Born To Ride Southeast Motorcycle Magazine #118

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HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

Letter from the Editor

DAVE NICHOLS

FROM THE HELM

HO, HO, HARLEY DAYS, GIBTOWN IS COMING!

There’s big news a brewin’ here at Born To Ride magazine. I’m talkin’ about the rip-roarin’ rowdy run known as Gibtown Bikefest this January 6th through the 8th in beautiful Riverview, Florida. It’s the Sunshine State’s most entertaining biker gathering! Ride on out and meet Billy Lane on January 7th of Choppers Inc. and see his amazing Sons of Speed race bikes. Plus, Born To Ride’s kickass Southern Fried Moto Show will blow your mind with a killer ride-in bike show giving away $1,000 in cash and prizes. The Best of Show winner will be featured with a cover photo shoot right here in the South’s best biker rag!

The Southern Fried Moto Show is sponsored by our friend James Irwin, a biker helping bikers to gain financial freedom. Meet James at Gibtown and also right here in these pages. Check out our Q & A with the man who is as real as it gets who has a true passion for helping fellow bikers. You can learn more at and healthinsurance65.com. Turn the page and read all about Mr. Irwin.

Ya gotta come on out to the Southern Fried Moto Show where you’ll also meet the sexy star of the biker film Nation’s Fire, the one and only Krista Grotte. She’ll have DVDs to sign for you. Her Pole Stuntin’ with Krista YouTube Channel will have your eyes buggin’ out as she offers up sexy pole dance action set to your favorite movies and music. Get your butt to Gibtown Bikefest to meet the queen of quiver!

That’s not all! Gibtown Bikefest offers up over 30 live bands on four stages to keep your toes a tappin’ the whole weekend. The entire shindig is presented by The Fran Haasch Law Group and the Gibtown Showman’s Association. Our cover story this month features Attorney Fran Haasch and talks about her wonderful Wreaths Across America charity.

This special December holiday issue of Born To Ride is all about bikers giving back to the lifestyle they love. How cool is that?

All this and more is just a page turn away in the fire-breathin’ December issue of Born To Ride! Catch up with our own Nefarious James, laugh it up with Crven Moorehead, and drool all over this month’s Reader’s Ride featuring a righteous rigid Sportster by Roosterz Rod Shop lovingly adorned by super smokin’ hot model Mallory Griffs, shot by our ace flick snapper Eric Runyon.

If you’re part of the motorcycle industry, don’t forget to support Born To Ride so we can keep bringing bikers the best of the two-wheeled world. Your support of print media will generate major traffic to your business and help to promote riding. Help us get more new riders on the roads of America. And you bikers out there be sure to join our Born To Ride Facebook Group to keep in touch with likeminded riders and find out about upcoming events. Like what? Well, like Thunder by the Bay. This coming February 17th through the 19th marks the 25th Anniversary of this biker bonanza in beautiful Sarasota. You can bet that Born To Ride will be there to host Choppertown Live once again. It’s the best ride-in chopper show this side of the Mississippi. If you’re there, you might just see your grinnin’ mug right here in Born To Ride!

Enjoy the holidays and enjoy the ride, brothers and sisters, but ride safe out there. Have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and Happy Harleydays to all from your friends here at Born To Ride. Ho, ho… Urk! I got so excited that I just spit up in my mouth a little bit.

See ya next month for a whole new year of bein’ Born To Ride.

— Dave Nichols

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

A Biker Helping Bikers

JAMES IRWIN

HAVE YOU MET JAMES IRWIN?

TELL US A LITTLE OF YOUR BACKGROUND AND EXPLAIN WHAT A CSA IS?

I am in financial services. I help people avoid transferring money unknowingly and unnecessarily. Sure when you say financial services it can have many meanings. Of course we help people invest their money and find places for them to put their money. What I do that’s UNIQUE is I help people find places where they could be transferring money unnecessarily and then I bring that back to them. First, to increase their accumulated assets to make their future more solid. And secondly, to help people increase their present lifestyle so that the journey along the way is pleasant. That is what I do. I help people find money that they are losing unnecessarily.

