Born To Ride #229 - June 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

Erick Runyon , Peter Soutullo, Craig Miller art@borntoride.com

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Deb Galletti DGalletti@borntoride.com

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

John & Heather

CONTRIBUTORS

JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Susan Hurst, Spyke & Mike, Eric Albright, Paul Murray, James Gladstone, Scott Odell Indian Rider Bill.

The Phantom

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ron & Selena Hawks, Doug Bright

Daniel Gallant, 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

ADVERTISE BORN TO RIDE OFFICE

888-795-5779

HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

Letter from the Editor

DAVE NICHOLS

FROM THE HELM

Born To Ride is celebrating Summer with a killer contest for you and your dad. Just write 100 words or less on why you and your dad deserve to win a trip of a lifetime! Read on to find out more, but first, some Father’s Day history.

The very first Father’s Day happened when an ancient neanderthal man named Zog smacked his 12-year-old son Ook, upside the head for taking his stone cycle for a joyride. No. That is not true. Actually, a small West Virginia church began the tradition back in 1908 after a sermon honored the memory of 362 men who died in an explosion at the Fairmont Coal company mines. The next year, Sonora Dodd established a Mother’s Day for dads in Spokane, Washington, drummed up support, and soon, the holiday for pops spread to other states. In 1972, Father’s Day became a nationwide holiday in the United States.

This issue of Born To Ride celebrates all the fabulous fathers out there, many of whom ride motorcycles. Did you know that there are over 70 million fathers in America? At Born To Ride, we care about family and this issue is packed with sensational stories about all the fathers out there. These stories include real tales of courage and sacrifice. Our head honcho Ron Galletti tells how his father and his Uncle Fidel proudly served our country in World War II. Uncle Fidel flew B17s!

You’ll find heartfelt stories that show the bond between generations. We’ll tell you about a father and son team who keep two-wheeled history alive as they ride the harrowing Wall of Death at motorcycle events from coast to coast. See a father’s legacy live on through his son and the famous Wheels Through Time motorcycle museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina in our tribute to Dale Walksler.

We’ll honor fathers everywhere with a poem by Antoine de Saint Expery and images of Alan Bernard’s four generations of riding family. But wait, there’s more! This month’s issue features fathers who ride with the West Coast Florida Riders. Meet founding father Lee Hagood and his band of badass dads. Then, meet Marcus Mendez of Camp Easy Ride who tells us how you can kick back at his pop-up campgrounds at a rally near you. Best of all, learn how you can win a free stay at Camp Easy Ride in Sturgis 2024. You heard right! Win a Free Stay at Sturgis Camp Easy Ride 2024 for you

and your Dad! Just jot down 100 words of less on why you should win and you could have a trip of a lifetime. Marcus of Camp Easy Ride sets the record straight on his amazing company and tells us why he supports this awesome promotion giveaway. Email your entry to info@ borntoride.com

And just for you, dad, we are featuring our Born To Ride babe of the month, awesome Angela to quicken the heartbeat of every dad out there. You’re welcome, daddy-o. All this plus a stern warning from Nefarious James, some Father’s Day laughs from Spyke & Mike, and a whole bunch more is roaring your way in the jazzy June issue.

Remember, if you own a biker-friendly business, let us bring your message to the riding world here in Born To Ride, and don’t forget to join our Facebook Group to stay up to date with all the motorcycle fun to come. Special thanks to our BTR dad, Ron Galletti who is also the Southeast Correspondent for Easyriders magazine. He makes sure that the best bike runs and rallies in the South make their way to the world’s Biker’s Bible. Check us out at www.classiceasyriders.com

Don’t forget, June 20th is Father’s Day. Tip your hat to the dads you love and it’s June, people! Let’s get out there and ride!!!

— Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! WIN A FREE STURGIS STAY WITH CAMP EASY RIDE!

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! ”

June is here and let’s not forget Dad. Father’s Day is a day honoring fathers, celebrated on various days in many places around the world. It compliments Mother’s Day. Happy Father’s Day to all the father’s reading this ad and Happy Father’s Day to all the mother’s reading this if you are a sole parent, mom and a dad of the family. Grandfathers, step-dads, uncles, brothers and sisters, you all deserve to be noted for what you do to be a figure in a child’s life. If dads not there someone who steps in as a fatherly figure. As the originator we have only one father but it’s up to life to keep it all together, life, family, growing up in a household that’s strong and loving.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad! A Marine and NYC Police Officer for 28 years. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me in my life. I admire you for who you are and how you always provided for the family. I love the way you loved your grandchildren and I’m proud they loved you back! To anyone reading this, call your dad and tell him Happy Father’s Day. If you’re not speaking, now is the time to start speaking to your father again.

HONORING THEIR COURAGE

My Uncle “Gee” was my dad’s father figure in his life for many years because his father worked many hours. He came from Italy and worked with marble but then later became ill and couldn’t do much with my dad. That’s when Uncle “Gee” stepped in and helped my dad in life as a father figure. So in this month of June, as a special Father’s Day tribute, we would like to honor my Uncle “Gee” Fidel Galletti who was a real WWII war hero pilot who flew B-17s. Most of all, he was my dad’s hero. This story is courtesy of The 390th Memorial Museum and my cousin, Marie Galletti Mitchell.

As Marie Galletti Mitchell and I corresponded regarding her story in the Sq. J, I found myself reflecting on how I enjoy talking with and writing to our descendants. They are special people … people who realize the importance of what our 390th did during WWII. Allow me to quote from one of Marie’s letters:

“What a group of good-looking, virile young men in Dad’s crew! Dad is first on the left in the front row. Laverne Dillow was killed in action. What a waste of life it was for him to have died so young! When Dillow went missing, his mother wrote to my mother to ask for news of her son. My mother has kept that letter in her wartime scrapbook ever since. Now that I’ve gotten older (age 61), I realize how many years and how many of life’s chapters young men like Dillow have missed.

So true…and today we honor those living and we memorialize those who have passed on to their reward. Heroes all ... and we hope that this story adds yet another chapter to their lives … let it be so!

THE WARSAW AIRDROP OF 1944

On September 1, 1939, Nazi tanks rolled into Poland and started World War II. By September 18, 1944, the Polish resistance, which had bravely fought Hitler’s military might for five long years, was trapped in Warsaw with food, ammunition and other supplies running dangerously low.

