When you ride with AAA, you never ride alone.
SAVE 50% on Motorcycle coverage at Bike Week* Visit our Speedway booth off Midway Ave. by turn 4. Get Motorcycle coverage from AAA and enjoy our legendary roadside assistance coverage every time you ride. Current members’ dues are prorated when upgrading, and nonmembers can add Motorcycle for $17.50 to any membership level when they join at the AAA booth during Bike Week. Ride with confidence. Ride with AAA. • Coverage on any bike • 4 tows up to 100 miles each • Free fuel delivery • Member rates on motorcycle travel packages • Trip interruption coverage
1-866-506-9370
AAA.com/Motorcycle
Visit any AAA office
*Discount applies to new Motorcycle coverage only. Offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Membership benefits vary with membership levels and are subject to change without notice. 15-MS-1855
Contents
March Issue 27
Ad Index
Features Motorcycling in the 70s Test Ride Toy Hauler Phenomenon Euro Retro Apex Cycles
11 20 26 31
Columns Women’s World Heaven’s Saints
11
18 44
Departments Born To Ride News Georgia Bike Events Born To Ride Kids
5 40 44
Reports Live & Times of Motorcycles Ride Safe Ride Smart Killer Creek H-D St. Patricks Day Party Angel City Motorcycle Rally Cycle World of Athens Love on a Bike
32
8 9 28 24 37 39
On The Cover Angel City Motorcycle Rally April 15-19, 2015 Photo by: Sveinn Kjartansson
AAA IFC Angel City 22 Burford Accounting 42 BTR Facebook 10 BTR Lifestyle 30 BTR Media IBC BTR TV 30 Chancey 77 Leather 38 Chattahoochee Biker Gear 27 Copperhead Lodge 33 4D’s Trucking 42 H-D Killer Creek 29 Hog Wild Motorcycles 38 Knight Hawk Rally 36 Leaf Grocery 10 Leesburg Bikefest 43 Lilly’s Ride 4 Life 10 Love Jugs 30 Lost Southern Boys 42 Mid State RV 25 Motorcycle Freight 35 Motorcycle Safety Day 12 Paddy’s Pub 38 Ranch Jam 6 Roadhouse 42 Southern Devil H-D 3 Start BTR 42 Tallahassee H-D 17 The Drake Firm 1, BC The BTR Mobile App 38 Thunder Beach Rally 4 Thunder Tower West H-D 19 Top Box LED Light 38 Sales Reps Wanted 35 Xtreme Cycles of Dallas 38
WHY BORN TO RIDE? WHY NOW?
Start an extraordinary relationship
BTR 2 | BORNTORIDE.COM Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779 The information contained herein is provided by Born To Ride Magazine or by its advertisers. BTR makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information in the issue. Born To Ride Magazine does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness or correct sequencing of such information throughout this magazine. Use of such information is voluntary on your part, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after your independent review. Reference herein to any specific manufacturer, company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement of or recommendation of said by Born To Ride Magazine.” “Born To Ride Magazine (including its employees, contributors and agents) assumes no responsibility for consequences that may result from the use of the information herein, including the use of the information obtained at www.borntoride.com and it’s linked sites, or in any respect for the content of such information, including (but not limited to) errors or omissions, the accuracy or reasonableness of factual or scientific assumptions, studies or conclusions, ownership of copyright or other intellectual property rights, and the violation of property, privacy, or personal rights of others. BTR Magazine is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. No guarantees or warranties, including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties are made by BTR Magazine with respect to such information contained throughout the site.” No part may be copied without written permission of the publisher, Born To Ride, Inc. P.O. Box 3021, Brandon, FL 33509. 888-795-5779, Fax 813-689-2996.
BTR 2 | BORNTORIDE.COM
404-788-3907
The Harley-Davidson Museum® features Willie G. Davidson. Willie G. Davidson: Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend opening next summer
BORN TO RIDE Magazine
PO BOX 1428 Cedartown, GA 30125
PUBLISHER
Ron Galletti rg@borntoride.com Cell: 813-785-3895 888-795-5779
CO PUBLISHER
Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com 888-795-5779
PROMOTIONS & MARKETING Stuart Fincher sfincherhd@yahoo.com 706-969-0017
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Parker Willis Parker@borntoride.com
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com
ART DIRECTOR Shawn Jones art@borntoride.com
WEB DESIGN/SOCIAL MEDIA Juan Guzman
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jesse Williams jwilliams@borntoride.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Cravin Moorehead, Eric Albright Hayley B. Colina, Susan Hurst Eric Wieberg, Bob Nadeau Stefanie Drake Burford Chris Carr, Paul Pence, Tom Scruggs, Roger Wiles
PROMOTIONS Gator Dick 863-661-0388 Tom Scruggs 678-951-3541
The Harley-Davidson Museum is excited to announce its special summer exhibit for 2015, which will honor motorcycling’s legend behind the legends - Willie G. Davidson. The exhibit, titled Willie G. Davidson: Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend opens June 13 and runs through Sept. 7, 2015. Housed in the Garage special event space, visitors will experience a celebration of the artistry, influence and impact of a man whose designs have defined American motorcycles for generations. Key elements include previously unseen historical artifacts and items from Willie’s personal collection that provide insight into his unique perspective, personal style, creative process, inspiration and influences. In addition, one-of-a-kind vehicles, original designs, art, rare artifacts and media paint an engaging portrait of this iconic figure, his influential career, legacy, and current work. Additional details about the Willie G. Davidson: Artist, Designer, Leader, Legend exhibit will be released next spring. Biographical information: Willie G. Davidson serves as Chief Styling Officer Emeritus and Brand Ambassador at Harley-Davidson, Inc. He is affection-
SALES OFFICE ADVERTISING 888-795-5779
ately known by millions of motorcycle enthusiasts as “Willie G.,” and he is the grandson of one of the original founders, William A. Davidson. For 49 years, Davidson helped shape the look, sound and feel that define Harley-Davidson motorcycles. In 1981, he was one of 13 executives who raised more than $75 million to purchase Harley-Davidson from AMF Incorporated.
NORTH EASTERN Stuart Fincher 706-969-0017
NORTH WEST Ricky Black 678-873-1692 Duane Simmons 706-264-6791
WEST METRO Lisa Poole 770-755-3728
CENTRAL
About the Harley-Davidson Museum The Harley-Davidson Museum is located at 400 West Canal Street in Milwaukee and provides a glimpse of American history and culture like you’ve never seen it before – through the lens of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. The Museum, a top destination in Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin, is open year-round and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area each year. The 20-acre campus offers abundant and free parking, and includes MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant and The Shop. For more information on the Museum’s galleries, exhibits, special events, tickets and more, visit h-dmuseum.com.