A CSA is a special designation. The Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA) educates and certifies professionals who work with seniors. The Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® credential applies to professionals who are able to demonstrate their competence and knowledge of working with older adults into their professional practices. By creating a network of qualified professionals, SCSA strives to create a strong and safe environment for seniors and those working with them. The Society of Certified Senior Advisors (SCSA) educates and certifies professionals who work with seniors. The Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® CSAs understand how to build effective relationships with older adults because they have a broad-based knowledge of the health, social, and financial issues that are important to older adults. Through certification, Certified Senior Advisors agree to uphold the Highest ethical standards for the benefit and protection of the health and welfare of older adults. Currently there are less than 3400 individuals nationally in financial services that have earned this recognition.

In addition I am also a chapter president of AFEA The Nation’s leader in non-profit financial education! AFEA is a an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, AFEA’s mission is toinform and empower Americans to take control of their finances by providing comprehensive financial education in communities nationwide.

A BIKER HELPING BIKERS, TELL US ABOUT THAT CONCEPT AND WHY YOU ARE AN AVID RIDER?

It’s a way to give back to the community I love. Bikers have told me in the past they don’t want to work with the suits of society

when it comes to financial services. Even though my national HQ is located in the most prestigious building in Tampa loaded in suits, you’ll never see me in one. I usually ride my Harley to work and enjoy setting of car alarms in the garage from the rumble of my bike.

I got my first minibike at age six. Had a brief sponsorship from Ducati racing sport bikes and have owned numerous Harleys. There have been only a few years when I have not owned a motorcycle in my lifetime. The feeling and therapy it affords me is priceless. I will never stop riding.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU TO HELP VETERANS GET EVERYTHING THEY ARE ENTITLED TO AND GIVE US A FEW EXAMPLES HOW YOU CAN HELP?

Veterans are the reason we enjoy our freedom! A country that creates them needs to take care of them. We can never THANK them enough. I have found many get frustrated trying

to understand what they are eligible for. The general information that are given is like trying read an IRS tax code. I have helped many enhanced their health benefits, reduce Medicare cost,gain disability benefits and help with long term care benefits. As a CSA we are educated on ways to help.

WHAT IF WE ARE ON MEDICARE OR KNOW SOMEBODY WHO IS? WHAT CAN WE DO TO AVOID SCAMS?

Just call me 833-467-2865 it would take pages to list all the ways people get victimize and many don’t know till they use the plan. I get calls everyday about this. As a CSA a lot of people who were mislead get referred to us. I offer unbiased advice based on your needs not mine.

healthinsurance65.com IS YOUR WEBSITE, YOU CAN HELP WITH RETIREMENT INSURANCE, MEDICARE, SOCIAL SECURITY,VA AND LIFE PLANNING AS WELL AS INVESTING IN THE FUTURE.HOW IMPORTANT IS THE TRUST LEVEL THAT YOU CAN BE THAT PERSON TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR CLIENTS FUTURE?

Its very important! My services are unique since they is no cost to the client and without judgement. I have worked with folks with hundreds of dollars to well know celebrities with millions of dollars. Everybody get’s the same treatment. Most Financial Advisors charge a fee just to talk, I don’t. In the past before slowing down in my sixties I was for several years the #1 producer in the country with many well-know insurance companies. I was always unbiased and did what was best for the client not me. This is how I built my business. My dad alway said

to me “ You brought this on yourself” and “What goes around comes around” and of course “One day you’re gonna thank me for this” So this upbringing has earned me a blemish free reputation.

TELL US ABOUT THE MOVIE YOU WERE INVOLVED IN THE” THE BABY BOOMER DILEMMA”?

The move is a documentary critically acclaimed a must see by Forbes magazine among others. The trailer to the movie is on my website www.healthinsurance65.com anyone who goes there can request a FREE movie streaming pass since it is no longer in theaters.

YOU OFFER A FREE BOOK MISSION ONE MILLION ON YOUR WEBSITE HOW DO WE GET IT AND WHY READ IT?

It’s an interesting short informative read. Not dull and boring. Everyone who reads it or watches the Movie has said they are glad they did! I guess eventually someone will give it negative reviews but so far all positive!

IS IT TRUE YOU OFFER MONEY SCHOOL WEBINARS SEEMS LIKE A GREAT WAY TO LEARN AND THEY ARE ONLY 20 MINUTES FREE OF CHARGE?