The Poles called upon the Allies to provide supplies by airdrop. The Allies agreed, and airmen of the 390th, along with the 95th and 100th, were called upon to replenish the patriots of Warsaw with the supplies they desperately needed.

There was a catch, however. Warsaw is situated west of the Vistula River from Russia, and the Soviets had an unstated plan: Joseph Stalin wanted to weaken Poland in order that Russia could add this formerly sovereign nation to its empire once WWII was over. So while Stalin orally agreed to the Polish Airdrop, he kept delaying it by refusing to allow Allied planes to land on Soviet soil. (At that time, B-17s could not carry enough fuel to fly from England to Poland round trip.) Meanwhile, the Poles were getting weaker, and thousands died fighting Nazi soldiers on the streets of Warsaw. Finally, in September

Ron Galletti

1944, Stalin relented, giving the Allies permission to land about one hundred B-17s at some makeshift airfields in Russia.

On September 18, 1944, my father, First Lieutenant Fidel Galletti, along with his crew of eight men, climbed into their Flying Fortress to complete their 23rd mission of WWII. These airmen would fly for 10 hours that day to provide the Poles with the supplies they desperately needed.

My father’s log for that day reads, “We were to drop supplies to the Polish partisans holding parts of the city. Load was 10 containers and 2,800 gallons topped off. Bombing altitude was to be 14,000 feet. We ran into weather about 50 miles west of target and did several 360s trying to get over it. Colonel Tuesdale [command pilot of the lead plane] gave up trying to get on top and decided to go under as the base of clouds was at 12,000 feet. We got to the IP [Initial Point] and started on the run when fighters hit us. We were flying 565 #2 in the high of the high and out of position as they hit us. They came out of the clouds, and the tail, waist and ball opened up on them. Nine of them attacked from six o’clock level, and Rogers [tailgunner] had the best shot at them. He got the fourth coming in. Two 20 mm shells hit in the cockpit alongside of Spencer [co-pilot], and the oxygen started burning.”

Behind the pilot and co-pilot were two oxygen tanks. Flak from the German ammunition pierced both tanks, setting the highly volatile gas into a blaze which quickly spread throughout the cabin. The co-pilot, William Spencer, found himself sitting next to a three-foot hole in the side of the plane, with oxygen burning all around him. His only option was to jump from his seat, through the hatch and into the nose. Before he leapt from the cockpit, he used the interphone to order the crew to bail out. At the same time, my father pulled away from the formation so that his plane, if it went out of control, would not bring down any other B-17s. He then set up the autopilot and hit the alarm bell. Both my father and the co-pilot were unaware that the fire had eaten through the communication lines, rendering it impossible for the crew to hear the orders to bail out of the crippled aircraft. Meanwhile, the interior of the airplane continued to burn, and the plane was filling with smoke. The airmen, while still able to breathe through oxygen masks, were unable to see through the dense smoke. The crew would have to act quickly if they were to save their lives and those of the Polish people they had flown so far to help. Top Turret Gunner Eduard H. Daly, reacting quickly to a five-foot hole and a fire in the waist of the plane,

AND SACRIFICE, HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

grabbed a fire extinguisher, put out the fire in the rear of the cockpit, then passed the fire extinguisher to my father. My father worked on putting out the fire up front, all the while knowing that if any flak were to nick the nearby primer fuel line, the plane would explode. The primer, next to the punctured oxygen tanks, was constantly charged with gasoline. Whenever fighter planes and ground antiaircraft artillery hit a plane, shrapnel can boomerang around inside the aircraft and hit anything or anybody in it, including, of course, the primer line. Fortunately, once the fires were extinguished, the worst was over. The primer was never nicked, and no one but the pilot sustained even minor wounds.

However, danger still threatened the aircraft and its crew. The right tail elevator, necessary to stabilize the aircraft, had been almost torn off, and the cables to the tail section were nearly severed. One of the duties of a pilot is to keep his plane stable, but the damaged tail elevator pulled against my father, physically moving him back and forth as he tried to control the aircraft. In effect, the damaged tail was working against him for control of the plane. In addition, my father was concerned that the torn tail cables, which had been shredded into wires, would get caught in the pulleys through which they threaded on their way from the control stick to the tail. Fortunately, this was not the case and finally, almost miraculously, after what must have seemed like hours of German attack, the Flying Fortress set down as scheduled on an improvised landing field in Mirograd, Russia.

In spite of fire and the damage to the plane, bombardier Harry Evje had been able to drop the supplies on target, thus fulfilling mission #23 of my father’s crew: to assist the Polish dissidents in resisting the Nazi army. In August 2005, a CNN documentary, “Warsaw Rising,” filmed from Warsaw during the airdrop, shows the B-17s approaching the city. They looked so heroic as they flew in to the rescue! In the words of narrator David Ensor,

“Suddenly, in the sky – a miracle!”

In the same documentary, Nina Januszowska Thiessen, a Polish underground courier, recalls of the airdrop:

That was the most wonderful picture, when the American planes came. They were very, very high, so you didn’t see anything; you just heard the mmmm [sounds] of the heavy bombers. Then, all of a sudden, there was –like flowers. The parachutes were multi-colored, you know.

And those multicolored flowers brought hope that Warsaw would live another day.

Over 2,500 years ago, Herodutus, “The Father of Western History,” declared that the purpose of written history was to memorialize glorious deeds. The Polish Airdrop of 1944 is one of modern history’s glorious deeds. America can be proud that the crew of B-17 #565, along with hundreds of other young American airmen, bravely risked their lives to take part in this gallant operation.

Galletti Crew #95

Pilot – Fidel Galletti

Co-pilot – William Spencer

Top Turret – Eduard H. Daly

Radioman – John Dudar

R. Waist Gunner – Franklin Mesmer

L. Waist Gunner – Laverne Dillow

Ball Gunner – Virgil Burton

Tail Gunner – Arthur K. Rogers

Bombardier – Harry Evje

Navigator – John J. Vitou

Pilot-Fidel Galletti

Happy Father’s Day to all the Fathers who are Born To Ride!

Thanks to Chopper Dave for some photos.

Happy Father’s Day from Born To Ride to All the Fathers out there reading

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 !