Like Born To Ride on Facebook and enter for a chance to win monthly prizes.
Paul Pence 770-876-3542 Tom Scuggs 678-951-3541
SOUTH WEST Paul Murray 229-344-4482
SOUTH EAST Kim Hinely 912-308-2936
SOUTH
Luke Smith 229-834-3948
LEGAL DEPARTMENT The Drake Firm 1-844-STEF-LAW
BORN TO RIDE
P.O. Box 3021 Brandon, FL 33509 info@borntoride.com 888-795-5779
ADVERTISE IN THIS MAGAZINE Sales Office 888-795-5779
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 5
BTR 8 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Let Born To Ride market, promote and advertise your business or event! Call 888-795-5779
Street Strategies at Work THE SHARK
Imagine a typical scene from a naturenetwork documentary, one that shows a fur seal frantically swimming with a great white shark in ruthless pursuit, the huge snout of the shark filling the television screen. In the corresponding street scene, you’re riding your motorcycle down a wide arterial street when a huge sedan closes in on you, its grille filling your mirrors. Just as you change lanes to get out of this car-shark’s path,
the tailgater also changes lanes behind you. What are your best strategies for avoiding (or evading) this situation? Strategy: As soon as you notice a tailgater approaching in your mirrors, take steps to get out of the way. Activate your turn signal and make an obvious, decisive lane change to the right or left. If the car is already upon you before you notice its presence, take care before making a move to avoid the “shark
Call Stefanie Drake Burford when you need her! 1-844-STEF-LAW
pursuit” situation described above. When evading a shark, signal early and pause for just an instant (to make sure that the tailing driver isn’t also planning to change into the same lane) before making a definite and decisive move into the other lane. Your actions should clearly communicate your intentions to the other driver so he is fully aware of what moves you intend to make. More information go to www.msf-usa.org
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 9
MOTORCYCLING IN THE 1970S
by Richard Skelton
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 11
‘Motorcycling in the 1970s’ is a series of five eBooks about motorcycling. The books are designed to be read together, but can also be enjoyed separately. The first volume, A Brief History of Motorcycling from 1887 to 1969, is a general history, swiftly told, of motorcycling in Britain from its beginnings at the end of the 19th century up until the dawn of the 1970s (interwoven to an extent with two-wheeled goings on in the USA and elsewhere). It charts motorcycling’s pioneering years, skips through two world wars, tells of social acceptability in the 1920s, hard times in the 1930s and slow decline in the 1950s and 1960s. This first book attempts to make sense of the two-wheeled world order, and of motorcycling’s place in society and everyday life, and sets the scene for larger, more detailed volumes which follow. Volumes 2 - 4 are subtitled Funky Motorcycling 1 - 3 and together they form a comprehensive, in-depth history of the bikes and motorcycling trends and events in the
1970s. These three books tell the story of the arrival of the Superbike, the continuing and inexorable rise of the Japanese motorcycle industry and, partly from an insider’s point of view, the wasteful, lingering death of its British equivalent. They tell of the thrilling and extraordinary sporting machines from Italy and of the bulletproof BMW twins designed in Bavaria. They tell of motorcycling culture and of two-wheeled life and lives. In the 1970s, motorcycling became a leisure activity in a new and exciting way, there were more motorcyclists than ever before, or since, and dozens of new and ever more fabulous and technologically advanced motorcycles crammed the showrooms every year. It was the time of Jarno Saarinen and Giacomo Agostini and of Kenny Roberts and Barry Sheene. The time of British magazines Motorcycle Sport and Bike, and of Cycle in the USA, the time of journalists Cook Neilson, Mark Williams and LJK Setright in his pomp. These books set out the argument that although the protagonists were large-
Motorcycling in the 70s by Richard Skelton available at Amazon.com
ly unaware of it at the time, the 1970s as a whole can now be seen to have been a golden era in the history of the movement, a pivotal decade which represent a high point in the history of motorcycling that is never likely to be matched. The final book in the series is entitled ‘The Magic of Motorcycling.’ Something of a bonus volume that takes a sideways look at the 1970s classic motorcycle scene in the second decade of the 21st century, and explores what it is that makes motorcycling so special to so many people yet an anathema to a great many more. It also includes a comprehensive set of appendices – listing nostalgic, amusing and sometimes poignant reminders of the life and culture of the 1970s, reminding us of the global goings-on and domestic backdrop underlying the motorcycling scene and of course all lesser matters! The story of the project... My first book, Funky Mopeds, was published by Veloce Publishing in 2004, and considering it is about a very British phenomenon (the short-lived 1970s sports BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 13 17
moped craze and its social impact) I think it is fair to say it has sold reasonably well (5,000+ copies). Motorcycling in the 1970s is a follow up of a sort but much broader in scope. It took me some years to get around to writing it and several more to get it done. There were a few books out there on the 70s, but they tended to focus on glamorous superbikes or certain marques, so I thought there was room for an encyclopedic cultural history of motorcycling of that time. That is what I set out to achieve. I completed the manuscript in April 2013 and sent it to publisher Rod Grainger of Veloce. Rod said he liked and admired the project, but because of its huge size (getting on for 300,000 words) and scope he was worried about its
BTR 14 | BORNTORIDE.COM
commercial potential. To keep cost down, he suggested a book without any images, but I felt pictures were needed to illustrate the text. I decided to self-publish, and in October 2013 I engaged a company to undertake the design and layout of an eBook. What followed was something of a trial. Many weeks passed at a time without progress, communication was abysmal, and the people working on it routinely ignored my instructions.
