Lose your worries. Every last one of them.
Get Motorcycle coverage from AAA and enjoy our legendary roadside assistance protection every time you ride. Current members’ dues are prorated when upgrading, and nonmembers can add Motorcycle for $35 to any membership level when they join. Ride with confidence. Ride with AAA. • Coverage on any bike • 4 tows up to 100 miles each • Free fuel delivery • Member rates on motorcycle travel packages • Trip interruption coverage 1-866-506-9370
AAA.com/Motorcycle
Visit any AAA office
Offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Membership benefits vary with membership levels and are subject to change without notice.
#1 CONTENTS: Ride Safe Ride Smart
7
Hayley Colina 8 Michelle L. Ligon 22 Dr. Michaela Klei 26 Brittany Ellis CBR 1000
28
Susan Hurst 39 Women’s World Experience
46
Boaterz N Bikers 55 Safety is No Accident
28
59
BTR Kids 60 CMA 60
BORN TO RIDE
WOMEN’SWORLD (888) 795-5779 PO Box 3021 • Brandon FL 33509 Sales Department: (888) 795-5779 • (813) 661-9402 info@borntoride.com www.BornToRide.com
Publisher Ron Galletti Graphic Design Shawn Jones Photographers Brent Michael Eric Albright Ron Galletti Ron Hawks Bill McDaniel & More
Copyright 2015 Born To Ride Inc.
46
THE LANE CHANGER
While riding in the right lane of a three-lane highway, you decide to pass a slower-moving car by changing lanes to your left. Just as you begin to move left, a car in the far left lane also decides to pass by moving to the right, and suddenly the two of you are fighting for the same lane. When it’s carversus-bike, you already know the outcome. Strategy: By actively searching the present traffic environment you should have observed the car two lanes over, and predicted that the driver would end up in your target lane if she decided to change lanes and pass at the same time you did. Separate yourself from the hazard: either wait a few moments to pass, until the car in the far left lane has moved ahead, or slow down to drop back a car length. It is also a wise tactic to signal several seconds before making a move, and to turn your head occasionally to check your blind spot to better observe surrounding traffic. For more info www.msf-usa.org BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 7
Hayley Colina’s Salute t
This past month, I had the opportunity to share the EQ vision and lifestyle at Ghost Rider Saloon and Panama City Beach Harley-Davidson. In life you have a choice of trying to fit in and get people’s approval, or stand out—head raised high and be yourself. Let your uniqueness shine through. There will always be people who criticize and judge you. Don’t hate or be bitter, just wish them well and let God and Karma take care of the rest. Go live your life! My first stop was Ghost Rider Saloon in Ocala, FL with the crew from Born To Ride. BTR 8 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
Peggy, our hostess, was wonderful. I set up at the BTR van, autographed the magazine, posed for pictures, and handed out signed posters. I had the opportunity to sit with several revelers and talk about past speaking engagements and where I’ll be next. It turned out to be an enjoyable time; many of the guys took an interest in what we are doing with EQ Women Succeed and wished us well. My next stop was Panama City Beach H-D; I was the welcoming speaker for Panama City Beach Harley-Davidson’s Ladies Garage
Party. PCBHD answers their phones with “the world’s friendliest Harley dealership.” I have to admit they really made us feel special. Several of the women had spouses who rode and were there to see about taking the controls themselves. If you haven’t attended a Ladies Garage Party, I seriously recommend you do. The two most active stations that were visited were the make-up table and the jump start motorcycle. Did I mention the ‘Men of Harley’ Fashion Show? (Nuff said!) I had the opportunity to speak with many of the women who attended and was
Experience the Born To Ride EQ Lifestyle: 888-795-5779
to Women Riders Month Hottest BIKE NIGHTS
Featured
M O N DAY Beef O’ Brady’s Wesley Chapel • 813-994-1511
T U E S DAY
Green Iguana
Call Born To Ride to promote your Tuesday Night Venom Back Room New Port Richey • 727-816-8700 Time Out (2nd Tues.) Brandon • 813-685-7999
W E D N E S DAY
Biff Burger St. Pete • 727-244-8519 Quaker Steak & Lube Clearwater • 727-572-9464 MoJo’s Lakeland • 863-583-9119 Uncle Mike’s Plant City • 813-737-4444
T H U R S DAY
Scooter’s Saloon (3rd Thurs.) Brandon • 813-621-1694 Applebee’s (2nd Thurs.) Sarasota • 941-355-1400
F R I DAY
Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Venom II Hudson • 727-378-5850
S AT U R DAY
Biff Burger St. Pete • 727-244-8519 Charlotte’s Webb Pub Wauchula • 863-735-8887 JT’S Roadhouse Tampa • 813-962-4440 Peggy’s Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Rossiter’s Harley-Davidson Sarasota (Monthly) • 941-745-2429 Venom II Hudson • 727-387-5850 Fox & Hound Brandon • 727-387-5850
S U N DAY
Charlotte’s Webb Pub Wauchula • 863-735-8887 Take this important first step today! No notPeggy’s amazed by their supportive response Corral Palmetto • 941-729-5442 Venom II (3rd Sun.) Hudson 727-387-5850 excuses. Go to a bike shop and send me a because most women want to• live their Boot they Hill just Saloon picture with you on your dream motorcycle. dreams; don’t Daytona know how to do it, Redtoo top Pit Stop Lakeland 813-438-8913 If a motorcycle is not on your list go take or The they are concerned about what• others High Octane Saloon Homosassa • 352-794-6037 a picture with whatever is on your list. The think. It is time to live the EQ Lifestyle! Doc’s Pub & Grill Dade City • 352-567-4050 point is for you to feel, see, and smell it You only get one life … what are you waiting Ghost Riders Saloon Ocala • 352-494-1983 being yours. This is an important first step. for? Let go of this need for approval and Send your photos to: Hayley@EQWS.org create whatever you want in life! Focus on I invite you to come check out for our what really matters and more forward. You upcoming events (Born To Ride’s Women’s have all the power within you to succeed World: An EQ Lifestyle). Join our mailing list and you need no one’s approval to do so. so you don’t miss out www.EQWS.org and/ Do not waste another second take action or www.borntoride.com. today. Come join me at Palm Beach Harley-DaTAKE THE CHALLENGE
GAIN ATTENTION TO YOUR BUSINESS
GET YOUR BIKE NIGHT LISTED
CALL 888-795-5779
If you would like info on Born To Ride Womens Club, Email info@borntoride.com
vidson’s Garage Party on Wednesday, May 6 and Saturday, May 30; I will be signing the ‘Cancer Truck’ for Born To Ride at Jaw Droppin’ Customs AND 1st Response Towing Open House in Clearwater. Looking forward to meeting you and making this journey called life tremble with love, joy, purpose, and passion! Hayley B. Colina, Esq. Founder EQ Women Succeed, LLC www.EQWS.org Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain. BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 9
BTR 10 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 11
BTR 12 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 13
BTR 14 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 15
BTR 16 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 17
BTR 18 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 19
One key element to any successful person is the people who influence them and the support they receive. You’ve heard it before; the character of a person is not defined how well he or she handles success but how well they handle defeat. Michelle Ligon, like many, has seen her share of defeats and through those defeats she has decided to persevere, develop self-esteem, and flourish.
