5 gears Engine type: Steel Pine Fuel Capacity: 5 gal Seat Height: 810 mm Bike Wewight: 487 lb original, now 370 lb Front Suspension: Ohlins
Rear Suspension: Hagon Front Brake: Twin 320 mm discs Rear Brake: Twin 320 mm discs Front Tire Size: 120/70 x 17 in Rear Tire Size: 160/70 x 17 in Spoke Wheels: Santiago Chopper with Buchanan Exel Rims Paint: Craig Skiver
For more info www.santiagochopper.com
Frame Modifications: Chuck and David Welding: David Design and Electrical: Alain Bernard Build time: 4 months • Built on demand from a French customer • Engine work done electronic ignition remove the fuel injection and we put some Mikuni 40 mm
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BIKER MOVIE REVIEW
staged and shot at Orange County Choppers in upstate New York was a weekly docudrama where Pauly Teutul, the craft genius son of monster 70s era tough guy biker/welder, Paul Teutul Sr, would create a masterpiece with his handpicked team of maven craftsmen despite his father’s relentless tirades and near fatal high blood pressure. If you are not up to speed, the conflicts that were exploited in the weekly shows took a toll on the relationship of father and son and culminated in a bitter lawsuit pitting Paul Sr. against Paul Jr. over rights of ownership and control of the brand The reality fabrication shows all use this crisis/emotional conflict formula to make the hour stimulating. It is much ado about nothing and for me, as a guy who wants to see the details of using an English hammer to make a bobber tank, the emotional stuff is just junk that gets in the way. Fact is this, when we start a project with our co-workers or bros it isn’t about the conflict it is about the love. The love of the ride, the love of the journey, the love of the time spent figuring out the challenges and the stimulation comes from those moments of success – the thing you have to fabricate with torch and file fits perfectly and now the project is that much closer to completion.
THE HARBORTOWN BOBBER A MOTORCYCLE FABRICATION DOCUMENTARY FILM BY ZACK COFFMAN & SCOTT DI LALLA Zack Coffman and Scott Di Lalla make wonderful documentaries about creating motorcycles out of found parts, hot metals and thin air. It is in the thin air that the spirit of the project dwells and along with it the love. As the producer/directors of Choppertown, Brittown and the Harbortown Bobber, Zack Coffman and Scott Di Lalla have become the crafters of the rebirth of the genuine expression of why we ride, how we ride and why we ride with whom we ride. The Harbortown Bobber is a two-year Fabrication Documentary of Scott Di Lalla’s 1969 Triumph bobber. All the work was done by one off, backyard and shade tree craft masters. Fabrication Documentaries are not so rare now. American Chopper, which was
Harbortown is the seaport area of L.A. and the producers note that in vista after vista of heavy lift cranes that process the containers off ships from China. Southern California and custom bikes are legendary but what is often overlooked is that these great bikes are not $100,000 Sunday riders. Some of them are slammed together with respect for making the best looking bike you can afford while doing most of the work yourself. Sure you enlist the best in your bro-network when you are over your head and this is how Di Lalla and Coffman roll, just like us. The film opens with Di Lalla talking about his first bikes and how he was just in need of something awesome and so, one by one we meet the local experts in the composition and creation of bikes that have deep roots in the history of 20th century motorcycles as Di Lalla’s bobber takes form. The coolest thing for me when I watch these guys’ work is the smile that I notice ever present on my face. They explore the most diverse and twisted characters but the bottom line is a celebration of life and bikes. The rest of us are more like this than the reality fabricators, we groove on our families and our friends and we have each other’s backs. www.harbortownbobber.com
Do you have a favorite Biker Movie we don’t have? Let us know: info@borntoride.com
KC O’DUNN AKA CHAPLIN PLATO BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 43