Yes the Money schools webinar invites are easy to watch and simplify complicated subjects free of charge.The book is for anyone wanting to get out of debt, build wealth, and create financial independence.

People will have a chance to meet you at Gibtown bike fest and Thunder by the Bay this year.

WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE TO THEM AND WHAT KIND OF QUESTIONS SHOULD THEY BE ASKING?

They can ask me anything love talking motorcycles. And they should be asking themselves if they current financial plan (Only works in good times?) Or (causes you stress?) Or (is your 401(k) now a 301(k) or a 201(k) If any of those questions are yes they don’t have the right financial plan.

As you know bikers are very charitable people giving back to the community in many meaningful ways. I’am of course a biker and that why with the help of many generous people we offer these FREE BOOKS ,WEBINARS, MOVIES and CONSULTATION. A biker helping biker that’s what its all about!

By Matt Danielson, The Motorcycle Law Group

Beware. Your GPS may be collecting evidence against you. More and more motorcyclists today are using GPS (Global Positioning Systems) to plan trips, get directions and keep track of miles traveled. However, keep in mind that if you are in a motorcycle accident, you may be collecting evidence that could be used against you in both a criminal and civil trial.

Most GPS systems allow you to keep track of your speed. As such, they can be used as evidence in court. I have come across jurisdictions which, at the scene of an accident when speed is a question, will seize a crash victim’s GPS, get a search warrant, and download the information pertaining to speed. Such action does more than subject the crash victim to a speeding ticket. It can, if the injured party was speeding, put their ability to collect damages for their injuries at risk. That means, if the party who injures you can show that you were in some way at fault in causing the accident, then depending on which state you were injured in, your claim can be reduced, or outright denied.

Keep in mind that I am in no way suggesting that you should not use a GPS on your motorcycle. I am merely suggesting that if you do, keep in mind that depending on the system and how you use it, you could be collecting evidence that could eventually be used by a party that injures you to avoid paying for the injuries they caused.If you have any further questions orcomments concerning this article or any other matters concerning your rights as a motorcyclist, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Matt Danielson - McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller

The Motorcycle Law Group - 1-800-321-8968

MotorcycleLawGroup.com

Matt Danielson is a partner at The Motorcycle Law Group, a personal injury law firm whose attorneys all ride motorcycles and practice in VA, NC, SC, GA, and WV. Matt has successfully represented clients in cases from simple property damage to complex multi-million dollar personal injury claims. He is also a lobbyist, adjunct professor and works with motorcycle rights organizations. To learn more about The Motorcycle Law Group, visit MotorcycleLawGroup.com.

Two, Who Are Born To Ride

Riders are a certain breed of people. We know this. Regardless of what we ride, we’re willing to subject ourselves to extreme weather conditions, perhaps cobbling together nuts, bolts, snagging a pair of apes, stretching out a frame and finding a fat daddy tire to create our own ride. Or towing a trailer behind us with creature comforts inside like a pillow and a French Press (don’t judge the coffee). And even put up with some salty rough riders, who more often than not, become our close friends as we ride across these fruited plains searching for nothing, but finding everything.

And then there are those among us that are a totally different breed.

Those who have had life altering experiences and still climb aboard two wheeled machines in defiance of the odds.

Two very different people with very different backgrounds and riding interests are the featured riders for December and January. First up, meet Brittany.

Brittany, or “Britt” as friends in her circle call her, is a single mother who at the age of 32 was involved in a horrific motorcycle crash. She lost her right leg below the knee, suffered a broken back, shattered a shoulder and spent two years in a wheelchair as she recuperated.

Brittany was born, raised and lives on the iconic Tail of The Dragon, Route 129 in east Tennessee. As a young girl, she was interested in show horses and spent a great deal of time learning the disciplines and training techniques involved and how they applied to the different show categories - Hunter/Jumper, Cross Country and so forth. And all of this within earshot of motorcycles zooming by. She started riding at the age of 14 when her brother invited her to be part of his local riders group. Knowing Brittany’s tenacity and competitive nature, I’m sure it was a classic case of sibling rivalry that motivated her. Snagging a second hand GSXR 650 that she

tricked out to suit her needs, she started riding local roads and never looked back.