Empower and Embrace our young girls and let them know they are not BROKEN.” Michelle isn’t new to being passionate about an inspirational cause; last year we featured (Hope) a motorcycle she created as a fundraiser for cancer awareness. Hope has a 1997 H-D Evo 80 cubic inch motor, and boasts a 2012 Strip Club Choppers frame with a 38 degree front rake. It is a beautiful hot metallic pink with cancer ribbons painted throughout the frame. The rear fender holds 18 ribbons of hope, and in the middle is a teal ribbon for ‘survivor.’ “We have put time into this project and enlisted friends to help us with various tasks. Rick San Miguel is the builder and Rob of Littleman Customs did the painting.”
Michelle L. Ligon is president and chief operating officer of Southeast Helping with Horsepower, Inc. Helping with Horsepower, is a 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization founded by Laura Klock, Dave Sietsema, and Erika Cobb of Klock Werks. Helping with Horsepower creates volunteer programs that raise funds for worthy charities, with emphasis on encouraging and empowering individuals. Michelle’s journey to become the woman she is started the summer before entering high school. “In 1994, I was a child of a broken home and was placed in an emergency shelter. By the beginning of my junior year I went to live with my Aunt. Some of the biggest influences of my life are my aunt and cousin; they still play an active role to this day.” Michelle went on to adapt to the stresses of life’s uncertainties and set goals. “In 1996, I had the dreams of going into the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, due to medical conditions that were discovered well into the process, I was deferred from the military.” Determined to give herself a better life and not end up a negative statistic, Michelle enrolled in college and quickly learned she was attracted to business and computer science. By age 19, Michelle became a retail manager. Fast-forward a few years, add two beautiful kids, a supportive husband, and BTR 22 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
a serendipitous meeting with Laura Klock and Southeast Helping with Horsepower, Inc. began to take form in Michelle’s mind. The journey to its inception was arduous, Michelle was still dealing with surgeries due to the medical conditions which stopped her from serving in the Marine Corps, but she stayed the course, maintaining contact with Laura Klock and eventually obtained a licensing agreement to start her non-profit organization. “As I move forward with my program inspired by Laura, I have goals to reopen that exact Enrichment Center I spent my summer as a teenager. The Enrichment Center has been closed for seven years, leaving so many children without a safe haven. Children in ‘broken’ homes need a special place, mentors, and positive reinforcement to show them they are special and mean something to everyone. Please help me in my efforts to Encourage,
Words of encouragement and advice are always important for those who are dealing with cancer. Michelle has some deep thoughts and feelings on this subject. “I encourage everyone, whether they are a survivor, a family member of someone who has survived, or has not survived, to know that cancer is a horrible disease. But no matter how it touches you and your life, no matter who you may have lost, keep hope alive.” We were inspired by Michelle’s passion and spirit for the Hope project; now Born To Ride has committed to become a media sponsor for Southeast Helping with Horsepower. “That’s some real Women Power to partner with in Women’s World … go Michelle!” Ron Galletti If you want to donate time, money, or find out more about Southeast Helping with Horsepower contact Michelle Ligon at southeastwh@gmail or visit SoutheastHelpingWithHorspower.com Jesse Williams
If you would like info on Born To Ride Womens Club, Email info@borntoride.com
DR. MICHAELA KLEIN DOCTOR, SURGEON, BIKER
Experience the Born To Ride EQ Lifestyle: 888-795-5779
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 25
I’m sure some of you have had an instance of trying to find the perfect doctor or surgeon for a specific illness or issue. It’s not fun; it’s a fact of life. But it can be less intimidating if you are able to find a doctor who actually cares about you, your condition, and your total health well-being. All of us at Born To Ride wish to introduce to you Dr. Michaela Klein of Dade City! She’s so much more than a doctor and surgeon—she’s an avid motorcyclist! When I did my interview for this article, I immediately felt warmth and sincerity as I spoke with Michaela (ok … I know we’re supposed to say Dr. Klein, but Michaela immediately stopped the formality and asked me to call her by her first name). She has a sincere knack of making you feel at home. I wanted to know what made Michaela decide to come to Florida. “As I got older I wanted to make sure that my parents’ wellbeing was addressed. I didn’t want them to slip and fall living in the cold Chicago winter months. So, together as a family, we decided to come down to Florida. This includes my sister, the puppies, and mom and dad. I interviewed for a position in Dade City. I got hired and from there, made the move to Florida.” Michaela’s dad had a trike while living up in Chicago. “Dad had the trike and we had it shipped down here to Florida. Watching the joy on my dad’s face as he was riding around was so great to witness. However, I was a little jealous and wanted to ride too! One day while we were in the New Port Richey Harley shop, I saw a gorgeous Heritage Softail. I hadn’t bought myself anything since we moved down here and decided right then and there to purchase this beautiful bike. I had no idea how to ride it but knew if I could learn how to be a surgeon, I could learn how to ride a motorcycle!” And learn she did! She was smart and took the Motorcycle Safety Course and obtained her motorcycle endorsement. Her mom even encouraged her to ride since she was a former over-the-road truck driver for many years. She told her daughter to go for it and learn how to ride it! “I wanted to spend as much time with my dad as I could. So I bought the Harley. We ride together as often as we can. Dad even rides over to the hospital with me when I’m doing my patient rounds!” Surgical Health of Pasco is an office that Michaela runs. Her motto is “You don’t