MEET ANGELA

PHOTOS BY DANIEL GALLANT

I first and foremost want to thank Born to ride magazine on behalf of snazzy suds Bikini wash babes for your amazing dedication to the biker community & for all of your support in what we do.

My names Angela, I’m the founder and owner of snazzy suds bikini wash company! We specialize in detailing motorcycles, hosting Bike washes & marketing events. I started the company in 2018. It has been the biggest learning experience of my life.

I can’t count the amounts of events and bike nights we have had the honor to work at and the amazing individuals we’ve met along the way My passion is truly cleaning the bikes to perfection and of course modeling on and with the bikes which has become quite the staple of our brand.

When a Customer tells me their bike is the cleanest it’s been since the day they bought it nothing beats that feeling and that’s why we continue being booked year after year at the best location.

As the owner I take pride in our reviews, in our advertising and most importantly in our reputation amongst our customers and the establishments that we host our bike washes at All of my beautiful Bikini wash babes are highly recommended, I am officially Introducing the best in Tampa Bay mobile detailing company to keep your motorcycle sparkling clean year round. We offer top-of-the-line services that are sure to leave you and your customers pleased. Contact Angela @snazzy_sudzbikinibabes or snazzysudsllc@gmail.com

RIDE APPALACHIA

Spring has sprung here in the Appalachian Mountains as the leaves return and the flowers bloom along our 52+ trail routes here on the Backroads of Appalachia throughout Eastern Kentucky, West Virginia, Southwest Virginia and Eastern Tennessee. I think I speak for all riders across the country when I say we are all ready to ride and we are all glad that old man winter is going away after a long season of our Iron Horses being corralled. All of us bikers are ready to make some thunder and some more memories as another riding season begins to take shape. Here on the Motorcycle side of Backroads of Appalachia, the all volunteer Whitley County Motorcycle Group Road Crew is already putting the miles down to prepare for our biggest season yet as riders across the country start to discover our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application and the best riding in the country, on the road less traveled, here in the Central Appalachian Region. We want everyone who comes here to our backyard to have the best and safest riding experience possible and we train and check our routes each year to make sure that is exactly what happens. This season the Backroads of Appalachia/WCMG team will attend 6 major motorcycle rallys and host over 30 events

and rides for charity as we continue to spread the word and bring the bikes here to the small towns across our trail system helping them economically develop after years of hardship since the coal industry left us.

So

who is

the Whitley

County Motorcycle Group(WCMG) and why

do we do what we do? The Whitley County Motorcycle Group(WCMG) is a Motorcycle Riding Group and Community located in Eastern Kentucky. We are part of Backroads of Appalachia, a 501c Non Profit, and our mission is to create and develop the best riding/driving routes and motorsports events in the Appalachian region. We help the small towns and small businesses across the Appalachian Region economically develop through Motorsports Tourism. We are a public Facebook riding group composed of members from the local area as well as around the world. All of our events are for charity and everyone is welcome to join us regardless of what you ride or what other groups you belong to. If you love to ride and you are looking for information on what Kentucky and the Central Appalachian Region has to offer join us by finding our group on Facebook. We are patches with a purpose and as grassroots as it gets and we are

on a mission to help those in need as well as an entire region with every trail route we map, event we host, and charity we support. We know there are many places you can go this year and many other groups out there you can belong to but in our riding group everyone is welcome and what makes us unique is that you can ask questions and gain information about our events, rides, routes, and local area directly from the riders who live here in these mountains. We are a community by bikers for bikers regardless of what you ride and our motto is “It doesn’t matter what you ride, as long as you ride.” Come and ride with us this year in the place we call home by attending one of our events or by using our Backroads of Appalachia GPS-Enabled Mobile Application to start your Appalachian Adventure today without the traffic or high cost of travel. Every time you come here and ride you are helping an entire region begin to recover and prosper with every stop you make along the way and trust us there are many amazing places to see here. No stop and go traffic in these parts, Just open road, plenty of curves, and the incredible scenery and history that only exists right here on the Backroads of Appalachia!

Let’s Ride Appalachia! - The Backroads of Appalachia Journalism Staff

FANTASTIC FATHERS

beyond anything we ever could have imagined.” Lee grew up in a riding family, saying, “My dad rides and he taught me how to ride when I was 12. Riding with him through the Foothills of the Ozark Mountains will always be one of my most cherished memories.”

Lee is himself a father of four and riding runs in their family. “My oldest daughter who is 26 has ridden with me since she was eight. My son who is 17 got his motorcycle endorsement this year and might be a better rider than me,” Lee laughs. “My youngest daughters are 12 and 10 and they both love riding with their dad as well.”

Founded by LEE HAGOOD in 2018, the West Coast Florida Riders (WCFR) is a social media-based group of like-minded individuals, catering to bikers and the biker community. The Riders are open to everyone aged 18 and up, regardless of sex, ethnicity, beliefs, or what you ride.

They host three bike nights each month throughout the west coast of Florida. These currently include the third Thursday of every month at Showtown Bar and Grill in Gibsonton, the last Tuesday of every month at Kickin Wingz Bar and Grill in Port Richey, and the last Friday of every month out at Bert’s Black Widow HarleyDavidson in Port Charlotte.

The West Coast Florida Riders host monthly rides, weekend events, and a couple of WCFR Getaways, with a raffle for a local charity. Winners get an all-expenses paid trip to such destinations as Key West, the Tail of the Dragon, Panama City Beach, and Nashville. This summer’s Getaway will take place the first full week of June and will ride to Eureka Spring, Arkansas, and the Ozark Mountains.

For this special Father’s Day celebration of dad’s who ride, we caught up with Lee Hagood recently and asked him to tell us what it’s like to be a West Coast Florida Rider. “It’s been an amazing five years. What started as a couple of guys looking for people to ride with has morphed into a group of over 8,000 (8,500 as of this writing) that are true family,” Lee tells us. “We pride ourselves in how many lifelong friendships we’ve made. It is

We asked Lee to point us to a few WCFR members who are known to be amazing fathers. The following gents are all proud members of the West Coast Florida Riders and Born To Ride tips our hats to all the dads out there who ride.