Brittany wasted no time in getting on some of the region’s biggest roads. The Moonshiner 28, Cherohala Skyway and of course, The Tail of The Dragon. During her riding skill progression on her Kawi 300, she thought about her days of horse training and how she employed the art of Dressage, the guiding of a horse through a series of complex maneuvers by slight movements of the rider’s hands, legs and shifting body weight. Applying those skills, she guides and finesses her steel horse through dips and tight turns like a natural.

She claims that her interest in riding actually came into play after her wreck. Gaining insight from a close friend who also came back from a serious bike crash, It was the freedom of riding, the absolute

empowerment she has every time she swings her leg over the seat, squares her bike up and hits the start button that made her realize life can be short. Not willing to give that up, she immediately planned on being fitted for a high speed-no drag prosthetic leg. In fact, she has two prosthetics. One strictly designed for racing-custom made to fit into her suit and another for routine use appropriately numbered “15” for her R3 Yamaha.

Today, you can find Brittany slinging her bike in and around the Great Smoky Mountains on some of her favorite roads as she continues to develop her riding skills as a racer and refining her Track Day Winner Coaching career.

In addition to raising her three children, Brittany also works as a Medical Coordinator for New York City Second Chance Rescue. Brittany is both motivational and inspirational, just ask her 17K followers @r3amputee. Become a sponsor by subscribing for updates and inside info @$r3amputee.

Next month, Flat Track racing with Jason Griffin.

– Indian Rider Bill Indianriderbill@yahoo.com

This month we kickstart our Reader’s Ride program with a sizzlin’ rigid Sportster. It’s the perfect barhopper that was freshened up by our friend at Roosterz Rod Shop John Benedict, Jim Cecil and Tim Hahn out of Clearwater, Florida. The boys specialize in traditional American hot rods, custom cars and motorcycles. Tim found this scooter on eBay and bought it with thoughts of it becoming the Roosterz shop bike.

They took apart the Sportster motor and gave it a refresh, changed up the front end to a 2-inches under stock springer by D&A and changed out the front wheel. They handmade many of the one-off pieces right at Roosterz including the sissybar and hand shift. They also modified the pipes and massaged every part on this Sporty to make it the gleaming groundpounder seen here. The orange, purple and pink paint Do you want to get your motorcycle seen right here in Born To Ride Magazine?

PHOTOS: ERICK RUNYON

on the gas tank came with this awesome eBay find, so they have no idea who the original painter was but it sure fits the look of this little badass. Roosterz has been involved with Born To Ride for quite some time, participating in last year’s Choppertown. The boys are well known for their super killer swap meet parties including hot rod/bike shows and their special burn out contest is not to miss. For more info or to

check out some killer customs visit www.roosterzrodshop.com or call 727-289-2896. You can also find Roosterz on Facebook and Instagram. A friend of John’s named Trey Davis recently saw the shop bike and just had to have it. He’s now the proud owner of this month’s Reader’s Ride.

—Dave “Chopper Daddy” Nichols

Craven Moorehead

CHRISTMAS

Well, I made it through Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and most of Cyber Monday. This was an easy task largely because I had no money to waste on things that I don’t really need. Although the desire is there to spend on the people I care about, it is an impossible feat without the necessary funds. Commercialism aside, there are a lot of valid reasons to enjoy this time of year. If you ignore all the ads, come-ons and deals you can’t live without and then simply focus on what you do have – and not what you want, a certain sort of peace will come over the chaos that roars on in your head and heart. It’s okay to want things, but if you cannot afford those things it’s better to just forget about it and move on. It seems to work well for me, but I’m not suggesting that you should think the way that I do. After all, it is a dark and disturbing place in what remains of my mind!

