Born To Ride #241 - June 2024

FROM JOE LOWMAN

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 AND

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.

Ron Galletti

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

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

The stories you are gonna read today and in future issues are true only the names were changed to protect the innocent just like that TV show Dragnet from the late 60’s we all watched.

Last Saturday night my wife and I were invited to the grand opening of the new MV Agusta Motorcycle dealership located at Next Ride in Clearwater, FL. These motorcycles are clearly a vision to behold. I have never seen anything so irresistibly appealing sound so good. Be sure to stop by Next ride and you will agree.

The event was off the charts special! Great people, great food and music. The food was so outstanding! I had to inquire about who the caterer was.

Wilma the catering owner was one of those gifted individuals who could prepare mouth watering meals. In fact she told me her cooking abilities were so superlative that her 1st husband would never let her work outside the house their entire marriage. Her cooking was just that good! He loved it! The family loved it!

She thoroughly enjoyed the role of a domestic engineer as so many do! However the marriage didn’t last.

A Biker Helping Bikers

JAMES IRWIN

LET’S AVOID EVER HAVING TO SAY

“I WISH I KNEW BACK THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW”

Years later when Wilma met Fred the man of her dreams she decided to retire the domestic engineering position and start her own catering business. Wilma asked what I did for a living. I said I was in the financial services industry with a very unique approach. I help people find money they are losing unknowingly and unnecessary. She said maybe I could help her since her business was struggling a bit with all the inflation occurring.

She mentioned a couple years ago like everyone else in their mid sixties she wanted to start collecting Social Security and thought she could use the extra income to help fund the new business venture.

She was misinformed by the so called authorities on the phone at Social Security that she could not collect anything since she did not earn enough working credits to collect.

When Wilma mentioned this to me I said that’s a bunch of hog wash! I said Wilma you are over 62 and have been married to Fred for over 12 months and he started collecting Social Security at his full retirement age. Therefore you can collect 1/2 of his benefit amount yourself and he can still collect the full benefit amount for himself. This added and extra 21,600 annual income to their retirement! That additional income with help ease the financial pressure she was feeling. This free advice was priceless in her mind. Bikers helping bikers. Thats what it’s all about!

Social Security decisions are a big deal and talking to a competent professional can make a huge difference.

Did you know that according to a recent study 96% percent of Americans claim Social Security at the wrong time leaving over 110,000 on the table?

Your social security strategy is as unique as your fingerprint. Trying to

understanding all the Social Security rules can be very confusing. Kinda like reading the IRS tax codes. This is why calling my office to schedule a 15 minute phone call on this or other insuranceand financial subjects is so critical! 1-833-467-2865.

But wait that’s not all! check out the retired SPYC motorcycle members bike honoring the Ace Cafe in London that was written about in last months issue.

It’s never too late to start planning for retirement. Please remember there is not a one size fits all paint by the numbers solution. All of our situations are unique. You don’t need more money you just need a better plan. After having the privilege to serve tens of thousands of people over the years I can attest to the statement “That money won’t make you happy! But riding a motorcycle will!“

The book is for anyone wanting to get out of debt, build wealth and create financial independence. The book retails for $24.95 but I bought it for you. Bikers helping bikers, thta’s what it’s all about.

—James Irwin, CSA, FRCSM Certified Senior Advisor®

www.bikerhelpingbikers.com

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

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

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

Willie G READS IT!

Photo Daniel Gallant | Model Oksana

The Green Swamp Preserve Born To Ride | Finz Rides

For some reason every time I hear the Talking Heads song Road to Nowhere I think of riding a motorcycle, jumping on the scoot with the intention exploring new roads or scenery. Here’s a suggestion for an exploration ride, the Green Swamp Preserve. The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is located in the fourcorner area of Lake, Pasco, Polk, and Sumter counties. How you get there is up to you. What does matter is you realize this is an exploration ride, so don’t be afraid to go left when the directions tell you to go right. Don’t take the following directions too literal—think of them as reference points to your road to nowhere.

