MAY 2022 #111
THIS MONTH WE HONOR
WOMEN WHO RIDE, MOM, MEMORIAL DAY & BIKERS HELPING CHILDREN
read it/watch it/ride it
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Contents
MAY ISSUE 111
FEATURES
Dale Walksler Tribute The Meaning of Memorial Day Kallie’s Killer Sporty Georgia Riders Queen of Speed Reader’s Ride-Vicki Sanfelipo 1993 HD Softail
COLUMNS
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11 17 18 20 25 34
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Nefarious James CMA
DEPARTMENTS
Contents Page Letter From The Editor Dave Nichols Movie Review-Chopper Chicks In Zombietown BTR Kids
REPORTS
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The Rally in Tally May 13, 14, 15, 2022 Tallahassee, Florida Info: www.tallybikefest.com
Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779
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Ride Safe Ride Smart Bill Hall Woman’s World-Rebecca Kuo Ryan Cave Spring Steven Tyler Reads It!
ON THE COVER
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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.
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BORN TO RIDE Magazine
PO BOX 3021 Brandon, FL 33509 PUBLISHER
Ron Galletti 813-785-3895 888-795-5779 rg@borntoride.com
CO PUBLISHER
Deb Galletti dgalletti@borntoride.com
Letter from the Editor
DAVE NICHOLS
FROM THE HELM
EDITOR
Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com
ART DIRECTOR
Peter Soutullo art@borntoride.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erick Runyon
ART DEPARTMENT
Juan Guzman, Jared Hartman, Erick Runyon , Peter Soutullo, Craig Miller, Beatnik Steve Werner art@borntoride.com
WEB DESIGN/ELECTRONIC MEDIA Juan Guzman
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION Nancy Ray nray@borntoride.com
MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST Jared Hartman, Craig Miller Jasper Harris
SALES & MARKETING 888-795-5779
ROAD CREW
Vick Velosity, Mark Crowder, Doug Bright, Birdman Mike,
SCENIC RIDE CONSULTANT Steve Finzelber-Finz Finds
ON THE ROAD TEAM
The John & Heather Show
CONTRIBUTORS
JP Brady, Neale Bayly, Susan Hurst, Spyke & Mike, Eric Albright, Eric Vician, Myra McElhaney, Paul Murray, James Gladstone Greg Blackwell, Felicia Morgan, John Sullivan
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ron & Selena Hawks, Chris Miller, Scott Odel, Eric Albright, Chopper Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon, Craig Miller
LAW FIRM
FRAN HAASCH LAW GROUP www.LawFran.com 866 LAW Fran BORN TO RIDE OFFICE
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HAIL TO THE MOMS! HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS! Welcome you mothers! The marvelous May issue of Born To Ride is dedicated to all the Mothers out there. We wouldn’t be here without you! In fact, we dedicate this action-packed issue to all the women who ride and inspire us every day. Check out the powerful women in motorcycling we are featuring this month. Meet the Queen of Speed, the vivacious Valerie Thompson. She’s the fastest woman on two wheels and four wheels! Read her story right here. Check out our special feature on Katie Maden’s killer Sportster. We are talkin’ about women who ride, brothers and sisters. Can I have a halleluiah!? Can I have a jalapeno? We are talkin’ hot stuff here! Then prepare to be amazed by the story of Doctor Rebecca Kuo Ryan who is as skilled on the racetrack as she is in the operating room. It’s a Woman’s World feature you don’t want to miss. And that’s not all, I ain’t done yet. You’ll be further inspired by our Reader’s Ride this month as we introduce you to Motorcycle Hall of Famer Vicki “Spitfire” Sanfelipo who started classes on Biker Triage to help downed bros and sisters. We’ll proudly showcase Vicki with her badass 1993 Harley Softail “Trigger.” Even our biker flick of the month is inspired by the women folk as Phantom tells ya all about Chopper Chicks in Zombietown! And just as we honor our ladies and mothers out there, we also tip our hats to our active military, veterans, and all those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. I’m talking ‘bout the true meaning of Memorial Day, folks. Never forget those who strive to keep our country free. We hope you’ll join Born To Ride for the Heroes Honor Festival this May 20th, 21st, and 22nd at the Daytona International Speedway.
This issue will take you to a true memorial celebration for the late, great Dale Walksler, owner and curator of the incredible Wheels Through Time antique motorcycle museum. We miss ya, Dale. Our cover event preview in this mighty May issue is the Rally in Tally that will happen on May 13th, 14th, and 15th. You’ll find great riding, good friends, and the mind-melting Born To Ride bike show on Sunday. Be there, be there, BE THERE!!!!
All this plus a salute to our seniors out there by Nefarious James. Don’t forget to like and join our BTR Facebook Group to stay in touch with the two-wheeled world you love, and if you have a biker-friendly business, advertise in Born To Ride so we can continue to expand and bring you the best biker entertainment on this here planet Earth! And one last thing. As we honor our moms out there, take a moment to thank your own mom for all she has done for ya. Speaking of, we here at Born To Ride send a big ol’ bunch o’ flowers to our own mother superior here at the rag. We love you, Deb Galletti! Happy Mother’s Day!
— Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com
You are riding along in the left lane of a one-way street, with a car ahead of you on your right. As the two of you enter an intersection, the car swerves left across your path to make a turn. Strategy: Because traffic was light, the driver may have forgotten that he was traveling on a one-way street and never looked in his blind spot for you. Since there was no traffic in the oncoming lane, he felt free to make a normal left turn (without signaling), inadvertently trapping you in his path. There was no way, short of watching for the non-existent signal, to predict that this driver was going to turn left. But remembering that intersections are always situations of increased risk, you might have prepared for this by taking actions to separate yourself from the other vehicle. By riding so close (and inside the driver’s blind spot) you effectively hid yourself
from the driver’s vision and greatly increased your exposure to danger. For more information go to www.msf-usa.org
The days of riding a hundred or so miles to get gas, visiting our favorite diners, restaurants, and leather shops are back in full swing now. While the destinations are generally why we ride, it’s the roads we ride to get to them that really matter. We all have our favorite routes that take us along a previous journey that refreshes our memories of the soul-soothing we enjoy as we get back on the road. Our machines colliding with the very air we breathe as we put our feet up on the pegs, or ride with the top down to take in the sights, the feel of the road and the smell of it… allAmerica. For years I’ve done well by literally traveling the road less traveled. I have earned my share of clutch cramp while inching along packed streets, with summer temps in the high 90s, sweat running down the inside of my goggles and legs on fire from that V-twin heater. I recall the eager anticipation to get some air moving over me and my air-cooled motor, pleading for enough speed to shift into 2nd. And if I can avoid those situations, I do. The reality of it is that’s all part of riding. As a rider out of East Tennessee, I can point my fender in any direction and in less than two hours, I can be in one or more
of the six different states that border my area. I call that my Nirvana. While most of us in the South East can do the same, it’s really a blessing to have some of the most Iconic rides in the country only a few miles away. These include the Tail of The Dragon (318 curves in 11 miles), Moonshiner 28, Back of The Dragon, Wayah Rd. down to Loafers Glory General Store, and Georgia’s
riding a Sporty, sorry, had to do it. Several years ago, I worked in a women’s addiction recovery home. From transportation to job development and routine maintenance of the facility, I spent a great deal of time with them. And thus, had conversations that were full of life lessons, perspective, and wisdom. One nugget was a saying that it’s not the road you take, but the stops you make along the way that can change your life. Amen to that! From two totally opposite perspectives comes an undeniable truth; that people and places impact us. The frosty bottle of soda we pull out of an antique ice chest in an ol’ timey general store. Speaking with a stranger at a gas stop as they recite a memory of Grandpa’s old bike. Stopping at an eclectic converted rafting bus now turned mountain cafe for the best smoked coffee and blackberry cobbler ever. Just simply pulling off the Gauntlet that weaves down through Suches road to take a snapshot of an Air Force and over to Helen. One of my new favorite F-4 Fighter jet on proud display in front of regions is East Kentucky with its 31 different a VFW. These are the kind of stops that trails, The Dragon Slayer-Hwy 160 (226 create journeys out of rides. curves in 26 miles), that links Kentucky and Virginia, and is one of the most scenic and A new year, a new take, and new journeys to all, and to all, ride safe. untouched rides you’ll ever do. More on the fantastic riding in East Kentucky coming --Indian Rider Bill soon. And just like that, six big rides are indianriderbill@yahoo.com all within a tank of gas—unless you’re
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Y L L A R ALLY T Tallahassee, FL May 13-15, 2022
TallyBikeFest.com VENDORS | MAPPED RIDES ENTERTAINMENT | BIKE SHOW WOMEN-FOCUSED EVENTS POKER RUNS | AND MORE!
ACCEPTING VENDORS
THE TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JIM DOLMS
The tribute to the life and legacy of the founder and curator of the Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina took place on April 2nd. Family and friends traveled from around the country to honor the late Dale Walksler who passed away last February. He was a man with boundless energy who dedicated his life to the preservation of motorcycles and automobiles. The museum is filled with rare one-of a-kind motorcycles and motorcycles with provenance. Board and flat track racers, hill climbers, military bikes, early Harley Davidson and Indians and the not so well known machines like, Henderson, Excelsior, Ace, Cyclone, Pope, Dayton, Elk and Crocker.
“Dale was a encyclopedia x 10 with knowledge but an even greater Man to Mankind “ Ron Galletti
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It was Dale’s personal mission to make every motorcycle operational, a unique goal and an accomplishment that led to the museum becoming known as “The Museum That Runs.” Through his passion, vision, and dedication, coupled with his generosity, he created not just a destination but an experience. His influence and reach extended through public appearances at antique motorcycle events and auctions, his first television show “What’s in the Barn” followed by a season of “American Restoration” and guest television appearances in American Pickers. He took production in house and created “Reel School”, a show featuring restorations of vintage motorcycles and breathing life back into motorcycles that have sat idle for years. Reel School is a streaming show and can be viewe on “Dale’s Channel”. Dale possessed a knowledge of American motorcycles like no other. Those who spoke during the tribute told stories of his ability to look at an American motorcycle part and be able
to identify the model and year it was from. During the inside portion of the tribute the museum debuted a 22-minute-long mini-documentary highlighting Dale’s life and featuring stories from many of his closest family and friends.The video can be viewed at youtu.be/JVULE45681g
To help fund the running of the museum and to acquire new additions Dale built a raffle bike each year and some lucky winner was the owner of a custom Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, Panhead or Flathead. Each bike was a work of art. Matt, his son, continues the annual tradition of building a raffle bike. This year’s build is a 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead and will be raffled off on November 19th. Two other lucky winners will win $10,000 and $5,000. You do not have to be present to win. Dale’s Wheels Through Time is located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Maggie Valley and is open Thursday through Monday into late November.