Originally, we were all taught that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Although the census among the scientific community suggests that the event didn’t really happen during the winter, if it happened at all. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and the ability to practice their own religion. Scientists do not profit at this time of year but the commercial entities certainly do. Some of us simply try to remember the story as told in the Bible and let that be profit enough. (It took me several minutes to decide not to use the word ‘prophet’ in that sentence, instead of profit – levity resides in the aforementioned ‘dark’ areas of my mind.) Although it’s difficult to be comedic at times, if you are me then it just sort of rolls out usually to the disdain of those listening. Thankfully for you, my dedicated readers, you don’t have to hear all the crap because you simply read whatever drivel I put in this column - or you just put it down and not read it – and then make colorful comments about my existence. It’s okay. I’m used to it. …

I think as we get older, some of the magic and mystery of Christmas sort of fades away. The beauty and meaning of the holiday; however, seems to be intensified the farther you progress in life. Once you get past 6 or 7 years old, you begin to not believe in Santa Claus and begin believing in Amazon.com. … I, however, still believe in Santa Claus because every time my dogs come back into the house from the yard they have sandy claws. Plus, I know for a fact that Santa frequents the Gentlemen’s Clubs. I have actually seen him there. Although he didn’t have on the red suit, I knew it was him because he kept bellowing out “Ho Ho Ho” and throwing cash around. The unmistakable long white beard and rosy-red face couldn’t have been attributed to the double vodkas he was drinking, could it? I used to think he only liked eggnog and cookies, and then I remembered that most of the eggnog that I have consumed contained a fairly good amount of alcohol. So, whether you believe in Santa or not, I suppose that it doesn’t really matter. I mean after all, everyone needs to have something to believe in, so I believe I will have another beer!

This particular holiday has a lot of different meanings to a variety of people. I certainly do enjoy it, and of course it would be a lot more fun if I had some cash – but I never worry. I just wish everyone peace on Christmas and remember to do something nice for folks that need it. As bikers, we know how much love is spread around this time of year for those in need. Countless toyruns charitable poker runs and other events are occurring as we speak, and there are scant few days before the actual celebration of Christmas arrives. I appreciate all the efforts of those that give back to the community from behind this keyboard and it’s a blessing that this old-parts computer is still serving me well enough to allow me to send this important message to my readers. Anyhow, don’t think that I am nuts because I still believe in Christ and still give all I have. I also believe that Christmas itself brings people together and when people get together, great things happen! Just remember what the true meaning of this holiday is and do your best to enjoy it! Remember, just a few days after all the presents are unwrapped and the turkey is eaten, we once again gather together to celebrate the arrival of a new year. This is another great holiday because the new year often brings hope and prosperity to those that don’t wake up with a horrible hangover. When we make all those resolutions that we never keep, we can always remember the great times we had with family and friends during this wonderful season. And then, it’s back to work! May God bless you and all your people during this most joyous time of year! Hey! See ya’ll next year and until thenspeed safely!!

I knew him for over 22 years, there will never be another Man like him.. Ron

Galletti

Back in the 1930s over 300 motorcycles companies had sprouted up in the world, including over 100 American motorcycle marquees. After World War II there were only three left; Harley-Davidson, Indian, and Excelsior-Henderson. But today, some of those venerable old motors live on.

The Sons of Speed vintage races began a decade ago and make a home at the New Smyrna Speedway’s half mile track. These races offer thrilling, wide-open motorcycle racing at its best. We’re talkin’ about race bikes with no brakes, no clutches, and a deadman’s switch. We asked Jody to tell us about a close call she had while

pop, then something hit my leg. I looked down and saw the cap that goes over the valves to adjust them, had blown off! I’m like, what the heck, because I had won my heat race with the Indian and knew I was going to be a contender. Then when the valve cap blew off, it was like the cap hit me in the chest! I was so bummed. I was literally almost in tears I was so mad. We just couldn’t catch a break that day.”

Jody limped the Indian to the side of the track and waited… defeated. Suddenly, her boyfriend ran up with the valve cap in his hand. “So I steered the powerless bike to the side of the track and sat there. The

THIS ISSUE IN BIKER LEGENDS

WE FOCUS ON JODY PEREWITZ

, the fastest woman on two wheels and daughter to world renowned custom bike builder and the “father of flames” Dave Perewitz. Jody grew up around motorcycles and bikers, hanging out at Dave’s shop in Brockton, Massachusetts. She currently runs the marketing side of the business at Cycle Fab. She is also a bike builder in her own right and is one hell of a racer. Jody currently holds sixteen Land Speed records, one of which is a World Record. She is the fastest woman to ever ride an American V-twin-powered motorcycle over 200 miles per hour on the Bonneville Salt Flats. She has earned four AMA number one plates.