1. I-75N exit 266 for 582A (0.5)

2. Left onto CR-579/CR-582A (12.3 mi)

3. Right Chancey Rd (8.9 mi)

4. Right CR-54 (4.4 mi)

5. Right FL-35 S/FL-700 E/US-98 S (0.2 mi)

6. Quick 1st Right Old Dade City Rd (7.4 mi)

7. Left Rockridge Rd (stay left) (13.4 mi)

8. Continue onto Greenpond Rd (4.0 mi)

9. Left FL-33 N (10.1 mi)

10. Left Lake Erie Rd (5.0 mi)

11. Right on CR-565/South Bay Lake Rd (5.5 mi)

12. Left Sloans Ridge Rd (3.8 mi)

13. Left FL-50 W (1.5 mi)

14. Left CR-773 (0.2 mi)

15. Right CR-772 (3.9 mi)

16. Right at Church (151ft)

17. Left FL-50 W (9.6 mi)

18. Left Burwell Rd (4.3 mi)

19. Continue on CR-575/Trilby Rd (3.6 mi)

20. Right Ramsey Rd (1.0 mi)

21. Right CR-578/St Joe Rd (0.8 mi)

22. 1st Left Happy Hill Rd (2.1 mi)

23. Continue onto Prospect Rd (2.2 mi)

24. Left CR-579/Handcart Rd (4.5 mi)

25. Right CR-579/Eiland Blvd (15.3 mi)

26. Turn left to merge onto I-75 S

Lowman Law Firm is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to individuals involved in Motorcycle and Auto Accidents. Our team of experienced Attorneys are committed to advocating for the rights of accident victims, ensuring they receive the compensation and support they need during challenging times.

Our Attorneys bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each case, understanding the complexities and nuances of Motorcycle and Auto Accident claims. With a client-centered approach, we prioritize clear communication, compassion, and personalized strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation. Our lawyers diligently investigate every aspect of the accident, gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and negotiating with insurance companies to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.

At Lowman Law Firm, we recognize that being involved in an accident can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. Therefore, we strive to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients. From the initial consultation to the final resolution, our Attorneys are dedicated to providing unwavering support and guidance every step of the way.

Beyond our commitment to legal excellence, Lowman Law Firm is deeply rooted in the community. We believe in giving back and actively participate in various local initiatives and events. Our firm supports community events, such as Crystal Harley Bike Nite, Nature Coast Bike Fest, numerous charity fundraisers, free family concerts and local sports sponsorships. By staying involved in the community, we aim to make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of the areas we serve.

We at Lowman Law Firm pride ourselves in our comprehensive approach to handling Motorcycle and Auto Accident cases. Our skilled attorneys, combined with our strong community involvement, reflect our dedication to justice, client care, and making a difference both in and out of the courtroom.

Brittney Clark Forcino

JOSEPH A. LOWMAN, ESQUIRE

31 S. Main Street | Brooksville, FL 34601 PH 352-796-0016 | www.lowmanlawfirm.com

FROM JOE LOWMAN AND HIS SONS LUKE & WYATT

RIDE APPALACHIA

MILITARY HEROES, MINERS, AND SHINERS, AND OUR UPCOMING EVENTS WHICH HONOR THEIR HISTORY AND LEGACY!

Kentucky and West Virginia have a rich history that spans from colonial times to the present day, marked by significant contributions to our country through our culture, history, and our years of answering the call to service spanning all eras and the Wars that have occurred since the beginning of this Great Nation. Our unique history intertwines Coal Miners, Moonshiners and our Military Heroes and showcases the diverse roles that our Appalachian Mountain people have played in both illicit and noble endeavors.

THE FIRST SOLDIER TO SHINE Did you know that George Washington, The Father of our Country, was the first BIG Master Distiller and Moonshiner in the U.S.? George Washington owned a major distillery after he served as president. In the final year of his life, 1799, his distillery made 11,000 gallons of rye whisky which sold for 50 cents per gallon. He had a top shelf whisky that sold for 1 dollar per gallon, it was run through the still four times. Even our Infamous feuding “Hatfield and Mccoys” were also Civil War Veterans, Moonshiners, and Coal Miners, and some folks think that it is what started the Feud. They served on different sides! All of this just proves they are just as much a part of our country’s history as they are ours! This also proves that most back then were one in the same and still are to this day!

ANSWERING OUR COUNTRY’S CALL TO SERVICE: Central Appalachia, like much of America, saw a significant portion of its population enlist or be drafted into military service during the Civil War, World War 1, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Among them were former Miners and Shiners who became war heroes, fighting in key battles across Europe, the Pacific, and all other theaters of war. Their experiences growing up in these mountains hunting and surviving contributed to their ability to adapt to challenging situations and navigate difficult terrain.

APPALACHIAN CULTURE AND COMMUNITY RESILIENCE: Moonshiners and the Coal Mining communities they lived in developed strong bonds and a sense of solidarity, which translated into tight-knit communities that supported one another during times of crisis, including wartime. This sense of camaraderie and mutual support may have motivated many individuals from these communities to join the military and serve their country with honor. Most volunteered to serve our country and still do to this day! It is Tradition dating back to the beginning and the Revolutionary War for many families here including my own! Did you know the People in these mountains did not even know when the great depression happened? Life did not change for them here during those times and back then our Coal not only fueled the World but also our War efforts! How do you think they made all that steel and kept their boilers running?

