Tony Culpepper
Cammie Bunch
Robert Holley
Deb Davis
Photo By Catrina Flowers
Verca Shai
Ms. Chrome
Bike Owner: Verca Shai
Current SC Motorcycle Related Information
Bikers Inside the Beltway
Our ride to Bikers Inside the Beltway to represent the over 130,000 motorcycles in South Carolina started wet with stormy skies. Fortunately, the rain subsided by the time we got to Charlotte and it was a pleasant ride through North Carolina and Virginia. Me, Jim, Ralph & Stephanie joined the over 200 MRF members from 38 states for the 2024 Motorcycle Riders Foundation Lobby Day. Since we could, we decided to ride the bikes into Washington. It wasn’t too bad going and we got a parking spot not too far from the House of Representatives. During our meetings with our reps offices we were able to follow-up on issues from last year and thank them for signing on to the bills we asked them to support. They seemed genuinely surprised and excited to get the praise for supporting us. Jeff Duncan is not running next year but we have worked closely with his staffer Chris Ringer who hopes to be able to stay on with the new Rep. Chris actually hooked us up to take the Senate train because we were running late to meet with Lindsey Graham. Yes, we were the VIPs that got the special treatment! Then, not to be outdone, Lindsey’s office escorted us on the train back to the House. This year Clyburn had no choice but to talk to us for a few minutes as we ran into him in the hall where his office is located. For all the issues with him not meeting with us because we aren’t his constituents, he was really nice to us and we even got a picture with him! In summary, all of our reps are backing
us on the Internal Combustion Engine Bill, as well as, supporting us on the issues of The Repair Act HR 906, Automated driving issues, Ethanol, the Motorcycle Caucus and definition of a Motorcycle. We got extended commitments from Joe Wilson’s and Ralph Norman’s offices to help us get the ball rolling for redefining motorcycles. Ralph Norman is also going to take further action regarding automated driving accountability. Nancy Mace’s and Joe Wilson’s offices have agreed to dig deeper into the Ethanol public notification and making our plain old gas always available. Our last meeting of the day was with Tim’s Scott’s office which ended with us finding our way out of Washington after 5:00. The traffic was awful and the bikes tried to overheat (we now get the lane splitting in big cities!) It was slow and hot but it sure made us thankful to be in the wind when we finally made it out!
I can’t emphasize the importance of Lobby Days and having one-on-one meetings with our representatives enough. I encourage everybody to attend this annual event at least once! Washington needs to see as many faces from SC as possible!
Wanda Buczkowski
MRF Assistant Rep for SC
How to Stay Informed:
If you want to have the most current information make sure you are part of the Legislative Alerts email list. Just send me an email stating you want to be added.
Ralph Bell, Legislative Coordinator (803) 556-2354
helmet_laws_suck@msn.com
Motorcycles for Missionaries
Article & Photography By Wally Wersching
On Saturday July 13th, C&C Thunder along with area biker ministries held a fundraiser for the Last Days Revival Ministries. Registration was at 9:00AM with the 60 mile ride starting at 10:00AM. After the ride, everybody would be fed hot dogs, chips, and a cold drink back at C&C Thunder.
I decided to go, and left home about 8:15AM heading south on some local back roads to Rt 29 in Gaffney. I stayed on Rt 29 all the way into Cowpens, SC. C&C Thunder was on the left after riding through town.
When I arrived, I noticed that the Veteran’s parking spot was open near the front of the building, so that’s where I parked. I placed a stack of Carolina Chrome magazines on the registration table when I gave my donation.
The first person I saw was “Squid”. We had a pleasant conversation waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. After a while, the large group of Armored Saints Motorcycle Ministry roared in, and parked near the exit so they would have no problem leaving.
I was looking for “Pop’s” but couldn’t see him ride in. I walked to the group, and there he was. I was curious as to why I didn’t see him ride in. Then he showed me his new gold Simpson full face helmet. No wonder I didn’t recognize him. I couldn’t see his face.
We talked for quite a while. He told me about their 1,400 mile ride to 14 Harley dealerships. It took three days, and they had a lot of fun meeting new people.
They got back on Wednesday, and went straight to church before going home. After church, “Papa Sno” had an accident in an area where there was road construction. He totaled his bike, and was taken to the hospital. He was severely dehydrated, and could have had kidney failure if he had gone straight home. Luckily he only got a little “road rash” on his arms. We were surprised to see him at the event. He didn’t ride but he was there!