ride just any bike. Why choose just any surgeon?” “I am so blessed to have been able to go to school and learn to be a doctor and surgeon. I treat every patient of mine like they are a family member. I get to know them. I’ve also learned that it’s not where you went to school and how many degrees you have, but that you give that personal touch. It’s also knowing that your patient is important to you. We laugh together and cry together. I’m not just a doctor my patients see; I’m much more than that. I want to know my patients. I sit down with each one and talk with them; not about their specific problem all the time, but about them as a person; what they like to do, what they like to enjoy in life, etc. I treat them as a person. I get to know them AND their family. That is my job and my most important job.” They say a doctor never sleeps. Well, it’s true with Dr. Klein! “My pager is with me 24/7. I’m starting from scratch with my business. When I moved into the office, there wasn’t even paint on the walls yet! Now, the phones are ringing off the hook. Every day I do rounds at the hospital and two days a week are devoted for surgeries. We get new patients all the time. I’m here every day. I’m on call every day. My work becomes a part of me. It was a choice for me to help people and get into this business doing just that. You never know when your appendix or gallbladder is going to incapacitate you. When my pager goes off to deal with issues like this, I’m never bothered. A lot of times when I have a patient who needs extra attention, say a patient with breast cancer or colon cancer, I give them my personal cell phone number. I want my patient to know that he or she can contact me whenever they need someone to talk to or need a question answered.” What I always like to find out is what draws a business to advertise with Born To Ride magazine. “I had attended a few events with my dad and had said to him, ‘You know, I bet there are a lot of motorcycle riders out there that may have health problems.’ We started talking about it and I thought that I wanted to be more than a face in a crowd. I wanted to be the one to help them and take care of them. Within a few months of being here in Dade City, I am now opening a second clinic in Wesley Chapel. We are all very excited about this!” How is the community treating you and your business? “Everyone in our community is like
family. We hug one another. I want people to know they are coming to a friend who wants to help them. I want to be the one to help. Patients who I have had that are motorcyclists are phenomenal people. I want to treat every patient the way I would treat my mom, dad, or sister. And I really take that to heart. Having colon cancer or breast cancer is very scary. People going through health issues like this need a partner who cares about them and will do all she can to help you.” Michaela is unlike most doctors I have personally gone to, having had some of my own health issues last year that were a bit daunting. She actually CARES. “I personally call my patients to see how they are doing. I want to know what they are feeling—both physically and mentally. I want my patients to know me as Dr. Klein—the one who fixed my hernia, the one who treated my colon cancer, the one that took care of my breast cancer surgery.” What is her favorite road to travel in Florida? “I enjoy all the roads in Florida. My dad and I went on the toy run last year and handed out gifts to children. We enjoyed that! We like to explore the many roads outside the Wesley Chapel area. We put some areas into the GPS and take off and ride. It’s such a great way to bond with my dad and I love it!” Winding down my much-enjoyed conversation, I asked Michaela to share with me some tips that we should take seriously in order to be out on the road more with our motorcycles. “By the age of 40, everyone should have a colonoscopy and women should have had a mammogram. These are diseases that, God forbid we find cancer, we want to find it early and treat it early. If you have a bellyache or a hernia, take these seriously. Get them checked out! Skin health is another issue that needs to be addressed. I take care of the removal of skin lesions and carcinomas. It’s so important to wear sunscreen every time we go out on the motorcycles! It’s easy to forget but it’s something we need to remember! We are all living in Florida and are subject to the sun’s radiation when we are outside.” Thank you Dr. Michaela Klein, for spending time with me and sharing your great story with the readers of Born To Ride magazine! Dr. Michaela Klein, DO
The only thing I know about Ten-Pin Bowling is that it’s a favorite pastime of both Homer Simpson and Fred Flintstone— apart from that, nada, zilch, nothing at all. Except that it seems to involve consuming huge amounts of beer, and by grossly overweight individuals dressed in loud shirts that look as if they’ve been ironed over a beach ball. And while I do know that bowling was an intrinsic part of the Cohen brother’s cult movie, ‘The Big Lebowski,’ a film I have enjoyed many times, I have to say that it has inspired me to roll a big ball at skittles ... uh never! Apparently the marbled paint finish on Brittany Ellis’ CBR1000 is called ‘Bowling Ball,’ (something else I didn’t know), as it closely resembles the finish on the balls bowled by Homer and Fred types at ten BTR 28 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
wooden pins in a bowling alley on Saturday nights, the machinery of which is almost universally made by AMF, (American Machine & Foundry), the same company who owned Harley-Davidson from 1969 to 1981. Honda however, were never owned by a company who made balls, they did make a few balls-ups though — like the CX Turbo, the oval piston NS750, the Hondamatic and other stuff that was about as much use as Haitian hurricane insurance. But not with the CBR1000, the full one liter successor to venerable 900 FireBlade, that still cuts like a knife. Abe Pagan has been building top class custom sportbikes under the Syndicate Custom Sportbike banner for the past few years, and while Abe’s never been a high
profile roller like Roaring Toyz, Abe has never-the-less turned out some showwinning bikes and has graduated from working in the garage behind his house to a workshop unit just up the road from the Prison Farm in Ocala, Florida. Abe is also willing to work within a tight budget and allow the bike’s owner to do some of the work to keep the costs reasonable, and this was the deal struck when Josh Ellis wanted to build a new bike for his wife, Brittany, to replace her current 600 ride. While Abe had a specially designed set of billet wheels cut and fabricated a shorter than usual swingarm, (still way longer than a stock CBR1000RR - but not as long as his customers usually demand for a custom sportbike), complete with jackshaft to offset
Brittany Ellis and her CBR 1000, a Tribute to Women Riders.
