The Relationship Between Creativity and Skate boarding - Visualized
skate[scape] skate + escape is an unique book capturing the creative intersection of graphic design and skateboarding. Through interviews, visuals and words and seeks answers the question, “Why do you skate?”
This project, years in the making, was an idea to merge Peter Soutullo’s two passions: graphic design and skateboarding. The creative element that can be found throughout skateboarding has always had a unique kinship to art and design. Both can be extremely creative, expressive, rewarding, loud or quiet — whatever the hell you want it to be. For some, it could be an escape from real life or maybe an outlet for creative expression or just a mode of transportation to the corner store. It’s different for everyone. There is no wrong or right reason to ride a skateboard. Just push.
WE HAD A CHANCE TO CATCH UP WITH PETER AND ASK HIM A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS BOOK.
HOW DID YOU GET INTRODUCED TO SKATEBOARDING?
I have an older brother who was in high school at the time, he’s two years older, who started skating with his friends, and of course, I wanted to do what my big brother was doing. So, I just followed him and his friends around. I asked my mom if I could get a skateboard. She said yes but with a warning - “if you get hurt, that skateboard goes straight in the garbage.” That was it, I was hooked!
WHAT WAS IT ABOUT SKATEBOARDING THAT KEPT YOU INTERESTED?
It was EVERYTHING! As a kid I was always the art kid; I was always building, painting, drawing, making - anything but reading and writing! So, the graphics, the tricks, the boards, t=shirts, magazines, music and the clothes seemed so amazing, I wanted to know everything about it! It so different than what was popular at the time and I just loved it, still love it to this day!
ARE YOU STILL SKATING OR INVOLVED IN ANY WAY?
Oh yes! I’ll never say I quit or stopped. It’s just slowed way down due to adult responsibilities. I get out and push around every once in a while or hit the local skatepark to cruise around in the bowl when I can. I also follow many skaters, skate companies, skate artists and designers on social media or watch video clips on-line. I’m definitely still connected, just not as physically active as I could be.
OK, LET’S TALK ABOUT THE BOOK. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO CREATE THIS BOOK?
I’ve been working as a graphic designer going on 30 years. In high school that’s when I actually learned what graphic design was.
Prior to that I wanted to create skateboard graphics, t-shirts, stickers and maybe even work for a skateboard magazine but I had no idea how that happened. Then in high school we had a graphic design program and since I took all the other offered art classes, I figured why not take this graphic design class and see what it’s all about. That’s where I learned how posters, packaging, books, magazines, album covers and basically everything you see around you is designed or created.
Once again that was it, I was hooked. From then on I knew what I wanted to do - graphic design. After high school I got my bachelor’s degree in graphic design and my master’s degree in media design and the one thing I always wanted to design was my own book. So, the idea to design a book was pretty much always there.
When I was looking to get my masters degree, I told myself that whatever the thesis project would be, I’m going to make my project a book. I’d kind of use it as motivation and that’s when and where it really started. It was really a passion project from the start.
WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO DO A BOOK ON SKATEBOARDING?
Well, skateboarding and graphic design have always been my two great passions so, it was pretty obvious that’s what I was going to make the book about.
The challenging part about the book was that I’m not a photographer, so how am I going to get images to use? That was a big concern but also, what was the book going to say? I racked my brain on how to get images without a budget or having great photography skills.
I belong to a lot of skateboard groups on social media, so, I used that to solicit images from group members and have them include a quote or story telling me why they skateboard. I also asked friends, acquaintances, former students who I knew that skated and even a few professional skaters and skate photographers. I did inform anyone who wanted to submit images and/or stories that they still own the images and in no way was I going to claim the rights or ownership of their images, but that created another issue - if I charged for the book, I would not feel right keeping any profit made from the sale of the book, so I decided to donate any profit made off the book to a fantastic skateboard charity, Boards For Bros, (boards4bros.org), based in Tampa, Florida that builds refurbished skateboards and distributes them to kids in the community free of charge. They also have chapters in North Carolina, New York, California, Illinois and New Jersey. What a great organization!
