Born To Ride Southeast March 2023 - #121

BORN TO RIDE

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

EDITOR

Dave Nichols editor@borntoride.com

ART DIRECTOR

Peter Soutullo art@borntoride.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erick Runyon

ART DEPARTMENT

Juan Guzman, Erick Runyon , Peter Soutullo, 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, Paul Murray, James Gladstone

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ron & Selena Hawks, Scott Odel, Chopper Dave, JP Brady, Erick Runyon, Craig Miller

LAW FIRM

FRAN HAASCH LAW GROUP

www.LawFran.com

866 LAW Fran

BORN TO RIDE OFFICE

888-795-5779

HOWDY BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

Letter from the Editor

DAVE NICHOLS

FROM THE HELM

RUN TO THE SUN!

It’s March, and that can only mean it’s time for that annual Run to the Sun known as Daytona Bike Week! This March 3rd to the 12th, Daytona Beach, Florida will become biker heaven on earth for a solid week of two-wheeled party action! Don’t forget to ride out to the New Smyrna Beach Speedway for the one-and-only Sons of Speed Vintages Races on March 4th. Meet Billy Lane and the crew and feel the thunder of these awesome antique racers. There’s lots to experience during Bike Week. Catch Willie’s Tropical Tattoo Ride-in Old School Chopper Show on March 9th.

winners. Read up on what this stellar airbrush artist is up to in this issue. Also in this amazing March issue of Born To Ride, our own friend to bikers, James Irwin takes us on a two-wheeled adventure to the Florida Keys. Plus, get a few chuckles from Spyke & Mike as they enjoy life’s Super Buffet, and Nefarious James reminds us to be AmeriCANS!

All this and more is just a page turn away in the maddening March issue of Born To Ride. Remember to join our Facebook group to keep in touch with the lifestyle you love and listen in to Boss Hogg Radio every Thursday for our Born To Ride shenanigans where biker legends stop by and Mama Dukes is tending bar. If you have a biker friendly business, join the Born To Ride family and support the motorcycle culture.

We have to tell ya, Choppertown Live at Thunder by the Bay in Gibtown was a blast and a half! Check out complete coverage in Easyriders magazine and special thanks to our southeast editor Ron Galletti for sharing this kickass event with the world. We also want to thank Mid-USA for the sweet springer front end that was awarded to our People’s Choice winner of the ride-in bike show and special kudos to Letterfly for creating the badass bowling pin trophies for our

We end this month’s Editor’s column on a sad note as we report the passing of the great Roger Rigau. He was a prominent attorney and rider, a family man and a friend to all who knew him. He teamed up with Born To Ride back in 1995 to help us create the Born To Ride Saloon on Nebraska Avenue in Tampa, Florida. Roger’s smile, his love and laughter will be truly missed.God bless his family. Roger will forever be in our hearts.

Roger Rigau

1947 – 2023

Rest in Peace

What do you say we throw a leg over the scooter and ride for Roger today? Life’s too short. Let’s ride!

— 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

Attention Business Owners - Filing your Employee Retention

Credit incorrectly could result in an IRS Tax Audit

JAMES IRWIN OF BIKER HELPING BIKERS CAN HELP YOU FILE CORRECTLY!

“IT’S A WAY TO GIVE BACK TO

A Guide to Tallahassee’s Top Motorcycle & Music Festival

Tallahassee’s annual motorcycle and music festival, Tallahassee Bike Fest, is gearing up for its another year and has recently begun announcing musicians and events! Set to take place on April 14 through April 16, 2023 at Apalachee Regional Park, the rally will host mapped and guided motorcycle rides, workshops, bike shows, audio competitions, musical performances, biker church, a kid’s corner, and more. Anyone can attend and find an activity to enjoy. VIP passes are also available!

Highlighting the capital city’s stunning nature and scenery was a priority for Tallahassee Bike Fest’s CEO and Tallahassee local, Giavona (G) Williams. Riders of all types of bikes are encouraged to join mapped rides on some of Tallahassee’s best roads for riding, featuring rolling hills, canopy roads, and breathtaking views. With nearby beaches less than an hour away, you can truly experience all the best parts of North Florida during your visit! “We don’t care if you ride three-wheels or two wheels, sport, metric, or baggers,” says Tallahassee Bike Fest’s CEO & Founder, Giavona (G) Williams. “We just want every rider and non-rider alike to come and enjoy what our great city has to offer. There is A LOT to explore to keep your schedule full!”

Porsche Taylor, Founder of Black Girls Ride will conduct a classroom style rider workshop on Saturday at Red Hills, and then lead a ride immediately following the workshop.

Whether you love rock, country, or blues, Tallahassee Bike Fest has incredible performances scheduled throughout the weekend that everyone will enjoy. Among the musical talent

is Jasmine Cain, an award-winning, female rock artist with a powerful voice and compelling song lyrics. Blackbird Anthem, an award-winning, veteran band, will also be returning. Blackbird Anthem creates a sound reminiscent of the age of vinyl where rock, country, and blues merge. Wicked Serenity, their first year at Bike Fest, is a Florida based premier Godsmack Tribute Band!