REFLECTIONS, RESOLUTIONS, AND RIDING Well congratulations ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you have obviously made it to the year 2022. Imagine that! We have survived another year, another virus variance, the highest gas prices in history, food costs that are out of this world, and just life in general. As I’ve stated in previous articles, I hope that you have been enjoying your life as much as possible. I guess with my usual approach to a vision on life, I will remind you of the obvious and maybe open some insight into some things you may be wanting to forget. Now is the usual time that we start to make resolutions to ourselves about how we want to change and better our lives. There will always be the usual: I’m going to stop drinking, I’m going to start exercising, I’m going to forgive those who have f****d me over in the past, etc. However, the reality of things is that we only do them for a couple months. It becomes too hard and too time consuming. The best thing I believe you can promise yourself is to learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat them. Maybe instead, sit down and write a list of things not to forget. Unfortunately, the saying that a leopard will not change its spots is only partially true. If the effort is truly and sincerely put forth, one can make positive changes in their life. Just be realistic with your goals. If somebody screwed you over once, chances are they will do it again. Especially if they were successful at getting away with it the first time. A thief is a thief. That’s kind of self-explanatory. Most people will take the opportunity to take from you at your lowest point. Never fully trust anyone. I know that sounds cynical, but the reality of it is there is a human factor in everything. I guess what I’m saying is, try to reflect on the wisdom of the past and sometimes those silly little sayings that you come across. One such thing as there’s no real
safety or security in a lock, it just keeps honest people honest. We are living in a time now that is unprecedented in hypocrisy and blatant stupidity. I never thought I would see the day of four dollars for a gallon of gas or a pot roast in a store going for $130. A day that when I’m checking out of the store that can’t even keep the shelves fully stocked, they are paying stock people $17 an hour to mellow round while I have to check myself out at a register. For those of you old enough to remember, $17 an hour took you quite a long time to achieve. Now a burger joint is willing to pay you that just walking in the door. I’ve stated before that things were going to get out of hand unless we stepped up and stood against it. Obviously those words fell on deaf ears. So with that said, don’t sit around bitchin’ about how horrible things are, when you’re not willing to do anything to change it. So what does this have to do with motorcycles? As always, everything relates to another thing somehow. So let’s go ahead and put it together. Would you get on the highway with a group of riders you’ve never ridden with before and be in closed formation? Of course not. You don’t do that type of riding until you have trust and confidence in the ones that you’re around. Would you just get in a group of riders and takeoff on a ride without knowing where you’re going? Of course you wouldn’t. Just like you would like to know when you might be returning. Would you take off and go out on a daily ride without a dollar in your pocket? Of course you wouldn’t. If you had other bills to pay and money was tight, would you be prepared to pay triple at a gas pump? Of course not. Would you buy a motorcycle or any other vehicle without matching the title and the VIN numbers on the bike or would you just take the seller’s word for it that the bike’s papers are legal? Of course you would check.
I can go on and on but, what it amounts to is to relate everything to something else that you’re familiar with. You would love to believe everyone’s honest. You would love to believe everyone would have your best interest in mind… not just theirs. We would love to believe that everybody takes the same care and thoughtfulness as you might when they get on their bike or when they’re hanging with others.
The best thing I believe you can promise yourself is to learn from your mistake and try not to repeat them. The bottom line is to make what you commit to realistic. I’m not saying don’t take any risks in your life. After all, the majority of the time, a risk is involved in order to attain dreams and goals. Like the saying goes, don’t expect to win the lotto if you don’t buy a ticket. So everything is relative. If there are other things that you want to do that are worthwhile, volunteer some of your time. Unfortunately, with social distancing that can be difficult, but not impossible. I wish all of you the best of luck and hope your dreams come true. And I wish you all a very prosperous new year. For the douche bags out there, well you know what you can do. Take care, ride safe, have fun and be happy. Until next time.
