Reasons To Ride Great Lakes April 2023 Digital Edition

FROM THE TEAM

ReasonsToRide.com is the evolution of a really basic concept within the riding community – a motorcycle focused co-operative!

For almost 40 years, free local motorcycle magazines have served as a means of letting riders know of rides and rallies, bike nights and bike shows, and recommended ride stops both within their community and within a days ride. For event organizers, local shops, and supporting dealerships – they provided a cost effective means of connecting with riders and inviting them to their events or simply through their doors.

By posting within the local mag – organizers were able to let both their friends and riders that they’d never met that they were welcome, cordially invited even, to join them for a ride or get together.

Anyone with a motorcycle or simply a love for two wheels – or the cause being supported –could attend. And with such an invitation, everyone knew that they would be welcome as brothers or sisters within the riding community.

It’s a cool concept, and we believe that the “local motorcycle mag” played an integral part in defining the riding community. Free biker mags let everyone know what was going on and where they were welcome. While there are other types of newsletters and trade journals, its only in the motorcycle community that you find the concept so established. Riders know that they can pick up a copy of their local mag and it’s speaking to them.

With the internet and social media, many print publications have gone by the wayside over the years. Traditional newspapers have largely disappeared in many communities, as folks find an easier connection online and simply through their phone. Once again, though, the riding community remains unique in many ways.

Our community is one of traditions and nostalgia, though. The twisting of the throttle and sound of the engine are an integral part of the riding experience. And while it’s hard not to appreciate the energy and purity of the electric motorcycles, it’s really not the same sensation for most riders. For much the same reason that the new electric Dodge Charger “muscle cars” have an artificial sound added to their engine, riders like to hear the roar as they twist the throttle. And similarly, they like to “turn the pages”.

ReasonsToRide.com (RtR) was established back in 2019 as a resource for riders looking to find riding events anywhere in the country. Since the very beginning, RtR has partnered with local riding organizations and their regional print mags in order to connect with riders and the events in their community. These online listings soon evolved to the point where riders could actually register for the rides or bike shows, and purchase concert or event tickets – through the same listings. For even the smallest local event organizers, this offered exciting new options and made things so much easier as the world moved more digital.

COVID and the ensuing dramatic increases in the cost of paper and transportation have forced even more publications to either close up or dramatically restrict the number of copies they print. They can simply no longer offer advertisers the reach that they once could – thus reach only a small number of riders. In many cases they are now only reaching 1/10 of the riders they were before – for even more money.

With RtR it’s now possible to reach thousands of riders for as little as $1. RtR offers a new, much more effective option for the riding community. Working with the same folks that have brought you the local motorcycle mags for years, we now offer a hard print version of our concept backed by the numbers and reach of our digital editions. Event organizers and advertisers can reach over 300,000 riders and enthusiasts each month, for less than they were paying to reach 10,000 previously. And riders can still “turn the pages”.

Members of our team created some of the the largest local biker mags in the country by serving the local riders and supporting the local events. We sponsored and subsidized the charity rides and non-profit organizations. As the world changed and went digital, our network expanded to include SEO (“Search Engine Optimization”) and web designers to offer even more options.

Nobody likes change, but growth and development offers new opportunities.

We are proud to produce new PRINT versions of RtR that bring together over 20 years of serving the riding community and cutting edge opportunities online in a concept that welcomes all riders.

Even with this evolution and all the new possibilities online, there is one thing that remains constant – that we can’t do any of this without your support. We remain dependent upon the support of the local riders and the businesses serving them in order to do what we do. So as we prepare for the upcoming riding season, we hope you keep us in mind.

We are Reasons To Ride – proudly serving the local riding community.

The RTR Crew

For more information on Reasons To Ride – or how you can join the network, email us at Info@ReasonsToRide.com

On the Cover:

Mike Morman, of Morman Kustoms of Portsmouth, OH, brought this beautiful custom Harley-Davidson Shovelhead to last year’s Wild Turkey Bike Show and took home the Best of Show Trophy. He then went on to win shows all across the country with her. Word is that he has another bike lined up for this year.

38th Annual Wild Turkey Festival, May 4-7th 2023 www.VCWTF.org

Feature Model Rianna F - Photo By: David Eggert

Join the Team

If you love to ride…

If you enjoy exploring back roads and discovering new stops…

If you enjoy being part of the show, not just on the sidelines…

If you enjoying sharing your adventures and undertaking new ones…

If you enjoy helping others on the road or in your community…..

If you feel a connection with other riders….

You sound a lot like us.

And you might consider becoming a part of our family…

This year we brought teams to Daytona, Sturgis, Sandusky, Geneva, and dozens of other events across the state and Midwest. We stood side stage at some of the biggest concerts and worked hand in hand to help pull off some of the biggest motorcycle events.

We are actively looking to add Road Reps, Promotional Staff, Contributors, Photographers, and Area Managers all across the midwest. Some positions are paid and some are volunteer, but most are a blend of both. You can make a lot of money, but it takes work, dedication, and a real passion for working with others within the riding community.

We have both paid commissioned positions, hourly paid positions, and volunteer positions. It all depends upon what you’re looking for.

We are a family of good folks from a variety of different backgrounds. We have different interests and skills – but we all enjoy being an active part of the riding community. RTR allows us to actively contribute to this community – helping it grow and sharing the stories we’re a part of.

The first step is to email some information about yourself. Next, we need to meet up and talk. Then let’s hit the road together!

For more information or to start the process, please email us at ReasonsToRide@gmail.com or stop on out to an event and introduce yourself. We look forward to talking.

Last Call for Ride Stops!

Ok, so that’s not exactly true. We accept Ride Stops all year, but there’s a lot more “Bang for the Buck!” when you kick things off with us as the season starts in May.