The kid’s corner will be back this year for future riders with STACYC’s grass track, face painting, temporary tattoos, and more on Saturday and Sunday only.

G has always had a passion for giving back, especially when it comes to helping veterans. As a veteran herself, supporting the veteran community is a cause near and dear to her heart. As a result, G is donating a portion of the rally’s proceeds to Team Guardian, a local veteran nonprofit dedicated to providing dignified transport for fallen veterans and first responders.

G is thrilled that the rally has generated a lot of excitement, especially amongst last year’s attendees! She can’t wait to host an even larger turnout and create a fun and memorable experience for her beloved motorcycle community.

Did we also mention that it’s free to attend? Plan to stop by anytime between April 14 through April 16.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND A MORE COMPREHENSIVE SCHEDULE OF THE EVENTS HAPPENING AT TALLAHASSEE BIKE FEST 2023, PLEASE VISIT THEIR WEBSITE: TALLYBIKEFEST.COM.

TallyBikeFest.com

April 14-16

Tallahassee, FL

VENDORS | MAPPED RIDES | ENTERTAINMENT BIKE SHOWS | POKER RUNS | AND MORE!

A BORN TO RIDE PRESENTATION

We all look forward to our Florida winter months for a number of reasons, mostly because we get a break from the oppressive heat and humidity that we endure throughout the rest of the year. In February, when the rest of the country is dealing with sub-freezing weather and snow storms, our riding weather couldn’t be more perfect. And that, my friends, provides us with the perfect setting for Thunder by the Bay and Choppertown ‘Live’ in Sarasota, Florida.

Choppertown ‘Live’ by Born to Ride Motorcycle Media once again invaded Thunder by the Bay 2023 with a 70’s style and swagger that would have made everyone from Arlen Ness to the Bee Gee’s proud. There was everything from world class show stopping builds to at home DIY projects, and everything in between. Of the notable standout chopper builds in attendance, the amazing Indian Larry Build from our friend Tony Agusto. was a hit among builders and patrons alike as it was the easy winner of the People’s Choice Award, a Springer front end, generously provided by MidUSA Parts. Among other notable standouts, there was Richard Ruck from It’llRide Choppers with his latest build, an eye popping machine put together with extra parts he had laying around the shop. Our friend Frank Girod was there with his beautiful pearlescent Triumph Chopper and Georgia’s own Jeff Hartley was there with his infamous Honda CB750 Build that starts with a magnetic ‘hotel key’ style card, Last but not least we had newcomer Mike Merkt there with his head turning Lilac colored ‘78 Shovelhead that had everyone talking. Along with those psychedelic choppers, we also had the crew from Orlando Street Vans roll in with over a half dozen colorful custom vans from the 60’s thru the 80’s setting the stage for one of the coolest, most complete Choppertown ‘Live’ events ever. Congratulations go out to all those who took home cash and prizes such as the remarkable hand painted bowling pins painted by artist ‘Letterfly’.

To top this all off, we had a 12 Class Ride-In Bike Show sponsored by James Irwin, a biker helping bikers of healthinsurance65.com. The rideIn show was a hit featuring everything from an old Denvers Chopper’s Chopper from the 70’s to a unique Russian built Ural with a sidecar proving that Choppertown ‘Live’ isn’t just about choppers, but about everything we love on two wheels .If you missed this years Choppertown ‘Live’ there’s always next year, and we can’t wait. They just keep getting better and better.

four things to help your family if involved in an accident

By Matt Danielson, The Motorcycle Law Group

When a serious car or motorcycle accident occurs, it is often a family member or significant other who is contacting an attorney on behalf of the injured party. While I hope neither you nor your family are ever in this situation, all motorists should share vital information with a trusted emergency contact to help ensure they’re adequately prepared in the event of an accident. Below is a list of information to keep up to date and share with your family member or significant other.

1. Medical Insurance: Provide your emergency contact with the name of your insurance company and your policy number. Often, it’s easiest to give them a photocopy of your health insurance card. ?

2. Medical Information: Do you have any known allergies? Are there items in your medical history that would be important for an emergency medical team to know, such as current medications or a history of heart disease? Make sure your emergency contact is kept up to date on your medical conditions.

3. Personal Injury Attorney: What is the name and telephone number of a trusted personal injury attorney that your emergency contact can call – even for some guidance prior to formal representation? The sooner your attorney can be called the better.

4. Power of Attorney: If you are seriously injured and unable to make decisions for a period of time, a power of attorney designation allows a loved one to carry out tasks that you would normally do,

such as paying bills or cashing checks. It also allows a loved one to make medical decisions for you. Power of attorney is important even for those who are legally married. Once completed, it needs to be signed in the presence of a notary public. Visit our website (MotorcycleLawGroup.com) and select “Prepared Rider Kit” to download a free Power of Attorney template.