Do not let anyone fool ya, so did some of our Moonshine and Bourbon! Remember there is no Bourbon without Moonshine! Our Kin folk who served brought moonshine to the world long before it became famous on T.V.! Now their descendants have all gone legal with these secret family recipes and the world wants some of that good Ole White Lightning! Some of them still make George Washington’s Famous Rye!

MILITARY VETERANS RETURNING HOME TO THE COAL MINES AND MOONSHINING: After serving in the military, some veterans returned home and resumed their Moonshining and Coal Mining activities. Their experiences in the military influenced their approach to moonshining for sure, incorporating discipline, organization, and innovation into their operations. This made them

much harder to catch by the Revenuers of the time and most of these men also worked in the mines also! Many also came back to the Coal Mines and Family Tradition they had left behind as their fathers did who served before them. They came home and raised their families while their military service record and decorations lingered as a distant memory hidden in an old trunk or old picture album somewhere on the family homestead.

HONORING ALL OUR HISTORY AND LEGACIES: Today, We honor both our Moonshining Heritage, Our Coal Mining History, and our Military Heroes with our GPS-Enabled Trail Routes dedicated to them and in our upcoming Events here at the WCMG and Backroads of Appalachia! From our First Annual “All Aboard Ride” on Coal Train 421” designed to showcase our Coal Mining History to our Inaugural Memorial Day Ride on “Scout’s Honor Trail” for Wreaths Across America with the KMA benefiting the Mill Springs Civil War Battlefield Site, we are here to show the world that there is simply no Place like home while honoring our Ancestry.

Did I forget to mention Moonshining? You didn’t think I was going to leave that out did ya? Well that is coming up on June 22nd as we bring our 3rd Annual “HillBilly Bikefest” and Our “Old School Distillers Bike Show” to Main Street Beattyville, Ky Again this year with the Beattyville Hillbillies and “Granny Moonshine” herself. They even have a Moonshine Museum for you to check out! If you follow us and our “BOA LIVE! On Tour” Series or you visited us at our BOA Mobile Trailer during the Rallys you may have noticed Moonshiner “Crazy Chuck” working with us and judging our Old School Bike Shows along with “Biggins” and many other famous shiners! Chuck was also known as “Chopper Chuck” long before

he got famous for his Purple Jesus Moonshine! “Biggins” and many of our other Moonshine friends are also Riders! We are all coming together as a community here to bring the bikes to Appalachia while making our events even bigger and better! Even our Bike Shows abroad are often Judged by Shiners and we even get to ride with them for Shriners Hospital on our “Shiners for Shriners” Charity Ride on the River Dragon at 3:00PM! Now where else are you going to find that and that is just one of many great events and it’s always for a good cause and our region!

WRAPPING THIS ALL UP BIKER STYLE: In Layman’s Terms, the story of our Moonshiners, Coal Miners, and War Heroes reflects the resilience, resourcefulness, and sense of community that have defined our Regional and State Histories. Whether engaged in illicit distilling, working in the mines, or fighting for their country, individuals from Central Appalachia have consistently demonstrated courage and determination in the face of adversity. This month and moving into the rest of our 2024 Season Schedule We are determined to show you the rider and the motorcycle world that there is simply no place out there to ride that even comes close to right here on the Backroads of Appalachia! Join our Mission today on Facebook and do not forget to Download our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application for more information! It’s Totally Free! You can also find our events on the Backroads of Appalachia Website, by visiting our media partners like the one you are reading this in now!, as well as on Cyclefish.com! What are you still reading this for? Get on your bike and come join us this year for the BEST RIDING IN THE U.S.! PERIOD!

Journalism Team

—Jay Fryman (FryDaddy) Founder, Whitley County Motorcycle Group Backroads of Appalachia

OLD SCHOOL BIKERS

“Old school is more than just building a chopper or stripped down bike. ”

It’s June. Great. It means the heat is getting worse. Along with the usual stay hydrated and wear sunscreen crap I’m gonna switch gears here. It’s something more than just the weather that gets me hot. Wondering what that is? Well you’re about to get an ear full. Even though there is plenty to bitch about I’m gonna try and focus on one thing this time. That topic is the old school bikers. We’ve sat here silently while society, social media and the manufacturers have crapped all over us and have kicked us to the curb. This has really gotten to be a real burr under my rides saddle.