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MEANING OF MEMORIAL DAY NEVER FORGET OUR VETERANS WHO SERVE
I have approached this subject several times over the years, Memorial Day is not the official start of summer, nor should it be the reason for a 3-day long weekend of parties, barbecues, or car sales. Memorial Day has had several names over the 150 years of its existence; however, the reason for Memorial Day stays the same. The day is for honoring and showing respect for those who have been killed while serving in the military, beginning with the Civil War through current military engagements. Over the years Memorial Day has
diminished as a national holiday and has became the unofficial start of summer and big box store specials. Why has it gotten to that point? Simply stated, people don’t seem to care as much as they have in the past. With only 10% of the American population having served in the military, the other 90% seems to have forgotten what the actual cost of freedom is, those who have given their lives. Cemeteries will have small American Flags placed on the final resting places of our warriors and American Flags should be flown at half staff from dawn until noon
Remember and Honor our Veterans and Never Forget the meaning of Memorial Day.
at which time they will be brought back to full staff (or to the top of the pole). To properly bring the Flag to the half staff position the flag should be raised to the upper most position on the staff and then lowered to the half way position. Now you should have some idea as to what Memorial Day represents and what respect and dignity the day should be shown. Please say a special prayer for those who we have lost over the years. God Bless America and those who serve in uniform. It’s not about the war; it’s about those who serve to protect us. BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 17
Kalie’s Killer Sporty i
Kalie Maden is a biker to the core. She’s a wrench, building cool scooters and the bike seen here is her personal ride. Born To Ride asked her how long she’s been riding motorcycles. “It all started when I was just 10 years old,” Kalie tells us. “Santa Claus brought me a Yamaha TTR-90. I was immediately in LOVE as soon as I hopped on and rode around the backyard. Needless to say, 17 years later, I am still just as in love, if not more, with motorcycles. With such as cool Christmas gift, we had to ask if Kalie’s dad rides. “My Dad rides. I actually have his old 1980 Ironhead Roadster 1000 from back in the day that he bought brand new off the showroom floor!” Kalie confides. “I’m working on rebuilding it, making it into a (somewhat) reliable bike, with some upgraded parts. My Mom has yet to ride her own, but used to ride along with my Dad all the time when they were younger. I’ve tried to convince her to hop on the back of my chopper but no luck yet. Who can blame her? Haha!” We asked how she got into wrenchin’ and customizing motorcycles. “Ever since I was a young kid, I’ve always been good with my hands and curious about how things worked,
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mechanically. When I’d get a new toy, I’d be more concerned with the mechanics inside. “Once I had a motorcycle, I would tinker with it constantly. I think the first time I serviced a carburetor, I was around 11 or 12 years old. The satisfaction of taking a bike that would not start or run properly, pinpointing the problem, fixing it, starting it back up and have it run better than before, was just something that drove me to do more.” Motorcycles are just such a huge part of my life. Riding, servicing, and customizing motorcycles, is my therapy. Sure, it can be so frustrating at times and you might throw a few wrenches across the garage, but you take a breath, come back, and think, ‘This thing isn’t going to fix itself, it needs me to stay calm and think straight, and this will all pay off in the end when I’m riding down the road.’” Kalie went to the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute to become a certified motorcycle technician. She says, “The years spent at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute really opened my eyes to see that my true passion in life is putting my artwork into motorcycles. I may not have all the skills that I’d like to have in this moment, but I’d love to keep growing and learning
Send photos and information of you and your motorcycle to editor@borntoride.com
so one day I can roll with the big dogs that inspire me so much.”Naturally, that led us to ask about custom bike builders that have inspired Ms. Maden. “Wow, where do I start? Some of my favorite builders would be, Jared Weems, Eric Allard, Drew Cemer, Brian Buttera, Savannah Rose, Kyle Ray Rice, Bill Dodge, Joshua Allison, James Alcorn, JP Rodman, just to name a few!” That’s a pretty stellar list. We asked Kalie to tell us about the bike we’re featuring here, her 2003 Sportster. “This bike started as a stock 100th Anniversary Edition 2003 Harley-Davidson XL883C with apehangers. Over the past six years, I’ve been doing more and more to it. It’s changed looks about five times over the years. So right now I’m running a foot clutch jockey shift setup that I bought from my friend Miles, some Freakshow Fab rabbit-ear handlebars that I’ve painted black, and a Cycle Standard Axed Dual Cap Chopper gas tank from Lowbrow Customs. I cut the rear fender struts to put on a Tsunami rear fender also from Lowbrow Customs.” When asked about the paintjob, Kalie says she handled that too. “The tank and fender were painted by me. It has Lowbrow Custom Shotgun Exhaust pipes, an Old STF Mini-ED air Cleaner from Lowbrow Customs, chain conversion kit from Lowbrow Customs. The front end includes 6+ tubes from TC Bros, a King and Queen seat from Sully’s Customs, LED bar