JIMMY ARNETT is a 49-year-old father of seven (three of his own, four that were his wife’s, and two grandkids). Jimmy works at Arnett Home Services, has been with the WCFR since 2019 and rides a 2014 Heritage Softail. “They are a great group to ride with. Like a big family and we all look out for each other and take care of people in need. My stepdaughter Payton rides with me quite a bit. She just turned 15 and wants a bike of her own,” Regarding the vibe of WCFR Jimmy says. “Everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter what you ride. You’ll be met with open arms!”

JIMMY ARNETT

STEVEN “OTTO” OTTERNESS is a 38-year-old father of two daughters. When we spoke to him, he and his girls were at softball practice. Otto works for Allegiant Airlines out of Tampa. He joined the West Coast Florida Riders in 2021 and rides a Road Glide Special. When asked what he likes about the WCFR group he confides, “It’s is all about family first. If you need something, they will be there for you in a heartbeat.” He says he rides to at least two of the WCFR events per month. “I rode with the group to Tallahassee to protect biker rights. There is always one big ride every month and we do more than ride. There are boat events, golf outings, it’s a lot more than just bike nights.” When asked to sum up the WCFR for potential new members, Otto tells us, “They are a safe and respectful group and love to have fun!”

has four kids and his 12-year-old son, Blake, loves to ride with his dad. You’ll find them toolin’ around on a 2021 Road Glide Special these days. Blake marks the fourth generation of riders in the Levi family. Tim’s parents and grandparents are all still alive and ridin’.

Tim says that WCFR has more events to choose from than a person can possibly do. “There are always multiple events to choose from on the Event’s page. We always have something going on and enjoy doing good for charities.” Sadly, one of Tim’s children died two years ago so he knows more than most that life is precious and all too short. “It means everything to me to spend time riding with my son,” Tim says. “He’s my best friend.” And that’s what being a dad is all about.

As Tim mentioned, the West Coast Florida Riders are all about giving back to their communities. Sponsored by Attorney Fran Haasch, WCFR supports Wreaths Across America, Everyday Blessings Group Home, Tampa Homeless Outreach, Wounded Warriors, and Fifty Legs. “Fran has been the most generous and authentic person we have ever met,” Lee concludes.

Another proud father and member of WCFR is 41-year-old TIM LEVI. During COVID he got the bug to ride and bought a brand new Softail Deluxe without even knowing how to ride it. “I took the classes and got my knees in the breeze,” he recalls. “Then I found the West Coast Florida Riders online and joined up.” Tim

I, JOSH VALDES (43) and my daughter, Chloe Valdes(16), have been riding together for 9 years. My daughter is my world and I feel it’s important to include her in all aspects of life, especially riding. But I try to make it fun by having cool helmets. We love being part of WCFR and going on family rides with them. It gives us a chance to interact with other parents and kids, plus our helmets always get a lot of attention.

You’ll find the West Coast Florida Riders on Facebook or you can reach Lee at westcoastfloridariders@gmail.com. Just remember their motto: “Ain’t no party like a West Coast party!” And tell ‘em Born To Ride set ya.

--Dave Nichols

JOSH VALDES

WHO WANTS TO

Now an exclusive interview and Industry Report with Marcus Mendez on his vision of Patrons first Profits last. The complete outdoor lodging option like never before experience at motorcycle rallies. Camp Easy Ride !

PLEASE TELL US YOUR VISION OF CAMP EASY RIDE AND WHY YOU STARTED IT.

Camp Easy Ride first arrived on the Biker scene in January of 2021 with nothing more than the simple goal of taking the minds of riders away from what was fast lyrics becoming a financial and health devastation to many, covid 19.

Sole purpose was to offer a complete outdoor lodging option at motorcycle rallies that was reasonably priced, community fueled and held tight onto the age-old camaraderie of new friends and old soles all gathered around a firepit with nothing but the task of enjoying the ride and good company.

Two and a half years later, with over 2,000 past patrons, many of which continue to return event after event (aka Repeat Offenders) and compounds at bike rallies all across the nation, including, Daytona Bike Week, Leesburg Bike Rally, Kentucky Bike Rally and the granddaddy of them all, STURGIS, we continue to hold tight onto our our high standards and promise of community fun.

THE CONCEPT IS BRILLIANT BUT LOGISTICS SEEM TO BE TASKING. HOW DOES IT WORK FOR THE RIDERS WHO DON’T WANT TO DEAL WITH HOTEL STAYS ?

As the saying goes, “If it was easy, everyone would be doing it”. With each compound comprised of over 18,000 lbs. of camping supplies and hundreds of man hours just on site, there is nothing easy when it comes to behind the scenes of Camp Easy Ride. Now to our valued patrons, our trademark slogan says it all, Simply Arrive, Party, Drop, Repeat, Leave!

No dangerously overloaded bikes, no unpacking all the contents at a roach motel, no hunting for a prime spot upon arrival, no forgetting something crucial, no setup, no tear down, no clean up, no laundry. You simply arrive with the hunger for fun and leave with the satisfaction of great memories.

FATHER’S DAY IS A POWERFUL HOLIDAY FOR LOVE AND HONORING DAD. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU TO GIVE AWAY A TRIP FOR A FATHER AND SON OR DAUGHTER WITH BORN TO RIDE TO GIVE THEM THE ULTIMATE CER EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME ?

Camp Easy Ride has become the Rally home to many father son or daughter duos. From first time Rally goers to the last hoorah

GO TO STURGIS ?

for someone coping with bad news. The bond between bikes, camping and family inherently brings everyone together.

As myself, never having a father or strong role model growing up, I cherish sharing some of these experiences with our patrons. Camp Easy Ride would be proud to announce the opportunity for yet another Father duo to experience the camaraderie of the compound with a Dream Destination Sturgis Give Away!

WHO WANTS TO GO TO STURGIS?

Tell us why you and your Dad should win a free stay at Sturgis 2024 with Camp Easy Ride. Write 100 words or less and e mail it to info@borntoride.com monthly updates will follow

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS ANY NEW NEWS AND HOW DO PEOPLE GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU TO BOOK THEIR CAMP EASY RIDE EXPERIENCE?

Camp Easy Ride has a long list of upcoming Rally venues and goals to better the riders overall Rally experience. Keep in touch with our Facebook page for updates, pics, reviews and events. You may also visit our website at CampEasyRide.com or call yours truly directly at 727.282.3744

LAST WORDS?