It seems all of our ways have been kicked to the curb. From here on I’ll just say “we” instead of the original ol’school. We will start with the manufacturers. They loved us during the AMF days and when others had real bad reps for pumping out junk. We still bought their products and their merchandise and adorned our vehicle with their logos. Displaying them proudly because it represented what we were. They weren’t popular, neither were we, had a bad reputation, like us but had our loyalty and representation for their brand. They liked us then because we were their bread and butter.

Now, they want nothing to do with us. They want bling riders with deep pockets and designer clothes with a spick and span image. Just a reminder people. We were “dirty bikers” because of your manufacturing back then. It was from your product always breaking down and us having to fix them ourselves on the side of the road that got us filthy. Remember? Obviously not.

Event organizers want those deep pocket people as well. It use to be about having f

un not just putting money in your pocket. I understand business but your leaving the reasons you even have a business to begin with behind. Now they seem to be all the same. Same products, same gimmick, overpriced junk and no appreciation for those that built this culture.

Use to be home built bikes displaying actual skill and art. Now it’s bolt on cookie cutter bikes that you probably couldn’t get a spare tire for at your local shop if you got a flat.

Biker lifestyle use to glorify the pages , such as this one, with pictures of events and people having fun and living the life. Look at the pictures now and it’s all the same. People in their costumes all bedazzled up and looking like a side show. Is this pissing you off or is it insulting you? Pick one and you’ll know what side you stand on. If something broke, we fixed it. Now if this new stuff breaks or you need to make the slightest change, you have to go to a dealer for a tweak and a new shirt. Speaking of dealers, I’m finding it harder and harder to find any that even know how to work on our old scoots anymore let alone have parts for them.

And for the vendors, lawyers and dealers out there, if you want our business, support the magazines and shows we watch and read. It’s more than just a buck and saying you’re part of us. Let your wallets show us. With all the fantasy shows out there portraying the biker lifestyle as some glorified Wild West with women falling all over us, guys in muscle shirts, blinged out bikes, shootouts with no consequence and money to burn you’ve created a market built for the wanna be. Here’s some advice if you want a real taste. Here goes. Ride a

shovelhead (any model) for a year. I mean really ride it everywhere. Learn to fix it yourself. Trips with very few amenities. No hotels, on the ground at a rest area with your jacket as a pillow etc. shop at local shops when needing parts. Attend events with people doing the same. Learn to pack that bike with everything you may need for your trips. Tip: you’ll need tools. Do more than just bar hop. Go see real places. Live the outdoors and save those penny’s. You may need them for parts. Live like it may be your last day.

Oh I know, you can’t do that. You have a bad back, hurt leg, arthritis, bad neck or whatever. Guess what? We did it regardless with less technology and less medical knowledge. I know brothers and sisters out there missing body parts that are still doing it.

There’s part of my rant. Like many things today, the people and lifestyle that made us what we are today. Now we are looked down on and thrown to the side. Ironic. We are used to being cast aways but now it’s out of our own lifestyle.

Old school is more than just building a chopper or stripped down bike. It comes with honor, respect, love of country and friggin guts to make sh*t happen.

Support your local shops, support your local publications, support your veteran’s and support your country.

Support those that have supported you all these years.

That’s all I got to say today. Til next time

-Nefarious James American Patriot

ARE YOU BORN TO RIDE?

THE LIFE & TIMES OF MOTORCYCLES

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 non-specific 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.

TUEDAYS LIVE ON FACEBOOK 9pm-10pm and OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Happy halfway through 2024 my BTR friends. It’s National dairy month, iced tea month and safety month. So, head on over to your local farmers market for cheese and eggs and wash them down with a cold sweet Southern specialty. But before you leave the house, be safe and make sure there’s no screw loose behind the handlebars!

Mike cuts me off, “dude! Are you insinuating I need to tighten myself up? The only thing I need to tighten is the leash that attaches you to the keyboard. You forgot two important things. Father’s Day and my birthday. Without either one you wouldn’t be here. You probably would have ended up with another owner who would’ve left you in a cage by yourself with a mirror to scream hello and pretty bird all day long!”

I cackle, “you’re so right blondie, but I don’t think that’s what I’d be sayin’, if you get my drift. What I meant by checking for a loose screw comes from when we were dropping off the Fat Bird 3 at your buddies bike shop to get some work done and a chick rode up on her scoot. She parked it, took off all her clothes and yelled inside the garage ‘take whatever you want!’

With your scoot down and wanting to ride, you went over and grabbed her bike. Second best choice because I don’t think her clothes would’ve fit you anyways!