Finally, in May this year, I made the decision to take the project away from the firm, even though it was not completed. A fee was agreed and paid. Fortunately, the next people I engaged, www.ebooksbydesign.co, proved excellent. A series of eBooks were produced quickly and easily; the process was straightforward and enjoyable. I launched the book on Amazon and other platforms in July 2014. Reviews so far have been generally positive, but I received criticism about the cover designs which have consequently just been changed. I have also just raised the price to $2.99
Motorcycling in the 70s by Richard Skelton available at Amazon.com
per volume (at $1.99 the royalties were negligible - Amazon certainly take their pound of flesh!). So that is where the project currently stands. I hope you enjoy it as an eBook and that one day, perhaps in an abridged form, it can be produced as a physical thing. ABOUT ME This collection of books is, in some respects, a love letter to motorcycling. It is certainly written from the heart. I was born in late 1960 and I started riding powered two-wheelers in 1976, on a fabulous little 50cc ‘popsicle purple’ Yamaha FS1-E. Straight away, I felt that riding set me free in a way that was not only instantly joyful but also deep meaningful and somehow magically transcendental. I was also aware
A series of 5 Ebooks about Motorcycling.
I was stepping into a great, flowing river of history and I was deeply glad of it. I quickly became as interested in motorcycling’s past as its present – hungry to find out about the fascinating machines and singular people that made motorcycling what it was and had been. And I began to explore what it was that set motorcyclists apart from the majority and made biking so uniquely enjoyable. As an avid rider and reader, I became a student of ‘the sport.’ Those thoughts and feelings have endured for nearly 40 years now. And while I still find motorcycling in all its aspects as boundlessly fascinating as did my teenage self, it is the period in which I plunged in and joined the flow, the time when I was at my most impressionable and when my
mind was at its most absorbent that still holds the greatest interest for me today the 1970s. The time when I fell in love with motorcycling. FUNKY MOPEDS - THE 1970S SPORTS MOPED PHENOMENON When I entered my forties at the beginning of the 21st century, I began to become nostalgic about my first year of motorcycling. The 12 months I spent on my fabulous little Yamaha FS1-E between November 1976 and November 1977. In late 1972 the British Government raised the minimum age for riding motorcycles to 17, obliging all 16-yearold would-be motorcyclists to ride shopping mopeds for 12 months, or so they hoped, decide to give bikes a miss
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 15
altogether. But completely unwittingly, they created an entirely new category of two-wheeled machine (the sports moped) which brought about a cultural phenomenon and a fuelled a motorcycling boom. There was a frenzy of innovation from motorcycle manufacturers, each intent on offering the most exciting machine possible packing only 50ccs. These super little bikes became ‘must have’ objects for many thousands of British teenagers, including me. It was wonderful. The bikes were fast (or so we thought), we were free (or so we believed) and it was great fun. Joyful, in fact, and many of us became hooked into motorcycling for a lifetime as a result of our shared and happy experience. The government changed BTR 16 | BORNTORIDE.COM
the law again, redefining the moped as a machine with a design speed of 30mph (20mph less than fabulous little mini motorbikes like the FS1-E and 30mph less than some Italian machines). It killed the breed and cut off at the root, British motorcycling began to wither away. Nearly 40 years later I decided to write a book about the 1970s sports moped phenomenon. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT After my Yamaha FS1-E I had numerous ‘proper’ bikes but it would be many years before I came to own a Ducati. Significant machines in chronological order include: Honda CB200, Triumph Bonneville (T140V), Honda 400/4, Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans, Yamaha FJ1200. Then, after a break, Yamaha 600 Fazer, Ducati 748, Ducati Multistrada, Moto Guzzi V11 Le Mans, Triumph Bonneville (modern type) and now a BMW R1200R. I left school at 16 and worked in the printing industry until I was made redundant in 1980. In 1981 I got a job with a small independent film company and made my own 16mm documentary film about sidecar racing called ‘Sidecar’ which is still available from Duke Marketing on the Isle of Man. Then I worked in professional
television production for many years, starting off as an assistant film editor at Yorkshire Television and then becoming a freelance sound editor. During this time I rode sporadically. Some years many miles, some none at all. My TV career continued until 2010, but in 2003 I found time to write my first book, Funky Mopeds and from 2004 for three years I worked part-time as a reporter and feature writer covering the British Superbike Championship for British publications BikeSport News and Motorcycle Racer. At that time Alan Clark (my friend’s Yamaha RD200 riding brother in the above story from 1975) was running a two man team competing in the 125GP support class so it was an especially enjoyable time. In recent years television work has tailed off (many reasons) and my wife and I have earned a crust by running a bed and breakfast business in our home and operating a small company renting out classic cars. More recently, we have started a new business selling souvenir toy bears (www. summerwineclassics.co.uk). I have also spent time writing Motorcycling in the 1970s and Chris Carter at Large. Other projects are in the pipeline.
If you had a Motorcycle in the 70s, send us a photo: info@borntoride.com
Women’s World MICHELLE L. LIGON
One key element to any successful person is the people who influence them and the support they receive. You’ve heard it before; the character of a person is not defined how well he or she handles success but how well they handle defeat. Michelle Ligon, like many, has seen her share of defeats and through those defeats she has decided to persevere, develop self-esteem, and flourish. Michelle L. Ligon is president and chief operating officer of Southeast Helping with Horsepower, Inc. Helping with Horsepower, is a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization founded by Laura Klock, Dave Sietsema, and Erika Cobb of Klock Werks. Helping with Horsepower creates volunteer programs that raise funds for worthy charities, with emphasis on encouraging and empowering individuals. Michelle’s journey to become the woman she is started the summer before entering high school. “In 1994, I was a child of a broken home and was placed in an emergency shelter. By the beginning of my junior year I went to live with my Aunt. Some of the biggest influences of my life are my aunt and cousin; they still play an active role to this day.” Michelle went on to adapt to the stresses of life’s uncertainties and set goals. “In 1996, I had the dreams of going into the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, due to medical conditions that were discovered well into the process, I was deferred from the military.” Determined to give herself a better life and not end up a negative statistic, Michelle enrolled in college and quickly learned she was attracted to business and computer science. By age 19, Michelle became a retail manager. Fast-forward a few years, add two beautiful kids, a supportive husband, and a serendipitous meeting with Laura Klock and Southeast Helping with Horsepower, Inc. began to take form in Michelle’s mind. The journey to its inception was arduous, Michelle was still dealing with surgeries due to the medical conditions which stopped her from serving in the Marine Corps, but she stayed the course, maintaining contact with Laura Klock and eventually obtained a licensing agreement to start her non-profit organization. “As I move forward with my program inspired by Laura, I have goals to reopen that exact Enrichment Center I spent my summer as a teenager. The Enrichment Center has been closed for seven years, leaving so many children without a safe haven. Children in ‘broken’ homes need a special place, mentors, and positive reinforcement to show them they are special and mean something to everyone. Please help me in my efforts to Encourage, Empower and Embrace our young girls and let them know they are not BROKEN.” Michelle isn’t new to being passionate about an inspirational cause; last year we featured (Hope) a motorcycle she created as a BTR 18 | BORNTORIDE.COM