Jody is also a racer each year at Billy’s Lane’s Sons of Speed antique races at the New Smyrna Beach raceway during March Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sons of Speed is a motorcycle race inspired by early 20th-century board-track racing, featuring stripped-down bikes with pre-1925 American V-twin engines tearing around a steeply banked, racetrack.

racing at Sons of Speed in 2018. “Well, I had three bikes I was racing that year. I was in the Hot 61-inch Class, the Classic 61 Class, and the 45-inch Class. During practice, I was literally jumping off one bike and getting on another. My Hot 61 bike was a 1919 Harley and it blew a valve in practice. So that one was out. And we were having issues with the 45 WR because the oil pump was going. So my one shot was the 1920 Indian PowerPlus I was running in the Classic 61 Class.” “My team pushed the bike to start me. I got it around turn one and I heard a big

pace bike caught up to me and they all went by. And out of nowhere, my boyfriend Guy Lafleur came running with the cap in his hand. As he’s yelling for me to move my leg, he’s tossing the cap from hand to hand because it was so hot! One of the other guys on our team, Jeremy Ohr, came running with these big pliers so he could tighten it. And this all happened within a matter of minutes. They got it on and shouted, ‘We’re going to push you!’ The bike started right up. I caught up to the pack as they were waving the green flag.”

Photos Michael Lichter

Michael Lichter

Michael Lichter

JODY PEREWITZ

THE FASTEST WOMAN ON TWO WHEELS

Jody was back in the race. “If it had been like 30 seconds later, I wouldn’t have been able to do it. But I caught up with the pack and passed them one by one, including two-time sons of Speed winner Ken Curtis.”

Jody took the victory and sealed the first win for an Indian at Sons of Speed, etching her name in yet another record book. Never one to rest on her laurels, Jody Perewitz is about to set out on the Motorcycle Cannonball antique race from Michigan to Texas. In 2018 she, along with two other women riders, became the first females to complete all the miles. She then tried her hand at the Cross Country Chase in September 2019 also making all the miles. For the 2020 Motorcycle Cannonball she will be riding a 1912 Harley-Davidson Single.

You can see why we chose Jody Perewitz as this issue’s Biker Legend here in Born To Ride.

— Dave Nichols

“So I steered the powerless bike to the side of the track and sat there. The pace bike caught up to me and they all went by.”

Michael Lichter

Michael Lichter

DON’T FORGET WHERE YOU CAME FROM

Hello everyone, we’re back to another change of the month and another day ahead of us. We are in the middle of the holiday season with Thanksgiving under our belts and Christmas and New Year’s lying ahead. Hopefully everyone remembered that Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the things that we have and not the things that we don’t. It’s always easy for us to get wrapped in to worrying about how to move ahead and forget to be grateful for the position that we’re in now, no matter how negative it may seem. After all, even the worst times of our lives can teach us something if we approach it with our eyes wide open.

With the holiday season upon us, many things are taking place. Some wonderful and some not so much. There’s tremendous stress during this time of the year as we gear up for the year ahead. What I’d like to touch on this time is that along with this joyous season, many of us suffer from forms of depression or loneliness.

Always be aware that the person with a smile on their face, maybe hiding something that could have very negative consequences. If you find someone that’s feeling depressed and you feel that they’re traveling in a negative direction that could be detrimental to their well-being, speak up. Unlike the days of the past, there are many places that can help someone who is going through the tough things that life can dish out to us.

Unfortunately, I feel the concept of family has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. Families used to get together and celebrate as a unit and check on one another to make sure we’re alright. Doesn’t

seem that way now for some of us. This often stems from the loss of a loved one who seemed to be the one that brought it all together. I know for me, it was my grandmother. She would always have a way of uniting the entire family during the holiday season. Never could understand how that woman was able to accomplish so much for so many for so many years. I find it a challenge to cook three items for one dinner for myself, let alone 20 items for 50 people. Absolutely amazing.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, if we lose that pivotal person that brought everyone together and made a family what a family is supposed to be, someone should step up to help fill that void. As it is with friends and people we’ve met in our lives, people drift apart either from distance, changes of opinion, changes of viewpoint and so on and so forth. This happens with family as well.