Tell Jim what you’re thinking, what do you want to say to him? editor@borntoride.com
— Nefarious James American Biker BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 45
In case you haven’t seen the memo, ‘lifted trucks are the new black’. Long gone are the days that pick ups were only thought to be driven by farm hands, cowboys and construction workers. Lifted Trucks are as mainstream and American as ‘baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and chevrolet’ and we know just the man to help you get that ‘oh so perfect’ ride height for your cargo crawler. Meet Jeremy Breher of Fidelis Automotive. Jeremy Breher has the confidence and the skill set to get things done quickly, effectively and correctly when it comes to not only lifting trucks, but with almost all things automotive. This is a mindset he brought with him after he served from 2007 to 2011 w the U.S. Marine Corps. After serving his tour of duty in Afghanistan, he came to a crossroads in life - Should he stay in the Marine Corps, or as another option, go back to school, get his degree and reenlist as an officer? He came to the conclusion that he could accomplish more for himself, and his country, by going back to school. Being the go getter that Jeremy is, while attending school in 2012, he started Fidelity Automotive Services of Tampa. Through 2015 Jeremy ’burned the candle at both ends’ by attending school and running a business. His business became so successful that he decided to not reenlist and pursue a full time career in the automotive industry. In 2017, Jeremy started Fidelis Automotive in the heart of Brandon, Florida and he hasn’t looked back.
In the time span between 2017 and 2021 Jeremy and his capable crew at Fidelis Automotive have garnered quite a reputation for getting things done, quickly and correctly. They are able to tackle just about any issue from wheels to wiring on any make and model of vehicle, foriegn and domestic.
In the last couple years though, Fidelis Automotive has become the ‘go to place’ to get that pick up truck lifted to just about any height, in any manner that suits your particular taste. His specialized team has been in the ‘lifting’ game for many years. They are known to be the best in the business, and though it’s not about ‘speed’, they can typically get the job done in half the time of their competitors. Just as he once was as a Marine, Jeremy takes pride in himself, his team, his business and has the confidence in getting the mission done correctly for his client and customers.
VETERAN OWNED , TRUSTED QUALITY SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR CAR AND TRUCK NEEDS.
FIDELIS AUTOMOTIVE 3146 E. SR 60 Valrico FL 33594 | 813-730-3473
JOHN & HEATHER WEDDING SWEETNESS
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MARRIAGE!
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CHUCK LIDDELL READS IT!
A NEW YEAR’S CACKLE
Hey there my BTR friends. Welcome to 2022. Time for Mike and I to make yearly resolutions which we really try to keep. I must say though, Mike sets his sights pretty high to spend less, waste less time, and eat less. He usually shoots himself in the foot late January or early February. Me, on the other hand, go for the little things that I can stick to like: not complaining about the amount of nuts he gives me, not squawking loudly scaring my fans, and not pooping on the Fat Bird when he takes me out for a ride.
Mike breaks in, “Spyke, are you cackling about my 2022 goals? Well, I won’t have a problem spending less, because I don’t have any Christmas money left, which means I won’t be wasting a lot of time buying useless stuff or yummy food to eat.” I cluck, “Dude, stop trying to baffle me with bird shit. Did you forget for one second who has the brains between us? Speaking of brains, I used mine to let the readers know the real story behind your overeating and Christmas indulgence. It is written to the tune of, Twas the night before Christmas. Twas the month after Christmas, and all through his room, Nothing would fit him, not even his huge pirate costume. The cookies he nibbled, the eggnog he’d taste, BTR 54 | BORNTORIDE.COM
At the holiday parties had gone to his waist. When he got on the scale there rose such a number! He didn’t walk around the room, it was more like a lumber. He indulged in all the meals that were prepared, The gravies, sauces, and beef nicely rared. The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese, All made him say, “I’ll have three servings please.” He dressed himself in some XL biker gear, And wiped down the scoot while drinking a beer. I squawked to myself, as only I can: “We can’t be seen riding since you morphed into a fat man! So, away with the various flavors of sour cream dips, Get rid of the fruitcake, crackers and chips. Every last bit of fattening food must be banished, ‘Till all your additional pounds have vanished. You can’t have any more ice cream, not even a lick, You’ll have to enjoy a long celery stick. No more hot biscuits, cornbread, or pie, You must munch on a carrot and quietly cry. You’ll be hungry, craving, and eating will become a big bore, But isn’t that what January is for? Unable to snack, no longer can you try it, Have a healthy New Year and stay on your diet!” Mike rolls his eyes and babbles, “Well Spyke, I’ll be losing weight by hiding it somewhere and you’ll never find it. I’m going to turn my scale that doesn’t read accurately into an anti-gravity machine.