fundraiser for cancer awareness. Hope has a 1997 H-D Evo 80 cubic inch motor, and boasts a 2012 Strip Club Choppers frame with a 38 degree front rake. It is a beautiful hot metallic pink with cancer ribbons painted throughout the frame. The rear fender holds 18 ribbons of hope, and in the middle is a teal ribbon for ‘survivor.’ “We have put time into this project and enlisted friends to help us with various tasks. Rick San Miguel is the builder and Rob of Littleman Customs did the painting.” Words of encouragement and advice are always important for those who are dealing with cancer. Michelle has some deep thoughts and feelings on this subject. “I encourage everyone, whether they are a survivor, a family member of someone who has survived, or has not survived, to know that cancer is a horrible disease. But no matter how it touches you and your life, no matter who you may have lost, keep hope alive.” We were inspired by Michelle’s passion and spirit for the Hope project; now Born To Ride has committed to become a media sponsor for Southeast Helping with Horsepower. “That’s some real Women Power to partner with in Women’s World … go Michelle!” Ron Galletti If you want to donate time, money, or find out more about Southeast Helping with Horsepower contact Michelle Ligon at southeastwh@ gmail or visit SoutheastHelpingWithHorspower.com Jesse Williams
If you would like info on Born To Ride Womens Club, Email info@borntoride.com
2015 HARLEY-DAVIDSON® DIMENSIONS Length 95.6 in. (2428 mm) Overall Width 38.5 in. (978 mm) Overall Height 52.3 in. (1328 mm) Seat Height: Laden 26.1 in. (663 mm) Unladen 27.4 in. (696 mm) Ground Clearance 5.3 in. (135 mm) Rake (steering head) 26° Fork Angle 29.25° Trail 6.8 in. (173 mm) Wheelbase 64 in. (1625 mm) Tires (Dunlop® Harley-Davidson® Series, bias blackwall front and rear): Front – D408F 130/60B19 61H BW Rear – D407T 180/65B16 81H Fuel Capacity 6 gal. (22.7 L) (warning light at approximately 1.0 gal.) Oil Capacity (w/filter) 4 qts. (3.8 L) Transmission Capacity 1 qt. (.95 L) Primary Chain Case Capacity 1.4 qts. (1.3 L)
Output Twin Cam 103™ with integrated oil cooler Valves Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; two valves per cylinder Bore x Stroke 3.875 in. x 4.374 in. (98.4 mm x 111.1 mm) Displacement 103 cu. in. (1690 cc) Compression Ratio 9.7:1 Fuel System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) Air Cleaner Paper, washable Lubrication System Pressurized, dry-sump with oil cooler DRIVETRAIN Primary Drive Chain, 34/46 ratio Final Drive Belt, 32/68 ratio
Weight As Shipped 813 lbs. (369 kg) Luggage Capacity Volume 2.3 cu. ft. (0.064 m3) ENGINE Engine Aircooled, High
BTR 20 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Thunder Tower West Harley-Davidson® 1384 Southlake Pkwy Morrow, GA 30260
ROAD
GLIDE FLTRX Clutch Hydraulically actuated, 9 plate wet, with high performance spring Transmission 6-Speed Cruise Drive速 CHASSIS Frame Mild steel; tubular frame; two-piece stamped and welded backbone; cast and forged junctions; twin downtubes; bolt-on rear frame with forged fender supports; MIG welded Swingarm Mild steel; two-piece drawn and welded section; forged junctions; MIG welded Front Forks 49 mm telescopic Rear Shocks Low air-adjustable low profile air ride rear suspension Wheels: Enforcer Cast Aluminum Front 19 in. x 3.5 in. (483 mm x 89 mm) Rear 16 in. x 5 in. (406 mm x 127 mm) Brakes Caliper Type 32 mm, 4-piston fixed front and rear Rotor Type (diameter x width): Dual floating rotors (front), fixed rotor (rear) Front (dual) Rear 11.81 in. x .2 in. (300 mm x 5.1 mm) Anti-lock Braking System 11.81 in. x .28 in. (300 mm x 7.1 mm) Optional Suspension Travel: Front Wheel 4.6 in. (117 mm) Rear Wheel 2.13 in. (54 mm)
770-960-6000 ThunderTowerWest.com
New Day. New Dealership
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 21
DEDICATED TO THE HOME OF THE $2.00 BEERS • RV HOOK UPS • CAMP SALOONS • GREAT FOOD VENDORS • BIKES
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! 478-627-3168 W
E BIKER LIFESTYLE. PING • SHOWERS • MUSIC ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT • • BABES & MORE. THE PARTY OF THE YEAR!
WWW.ANGELCITYMOTORCYCLERALLY.COM
100 Acres totally dedicated to the biker lifestyle
It’s unlike any other place in the world.
scan to
watch the tv episode!
BTR 24 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Check out the all new Angel City Rally website @ www.AngelCityMotorcycleRally.com
The toy hauler phenomenon By Rex Gambill
Since their introduction on the West Coast in the 1990s, toy haulers have rapidly become a nationwide phenomenon, particularly among motorcycle enthusiasts. We at Mid-State RV Center have watched as people interested in toy haulers went from a niche in our customer base to now being a key segment. Early toy haulers were little more than cargo trailers fitted with a ramp door. They didn’t really take off until they included basic living quarters, and elements that appeal to the motorsports audience. Now, however, the product has evolved far beyond that to boast all the comforts and conveniences of modern recreational vehicles. “When they first came out were all about diamond plate and racing flags, basically man caves on wheels,” says Darin Mai, a factory rep for Forest River’s XLR line of toy haulers. Mai says that when manufacturers started incorporating aesthetic improvements that give modern toy haulers “a more residential fit and finish,” they gained mass appeal. “We’ve been able to draw in what I call ‘action campers’ – folks who don’t just go somewhere and park their camper and look at the ocean,” he says. “These are people who want to take their ATVs, their motorcycles, their mountain bikes with them.” As a result, Mai says XLR has been able to attract RVers who previously
owned traditional travel trailers and fifth wheels, but want the versatility of the toy hauler. “They get to take more stuff with them,” he says. Even motorhome owners are finding out that towable toy haulers are a better fit for their lifestyle, because rather than towing an enclosed trailer behind their motorhome, towing a toy hauler with a pickup truck gives them
a “drive away” vehicle once they’re set up at the campsite. Otherwise they’d have to raise jacks and unhook their motorhome to run into town for groceries or adult beverages. XLR is the only toy hauler manufacturer that makes a product for every segment of the toy hauler market. From 42-foot fifth wheel car haulers down to 24-foot travel trailers, XLR has you covered with their Thunderbolt, Nitro, and Hyperlite lines. By contrast, Forest River’s Work
and Play line of toy haulers have done extremely well through the years with very little change to the actual product. Work and Play has been the top-selling toy hauler for seven straight years and there’s no sign that anybody is going to steal their crown. Why?