the drive chain to the 10-inch wide wheel and huge 310 mm Vee Rubber Monster tire, Josh took the plastic away for painting. After the Bowling Ball custom paint was completed by Jeff at Paint Pros in Jacksonville, (better known as stunt rider ‘Ponis’), the bodywork was returned to Abe at SCS who then painted the black panels, gold leaf logos and pinstripes. Abe also laid on the gold lacquer finish over the polished aluminum frame, swingarm, wheels, forks etc. Quite a stunning look that compliments the gold leaf and pinstripes perfectly— and was serendipitous as the original plan was to have the frame, wheels et al chromed. But the frame proved to be too big for the chrome plater’s tank, so Abe tried some gold lacquer over the polished alloy and
came up with the resultant translucent finish. The 2006 vintage CBR1000 motor needed a little work, so while the cylinder head was off it was decided to have the ports reshaped and polished and the valves seats recut. A set of performance cams with adjustable sprockets seemed like a good idea, as was the addition of a BMC race spec air filter and a Power Commander lll with a Dynojet multifunction street and race map. A Jardine RT1 exhaust system with a carbon fiber twin pipe underseat box was heat wrapped for a racy look and fitted with modified heat shields. Gold anodized Pro-Bolts and painted clutch and alternator covers completed the engine ensemble along with a Viper remote starter. To get that low-down and dirty race-ready
Let us tell your Story here in the pages of Born To Ride Women’s World: 888-795-5779
stance the front-end was pulled down with a Schnitz drag race strap to match the threeinch lowered rear suspension, Galfer brake discs were fitted all-round, the stock master cylinders were dressed with custom caps and dangerous looking Cycle Pirate levers—and the ‘dangerous’ look continued with spiked fasteners as sharp as your mother-in-law’s tongue on the fairing and front mudguard. And this being Florida, where there are almost as many alligators as there are illegal immigrants, a ‘gator skin seat was an obvious choice, however here in the Sunshine State it’s against the law to shoot alligators … fence jumpers though have to watch out. BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 29
BTR 30 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 31
BTR 32 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 33
BTR 34 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
If you or someone you know has a story for Women’s World Let us know!
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Owner:
• Brittany Ellis, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
Engine: • • • • • •
2006 Honda CBR1000RR Ported & polished cylinder head with 3-angle valve job Performance cams with adjustable cam gears Power Commander lll & multi-function Dynojet street & race map BMC race air filter Jardine RT1 dual exit carbon fiber exhaust system with reworked heat shields & ceramic wrap • Viper autostart with proximity alert • Painted engine covers with anodized aluminum fasteners
Frame:
• 2006 Honda CBR1000RR frame polished & gold lacquered • One-off SCS custom rear pegs & mounts • Polished & gold lacquered stock footrest assemblies with Cycle Pirates levers
Front End:
• 2006 Honda CBR1000RR forks & yokes polished & gold lacquered with Schnitz ‘pull-down’ strap • Polished & gold lacquered SCS custom billet aluminum 17in wheel with 120/70ZRx17in Pirelli tire • CBR1000RR radial 4-piston brake calipers with Galfer brake discs • CBR1000RR brake & clutch master cylinders with custom caps & Cycle Pirates levers • CBR1000RR clip-ons with custom bar-ends & Lance Armstrong BMX handlebar wrap
Rear End:
• One-off SCS custom swingarm polished & gold lacquered • 2006 Honda CBR1000RR shock absorber with 3in lowering links • Polished & gold lacquered SCS custom billet aluminum 18in wheel with 310x18in Vee Rubber Monster tire • CBR1000RR brake caliper with custom billet aluminum hanger • CBR1000RR master cylinder with Galfer stainless steel braided line • Galfer brake disc • Black anodized CBR1000RR final drive sprocket
Bodywork:
• 2006 Honda CBR1000RR fairing with HRC headlight cover & Cycle Pirate spiked fasteners • 2006 Honda CBR1000RR fuel tank, seat unit & front fender • Custom alligator skin seat
Electrics:
• Modified 2006 Honda CBR1000 wiring harness • CBR1000 front & rear lights, switchgear & instruments
Paintwork:
• Bowling Ball custom paintwork by Ponis @ Paint Pros, Jacksonville • Black paint with gold leaf graphics by Abe Pagan @ SCS • Polished aluminum parts painted in gold lacquer by Abe Pagan @ SCS
Polishing:
• Polishing by Syndicate Custom Sportbikes
Engineering:
• Bike built by Abraham Pagan @ Syndicate Custom Sportbikes, Ocala, Florida, USA • (www.syndicatecustomsportbikes.com) • Design & additional work by Owner
email info@borntoride.com or call us at 888-795-5779
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 35
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 37
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 39
BTR 40 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
Let us tell your Story here in the pages of Born To Ride Women’s World: 888-795-5779
Women’s World Salute To Women Riders Susan Hurst – Writer, Author, Publisher and member of the Born To Ride Family! I was asked to write about a person who many of you have met—or at least—have read her articles here in Born To Ride. Coming out of my writing hibernation in order to complete this honor for Born To Ride, I am thrilled to share with you a story about Susan Hurst and some good news she’s working on this year! Susan has been a professional writer for many, many years. Her motorcycling life started over 35 years ago in upstate New York. She is probably one of the most humble and creative people I have ever met. Thankfully, she agreed to meet up with me at The White Elephant in Englewood to share what she’s been up to! Sitting on the deck, sipping on a sweet iced tea, I waited patiently for her to walk through the door. As if the timing couldn’t have been more perfect, in walks this tall woman with long blonde hair, who happily greets people she passes as she comes onto the deck. An easy smile greets me along with a powerful hug and sincere thanks for my being here. Just having a few seconds with her, I’m already sensing a good interview is going to commence as well as a new friendship! How did you come on board with Born To Ride? Smiling and clapping her hands with joy, she said, “Oh my! That was many years ago—I think 2007 was when I met Ron Galletti at an event in Bradenton. My husband, Johnny Martin, saw Ron taking video and photos throughout this event. Johnny made it a point to let Ron know I was a professional writer and published author and that Ron needed to meet me. I was embarrassed, I must admit, but honored to meet Ron since I was a devoted reader of Born To Ride magazine. We spent some time talking together about my background and my two books that I wrote and published. He hired me on the spot to write for Born To Ride!”