Then, I plan on working out more at home by increasing reps of Tastykake curls to 3 sets of 15, 12 ounce Budweiser swings to a 24 pack and laterally raise three bags of BBQ chips in one hour. After those extreme exercise sessions, I’ll be driving by the fitness center at least twice a week. But in the long run I’m shooting for my XL waistline to last as long as my resolutions.” I chirp, “The only thing you’ll be hiding is your skinny jeans and medium-sized shirts. The real reason you’ll be driving by the gym is because the grocery and liquor stores are just passed it. I couldn’t see you walking through those doors anyways. It will be flooded with hopeful health-enthusiasts like yourself. In fact, it will be so busy that maneuvering around all those fitness freaks will be a work out in itself. How about instead joining a cult? You get to make new friends, go on special missions and membership is faster and cheaper than the gym! But in reality, I can’t believe how lost you are in thinking that the New Year is a life-changing event. If you had troubles last year, they’ll probably still be around next year. And being more optimistic by keeping your glass half full of beer and doing twice as many swings is not the answer.” Mike jabbers, “Well then, Spyke, here’s to no resolutions and a new year of extreme binge eating, boozing, and slacking off. The way you make me see it, I might as well just join the party! To hell with diet, exercise, and living healthy. Hop on my shoulder and let’s get my knees in the breeze, your wings in the wind, and the Fat Birds’ wheels rolling down the road. It’s my first ride past the gym and I need to stock up on taboo treats.” — SPYKE
Do you have a riding pet story? Let us know, Spyke wants to feature them! editor@borntoride.com
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CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION One of the great benefits of riding with friends is the fact that when you ride in a group there is a lot of support. That help, from one’s brother or sister, is available in the event of something going wrong along the way. It is also a blessing that the help provided isn’t based on owing a favor, or paying for the help received! The help is simply based on there being a need present and an opportunity to help fulfill that need. I’ll never forget a situation one of riders found herself in, and the wonderful help she received. The group was coming home from a rather long ride and one rider needed to stop, she was flat worn out. To make matters worse, It was after dark and the group was about 80 miles from home. The group pulled into a fast food burger joint and began making calls to see how the worn out rider could be helped. After several calls a brother with a utility trailer available was located. The only problem was that the trailer was 40 miles from where the group was located. The trailer was hitched up and on the road in short order, but it took about an hour to get to the group. Upon arrival it was noted that all of the riders from the group had stayed with
the rider and her bike. Very quickly several of the brothers set about tying the bike down to the trailer, and everyone mounted up for the final 80 miles to get home. The bike was off loaded from the trailer, and everyone rejoiced that there were no further challenges. After all shared handshakes and hugs, they headed home to call it a day. The point is this; the initial anxiety caused when the rider realized that she could not complete the ride was overcome by her knowledge of how close everyone was. She knew that the leaders of the group would find a solution. She also knew that the other riders cared for her and that they would take care of her. This was evident in that the bikers waited with the worn out rider, they stayed by her side! That kind of compassion and concern goes a long way to give confidence in the bikers being there for her. In 1 Peter 5:7, the Bible says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” The fact is that Jesus loves you and me. He is incredibly interested in and cares for us, and what is going on in our lives. He listens, and He calls our voice when we reach out to Him. He doesn’t want us to be anxious for anything; rather, He wants us to be happy and secure. He is only a prayer away! Like the riders in the above story, Jesus not only has to answer to all of our challenges, He is the answer. You can trust Him! In the Wind, Denny Dingler
Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association
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