“We’ve been able to draw in what I call ‘action campers’ – folks who don’t just go somewhere and park their camper and look at the ocean,” he says. “These are people who want to take their ATVs, their motorcycles, their mountain bikes with them.” Because nobody else makes a product quite like the Work & Play toy hauler. Ed Salomon, factory rep for Work and Play, spells it out in bullet points: • “We are the only manufacturer that uses a one-piece aluminum roof, instead of a rubber roof.” • “We are the only manufacturer that has payload capacities between 5,000 and 7,000 lbs.” • “We are the only manufacturer that has their chassis built at a motorhome chassis plant rather than at a towable chassis plant.” Salomon points out that those chassis are the reason Work & Play haulers can handle heavier cargo –not only do they
have larger axles than are found on competitors’ products, but also the chassis have steel cross-member I-beams that are 16” on center, rather than 48” on center. “The construction aspect is what makes (Work and Play) different,” Salomon says, adding that because the Work and Play stands lower to the ground, it’s easier to drive bikes and other toys because the transition at the ramp entrance is lower profile. One other factor separate Work & Play from other toy hauler manufacturers , and that is Fiberglass Reinforced Plywood, or FRP for short. “Our FRP sidewall is manufactured by Crane Composites, who provides the exact same sidewall to manufacturers of
million-dollar motorhomes,” Salomon said. “Nobody else uses this kind of sidewall.” He said some of the hottest-selling Work and Play floor plans are the half-ton towable 18EC and the V-nose “Toro” models. All that top-notch construction is paired up with a product that comes “loaded” with standard features that other manufacturers only offer as options. Rex Gambill is digital marketing manager for Mid-State RV Center, Georgia’s largest RV dealer. Located in Byron, Ga., Mid-State RV is among the top toy hauler dealers in the Southeast, and is the number-four Work and Play dealer in the world. Tell Rex Born To Ride sent you and he’ll give you a special deal.
Mid State RV Center, Call Rex to get setup in your next RV: 800-226-3654, MidStateRV.com
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 27
Killer Creek Harley-Davidson
BTR 28 | BORNTORIDE.COM
St. Patrick's Day Party
Don’t miss the Party. Sun March 15, 2015 - www.KillerCreekHarley.com - (770) 777-1000
100 Page Online Exclusive @ BornToRide.com Scan Code to see this Motorcycle come to life
Nestled in the rolling foothills and appealing curly roads of North Georgia is a euro-motorcycle mecca, an oasis of both fresh and timeworn BMWs, Ducati’s, an occasional Goose and an eclectic throng of other interesting euro-bikes. This delightful and picturesque moto-retreat is operated by two young folks, Rachel and Wes Burden, proprietors of Apex Cycles LLC, in Ellijay GA. Rachel and Wes have a fetching story, and a first-class indie vintage eurobike establishment. Rachel, a vivacious woman, grew up around motorcycles. Rachel’s father ran a motorcycle shop; coming by a properly-sized starter bike was easy for Rachel. When she began her college studies, she commuted to classes on her first street bike, a BMW F650. Later, her regular ride was a ’92 BMW R100 with the seat replaced by a wooden, towel-wrapped board, an effective if not particularly comfortable way to reduce seat-height. Her rides today are a workin-progress BMW 1954 R51/3, and a very nice thunder-throated Ducati Monster.
In years past, Rachael became acquainted with euro-guru Dennis Kanderis. Hanging around his Cumming shop, Rachel found within herself a desire to become a technician. Dennis mentored her as an apprentice, and suggested she attend American Motorcycle Institute. Now we’ll hear Wes’ story. … Wes’ parents were firmly set against motorcycles; various familymembers had suffered motorcycle crashes in the past; therefore, Wes was forbidden to own a motorcycle. So, of course, he secretly bought a Yamaha YZ80 and stored it at a cooperative neighbor’s house. Wes would regularly sneak off from home and ride the YZ in the dirt, and return home dirty, battered and bruised. As a younger man, Wes attended Auburn University, majoring in mechanical engineering. Later, he moved to Atlanta and worked at various punk rock bars as security. During a stint at one nightclub, Wes and Rachel met; they discovered their mutual love of motorcycles, and a relationship was born.
