Born To Ride #228 - May 2023

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

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

SALES & MARKETING

888-795-5779

ROAD CREW

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

SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT

Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds

ON THE ROAD TEAM

The John & Heather Show

CONTRIBUTORS

JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Susan

Hurst, Spyke & Mike, Eric Albright, Eric Vician, Myra

McElhaney, Paul Murray, James Gladstone Greg Blackwell, Felicia Morgan, John Sullivan

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ron & Selena Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Eric Albright, Chopper

Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon, Craig Miller, Vic Lawall

LAW FIRM

FRAN HAASCH LAW GROUP

www.LawFran.com

866 LAW Fran

BORN TO RIDE OFFICE

888-795-5779

HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

Letter from the Editor DAVE NICHOLS

FROM THE HELM

TO THE BEST OF US

This marvelous May issue of Born To Ride has much to celebrate and honor this month as we tip our caps to all the women in our lives as well as those who paid the ultimate price to keep us all free. Mother’s Day happens on May 14th and Memorial Day takes place on May 29th. So, to begin this month’s two-wheeled tirade, I’d like to thank those without whom none of us would be alive. Here’s to women and to the mothers who birthed us. The entire May issue is packed with material featuring women who ride and who make a real difference in the world.

On the cover we find fearless personal injury attorney Fran Haasch who is a wife, mother, and philanthropist who has spent over 20 years taking care of downed bikers and giving back to the community she loves. We are proud to have Fran as a friend and sponsor to so many Born To Ride events.

Our Woman’s World feature this month showcases the amazing Rebecca Kuo Ryan who is both an orthopedic surgeon and a biker, riding her BMW S1000 R sport bike. She is extremely precise both on the racetrack and in the operating room. We also bring you the Queen of Speed; one of the fastest women on two or four wheels in our story about Valerie Thompson. She is an inductee in the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a member of several 200 MPH clubs and one 300 MPH club.

Put all of the above together and you have a terrific tribute to women who were truly Born To Ride. But the month of May is also known for our tribute to all the servicemen and women who keep America Free. Ride with us as we present the meaning of Memorial Day in an effort to never forget our veterans who serve. This special dedication began three years after the end of the civil war in May of 1868. The first large observance took place at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. and the ceremonies were presided over by General Ulysses S. Grant.

While the observance of Memorial Day has evolved over the decades, in December 2000, Congress passed “The National Moment of Remembrance” Act to

encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country and to commemorate the over 1.1million Americans who have died in the nation’s wars. We bikers are a patriotic bunch and are proud to honor all those who have served and are still serving this great country. Ride forever!

But that’s not all in this Spring bonanza of biker goodness. We are bringing you a killer look back at Motorcycling in the 1970s by Richard Skelton. We all remember our first motorcycle and this glance in the rearview is sure to bring back your early motorized memories and scooter adventures. Remember when the Honda 750cc four-cylinder came out?

How about the slick BSA and Triumph street machines that every kid was drooling over. Yeah, I know… I’m old. But, if you were part of those good ol’, bad ol’ days, you will love this article!

We’ll also check in with that biker helping other bikers, Mr. James Irwin, get the latest from Nefarious James, and yuk it up with Spyke & Mike. We’ll bring you wise words from the late, great Craven Moorehead, and offer up our movie review of Chopper Chicks in Zombie Town. Big bad Roxx and her Cycle Sluts roar into town where a mad scientist is creating living dead zombies. What’s not to like?

Don’t forget, if you have a biker-friendly business, let us get the word out to all the riders about your products and services. Born To Ride reaches thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts every month. For all you loyal Born To Ride readers, catch us every Thursday on Boss Hogg radio and join our Facebook Group to keep up with all the latest rides and parties. You can catch Born To Ride’s Choppertown

Live chopper shows in the biker’s bible, Easyriders magazine.

Here’s to Born To Ride’s own Mother Superior, Debbie Galletti! We love ya, Deb! Don’t forget to buy Mom some flowers for Mother’s Day and let’s remember all those who serve our land to keep America free. Now let’s get out there and enjoy that hard-won freedom by twistin’ the grip.

— Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com

RON GALLETTI SAYS DECIDE BEFORE YOU RIDE!

RIDE SAFE RIDE SMART scan everything to stay alive on the mean streets when riding your motorcycle or driving your car. You should be especially aware at intersections because there are many things to scan constantly to make it to your destination. Warning signs like cross traffic, traffic lights, merging traffic, surface hazards, directional signs, oncoming traffic, your rear-view mirror, or even people in crosswalks. We all have choices to make on the mean streets and in life. We need a plan of action. Just last month I knew someone who lost their life in a motorcycle accident at no fault of their own. Someone pulled out in front of him. A terrible time for family friends and all who knew him. He was a part of our motorcycle community. When I talked to his family, I asked did they call Attorney Fran Haasch to help them with this tragic accident. His older brother told me “no we googled a personal injury attorney and called 800 Joe Attorney who was a random type of Attorney”. I told him I’m so sorry for your loss, but I said to myself, wow, again someone’s family member didn’t know to call Attorney Fran Haasch - the attorney who has over 20 year’s experience with motorcycle accidents; is an advocate for helping bikers navigate the law, healthcare

issues, insurance claims and the repair or replacement of a motorcycle. Fran cares and fights for bikers’ rights every day and also supports the biker community by giving back to charity and community events all year long. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard this. I’ve heard this same comment before when a family or friend didn’t know that their loved one would want them to call Fran. Attorney Fran Haasch cares about all of us. She makes sure we publish Ride Safe Ride Smart from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation every month here in Born to Ride Magazine.

5 business cards. Give these cards to your loved ones and explain why they should call Fran if you were ever put in a situation where you couldn’t call yourself. I am doing this on my own because I care about our riding community and all my friends like you reading this who Ride and drive. You can even stop by Frans office in Palm Harbor to pick up a few business cards. Help me help our biker community Decide Before You Ride and ask for 5.