DO YOU THINK THERE ARE ANY SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE BIKER COMMUNITY AND THE SKATEBOARDING COMMUNITY?
Most definitely! I think there are a lot of similarities between the two communities. Both groups have been viewed as outsiders, disruptor’s, creative, loyal, inclusive and supportive just to name a few. There is a quote by the deceased pro skater Jay Adams, - “You didn’t quit skateboarding because you got old, you got old because you quit skateboarding in skateboarding.” I think that quote really encompasses the skating lifestyle and can probably be said for the biker lifestyle as well. For most of us, skaters and bikers are alike, it’s not just a hobby or fad - it’s a lifestyle and many of us wouldn’t know what to do without being involved in it!
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW OR PLANNED IN THE FUTURE?
I always have ideas coming and going. I have my passion projects, I’d love to do more books, currently working on some record album artwork, plus my freelance projects that are always there and of course my graphic design class that I’ve been teaching at Full Sail University in Winter Park for the last 15 going on 16 years! I’m always keep busy with something design related and don’t plan on stopping any time soon.
THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO TALK WITH US.
It’s been my pleasure! I think I could talk about skateboarding and art/design till the cows come home. *laughs* Thanks for having me!
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR/DESIGNER
Peter has over 29 years in the design industry, 15 years in collegiate design education and has been skating since the late 80s. He has a great passion for skateboarding, graphic design, music and family that he uses as creative inspiration for this new project.
In middle school, Peter found skateboarding and was introduced to new types of music through skateboarding, specifically, punk, hardcore and heavy metal and this was the beginning! Peter loved the graphics on the boards, t-shirts, album covers, stickers and the skate magazines. He couldn’t get enough of it. He says he owes a lot to skateboarding, as it has been the catalyst for many things in his life — his career as a designer, this book project, the music he listens to and even how he observes the city landscape. Skateboarding has given Peter an unlimited source of inspiration. Now go skate + escape!
“I’ll never say I quit or stopPED. Its just slowed way down due to adult responsibilities.”
ABOUT THE BOOK
This book is a visual collaboration between graphic design, photography and skateboarding. The connection between creativity and skateboarding is unquestionable and this book is a great example of that. This is a unique collection of meticulously designed layouts, insightful words and awesome photos of amazing skateboarders like Lizzie Armanto, Mark Gonzales, Natas Kaupas, Tommy Guerrero, Tony Hawk and more. It also features iconic photographs from the amazing J. Grant Brittain along with other photo contributors.
Last year the weather cut deep into our attendance and threatened to do it again this year. On the day before the event, this year, the weather turned in our favor and we had well over 2000 motorcycles in the ride. The opening ceremony began as always with the pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of our National Anthem by a local performer, Kaleb Wright. Invocation was given by Gold Star father Gary Swanson. Our guest speaker this year was Gold Star Mother Kelly Swanson. Kelly retired after more than 40 years from the FBI where she worked on high profile investigations dealing with National Security. Kelly gave an excellent speech on the importance of Memorial Day and why we must never forget our
Williams was recognized.
Christopher Swanson was killed in action in Iraq on 7-22-2006.
There was a special appearance by members of the American Eagle Foundation, located in Kodak, TN. Handlers Andrea McCravy and John Simcox with American Bald Eagle “Penny”, a symbol of our United States, talking about how Penny came to be with the foundation.
A wreath was placed at the military monument on the courthouse lawn by members of the Sevierville Police department Honor Guard followed by Echo Taps played by Rob Loar and his daughter Liz Loar Barnette. During the opening ceremony WWII Veteran Elmer
The ride then headed out on the 65mile route escorted by Sevier County Sheriff’s Department. All along the route spectators were out showing their patriotism and support for the event. Fire departments from all 5 counties in every town we passed threw had their ladder trucks with a huge American flag hanging out over the road as we passed underneath, including the parking lot we came into for the closing ceremony in Bean Station.