Sometimes the loss of that important person who did so many things for so many people, seems to initiate the disillusion of those family ties that they helped keep together. When was the last time you spoke with your parents or brothers and sisters or cousins etc.? Sometimes it just means picking up the phone or sending a text and saying something as simple as, “was thinking about you today. Hope everything is well.” Everyone should remember that once we lose someone who has been close to us and that we love dearly, they will not physically return to us. All we are left with is our memories and maybe some photos, momentous, and stories to tell.

Luckily for everyone reading this, you are in possession of a great resource for memory

building. There are events coming up that should hopefully supercharge your holiday spirit. And with that said, look into the groups you spend your charitable dollars with. If the money or items collected go more toward the people running it than those who need it, you know what to do. Unfortunately, some are in it for personal gain and notoriety. I leave my donations anonymous.

Keep in mind that there are many families throughout Florida who have lost everything in the recent hurricanes that are still struggling to reassemble their lives. That goes for the tornado victims and other national catastrophes as well. If you need a reminder of how fortunate your position is at the moment, keep them in mind. I know they can use your help. I’ve seen it firsthand and it leaves an impression on you.

Sorry to be a drag at the end, but life is what it is. Life is one big ride with lots of destinations. You control the direction it takes with the decisions you make. Remember, you don’t have to be a scumbag to be successful. Look out for your fellow man and woman, don’t use them.

Don’t leave anyone behind, don’t forget your past or where you came from, and forge forward to a better tomorrow. Ride safe, enjoy your ride, and make those memories. To everyone out there reading this, I wish you a very happy holiday season, and with deepest sincerity, hope you all have a prosperous new year.

— Nefarious James Grateful American

This month, it’s “Wild Hogs” starring Tim Allen, John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and William H. Macy. The film was released in 2007, and as far ‘biker exploitation films’ go, I suppose that definition probably doesn’t really fit. It is however “wildly” entertaining if you are a comedy fanatic, or middle-aged gay basher. The story centers around four middle-aged businessmen who bored with their regular suburban lives, embark on a road trip on their Harleys. Doug (Tim Allen) is a dentist; Bobby (Martin Lawrence) is a plumber; Woody (Travolta) is a bankrupt husband of a swimsuit model, who is divorcing him. Dudley (Macy) is a computer geek, who seeks the companionship of a woman (possibly his first experience) and constantly falls of his motorcycle in some very well performed stunt work. The action, the sets, and riding footage were quite good. The acting was dramatic at times, but continues to make the four look way too “Rubbie” to be realistic. The overuse of gay references became redundant to a point, but overall it remained funny I guess.

The road trip is filled with humorous moments, such as the four sleeping close together scantily clad, after burning their tent down and being discovered by a policeman who is overtly gay, and actually jealous of their situation. A little farther down the road, the four are skinny-dipping in a pond when a traveling family joins them. The family discovers their state of undress while searching for crawdads, and later by the very same – very gay –and very naked policeman. The Hogs escape from the pond on their motorcycles, and during one of their frequent urination stops, they watch in awe as a large group of bikers pass by. This group was the Del Fuegos Motorcycle Club, and the Hogs meet them later down the road at their “Biker Bar” Clubhouse. This meeting goes bad of course, and Dudley ends up losing his motorcycle to “Jack” (Ray Liotta) who is the club’s president. The Hogs are ridiculed and sent down the road with Dudley in tow in a sidecar attached to Woody’s motorcycle. Less than a mile down the road,

BIKER Movie Review

Woody decides to walk back to the biker bar and retrieve Dudley’s bike. As the others wait beside the highway, Woody sneaks up, cuts the fuel lines on several of the club’s bikes, and takes off on Dudley’s bike. When Jack discovers the bike missing, the club fires up to give chase, but their pursuit is halted when Jack discards his cigarette into a puddle of gas, which causes their (clubhouse) building to explode and burn to the ground. Meanwhile Woody returns to the trio with Dudley’s bike and to their surprise spins a tale of threatening the club with legal action. The 4 Hogs ride by the bar waving and Woody gives them the finger just before the whole place blows up. Seeing the massive explosion in his rearview mirror, Woody refuses to stop – even for gas- and the Hogs end up pushing their motorcycles through the desert, where they end up in the small town of Madrid.