The majority of riders go each year without an accident, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared in case you’re ever involved in one. Having this information readily available can be critical, especially immediately after the accident occurs.

As always, if you have any further questions or comments concerning this article or any other matters concerning your rights as a motorcyclist, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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.

Matt Danielson - McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller The Motorcycle Law Group - 1-800-321-8968 MotorcycleLawGroup.com

Bikers

FREEDOM RIDE TO THE CONCH REPUBLIC

What a great ride to Key West! As usual the names were changed to protect the innocent just like that TV show Dragnet did in the 60”s. It started early Friday morning when the 8 of us pulled out of St Petersburg to begin our Journey. We trailered our bike to a hotel in Florida City to stay the night before riding the Keys Saturday morning.That night we went to Alabama Jacks, The Fish House (Guy Fiery loved), and Caribbean Club (where Humphrey Bogart film was made) All in Key Largo. Lucky for us! one rider a retired Tampa Fireman Lets just call him “Firewater” was there and remained sober to drive us to the last classy spot, The Last Chance Saloon. I was excited to visit Key West to visit Ernest Hemingways Museum. If you ever make to Northern Michigan you can take Hemingways Michigan Ride. My wife and I did that back in 2013. We used to spend our summers with our kids in Horton Bay Michigan where Hemingway spent many summers.

Hemingways favorite saying was “There is no friend as loyal as a book” Many of us say “There is no friend as loyal as Born To Ride Magazine. One of the riders and let’s just call her “Spread Sheets” had sent all of us a spread sheet of potential stops to visit on the way from Florida to Key West. We stopped at them all.Starting with Alfredo’s (Key Largo) for breakfast where you can order Red Wine for breakfast. Then we rode to Rain Barrel Village (Islamorada) and had a picture with Betsy the lobster and then on to Robbies. (Islamorada) Where we all signed a dollar posted it on the bar ceiling. We participated in feeding the Tarpons where you can literally put your hand in their mouth and get attacked by Pelicans doing so. Then we rode to Lunch at Key Fisheries (Marathon) the home of worldfamous lobster Rueben sandwich and conch fritter and then another stop to Boondocks (Ram Rod Key) Then rode to Kiki’s Sand Bar and Grille had some outstanding Ahi Tuna nachos and then to Key West. On the way to Key West Lets call him “ DataStorm’ and his lovely wife “ Saint Sara “ noticed there fuel

gauge dipping into the empty zone. Suddenly the mood of the trip changed.

“DataStorm” started driving slower to save fuel, which intensified the heat adding stress to the ride. The scenery no longer mattered. All of us became mentally fixated on the fuel gauge. We were all terrified they were gonna run out of gas. This story is a great

metaphor for how some people live through retirement.They spend all their quality time worrying how to make their money last. They know it’s just a matter of time that taxes and inflation will eat up their savings.So the end result is live like hermits trapped in their home getting old. Fellow bikers I’m here to tell you it doesn’t need to be that way. There are simple painless solutions. Ever use a GPS to get to a destination you want to get too? They are wonderful to use and takes away the stress of having to think about where you

need to turn etc. We have the technology now to create a custom retirement/wealth FINANCIAL GPS for you to answer the four toughest financial questions.

1.) Do you know what rate of return you need to earn for you to live like you live today adjusted for inflation and have your money last till life expectancy?

2.) Do you know how much you need to save each year to have enough?

JAMES IRWIN

3.) Do you know how long you will have to work before you can stop and have your money last till life expectancy?

4.) Do how much you will need to reduce your future lifestyle to keep from running out of money?

In a 15 minute phone call to 833-467-2865 I can answer those questions for you and you will be able to determine if what I do can be of help to you.

And now the rest of the story..from behind I noticed “Saint Sara“ beating on “DataStorm’s” back pointing to a fuel stop. Yeah I thought but the pumps were off. My wife Jamie wanted to stop though a see the baby chicks that were everywhere. I said don’t worry there will be more they are all over Key West running around. So on down the road we went keeping our fingers crossed. Then at last a station appeared and we all re fueled.

We finally arrived nine hours later! Nine hours to go around 100 miles. The day was definitely all about the journey not the destination. It was an Epic adventure of majestic scenery with great friends enjoying the biker lifestyle.

When were arrived on Duval street I felt like we were in a parade. Everybody was waving and cheering us on. I got a little excited and revved by bike and set of some car alarms. We checked into a outstanding condominium property called the Galleon next to A and B lobster house. We were right on the water with a wonderful Marina view. I think we saw Hulk Hogan’s boat there. Like the Little Feat - Dixie chicken song lyric “ We made all the hot spots. My money flowed like wine.” Hadn’t thought about that song in years but there were Roosters and Chickens everywhere.