More and more riders came in, parked, and registered. Everyone was eager to get the ride started. It was getting pretty warm, and the temps were supposed to get even hotter in the afternoon; into the upper 90’s in the shade. It would be hot riding later in the day.
Everyone was called around so that the two ladies from the Last Days Revival Ministries could tell about their mission to help people around the world. The organizer explained the route, along with safety info that needed to be passed on. Then “Pop’s” said a prayer, and after the “Amen” they all went to their bikes.
It didn’t take long for them all to leave. I took some pictures as they left and then went back to “Miss Vickie”. As I was leaving, I heard the caterer talking about where they would set up the tables for the food after the ride.
I headed home the way I came. I stopped at Strawberry Hill produce outlet on the way home to get Cindy a cantaloupe. They really are delicious! When I got home, we both went out to lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
Born in Greenville, S.C., in 1932, Pete Hill’s love for motorcycles began at five. By 15, he was working on bikes for friends, a passion that never faded.
In 1977, Pete and Jackie built the Knucklehead nitro supercharged top fuel bike, the Silver Bullet. From 1978, it competed in 140 races, winning 51 and setting 21 records.
By 1981, they secured their first AMA Top Fuel Championship. Pete Hill Racing dominated drag racing in the late '80s and early '90s, setting numerous records and winning multiple championships.
2024's Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Pete Hill. Hill, who owns a shop in South Carolina, has mastered the creation of race-winning performance motorcycle engines and serves customers from around the globe. He is also an accomplished motorcycle drag racer earning numerous wins and championships, including nine Top Fuel wins in Sturgis.
Pete's dedication to HarleyDavidson racing earned him many accolades, including the 2022 Lifetime Legend Award. Even after retiring in 1994, Pete continued building engines with his son Tommy, inspiring future motorcycle enthusiasts.
We are honored to award him the Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award this year!
For more information about Pete, follow the link!
https://sturgismuseum.com/ blogs/2024-hall-of-fame/pete-hill
Pete Hill and his famous 1981 Main Street burnout in Sturgis, photo courtesy of Jackie Hill.
Submitted eventS 2024 Submitted eventS 2024
WEEKEND, AUGUST 2ND-4TH
FILL THE BUS
Hosted at Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson. Friday & Saturday 9am5pm FREE donuts from Dunkin’ at 9 a.m. FREE food from Dagwood’s Deli at 12 p.m., Sunday 11am-4pm. FMI: https://www.facebook.com/ events/445384328377042
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD
CWC ABATE
SWEETY SEAT RIDE
Reg @ Bogart's 10am Emanuel Church Rd, W. Cola. FBO 11am. LBI 2pm @ VFW. Biker Games, Raffles and More!! See Flyer Page 11
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD
BIKERS AND BARBERS
Hosted by Harley-Davidson of Greenville. Men's Night Out! Live music by Trey Stephens FREE hair and beard trims by Grease Monkey Barber FREE BBQ and drinks. Cigars, Vendors, and Door prizes!
SATURDAY, AUG 10TH
CVMA TOPLESS BIKE WASH
NOON to 3pm @ Harley-Davidson of Greenville. Come get your bike washed by the men of Combat Vets Motorcycle Association Chapter 34-2. Help us help vets in the area. We will also have a smash bike for you to help us raise money for those who served our country. All bikes welcome! Free Food, Drinks, Beer and Live Music
SATURDAY, AUG 10TH
BENEFIT FOR CHUCK N
NOON @ SUCK BANG BLOW. 50/50, SILENT Auctions, raffles, door prizes. See Flyer Page 15
SUNDAY, AUG 11TH
WE ARE THE CHUCK - CAR & BIKE SHOW
3PM - 8:30PM A day filled with amazing cars and bikes, awesome people, and good vibes. Get ready to rev your engines and show off your wheels or simply come to see some of the coolest vehicles around and connect with fellow gear-heads. @ G Club Charleston, 7240 Peppermill Parkway, N. Charleston, SC
WEEKEND, AUG 16TH
"THE STREAM" PGR WEEKEND IN THE MOUNTAINS
Oak Park Inn www.oakparkinn-waynesville.com to make reservations or call them up (828) 456-5328. King rate is $109.90 and Double Queen is $114.90. Vietnam Veteran Owned. Join us for dinner on Friday, rides on Saturday to Steam's Favorite Road (Wayha Road) and other roads. We will gather Saturday night in the courtyard to tell memories and stories and enjoy each other's company.