In Madrid, the Hogs have to stay the night to wait for the gas station to open. The Sheriff mistakes the four for Del Fuegos members. He tells them the club members terrorize the town frequently. He explains the small police force (who received weapons training by playing the video game Doom) is unable to do anything about them.

Meanwhile Jack sends his members out in pairs to locate the Hogs. The Madrid chili festival is held that night and Dudley furthers his interest in Maggie (Marisa Tomei) who owns the local diner. As he courts her, Bobby comes across two Del Fuegos in town. Because of Woody’s previous explanation and believing that he is untouchable, Bobby humiliates the two bikers by squirting them with ketchup and mustard. Under orders from Jack, the two club members refuse to do anything and Bobby appears to win this battle. The town praises the Wild Hogs as saviors, considering them a friendly biker gang who can protect them. They are appreciative to the point that Dudley spends the night with Maggie. The next morning the Del Fuegos ride into town 50 strong. Jack yells to the townspeople that his gang will vandalize the town, starting with the diner, until the Wild Hogs come out to fight. Woody reveals his lie about the biker bar incident, and the Hogs hide inside Maggie’s house with the local Sheriff. As they peer out the window, Dudley walks out alone to face the gang, armed only with a tire iron. They tape him up and hang him from a tree like a piñata. Doug launches a plan to rescue him and he is able to convince the other two to help. After the failed attempt, the Hogs decide to fight the club in front of the diner. The Fight is 4 on 4 with the Hogs taking repeated beatings. Refusing to quit, the Hogs get back up and challenge the club once more, but this time the entire town comes to back them up. Armed with axe handles, sticks and the like, Jack laughs and refers to them as the children of the corn. At this moment the Del Fuegos founder Damien Blade (Peter Fonda) arrives on the scene. Blade chastises Jack and the Del Fuegos for picking on four men and the townspeople, and reveals he actually thought his bar was a “S#!tHOLE” and explained that he insured the bar for twice what it was worth. Now we also learn that Jack is Damien’s son, and he points out to Jack how he forgot what being out on the open road is about and that it doesn’t involve thuggish behavior and violence. The gang soon departs, and the Hogs are again heroes. That is until the Doug and Bobby’s wives arrive in town! After a brief reconciliation, the Hogs venture out to their original destination, the Pacific Coast. I would give it 3 out of 5 stars for a good effort at wasting an hour and a half of my time.

Do you have a favorite Biker Movie we don’t have? Let us know:

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION

One great benefit to riding our bikes in groups is the camaraderie that comes from doing such, and the close feelings of good-will that develops. Motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. ” I have found that in any group that I have participated in there is invariably a clique, or smaller group, of those with more shared specific interests. A fascinating thing develops, and those members of the group begin to develop either positively, or negatively. The members of the group start to become more like those others in the group that they spend the most time hanging out with.

This can often be seen in bike clubs and groups, especially among new members that are learning the makeup and functionality of the group. This allows the new member to grow in how they handle themselves and treat others when dealing with new members. When the rookie finds a group that is about being a helping hand, or trying to make a difference in others’ lives, you can literally see the positive changes taking place!

What is really cool is that the changes for the better that may occur within the core group often see the same positive

encouragements in those members that are learning to make a difference for those within or without the organization. In the biker world there are manuals or code of ethics; in the Christian world it is called the Bible. It is a guidebook and the Scripture teaches people what God wants for our lives and behavior. The Bible says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called” Today” so that none of you be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Hebrews 3:13 NIV Just like if we are trying to learn manuals and rules, so does the Christian strive to follow the Bible and it’s teaching, and therefore changing the world, one heart at a time!

Just like those trying to learn about biker life through meeting others that are involved in the life, so do those seeking God’s help in likewise making a change for God. If one is seeking how to encourage others, go to the source, the Bible! There you will find the Bible Instructions Before Leaving Earth. There is nothing as great as having detailed, positive direction to guide our planning and working!

There is an old axiom, “Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail.” Be it a biker group or a church group, one must take advantage of the wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the community and the world. Why must we be careful to encourage others, so they too can make a positive, blessed effort to encourage each other? Be a light in your world and make a mighty difference in your world!

In the Wind, Denny Dingler

and HAPPY NEW YEAR!