She wants us to be Safe and Smart and stay alive. I created the concept, Decide Before You Ride. I would like to launch this promotion because Attorney Fran Haasch isn’t just my Attorney, she is your Attorney too. Stop by any LawFran booth/tent set up at most biker events and ask for

Get 5 Fran Haasch business cards and give them to your loved ones who will know to make the call for you if anything happens. Let them know before you go. Get your 5 today. Call : 866-LAW-FRAN or call me 813-661-9402 if you would like to help me. Thank you very much.

– Ron Galletti rg@borntoride.com

“ We all have choices to make on the mean streets of life. We need a plan of action. We need to Get 5 and Decide Before You Ride! ”

THE MEANING OF MEMORIAL DAY

NEVER FORGET OUR VETERANS WHO SERVE

I have approached this subject several times over the years, Memorial Day is not the official start of summer, nor should it be the reason for a 3-day long weekend of parties, barbecues, or car sales.

Memorial Day has had several names over the 150 years of its existence; however, the reason for Memorial Day stays the same. The day is for honoring and showing respect for those who have been killed while serving in the military, beginning with the Civil War through current military engagements.

Over the years Memorial Day has diminished as a national holiday and has

become the unofficial start of summer and big box store specials. Why has it gotten to that point?

Simply stated, people don’t seem to care as much as they have in the past. With only 10% of the American population having served in the military, the other 90% seems to have forgotten what the actual cost of freedom is, those who have given their lives. Cemeteries will have small American Flags placed on the final resting places of our warriors and American Flags should be flown at half staff from dawn until noon at which time they will be brought back to full staff (or

to the top of the pole).

To properly bring the Flag to the half staff position the flag should be raised to the upper most position on the staff and then lowered to the half way position.

Now you should have some idea as to what Memorial Day represents and what respect and dignity the day should be shown.

Please say a special prayer for those who we have lost over the years. God Bless America and those who serve in uniform. It’s not about the war; it’s about those who serve to protect us.

VALERIE THOMPSON

is without a doubt the QUEEN OF SPEED She is the world’s fastest female motorcycle streamliner racer, hitting an incredible 328.467mph on the BUB 7 Streamliner motorcycle and is an eight-time Speed Record holder. She is also an inductee in the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a member of numerous 200 MPH Clubs and one 300 MPH Club. She is also known as Australia’s fastest female motorcycle land speed racer and was recently included in the Dealernews “Top 100 Leaders in Powersports” list. And that was all before lunch.

Most of us who ride motorcycles have “gone fast” on a bike. But we’re talking topping out at like 110 or 120mph. The fastest I ever went was 160mph on a 1000R Ninja. Even at that speed, the wind becomes a solid wall of force. So I had to ask Valerie, what does it feel like to pilot a Streamliner to over 300 miles per hour?

“It starts with me walking to the streamliner in my fire suit and helmet. Focusing. Getting my head around what is about to happen. My team is pushing and pulling me into a tiny cockpit that was made just to fit me. I am form-fitted into it, being strapped in, like a sardine in a can. They close the canopy over me and it is quiet for a moment but my focus is to make history. “The engine comes to life and I get a burst of energy

but then I go into a calm zone… totally focused. I touch the controls and know I won’t let go of them until the run is over. Then I am off! The experience is loud and bumpy and yet somehow serene. I am going very fast and the ground is very close. But I can’t afford any distraction. I get tunnelvision, only paying attention to the RPMs and I go for it. Your peripheral vision helps you focus on where you are on the track. In first gear you’re going 199 mph. In second gear you’re up to 255. In third gear you hit 335 and in fourth you can hit 363 mph.”

“Oddly, it all happens in slow motion. I don’t think about how fast I’m going and inside the streamliner you don’t feel the wind so you don’t feel how fast you are going. Sometimes the run that feels the slowest is actually your fastest. My execution has to be perfect and every run is a chance to make history. When you’re racing, you have to manage your fear. You have to understand the limits of your machine and manage risk. You have to have confidence in yourself, your vehicle and your team.”

I asked Valerie what inspires her to take these risks. She smiled and said, “The challenge.” When asked how she got into racing, what inspired her, she says, “Nobody inspired me to race. It was the challenge. I was always told I couldn’t do it. Mainly, I wanted to avoid getting tickets on my street bike. I was in my late 30’s when I started racing. I was told that I was out of control and that I should take it to the racetrack. I took my bike to a drag strip to see how fast it could go. Once I started, I never left. My local H-D dealership sponsored me and in my second year of racing, I placed third in the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA).”

Jesse Jurrens of Legend Air was a big inspiration to Valerie, sponsoring her racing efforts. “He invited me to the Bonneville Salt Flats to race my motorcycle. I thought I’d slip and fall on the salt. Even though I was worried, I bucked up and went out

there. I went 153 mph on my V-Rod, doing everything I could to hold on, rookie-style. The wind became a solid force and my helmet started choking me out. Luckily, I had a lot of great teachers who took me under their wings. I learned a lot from famous racer Wink Eller.”

Valerie’s racing career led her into the biker lifestyle, not the other way around. In 2018 she was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Now she’s on a mission to rewrite motorsports history in 2021 with the Target 550 streamliner team in Australia this coming March at the Dry Lakes Racing Association (DLRA) Speed Week competition by breaking the current FIA conventional wheel-driven, piston-powered automobile class speed record of 415.867 mph.

But that’s not all. Valerie and Team 7 Racing plan a minimum of two events for 2021 for the famed BUB 7 motorcycle

Most of us who ride motorcycles have “gone fast” on a bike. But we’re talking topping out at like 110 or 120mph. The fastest I ever went was 160mph on a 1000R Ninja. Even at that speed, the wind becomes a solid wall of force. So I had to ask Valerie, what does it feel like to pilot a Streamliner to over 300 miles per hour?

streamliner, including a private testing session and competing at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials August 28 –September 2nd.

If successful with both the Target 550 and Team 7 Racing teams, Valerie will become the first woman to ever go over 500 mph in a car and over 400 in a streamliner motorcycle. Her success story and relentless quest to become the world’s fastest motorcycle racer is a key plot line in “Rockets and Titans” an upcoming film documentary about the competitive world of land speed racing. You may have also seen Valerie featured in the award-winning documentary films, including “Why We Ride” and “Mega Speed” (Discovery Channel).