SATURDAY AUGUST 17TH
BIG DADDY'S 8TH ANNUAL BOBBY GOLDEN RIDE FOR ST. JUDE'S CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
Starts and ends @ Bid Daddy's 915 Church St Laurens, SC. Reg 10:30AM FBO 11AM LBI 3PM. Auction starts @ 4pm. $10 fish plates, door prizes, auction items & 50/50. Rain date 8/24 See Flyer Page 14
SATURDAY AUGUST 17TH
PROJECT HOPE FOUNDATION RIDE FOR AUTISM & SILENT AUCTION
@ HD Of Greenville. Reg 9am to 11am, $15 per rider $10 per passenger. Free Pancake Breakfast, Winner gets $1000!!! Featuring Live Music.
SATURDAY AUGUST 17TH
DIXIE THUNDER AIKEN ABATE BACK TO SCHOOL RUN Meet @ KJ Shopping Center Aiken Augusta HWY 1 KSU 1pm. Police Escort to Helping Hands.
SATURDAY AUGUST 17TH
LAKE WATEREE VETERAN'S BIKE & BOAT BENEFIT RIDE
It's that time of year and we are BACK on the WATER this year! Let's make this the BEST ONE YET for our Veterans and Veteran Support Programs! Click on the tickets link; https://lwveteransbenefitride24.rsvpify.com to Pre-Register- Pre-Registrants are GUARANTEED a free t-shirt. The day of registration will also get a free shirt while supplies last. Pre-register pick your shirt up at the FIRST STOP (Clearwater Cove Marina for Boats and VFW Post 8346 by Bike) and you can skip the line as your packet will be ready! Reg & Start: Boats Stops 10AM to 1PM / Bikes 10AM to NOON Last boats & bikes in by 3:30PM. Prize Winners announced by 4! Beaver's Den Bar & Grille Questions or Interested in Sponsoring? Email vfw8346@gmail.com or contact Vanessa Reynolds- sunshinereynolds0921@gmail.com
SUNDAY AUGUST 18TH
BUBBA'S SUNDAY
FUNDAY RIDE
Gas'em up!! It's Sunday Funday season!! Ride starts out of Bubba's Bar & Grill KSU @12:30pm. Where we go is always a mystery! Ride ends back at Bubba's Bar & Grill around 5pm. 1125 Dickpond Rd. Myrtle Beach, SC
SUNDAY AUGUST 18TH
a
2024 PALMETTO DREAM RIDE
Registration 7am to 930am KSU@ 930am. Total distance of ride is 117 miles round trip ending at 1320 Broad Street in Sumter, SC. 1 Fuel stop on route. The route will travel through Sumter, Camden, Great Falls, back to Sumter. All vehicles welcome! Music, Prizes and raffles! End @ The Tobacconist Cigar Lounge. They serve food, Wine, Beer, and Spirits. Located next to the Cigar lounge is Yucatan Mexican Grill. There is no pre-registration, only in-person registration. Proceeds to Special Olympics
SATURDAY AUGUST 31ST
DEAD ON E -FEST: CAR, TRUCK & BIKE SHOW + MORE
11am-11pm. D.O.E Fest is a one-of-a-kind experience that you don't want to miss. Get ready to witness mind-blowing cars,trucks and bikes, along with heart-pounding racing, and an atmosphere filled with pure excitement, that is family friendly! Whether you're a die-hard car enthusiast or just looking for a good time, D.O.E Fest has something for everyone! @ Bowman Dragway 384 OC 4107 Orangeburg, SC
SATURDAY AUGUST 31ST
BLACK JACK HARLEY-DAVIDSON
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY 11am. FREE BRUNCH is on us!