headlight from Trackerdie, Led Sled 21-inch Invader front wheel. I’m sure I am missing some things but most of my parts came from Lowbrow Customs and I have done 100% of the work outside of making the parts.” Because Kalie Maden impressed us so much, we asked her what advice she would give to women who might like to try riding a motorcycle. “I would start off by saying, if you are thinking about it, just do it. Everyone starts somewhere. No one was born knowing how to ride a motorcycle and no one expects you to just naturally know how to. Believe me, it’s something that has changed my entire life and now I would be lost without motorcycles. This isn’t a contest, not everyone has the opportunity to start early in their life or learn how to ride in a friend’s backyard. There’s such a silly stigma about women riding motorcycles, anyone with a brain can do it! Keep in mind to ride within your comfort zone and HAVE FUN! Life is way too short not to do the things that scare you or make you nervous. Those things are what make you feel alive. Stop making excuses and START RIDING!” Well said, sister! —Chopper Daddy
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GEORGIA RIDERS HELPING FOSTER KIDS IN NEED
Did you know that most of the children that are taken from their homes to be put in the care of foster parents are taken at the spur of the moment? They have no time to pack their belongings or special items, such as clothes, soap, shampoo or even a toothbrush! These things, are usually provided by the foster parents. Once they have these items and have to get moved from home to home, most have no suitcase or bag to carry their things in. They often have to just be packed in a paper bag or trash bag. With all of the above in mind, The Georgia Riders riding club decided to help the foster kids in their communities. They teamed up with The Future Hope Foundation, Inc. to be able to supply some of these essentials. The Future Hope Foundation, Inc. was created to assist organizations and families with children in the foster care system by obtaining support to meet their needs and raise public awareness of the difficulties they face.
The Foundation helps to make the transition from home to home a little bit easier on these children. It was brought to MC group’s attention that many children were in need of a duffel bag to carry their items. With that being said, they’ve been able, through generous donations from the public, to provide them with just that.
birthday presents. On other occasions, the bikers were blessed to be able to provide some of the children with a bicycle to call their own. They also have an orphanage that they contribute to, to help with needs and gifts from the children’s own wish list and to fill the foster kids’ closets with much-needed personal hygiene items and clothing. On May 21st, 2022 the Georgia Riders will be hosting their 2nd Annual Charity Ride for The Future Hope Foundation, Inc. None of the above would be possible without the help of people like you who give so generously to the Future Hope Foundation, Inc. and other charities through personal donations or support of their fundraising events. Please come out and support this worthy cause and enjoy the beauty of the mountains of Cleveland, Georgia. You’ll enjoy a scenic ride, lunch will be provided as well as event T-shirts, raffle items and live music by JB Wolf. Many thanks to all of the Georgia Riders sponsors and especially to Chuck Watwood with LawBike.com and Ron Galletti of Born To Ride Magazine, for your support of this fundraiser. All donations are 100% tax deductible and receipts can be provided. The Foundation would like to give a special shout out to Matt Cantrell with Hiram Station located in Hiram, Georgia, for his exceptional support of past and future fundraising events.
But that’s not all. The Georgia Riders decided to try to help For more information on this great event or The Future Hope make these kids’ birthdays a bit special by gifting them with a Foundation, Inc., feel free to contact Stuart Fincher at duffel bag with their name embroidered on filled with a few small 706-969-0017 or David Strickland at 770-910-4315. BTR 20 | BORNTORIDE.COM
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Women’s World
Dr. Rebecca Kuo-Ryan is Skilled on the Track and in the Operating Room
“What are you doing?” This was Rebecca question to her boyfriend Robert when he bought a motorcycle. Rebecca had never been around bikes but as an orthopedic surgeon with a specialty in spinal injury and as the daughter of an orthopedic surgeon, she’d seen several people who’d wiped out and ended up in the operating room. She noticed that Robert was a very careful rider and soon, knowing how much it meant to him, Rebecca gave it a try. Despite seeing results of accidents, she wasn’t afraid on the back of his BMW touring bike and quickly began to enjoy it. “What if he’s injured or something and I need to go for help?” As a mother of two and a doctor, Rebecca was used to being prepared to handle anything. To answer her own question, she decided to learn to ride. Just in case! After taking the rider safety class Rebecca bought a BMW S1000 RR sport bike even though Robert hates what he calls, “crotch rockets.” When Robert and Rebecca became engaged the photographer asked about their common interests. When she heard about the motorcycle riding she suggested a few engagement photos with the bikes, besides the lake with the Chicago skyline in the background. Great idea! A medical assistant in Rebecca’s office is married to a guy who organizes events at a sport bike track. Rebecca accepted her invitation to visit and fell in love with track racing. Robert was reluctant to join her at first but then he loved it, too. Now she rides her ‘road bike,’ a Honda VFR to work and her sport bike on the track. Robert added a Zero SR Electric motorcycle as his ‘track bike.’ “The fast curves and leaning close to the ground,” Rebecca says, “It’s like skiing only on a bike!” She further explains that you aren’t racing other motorcyclists as much as you’re racing against your own best ride. The rides aren’t timed but are coached and judged according to exacting technique. You’re working on your speed, performance, and control. Rather than winning a race, your reward is BTRchallenging 26 | BORNTORIDE.COM yourself and still leaving the track with a shiny bike and no broken bones! Track riding constantly tests and increases your technique and BTR 22 | BORNTORIDE.COM