In May, Reasons To Ride will kick things off for the 2023 Ride n’ Win Riding Challenge! And this challenge isn’t a skills challenge – it’s a challenge to just get out and ride as much as possible. We encourage riders to explore new areas and check out new events. We challenge riders to join us at new rallies and rides all across the Midwest – and even at some of the biggest national events across the country. And along the way, we’re looking for new places to stop!

As with everything these days, the contest has evolved and taken on a new name and has likewise expanded. Our primary area of focus for our Midwest stops is across Michigan and Ohio. We have some stops in neighboring states, especially in terms of Events –but at least 80% of the stops and events are in Michigan or Ohio. Within these states, however, we run “border to border” with Ride Stops in the far Western Upper Peninsula and then running south all the ways to the Marietta, Ohio.

If you own a business, are hosting a ride or other motorcycle friendly event, or would like to recommend a place for riders to visit – shoot us an email for more information on how to become a ride stop.

Over 40,000 riders have participated in this program since launched – and we’ve awarded over 2,500 prizes!

For more information, email us at Info@ReasonsToRide.com

HOW TO ENTER YOUR EVENTS ONLINE

The cornerstone of everything we do is our motorcycle event listings. While we spend a lot of time on the pretty pictures and the articles, it’s really all the events that bring people to ReasonsToRide! When you boil it all down, motorcycles are a mode of transportation – and we are always looking for places to go… reasons to ride! Even when there’s a foot of snow outside and we can’t bring ourselves to ride the bikes – we still want to hang out with other riders.

And if you’re hosting an event – you want to get it listed here and connect with the more than 300,000 riders we reach every month!

It’s a pretty easy process, and gets even easier once you’ve gone through it. However, it may seem intimidating at first – so, we’ve decided to take it step by step here. All these steps may seem like a lot listed here, but it’s really just “clicking here, clicking there”…. And once you’ve done it, you’ll fly through it the next time!

• Get your information and materials together. This would be all of the details on your event, including where, what and when. If you have graphics, photos, or, most importantly a flyer – you’ll want to have those available on your computer to upload as well when asked.

• Go to ReasonsToRide.com or your state’s specific page, ie. ReasonsToRideOhio.com or ReasonsToRideMichigan.com for example. From this page you’ll want to select “Add Your Event”. It’s located several different places on the page, including at the very top right or in the center of the main page.

This will then take you to a page that includes various options for listing your event(s) online. These are primarily Basic Event Listings, Featured Event Listings, and Featured Event w/ Ride Registration. Each of these options is listed with what they include underneath and the costs associated with each.

If you’re with a CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION (501c3) or hosting a NONPROFIT EVENT, we have special discounted rates for Events. You can scroll down the page for these. These discounts are subject to approval.

Once you select which option you want to go with, you want to click “List Your Event Now”. This will take you to the form for your event.

If you have an account as an Event Organizer, you’ll want to sign in at the top of the page. If you haven’t done this already – you’ll have a chance to register as an Organizer later in the form.

• Now, just go through the form and enter the information for your event. A few notes –

o Event Type – go with the primary classification. Most events will qualify for multiple, and you’ll have a chance to add more later.

o Event Icon – this is your event flyer, if you have one. If you do not, you can upload a photo from past event or a logo for your organization here.

o Event Banner – this is for the space at the top of your event listing. It’s a horizontal space, and you can use the “Event Header” image from your facebook event if you’d like. Or you can use a photo of the event from past years or a logo here as well, if you’d like. (This is reserved for Feature Events)

o Event Description - Include the basic detail on your event here. Don’t repeat details such as date or times, that are listed elsewhere. However, you can include KSU and Bike in times, if you’d like. Basic Event Listings allow approx. 150 characters. Feature listings allow approx. 300 in the magazine listings and unlimited online.

o Event Dates / Times – you must fill in all of these. Even if you don’t have an “end approximation. If it goes “all night” – or no end time in mind, just select 11:30PM. This will keep the event on the one day and not

Add Tickets / Rider Registration to your Event. This will allow online registration or ticket sales for your event. There is information on this and all it has to offer on the website. You can also email us for more information. It’s really a great system, and we often have sponsors that will cover this for Non-Profits – so it’s NO COST to the host organizations

Are you an Organizer? If you haven’t already done this – select “Sign Up Now” to get yourself registered. This will allow your events to be grouped

Once you’ve entered all of your event information, you can preview the event listing and select other options for it. Once you’ve reviewed what you’ve entered, completed you’ll be directed to PayPal to pay for your event listing. We use PayPal to provide safe and secure, third party CC

Your event is then reviewed and approved by the system, it will be shown on the ReasonsToRide.com websites and come up in searches. If you are in a region or state that has a partner publication, it may also be printed within the magazine – space allowing. These Print placements are done as space allows and are subject to secondary approval by the magazine editors. If you have a paid or feature placement, your event should appear in the magazine as long as it has been entered by the 15th of the month prior to it being held. If you have a paid / feature placement, you can confirm this by emailing Events@ReasonsToRide.com Please include which state you are

Again, it sounds complicated – but it’s really just a common sense process

Please note – that the earlier you get your listing up, the more people will see it! So as soon as you get your date set and details worked out – post it

YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN THIS WORLD CLASS VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE!

Just for checking in at our Feature Ride n Win Ride Stops in 2023

Once again, Reasons To Ride will be offering riders the chance to win an incredible vintage motorcycle –restored by the Wheels Through Time Restoration Shop – simply for checking in at featured Ride Stops next year. The first feature bike for our 2023 Ride & Win Challenge is this 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Bobber.

“this 1937 Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Bobber, finished in HD custom Silver, striped in Black, and edged in Gold. This 61c.i. Knucklehead powerhouse sports a 4-speed transmission, bobbed fenders, and Flanders accessory risers and bars, flaunting its authentic period-modified look and feel.” – Wheels

Through Time

The Wheels Through Time Museum is home to one of the world’s premier collection of rare American motorcycles and memorabilia. Located in Maggie Valley, North Carolina; the museum houses over 300 rare machines.