The Old Man and the Sea. A definite must read. His conflict in the book is between the desire of getting big fishes and the weakness of giving up. And while challenges and setbacks can strip us all of outward success, our spirit can remain undefeated.At this point it time for a commercial break the story will continue next month. Many of you may be young and all I can say is The only person that can take care of your older self is your younger self. START PLANNING FOR FINANCIAL SECURITY.

See the photo arrow of lets call her “Great Smile“ has a concerned look on her face. After hours of intense partying lets call him “Dry Humor” was the only one who could consistently throw a coin in the fish’s mouth at Capt.Tony’s Saloon. How this is possible after all his libations is nothing short of a science miracle. Hemingway had another saying that came to mind. He said “I drink to make other people interesting” “And always do sober what you said you’d do drunk that will teach you to keep your mouth shut” The next day we decided to add some more excitement we decided to take an excursion and feed the shark among other things.This trip was called extreme excursions and I definitely recommend it. Seeing the sharks reminded me about one of my favorite Hemingway books

Many of you are approaching retirement and all I can say is the five years prior to retirement and the five years after retirement is the more critical time to get everything right.

THIS IS THE 4TH QUARTER OF YOUR LIFE. YOU CAN WIN THE GAME! Many of you are on Medicare and Social Security or have OLDER PARENTS on Medicare and Social Security. ITS NOT TOO LATE TO RESCUE YOURSELF IF YOU ARE NOT WHERE YOU WANT TO BE.

A 15 minute phone with me is all it takes to create a strategy for you to take a FINANCIAL VICTORY LAP CALL ME 833-467-2865

WATCH YOUR EMAIL through the generously of the publisher of Born to Ride many of you may receive an invitation to the money school webinars absolutely free. As you know bikers a very charitable people giving back to the community in many meaningful ways. I’m of course a fellow biker as well And that is why with the help of many generous people we offering The Mission ONE Million book absolutely free to Born to Ride readers. Myself and other financial experts have watched too many peoples lives crashed because they were not financially prepared. Go to my website now www. healthinsurance65.com or call 833-4672865 and get your mission one million book now.

The book is for anyone wanting to get out of debt, build wealth, and create financial independence. The book retails for $24.95 but I bought your copy for you. That’s right, the book is FREE to Born to Ride readers. A Biker helping bikers that’s what it’s all about!

-James Irwin

Creativity Evolution

outside the box. The emerging gearhead defiant, not satisfied with anything contemporary, quickly adopted their innovative designs as a visual mantra to identify their motoring tribe.

artist is an author who sends out a bimonthly e-newsletter called Tales of a Traveling Airbrush to his followers. Sign up to get his newsletter on Letterfly.com or LetterflyPinstriping.com

Long before developing his pinstriping hand, a teenage Letterfly found expression as a show drummer playing in a circus band. He accented the efforts of the performers in the show with spontaneous creativity on his Gretsch and Zildjian drum kit. But the echoes of those drum licks quickly faded away and he began to crave a creative medium with lasting power.

He discovered painting colorful designs on the circus fleet satisfied that longing. Plus, his expressions influenced the viewer long after his participation was over. This triumph cemented his calling as an entertainer with a paint brush.

Custom artwork has always been a big part of the motorcycle experience, exploding after World War II when innovators with paint began to think

During the building boom of fancy brick and mortar motorcycle facilities in the nineties, Letterfly was commissioned to paint murals, signs, and sensational artwork inside and out. While painting unique retail environments to help dealers establish the Harley-Davidson brand all across the country, he could not avoid the requests to look at someone’s bike out to the parking lot. The curious admirers wanted him to dream up something unique for them. And, as they say, the rest is history. Talk about living the dream! During the summer months, Letterfly enjoys a route of Harley-Davidson stores from here to Philadelphia, Chicago, Galveston and back. Perhaps the most amazing feature of this artist is his uncanny ability to visualize, develop and create images that have never been done before, along with the wide variety of styles of pinline designs, his oneness with eagles, wolves, horses, feathers, flames and countless other icons that make up the mainstay of his work.

Since Letterfly is at a different motorcycle dealership every week, he is only a road trip away for many Born To Ride readers. See the blog page Travelog.Letterfly.com to find out more.

His background in the entertainment business also makes Letterfly a natural candidate as a stand-up speaker to enhance Harley-Davidson Garage Night, H.O.G. chapter meetings, special podcast interviews and the Born To Ride show on Boss Hogg Radio. Plus, the traveling

His first book Speedy hurled through havoc started as a way to honor his dad who had a Harley during World War II and went on to imprint his son on the importance of living an interesting life and is available on Amazon. The next book planned to launch this spring is called Hit the Road and Thrive and is a guidebook for readers in search of adventure, fulfillment, and living the life of your dreams. Letterfly enjoys making the lives of his biker customers richer by creating beautiful old school artwork, providing encouragement to those in search of adventure and by being an expert at living an interesting life. Why does he do it? In a nutshell: “I love creating beautiful artwork, living the dream and making people happy.”