This year, Valerie could actually become the first woman to go over 400 mph both in a car and a motorcycle. Already ranked #7 on the world’s fastest motorcycle racers of all-

time list, Valerie has become the first woman in the seat of the incredible Treit and Davenport Target 550 Streamliner. While other women have reached fabulous speeds in a car and others in a motorcycle streamliner, no woman has done both. The net result might be the first driver over 500 mph in a piston engine car, and over 400 mph in a motorcycle. Something that NOBODY, man or woman, has ever accomplished.

You can become a part of this history making quest by sponsoring Valerie and her independent team to shatter barriers and set new speed records! Visit ValerieThompsonRacing.com for more information or follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

— Dave Nichols

THE REAL DEAL BIKER DESTINATION!

RIDE OVER AND SEE WHAT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT!

STAY TUNED FOR THE BORN TO RIDE MEGA BASH COMING SOON !

JILLIAN MEET

PHOTOS BY DANIEL GALLANT

Jillian Diana works for the Fran Haasch Law Group as a marketing girl at events. She loves meeting new people and getting to hear about the amazing impact that the law office has made in our community. When she isn’t working with the High Point community Center in donations and feeding the homeless in the Largo community. She loves to travel and has trips planned to the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Tennessee with the family this year. She tries to live life to the fullest and meet as many new people as possible. Come see her at the next Fran Haasch Law tent and say hi.

Special Thanks to Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson

RIDE APPALACHIA

As we prepare for our biggest motorcycle season yet here at Backroads of Appalachia and the Whitley County Motorcycle Group, we wanted to let everyone know a few important facts about who we are and why we do what we do here. Backroads of Appalachia is a 501-C3 Non-Profit Organization that strives to deliver economic development to the small forgotten coal towns in Central Appalachia through Motorsports Tourism and other development projects. The Coal Industry left our region almost 20 years ago, taking our livelihood and local economies. It brought poverty to towns that once flourished as they supplied the United States with our greatest commodity, Black Gold. Us mountain folk then began to realize that while the coal companies might have taken the minerals from our region, the roads they paved to get to the minerals exposed the true diamond in the rough. The roads in the hills and hollers these coal trucks once hauled coal on expose some of the best rides and sites in all of Appalachia. There simply is nowhere that compares to the backroads of Appalachia- and that’s why we call ourselves the last great outdoors. Explore the backroads we call home on our new “Backroads of Appalachia” mobile app that is available on

most devices. No matter what bike you ride- we have a trail for you here in Appalachia that is sure to take your breath away. While in our mountains, be sure to explore one of the more than 1,300 “Uniquely Appalachian” points of interest highlighted in our mobile app, including the mom & pop general stores that have served as the backbone of these mountain towns for decades, the hidden waterfalls and gems that us locals treasure, and some of the best country cookin’ of your life! Just picture yourself riding down the Dragon Slayer, the trail that started it all; imagine the epic scenery as you ride along the more than 200 twists and curves through the oldest mountains in the world and the highest peak in Kentucky. We understand you have countless options as a rider- and while many other destinations are fascinating, nowhere out adventures Appalachia. So now you must be wondering- Who is the Whitley County Motorcycle Group? In collaboration with Backroads of Appalachia, the Whitley County Motorcycle Group is a group of riders just like yourself. We love our Appalachian region- and we would love to welcome you to the place we call home! So if you are on Facebook, like the Backroads of Appalachia Facebook page and join the Whitley

County Motorcycle Group to stay up to date on the rides and events we have planned this year and everything motorcycle that is happening in Appalachia. We ride over 8 thousand miles each year in the WCMG all for charity and great causes while also helping our region and promoting our amazing trail system and mobile application. Our WCMG Road Crew is made up of local riders here in our region who grew up riding these roads and each year these riders volunteer their time to train on our routes to prepare for our season and upcoming events. Although we are just public riders on public roads we do our best to ensure that everyone who comes to ride our mountains has the best experience possible with safety in mind. Everyone is welcome to ride with us in the WCMG regardless of what you ride, where you come from, or what other groups you may belong to. We even have one of the fastest growing Lady Rider Groups in the Southeast The mountains are calling- will you answer?

Let’s Ride Appalachia!

-The Backroads of Appalachia Journalism Staff

‘Motorcycling in the 1970s’ is a series of five eBooks about motorcycling. The books are designed to be read together, but can also be enjoyed separately. The first volume, A Brief History of Motorcycling from 1887 to 1969, is a general history, swiftly told, of motorcycling in Britain from its beginnings at the end of the 19th century up until the dawn of the 1970s (interwoven to an extent with two-wheeled goings on in the USA and elsewhere). It charts motorcycling’s pioneering years, skips through two world wars, tells of social acceptability in the 1920s, hard times in the 1930s and slow decline in the 1950s and 1960s. This first book attempts to make sense of the two-wheeled world order, and of motorcycling’s place in society and everyday life, and sets the scene for larger, more detailed volumes which follow.

Volumes 2 - 4 are subtitled Funky Motorcycling 1 - 3 and together they form a comprehensive, in-depth history of the bikes and motorcycling trends and events in the

1970s. These three books tell the story of the arrival of the Superbike, the continuing and inexorable rise of the Japanese motorcycle industry and, partly from an insider’s point of view, the wasteful, lingering death of its British equivalent. They tell of the thrilling and extraordinary sporting machines from Italy and of the bulletproof BMW twins designed in Bavaria. They tell of motorcycling culture and of two-wheeled life and lives. In the 1970s, motorcycling became a leisure activity in a new and exciting way, there were more motorcyclists than ever before, or since, and dozens of new and ever more fabulous and technologically advanced motorcycles crammed the showrooms every year. It was the time of Jarno Saarinen and Giacomo Agostini and of Kenny Roberts and Barry Sheene. The time of British magazines Motorcycle Sport and Bike, and of Cycle in the USA, the time of journalists Cook Neilson, Mark Williams and LJK Setright in his pomp. These books set out the argument that although the protagonists were large-

ly unaware of it at the time, the 1970s as a whole can now be seen to have been a golden era in the history of the movement, a pivotal decade which represent a high point in the history of motorcycling that is never likely to be matched. The final book in the series is entitled ‘The Magic of Motorcycling.’ Something of a bonus volume that takes a sideways look at the 1970s classic motorcycle scene in the second decade of the 21st century, and explores what it is that makes motorcycling so special to so many people yet an anathema to a great many more. It also includes a comprehensive set of appendices – listing nostalgic, amusing and sometimes poignant reminders of the life and culture of the 1970s, reminding us of the global goings-on and domestic backdrop underlying the motorcycling scene and of course all lesser matters! The story of the project... My first book, Funky Mopeds, was published by Veloce Publishing in 2004, and considering it is about a very British phenomenon (the short-lived 1970s sports