Once we arrived at the Veteran’s Overlook for the closing ceremony, local performer T.C. Barnette told a story with a song of how one man chose to remember a fallen loved one, the song,
fallen military. Kelly and Gary’s son, SSG
“I Drive Your Truck”. Another wreath was then placed at the memorial. A 21 Gun Salute was given by members of V.F.W. Post 5266. Echo Taps was once again played by Rob Loar and Liz Loar Barnette. Benediction was given by SR. MSGT Shanamarie Harville, member of the 134th Air Refueling Group at McGee Tyson in Knoxville, TN.
Next year will mark our 25th year for Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride and plans are already underway to make a special event so stay tuned and follow our progress on our Facebook Page, Smoky Mountain Thunder and website: WWW.SMOKYMOUNTAINTHUNDER.NET
RIDE APPALACHIA
WRANGLING TWO SNAKES ON 2 WHEELS: THE STORY OF SOUTHEAST KENTUCKY’S FIRST TWO STATE RECOGNIZED MOTORCYCLE ROUTES
Ever wonder how some of our most popular trail routes were originally created? This month, in honor of Copperhead Trail’s July anniversary, we will take you through a brief history of two of our most popular routes here on the Backroads of Appalachia and how each of them was named and originally created.
July is a special month for us as it is also the month we host our Annual “Jeffrey Gray Copperhead Trail Founders Ride for Cancer,” honoring one of its co-founders who succumbed to this dreaded disease a few years ago. This annual event celebrates the day Copperhead Trail was founded back in 2017 and raises money to help someone in our local community and their fight with cancer. With the 84th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally right around the corner, we felt it is the perfect time to start at the beginning of our motorcycle trail route history and delve into two “Appalachian Snakes” that are now part of an overall regional motorsports initiative designed to bring economic development to the small forgotten coal towns across our region.
In this article, we’ll also give you a little history on how the Public Facebook Group and Motorcycle Side of Backroads, the “All Volunteer” Whitley County Motorcycle Group, was created to promote these two curvy snake-like routes before joining forces with Backroads of Appalachia on the east side of the state! This incredible collaboration has now grown into a fully realized growing regional movement hosting over 85 different multi-motorsports related events per year while promoting our 50+ GPS-Enabled Routes in our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application and our over 5,000 miles of riding and driving. All created by input from our growing motorsports community and in-house volunteers and designed specifically to be “The Best Riding, Driving, and Off-Road in the U.S.! Period!”
In next Month’s Article we will bring the rest of BOA Story as we put the whole enchilada together and complete this Two-Part series with our “Backroads of Appalachia: Bringing it All Together For a Region” content which will include the Backroads of Appalachia Origin Story, The Story of Lynch Kentucky, and of course the Trail Route that started it all over Kentucky’s Highest Mountain, “The
Dragonslayer HWY 160”! Of course, we will give you the scoop on our incredible routes and places in these areas along the way so sit back and grab a frosty cold one and take this ride with us as we have one incredible story to tell you! Let’s get rolling with Part One and a little of Southeast Kentucky’s Trail Route History as we Wrangle Us Up the Story on these Two Venomous Kentucky Vipers!
THE STORY OF RATTLESNAKE 192 - BRAKE ON THE SNAKE
Southeast Kentucky’s first established state-recognized motorcycle route, Rattlesnake 192, began with the vision of Pulaski and Laurel County local governments who recognized the potential for economic development through motorsports tourism. In 2016, Kentucky officially named Highway 192 “The Rattlesnake” to promote tourism and attract motorcyclists and sports car drivers. The road runs from London to Somerset, Kentucky, through the foothills of Daniel Boone National Forest, and has around 150 turns in an 11-mile stretch. The road is known for its excellent pavement and beautiful countryside.
The “Rattlesnake” is easily accessible from I-75 near London, Kentucky. The good curves begin in about five miles, and the official Rattlesnake is another five miles at Buck Creek. “Rattlesnake 192-Brake on the Snake” was included in the Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application when it was originally released! For more information, Find Rattlesnake 192 - Brake on the Snake on Facebook and come visit us this season and “Get Rattled On Rattlesnake 192’!