In support of this wonderful organization and in appreciation for not only the work they do but the machines themselves, Reasons To Ride has committed to awarding riders with a chance to win this world class motorcycle as part of the 2023 Ride n Win Challenge.

Starting in May, riders can check in at featured stops throughout the Midwest. Each check-in counts as a “chip in the barrel” and a chance to win this breathtaking bike! And amazingly, there’s no purchase necessary. Just like the magazines, the websites, and all the motorcycle event listings they contain – this promotion is offered through the support of our sponsors.

Stay tuned for more information here in the pages of Reasons To Ride, or you can always visit the RtR blogs at www.ReasonsToRide.com for updates and a full overview of the program.

For information on how you can become a 2023 Ride n’ Win Ride Stop – email us at Info@ReasonsToRide.com

RIDING w BRENDAN

Spring is in the air! Well, no not really but it should be by now! It seems this year it’s taking a little longer for Old Man Winter to get the hint. All the normal signs of springtime in Michigan are visible, first Robin (check) St Patrick’s Day (check) and even Oberon Day (March 20) but the weather just doesn’t seem to get it.

I have had my hockey season to hold me over but now I’m obsessively checking the long range forecast hoping to see good news. All in due time, pure Michigan, right? Even though winter seems to last longer and longer as I get older, I know it can’t last forever! With swap meet season in full effect you know spring is knocking on the door.

Don’t get me wrong I have had some great times this off season! (Is there such a thing?) I have seen old friends and met new ones through events such as the Fill the Food Pantries, club annuals, Riding with Brendan Podcast or the numerous bar appearances hell any number of the other events we were part of but nothing beats going to the warm weather events when all the biker and bike enthusiasts are out. I love seeing all my friends that I don’t necessarily get to see during the winter months as well as meeting new ones. This season will be EXTRA fun with Reasons to Ride Michigan teaming up with Michigan Biker Law to be a HUGE part of almost all of the rallies and only growing. Whether you prefer Rebel Roads in Muskegon or Bikes on the Bricks in Flint when you are out at any of these events make sure to flag us down and say hi! Look for us throughout the UP this summer. Riding with Brendan the OFFICIAL podcast of the Michigan biker community will be all over the state recording and doing live streams from locations and all the events! See you soon! Until next time..

Brendan Farren, RTR Contributor

MOTORCYCLE MINISTRIES

MARY GILBERT, CMA STATE COORDINATOR

Resurrection Power…

April is the month when we begin to see everything start rising out of the ground. The grass begins to get greener; the flowers start to pop through the crusty layers of wintry soil and the trees begin to spring forth with new buds. It’s a beautiful site to see. It also means a little bit more to some of us….WE GET TO UNCOVER, UNLEASH THE WILD AND RESURRECT THE RUMBLING SOUND OF THE THUNDER IN THE BARN OUT BACK!! Calm yourself girl….

Sorry…I had a moment. But it is an awesome thing to do, that first ride in the Spring. I know, some of you die hard people have been out already and some didn’t even put the pony in the corral for the winter, and that’s all good. I already proved myself so I’m good where I am and so excited to see my Pearly Blue when she’s ready to roll. And speaking of roll…since I’m on one, let me tell you about one roll that had significant consequences for you and me one bright and shining Spring morning. Follow me…

You see there were these ladies that had a friend that passed away in a tragic death and they wanted to take care of his body. They just wanted to make sure he had been treated correctly because they had a custom where they lived to do special preparations at burial that weren’t able to be done on the same day that they put him in the cave/tomb where they buried him because of a special religious ceremony they were honoring at the time. So off they went to the tomb.

The day he was placed in the tomb, the officials were afraid someone would come and steal his body and say he was raised from the dead, so they sealed up the tomb with a giant stone that completely covered the opening. So huge it took many men to roll it into place and then they sealed it tightly closed with mortar. They set guards in place to watch over it throughout the weekend, as this was during a special time that he was placed inside the tomb.

Well, one night went into the second night into the third night, right into the early morning when the ladies decided to go see if they could get in to take care of him. But when they got there, the big stone had been removed and rolled to the side! One of the ladies, Mary, cried out, ‘Where is he? What have you done with him?’ As she stood there mortified, she saw a man standing there who appeared to be the gardener, all of a sudden, he looked at her and called her by name, ‘Mary’. The minute he spoke she knew it was Jesus and she fell into his arms, although he had to stop her at the moment, as he

had yet to be with the Father, He still acknowledged it was indeed he who had resurrected and she needed to go back and tell the others, especially Peter. Why was it so important for her to tell Peter especially? Because Peter really messed up, man! He was with Jesus for three and a half years and in the last hours when Jesus needed him to stand up for Him the most, he denied him three times! What a kick! But Jesus didn’t look at it that way. Jesus knew that it would be hard for Peter to forgive himself for what he had done, so He wanted Peter to know there is hope. That by faith you are forgiven, and He especially wanted Peter to know He lives to give that chance for redemption. His resurrection brings NEW LIFE! Just like when we go out and start those bikes up for the first time after a long winter’s storage…I personally reset my trip meter for a new year and a new challenge to do more in the new year. It’s a fresh start…a new beginning. A resurrection and a new life. It’s what Jesus died and resurrected for, to give you and me a fresh start, a new beginning. It’s simple…get out from behind the rock, choose to stand on the Rock and allow Him to breakthrough and resurrect your heart today!

Jesus ‘n’ ME are here for you anytime…. the tomb is empty, door is open and new life is waiting! See the patch…you will find a pray-er! In the meantime,…watch out for the little pebbles and KTRSD!

Mary G.

COME RIDE WITH US!