Patrons first, profits last! You are what makes each Camp Easy Ride compound successful. Thank you!

Ride safe, and remember.

SIMPLY ARRIVE, PARTY, DROP, REPEAT, LEAVE!

“PATRONS FIRST, PROFITS LAST! YOU ARE WHAT MAKES EACH CAMP EASY RIDE COMPOUND SUCCESSFUL.”

The tribute to the life and legacy of the founder and curator of the Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina took place on April 2nd. Family and friends traveled from around the country to honor the late Dale Walksler who passed away last February. He was a man with boundless energy who dedicated his life to the preservation of motorcycles and automobiles. The museum is filled with rare one-of a-kind motorcycles and motorcycles with provenance. Board and flat track racers, hill climbers, military bikes, early Harley Davidson and Indians and the not so well known machines like, Henderson, Excelsior, Ace, Cyclone, Pope, Dayton, Elk and Crocker.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JIM DOLMS

It was Dale’s personal mission to make every motorcycle operational, a unique goal and an accomplishment that led to the museum becoming known as “The Museum That Runs.” Through his passion, vision, and dedication, coupled with his generosity, he created not just a destination but an experience. His influence and reach extended through public appearances at antique motorcycle events and auctions, his first television show “What’s in the Barn” followed by a season of “American Restoration” and guest television appearances in American Pickers. He took production in house and created “Reel School”, a show featuring restorations of vintage motorcycles and breathing life back into motorcycles that have sat idle for years. Reel School is a streaming show and can be viewe on “Dale’s Channel”.

Dale possessed a knowledge of American motorcycles like no other. Those who spoke during the tribute told stories of his ability to look at an American motorcycle part and be able

to identify the model and year it was from. During the inside portion of the tribute the museum debuted a 22-minute-long mini-documentary highlighting Dale’s life and featuring stories from many of his closest family and friends.The video can be viewed at youtu.be/JVULE45681g

To help fund the running of the museum and to acquire new additions Dale built a raffle bike each year and some lucky winner was the owner of a custom Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, Panhead or Flathead. Each bike was a work of art. Matt, his son, continues the annual tradition of building a raffle bike. This year’s build is a 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead and will be raffled off on November 19th. Two other lucky winners will win $10,000 and $5,000. You do not have to be present to win.

Dale’s Wheels Through Time is located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Maggie Valley and is open Thursday through Monday into late November.

Shawn Ives and his two sons, 26-year-old Kile and 29-year-old Cody, are keeping two-wheeled history alive with their Ives Brothers Wall of Death. Creating a bond of generations, a father figure is so important in developing a family business and this particular family has a trust and belief in each other that will last them all their lives.

This amazing story began many years ago when Shawn was a stunt rider in the Globe of Death, a spherical cage in which riders loop-the-loop and perform all kinds of mind-blowing stunts. The two boys joined their dad in the globe and then moved on to the Wall of Death about six years ago.

Story by Tom Rose | Photos by Tom Rose and Ives Brothers

The Ives Brothers ride the wall

Wall of Death setup in Eustis

The Ives family travel together eight months out of the year, crossing the country, setting up the Wall, performing, tearing down and moving on to the next show. Dad serves as the announcer for the show and the brothers ride the Wall. Part of their show consists of both brothers on the Wall at the same time. This requires the utmost in precision timing and focus. It is so dangerous that many Wall of Death shows do not even attempt duel riders.

Visiting the Ives Brothers Wall of Death at the Eustis Spring Bike Rally & Music Festival, I felt a bit like Kurt Vonnegut’s

character, Billy Pilgrim in the novel Slaughterhouse-Five. Like Billy, I felt unstuck in time (Billy, uncontrollably, moved back and forth from his past as a soldier in WWII to the present). Yes, I was at the Eustis Spring Festival, April, 2021, but attending the Ives Brothers’ motorcycle thrill show, I could have been at a county fair in 1921. Vintage motorcycles, a huge hand-built wooden barrel, and daredevil riders defying gravity with tricks and stunts on the wall! It’s a great experience, and these death-defying walls of Death have been around for over 100 years.

The Wall of Death has its origin in the board track motorcycle races of the early 1900’s. A type of racing that was so dangerous and deadly for both participants and spectators that it was eventually outlawed. The sport evolved into the Wall of Death thrill shows that were extremely popular at fairs, circuses and festivals. The Wall is a cylinder constructed of wooden slats some 25 feet high and 30 feet in diameter. Spectators view the show, looking down from the top. Once upon a time, more than 100 Walls of Death arenas performed across the county, but now the Ives Brothers are

one of only four remaining. There is little difference in the shows of today and those back in the early years.

There is nothing quite like the Wall of Death Show… you have to experience it. It will scare you, thrill you, excite you and amaze you. As the bikes roar around in the barrel, the structure itself vibrates as if it is about to explode. You’ll expect the riders to lose control and crash over the

top into the spectators.

I’ve seen a number of Wall of Death shows going back to my first one at the Duval County Fair in Jacksonville, Florida in 1946. The Ives Brothers Show is as good as it gets. The legacy and tradition is alive and in good hands with these father and sons daredevil performers. This is far more than just a carnival act. And the brothers are not just stunt riders, they

are skilled motorcyclists and racers. Like I said, you have to see it to believe it.

Born To Ride is proud to celebrate Father’s Day with this inspiring story of a dad and his boys, keeping an important part of motorcycle history alive and kickin’!

Learn more about the Ives Brothers at their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ivesbrothers

Inside the Wall of Death

Cody Ives, ready to ride the Wall

"This requires the utmost in precision timing & focus..It is so dangerous that many wall of death shows do not attempt duel riders. "

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.

Bikers

JAMES IRWIN

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

My wife, Jamie, and I have been blessed with four amazing girls and a fifth one named “Not me.” “Not me” is the invisible sister who never gets anything right. For example, when I ask who left all the dirty dishes in the sink, our girls would respond, “Not me.” We would hear the same response when I questioned who didn’t take

the trash out or do the dishes. “Not me,” they would reply. So, I guess you could say we had five daughters, not four.