THE INCREDIBLE CABIN KNOWN AS THE SOUVENIR SHACK
Local residents Janice and Billy Green saw an opportunity to enhance the experience for everyone who visits “Rattlesnake 192-Brake on the Snake” by creating a true “Break” for all who wrangle this Kentucky Viper. The Greens spent two years building
this Rustic Log Cabin with the inviting front porch now known as the “Souvenir Shack” with their own bare hands! The Shack opened in 2018 and is one place we highly recommend to everyone who comes here. It is a truly “Uniquely Appalachian” Experience as this beautiful log cabin offers a place for riders to take a break, enjoy a cold drink, and purchase Rattlesnake 192 merchandise. The Souvenir Shack or the “Shack” as us local riders call it is one incredible place to visit from the Hammock Chairs hanging outside to the dog laying on the front porch and the stuffed rattlesnakes found inside, The “Shack” epitomizes Central Appalachian hospitality and is a must-visit for all who come here! Find the Souvenir Shack now in the Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application or visit them on Facebook! You will be glad you did!
THE STORY OF COPPERHEAD TRAIL KY
Following the lead of Rattlesnake 192, two adjoining counties came together to create yet another great ride that truly encompasses the beauty of Southeast Kentucky in a way that is impossible to put into words. Starting right off of Exit 11 on I-75 at Kentucky Splash Waterpark and Campground in Williamsburg Kentucky you will see the sign for this incredible 60 Miles Motorcycle Ride which includes over 220 Curves and the incredible backdrop that is Daniel Boone National Forest! This ride offers all the incredible beauty, scenery, history, and natural wonders unique to Whitley and McCreary Counties. A highlight of this route is Cumberland Falls, known as the “Niagara of the South,” which boasts the highest flowing waterfall south of Niagara and is one of the world’s only places where you can see a moonbow (Full Moon Required!).
Copperhead Trail KY was recognized and marked by the Kentucky State Legislature in 2017 and is the only state-sign marked motorcycle ride at every turn, ensuring riders can fully enjoy this scenic journey. Each year we hear the incredible story of
Copperhead Trail from its surviving co-founder at our Annual Copperhead Trail Founders Ride for Cancer Event! Copperhead Trail KY was included in the Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application when it was originally released along with Rattlesnake 192 and many other great existing and newly created routes! Find Copperhead Trail KY on Facebook and come visit us this season and “Get Bit” By the Beauty of Southeast Kentucky on Copperhead Trail Today!
THE WHITLEY COUNTY MOTORCYCLE GROUP - BUILDING A RIDING COMMUNITY TO HELP
A REGION AND THOSE IN NEED!
The “All Volunteer” Whitley County Motorcycle Group was founded in Williamsburg, Kentucky in 2020 with the intent of bringing both out-of-state and local riders together into a true riding community designed to help charity and those in need while promoting our incredible riding in Central Appalachia. The WCMG was originally founded to promote two established existing area routes which include our home trail, Copperhead Trail KY, and the Rattlesnake 192-Brake on the Snake. After hosting multiple events in the surrounding area, the group began to take shape and became a Public Facebook Group in Early 2021. The WCMG joined forces with Backroads of Appalachia several months later changing our logo from the Kentucky State Outline over the Seat to the BOA logo representing our support of the overall mission, region, and organization! Since then the WCMG, in partnership with BOA, has created many new Routes in the BOA Mobile Application for other riders to enjoy, hosted over 150 charitable motorcycle rides and events across the Central Appalachian Region, and has attended 12 National Rallies promoting our BOA Mobile Application, Mission Statement, and Our Incredible Routes and Riding here to the Motorcycle World. The WCMG is currently the largest active allvolunteer charity motorcycle group in Central Appalachia composed of riders and supporting members both locally and from around the Globe! In this group, it doesn’t matter what you ride as long as you ride, we even have Slingshots and Vanderhalls! Join us on Facebook!
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER UNDER ONE REGIONAL MISSION!
The establishment of Rattlesnake 192 and Copperhead Trail KY marked significant milestones in promoting motorcycle tourism in Southeast Kentucky. These routes not only offer thrilling rides but also bring economic development to our region while celebrating the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region. As we commemorate the creation of Copperhead Trail KY this month and honor Jeffrey Gray, we continue our unwavering mission to make our region the Number 1 Place to Ride for motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world.