CMA is a servant minded interdenominational motorcycle ministry with a non-denominational message of hope and love through Jesus Christ. Enjoy the family atmosphere, make life-long friends, and join an army of people dedicated to changing the world, one heart at a time in the highways and byways.

Visit us at www.cmausa.org for more information.

Have a message you’d like to share?

If you have a message that you’d like to share with riders across Ohio and the Midwest, let us know. Reasons To Ride welcomes the opportunity to work with established motorcycle ministries. Feel free to share upcoming events with us as well, by emailing information to Events@ReasonsToRide.com

RTR CHAMPIONSHIP BIKE SHOW SERIES April 2023 UPDATE!

After doing these shows for more than 12 years, its great seeing how many connections and friendships that have developed over the years between folks coming to the shows. There’s a common bond that exists between riders – and there’s even more of a connection between the folks that take the time to restore, customize, or even create their own bikes. People start talking about what they’ve built, what they have at home, and what they rode up to the show. And this year – we are doing even more to help facilitate those discussions and really ensure that everyone has a great time at the show!

It's important to recognize that these are INFORMAL, RIDE-IN SHOWS! While we do use Judges at most shows, the majority of the votes come from the crowd. These are fun shows with the emphasis on camaraderie more than competition. If you’ve ever stormed out of a show after not winning the big trophy – these shows aren’t for you. We’ve always believed that the best thing about our bike show series is the people that both exhibit and attend. This isn’t just about the bikes – but about the people building and riding them as well

All makes, models, and years are truly welcome at the RTR Bike Shows. We have over 15 distinct classes for bikes, and we are constantly adding more as the shows evolve. We group bikes by style and origin, and try to balance things out as much as possible. Categories include designations for Imported and Domestic, Touring, Trikes, Vintage, Racing, and even Radical. Specialty classes include Custom Paint, Patriotic and Military themed bikes, and even a Ladies Class.

Even if you’ve never participated in a Bike Show before, these shows are for you if you have a passion for your bike. Go ahead and bring her out – and PUT HER IN THE SHOW! Make sure that you check out our events listing on Facebook and follow the ones that are of interest to you. We will be posting updates and more details about the new programs as things are finalized. www.Facebook.com/ReasonsToRide

Bike of the Nights!

As always, the RtR crew will be out and about hitting various Bike Nights, Rides, and other events throughout the upcoming riding season. At select events, our team will now be recognizing one or two bikes as “BIKE OF THE NIGHT” as part of the 2023 Championship Bike Show Series –presented by Michigan Biker Law. The owners of these motorcycles will receive a special trophy and invitation to participate in an upcoming bike show – sponsored by the magazine. We will also be featuring some of these bikes in the magazine and / or online.

At some locations, such as Arsenal Harley-Davidson, Scooters, and Freddy’s – we will be regularly presenting a BIKE OF THE NIGHT Trophy as part of their Bike Nights! Follow them or us on Facebook for more details!

If you’d like our crew to stop by your Bike Night or other event, just email us with details and contact information. Email us at Events@ ReasonsToRide.com

Thunder Zone Vendor Areas

For the larger weekend shows, we often host THUNDER ZONE Vendor areas as part of our layout. These vendor areas offer a

tremendous opportunity to reach not only thousands of riders – but far more, as many of the events embrace the entire community, drawing attendees from throughout their regions. Many of our shows are part of rallies and events with more than 10,000 in attendance, several more than 50k, and even a few 100k plus! And for all of our Tour Stops – we work with vendors to ensure a seamless, successful experience. However, at most – space is limited! So, email us ASAP to get on the list and reserve your spots! For a complete schedule and more information on vending at these events, email BikeShowInfo@ gmail.com

UPCOMING 2023 SHOWS

Looking forward, we’ve made a commitment to further developing the Bike Show Series – with the addition of more shows across Michigan and the Midwest. More than DOUBLING the area covered by our show series this year – we can’t wait to see the show grow with more unique vintage and custom motorcycles.

WILD TURKEY BIKE SHOW

Ohio Bike Week - Sandusky, Saturday, June 3, 2023

Reasons To Ride is pleased to announce that we will once again be hosting the OFFICIAL OHIO BIKE WEEK BIKE SHOW in downtown Sandusky on Saturday, June 3rd – right on the WATER! This will be an informal, Ride-In, Bike Show following the RTR Championship Bike Show Series Rules and Procedures.

Wild Turkey Festival, McArthur Ohio May 4-7, 2023

Reasons To Ride will once again be kicking off the BIKE SHOW SERIES in the rolling hills of Southern Ohio – with the 38th Annual Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival. This is some of the best riding in the Midwest – essentially an asphalt roller coaster – and in the midst of it all is McArthur, Ohio.

Last year’s show featured some amazing bikes; including 80 year old European bikes, custom choppers with intricate metalwork, and In our second year, we will be expanding to include more bikes, options for camping and official hotels, and a BIGGER THUNDER ALLEY with motorcycle vendors!

Ohio Bike Week is the Midwest’s LARGEST MOTORCYCLE EVENT and this Bike Show does it proud every year. Like last year, this show will be held on the Jackson Street Pier – a beautiful park like setting right in the midst of the chaos. So bring a blanket for the grass and enjoy some amazing music from the main stage – 100 yards from the show! If you joined us in 2022 – you know how amazing the location is. We’re literally surrounded by water on 3 sides – in the midst of the WORLD FAMOUS BLOCK PARTY!

So go ahead and mark it on the calendar – OHIO BIKE WEEK, May 26 – June 4th. And the OHIO BIKE WEEK BIKE SHOW – June 3rd! If you’re going to show your bike – make sure you register in advance. We have SPECIAL EDITION SHOW SHIRTS – for FREE, for the first 50 bikes to register in advance!