As we were sitting there visiting, a guy came up to Susan and said, “Are you the one that just rode in on that huge pink and black motorcycle?” Smiling, Susan nodded and said, “Yes, that was me!” The guy just shook his head and said, “I can’t believe that you rode that here. That’s a pretty big bike for a girl like you.” For most (including me), a sarcastic retort would be in order, but Susan politely said (with that beautiful smile of hers), “If you’d like, I would be honored to take you for a ride down Beach Road. It’s really a beautiful ride on the motorcycle.” The guy smiled and said, “I don’t think so—well at least not today.” As he sauntered away, Susan smiled at me and said, “I’ve dealt with attitudes like this most of my motorcycling life. Back in the day, I was made fun of, picked on, and called names. I didn’t let that get me down because motorcycling was something I was in love with. I wasn’t going to stop something that brought me great joy just because people weren’t taking the time to get to know me or spend time with me in order to know who I really was. For many—especially women—I was a threat to them.” In 1990, taking her passion for writing and her desire to spread a positive light on women motorcyclists, she wrote her first book, “Women and Motorcycling.” It was a collection of stories, photos, and demographic information about women motorcyclists. From that endeavor, Susan embarked on a second publication, “Women and Motorcycling – The Early Years.” This was a book about the women pioneers of the early 1900s. “My second book was a best seller. I had it reprinted six times because I couldn’t keep up with the demand!” In addition to selling out of these books, Susan was a sought-after speaker on this subject. Many people have written books about women motorcyclists AFTER her books were published. But Susan was the first. She embarrasses
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 41
BTR 42 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
Experience the Born To Ride EQ Lifestyle: 888-795-5779
easily when you talk about her and her amazing accomplishments as a biker, writer, and publisher. But truth be told, she knows her stuff and knows it well! Sipping her drink and contemplating my question as to WHY she ventured into book publishing, Susan said, “My goal was to be the one to tell the stories of the women pioneers who made many sacrifices for us to be where we are today in the motorcycling world. For many women who I have interviewed over the years, some of their stories are just heart-wrenching. Everyone I’ve talked to found love and enjoyment in motorcycling. For some, families were very strict in what the women in their households could and couldn’t do. I wanted to be the voice for those who weren’t allowed to talk about their journey.” In her life with Born To Ride, Susan has met some amazing people and has written some popular stories)—some reader favorites, including mine! “I can’t even begin to tell you what this journey with Born To Ride means to me. I have met some fascinating people and am always looking forward to meeting new friends! I take my role very seriously with Born To Ride because our standards are very high. We set the bar to a point where many try to reach it but can’t. I love my Born To Ride family and am proud to be a part of their successes!” The good news Susan enthusiastically shared with me is her new book! Sitting at the edge of her chair, she animatedly explained, “I’m very excited to be writing my third book! This one is called, ‘Women and Motorcycling – Past, Present, and Future.’ I’m currently looking for stories and photos of women motorcyclists from all walks of life. Is there an interesting story that someone wants to share about a particular lady biker? If so, I want to know! What do people think the future of the female motorcyclist will be, say, 50 years or more down the road? I have my ideas and will have them in my book. Women have come a long way from when I first had the urge to ride a motorcycle; racers, franchise owners, CEOs, radio hosts, bike builders, mechanics, clothing designers—all within the sleek confines of the motorcycling world.” As we were sharing stories with one another and finishing up with the interview, a ‘snowbird’ couple came up to our table started asking Susan if she was the one that rides the “huge” pink and black motorcycle parked out front. As she was
talking with them, I looked around the deck and noticed that many people were watching
We are proud to Salute Women Riders every month here in BTR Women’s World.
her and listening as she politely talked about her bike and her love of motorcycling. The couple shared with her how they met via motorcycles and that their parents’ were also avid motorcyclists back in the day. Susan politely listened to their stories and was thankful to them for sharing. She is a remarkable woman. Her love of people is evident in how she handles complete strangers—always smiling, welcoming, and interested in everyone she comes in contact with. Thank you, Born To Ride, for allowing me this opportunity to meet Susan and share with your readers this remarkable woman and her wonderful, on-going accomplishments in the motorcycling world! Catnip Cougar Do you know of some women riders with an interesting story? Would you know of someone that would like to be a part of “Women and Motorcycling – Past, Present, and Future? If so, please send your story to: Susan@pinkrosepromotions.com BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 43
is one of America’s foremost thought leaders. He is the premier coach of champions having mentored the “best of the best” in sports and business for 40 years. Enjoy his latest book on optimism, The Pebble in the Shoe.
Cool, Calm and Collected
when life is tough
For 40 years, I’ve assisted the best athletes in the world and corporate executives meet adversity head-on in some of the toughest arenas on the planet. From The Masters, World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Finals, Wimbledon and boardrooms from the Fortune 500, I’ve provided concrete tools to be cool, calm and collected, especially during “moments of truth” when the next move you make can decide your fate. Here are three proven tools and techniques that you can deploy in any aspect of your life to bring an instant feeling of calm when you need it most.