Since we cannot get it all in one article, Join us next month as we delve deeper into the history of our organization and bring you the rest of the Backroads of Appalachia Story including the trail that started it all for Backroads of Appalachia, The one and only Dragonslayer HWY 160 over Kentucky’s Highest Mountain! Want to know more? Come see us at Sturgis or Visit our website at www. backroadsofappalachia.org or you can find us on Facebook. You can also download our Free Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application now to Find Rattlesnake 192, The Souvenir Shack, Copperhead Trail KY, The Dragonslayer HWY 160, and many other great rides and “Uniquely Appalachian” Points of Interest! All of our upcoming events are in there also! So what are you waiting for?
LET’S RIDE APPALACHIA!
—Jay Fryman (FryDaddy)
Founder, Whitley County Motorcycle Group
Backroads of Appalachia Journalism Team
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
“Take your time and inspect the bike before you dole out your hard earned cash”
Happy 4th of July everyone. Hoping everyone enjoys the celebration and makes it all in one piece. Remember there are others on the road that don’t care about your well being so make sure to lookout for yourself.
Speaking on looking out for yourself, here is a topic to note. For the new or soon to be new members of motorcycle riding a message of caution. We all get excited with the prospect of purchasing a new or used motorcycle for us to get in the wind with. We get caught up in the moment when looking at that new sled and sometimes common sense goes right out the window. With plenty of used bikes for sale in the trade papers and internet, there’s no shortage of choices to pick from. With that said, unfortunately, there is the possibility of running across
scumbags that are only after your money and do not have your best interests in mind nor do they share your dreams of riding. When purchasing a used motorcycle, make sure to do your due diligence. Use the VIN on the frame to verify
the year make model and mileage on the bike. There are services on the internet on the cheap that you can do this with. If it is a newer bike you can even contact your local dealer for additional info. Some will even help you find the service history of these bikes. Verify if the bike was ever stolen or salvaged after a wreck or accident. If the seller is saying they are a dealer or broker, verify they are actually alicensed business. Take your time and inspect the bike before you dole out your hard earned cash. Don’t ever take the sellers word for it. Make sure the keys your given will actually lock and unlock the bike and if with saddlebags work with those as well. If you really get into it, lookup recalls for the year and model. If it has a security system, make sure you
get the motorcycles security code for the security system, if so equipped, that goes with the bike.
These are just a few of the things to look into. Unfortunately, everyone’s not honest. Don’t let your dream bike become your nightmare. If it’s an aspt or builders title, try to see if it comes with the MSO (manufacturers certificate of origin) for the frame, bills of sale for the parts on the bike and is already registered legally in the state your purchasing it in. Last thing you want is to get pulled over and have your bike confiscated by the cops. Frames and motor numbers can be run through your local police department to help ensure none of your potential new parts are not stolen. Motors and frames are the big ones.
I’m hoping this is helpful to you all. I know some of you already know this but sometimes the excitement of the moment can cause a brain freeze. Even for old timers. Don’t get taken in by the shiny chrome, performance parts and fancy paint. All that isn’t worth squat if it’s not on the up and up. If you do happen to be conned by one of the dirtbags out there ripping us off, spread the word so someone else doesn’t fall victim to their BS.
Best of luck to you all and happy riding. Remember, new adventures are just waiting out there for you.
-Nefarious James American Patriot
RIDING THE MELODIES:
BRIAN HAMILTON’S ‘SUMMER DAYS FLORIDA’
Getting carded has taken on a new meaning for many seniors. It used to mean when they were young they needed to show an ID to order an adult beverage. For many seniors now it means showing your Medicare card to prove you old enough to be entitle to Medicare benefits. This is the case for my new biker friend Brian Hamilton who’s energy and appearance resembles someone in their 40’s.