Rewind, my father passed away in 2006. He bought be my first motorbike from K-mart when I was 7 years old for $50.00. Ever since that day, I’ve been hooked on motorcycles. Here is a photo of my dad at age 83 on my 1997 Harley Bad Boy Springer.

to the St. Petersburg Yacht Club (SPYC) for dinner. During that dinner, I mentioned the SPYC had an amazing motorcycle club that I ride with and the many trips they have taken include destinations around the world. (In future issues, you will read about those trips.) On that same evening, I mentioned one of the boats I own and how I became the owner of it through what I would call divine intervention. You see, when my dad was on his death bed and the doctor said it’s only a matter of time, we decided to pray together. We decided to pray to accept Jesus Christ as our savior. When we finished, I asked my dad if he could send me a sign when he got to Heaven. My dad agreed and later that night he passed away. Fast forward, about a week later, I was traveling to an air force base on an insurance call. When I got to the appointment, there was no one was home. Next door at the neighbor’s house, I noticed there was a boat for sale with a cover on it. I knocked on the neighbor’s door and they answered. The wife said her husband was a pilot and they would be moving across the country soon. They unfortunately could not take the boat with them. When the pilot’s wife uncovered the boat, I noticed it was a Lightning Sailboat.

Lightning sailboats are raced around the world and hosted by various Yacht clubs, including SPYC. They are very fast, and despite being only 19ft long, they are raced with a captain and two mates since they need to be handled with caution when raced. The Lightning Sailboat was a 1967 model, and the year I discover it was 2006. I had always wanted a Lightning Sailboat ever since my dad and I watched them race on the Great Lakes when I was young. I proceeded to ask how much they wanted for the sailboat, and they made me a wonderful offer. So I bought it that day.

When I got home with the boat, I started researching its history using the hull number. And then it dawned on me, THIS WAS THE SIGN - MY DAD MADE IT TO HEAVEN!

my dad, I named the boat “The Galloping Duck” which also has a special meaning. You see, when we watched any race, like cars, motorcycles, or boats, my dad would say that they “go like a Galloping Duck.”

This Father’s Day, in honor of my Dad, I’ll be sailing the “Galloping Duck” reminiscing about him and all of the wonderful things he taught me.

WATCH YOUR EMAIL through the generously of the publisher of Born to Ride many of you may receive an invitation to the money school webinars at no cost to educate you in order to make your retirement dreams a reality.

As you know bikers a very charitable people giving back to the community in many meaningful ways. I’m of course a fellow biker as well. And that is why with the help of many generous people, we are offering The Mission ONE Million book absolutely free to Born to Ride readers.

I and other financial experts have watched too many people’s lives crash because they were not financially prepared. Go to my website now www.healthinsurance65.com or call 833-467-2865 and get your mission one million book now.The book is for anyone wanting to get out of debt, build wealth, and create financial independence.

My dad taught me many things and how to sail was one of them. To this day, I am an avid sailor and have sailed as far away as Jamaica.

On one recent occasion, I took Ron and Debbie Galletti of “Born to Ride” magazine

This was exact same boat we both watched race in 1967 at all the races we went to. It was the fastest boat in 1967, owned by a famous sailor and future America’s Cup winner. I eventually restored the Lightning Sailboat and kept it all original. In honor of

The book retails for $24.95 but I bought your copy for you. That’s right, the book is FREE to Born to Ride readers.A Biker helping bikers that’s what it’s all about!

-James Irwin

THE VISION OF LOUIS NAPOLI

BE A PART OF HISTORY!

15th, 2023

WORLD BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT… you heard it here first! There is a world history event coming a lot sooner than you think!!!

Dated birth of this announcement is from the 15th day of March, 2023. Workbooks and plans for full validation are in effect. A new event here in Tampa that will revolutionize the world.

A distant relative from a very famous family has notarized all documentation.

This event will take place in Tampa, Florida. First time ever before on this planet a historical event of magnitude that will go down in the history books.Be a part of history in Tampa Florida for world supremacy air cycle race inaugural event. Just when you thought you

have mastered your motorcycle, get ready……

Welcome to the world of Air Cycle! Propeller driven on a bed of air at 40 feet and speeds of up to 65 mph. It has just been D.O.T. approved in the U.S. with 30 already sold and 400 more currently on order.

The unit is approximately 12 feet. The company leading production of sales already is Aerwins Technology. They are powered by a very well known manufacturing company globally. Close second is Lazareth 496, taking third place is Utah Easy fly electric air motorcycle. Pulling in the rear is The Jetpacks Speeder.

The original race is in the works now and in the planning stages for global recognition. This will be part of a historic event. Memorabilia soon to be released on official approval.

The point of contact and main coordinator for this event can be reached on a racing hotline number 24/7. (813)724-1013. All calls will be answered. Ride as high as you can fly!

Craven Moorehead

It’s Summertime Again

So summer started in May evidently. Daily rain and high temperatures have made their way into the area and Hurricane season started a week early. Can’t complain too much I suppose - at least it isn’t snowing. It seems that lately, all I write about is the weather. It could be said that my life has become mundane and boring. If you observed that and thought the same thing then I guess we were both thinking alike. I remember back in the day when every moment was an adventure. Not so much anymore. Time is passed looking out the window at the rain coming down and listening to the dogs snoring. Yeah, I know you wouldn’t think that dogs snore and perhaps most don’t but for some reason mine do. I suspect that they learned that bad habit from me. They have picked up other bad habits as well but as boring as my life is lately I shouldn’t keep talking about it here and causing you, my dedicated readers to fall asleep while reading this article.

I recently was advised that I have to move from where I have been living. This is a serious problem. I am used to having a variety of nonspecific problems and other unpleasant situations, but so far, I have been fortunate enough to have a place to live. Well, not so much now, but somehow, I will find a way to survive. Seems harder this time but I will get over it one way or another. Stuff is expensive nowadays. It didn’t seem to be this bad a few years back. I do remember when a gallon of gas was more expensive, but I have never seen housing go to this limit. Even the grocery store kicks your butt every time you go in. It must be the economy that allegedly is better than ever or perhaps it is due to the unemployment rate that is lower than ever (according to the regulated media) but from where I sit, I can’t tell. If there is light at the end of the tunnel I can’t see to see it, or it is very dim. Not sure which at this point.

So as we go through life with hopes and dreams of peace and prosperity, we still must accept the ups and downs and try to survive to the best of our ability. All I can advise is that we all keep keeping on and don’t let life drag us down.