When we went back to pick up our scoot you and your buddies, Tom and Jerry, were standing around talking about the

MISSING A FEW MARBLES?

bike. Suddenly a firetruck roars up into the industrial park with a Dalmatian in the front seat and stops in front of the shop. Tom said, they use that Dalmatian to keep the crowds back. Jerry said, no they bring them along for good luck. Then you broke in telling them neither of you two know what you’re talking about. They use them to find the fire hydrants... screw loose!

Then after getting the bike back and having it running so good, you blew through a couple of red lights with traffic cams. The following week you get a letter from the police department and it has a picture of us on the scoot and a $100 fine.”

Mike babbled, “Yeah, it was a blurry picture and I didn’t think it was us so, in the return envelope I mailed them a picture of two blurry $50 bills.”

I squawk, “yeah that was real funny until they sent you back a clear picture of handcuffs! You quickly dropped those two $50 bills in their return envelope, screw loose...!

Just the other night you were sitting on the couch watching the game and practicing 12 ounce curls until you passed out. The next morning Ron called you into the office for a meeting and you had to go. I caught you fumbling around looking for your keys and cell phone before you left. Half in a daze

and very hung over, you headed out the door. A few minutes later, I started watching the news and saw they were talking about a nut on the interstate driving in the wrong direction. I knew you’d be on that road so I called to warn you about it. All I could hear on the other end was a lot of honking and you telling me there’s not just one there’s hundreds... screw loose!

Shortly after that, you showed up at paradise while I was hanging out and thinking up ideas for the article. Do you remember what you said to me?”

Mike scratches his head and says, “I believe I told you that I had some good news and some bad news.”

I look at Mike with one eye and cluck, “yes, then you proceeded to tell me the good news about how well the airbags work in the truck... serious screw loose!

Mike replies, “OK, my talented typing pterodactyl. So that wasn’t one of my best days. It reminds me of the time when you went coo-coo. We were at a friends pool party and you found out one of the guests was an avian specialist. You waddled up to him, breaking into his conversation with the group and squawked at the top of your little lungs; Doctor! Doctor! You’ve gotta help me. Mike keeps calling me his funky colored chicken. Then he asked you how long has this been going on?”

I cackled, “ever since I was an egg! That brought a silence over the party and made me for once feel like I had a screw loose! Now granted I didn’t say it was your fault, I just said I’m blaming you. Thanks for bringing me down to your level, Mr. Screwloose!

I think we’re both missing a few marbles right now and in need of some wind therapy. Please roll the scoot out of the garage and let me finish the story. You’ve gotta get my wings in the wind, your knees under the keys and the Fat Bird 3 wheels rolling down the road, collecting our marbles. — SPYKE

RONNIE and EMILY’S

RONNIE and EMILY’S

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION

On a chilly spring morning, I prepared myself for an hour-long motorcycle ride to Bushnell, Florida. That day, I was to be part of a dedication ceremony. The Florida National Cemetery was going to unveil a new monument; one that would represent all who gave their lives in the VietNam War. As a Veteran myself, it was amazing to see how many people supported our Veteran’s community. More than one hundred bikers gathered to take the ride to the cemetery, all from various cities and organizations across Florida. It is said that 58,220 American Soldiers lost their lives during the VietNam war. Speakers for the service honoring the fallen soldiers included a retired Major General as the Master of Ceremonies, and staff representing two of Florida’s state Senators. In addition, there were two buglers, a color guard posting the colors, and a rifle squad for the 21 gun salute.

The organizer and Road Captain of the drive-by began with the pledge of allegiance, a customary briefing and explained the ride plan. I was then called out by name, and given the privilege to pray over the ride. I chose a passage out of the book of Psalms for the basis of my prayer over the ride and Veterans. The passage reads: Psalm 103:13-18 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those

who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! This passage reminds me of the eternity of God. The Veterans monument stands as a reminder of our fallen heroes and will remain there. Witnessing and praying over that momentous occasion was special, as my father served in the Air Force and was stationed in the Philippines during the VietNam war. It was an honor to pray for those who served and experienced the war first hand and are still with us today. It was also an honor to pray for those who died in Christ and are resting in the cloud of witnesses. The Lord remains forever with those who served. He was with them at that time long ago and He is with them even now in Heaven. That brings me great comfort.

Teach’s Takeaway,

- Monuments allow us to better remember those who have gone before us.

- God was with our American soldiers then just as much as He is with us now.

- When our final day comes, the Salvation of the Lord allows us to live with Him forever.

Military ceremonies are steeped in tradition and make up our rich culture and climate. It was an honor to be part of a large motorcycle drive by. Ride on.

Fellow Soldier in Christ, Wayne (Teach) Masiker Christian Motorcyclists Association wayne.masiker@att.net

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