Brian Hamilton is a name well-known in the songwriting world, with a career spanning decades and songs featured on TV and in movies. But what many may not know is that Brian is also an avid motorcycle enthusiast, often finding inspiration for his music on the open road. One of his most iconic songs, “Summer Days Florida,” captures this passion perfectly, telling the story of a guy driving a Harley Davidson around Saint Petersburg and the beach area.
“Summer Days Florida” was born from Brian’s own experiences riding through the sunny streets of Saint Petersburg. “There’s something about the freedom of the road, the wind in your face, and the sound of the engine that just sparks creativity,” says Brian. “I wanted to capture that feeling in a song.”
In an exclusive interview, Brian shares his journey as both a musician and a rider. “I’ve always loved motorcycles. There’s a sense of adventure and escape that you can’t find anywhere else. Combining that with my love for music just felt natural,” he explains. Brian’s music has always resonated with the motorcycle community, but “Summer
A Biker Helping Bikers
LET’S AVOID EVER HAVING TO SAY
“I WISH I KNEW BACK THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW”
Days Florida” holds a special place. “This song is a love letter to Florida and to riding. It’s about those perfect summer days when everything just feels right,” he says.
The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it a perfect anthem for bikers hitting the road. For those eager to hear “Summer Days Florida,” the song is available on all major distribution channels, including Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, and Amazon. You can also listen to it on YouTube here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGes9dSIcNs
Reflecting on the song’s impact, Brian notes, “It’s amazing to see how music can connect people. Whether it’s playing on TV, in movies, or through the speakers of a bike, it’s all about sharing that experience.”
As Brian looks to the future, he remains dedicated to creating music that speaks to the hearts of riders and music lovers alike.
“There’s so much more I want to do, more songs to write, more roads to ride. It’s all part of the journey.”
Brian like many of you I meet at different motorcycle venues. Remind me YOU DON’T STOP RIDING WHEN YOU GET OLD. YOU GET OLD WHEN YOU STOP RIDING.
What Brian says he likes best about my business is that I provide and easy way for people to get prepared for when they need that “OH SHIT MONEY”!
Its 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!“
My passion is to help bikers in life changing ways. Hence the reason I created Bikers Helping Bikers.
Whether the topic is adventuring, creativity in the workplace, finding ways to craft solutions, addressing ecological issues for the health of the planet or encouraging healing from the effects of trauma, the most important element we can include in all these endeavors is enthusiasm.
“Success depends on going from failure to failure without a loss of enthusiasm.”
- Winston Churchill
Many people have resigned to their positions in life. They go to a job they hate, fill their time with addictive diversions instead of becoming pro-active with their homelife, complain about the behaviors of others and stick to the belief that if only things were different, maybe someday, they would be happy.
These are the people who watch the clock, dream about the distant future and grumble about how things are. The truth is that by making a subtle shift in our perception, adopting a new belief about our situation and focusing on uncovering the truth about our circumstances that we can find a new relationship with where we are right now. I used to think that I got my happiness from things - A new car, an
expensive watch, a visible commendation from those around me or an attractive girlfriend. But the feeling that accompanied these acquisitions was fleeting. And after a while I returned to the place where nothing satisfied, there was no use bothering and I could only see the belief that I was trapped in a dog-eat-dog world. That would be depressing – right?
I was once dead in my depression. I hit a dead end. I was mentally, financially, and emotionally bankrupt. I wanted everything painted black. I could not see anything wonderful about the hole I had dug myself into. Fortunately, I didn’t stay that way. By acknowledging my situation and reaching up for help, I began my climb up into the life I love today. And among those who showed me the way out were those who radiated enthusiasm. These were people who had rare, permanent conditions, lived in dyer situations, had overcome the tendency for self-pity and had finally accepted that some things would never change but they lived happy, purposeful lives. What did they have that I didn’t have? Enthusiasm.
Adding this important element to the life you are living will promote a shift in perspective that also reveals a new relationship with the truth that seemed hidden all this time. Embracing this candor qualifies as healthy change and provides a surprising litany of benefits.