To schedule custom pinstripe artwork of your own or to rendezvous with the artist while he is at his home in Florida for the winter, call 813-752-8063 or email Letterflyartiste@aol.com. The finishing touch of hand painted custom paint will personalize your scoot, make “looking good” a reality and traveling down the road more fun.

For more information visit:

LetterflyPinstriping.com

Letterfly.com Travelog.Letterfly.com

Call or write 813-505-5539

Letterfly@aol.com

And see Letterfly Pinstriping on Facebook

—Dave “Letterfly” Knoderer

RIDE APPALACHIA

What comes to mind when you envision the gateway to the heart of Appalachia? Do you imagine thoroughbreds racing through the hills? How about riding down country roads through the lush Appalachian forests and mountain scenery to enjoy a night under the stars at the Niagara of the south, which features one of the world’s only moonbows on a full moon! If you’ve envisioned either, then look no further because Whitley County is the place for you.

Williamsburg, the county seat for Whitley County, is the gateway to central Appalachia and is also home to our own Whitley County Motorcycle Group. This place has everything a rider could want and is conveniently located right off I-75 N on exit 11. Williamsburg is an up-and-coming Appalachian town with something for everyone, including the kids with the Kentucky Splash Waterpark Complex. If the great outdoors isn’t quite your style, head down to the Mint Gaming Hall right off exit 11 as well. The newly built casino offers the latest in modern casino style gaming with an excellent beverage selection and great eats at the

Backyard Race and Sports Grill located just inside.

The area is also home to the Copperhead Trail that goes through Whitley and McCreary counties and takes you right by Cumberland Falls; this is by far my favorite trail route as a rider because you genuinely get a feel of what it’s like to be in Appalachia. You ride through the small downtowns and see the locals, but you also experience nature in a sense that you just won’t get anywhere else. Have some time to spare? While in McCreary county get your ticket to ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, where you’ll experience Appalachia full steam ahead and travel through the Mountains while sitting back and enjoying the sights and sounds of Eastern Kentucky.

After Copperhead Trail use our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application to ride IBEDAM to Corbin, Kentucky and eat where it all began at the First Kentucky Fried Chicken or take in a concert at the Corbin Arena. If you’re looking for more curves and less attractions, head east on Revenue Runner Hwy 92 into the heart of coal country and experience an Appalachian coal community were Medal of Honor Recipient Lcpl Joe C Paul was born and raised on Joe C Paul Medal of Honor Trail.

Do not forget to stop at some of our “Uniquely Appalachian” points of interest along the way! With so much to offer within a 50-mile radius and some of the best riding you can experience anywhere, without the traffic or overdevelopment, what are you waiting for? Start your Appalachian Adventure today and take the road less traveled to Whitley County, Kentucky on the Backroads of Appalachia.

Let’s Ride Appalachia!

–The Backroads of Appalachia Journalism Team

CRISIS TO CAREER A ROAD TO RECOVER IN KENTUCKY

Drug addiction, alcohol abuse, missed educational opportunities, shattered families, shattered lives, and the associated criminal consequences of living in and with addiction is something just about every American has dealt with, either directly or indirectly. Many in the motorcycle community have their roots deep into such struggles in life.

As a society, substance abuse costs us $600 Billion annually in health care costs, workplace productivity loss, criminal justice costs and associated social services that are responding to the real attack on this Nation’s soul – drug addiction. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. It affects veterans, doctors, healthcare professionals, students, professional athletes, clergy and sadly, stealing the life of our youth and socioeconomically crippling others.

One of the three tenets of Backroads of Appalachia’s mission is addiction recovery opportunities for those in east Kentucky through workforce development. It’s no secret that with the slow down and eventual dismantling of the coal industry in Appalachia, people leaned on and were consumed by substance abuse.

to lifelong recovery through peer-to-peer camaraderie. Or as the technicians say, “changing lives while changing tires.”

All of Second Chance employees are enrolled in the nationally recognized Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification program. The certification process is five months long and after a comprehensive test of knowledge, skills and ability, aspiring wrench turners become certified Automotive Technicians.

One such technician is Daniel Cooper. Daniel, a professional driver for 18 years, fell to alcoholism, losing his license, his family and his freedom while serving time in prison. Daniel enrolled in ARC’s addiction recovery program and, with the help of sponsors like Jon Storms, also in addiction recovery and Co-Manager of SCA, put Daniel to work as an intern. Daniel recalls acknowledging his denial and his skepticism, “all the people who were telling me there was hope for a future were just like me... time for me to listen.”

After years of working for SCA, and still in recovery, Daniel applied his second chance and is pursuing an advanced ASE certification and job placement with a national automotive chain.

Affecting thousands across the eastern Kentucky region, one agency, Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) is mobilized to take on this epidemic. They offer clinical treatment services, vocational programs that offer tangible skill development and upward mobility from a life of addiction and more importantly, funding educational and transitional programs.