control. Sort of like an advanced skills class. The techniques learned and practiced on the track also come in handy on the road when you hit a patch of ice or must maneuver quickly to avoid an accident and if you go into a corner too hot you can adjust and prevent
wiping out. In some ways, the track is safer than the road she says because you’re more visible and there are no cars, trucks, and intersections to deal with. Exacting technique, skill, and speed also are important in the operating room. Wouldn’t you want a surgeon who’s skilled, thinks fast and is precise? Rebecca sees her share of motorcycle accidents in the operating room, including some from the track she rides on. Rebecca was called to examine a guy in his early twenties who’d wiped out on his bike. The parents weren’t exactly happy when she walked into the exam room in full motorcycle gear, carrying her helmet. They were hoping he’d get a lecture on the dangers of motorcycles. Instead, he got a lesson on the importance wearing the proper gear and advancing his skills. Besides commuting to work on her bike and riding at the track regularly, Rebecca often takes short motorcycle road trips with Robert during the spring, summer, and fall before the Chicago winters cover the track with snow. If you or someone you know rides her own and has an interesting story to share contact Myra@MyraMcElhaney.com and maybe, you’ll be featured in the Women’s World column.
Myra McElhaney If you would like info on Born To Ride Womens Club, Email info@borntoride.com
VALERIE THOMPSON
is without a doubt the QUEEN OF SPEED. She is the world’s fastest female motorcycle streamliner racer, hitting an incredible 328.467mph on the BUB 7 Streamliner motorcycle and is an eight-time Speed Record holder. She is also an inductee in the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a member of numerous 200 MPH Clubs and one 300 MPH Club. She is also known as Australia’s fastest female motorcycle land speed racer and was recently included in the Dealernews “Top 100 Leaders in Powersports” list. And that was all before lunch. Most of us who ride motorcycles have “gone fast” on a bike. But we’re talking topping out at like 110 or 120mph. The fastest I ever went was 160mph on a 1000R Ninja. Even at that speed, the wind becomes a solid wall of force. So I had to ask Valerie, what does it feel like to pilot a Streamliner to over 300 miles per hour? “It starts with me walking to the streamliner in my fire suit and helmet. Focusing. Getting my head around what is about to happen. My team is pushing and pulling me into a tiny cockpit that was made just to fit me. I am form-fitted into it, being strapped in, like a sardine in a can. They close the canopy over me and it is quiet for a moment but my focus is to make history. “The engine comes to life and I get a burst of energy
but then I go into a calm zone… totally focused. I touch the controls and know I won’t let go of them until the run is over. Then I am off! The experience is loud and bumpy and yet somehow serene. I am going very fast and the ground is very close. But I can’t afford any distraction. I get tunnelvision, only paying attention to the RPMs and I go for it. Your peripheral vision helps you focus on where you are on the track. In first gear you’re going 199 mph. In second gear you’re up to 255. In third gear you hit 335 and in fourth you can hit 363 mph.” “Oddly, it all happens in slow motion. I don’t think about how fast I’m going and inside the streamliner you don’t feel the wind so you don’t feel how fast you are going. Sometimes the run that feels the slowest is actually your fastest. My execution has to be perfect and every run is a chance to make history. When you’re racing, you have to manage your fear. You have to understand the limits of your machine and manage risk. You have to have confidence in yourself, your vehicle and your team.”
To celebrate Powerful Women in May — Valerie Thompson is a one of a kind inspiration.
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I asked Valerie what inspires her to take these risks. She smiled and said, “The challenge.” When asked how she got into racing, what inspired her, she says, “Nobody inspired me to race. It was the challenge. I was always told I couldn’t do it. Mainly, I wanted to avoid getting tickets on my street bike. I was in my late 30’s when I started racing. I was told that I was out of control and that I should take it to the racetrack. I took my bike to a drag strip to see how fast it could go. Once I started, I never left. My local H-D dealership sponsored me and in my second year of racing, I placed third in the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA).” Jesse Jurrens of Legend Air was a big inspiration to Valerie, sponsoring her racing efforts. “He invited me to the Bonneville Salt Flats to race my motorcycle. I thought I’d slip and fall on the salt. Even though I was worried, I bucked up and went out BTR 26 | BORNTORIDE.COM
there. I went 153 mph on my V-Rod, doing everything I could to hold on, rookie-style. The wind became a solid force and my helmet started choking me out. Luckily, I had a lot of great teachers who took me under their wings. I learned a lot from famous racer Wink Eller.” Valerie’s racing career led her into the biker lifestyle, not the other way around. In 2018 she was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Now she’s on a mission to rewrite motorsports history in 2021 with the Target 550 streamliner team in Australia this coming March at the Dry Lakes Racing Association (DLRA) Speed Week competition by breaking the current FIA conventional wheel-driven, piston-powered automobile class speed record of 415.867 mph. But that’s not all. Valerie and Team 7 Racing plan a minimum of two events for 2021 for the famed BUB 7 motorcycle
Most of us who ride motorcycles have “gone fast” on a bike. But we’re talking topping out at like 110 or 120mph. The fastest I ever went was 160mph on a 1000R Ninja. Even at that speed, the wind becomes a solid wall of force. So I had to ask Valerie, what does it feel like to pilot a Streamliner to over 300 miles per hour?