Motorcycling in the 70s by Richard Skelton available at Amazon.com

moped craze and its social impact) I think it is fair to say it has sold reasonably well (5,000+ copies). Motorcycling in the 1970s is a follow up of a sort but much broader in scope. It took me some years to get around to writing it and several more to get it done. There were a few books out there on the 70s, but they tended to focus on glamorous superbikes or certain marques, so I thought there was room for an encyclopedic cultural history of motorcycling of that time. That is what I set out to achieve. I completed the manuscript in April 2013 and sent it to publisher Rod Grainger of Veloce. Rod said he liked and admired the project, but because of its huge size (getting on for 300,000

commercial potential. To keep cost down, he suggested a book without any images, but I felt pictures were needed to illustrate the text. I decided to self-publish, and in October 2013 I engaged a company to undertake the design and layout of an eBook. What followed was something of a trial. Many weeks passed at a time without progress, communication was abysmal, and the people working on it routinely ignored my instructions.

Finally, in May this year, I made the decision to take the project away from the firm, even though it was not completed. A fee was agreed and paid. Fortunately, the next people I engaged, www.ebooksbydesign.co, proved excellent. A series of eBooks were produced quickly and easily; the process was straightforward and enjoyable.

I launched the book on Amazon and other platforms in July 2014. Reviews so far have been generally positive, but I received criticism about the cover designs which have consequently just been changed. I have also just raised the price to $2.99

Motorcycling in the 70s by Richard Skelton available at Amazon.com

in the 70s by Richard Skelton available

per volume (at $1.99 the royalties were negligible - Amazon certainly take their pound of flesh!). So that is where the project currently stands. I hope you enjoy it as an eBook and that one day, perhaps in an abridged form, it can be produced as a physical thing.

ABOUT ME

This collection of books is, in some respects, a love letter to motorcycling. It is certainly written from the heart. I was born in late 1960 and I started riding powered two-wheelers in 1976, on a fabulous little 50cc ‘popsicle purple’ Yamaha FS1-E. Straight away, I felt that riding set me free in a way that was not only instantly joyful but also deep meaningful and somehow

I was stepping into a great, flowing river of history and I was deeply glad of it. I quickly became as interested in motorcycling’s past as its present – hungry to find out about the fascinating machines and singular people that made motorcycling what it was and had been. And I began to explore what it was that set motorcyclists apart from the majority and made biking so uniquely enjoyable. As an avid rider and reader, I became a student of ‘the sport.’ Those thoughts and feelings have endured for nearly 40 years now. And while I still find motorcycling in all its aspects as boundlessly fascinating as did my teenage self, it is the period in which I plunged in and joined the flow, the time when I was at my most impressionable and when my

mind was at its most absorbent that still holds the greatest interest for me todaythe 1970s. The time when I fell in love with motorcycling.

FUNKY MOPEDS - THE 1970S SPORTS MOPED PHENOMENON

When I entered my forties at the beginning of the 21st century, I began to become nostalgic about my first year of motorcycling. The 12 months I spent on my fabulous little Yamaha FS1-E between November 1976 and November 1977. In late 1972 the British Government raised the minimum age for riding motorcycles to 17, obliging all 16-yearold would-be motorcyclists to ride shopping mopeds for 12 months, or so they hoped, decide to give bikes a miss

altogether. But completely unwittingly, they created an entirely new category of two-wheeled machine (the sports moped) which brought about a cultural phenomenon and a fuelled a motorcycling boom. There was a frenzy of innovation from motorcycle manufacturers, each intent on offering the most exciting machine possible packing only 50ccs. These super little bikes became ‘must have’ objects for many thousands of British teenagers, including me. It was wonderful. The bikes were fast (or so we thought), we were free (or so we believed) and it was great fun. Joyful, in fact, and many of us became hooked into motorcycling for a lifetime as a result of our shared and happy experience. The government changed

the law again, redefining the moped as a machine with a design speed of 30mph (20mph less than fabulous little mini motorbikes like the FS1-E and 30mph less than some Italian machines). It killed the breed and cut off at the root, British motorcycling began to wither away. Nearly 40 years later I decided to write a book about the 1970s sports moped phenomenon.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT

After my Yamaha FS1-E I had numerous ‘proper’ bikes but it would be many years before I came to own a Ducati. Significant machines in chronological order include: Honda CB200, Triumph Bonneville (T140V), Honda 400/4, Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans, Yamaha FJ1200. Then, after a break, Yamaha 600 Fazer, Ducati 748, Ducati Multistrada, Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans, Triumph Bonneville (modern type) and now a BMW R1200R. I left school at 16 and worked in the printing industry until I was made redundant in 1980. In 1981 I got a job with a small independent film company and made my own 16mm documentary film about sidecar racing called ‘Sidecar’ which is still available from Duke Marketing on the Isle of Man. Then I worked in professional

television production for many years, starting off as an assistant film editor at Yorkshire Television and then becoming a freelance sound editor. During this time I rode sporadically. Some years many miles, some none at all.