Start an Extraordinary Relationship with Born To Ride. 888-795-5779
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 31
“It could have gone either way,” both Rachel and Wes agreed, when asked why they decided to open an indie repair shop, instead of taking a steady job at a euro-bike retailer’s service department. “We really backed into the business; it grew organically, all by itself,” Rachel commented, “We had no business plan and no real idea what we were going to be doing.” But, Apex Cycles LLC was born immediately due to customer-demand. “As soon as we opened, we were busy from the first job we took in and it’s never let up. We started in 2003, and 11 years later we’re still backlogged and booked well in advance.” For over a decade, their business has kept both of them spinning wrenches, sometimes until the wee hours. Customers come to Apex Cycles strictly by word of mouth, and so far it’s kept the work-lifts full. “We get customers and freight-trucks at all hours of the day and often at night. The trucks bring projects from as far away as California and New York as well as the southeast, and trucks take someone’s new dream back to an excited owner.” Apex Cycles inherited many special tools from Dennis Kanderis when he retired, and has added a full range of tools needed for fabrication as well as normal euro-bike work. Wes is an accomplished welder; the shop sports an ultrasonic parts cleaner, an old but precise lathe, a complex milling machine, a plasma cutter, a rusty-tank-cleaning rotisserie, and much more. Wes has BTR 32 | BORNTORIDE.COM
made a variety of special tools and jigs, and can deal with most any euro-bike component. Wes says; “I love metal working, machining, anything creative that can be done in some kind of metal.” The machine shop is adding a roller drum dynamometer and a filtered paint booth. Apex also does powder-coating to match stock or custom colors. Asked which build has been their proudest accomplishment to date, Wes spoke fondly of a recently-completed 1979 R100RS BMW machine, which was given the full restoration treatment, including extensive head-work, a fully balanced engine and much custom engine and frame work. Apex frequently gets basket cases, like a recent 1968 BMW R60US that arrived in pieces, filthy, disorganized, water-soaked and generally disgusting. Motos like this leave Apex as functional, pretty and desirable custom motorcycles that have been given a second lease on life—or third— who knows? In addition to dealing with customers’ commissions, Apex Cycles does buy and sell older euro-bikes, and as the business grows they hope to do more of this. Readers perhaps now see that the focus of Apex Cycles is to continue to build a solid word-of-mouth clientele; “We find that people who come to us as referrals are a special breed of customer who often become dedicated enthusiasts of Apex Cycles.” To earn this kind of support, Wes and Rachel cultivate
Let Born To Ride feature your Shop or Business. Call 888-795-5779
contacts around the world that can provide new old stock parts, no longer available parts, custom bits and technical support when needed. Brit and Continental motorbike parts are becoming a bit more expensive to obtain—aftermarket sources in Europe and Asia are offering relief with reasonable prices. Any preferences? Rachel loves working on her BMW R51/3, and anyone else’s BMW Slash 3, and Wes is happy working on just about any Goose, Ducati, KTM or BMW Airhead; he avoids BMW K-Bike work. Rachel was unwavering in her distaste for working on Dellorto carburetors. Why older euro-bikes? “We like the older designs, and are both dedicated to the timeworn stuff. We both prefer the post-WWII to 1969 era, as well as the modern-era retros.” Wes explained. What does the future hold for Apex Cycles LLC, for Wes, Rachel and five-year-old son Race? “We really want to finish our own custom projects!” both said spontaneously. “But the bikes keep coming and going, and we’re often in the shop after dark, trying to keep up. We’ll get to our projects someday.” Rachel’s work-in-progress is her BMW R51/3; Wes has visions of stuffing a big-pipe, big-valve BMW 70HP-plus 1978 R100S motor into a feather-light BMW R80ST frame. BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Apex will consider taking in nearly any European brand for repairs and custom work. Apex is a specialty boutique motorcycle works, and their hallmark is custom retro-conversions—making newer stuff look old, and make everything run and work like it should. “We’re about attention to detail, and doing it right the first time. We stand by our work, and satisfaction is guaranteed.” Wes added. “I love to get a commission that requires balancing and blueprinting an engine, doing custom frame work, bracing and removing unneeded frame parts; I like the bare-bones look of a custom – an engine, wheels, a seat and handlebars – because less is more, and lines are all-important. If you’re considering jumping into the vintage, repop, retroconversion or older daily-rider world; if you’re jonesing for the familiar valve-clatter, vigorous four-stroke bark, the smooth and slower-steering that is the hallmark of these venerable and lovely machines Rachel and Wes can help you get started. Or they can help you get the bike finished, finally! “We live it; it’s not just work, it’s not just a job. It’s who we are and what we do it as a family. We hope all our customers come to trust Apex Cycles and will pass the word on to others.” Apex Cycles LLC is located at: 210 Fox Fire Trail, Ellijay, GA 30536. Call 404-702.4394 or visit www.apexcycleshop.com. GPS: N34 38.283 W84 27.150 Roger Wiles
Advertise your Business with Born To Ride. Call 888-795-5779
Charlie Daniels
Look for your chance to have your Bike Shipped to Sturgis from Born To Ride and Motorcycle Freight.
Stay tuned for Cycle World of Athens, Ride for the Fallen. For more info: 706-548-3300
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 37
e v o L a n o e k i B
It was a challenge Karen Giles just couldn’t pass up. She first laid eyes on her future husband, Steve Giles, at Bike Week in Daytona Beach in 2011. “It was lust at first sight,” said Karen. “I was drawn to his smile and his eyes.” Steve was riding with a female friend. But that didn’t prevent Karen from making the first move. “She walked right up to me and said, ‘You sure are hot,’” Steve recalled. That was all the incentive he needed. When he returned to his home in St. Petersburg, he tracked her down on Facebook and sent her a message with his phone number. The two began dating and attending bike events together. “There was just something about her,” he said. “In addition to being great looking, she’s got this personality that just shines.” It’s not surprising that Steve Giles would encounter the love of his life at a bike event. Now 44 years old, he’s a lifelong bike fan. “I started out riding crotch rockets at the age of 16,” he said. “Then I got my first Harley. There’s nothing better than hitting the road and feeling the wind in your face and that awesome sense of freedom.” Before long, Karen moved in with Steve and became his permanent back warmer. One day, Karen, a bartender at the Hurricane Seafood Restaurant in St. Pete Beach, asked Steve if he had a jar for spare change. She wanted to add the coins she got from her bartending tips. Steve showed her the 3-gallon jug he used for collecting coins, noting, “Only quarters go in there.” He added, only half joking, “You fill that quarter jar and I will marry you.”