streamliner, including a private testing session and competing at the Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials August 28 – September 2nd. If successful with both the Target 550 and Team 7 Racing teams, Valerie will become the first woman to ever go over 500 mph in a car and over 400 in a streamliner motorcycle. Her success story and relentless quest to become the world’s fastest motorcycle racer is a key plot line in “Rockets and Titans” an upcoming film documentary about the competitive world of land speed racing. You may have also seen Valerie featured in the award-winning documentary films, including “Why We Ride” and “Mega Speed” (Discovery Channel). This year, Valerie could actually become the first woman to go over 400 mph both in a car and a motorcycle. Already ranked #7 on the world’s fastest motorcycle racers of all-
time list, Valerie has become the first woman in the seat of the incredible Treit and Davenport Target 550 Streamliner. While other women have reached fabulous speeds in a car and others in a motorcycle streamliner, no woman has done both. The net result might be the first driver over 500 mph in a piston engine car, and over 400 mph in a motorcycle. Something that NOBODY, man or woman, has ever accomplished. You can become a part of this history making quest by sponsoring Valerie and her independent team to shatter barriers and set new speed records! Visit ValerieThompsonRacing.com for more information or follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. — Dave Nichols
See and learn more on Valarie at wwwvaleriethompsonracing.com
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 27
CAVE SPRING Cave Spring is located in Floyd County and is 25 minutes from Rome, Georgia and less than 5 minutes away from the state of Alabama. It is like any typical off-the-interstate, sleepy small town in the South. With a population at just over a thousand, it is more a community of friends and relatives than a city. Everyone you meet is overflowing with hospitality and you always feel like you’re minutes away from the possibility of enjoying a cup of black coffee, or a beer on the porch with a new friend.
their own land. Named after a cave and fresh water spring that is located at Rolater Park in the central part of the town, the cave is made of limestone and features stalagmites. The cave is open year round to visitors and locals alike. The spring pours out from the side of a rock building that surrounds the entrance to the .25 mile cave. From there the spring flows into a sparkling pond from Rolater Park and then into a 1.5-acre swimming pool filled with the cold spring water.
So mark your calendars for July 29th and 30th, the Cave Spring Motorcycle Rally and Music Festival is held at one of Cave Spring is actually located on the Trail those places that is quintessential Georgia of Tears in Georgia. The Cherokees once and a place that is worth driving through occupied huge portions of Georgia, Alabama, on any road trip or ride. While you’re there, Tennessee and North Carolina and Cave make sure you bring in your bike for the Spring was home to a major resistance at Choppertown ‘Live’ Ride In Bike Show. It’ll Beaver Dam of the Cherokee against the be the coolest thing to hit Cave Spring since whites who were forcefully removing them from stalagmites!
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 29
REMEMBER OUR SENIORS I think this time we’re just going to get to the meat and potatoes of the topic. I think it’s very admirable to have celebrations of life for those that meant something to us. A way to honor their memory, their achievements, and their impact on others. To me, it’s a form of being able to say my last goodbye even though I will always keep those people in my memory. There’s a saying I heard a long time ago that a person is not truly gone until their name is spoken for the very last time. I’m a firm believer in that. With that said, it is always a special thing to remember those who we have lost, but I think what we need to start doing is paying attention to those that we have. More often than not, I have witnessed many people sitting alone with no one paying any attention to their presence, and just consider them to be another fixture in either a local bar or at an event. These are the people that we need to pay attention to now while we still can. Just sit with one of these people for ten minutes and hear the stories they have to tell of the experiences that they’ve been through with their life. I believe what those people say are the things we need to remember. Whether we agree or disagree with what they say, it’s still a wealth of knowledge that you cannot get from any book. Whether that person is a veteran, senior, or an old scooter tramp, you may be surprised how some of their stories may relate to something you may be going through now. Don’t forget these people while you have the chance to interact with them; you might be missing out on history and how things used to be done in the past. Don’t waste the opportunity to listen to first-hand experience. Online social media sites are filled with people full of BS. You can’t really interact face-to-face with electronic stupidity. Could you imagine being one of these people and sitting alone
wondering why you’ve been forgotten? Wondering why nobody cares enough to have a simple conversation with you? To wonder what you did wrong in your life to be treated like a third-class citizen? And I think worst of all is to sit alone and wonder why you’ve been forgotten. To wonder, what your lifewas really for and about. I believe life is a combination of your memories and life experiences put together to create a collective that nobody can duplicate. People can come close or empathize with what you’ve been through but never have a thought on how you interpreted or lived it. I hear motorcycle riders bragging all the time about how they are all about brotherhood and how they would not leave someone behind or forget them, yet they will leave people on the side of the road to be forgotten and not accounted for. I’m not saying that everyone who reads this falls into that category, but I know a large majority who do. They are either too busy with work, drama, or just plain old life. I find it very sad that we, as a society, let this happen. After all, these individuals, regardless of their station, helped to build this great nation. And to leave them on the side of the road with no help - no companionship - no friendship and no interaction with us, is a crime in itself. Unfortunately, this mindset of forgetting others goes beyond that of our interaction with strangers. We do it with our own families as well. A lot of times, that senior, that veteran or others, are the glue that used to hold together whatever group or family unit they belong to. And once they’re gone, it’s visible how much of the cohesion of a group or family depended on that person. Unfortunately, when they’re gone, it’s too late.Only we can fix this. It never hurts to say hello even if it’s in passing, to