My TV career continued until 2010, but in 2003 I found time to write my first book, Funky Mopeds and from 2004 for three years I worked part-time as a reporter and feature writer covering the British Superbike Championship for British publications BikeSport News and Motorcycle Racer. At that time Alan Clark (my friend’s Yamaha RD200 riding brother in the above story from 1975) was running a two man team competing in the 125GP support class so it was an especially enjoyable time. In recent years television work has tailed off (many reasons) and my wife and I have earned a crust by running a bed and breakfast business in our home and operating a small company renting out classic cars. More recently, we have started a new business selling souvenir toy bears (www. summerwineclassics.co.uk). I have also spent time writing Motorcycling in the 1970s and Chris Carter at Large. Other projects are in the pipeline.

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.

Women’s World

Dr. Rebecca Kuo-Ryan is Skilled on the Track and in the Operating Room

“What are you doing?”

This was Rebecca question to her boyfriend Robert when he bought a motorcycle.

Rebecca had never been around bikes but as an orthopedic surgeon with a specialty in spinal injury and as the daughter of an orthopedic surgeon, she’d seen several people who’d wiped out and ended up in the operating room.

She noticed that Robert was a very careful rider and soon, knowing how much it meant to him, Rebecca gave it a try. Despite seeing results of accidents, she wasn’t afraid on the back of his BMW touring bike and quickly began to enjoy it.

“What if he’s injured or something and I need to go for help?” As a mother of two and a doctor, Rebecca was used to being prepared to handle anything. To answer her own question, she decided to learn to ride. Just in case!

After taking the rider safety class Rebecca bought a BMW S1000 RR sport bike even though Robert hates what he calls, “crotch rockets.”

When Robert and Rebecca became engaged the photographer asked about their common interests. When she heard about the motorcycle riding she suggested a few engagement photos with the bikes, besides the lake with the Chicago skyline in the background. Great idea!

A medical assistant in Rebecca’s office is married to a guy who organizes events at a sport bike track. Rebecca accepted her invitation to visit and fell in love with track racing. Robert was reluctant to join her at first but then he loved it, too.

Now she rides her ‘road bike,’ a Honda VFR to work and her sport bike on the track. Robert added a Zero SR Electric motorcycle as his ‘track bike.’

“The fast curves and leaning close to the ground,” Rebecca says, “It’s like skiing only on a bike!” She further explains that you aren’t racing other motorcyclists as much as you’re racing against your own best ride. The rides aren’t timed but are coached and judged according to exacting technique. You’re working on your speed, performance, and control. Rather than winning a race, your reward is challenging yourself and still leaving the track with a shiny bike and no broken bones!

Track riding constantly tests and increases your technique and

control. Sort of like an advanced skills class. The techniques learned and practiced on the track also come in handy on the road when you hit a patch of ice or must maneuver quickly to avoid an accident and if you go into a corner too hot you can adjust and prevent

wiping out. In some ways, the track is safer than the road she says because you’re more visible and there are no cars, trucks, and intersections to deal with.

Exacting technique, skill, and speed also are important in the operating room. Wouldn’t you want a surgeon who’s skilled, thinks fast and is precise? Rebecca sees her share of motorcycle accidents in the operating room, including some from the track she rides on.

Rebecca was called to examine a guy in his early twenties who’d wiped out on his bike. The parents weren’t exactly happy when she walked into the exam room in full motorcycle gear, carrying her helmet. They were hoping he’d get a lecture on the dangers of motorcycles. Instead, he got a lesson on the importance wearing the proper gear and advancing his skills.

Besides commuting to work on her bike and riding at the track regularly, Rebecca often takes short motorcycle road trips with Robert during the spring, summer, and fall before the Chicago winters cover the track with snow.

If you or someone you know rides her own and has an interesting story to share contact Myra@MyraMcElhaney.com and maybe, you’ll be featured in the Women’s World column.

Myra McElhaney

JAMES IRWIN

HAVE YOU MET JAMES IRWIN?

TELL US A LITTLE OF YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPLAIN WHAT A CSA IS?

I am in financial services. I help people avoid transferring money unknowingly and unnecessarily. Sure when you say financial services it can have many meanings. Of course we help people invest their money and find places for them to put their money. What I do that’s UNIQUE is I help people find places where they could be transferring money unnecessarily and then I bring that back to them. First, to increase their accumulated assets to make their future more solid. And secondly, to help people increase their present lifestyle so that the journey along the way is pleasant. That is what I do. I help people find money that they are losing unnecessarily.

A CSA is a special designation. The Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA) educates and certifies professionals who work with seniors. The Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® credential applies to professionals who are able to demonstrate their competence and knowledge of working with older adults into their professional practices. By creating a network of qualified professionals, SCSA strives to create a strong and safe environment for seniors and those working with them. The Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA) educates and certifies professionals who work with seniors. The Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® CSAs understand how to build effective relationships with older adults because they have a broad-based knowledge of the health, social, and financial issues that are important to older adults. Through certification, Certified Senior Advisors agree to uphold the Highest ethical standards for the benefit and protection of the health and welfare of older adults. Currently there are less than 3400 individuals nationally in financial services that have earned this recognition.

In addition I am also a chapter president of AFEA The Nation’s leader in non-profit financial education! AFEA is a an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, AFEA’s mission is toinform and empower Americans to take control of their finances by providing comprehensive financial education in communities nationwide.

A BIKER HELPING BIKERS, TELL US ABOUT THAT CONCEPT AND WHY YOU ARE AN AVID RIDER?

It’s a way to give back to the community I love. Bikers have told me in the past they don’t want to work with the suits of society when it comes to financial services. Even though my national HQ is located in the most prestigious building in Tampa loaded in suits, you’ll never see me in one. I usually ride my Harley to work

and enjoy setting of car alarms in the garage from the rumble of my bike.

I got my first minibike at age six. Had a brief sponsorship from Ducati racing sport bikes and have owned numerous Harleys. There have been only a few years when I have not owned a motorcycle in my lifetime. The feeling and therapy it affords me is priceless. I will never stop riding.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU TO HELP VETERANS GET EVERYTHING THEY ARE ENTITLED TO AND GIVE US A FEW EXAMPLES HOW YOU CAN HELP?