We are anticipating that feature bike space will be limited, so we are encouraging everyone to REGISTER as soon as possible for this show. We will be reserving space and assigned spots for bikes that have pre-registered online. As previously, registration will be discounted in advance AND you get a FREE RTR Exhibitor Bike Show Shirt! We will be accepting bikes the day of the show – but only as space allows and priority will be given to the pre-registered ones.

Bike show photos by Dave Kimery, Brendan Farren, Dan Hare, and Tyler Roberts – RTR Team Members and Contributors

RAY C’S RODEO DAY NEW SHOW!

REBEL ROAD! NEW SHOW! NEW SHOW!

Ray C’s Harley-Davidson, Lapeer Michigan – Saturday, June 17th

For the 17th Edition of Ray C’s RODEO DAY, Reasons To Ride will be coming to town and adding the CHAMPIONSHIP BIKE SHOW SERIES to the day’s excitement. Joined by Michigan Biker Law, we will be showcasing the best bikes in the region including extra OFFROAD CLASSES! We will also have the DYNO’s running ALL DAY in order to recognize and the MOST HORSEPOWER!

Special SHOW SHIRTS for pre-registered exhibitors!

STARS, STRIPES AND BIKES! NEW SHOW!

Downtown Muskegon – Saturday, July 22nd

Reasons To Ride: Michigan is proud to bring the 2023

CHAMPIONSHIP BIKE SHOW SERIES to MICHIGAN'S BIGGEST BIKER BASH - REBEL ROAD 2023! This awesome rally in Downtown Muskegon, Michigan is sponsored in part by our friends at MICHIGAN BIKER LAW and MILLER LITE and benefits the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County.

On Michigan’s west coast, over looking Lake Michigan,

ARSENAL BIKE SHOW

Town & Country Sports Center, Cement City, Michigan –Saturday, June 24th

A NEW STOP on the Series Schedule – we are joining our friends from Foundation 14 for their annual MOTORCYCLE PRESENTATION and kicking things up with a BIKE SHOW at Town & Country. T&C already has a great collection of motorcycles to view everyday at their dealership museum, but we’re certain that the Ride-In Show will add some extra thunder to the day! Did we mention that there will be LIVE MUSIC and FREE Dyno Pulls as well?

Arsenal Harley-Davidson, Waterford MichiganSaturday, August 26th

This show, presented by Michigan Biker Law, welcomes all makes and models and features over 40 trophies – including the chance for a BEST IN SHOW Championship Series Belt!

*Tentative dates. Date and details to be finalized and will be announced in future editions of RTR, on our Facebook pages, or at ReasonsToRide.com

Register ONLINE at ReasonToRide.com for these Bike SHOWS and more! For more information, email us at BikeShowInfo@gmail.com and follow us online at www.Facebook.com/ReasonsToRide www.Facebook.com/RTRMichigan, or www.Facebook.com/RTROhio

The Wild Turkey Festival & Bike Show

Once again, Reasons To Ride will be kicking off our Championship Bike Show Series and really the riding season with the Wild Turkey Festival in Vinton County. For over 35 years, the Festival has been held at the intersection of US Route 50 and State Route 93 in downtown McCarthur.

We came to these rolling hills of Southern Ohio, inspired by our experiences in Geneva-on-the-Lake over the last 15 years. Along the Lake Erie shore, riders have created a tradition of wrapping up the summer riding season with a weekend of riding and camaraderie in the small resort town. We thought we might find a similar way to kick off the season in another small town – but instead of being on the shores of northern Ohio - this Bike Show and Festival would be set against the rolling hills and northern mountains of Appalachia. This region includes Wayne National Forest, Lake Hope State Park and Zaleski State Forest, and of course Hocking Hills – some of the greatest riding in the Midwest, possibly even the nation, all within a nice ride of the Wild Turkey Festival.

While the Wild Turkey Festival isn’t a “Bike Rally” – certainly Bikers and riders of all types have been welcome and coming for years. There’s free nightly entertainment, vendors, and all sorts of festival activities going on. There are vendors (and we are bringing some motorcycle ones as well to our Thunder Zone – email us for information) and cool local shops, restaurants, and taverns to enjoy as well. And of course, local celebrity “Moonshiners” come out of the hills as well – and setting up in town as well… So you just never know what you’re going to find in this small town festival!

And of course there is the riding!

Vinton County might be considered Ohio’s last frontier as both the least populated and most forested – with over 80% of the county covered with trees. Thankfully, though, the county is crisscrossed with scenic roads snaking through the rolling hills – making for some of the state’s best riding. And throughout the area are cool stops for riders to discover.

Sprinkled throughout the hills there are traces of Vinton County’s past as a booming source of iron ore during the mid 1800’s. During the Civil War – much of the iron used by Union troops was pulled from sandstone and processed at local furnaces before being sent to foundries for remanufacturing. Some of these operations ran 24 hours a day – with timber from the hills keeping the fires burning constantly.

However, in the late 1900’s, high grade ore was discovered around Lake Superior and these furnaces were all slowly phased out. However, you can still see remnants of this industry in some of the Vinton county towns and even set back in the forests – which have reclaimed much of the land that was cleared to fire those furnaces. Of course, if nature’s quiet splendor or historic foundaries set against rolling hills aren’t enough excitement for you – of course, there’s the WILD TURKEY FESTIVAL itself!

Headlining entertainment includes Nashville Recording Artist Jess Kellie Adams performing on Saturday night, with Kelly Caldwell and Kashmere taking the stage on Friday night. Other performers include The Chase, Blue Diggity, and things close out with the Gospel Harmony Boys on Sunday. Just like the hills themselves, there something for everyone to discover and enjoy while riding through the winding roads. And these shows are all FREE, just like the festival itself – right on the streets of downtown McCarthur! So come on down and join us for the weekend!