Tell Jim what you’re thinking, what do you want to say to him? editor@borntoride.com
someone you don’t know or to reach out to that family member and let them know that at least they were thought of. Think for a minute what it would feel like to be left in a home or assisted living facility or even in your own dwelling, with nothing more than your photo albums of past friends that are no longer with you and your memories, left alone with your thoughts. Try and reflect as to who some of these people were in our past. They were the hammer on the nails that helped build the homes that some of us still live in today. They were the firemen, policemen, and healthcare workers that saved many lives. They may have been people who had great influence on our country. They were the veterans who fought against incredible odds and in many conflicts around the world to help secure our democracy and way of life. They were the factory workers and industrial workers who helped to construct a lot of the machinery that we still use today to get things done. There are so many more accomplishments that I have not listed that these very people accomplished in their lives. I know they say that the children of today are our future, but the seniors of our country are the past. Some say the past is the past and to let it go, but let’s not let these people go and be forgotten. Help restore their dignity and remind them that their accomplishments, no matter how small or insignificant they may be to others, are not forgotten. Give them back their dignity. Expand your mindset and let them know that we will not forget. That we will remember them. After all, this will be you one day. Think about that. — Nefarious James American Biker
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Out of all the ‘biker exploitation’ movies I have reviewed, this one may be the funniest! The 1991 film features Billy Bob Thornton, MTV VeeJay Martha Quinn, and a few other B movie celebs. This movie has it all – hot chicks, lesbians, motorcycles, midgets and a troop of blind orphans - who wouldn’t love it? First off I must tell you the Chopper Chicks don’t actually ride “Choppers” but they do ride Sportsters, all equipped with engine guards and various custom paint jobs. The girls in the film are members of an all female motorcycle gang called the “Cycle Sluts” which in itself is funny. They do have the usual trappings of women traveling in groups, such as being on the rag, and searching for meat. Anyway, the film begins when the Cycle Sluts cruise into the small town of Zariah looking for a good time. In Zariah, an evil scientist turned mortician has been killing local townspeople with the help of dwarf that he continually abuses. After turning the folks into zombies, he uses them as labor at an abandoned mine. The mine is too radioactive after underground nuclear testing to be mined by living people. He later admits the real reason he’s doing it isn’t for the money, it’s because he’s just plain mean. The zombies are released when a curious little boy opens a door in the apparently abandoned mine, thus releasing the un-dead, and of course this act is his un-
doing. In the mean time, the girls are in town, and decide to split up and go look for some meat. One of them is run over by the mortician, and is turned into a zombie, while the others find their way into various sexual situations with the local guys. This is where we first meet Billy Bob who plays the ex of one of the chopper chicks. They meet in a church where the dwarf is attempting to shoot her, and retreat to his trailer for some fun. Another mistake for the midget, and more punishment later, the zombies are still marching on, and they are getting hungry! On the way to town the zombies encounter a group of blind orphans, who are stranded just on the outskirts after their bus breaks down. Luckily for the kids their bus-driver always keeps an Uzi on the bus (for sentimental reasons) and while the driver seeks help the kids (shooting blindly) manage to hold off the zombies until the chopper chicks arrive to rescue them in a hearse. Even though the girls are doing some good deeds, the locals don’t seem to like them too much and repeatedly attempt to run them out of town. That is until the town is overrun by blood thirsty zombies! But wait – the town folk refuse to help the girls fight the zombies because “they are all family.’’ Hordes of zombies begin eating their relatives as the girls fight them off. The dwarf decides to turn against the mortician, and tells the girls that the only way to kill the zombies is to “cut their heads off.” The chopper chicks use baseball bats, chainsaws, and other devices to do away with many of them, but just when they think they have won, dozens more arrive. The girls devise a plan to lure all the remaining zombies into the church using raw meat as bait. They load the meat truck with dynamite, and crash it into the church. The timer on the dynamite goes off and the church goes up in flames burning up most of the remaining zombies. In the final scenes the Cycle Sluts are rewarded with a sack full of cash and induct the dwarf and several of the blind orphans as honorary members of their gang. They then ride out of town with some of the men folk (their new ‘bitches’) on the back of their bikes and toss wads of money into the wind as they roll down the road to a new destination and adventure. This review could not possibly expose you to all the hilarious action that this film provides. It is sometimes so ridiculous that you would find yourself rolled up in a knot from uncontrollable laughter. It takes shots at old films, TV and life in general, but it never leaves you bored. I admit that I have a sick sense of humor, but for some unknown reason, I actually liked this film! (I usually don’t) Try this one out. It’s available on DVD from Troma Films, www.troma.com or at your local ‘strange DVD dealership.’ I have to give this one 4 out of 4 stars just because it’s super-funny. … Till next month. ...