Veterans are the reason we enjoy our freedom! A country that creates them needs to take care of them. We can never THANK them enough. I have found many get frustrated trying to understand what they are eligible for. The general information that are given is like trying read an IRS tax code. I have helped many enhanced their health benefits, reduce Medicare cost,gain disability benefits and help with long term care benefits. As a CSA we are educated on ways to help.

WHAT IF WE ARE ON MEDICARE OR KNOW SOMEBODY WHO IS? WHAT CAN WE DO TO AVOID SCAMS?

Just call me 833-467-2865 it would take pages to list all the ways people get victimize and many don’t know till they use the plan. I get calls everyday about this. As a CSA a lot of people who were mislead get referred to us. I offer unbiased advice based on your needs not mine.

healthinsurance65.com IS YOUR WEBSITE, YOU CAN HELP WITH RETIREMENT INSURANCE, MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY,VA AND LIFE PLANNING AS WELL AS INVESTING IN THE FUTURE.HOW IMPORTANT IS THE TRUST LEVEL THAT YOU CAN BE THAT PERSON TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR CLIENTS FUTURE?

Its very important! My services are unique since they is no cost to the client and without judgement. I have worked with folks with hundreds of dollars to well know celebrities with millions of dollars. Everybody get’s the same treatment. Most Financial Advisors charge a fee just to talk, I don’t. In the past before slowing down in my sixties I was for several years the #1 producer in the country with many well-know insurance companies. I was always unbiased and did what was best for the client not me. This is how I built my business. My dad alway said to me “ You brought this on yourself” and “What goes around comes around” and of course “One day you’re gonna thank me for this” So this upbringing has earned me a blemish free reputation.

TELL US ABOUT THE MOVIE YOU WERE INVOLVED IN THE” THE BABY BOOMER DILEMMA”?

The move is a documentary critically acclaimed a must see by Forbes magazine among others. The trailer to the movie is on my website www.healthinsurance65.com anyone who goes there can request a FREE movie streaming pass since it is no longer in theaters.

YOU OFFER A FREE BOOK MISSION ONE MILLION ON YOUR WEBSITE HOW DO WE GET IT AND WHY READ IT?

It’s an interesting short informative read. Not dull and boring. Everyone who reads it or watches the Movie has said they are glad they did! I guess eventually someone will give it negative reviews but so far all positive!

IS IT TRUE YOU OFFER MONEY SCHOOL WEBINARS SEEMS LIKE A GREAT WAY TO LEARN AND THEY ARE ONLY 20 MINUTES FREE OF CHARGE?

Yes the Money schools webinar invites are easy to watch and simplify complicated subjects free of charge.The book is for anyone wanting to get out of debt, build wealth, and create financial independence.

People will have a chance to meet you at Gibtown bike fest and Thunder by the Bay this year. WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THEM AND WHAT KIND OF QUESTIONS SHOULD THEY BE ASKING?

They can ask me anything love talking motorcycles. And they should be asking themselves if they current financial plan (Only works in good times?) Or (causes you stress?) Or (is your 401(k) now a 301(k) or a 201(k) If any of those questions are yes they don’t have the right financial plan.

As you know bikers are very charitable people giving back to the community in many meaningful ways. I’am of course a biker and that why with the help of many generous people we offer these FREE BOOKS ,WEBINARS, MOVIES and CONSULTATION. A biker helping biker that’s what its all about!

Craven Moorehead

MAY I SEND YOU A MESSAGE?

code. On Born To Ride radio it simply has its own cameras and it’s a topic of discussion on most of the shows but not the most important of topics. I love doing Talk-Radio, and I know that Lynne and Eddie do also, but we are trying to do something good for our local community and worldwide.

With all the recent activity in my life, it becomes unusually difficult for me to enjoy just hanging out or being my usual rotten self. I have been constantly reminded of my degenerate lifestyle and lack of reasonable income, plus the fact that no matter what I do, some kind of crap comes up that prevents my happiness and success. Well, not really. I mean, it could be worse - much worse.

Here’s an example: I had to go to the office today to do some business and when I left there, RT60 was in total Eastbound chaos. There was some sort of serious accident involving a motorcycle which spread small pieces of debris and parts all the way across the 3 eastbound lanes. If I had arrived an hour later, I wouldn’t have been able to make the turnaround to the BTR office. Evidently, this was fairly serious and every type of police and emergency vehicle were present on the scene. Every month I remind all of you, my dedicated readers, to look out for and respect the motorcycle riders that are out there using our nation’s highways. I suspect that most of you actually have and ride a motorcycle, but this message goes out to the general public: Watch out for and respect motorcyclists and remember to share the road! Correctly. … And we all said please and Amen. (No, I’m not really a preacher)

Originally, I was going to write the majority of this story about Lynne’s hair. You see, Eddie and Lynne are Co-Hosts on Born To Ride radio on Tuesday night. We have a lot of fun doing it and it provides a ton of valuable information to those of us who ride. But Lynne’s hair is so large it allegedly has its own zip code and area

I can’t seem to avoid the “Talk-Radio” circuit because I have a really cool radio on the bagger, and infrequently the radio in my old pickup still works. I used to listen to the CD player on the bagger or try to find the ‘one out of many’ stations that didn’t play the same worn out seven songs between commercials. Good radio is hard to find nowadays – especially when you want to rock out or enjoy some progressive country music that doesn’t make ya want to cry in your beer. Anyhow, following talk-radio has brought me to the same plateau that watching television does. Maybe I shouldn’t say plateau, I should say cliff. Yeah you know, the one you wanna jump off when you’ve had enough BS in your life from the regulated media. And this revelation that I was given by listening to regular radio be it talk, music, or a combination of both brought me back to my abnormal reality.

So with all the aforementioned conflicting and sometimes useless information that I am supplying you, I decided to get back in the Internet broadcasting business, largely due to the fact that I had extra room in my new location and moreover my personal desire to try to make things better for the general public and bikers, whether that constituent is listening or not. Honestly, I hate to just talk about radio in general and I am continually trying to change it with the help of Born To Ride.

The truth of the matter is that wherever you go, you will still be exposed to the same ‘media’ slant that all the regulated outlets cram down your throat. Unless you live in a small town where you can actually call into a radio station and get your request played, you are pretty much stuck with what you get. … I am trying to change that.