WEEKEND, SEPT 5TH-8TH
SMOKE OUT RALLY 24
The Original Chopper Party Bike Shows - Mini Bike Racing - Live Music - Vendors - Wet T Shirt Contest - Dirt DragsBike Games - On Site Camping Rowan County Fairgrounds 1500 Julian Rd, Salisbury, NC
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH
ANNUAL 911 MEMORIAL RIDE
BLOOD BY FIRE MC
KSU @ 1PM 482 Cemetery Rd. Ware Shoals SC. Ride to SC Fire Memorial. Proceeds bennefit Shriners Hospital for Childern. AR-15 Raffle $5 each or 5 for $20. 4th Anniversary Backdraft Chapter After Party 6PM-2AM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST
GREENVILLE CHAPTER OF ABATE FALL POKER RUN
@ Field House Sports Bar 216 N Poinsett Hwy, Travelers Rest, SC 1st bike out @ 12:30; Last bike out @ 2:00 and ALL bikes in by 9. To sustain the Greenville Chapter of ABATE of SC for the upcoming year. Your funds also help us to keep fighting for ALL motorcyclist rights and freedoms in South Carolina. Rain Date: September 28, 2024
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST
CAROLINA REBELS MC EASTOVER CHAPTER REBEL ROCKS
@ A&B BAR 96 HWY 601 S, Lugoff SC (Old Gadgets) RAIN OR SHINE. Gates open NOON-11pm. $15 in advance $20 at gate! See Flyer Page 14
WEEKEND, SEPT 21ST-22ND 24TH ANNUAL
CONFEDERATES MC
BIKE RODEO
@ The Outpost Bar & Grill 107 Whit Chamblee Rd Starr, SC
Operation Feeding the Homeless
Page
Photography by
Grange Simons Lucas III
We are also raffling off a AR Pistol and a 1972 Triumph Daytona 500 Chopper that Bill Barber is bringing back to life, plus a million other things that have been donated.
The Chopper Bill is working on for the event Aug 10th!
YOUTHFUL MISTAKES
Devotional By Dennis Reynolds
Back in the early 1980s, when I was still a scrapping young man, my tolerance for pain was much higher than it is these days
In addition, my propensity for risk taking in the name of fun and adventure knew little or no boundaries. My brother John and I were always in search of the next adrenaline rush. We regularly stood on the seats of our motorcycles, engaged in sword fights with electric hot sticks, and shot arrows at each other while trying to catch them.
On one particular occasion, my brother John and I were visiting a friend who was just as dare-devilish as we were. Mark, the friend in question, was the proud owner of a new moped. Not just any moped, but a pretty darn fast moped. He also had in his possession a couple of old, beat-up skateboards.
Yep, let the fun begin!
After searching around his parent’s garage for a half hour or so, we decided to take a look in the back of his dad’s ski boat. That’s when we saw it! The last piece of our puzzle! Laying on the floor of the boat was a very nice double handled water ski rope! BINGO!
So here we go! We tied the rope to the back of the moped and away we went! Mark was riding the moped and John and I were on the two skateboards hanging onto the ski rope! No shirts, no shoes, wearing gym shorts, down his driveway and into the street we went.
Rolling happily along on city street, we waved at folks working in their yards and walking on the sidewalk. Some waved back, some pointed and laughed, others just stared in disbelief.
As a side note, this type of behavior causes some strange looks from pedestrians…
As we approached main street, I suddenly remembered there were railroad tracks that we would need to cross if we continued. Now, I was pretty darn bullet proof back then, but even I knew better than to try and take a skateboard across
a railroad track! I yelled to John that we needed to cut loose from the moped and turn right into Temple Baptist Church’s parking lot so we would not have to cross the tracks. He agreed and we dropped the rope. That was probably not the best decision.
You see, Temple Baptist Church has a parking lot that is little more than a paved downhill slope. We were already moving at between 25 and 30 mph, so when we started down the hill on the skateboards, we quickly picked up speed.
At the bottom of the hill, there were steel posts with a chain running through them that kept people from parking on the grass. I looked at John, he looked at me, and that was when his skateboard hit a stick…
Well, it was more like a small twig…
Either way, his skateboard came to a sudden and abrupt halt! Remember, no shirt or shoes! In my mind, I can still see my brother falling and sliding across the asphalt some 30 to 40 feet on his bare back!