One such success is Second Chance Auto (SCA) in Louisa, Kentucky. Second Chance Auto employs those in active addiction recovery. James Keeton, manager and mentor at SCA offers the reality of it, “I’ve seen people that came through this program and basically never thought they had a future that now have had fulltime employment.”

Second Chance Auto is more than an auto repair garage. Sure, its technicians do the day-to-day requisite work-oil changes, brakes, suspension repair and so forth, and they’ve done it so well that the garage just celebrated its 5th anniversary having serviced over 3,000 cars last year alone. But it’s more than that. It’s the Crisis to Career motto that provides the motivation, the meaning and the path

Eastern Kentucky is truly blessed with magnificent vistas, traditions, and lore that is rich with diverse nationalities of pioneer coal mining immigrants that make up Appalachia. We are proud of what the people of the region have accomplished for almost 100 years, and our people continue to be pioneers in revitalizing Kentucky through programs like Second Chance Auto Care.

Second Chance Auto is smack dab on Country Music Highway 23 on our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile App. If you’re in the area, stop in and say hi to these great people.

--Indian Rider Bill IndianRiderBill@yahoo.com

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.

Cave Spring is actually located on the Trail of Tears in Georgia. The Cherokees once occupied huge portions of Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and North Carolina and Cave Spring was home to a major resistance at Beaver Dam of the Cherokee against the whites who were forcefully removing them from 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 28th, 29th and 30th, the Cave Spring Motorcycle Rally and Music Festival is held at one of those places that is quintessential Georgia and a place that is worth driving through on any road trip or ride. While you’re there, make sure you bring in your bike for the Choppertown ‘Live’ Ride In Bike Show. It’ll be the coolest thing to hit Cave Spring since stalagmites! For more information/vendor info call 706.331.3005.

BE AN AMERI CAN

First off, I would like to start off this month with congratulations to all for a very successful Thunder by the Bay held in Sarasota. As always, there was a great turn out along with some beautiful machines on display. A special thanks to all those that put their machines on display for others to drool over. A beautiful showing if I may say so.

TV. I have no use for it. If I wanted to pay someone to lie to me, I’d be married.

Too many people are missing this thing that’s being attempted to be pushed through. First, we have the government devaluing our currency by printing funds with no hard backing, now they want to control it through electronic means. Think about it. No more swap meets, cash vendors, garage sales or little Tommy’s lemonade stand. Every transaction would be electronic, monitored and taxed at the will of others. God forbid you piss them off. They’d also have the ability to lock you out of your own earnings. Simple meaning is, you would have no control over how you save, spend, or access “your” money. I’m against it.

confronted by the people. In the possible future, just remember you were warned about this while you’re riding your electric motorcycle to an event. Don’t forget your government currency card or you won’t be able to buy that beer and corndog.

It’s awesome we still have the freedom to do those events and have gatherings to meet old friends and new ones as well. With that said, I’d like to touch on another topic circulating around about the future of our American dollar. Most bikers I know are cash customers and prefer the old-time method of cash in hand. I prefer it myself. There is much talk about converting all transactions to digital currency. I for one do not support this at all. Anyone that owns a computer, or a cell phone knows that nothing is ever really secure and things get lost all the time. This method would also require everyone is somehow connected to the “web” in order to monitor these funds. Some people, believe it or not, don’t use the Internet. I for one don’t even watch

There are also some people out there who don’t realize that the Federal Reserve, the entity that helps control funds, value of our currency and interest levels, isn’t even part of our government. The Federal Reserve Banks are not a part of the federal government, but they exist because of an act of Congress. Their purpose is to serve the public.

The Federal Reserve System is considered to be an independent central bank. It is so, however, only in the sense that its decisions do not have to be ratified by the President or anyone else in the executive branch of the government.

Well, enough about that. Hopefully it gave you something to think about. Those mattresses stuffed with your life savings may be a thing of the past if it’s not

Time is running out. Once you lose parts of your freedom, you’ll never get it back.

Be safe and possibly we will cross paths somewhere. I’ll be the one on the loud as f**k gas-powered motorcycle with a smile on my face and possibly one finger in the air. (Not sure which one yet). Remember your an AmeriCAN. Not an AmeriCANT.

— Nefarious James Patriot &Freedom Fighter For the American Way

”Anyone that owns a computer, or a cell phone knows that nothing is ever really secure and things get lost all the time. This method would also require everyone is somehow connected to the “web” in order to monitor these funds.”

The iconic 1966 film featuring Peter Fonda, Nancy Sinatra, and a cast of hundreds, is one of the most well-known biker exploitation films ever produced. In this classic film the “Angels” a California Motorcycle Club, travel across the state to retrieve a stolen motorcycle belonging to one of the clubs members “the Loser.” Heavenly Blues (Fonda) is the charismatic club president. At times he seems to have to ‘baby-sit’ his troop of fun-loving boozers and druggies.