For what it’s worth, I believe that in the very near future the Internet is where all you regular people will get all your entertainment. It’s alarming to observe the huge number of people who get all their content from their phones ... be it TV, radio, or movies the Internet has taken the forefront in the delivery of your content. For better or worse, just live with it. You are stuck with it.

Don’t forget to tune in to Born To Ride radio every Tuesday night between 8 PM and 11 PM. I thank you and so does Lynne’s hair. …

THE LOVE OF RIDING

For many people, there is nothing like the feeling of hitting the open road on a motorcycle. Whether it’s the sense of freedom, the rush of adrenaline, or the camaraderie of riding with friends, the love of motorcycling is a passion that millions of people worldwide share.

One of the reasons that people love motorcycling is the sense of freedom that comes with it. Riding a motorcycle allows you to feel the wind in your hair (or when you get older, your bald spot, bald head, or thinning hair) and the sun on your face. Motorcycles allow you to experience the world in a way that is impossible in a car or on foot. You can take the scenic route, explore winding roads, and discover hidden gems you would never have known existed. Another reason that people love motorcycling is the thrill of the ride. There is something uniquely exhilarating about the speed and power of a motorcycle, as well as the challenge of navigating twists and turns in the road. Whether cruising along the highway or tearing up a dirt track, riding a motorcycle is an experience that will surely get your heart racing. They offer a way to feel you are in control of your actions and your life.

For many riders, the love of motorcycling is also about the sense of community that comes with it. Bikers are a tight-knit group,

and there is a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support among those who share a passion for two-wheeled machines. Whether joining a local motorcycle club, attending rallies and events, or simply riding with friends, motorcycling is a social activity that brings people together. The love of bikes brings all walks of life together under a single common bond.

craftsmanship and engineering that goes into creating a great bike. From sleek lines and powerful engines to intricate details and custom accessories, motorcycles are works of art designed to be beautiful and functional.

New locations and experiences await your arrival. You can’t experience life living online or surfing your couch. Getting out there experiencing life, good or bad, may open your eyes and heart to the rest of the world. You might discover a love for motorcycling and all that it brings that lasts a lifetime. There are times in life when you feel that memories are the only things you have left. Riding may help fill that void. Flood your mind with the memories of good times riding with friends, having two-wheeled adventures or even when you’re riding alone and enjoying your own company. Your time on this planet is limited and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Don’t waste your precious time on trivial crap.

Live every day of your life like it’s your last. You control what makes you happy. Do what puts a smile on your face. Motorcycling may be your missing link. Until next time.

Finally, the love of motorcycling is often rooted in a deep appreciation for the

— Nefarious James Patriot & Freedom Fighter For the American Way

“Another reason that people love motorcycling is the thrill of the ride. There is something uniquely exhilarating about the speed and power of a motorcycle, as well as the challenge of navigating twists and turns in the road.”

Out of all the ‘biker exploitation’ movies I have reviewed, this one may be the funniest! The 1991 film features Billy Bob Thornton, MTV VeeJay Martha Quinn, and a few other B movie celebs. This movie has it all – hot chicks, lesbians, motorcycles, midgets and a troop of blind orphans - who wouldn’t love it? First off I must tell you the Chopper Chicks don’t actually ride “Choppers” but they do ride Sportsters, all equipped with engine guards and various custom paint jobs. The girls in the film are members of an all female motorcycle gang called the “Cycle Sluts” which in itself is funny. They do have the usual trappings of women traveling in groups, such as being on the rag, and searching for meat.

Anyway, the film begins when the Cycle Sluts cruise into the small town of Zariah looking for a good time. In Zariah, an evil scientist turned mortician has been killing local townspeople with the help of dwarf that he continually abuses. After turning the folks into zombies, he uses them as labor at an abandoned mine. The mine is too radioactive after underground nuclear testing to be mined by living people. He later admits the real reason he’s doing it isn’t for the money, it’s because he’s just plain mean. The zombies are released when a curious little boy opens a door in the apparently abandoned mine, thus releasing the un-dead, and of course this act is his un-

doing. In the mean time, the girls are in town, and decide to split up and go look for some meat. One of them is run over by the mortician, and is turned into a zombie, while the others find their way into various sexual situations with the local guys. This is where we first meet Billy Bob who plays the ex of one of the chopper chicks. They meet in a church where the dwarf is attempting to shoot her, and retreat to his trailer for some fun. Another mistake for the midget, and more punishment later, the zombies are still marching on, and they are getting hungry!

On the way to town the zombies encounter a group of blind orphans, who are stranded just on the outskirts after their bus breaks down. Luckily for the kids their bus-driver always keeps an Uzi on the bus (for sentimental reasons) and while the driver seeks help the kids (shooting blindly) manage to hold off the zombies until the chopper chicks arrive to rescue them in a hearse. Even though the girls are doing some good deeds, the locals don’t seem to like them too much and repeatedly attempt to run them out of town. That is until the town is overrun by blood thirsty zombies! But wait – the town folk refuse to help the girls fight the zombies because “they are all family.’’ Hordes of zombies begin eating their relatives as the girls fight them off. The dwarf decides to turn against the mortician, and tells the girls that the only way to kill the zombies is to “cut their heads off.” The chopper chicks use baseball bats, chainsaws, and other devices to do away with many of them, but just when they think they have won, dozens more arrive. The girls devise a plan to lure all the remaining zombies into the church using raw meat as bait. They load the meat truck with dynamite, and crash it into the church. The timer on the dynamite goes off and the church goes up in flames burning up most of the remaining zombies.

In the final scenes the Cycle Sluts are rewarded with a sack full of cash and induct the dwarf and several of the blind orphans as honorary members of their gang. They then ride out of town with some of the men folk (their new ‘bitches’) on the back of their bikes and toss wads of money into the wind as they roll down the road to a new destination and adventure.