Armed with enthusiasm you begin to find things to be grateful for. You see that there are things you can do to benefit others and that the payoff for making this world a better place becomes a heart filled with joy. Life takes on a whole new meaning. You find a new moxie. And as this new perspective expands to populate more of your world, you see the beauty that surrounds us all. All because of enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm is an important part of affirming health, joy, productivity and regard for others. When we demonstrate enthusiasm, we radiate a quality that adds the right kind of punctuation that elevates whatever topic we are on. Enthusiasm is like seasoning for the manna of our lives.
Here is what I learned
1. Attitude is proactive – I become enthusiastic first with a shift in my belief system – by realizing that we live in a never-ending series of experiencing failure and coming up with a solution, experiencing the next failure because of our recent solution and coming up with the next solution. Etc. etc. etc. Failure is not permanent – it is a normal part of the rhythm of life.
2. There are health benefits that result from the aftermath of enthusiasm that include a positive mindset that promotes affirmative healing, assuring acceptance and a greater tolerance of imperfection that no longer interferes with our happiness.
3. Social advantages include others adopting our attitudinal beliefs that affect an ever-increasing circle of influence.
I get to… As we learn to make enthusiasm a priority in our mental, social and work environments we lift others up. As you notice an improvement in the attitude of those around you, you get the payoff of accomplishment, having satisfaction with improving the lives of those around you and you experience an incredible level of happiness for having lifted their attitude. Everyone wins. We promote enthusiasm for an ever-widening circle of influence and the world becomes a better place.
I encourage you to radiate enthusiasm now. Make enthusiasm a part of your demeanor throughout the day. Find ways to share this enthusiasm with everyone you meet. And if there is anyone who is not one-hundred percent satisfied with how enthusiasm improves their outlook experience and the response from others who notice this change for the good of the entire world – Then you are entitled to what I call my double-back guarantee. If any part of the enthusiasm you produce doesn’t exceed your expectations - you are entitled to double your misery back.
—Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer
TUEDAYS LIVE ON FACEBOOK 9pm-10pm and OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Welcome to July my BTR friends. It’s officially national hotdog and ice cream month and the dog days of summer. Also it’s one of the biggest vacationing months of the year. So, get out there on your scoots and head for your favorite ice cream or hotdog joints avoiding the summer thunderstorms and the extra traffic from vacationers while riding headlong into hairdryer wind, sweating profusely. But most of all, stay cool like us. Mike breaks in, “well, my oxymoronic typing pterodactyl. You’re just cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. Do you realize what you’re saying to your avid readers? Hairdryer wind? Stay cool like us? Sweating profusely? No one’s going to fall for your iconic puns.”
I cackle, “Dude, what do you mean? This month makes 22 years that I’ve been scratching out stories poolside with my typing talons and bobbing beak for Born to Ride and the thousands of avid readers who have believed all my stories over the years. In that time me and you have not seen eye to eye about the color of a lot of things. It’s always been a pigment of our imagination.
Ron, in conjunction with the awesome folks at Tampa Bay Harley-Davidson, are throwing the Great American Biker Bash on July 27 from 11 to 6 and we’re going to be part of it. One of my favorite bands, Tommy Roxx,
GREAT AMERICAN BIKER BASH
will be playing some kick ass Southern rock and I’m going to be on stage for a song or two. The crowd really loves it when I join him on his shoulder for many of the classics, especially the beginning of Freebird!
The snazzy suds girls will be washing every bike they can get their soapy hands on. Maybe I’ll even get my wings wet. BTR is sponsoring a 10 class bike show and Ronnie Setser’s Customs will be bringing out some classic vintage hot rods for people to drool over. There’s going to be one lucky winner of a $500 gift card from Tampa H-D and another one’s going to walk away with a bad ass cooler from Law Fran.
With tons of vendors including food, people will be able to suffice their aspirations for a road trip, ice cream and hotdogs.
Of course you’ll be dragging my feathered ass out there on the Fat Bird 3 and I will be signing recent copies of BTR including this current edition of my story for all who desire one!” Mike babbles, “damn Spyke you’ve got all the particulars covered. You’re a real information super highway! I think I’m going to get the game scrabble, chop up all the
words and put them in your food. That way when you do your poop trick, you can reveal a secret message. Who needs the Internet or Facebook when you’re around!”