y r o t S s ’ e n l i t a e a re Val
Karen promptly accepted the invitation, filling the jug to the top in just eight months. “At the time, I really didn’t think he was serious about the wedding,” she said. “He’d never been married before. But when I was close to filling the jug, he bought me an engagement ring.” “I told her that I should have said dimes, not quarters,” said Steve, chuckling. However, there was never a question of going back on his word. By that time, the perennial bachelor was totally in love. They began planning their big day. “His mom had visions of an elaborate wedding,” said Karen. “But it was just too much planning and we realized it wasn’t what we wanted.” “It was becoming a big hassle,” agreed Steve. “So I suggested we ride out to Vegas on the motorcycle and get married.” Karen had purchased Steve a 2012 Street Glider for his birthday. The couple hopped on the bike and, joined by good friends Tim and Charlene, headed to Las Vegas in October 2012. “We ended up taking two weeks, traveling 5,588 miles. We visited Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, Route 66 and Bourbon Street. We even caught the end of the Thunder Beach Rally in Panama,” said Steve. However, the highlight of the trip was their visit to Las Vegas’ famous drive-through Little White Wedding Chapel, the same chapel where Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, Paul Newman and JoAnn Woodware, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow, and Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme exchanged vows. “It was beautiful, the wedding I’d always dreamed of,” said Karen. “I wore my
Tell us us your your story story of of the the love love of of your your life. life. info@borntoride.com info@borntoride.com Tell
wedding dress, bike boots and helmet.” It was only natural that the couple would plan another big ride for their first anniversary. This time they rode through the Blue Ridge Mountains, staying a couple of nights at a cabin in Transylvania County before continuing to Niagara Falls. “It was an amazing anniversary ride,” said Karen. The couple is accepting suggestions for their second anniversary ride. However, they already know the destination for their third anniversary ride. “I’ve always wanted to go to Sturgis so we’ll be going in 2015,” said Steve. Eight months ago, Steve surprised Karen with her first bike. Now she frequently rides beside her husband on an 883 Sportster. But her preferred method of travel, she said, will always be on the back of Steve’s bike. As for the 3-gallon jug, Karen continues to fill it with quarters to finance their anniversary rides. “Like our love, the jar is always overflowing,” she said. D’Ann Lawrence White
BORNTORIDE.COM BORNTORIDE.COM || BTR BTR 39 39
www.B Events March 3 - March 15 Tifton, GA Tifton H-D Heading to Daytona from the snow and ice? Need somewhere to drop you trailer off and ride down to Daytona. Drop off your trailers with us! Free to park! Space is limited so reserve your spot 229-387-8855 March 5 - March 8 Roswell, GA KCHD-U Basic Rider Course & MSF in Alpharetta. Cost is $320 per person. Thursday 6-8pm at KCHD, Friday 6-9pm at KCHD, Saturday 8am-5pm at MSF, Sunday 8am-2pm at MSF and 2-5pm at KCHD 770-777-1000 March 6 – March 8 Marietta, GA Open House & Tent Sale Hellbender H-D 888-511-8858 March 6 - March 15 Daytona, FL 37th Annual Daytona Bikeweek Swap Meet 386-206-5276 3/6 - 3/15 Daytona, FL 74th Daytona Bike Week daytonachamber.com 386-255-0981 March 7 Roswell, GA Come to Killer Creek H-D for Power Hour. Let one of our PhD Certified technicians tell you all about power and performance and how you can achieve it on your Harley. 2pm - 3pm Free! Topic: Benefits & Effects of Cams. Killer Creek H-D 770-777-1000 March 8 Roswell, GA Speed date a Harley® at Killer Creek H-D. Come to Demo Day and test ride the new 2015 H-D lineup. 12:30 – 4:30pm. Free! Weather permitting. Killer Creek H-D is located at 11480 Alpharetta Highway Roswell, Georgia 770-777-1000 or visit www. killercreekharley.com March 12 Morrow, GA Thunder Tower West H-D Ladies Garage Party 770-960-6000 March 13 Loganville, GA Start your Friday Night at American Legion Post 233 enjoying beautiful Bike and Classic Car Cruise In starting at 5:00pm. Karaoke kicks in from 8:00pm to 11:00pm! Everyone is welcome, no cover charge, great drink & food specials and music 770-466-4728 March 14 Morrow, GA Thunder Tower West H-D St. Patrick’s Day festival. Live Music, Burnout Pit, Green Beer, Best Beard,
BTR40 44| |BORNTORIDE.COM BORNTORIDE.COM BTR
Let Born Ride market, promote, event; callfriends! 404-788-3907. There are some greatTo events coming up, so getand out advertise there and your meetnext up with your
BornToRide.com/events s, Rides & Destinations Best Legs in a Kilt, Cutest Beer Wench 770-960-6000
March 15 Roswell, GA Join Killer Creek H-D 12-5pm for the annual St. Patrick’s Day party. Block Party will be rocking the stage all day. Vendors Register to win a brand new Sportster® that will be given away at the Anniversary Party in September. Killer Creek H.O.G. Chapter will be serving hot lunches. Sample Jameson Irish whiskey compliments of Olde Crabapple Bottle Shoppe. Please drink responsibly! Free event www.killercreekharley.com March 17 Cartersville, GA H-D Southern Devil St. Patrick’s Day Party free event, food, prizes, live music with Wayland 678-721-0203 March 18 Cartersville, GA H-D Southern Devil Open House/Owner Reception: food, prizes, music 678-721-0203 March 19 Cartersville, GA H-D Southern Devil Bike Night Kickoff Party free event, food, prizes, music 678-721-0203 March 20 Cartersville, GA H-D Southern Devil Demo rides, music 678-721-0203 March 20 – March 22 Bradenton, FL Ranch Jam 12pm Music and more music, BTR 10-class Bike Show, Very special musical guests 941-807-2522 3/20 - 3/22 Tallahassee, FL H-D Tallahassee Giant Used Tent Sale (3/21 Harley Party & Ms H-D FL Contest) 912-441-7586 3/20 - 3/22 Springfield, GA Big Norm’s Spring Swap Meet, Bike & Car show and Campout Effingham County Fairgrounds 912-441-7586 March 21 Albany, GA 5th annual Lt. Cliff Rouse Memorial Dice Ride. Reg 9 AM. Pancake Breakfast 8-10AM FBO 10:30 AM. LBI 1 PM. $25 per rider includes T-shirt; ride pin & Dice roll Music, food, raffles & more Proceeds benefit GA Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) Foundation 229-435-5450
3/21 Cartersville, GA H-D Southern Devil Grand Opening Celebration 10am music, food, celebrity appearances, bike show 678-721-0203
area, bake sale and cake walk, vendors $25 donation for rider and $10 donation for passenger - Lunch provided at the end 770-328-9424