This review could not possibly expose you to all the hilarious action that this film provides. It is sometimes so ridiculous that you would find yourself rolled up in a knot from uncontrollable laughter. It takes shots at old films, TV and life in general, but it never leaves you bored. I admit that I have a sick sense of humor, but for some unknown reason, I actually liked this film! (I usually don’t) Try this one out. It’s available on DVD from Troma Films, www.troma.com or at your local ‘strange DVD dealership.’ I have to give this one 4 out of 4 stars just because it’s super-funny. … Till next month. ...

Hey, hey, it’s May my BTR friends! The beginning of summer months, summer rain, and summer heat. My feathered ass likes summer shade the best. That’s ‘cause us parrots don’t sweat. We have to keep cool by breeze, shade or rain. Sitting parked in the shade on the scoot is my preferred summertime perch and when it rains, it’s a bonus! But what I really like most is going down the road in the breeze, minus all the flapping shit that other birds have to do. Mike cuts me off, “Hey, you feathered fruit loop. Your bonus is what I dread. Riding and even sitting in the rain means that the Fat Bird 3 has to be detailed more often to keep it spotless. Riding in the summertime wind is more like riding into a hairdryer set on high heat. I just wish you would flap your wings more. I could use a good fanning while riding. Speaking of riding, it seemed like you really enjoyed our adventure and time in Zephyrhills.”

I squabble, “Dude, it was an awesome day for a ride, and the town welcomed us with open arms. I really love going to different places, developing new friendships, and making Kodak moments happen. Even the local reporter from The Zephyrhills News put us on the spot and in their paper.”

Mike blabbers, “And you almost got us locked up, you feather-headed freak of nature. Zephyrhills’ finest was okay with you getting that Polaroid shot with one of them but the instant you started climbing your way into the side door of the mobile command unit, their smiles turned upside down. The moment I saw a rookie reaching for his Taser and his buddy shaking a jar of

SUMMER BREEZE BALLYHOO

barbecue sauce at you, I realized that you had worn out your welcome. It was a good thing that the Born To Ride tent was close and I was able to plop your crazy ass on a VIP seat (the magazine rack) thus saving you from being served up fried with fries and in a basket!”

I cluck, “Yes, that was a close call. When I saw the look in their eyes, I knew they hadn’t been to a KFC in a while. All they had on their minds was ‘let’s fry a bird.’ I hope the boys in blue at Leesburg don’t get the memo that I’m coming!”

Mike replies, “That flock has flown. They already know we’ll be there ‘cause I had to put your mug shot and credentials on the list for a press pass and VIP tickets. I hope your avian antics won’t get us into any trouble.”

I cackle, “Man, I just can’t wait! I promise I’ll be on my best bird behavior. No loud squawking, no biting, no pooping on anyone’s shoulder, and no forcing entry into any law-enforcement vehicle. I’ll just let them open the door for me.”

Mike slaps his forehead and belches out, “Spyke, you’re a multicolored, dingbat. Let’s hope they don’t have to open the door for you. If they do, it’s not going to be a squad

car or command unit. It will be the animal control truck and you’ll wind up at the pound without me instead of walking around town with me.”

I cluck, “Don’t threaten me with a good time! Who knows, it may end up leading to some good writing material like – ‘Bird behind bars fails to make bail’ or ‘My daddy’s a true blonde and spent the money for my bond.’ Maybe even – ‘Large parrot under lock and key with no way to get back to her Harley.’ I like that one.”

Mike responds, “Stop right there, you fluffhead! You’re becoming delusional. I always have your bond money set aside. Years ago, I started a ‘Pennies for a Parrot’ trust fund that me and your avid followers have been depositing their loose change in. Should something ever happen to me, there will be cash for your disposal to use to get into or out of anything you’ll need for your existence after me.”

I chatter, “Awww daddy, you’re the best! While I’m finishing up the story, can you prepare my scoot for a ride please? I need to get my wings in the wind, your knees under the keys, and the Fat Bird 3 wheels rolling down the road to the bank so I can make a withdrawal from my trust fund. I wanna treat you to lunch!”

— SPYKE

Philip

Paul Clark RIP, GOD BLESS

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION

Have you ever said “if only”?

“If only I had done this”, “if only I had said that”, “if only I had gone this way or left earlier”. We all make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes result in consequences. Whether on the motorcycle or in our home life, we look back and think about how the past could have been different. It is easy to question those “if only” moments and play out a new path in our mind.

I recently had an “if only” moment: I was in a bike crash with a car. I was in heavy traffic, following a little too closely to the car in front of me, when they spiked their brakes. Although I walked away with only a broken rib and damage to the front end of my bike, I keep replaying the entire scenario in my mind wondering “if only”. I know I have to get back on the bike and I know these thoughts can take away my peace. So, what can help me move past these “if only” thoughts?

There was a song written in 1897 you may recognize and remember the melody to:

When upon life billows you are tempest tossed,

When you are discouraged thinking all is lost.

Count your many blessings every doubt will fly,

And you will be singing as the days go by.

Count your blessings, name them one by one.

Count your blessings, see what God has done.

Do you see where our focus should be in troubled times?

In the Bible it says: 1Th 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

It is easy to forget to focus on the good things in the midst of our “if only” moments. I, for one, am thankful for the many blessings that came from the bike accident. You see, we are free to choose how we react to each circumstance in our life. Our choice to react positively and give God thanks in our circumstances will allow each of us to learn, mature, and grow from them. Our CMA biker community is a group full of people who want to encourage you through these moments, so let us surround ourselves with people who will help us count our blessings.

Teach’s Takeaway,

- God is good and He is your answer.

- When you can be thankful, the problems will grow smaller.

- Our focus on God’s blessings will get us through the “if only” moments we face.

- Try naming your blessings one by one; it will help you see them more clearly.

As I count my many blessings during this time, I regain the peace that was lost. I am still working though the consequences of what happened but am thankful for the lessons I am learning in the process. Ride on.

Fellow Soldier in Christ, Wayne (Teach) Masiker

Christian Motorcyclists Association

wayne.masiker@att.net

RONNIE and EMILY’S RONNIE and EMILY’S

EVERYTHURSDAY NIGHT BIKE NIGHT!