The Palm Tree The sun sinks down across the horizon, ™
painting the sky with beautiful pinks and purples. The waves playfully reach their way up the sandy beach with a calm, bubbly rhythm. The graceful palm trees sway with the evening breeze. It’s just another sunset in Maui. If you’ve ever been to a sunset on a beach, I’ve brought you right back to it. It’s the ultimate in relaxation. Why? Do you ever associate stress with a palm tree? Of course not. When the hurricane comes however, the first line of defense is the amazing palm tree. Just like a “real life” hurricane such as a road rage experience, an angry significant other, or a crisis at work, the palm tree in you needs to absorb the devastating winds of adversity. As soon as a circumstance, condition or event displeases you or disturbs you, think of the palm tree. Have a palm tree thought before the life hurricane reaches full force. The palm tree reacts to a hurricane or violent storm by allowing the negativity to pass through it by bending with the wind. It absorbs the wrath of the devastating force. After the storm dissipates and leaves, the palm stands up straight to see another day of sunshine. It symbolizes all that’s good about the sun, beach, ocean, recreation and pleasure. As stress, anger, negativity, or disappointment builds, most people brace
themselves like an oak tree to battle the immediate adversity. Of course, there are no oak trees on the beach. An oak tree would easily have its branches broken and its trunk uprooted. This is why your first thought in times of stress is the palm tree. With this positive imagery, you will lower your breathing by taking several deep breaths and not negatively react or overreact to what’s in front of you. Be the palm tree.
™ Breathe Like a Baby Do you ever get nervous or anxious
before a big event, presentation or meeting? Do you ever get uptight just before a potential confrontation? If the answer is yes, you may need to breathe like a baby. Do babies get anxious about the future? Never! Babies close their eyes and breathe with their stomach. It’s not long before they’re fast asleep, whether they’re in a crowded restaurant or at a noisy family event. Here’s how to get calm. • Unhinge your jaw • Place either hand over your belly button • With each inhale, allow your stomach to move your hand After several deep breaths, you’ll feel your shoulders relax and a feeling of calmness will prevail. Before any potential stress situation, breathe like a baby.
Duck on the Pond When are you least comfortable?
It’s usually when you have a zillion things to do with the least amount of time. With deadlines pending and everyone wanting your time and energy, what should you do? Act like a duck, gracefully gliding its way across a pond. Yesterday I watched a duck on the pond behind my home. It appeared effortless as it moved through the water. It reached its destination with ease. And when it felt like it, it took wing and flew away. Isn’t it fascinating
watching a duck on a pond? In reality, a duck’s webbed feet are paddling at full speed. What if you could look and feel as calm, cool and collected as the duck while you paddle full speed, accomplishing all your tasks and goals within their deadlines? Here are 10 ways to be the duck on the pond: 1. Prepare exactly where you want to go. 2. Prepare daily, weekly and monthly tasks to be accomplished in order to reach your destination. 3. Envision each task in its completed state. 4. Focus only on what you want, as opposed to what you don’t want. 5. Maintain slow deep breathing under all circumstances, conditions and situations. Stay comfortable! 6. When obstacles arrive, keep your mind on where you want to go. 7. Prepare to adjust with a calm demeanor in case your pathway is blocked. Decisively change course, change speed, change strategy, temporarily abort the mission or stay the course. 8. Think solutions. This will be easier when you replace the word “problem” with the word “challenge.” 9. When reality and expectations don’t mesh, stay optimistic! 10. Enjoy the swim! Enjoy the pond! Now you’re armed with three proven, concrete tools and techniques for relaxation. Remember, your greatest gift is free will to think any thought and consequently act any way at any time under any circumstance, condition or situation. When life presents tough challenges, meet them head-on by being calm, cool and collected.
Jim Fannin has performed 2,000+ seminars as well as 1,000+ keynote addresses to audiences of 15,000+
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 45
• Exemplified Quality (EQ) Women Succeed derives its energy from the belief that: “There are absolutely NO limits. The only limits are the ones you set yourself.” • A motivational experience designed to inspire all women to step out of their comfort zone and embrace the biker lifestyle • Techniques on how to experience and appreciate all the world has to offer before it’s too late
BTR 46 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
Experience the Born To Ride EQ Lifestyle: 888-795-5779
• Ideally suited for the female clientele that is inquisitive of the biker lifestyle • Empowers women to set attainable goals - be confident and comfortable in the motorcycle environment • Allows a motorcycle dealership to connect to an audience of new riders and decision makers • Provides a dealership with a service to strengthen relationships with existing customers making them feel appreciated and comfortable
EQ Lifestyle BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 47
• Women are invited to attend BORN TO RIDE’s “WOMEN’S WORLD: AN EQ LIFESTYLE” featuring Hayley B. Colina at your location utilizing all platforms of media. • This can be a stand alone presentation or in conjunction with other women events (i.e. garage parties) • Invitations will be designed and provided electronically to send to the dealerships existing data base and in conjunction with Hayley’s vast connection lists of female professional’s in your demographic area.