We’d encourage everyone to visit our facebook page, www.Facebook. com/ReasonsToRide, and like the Event – Wild Turkey Festival Bike Show, if you haven’t already. We will be posting more information about the festival, bike show, and maybe even a fun, informal ride we are organizing through the hills.

You can also visit the Festival and local visitor’s bureau websites as well – for more information, including recommendations for accommodations. We will also be posting recommendations to our Facebook pages as well.

VINTON COUNTY WILD TURKEY FESTIVAL

May 4-7, 2022 McArthur, Ohio

www.VCWTF.org

Feature Model Rianna F.

Photos By: David Eggert

RIDING TIPS by Marybeth

1. Slow down a little. That S curve is sharper than you think! You can always speed up once you can see through the turn. Braking while turning is not the most effective way to slow your bike, and takes a great amount of practice to master.

2. Just because your bike can go 100 mph between two stoplights doesn't mean you should do it. There are plenty of local racetracks that you can open it up in a controlled environment. There you won’t have to worry about traffic or pedestrians or debris. Every rider should do it at least once. There are classes you can take to really up your skill level.

3. Maintenance is that un-fun thing you do to keep from walking home! Watching your bike hanging from a tow truck hook is traumatizing, and expensive.

4. When in doubt, always take a jacket. When not in doubt, still take the jacket. The further you are from the masses of concrete in the city, the lower the temps. It can be as much as 25 degrees cooler out in the country.

5. It always seems farther back home than it was to your destination. Don't ride so far that it stops being fun! Every rider is different, as well as the comfort of their bikes. Be realistic when planning a trip, and accommodate the different abilities in your group.

6. Ride safe! No one wants to attend your funeral and talk about how much you loved bikes. They want to go riding with you and talk about what a great time you had. We all know how dangerous it is out in traffic, don’t double the danger by riding unsafely.

7. Stop for gas even if you don't need it. You may wish you had later. Be courteous and gas up full before you meet friends to ride for the day. And top off at every stop, pushing a bike is not a fun day either. And neither is that tow truck again.

8. Chrome won't get you as much attention as you think it does, unless you're already good looking.

9. WAVE!!!! Even if the rider is on a scooter or a different brand. They just might be saving for their dream bike. You might just make their entire day by making them feel welcome to the sport and recognized as a fellow rider. A simple gesture just to be nice. Why not?

10. Don't ride beyond your skill level trying to keep up with the rider in front of you. This is where fear and then very horrible mistakes happen. Just know where you are going to meet up next. A discussion at every stop is helpful to everyone. If they take off from you just get there when you get there. If you are embarrassed, just say you had to stop and tie your boot. This excuse can be used several times on a ride day.

11. Keep your passenger feeling safe. They're riding with you because they trust you. Don't scare them & ruin motorcycling for them. This can be a wonderful bonding experience especially for a couple. Once they are scared you won’t get them back on the bike. Then you will have to hear about it every time you go riding.

12. Buy quality rain gear. Being wet when it's warm is tolerable. Being wet when it's cold is miserable. Once you ride in the rain in nice, warm dry gear you will understand. Leather gets heavy once its wet and soaked socks will make you miserable.

13. Riding 500 miles a day on the interstate is do-able. Riding 500 miles a day in the mountains is impossible. Allow yourself time to "see the sights". Most of the time riding is about enjoying the scenery. It’s about the Journey, not the destination. If you have a deadline, take the car.

14. The larger the group, the longer it takes to get there. Remember to accommodate those that aren’t as experienced as you or those that aren’t familiar with the day’s route.

Most of all you need to remember to have fun and enjoy the ride. This is the reason you bought the bike in the first place right?

Marybeth Sullivan Reasons to Ride Contributing Writer Motorcycle Ohio Rider Coach

As we head into the riding season, I just wanted to share some suggestions from your friendly local motorcycle safety instructor:

Sport Touring Corner

By Norm Kern, MSTA Editor / ReasonsToRide.com Contributor

My Early Riding Days With Dayton Motorcycle Club

I began riding in 1965 around Dayton, Ohio. That summer, I went to my first professional half-mile dirt track race at Lebanon, Ohio. I was mesmerized by the crowd, riders, and excitement. Afterward, when I looked through a discarded program, I wanted to know who had put on this fantastic event, and was surprised to find that the race had been promoted by a club - the Dayton Motorcycle Club (DMC).

the door, all conversation stopped. I was the only one there who had ridden their bike on that awful night; they probably thought I was crazy. Nevertheless, I was welcomed.

There were around fifteen people at the meeting. I quickly learned that DMC, which was founded in 1908, was unlike any club I had ever known. At that time, they had a closed membership with a limit of forty members. If they were at the limit, you had to wait for an opening to join. (Today, membership is open and the club has around sixty-five members.)

Other clubs had pressured me to join, but the DMC guys made it clear that I was welcome as a guest forever and should only join if I wanted to make "the commitment," which is to attend a large percentage of meetings and work at the work parties and club events.

The membership process is lengthy. It takes about seven months, but once you are a permanent member, the cost is minimal- DMC wants your labor, not your money- dues are only $11 per year, same as when I joined in 1967. Why so little? DMC is a promoting club that pays its expenses by charging admission for events.

There were many motorcycle clubs around at the time. The Cardinals was a traditional road riding club that rode together to events and hosted several poker runs each season. They met at a lodge on North Dixie Drive in Dayton.

The Miamisburg Mound Riders met at the old firemen's hut across the Miami River from Miamisburg, Ohio. They rented property off Union Road south of town where they held "scrambles" races, which were a popular style of amateur dirt track racing of the time. I attended their meetings and got to know some members, but I remained curious about the Dayton Motorcycle Club.

One evening, I was going through the motorcycle section of the Yellow Pages in the phone directory and found a listing for the Dayton Motorcycle Club, with its phone number and address. Later, I rode there, going up a steep and rough gravel driveway to get to the clubhouse. It was a block building with no windows, surrounded by a gravel parking lot and a wooded area with dirt trails. No one was around.