This one is a favorite of mine, because the producers actually used real Harley-Davidson ‘choppers’ and actually cast some of the real members of the Hell’s Angels. In short, it is one of those films that give bikers in general a ‘bad’ name, but those of us who really know the true way of the biker lifestyle will find it entertaining, and at times hilarious.

The Angels ride through the desert to Mecca, California to look for the Loser’s stolen motorcycle. They accuse a group of Mexicans in a repair shop of stealing the motorcycle when the Loser finds his brake pedal on a workbench. After some mild insults and accusations naturally, a fight breaks out in the shop and the ‘taco benders’ as Fonda calls them wind up on the losing end. The police arrive, chasing the Angels on foot, and the Loser escapes

on a parked police motorcycle. After a chase on mountain roads, one of the officers shoots the Loser in the back, and he later ends in a local hospital.

Blues leads a small group of Angels to rescue the Loser and they subsequently “bust him out” of the hospital. In the melee a nurse is accosted by one of the Angels who knocks her out to keep the cops from discovering their presence in the hospital. The nurse later identifies Blues as one of the men she saw however; the audience knows that it was thanks to Blues’ intervention the assault stopped short of rape. Blues rebukes the member just before the cops notice their ‘suspect’ is gone. Later, the Loser dies at the Angels’ local watering hole from his injuries. The Angels move his body to an undertaker’s office-he demands cash “plus tax.” Using a forged death certificate the Angels arrange a funeral at a tiny church in the Loser’s rural hometown. During the service, Blues steps up to the minister and says those famous words “We just want to be free. Free to ride our machines without a hassle from the man. …” But when Blues says they just want to have fun, the Angels turn the service into a major party. The Angels remove the Loser from his Nazi flag-draped casket, sit him up and place a joint in his mouth. Meanwhile they also knock out the minister, tie him up and place him in the casket.

Later, the Angels proceed to the Sequoia Grove cemetery to bury the Loser. The procession of noisy bikers gets the attention of the locals, who all gather to see the spectacle. One of the local kids throws a rock at the Angels and naturally yet another fight breaks out. This interruption prevents burying the Loser, and as police sirens wail in the background everyone scatters. One of the members begs Blues to go, but he refuses and tells his girl to leave with another member of the gang. This is where the other most remembered phrase comes in, as Blues sighs “there’s nowhere to go.”

The last of the group leaves and Blues picks up a shovel and returns to the grave to bury the Loser.

Just as I was going to call all my boozing buddies over to watch this flick once again, a knock came at the door. I opened it to see a mailman with an overnight package. I signed for it and opened it up, expecting something good. It was just a DVD and a note from the editor of this magazine demanding an immediate review of The Twilight Zone Episode #138 from 1964. This was disappointing news.

In this short film a group of ‘bikers’ if you want to call them that are actually aliens from another planet sent to earth to infiltrate a small town. The local folks actually become fond of this odd cast, and befriend them. Little did they know the space-bikers were there to poison their water supply!

I dunno … I suppose that it was getting late and I drifted off to sleep somewhere after the giant eyeball in the 1950s TV screen requested them to continue with the plan of destruction. This particular episode albeit cute, doesn’t really rate very high up there in the ‘biker exploitation’ world. I guess that’s just because it only exists in The Twilight Zone.

It’s March and we’re coming into our Spring season of riding. With new front rubber and the screw behind the handlebars tightened with the help of Eight Ball Tires, the Fat Bird 3 rides like a dream and is ready to cut through the water that Spring showers bring.

Last month Mike and I made the trek to Sarasota and Thunder by the Bay to party with friends, young and old. The Suncoast Charities held my VIP seat in place with their banner and I had a blast being part of a million selfies taken by the crowd. Besides hanging out and watching the awesome music, we enjoyed shopping with our vendor friends, Choppertown Live, and my newest pastime, kid surfing. This happens when one youngster comes up to me and wants a picture. Then, three more see what’s going on and want to join in. Mike then lines them up and they get to pet me. Then I go from one shoulder or arm to the next so every parent and Mike can get a few memorable Kodak moments of their kid with me. Those are the polaroid poses that you can’t duplicate and glad you were there

LIFE AT THE SUPER BUFFET

when it happened. Mike and I always have a blast at this event, and it goes by way too fast!

Daytona and other major shenanigans are upcoming so, be sure to check the tread on your scoot before heading out and taking on your own personal wind therapy session. Mike and I have lost a few good brothers and sisters in the past from tire neglect so, don’t be the next rubber dummy.

Mike babbles, “Spyke, are you calling me a dummy? I believe there’s power and intrigue in looking like a dummy, and not caring that you do. But when it comes to critical mass like tires, fluids, and protection, I am just the opposite. I only have one chance at this awesome thing called life but if I do it right, once is all I need. I’ve learned that taking crazy things seriously is a total waste of time. I have figured out that most of my shadows in life have been caused by me standing in front of my own sunshine.”