EQ Lifestyle BTR 48 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
Agenda • Welcome by Hayley • Brief motivation presentation • Welcome - dealership staff introductions • Sponsor presentation • Industry Fashion Show • Break out sessions (i.e. safety, demo rides, product reviews etc.) • Mixer with food and beverages • Close with motivation presentation
EQ Lifestyle
Be apart of Born To Ride Women’s World EQ Lifestyle Experience: 888-795-5779
BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 49
Responsibilities • Venue and length of seminar (i.e. half day or full day event etc.) • Invites sent to existing data base • Staff Fashion Show, Breakout sessions, demo rides • Budget (quoted by Born To Ride) • Food and beverages
EQ Lifestyle
BTR 50 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
Be apart of Born To Ride Women’s World EQ Lifestyle Experience: 888-795-5779
• Born To Ride provides: • Guest speaker Haley Colina • Creative design for invites and advertisements • Marketing Platforms • Pre and day of registration services (note $20 registration fee) • Take aways • Sponsorship opportunities and recognitions
EQ Lifestyle BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 51
Hayley B. Colina, ESQ is the Founder and CEO of EQ Women Succeed, LLC. She is also a Florida Attorney, graduate of the University of Miami, School of Law. Additionally she is an entrepreneur, inspirational/ motivational speaker and a powerful, daring, action motivating coach with passion, excitement and purpose for true meaningful living. In addition, BTR 52 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
she is the star of Women’s World for Born to Ride TV & Magazine. As a practicing member of the Florida Bar Association, she finds time to reach out to others. It is Hayley’s core belief that every woman not only has the ability to succeed but also has the duty to herself and the world to use her gifts and live her purpose beyond her dreams. In her life, Hayley
Be apart of Born To Ride Women’s World EQ Lifestyle Experience: 888-795-5779
has gone from being a high school dropout at age 15, a teenage mother and wife at 17, and a survivor of two abusive marriages ending in divorce, to becoming a lawyer at the age of 40. Hayley is also an advocate for animal rights and in her spare time enjoys boating, swimming, traveling and last but not least Hayley is also a motorcycle enthusiast! The freedom
felt from riding a motorcycle is one of the things that she is adamant about. Ms. Colina promotes it to all the women she meets. Hayley preaches it as an amazing opportunity in achieving happiness, freedom of mind, confidence and inner peace.
Experience the Born To Ride EQ Lifestyle: 888-795-5779
Life is not forever, do not settle! Go dare to live your dreams! BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 53
The nine-day, 2000-mile motorcycle and boating tour attracted 30 members of the boating industry including their friends, and travels up the east coast to Washington D.C., concluding with participation in the 100,000-bike rally, Rolling Thunder, which honors war veterans, POWs and MIA on Memorial Day weekend. “This ride is a celebration of freedom and the great outdoors,” said tour organizer and marine industry marketing veteran Wanda Kenton Smith. “Our tour is unique in that we combine the best of the open roads with the open seas in an adventure that promotes both motorcycling and boating
activity. We are also stopping at several historically significant venues en route as part of our focus on freedom.” Title-sponsored by Freedom Boat Club, along with national media sponsor Soundings Trade Only, platinum sponsor Hurricane Boats and event producer/ publicist Kenton Smith Marketing, “The Freedom Ride” ran May 15 – 24 with official stops in St. Augustine, FL; Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC; Morehead City, NC; Annapolis, MD; York and Gettysburg, PA; Williamsburg, Charlottesville and Alexandria, VA. The group will visit Freedom Boat Club locations along the route for boating
and waterfront festivities. Sarasota’s club hosted the kick-off launch party today, while clubs in Savannah and Myrtle Beach will host cookouts. The Freedom Boat Club in St. Augustine is sponsoring a boat ride and brunch at the historic Flagler College presidential dining room, while the Annapolis, MD club has arranged for tour participants to board club boats for a cruise on the Severn River to watch the Blue Angels as part of the U.S. Naval Academy graduation festivities. Historic sites and visits include the naval boats at Patriot’s Point in Charleston; a two-hour ferry trip and ride through the BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 55
Outer Banks with a stop at Kill Devil Hills at the Wright Brothers Kitty Hawk museum; Williamsburg, VA; the Harley-Davidson museum in York, PA; the Gettysburg battlefield which includes a customized group tour; and Thomas Jefferson’s beloved Monticello in Charlottesville. The finale of The Freedom Ride culminates in Rolling Thunder, an escorted tour on Sunday, May 24 that runs from the Pentagon to the Viet Nam Memorial Wall. The Freedom Ride is the second event hosted by the Boaterz ‘n Bikerz group. The inaugural ride traveled 3000 miles from Destin, FL to San Diego, CA in 2012. “Our corporate organization along with our franchisees are excited to serve as title sponsor of The Freedom Ride and to support an effort that celebrates the fun and freedom of the outdoor life,” said Freedom BTR 56 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
Boat Club CEO and President John Giglio. Freedom Boat Club (www.freedomboatclub.com) has 86 locations in 19 states coast-to-coast, with 10,000 active members and a fleet of 850 boats nationwide. And now a quote from Wanda Kenton Smith: “I love God, I love America, I love my family. And baby, I love boating and motorcycling!” When it comes to my life’s passions, that’s everything rolled up into a few choice words. As it relates to boating and motorcycling, there’s no place on Earth I’d rather be than at the helm or behind the wheel of a magnificent, sleek machine. I love the feeling of raw power and the sense of freedom that is unleashed as you throttle forward and discover stunning new horizons.
Nothing feels better than the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. I love the sights and sounds and smells of the open water and the open road. When you’re out there, everything is intensified. You just experience unbridled joy and exhilaration at every turn. That’s what led me to organize the first Boaterz n Bikerz of America Hull of a Tour in 2013, which combined boating and motorcycling in a cross-country, 3,000-mile adventure from Florida to California. That awesome tour took us from the flat lands of Florida to the plains of Texas, from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the mountains of New Mexico, and from the Mojave Desert in California to splashdown in San Diego. All along the trail we enjoyed unique boat-
ing activities, from the Legendary Marine Yacht Club in Destin, Fla., with dinner at the harbor, to the sunset cruise aboard the 90-foot Miss Texas, compliments of Marinas International in Grapevine, Texas, to the ultimate power yacht and sailboat ride aboard spectacular Beneteaus in San Diego provided by sponsor South Coast Yachts. The last question on everybody’s parched lips at the conclusion of the tour: “When’s the next ride?” It’s a week away! Here we are two years later, preparing to launch this year’s Hull of a Tour, The Freedom Ride, sponsored by the Freedom Boat Club, along with Hurricane Boats, Soundings Trade Only and Kenton Smith Marketing. This year’s adventure revs up on May 15
from Sarasota, Fla., and winds up the East Coast for 2,000 glorious miles, snaking through a variety of historic ports of call charted by our road captain, Jim Krueger of Regal Marine. Along the way, there will be boating parties hosted by Freedom Boat Club franchise owners in Sarasota and St. Augustine, Fla.; Savannah, Ga.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Annapolis, Md. The latter event will include a command performance by the Blue Angels as we watch aboard club boats on the Severn River. We’re taking a ferry and riding through the Outer Banks, plus touring naval ships in Charleston, S.C., the Harley-Davidson factory in York, Pa., the Gettysburg battlefield and Thomas Jefferson’s beloved Monticello.