I called the phone number a few times with no answer, until one evening, someone picked up and said, "Dayton Motorcycle Club!" I stammered and asked when they had meetings and was told, "We meet every Wednesday, all year round. Come any time," so the next week I went. It was February, with the temperature around freezing. I didn't want to be laughed at, so I rode my bike to the meeting. The members must have heard me pull up outside, as when I came in

The biggest event of the season is the Devil's Staircase Pro Hillclimb at Oregonia, Ohio. 2023 will the 74th running of the event, which draws over 7,000 fans on the second Sunday of October each year. DMC has about eight open practice and beginner/old timer events on the MX track each season as well.

Once you have been a DMC member for twenty years, you become a life member; you no longer pay dues and have no minimum requirement for attendance or working events. DMC currently has about twenty-five life members, including some of the most active. That speaks volumes about the value of DMC membership.

I learned all about enduro riding from fellow members and attended events with them. Other members rode touring bikes and I rode with and took trips with them. When I retired from enduro riding, there were dual-sport riders to ride events with. When I transitioned to sport touring in 2001 and joined Motorcycle Sport Touring Association (MSTA), I picked up a couple of new DMC members that I am still friends and riding with. (I'm still active in DMC, attending most of the meetings and events.)

Connect with local Ohio Motorcycle Sport Touring Association riders at these monthly breakfasts:

Southwest Ohio Breakfast, 9AM, April 15

Village Family Restaurant

144 S. Main St.

Waynesville, OH 45068

Central Ohio Breakfast Meet - Sunday May 7

Arrive at 8 am to eat, 9AM to ride if weather permits

Portside Cafe

6515 S High St

Lockbourne, OH 43137

by attending DMC's " beginner/old timer track days." These events provide an opportunity for kids, older and casual riders to ride the motocross track without being run over by racers. It turned out that many of these riders had a good time and liked the club enough to join.

Other Benefits of Membership

DMC has quite a few member benefits. In addition to the MX track, there is the 4000 square foot clubhouse with paved parking that members can use for parties and other gatherings. The clubhouse/ MX track property is conveniently located not far from US-35 and I-75 within the city limits of Dayton, Ohio. The club also has a shooting range and hunting available for members on its 64 acre Devil's Staircase Hillclimb property just south of Oregonia. This facility includes a camping area along the Little Miami river.

DMC had a great run through the early 2000s, with as many as ninety members in 2004. However, like most membership organizations, the club had challenges getting new members in the past ten years. The younger generation are not "joiners," nor are as many interested in motorcycles. Combine that with the loss of older members who aged out, and they had a shrinking membership.

If you'd like to see what DMC is all about, feel free to attend a meeting any Wednesday night at 8 PM. DMC is located at 3515 Stony Hollow Road, Dayton, Ohio. For more information, visit the website at www. daytonmc.com.

Fortunately, the club recognized the value of its motocross track as a member benefit; members can come up at any time and ride, which attracts younger people and families who learned about the club

Drop a Gear and Disappear on the Backroads of Appalachia!

As we prepare for our biggest motorcycle season yet here at Backroads of Appalachia and the Whitley County Motorcycle Group, we wanted to let everyone know a few important facts about who we are and why we do what we do here.

Backroads of Appalachia is a 501-C3 Non-Profit Organization that strives to deliver economic development to the small forgotten coal towns in Central Appalachia through Motorsports Tourism and other development projects.

The Coal Industry left our region almost 20 years ago, taking our livelihood and local economies. It brought poverty to towns that once flourished as they supplied the United States with our greatest commodity, Black Gold. Us mountain folk then began to realize that while the coal companies might have taken the minerals from our region, the roads they paved to get to the minerals exposed the true diamond in the rough. The roads in the hills and hollers these coal trucks once hauled coal on expose some of the best rides and sites in all of Appalachia. There simply is nowhere that compares to the backroads of Appalachia- and that's why we call ourselves the last great outdoors.

Explore the backroads we call home on our new "Backroads of Appalachia" mobile app that is available on most devices. No matter what bike you ride- we have a trail for you here in Appalachia that is sure to take your breath away. While in our mountains, be sure to explore one of the more than 1,300 "Uniquely Appalachian" points of interest highlighted in our mobile app, including the mom & pop general stores that have served as the backbone of these mountain towns for decades, the hidden waterfalls and gems that us locals treasure, and some of the best country cookin' of your life! Just picture yourself riding down the Dragon Slayer, the trail that started it all; imagine the epic scenery as you ride along the more than 200 twists and curves through the oldest mountains in the world and the highest peak in Kentucky. We understand you have countless options as a riderand while many other destinations are fascinating, nowhere out adventures Appalachia.

So now you must be wondering- Who is the Whitley County Motorcycle Group? In collaboration with Backroads of Appalachia, the Whitley County Motorcycle Group is a group of riders just like yourself. We love our Appalachian region- and we would love to welcome you to the place we call home! So if you are on Facebook, like the Backroads of Appalachia Facebook page and join the Whitley County Motorcycle Group to stay up to date on the rides and events we have planned this year and everything motorcycle that is happening in Appalachia.

We ride over 8 thousand miles each year in the WCMG all for charity and great causes while also helping our region and promoting our amazing trail system and mobile application. Our WCMG Road Crew is made up of local riders here in our region who grew up riding these roads and each year these riders volunteer their time to train on our routes to prepare for our season and upcoming events. Although we are just public riders on public roads we do our best to ensure that everyone who comes to ride our mountains has the best experience possible with safety in mind.

Everyone is welcome to ride with us in the WCMG regardless of what you ride, where you come from, or what other groups you may belong to. We even have one of the fastest growing Lady Rider Groups in the Southeast The mountains are calling- will you answer?

Let’s Ride Appalachia!