I cackle, “Dude, your shadows are created because you’re overweight and vertically challenged. I caught you the other day laying on the couch for hours eating cookie dough and car wax. All you could say is that you’re just trying to rise and shine. You are like a cucumber, always in a pickle. It makes me believe you’re living a pickle’s life; one continuous dill moment after another. I know you were just lying there thinking about a solution for your own obesity, but you gotta quit telling me it’s going to happen after lunch.”

Mike replies, “Well, I’m not a skinny spring chicken like you. I’ve got a lot on my plate. My life is like a box of chocolates around fat people, it won’t last long. That’s why I’ve been a member of Planet Fitness for the last three years, I just don’t seem to be making any progress. So, tomorrow I’m gonna go down there in person and find out what’s going on!”

I cackle, “Mike, you keep trying so many different ways to lose weight, but it keeps finding you. If you walk in there now, the

trainers are gonna think you’re a human medicine ball or a very fat Eric Cartman from South Park. Either way, they’re going to roll you into a corner and prop you up for everyone to see what happens when someone makes the Super Buffet their ‘go to’ restaurant. You should dust off that ten speed in the garage, quit using it as a drying rack for laundry and get some pedal power going.”

Mike babbles, “I don’t know if I can do that, we are both too tired. Besides, wouldn’t it look funny for a plus sized man to be riding a skinny little bike? It’s my whole basis for having a Harley Fat Boy disguised as a Fat Bird!”

I put one wing over my head and squabble, “Dude, stop using my ride as your excuse to be bigger than life. You are giving me fatphobia and it’s driving me crazy. It’s time to get off the couch, make like your new tire and hit the road. You’re in dire need of some two-wheeled therapy. You must get my wings in the wind, your knees in the breeze and the Fat Birds’ wheels rolling down the road heading over to check out the nearest weight loss camp.”

Ray V. Gordon is The Owner & Founder of Leather Lid Inserts, an established Leather Saddlebag Accessory business based in southwest Florida. They’ve coined the phrase “We take the sag out of the bag” because that is exactly what they do. Ray has been riding motorcycles since he was 14 yrs old and has watched the motorcycle industry grow and is glad to be a part of what it is today. After 35 years of owning and operating a successful aluminum company in Ft. Myers FL, Ray sold the business so he could retire (he thought) and bought himself a new Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. Just like everyone else with leather saddlebags, his also started to sag and cave in. He saw a need to fix this

problem. Ray says, starting this new business was something he just fell into by fixing his own saddlebags and then behold, friends of friends and others witnessed what Ray did and wanted him to fix their saddlebags too. As an inventor and entrepreneur, Ray took his creative background and put his skills to work by experimenting with several different types of materials to finally come up with a patented ABS lid and bag reinforcement kit that would be designed to help keep the original shape of any leather saddlebag made on the market. So, if you’re tired of looking at your caved in leather saddlebags and/or if they are starting to lose their shape and their parts, or if you have brand new bags and you want to prevent them from ever caving in, please keep Leather Lid Inserts in mind. For all your leather saddlebag accessory needs as a do-it-yourselfer or if you want them to install, visit www.LeatherLidInsert.com and order your DIY Kit or Find an area Dealer Installer.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A DEALER INSTALLER CONTACT RAY AT 239-339-7294 OR RAY@LEATHERLIDINSERTS.COM RIDE SAFE!

Leather Lid Inserts

18160 Old Bayshore Road N. Fort Myers, FL 33917

CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION

March is a wonderful season for riding. The temperatures are in the perfect range for peaceful wind therapy. But, what if on our ride someone cuts us off, the road is being repaired, or it’s completely closed? Maybe we encountered parking lot issues; like almost being backed into or having to park further in the lot because a vehicle double parked. In any of these scenarios, we could become irritated beyond measure. Are you mad bro??

It can happen to anyone so why do we become angry or even offended? It’s because the annoyance or perceived insult feels like a disregard to our standards or principles. We think the person has no regard for humanity in general! “Can you believe what that person did?!?!”

Often our first thoughts are revenge and an intense desire for payback. We all know “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”. These thoughts can often end in negative consequences, both mentally and physically. So, what is another way we can respond? We have all heard of “Emotional Intelligence”. It is our ability to be aware of, and control and express our emotions in a positive way. When these offenses or annoyances happen, we can change our focus. Here is an amazing scripture that can help us in those times we’re about to lose our cool.

Romans 12:17-21 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the LORD. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Reading this, we know we do not have to struggle with the burden of payback and revenge. We know God takes that responsibility for us. Therefore, we can continue to live honorably and live in peace with everyone.

Teach’s Takeaway,

- Do not take revenge.

- If your enemies are hungry, feed them.

- If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.

- Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

We can ride in peace knowing we can live honorably and conquer evil by doing good; the decision is ours. Make it a great ride!!

Fellow Soldier in Christ

Wayne (Teach) Masiker

Christian Motorcyclists Association

wayne.masiker@att.net