Do you have a favorite Biker Movie we don’t have? Let us know: info@borntoride.com
The Phantom Movie Review BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 33
HALL OF FAMER VICKI “SPITFIRE” SANFELIPO AND TRIGGER, HER 1993 HARLEY SOFTAIL
Accident Scene Management founder, Vicki “Spitfire” Sanfelipo, was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame in August of 2020. Known as “Spitfire” by her friends, Vicki certainly lives up to that moniker. Ever since starting to ride motorcycles in the late 1980s, she’s been a bundle of energy. The single parent raised three young daughters and became a Registered Nurse at a hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin, finally settling in the surgery department. In 1987 Vicki bought her first motorcycle and then in 1995, she joined the Governor’s Motorcycle tours as the only female Road BTR 34 | BORNTORIDE.COM
Captain and ride nurse. Shortly after, she attended a workshop presented by “Slider Gilmore” entitled Two Wheel Trauma. Gilmore, an EMT in Iowa, lectured on how to treat injured motorcyclists before professional help arrived. Energized by Gilmore’s presentation, and with his blessing, Vicki authored a program she named Accident Scene Management (ASM), and along with three fellow nurses from Wausau Hospital, began teaching a “hands-on” class to riders in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation learned of her efforts and supported her in presenting more classes for anyone interested.
Send photos and information of you and your motorcycle to editor@borntoride.com
Her devotion to education and saving lives led Vicki to leave her nursing career and devote her time as a volunteer director, educator and instructor trainer for ASM. Today, with instructors in states across the U.S. and in other countries, thousands of students have been trained in roadside assistance at motorcycle crashes. Vicki’s every day ride is “Trigger”, her customized 1993 Harley that started life as a Fatboy. The only original parts left are the frame, transmission and rear wheel. The motor is an S&S 100ci 4x4 with a 585 cam and S&S shorty “E” carb as well as a Crane single fire ignition. Other details include Indian Larry rotors and GMA
brakes up front, a Springer front end and LED headlight, Chubby beach bars and a custom seat by Leather and Lead. The pipes are White Brother Porker upsweeps and Trigger’s Taildragger rear fender includes a Tombstone taillight and a full “real” horse tail. The custom paint is by TS Customs and the graphic on the gas tanks says it all. Ride forever, Spitfire! — Chopper Daddy Dave
BORNTORIDE.COM | BTR 35
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CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION could not do on a bike and learned to appreciate my friends’ Years ago, I had two riding talents, everything got better, including my handling businesses, one of which used of my bike. It is still an ongoing process of practicing and promotions and contests to learning and trying to pick up pointers when I see great riding encourage its’ associates to skills. I have the same type of bike; the big variable appears work hard so they could earn to be time devoted to riding and riding often. When I learn to prizes. I’ll never forget the grand overcome my jealousy and envy, I will find myself no longer prize for one such convention – coveting those friends who ride so well. a brand-new custom chopper. The winner could choose from The Bible addresses the issue of coveting. In Exodus 20:17 either the bike, and it was we are told, “Don’t set your heart on anything that is your awesome, or $35,000 in cash. neighbor’s.” (The Message) It is normal to appreciate things, be they physical or emotional. The issue at hand is not to Picture this, a slightly raked out front end, an S&S motor, want something in spite of it belonging to someone else. If and if it wasn’t rubber, leather or painted blue and yellow, we covet something, we set our hearts on that item, trying to it was chrome! It was hands down the most beautiful bike I get what we want, even if it takes inappropriate actions such had ever seen, and 25 years later, it still makes my heart as stealing and conniving in order to take possession of the beat. And the winner, a little old lady, passed the cash so desired item. This is true, not only for physical items such as her husband could take her for rides on that gorgeous chariot. homes, cars, or motorcycles, but for emotional issues, such When I saw the bike on the convention floor I was filled with as breaking marriage vows and relationships. This can lead to covetousness, I just didn’t know better at the time. I didn’t lusting after someone else’s spouse, or to broken promises. even have a bike of any kind when that all happened, but I The sad part is that such actions can harm those not even wanted that lady’s bike. aware of the coveting. Even children feel the pain of betrayal. There was another situation that caused me to covet Learn as I did, to lean on God to provide the contentment some of my friends because of their incredible skills at slow that will overcome coveting. When you do your best, God will speed riding. It just amazes me when I see the skill some do the rest! folks have with two wheels. When I first noticed that I was having feelings of covetousness or envy, I was momentarily In the Wind, Denny Dingler embarrassed for myself. When I stopped focusing on what I Check out BornToRide.com for more articles from Christian Motorcyclists Association BTR 40 | BORNTORIDE.COM