Free! 770-777-1000
April 15 - April 19 Unadilla, GA Angel City Motorcycle Spring Rally Angel City, the first 3/21 Morrow, GA Thunder Tower April 2 town built specifically for bikers! It’s West H-D Upgrade Your gear Kennesaw, GA Paddy’s Pub 6pm located off I-75 Exit 122 in Unadilla, Workshop 770-960-6000 Acoustic Thursday (every Thu) JB GA. It incorporates an Old West Walker & Rob Grater 770-421-1234 theme and is the perfect environment March 26 for anyone riding on a steel horse Athens, GA Cycle World of Athens April 4 800-433-7191 Two Wheel Thursday Bike Night Bloomingdale, GA SGT. William E. 5pm – 9pm Music, Games & Prizes, Almon Memorial Poker Run Veterans April 23 - April 25 Cold Beer, Hot Food 706-548-3300 Freedom Park 912-433-2390 Blairsville, GA Gauntlet Thunder in the Mountains Rally Copperhead 3/26 Morrow, GA Thunder Tower 4 /4 Roswell, GA Killer Creek H-D Lodge Scenic rides, Vendor village, West H-D Motorcycle Boot camp for Power Hour. Let one of our PhD Bike Show, Biker Games, Burn out (special invite to academy students - Certified technicians tell you all about Contest, Puddin Wrestling, Wet-T & closed to public) 770-960-6000 power and performance and how you Daisy Dukes and boot contest and can achieve it on your Harley 2pm - more; visit www.gauntletga.com or March 27 – March 29 3pm free event! 770-777-1000 call 706-835-7433 Perry, GA Dixie Bike Fest 110 Fairview Dr. Primitive Camping, R.V. April 4 - April 5 April 24 - April 26 Parking (No Hook-ups), Restrooms, Decatur, GA Miles for Autism & Leesburg, FL 19th annual Leesburg Outdoor Concerts, Bike Show, Sickle Cell Anemia Mall at Stonecrest Bikefest World’s Largest Three-Day Dancing, Biker Games, Pool 470-208-2849 Motorcycle Rally & Music Event tournaments, Live Band Friday & 352-365-0053, leesburgbikefest.com Saturday Nights $20 admission 4/4 - 4/5 Griffin, GA ABATE Swap covers all weekend 478-451-9870 Meet & Rally Griffin Fairgrounds $10 4/24 - 4/26 Milledgeville, GA admission 678-770-9188 Milledgeville Thunder Rally (Rain or March 28 - March 29 Shine) No one under 21 admitted Morrow, GA Thunder Tower West April 9 478-804-2999 H-D Open House/Used Bike Tent Morrow, GA Thunder Tower West H-D Sale test rides 3/29 770-960-6000 Ladies Garage Party 770-960-6000 April 25 Cumming, GA Sheriff Duane March 28 April 9 - April 12 Piper Motorcycle Safety Day 235 Conyers, GA Roswell, GA KCHD-U Basic Rider Castleberry Rd 10am - 4pm (rain Lilly Bunn’s Ride for Life Falcon’s Course & MSF in Alpharetta. Cost is date 4/26) earn your GA Class M Fury H-D 9AM KSU 10:30 $25/ $320 per person. Thursday 6-8pm License and get free inspection Rider $15/Passenger Food, bike at KCHD, Friday 6-9pm at KCHD, games, 50/50, entertainment and Saturday 8am-5pm at MSF, Sunday April 29 - May 3 silent auction on a light kit and paint 8am-2pm at MSF and 2-5pm at Panama City Beach, FL Thunder job. For more information please call KCHD 770-777-1000 Beach Spring Rally has always been Rhonda 404-597-9552 the first weekend in May. Even with the weather raining on our parade April 10 - April 11 3/28 Gainesville, GA 20th Annual Douglas, GA Bikes, Blues, & BBQ the last two years, the Spring Rally’s North Georgia Motorcycle Trade Festival Gene Chambers Airport, BBQ consistent growth has helped make Show Gainesville Mkt 706-614-0539 competition, Fri 1pm-11pm & Sat 9am- it one of the biggest motorcycle 5pm; $5 per person, $3 w/military ID, events in the nation http:// thunderbeachproductions.com 3/28 Lithia Springs, GA Join 12 & under free 912-383-0277 H-D Atlanta Women Investing in Successful Entrepreneurs April 11 April 30 - May 3 (WISE) Initiative. Registration Morrow, GA Thunder Tower West H-D Roswell, GA KCHD-U Basic Rider Begins - 8:30am KSU – 9:30am Suspension Workshop 770-960-6000 Course in partnership with the MSF Entrepreneur Showcase from in Alpharetta 770-777-1000 or visit 9:30am - 5pm Start & End H-D of April 12 www.killercreekharley.com Lawrenceville, GA Up-Top Riders Atlanta 770-944-1340 2nd Annual Southside Ride for May 15 - May 17 3/28 Newnan, GA Benefit Ride Autism Cycle Gear 678-225-0131 Kingston, GA Knight Hawk Rally & Dirt for Paula Howard Great South H-D Drags Biker games & contests, drag Registration begins at 9am KSU 4/12 Roswell, GA Speed date a races, swap meet, vendors, primitive 10:30am Lunch, Entertainment by Harley® at Killer Creek H-D. Come camping & RVs 678-873-1692 local bands and singers, horse to Demo Day and test ride the new rides & petting zoo, kids fun play 2015 H-D line-up. 12:30 – 4:30pm.
To submit andevents view even more visithelp www.GeorgiaBikeEvents.com Send in your to Born To events Ride.com, us help you.
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 45 41
Friday Night April 24th
Saturday Night April 25th
Sunday Afternoon April 26th
Heaven’s Saints
Train Yourself to be Sensitive to the Voice and Promptings of the Holy Spirit
While participating with my HSMM chapter in our annual fundraiser, my wife and I were parking cars in a large pasture at the NHRA Southern Nationals. After using my set of keys to run to the truck, the Holy Spirit spoke to my spirit and prompted me to retrieve the keys from her. I knew the Holy Spirit’s voice but was busy parking cars and failed to immediately obey His promptings. Time passed and I asked for the keys back, but they were gone. Apparently, they fell out of her pocket in the vast field of grass where 3,000 plus cars and trucks were parked. We had no idea where they could be. We searched BTR 48 | BORNTORIDE.COM
but turned up nothing. The next day, I went back to continue parking cars at the race. I searched the fields again but no keys. As I walked alone and searched, the Holy Spirit again begin to speak to my heart and told me that my wife was not the issue nor were the keys, but the issue was the fact that He had spoken to my heart and I failed to immediately obey. He stressed to me the importance of immediately recognizing and obeying the smallest of promptings by the Holy Spirit; you never know what the promptings are about and what the ramifications of not obeying can bring. Keys are replaceable
but had the voice of the Holy Spirit been about something of a life or death nature, then the outcome could have been detrimental. The Lesson: Train yourself to be sensitive to the voice and promptings of the Holy Spirit and immediately obey Him in all things. He speaks and leads for a purpose, whether you understand the “why” or not at the time of the leading. Byron “HogDoc” Loyd
Chaplain HSMM NE GA Chapter
Check out Heaven’s Saints Motorcycle Ministry on Facebook or email them at hsbikers@yahoo.com