Knowing I could not help him, I focused on my own problem. How do I stop! I couldn’t very well slam my bare feet onto the pavement, and there was no jumping off or I would wind up lying next to John! I decided to ride it out…
After my skateboard hit the grass, I tried to leap over the chain. I didn’t make it…
My shins hung that chain and suddenly I was catapulted forward into the field and went tumbling across the lawn! Once I came to a stop, I raised my head and spit out a clump of grass. I was hurting, but thankful I had not slid down the blacktop as John had.
When I sat up and checked to make sure everything worked properly, I thought to myself, “DANG THAT WAS A RUSH!”
I stumbled to my feet, walked over to my road rash covered brother, and helped him to stand just in time to see Mark rolling up on the moped laughing at our misfortune. After a visit to a friend’s house
within walking distance who scrubbed the gravel from John’s back, arms, and legs, and applied a dressing, we were back at it. The moped, skateboard combination returned us to Mark’s house safe and sound.
Isn’t it great how God even watches over us when we are young and stupid?
As I reflect on my nearly 60 years on planet earth, I can recall literally hundreds of times when God saw fit to protect me from myself. Not only did He shield me from being stupid, He sent His son to die for me when I was lost in a sinful lifestyle and deserved His sacrifice the least.
You see, we are all guilty of repeatedly making stupid decisions, we are all sinful, we have all failed at following God’s commands. Because of that, we need a Savior. That Savior is Jesus Christ.
So, as you reflect on your past-history and recognize the times God has placed His hand of protection on you, be reminded also that His son has sacrificed His life to protect us all from eternal consequences. And then, ask yourself how you are honoring that sacrifice? While we each have the freedom to choose to follow Jesus or not, our choices have everlasting consequences.
As you read this, I humbly ask you, choose to follow Him… And live! Romans 5:8-10 NLT
”But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.”
Ride on and stay safe,
Dennis Reynolds
Mideast National Elder
Bikers for Christ M/M
Page Photos by Cherokee
Dr. Dilligaf,
If you have a run in with law enforcement while riding your motorcycle and they suspend your operator's license, can you still drive a car?
-Just Curious
Just Curious,
Who told you about me? Just kidding, I can address this question from personal experience. The answer is yes and no. If you could drive a car be fore the aforementioned deba cle, you probably can still drive. Legally, not so much. When your operator's license is suspended in South Carolina it is for any vehicle or motorized conveyance that you may want to operate on the roadways. That means, automobile, truck, motorcycle and even Moped. I live in an area where a local guy lost his license, and he thumbed his nose at the authorities. You would see him riding into town on his lawn mower for groceries, home goods and the like. He got away with for some time and eventually rode his lawn mower somewhere that he met a woman, and they became a couple. After that you could see him on that mower with a trailer behind it and his new queen perched aboard. He eventually upgraded his lawn mower to a newer model and allowed his queen to straddle his former ride in the trailer and they moved about. You just can't hide money. But progress caught up to him and the police put an end to his escapades on his trusty steed.
So, the bottom line is this. If they take your license, I hope you already have a significant other because flexing on a lawn mower is out and you are now pushing a bicycle up hills and coasting down the other side because you can't operate a motor vehicle of any type on the roadway with a suspended license.
~Dr. Dilligaf
D r . DILLIGAF
Dr. Dilligaf,
I have two questions. My first is, do motorcycles have air bags? Secondly, I am a woman who is 5'5" tall. Can I ride a motorcycle?
-Curious in Cayce
Dear Curious,
It is great to get a question from the city of Cayce. I occasionally get asked about the demographics of the people who live in there. I respond thusly. There are two types of people who live there. Those who work across the river in Columbia and have lost their license (see previous letter) and walk to work, and those people who would like to live in Swansea but can't afford the gas to live that far out.
I'll answer the second question first. Throw your leg across a motorcycle and grab the handlebars. Do you know what to do next?
If not, my answer is no. Now for the first question. Motorcycle do have airbags, just walk up to a biker and ask him if there is an airbag on his motorcycle. If you are still standing there listening to him twenty minutes later, I would say that there is definitely an airbag on that one. If he makes a short rude answer, I am guessing that motorcycle does not. Thank you for your letter and good luck overcoming the stigma of living in Cayce. I understand that Gaston and Pelion are looking for new citizens.
~Dr Dilligaf
Page Photography by Clint Watts
Photo by Unknown
Page Photography by Grange Simons Lucas III
Page Photography by Grange Simons Lucas III
Page Photos by LJ