So no more bad stuff! I keep a positive attitude and continue to pray for better days. How does everyone else do it? I’m no expert but I suspect that most of you do the same thing. Being negative never produces a positive result. I like to get feedback from my readers and good or bad I take all your comments to heart. Born To Ride has been here for years serving the biker community in every way possible. Your opinions and comments are always welcome and appreciated. I sincerely hope that each and every one of you has a fantastic summer season and that the rain stays away from your ride to wherever it is you are going.

THE ENEMY WITHIN

I ease into the right lane and pass through the entrance at the gates. I have been here many times. It’s very familiar to me. One day it may be the only proof that I was ever on this earth and existed at all. I may just be a cloud of dust thrown to the wind to no longer have a presence at all.

I put the kickstand down, shut off my sled, throw my leg over, and search for what I was looking for. I have passed too many familiar names along my journey, many familiar to me.

Everything looks the same as the last time I was here except for the memories of others left behind. I finally find what I am looking for. My mind is set on why I had come here. I look down before me and gaze upon the grave markers of my grandparents, Mac and Olga. Both answered the call of service when the freedom bell rang, and the world once more went to war. I look around at the thousands of markers around me of those that answered the call to service for this great nation.

I feel great pride and deep sadness at the same time. Great pride for those who stood to defend freedom and help develop and protect a great nation. The vast number of those no longer with us who rest before me is a testament to the selflessness and patriotism of our citizens. They took their oath, pledged their allegiance, and did what was needed when it needed to be done. Not just one generation lies within these grounds, but many all around this nation. Some baring the same family name. Men and women who gave everything and others that gave it all. Sadly, their numbers increase every day. I’ve carried

many caskets in my life for those of them who were forgotten by many. But not by all. There are many others that have done the same as I. I am grateful to those being carried and those doing the carrying and standing for them. As I look at their markers, I can’t help but feel them glaring at me.

Demanding to know what’s becoming of our great nation. Demanding to know why I, and many like me, have allowed this. Once, we had great strength and took care of each other. When countries were overrun by communism and corruption or threatened by tyrants, they looked at America as a beacon of hope that if they persevered, their country could be as great as America.

while leaving a decorated Marine to rot in a foreign prison. We send pallets of cash to one of our biggest enemies without the approval of the American people, and no one is held accountable. Our borders are being invaded, and the rule of law and sovereignty of the United States is at risk. The dollar is collapsing; other countries laugh at us internationally, and criminals run rampant. There are plenty of programs for illegals while veterans are homeless. A country that will have a gay pride week, black history month, etc., but our veterans only get one day. We live in a time when being a hero is if you come out of the closet, and it’s celebrated. Meanwhile, the heroes before me and the others still with us go unremembered.

I feel their gaze, and they ask me, “Did we die for nothing? Did we give everything, including our lives, for this?” To have our country torn to bits and have hundreds of years and thousands of lives sacrificed for what we see now?

I know how I feel. I’m f**king outraged. Start holding those accountable. Actions speak louder than just words. Enough is enough. Don’t turn your back on all these veterans. (Past, present, and future). It’s up to us, America. It’s obvious that we face the greatest enemy we have ever faced. The enemy within.

We exist in a time when we negotiate with terrorists and arm our enemies. We trade a criminal anti-American basketball player for an international arms dealer

And veterans, along with active service, remember your oath. Enemies, both foreign and DOMESTIC. I hope the America they all dreamed of survives.

— Nefarious James American Patriot

”I put the kickstand down, shut off my sled, throw my leg over, and search for what I was looking for. I have passed too many familiar names along my journey, many familiar to me. ”

Confusion and chaos pretty much sums up this movie. It is the modern day version of all the biker exploitation “B” movies ever made. Curiously, Larry Bishop (as Pistolero) appeared in a variety of films including The Savage Seven, Mad Dog Time and Kill Bill to name a few. His collaboration with Quentin Tarantino in this most recent effort, would lead one to believe that “Hell Ride” is a major cinematic production destined for the A list. Sadly, it falls short of that mark.

The story revolves around Pistolero and his gang “the Victors.” The main characters are himself, the Gent and Comanche who set out to avenge the death of his ol lady Cherokee Kisum. Cherokee, it seems, was murdered by the 666er’s, a rival gang. But wait, let’s back up! This is exactly what makes the flick so confusing. … We flash back and forth from 35 years back to 35 years forward.

It seems that Bishop as the writer, director, and star is the only one who understands what is going on at any given time. I was lost after viewing it twice, but again I digress.

The film is soaked with girls, drugs, and murder. I like all those facets in a biker exploitation film, but the chaotic pace leaves one wondering where the plot is. It seems the Victors MC have an

underlying code of deceit and distrust. As the movie rolls along, several of the members of gang are killed by the Gent and other Victors—leaving only Pistolero, the Gent, and Comanche in the gang. Ahhh, but there is another member hiding in the desert! Eddie Zero, played by Dennis Hopper appears as a (possibly retired) member of the gang. How they were able to get Hopper to appear in this mess was a mystery in itself, and I was surprised, and entertained for a moment until I saw David Carradine playing rival gang member “The Duce.” Evidently, the Duce and Pistolero had some under-the-table dealings and this conflict led to the ongoing battle between the two clubs.

The 666er’s use arrows and darts to carry out their hits while the Victors use the more conventional revolvers, available at Wal-Mart. The Victors trademark murders–you will see a few of these involve the tying of one to a chair, the cutting of the throat, and the soaking of the subject in gasoline, which is then ignited by the tossing of a Zippo lighter, also available at WalMart. Somewhere in my recall, it seems to me that this ritual was borrowed from the 666er’s when they did in Cherokee Kisum.