I squawk loudly, “well Mike, I only have you to blame for me being a knowledgeable typing funky colored chicken.”
Mike asks, “well how long has this been going on?”
I chirp, “ever since I was an egg! Speaking of the Internet, Mike you’ve gotta help me here. I think I’m addicted to Twitter.”
Mike scratches his head and says, “I’m sorry Spyke, I just don’t follow you! I know you tell me I’m never too old to learn something stupid and because of the Internet I can now farm without going outside, cook without being in the kitchen, catch fish that I never could before and waste an entire day without having a life.
I used to be indecisive, but now I’m just not sure. I have to take what’s going on in your life with a grain of salt, plus a slice of lemon and a shot of tequila. So really, right now I’m no help to you. But I will say Spyke change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.”
I squabble, “Mike you’re so slow to change. You couldn’t get a job as a speed bump and you’ve always been a few planks short of a platform.
It’s early in the day and I’m done with the story. With no rain in sight I think it’s time to stop adulting and filling today with things we MUST do and start doing the one thing we NEED to do, wind therapy. Go get the Fat Bird 3 out from under the cover. It’s time for you to plop me on your shoulder, put your knees under the triple trees, and get the Fat Bird 3 wheels rolling down the road and into the hot summer winds.
— SPYKE
RONNIE and EMILY’S RONNIE and EMILY’S
CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION
What’s your reason to ride? Most bikers have a purpose or cause they support. There are some organized bikers who provide support for abused children, or lobby to promote motorcycling laws and rules. If you are a military veteran, police officer, firefighter and other first responder, there’s a group for you too! And of course, there are groups who gather for the love of their motorcycle brand like Harley, BMW, Honda and others. While some might ride in the name of fellowship and brotherhood, or are from a particular region, town, or neighborhood, most of these groups participate in a variety of charities like toy runs, fundraisers for hospitals and homes, and escort of veterans or victims. Whatever the reason, we enjoy having a purpose in our love of riding. So, what is the reason you ride?
The Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) is a group of Christians who have a love for motorcycles and Christ. For us, our cause is to raise money each year for what we call “Run For the Son”(RFS). “Run for the Son” is the Christian Motorcyclists Association’s investment into world-wide evangelism. Over the past 36 years RFS has played an important role in 37 million salvations in 194 countries around the globe. Over those 36 years, CMA, through RFS, has been able to raise funds for biker evangelism in the United States and around the world. With a vision for changing the world, one heart at a time, we are reaching out to the motorcycling community around the world with the love and life-changing power of Jesus Christ. One of
the many verses in the Bible that relates to this cause is Romans 10:14-15 “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” This is good news of Jesus Christ and the true heartbeat behind CMA. The funds from RFS support several ministries that help tell that good news. These include the story of Jesus through the Jesus Film Project, gifting Bibles to the persecuted, and transportation for pastors who are missionaries in foreign countries, namely in the form of motorcycles.
Teach’s Takeaway,
- We all are passionate about something and are willing to ride in support of it.
- A cause that touches others is important to the community.
- When Jesus is our reason, we can be messengers and bring the good news
Who would have guessed that loving to ride could help someone? Motorcyclists can be some of the most generous giving people. Be passionate and truly affect the community around you. To learn more about our ministry and donate to the RFS fund, follow the link: cmausa.org/Donate/Donate#Runfortheson
Fellow Soldier in Christ, Wayne (Teach) Masiker
Christian Motorcyclists Association wayne.masiker@att.net
Meet Angela at the Born To Ride Great American Biker Bash
NATALIE MEET
My name is Natalie Pilkinton, I am originally from Dallas, TX. I currently reside in sunny Tampa, Florida. With a father who is a Harley enthusiast and lives to ride, I have inherited the same passion for biking at an early age. I continue to embrace this legacy. I enjoy hanging around like minded individuals who share the same passion.”
Bike Owner: Bobby Adorni
1968 Harley-Davidson - Genny Shovel Head
Genny Shovel has a generator as newer HDs have an alternator