Let us tell your Story here in the pages of Born To Ride Women’s World: 888-795-5779
The grand finale sweeps us into the nation’s capital on Memorial Day weekend, where our band of merry boaters and bikers will proudly join Rolling Thunder, a 100,000bike escorted ride from the Pentagon to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in celebration and memory of POWs, MIAs and war veterans. I hope you’ll come along and join me for The Freedom Ride as I blog daily during the trip right here from my perch at Soundings Trade Only. It’s going to be one hull of a tour!” For more information visit http://www.kentonsmithmarketing.com/ hull-of-a-tour.html Contact Wanda Kenton Smith (407) 697-8055 email wanda@freedomboatclub.com BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 57
SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT
Motorman’s Mean Streets HEAD AND EYES / AND SPEED!
I received an interesting email from a reader of my column. To make a long story short, the writer states while riding up a winding mountain road with no guardrails, he had to slow down to 5 mph to make the curves. Even at that low speed, he stated that he found it difficult to make the turns and almost ran off the road and down a rocky drop off several times. He advised me that it felt like he could barely turn the bars far enough to stay on the road. He of course wanted to know what he was doing wrong.
Ironically, I see this exact situation unfold each week at my Ride Like a Pro course, minus of course the almost running off the cliff part. This happens in an exercise called the offset cone weave. The exercise consists of a series of quick left to right turns. These quick turns replicate sharp switchback curves just like the ones the emailer described. What happens is, the student doesn’t turn his head and eyes fast enough or far enough to make it through each set of curves. In addition, the riders’ instincts tell him to go very slowly, usually about 5 mph. Speed through the exercise should actually be 10 to 12 mph, the slower you go; the more difficult it is to lean the bike through the turns. Since a two-wheeled vehicle is designed to lean while turning, going too slowly makes things harder not easier despite what your instincts tell you. Remember, when it comes to riding well, your instincts are always wrong. So, to answer the emailer’s question as to what he was doing wrong; first, he was going too slowly, second, he wasn’t turning his head and eyes and looking where he wanted to go. Instead, he was looking at the edge of the road and since your hands follow your eyes, he rode towards the edge of the cliff. To make the head and eyes technique work for you, you must practice it in a repetitious manner. One of the best exercises for this purpose is the simple figure 8. Mark out two circles 30 feet in diameter; put an X in the spot where the circles intersect. Ride over the X and as soon as you run over it, turn your head and eyes and look for the X again. If you find yourself riding out of the marked area, you’re not turning your head and eyes fast enough and far enough. Make sure you’re in the friction zone of the clutch and keep a little pressure on the rear brake. An hour a week practicing the figure 8 will prepare you for even the curviest winding road you’ll ever find. For more info on Jerry’s rider classes visit www.RideLikeAPro.com or call 1-866-868-7433 © Jerry “Motorman” Palladino BTR WOMEN’S WORLD | BTR 59
Christian Motorcyclists Association
STURGIS!
One word, yet so many thoughts, experiences, and stories come to mind when thinking about this massive rally in South Dakota. Perhaps you are headed there or are on your way back; either way, it is an experience to visit the Black Hills, the Badlands, or the numerous small towns nestled in the area. Recently I had the opportunity to visit the area, and the scenery was truly magnificent. Seeing the Badlands carved out of the plains, the incredible Mt. Rushmore, and the massive Crazy
BTR 60 | BTR WOMEN’S WORLD
Horse carving, literally took my breath away! About the only thing better than the beauty of the area was that the roads seemed designed for great riding. The most impressive area was the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, which is southwest of Rapid City. There are five single lane tunnels and several single lane bridges, where everyone has to share the road. When coming through one tunnel, the end of the tunnel actually framed the Mt. Rushmore Memorial, which was off in the distance. While the view was incredible, I had to keep my mind focused on the numerous switchbacks that were part of a steep rise or fall in elevation, and there were “whirly jigs” which were corkscrew spiral roads that actually climbed while making a 270 degree turn. Not a place to let your mind wander! It amazed me that several large RVs were going through the area, and there are advisories to warn the drivers of hairpin turns and switchbacks. In its day, this highway was considered to be an impossible engineering feat, but Norbeck brought in the right engineers, and the impossible became the possible. Today, almost 100 years later, we can ride a truly breathtaking road designed to show the natural beauty of the
Black Hills. If you get to the area, plan a day to explore this road, you may even get to see some wild bison’s in the process! You know, there was another that did the impossible, again and again, throughout His life. From raising Lazarus from the dead, restoring people to health from their infirmities, to feeding 5,000 men from five loaves and two small fish, Jesus showed that nothing is impossible. In Mark 9:14-29, Jesus deals with the faith of a father whose son is possessed by a mute spirit. “Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”” And because of the belief of the father, Jesus healed the boy and called out the evil spirit. Do you have that kind of power, and faith, in your life? If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, His power, and His faith, can be yours. To be clear, we must have faith to achieve the impossible, but we also have to have Jesus in our hearts, and be seeking His will for our lives. Then, and only then, will His blessing pour out upon us. With faith, nothing is impossible! In the Wind, Denny Dingler
100 Page Online Exclusive @ BornToRide.com Scan Code to see this Episode come to life.