In the end, the Victors cut off the Duce’s head, and Eddie Zero delivers it to the 666er’s hangout in a nice wicker basket (see Wal-Mart above). He departs and rides off down the road until his motor quits for some reason. He gets off his vintage ride to repair it, and sees the 666er’s pull up behind him. The leader of the 666er’s, (played by Vinnie Jones) shoots him in the back with a dart fired from an air powered device that looks like a Shark Gun. He collapses on the highway. Much to the 666er’s surprise the Victors pull up behind them and the Gent kills all of them, but only wounds Jones who falls to the pavement. Pistolero in a strange twist of role, shoots Jones with a small crossbow, then reloads and fires a dart into Jones’ gas tank. As the fuel surrounds Jones, who is bleeding cussing and etc, one of the Victors cuts his throat, and Pistolero tosses the classic Zippo into the pool of gas. In the next frame, Hopper gets up off the pavement, and removes his armor-laden jacket – arrow still intact- and hands it to his girl who gives him a similar jacket. They depart the scene, and the three meet in the desert where the 666er’s had previously buried some sort of lockbox containing some sort of (something). … There are three keys that have 666 stamped into them. There is a short argument, and Comanche digs up the lock box and the others give him the three keys. What’s in that thing you ask? You will never know, because the shot shows only Comanche’s face from the inside as he opens the box. I think it was empty, but what do I know? The trio then fire up their motors and ride off in three different directions as the credits roll.

If you are a fan of naked ladies, cool classic motorcycles, and blood and guts, this film is for you! However, if you were expecting a plot, a story line, or a coherent slide show of pleasant desert scenes you aren’t gonna be too happy.

Tarantino once told Bishop “It is your destiny to write, direct, and star in a movie.” Sometimes destiny is not all it’s cracked up to be! I would reluctantly give this film 2 out of 5 stars, because there were two REAL stars exploited in this mess. It is rated R for ridiculous, and runs approximately 86 minutes. In my opinion it should be 86’ed altogether.

The Phantom Movie Review

It’s June, it’s hot, it’s the start of hurricane season, and the longest days of the year, my BTR friends. Reminds me of my homeland in Central America, where I am known as a Guacamaya. Not to be confused with guacamole as avocados are not my friend. They are toxic to me, but not as toxic as some people out there. I just thought of something; wouldn’t it be great if we had a hurricane that took out all the toxicity of the world? No more toxic people, plants, or places. It would be like living back in the prehistoric days from whence my family line came from.

I don’t know if I want to go back to those times though. No motorcycles to ride, no bike nights to attend, no festivals or bands to enjoy, no peoples’ shoulders to stand on. No BTR magazine...

That means I would have to fly and not ride. I would have to search for my own protein, fruits, and vegetables. I would have to hang out with my own kind, and I would have no human contact unless they were wanting to eat me. The more I think about it, the more I realize that I live a great life!

A POEM FOR DAD

Mike screams, “Great life? How would you know the difference? I’ve been shoving a silver spoon in your beak since day one. I’ve kept you comfortable when you were sick and cleaned up your poop wherever it lands. You’ve done more things, been to more places, and met more people than most humans. People call you a celebrity! You are actually a human trapped in a bird’s body and live the life most people can only dream about. I’m just your get-around guy.”

I cackle, “Dude, you’re more than that. You are my master, teacher, bodyguard, and Buber (Bird Uber). I don’t know what I would do without you. Being that it’s June and Father’s Day is right around the corner, I just wanted to wish you a happy Father’s Day dad and thank you for everything that you’ve done for me. You’ve shown me the ins and outs of human life when I decided I didn’t wanna fly or act like a bird. You made sure I got around by teaching me how to ride anything with two, three or four wheels.” With a flap of my wings, I continue, “Growing up you’ve given me the food and nutrients that I needed to become a healthy and beautiful bird. You’ve kept me safe from harm and warm when cold. You’ve given me the freedom to be me and made sure that I have been given the room to grow. You have introduced me to many interesting humans, and I’ve gotten us through doors that you probably couldn’t get through on your own. With all that said, I wrote you a poem in your honor.”

You are my hero, my shining star Guiding me through life, no matter how far. With your love and wisdom, you light the way. Dad, I’m grateful for you, each and every day. You inspire me to be strong and true.

Dad, I love you. Happy Father’s Day to you!

Wiping a tear from his eye Mike replies, “Awwww thanks for 30 great years, my little buddy. Without you I don’t know what I would be doing. If you were human, you probably would’ve left me at an early age. Found your way to the wrong side of the tracks and in need of being bailed out of jail. Or worse, popped out a prodigy, moved back home in need of me to support both of you.”

I lean over to Mike’s head and snuggle with him, cooing in his ear, “Daddy, our love for each other answers the age old question of; what is the meaning of life? Life itself has no meaning. So, life is an opportunity to create a meaning! Now would you please pull that silver spoon out of my mouth and quit throwing me under the bus! I think we deserve a little alone time together on the scoot. Go out in the garage and give it a once over including a tire check. You need to get my wings in the wind, your knees under the triple trees, and the Fat Bird 3 wheels rolling down the road.

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION

“Let’s go get some wind therapy!”: an interesting term of the motorcycle community and one we have all said at one point or another. The feeling of the wind rushing past us, the wind in our hair…if we have any; it beats on our chest and tries to sway the bike. Whether the wind is hot or cold, it activates our senses and we can become one with the ride. And oh, the different smells this wind can bring. Driving past a laundromat or a BBQ restaurant alerts us to the surrounding community activity.

There is a certain “something” about being on the open road and going for a ride. Can it be said that it even brings us peace? Riding can help us refocus, escape our daily routines, or simply get away, even if it is only for a little while. Interestingly, there have been studies done on the value of motorcycle wind therapy. These studies have shown that wind therapy can help reduce stress, increase heart rate, increase focus and alertness, and even burn a few extra calories. In fact, researchers also saw some decreased relative levels of cortisol. And all this time we thought riding bikes was just for fun! Some organizations have even created programs to involve military veterans and expose them to the benefits of wind therapy, going as far as gifting some veterans their very own bikes. What an incredible biker community we live in! Whether you want to refocus, reduce stress or anxiety,

or simply just relax, riding our motorcycles can bring comfort and even peace to our spirit. Every day we look for ways to walk out our lives in peace. Peace gives us the ability to relate to our daily circumstances in a healthy way. The Lord Jesus knew the value of peace in our lives. In the Bible while he was telling the people of His soon death: John 14:27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid”.

This verse talks about an even greater peace we can receive as we look to follow Jesus. He offers the gift of peace, which is greater than anything this world can offer. When our troubles are more than the wind therapy can handle, turn to the one who can give you the peace that this world can not give.

Teach’s Takeaway,

- We all need peace.

- Peace of mind and heart is a gift.

- This peace is a gift the world can not give.

Whether in good times or bad, we can turn to Jesus. Philipians 4:7 says, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”. 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!