BackroadsofAppalachia.org

2 Basic Steps,

2

Many

2A

Folks Forget – STEP 1: STORING YOUR FIREARM FIREARMS

REPORT

By B. Gil Horman, NRA Contributor

So you want to embrace your 2A rights and prepare yourself for what might be a hostile world at times – and you’ve decided to purchase a gun. For many that might be the next step – and for some it’s the only step. But there are two absolutely critical next steps that need to be taken – maybe even considered and finalized before even picking up a firearm. And that is #1 LEARN HOW TO USE IT and #2 HOW ARE YOU GOING TO STORE IT. Both might seem obvious, but it’s absolutely not – and failure to learn how to both store and USE your firearm can be a CATASTROPHIC if not DEADLY MISTAKE.

If you were raised in the 1950s, ’60s, or ’70s, it’s a good bet your childhood was quite different from those of kids today. We drove without car seats or even seat belts, bikes were ridden without helmets, and lead paint was used to brighten our lives. And, if you grew up in a hunting and shooting family like I did, having guns around was just as natural as having kitchen knives, cleaning chemicals, and power tools in the home.

Much as with other potentially dangerous objects found in our household, my siblings and I were raised to follow a strict “Don’t Touch” policy. Don’t touch the hot stove, don’t touch the paint thinner and don’t touch the guns. The “Don’t Touch” policy that worked for us, may not work for you and your family.

The right safe storage solution for everyone is different. Whichever method you choose, it must provide an adequate level of protection to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing the firearms. The determination of what is “adequate protection” is a matter of judgment on the part of the individual gun owner.

So which safe gun-storage system is the best one for your personal needs? It depends on what guns you own, your living situation, and how much money you can afford to invest. A collector will be looking for increased storage capacity. Competitors may need portability for travel to shooting events. Those who keep firearms for home defense will be concerned about speed of access. With so many missions for firearms to fulfill, it’s helpful to take a step back and understand what the various kinds of safe storage devices can—and can’t—do.

The devices available today are designed to provide one or more of the following important storage functions: First, they can prevent unauthorized operation of the firearm. Next, some devices will protect a firearm from physical damage, which also protects the value of the gun. Finally, some devices can act as deterrence against theft. However, as with other forms of technology, the more features a safe storage system provides, the more it tends to cost. The following is a walkthrough of some of the more common storage options available.

1. Trigger Locks are a simple and affordable option for preventing a gun from being loaded or fired by an unauthorized user. Whether they are provided by the manufacturer or the dealer, most new guns are now sold with a trigger lock right in the box. These locks take different forms. A trigger shoe clamps down around the trigger or trigger housing to prevent the trigger from being manipulated. Because these devices come into direct contact with the trigger, they should never be installed on loaded guns.

Cable locks block the action of a firearm, preventing the action of rifles and shotguns from being closed. When used with a semi-automatic pistol, they will also prevent a magazine from being loaded into the grip. For revolvers, the cable is looped through the barrel to prevent the cylinder from closing. If a dedicated gun lock is not available, an ordinary padlock can be used with many guns. Simply slip the hasp of the lock between the back side of the trigger and the trigger guard to prevent the trigger from cycling. Trigger locks are inexpensive (less than $20), or even free through some community programs, and can successfully prevent an unintentional discharge when installed properly. However, they do not offer any physical protection for the firearm or a measurable level of theft deterrence.

2. Gun Cases are readily available at local sporting goods stores in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and material options to fit every kind of commercially available firearm. Case options range from padded fabric sleeves to rugged foam-lined plastic containers, with prices from $10 to $150. The primary role of this kind of affordable carry case is to protect one or more firearms from physical damage.

Most soft and hard-side cases can be “legally” locked for firearm transportation to and from shooting events. A padlock through a soft case’s zipper pull or a hard case’s carry handle can do the trick (check your local regulations). Affordable, portable, and easy to store, locked gun cases represent a common and convenient safe gun storage method, and a big step up from tossing a bare gun into a drawer or closet. A locked carry case will certainly keep small children from handling a firearm, just as a trigger lock will.

However, their usefulness as safe storage devices is limited by the materials from which they are made. The soft fabrics and plastics used in these cases can be quickly defeated by ordinary edged tools. Because gun cases are designed to be light to carry and handle, they can be carted around just as easily by a thief as their lawful owner. Unless they are secured within some other lockable structure, gun cases may be spirited away, along with their contents, to be opened and pilfered at another location.

3. Strong Boxes and Security Cases represent an effort by manufacturers to provide gun owners with the anti-theft and gun-finish protection features of a locking gun cabinet while maintaining the portability of handgun and long-gun carry cases. Pricing for these units varies greatly, anywhere from less than $50 to more than $300, based on the level of technology incorporated into the system. Some of the best storage options for those who want quick-access to defensive firearms are found in this category.

Mounting hardware and cables allow some cases to attach directly to the mounting bracket of your saddle bags, trunk of a car, the wall of a closet, or even the interior of a suitcase when flying with commercial airlines.

4. Locking Steel Gun Cabinets provide an increased level of storage capacity and internal configuration options, when compared to security cases and strong boxes, but they differ from gun safes in several respects. The thinner gauge of steel, a simple locking mechanism, and the absence of fire-resistant insulation keeps these units in the $150 to $450 price range and reduces their weight. Because these cabinets are light enough to be moved safely up and down stairs by just one or two people, they can be employed in locations such as apartment buildings or second-floor rooms, where a gun safe would be too large or heavy to install.

5. Gun Safes represent the most secure gun storage option available to the average gun owner. A basic, no-frills safe is superior to any other storage option discussed so far in preventing unauthorized access to firearms. The dedicated racks and lined interiors will help to protect the finish of the guns and, most importantly, safes are an effective theft deterrent. A gun safe’s weight, the heavy-gauge steel of the outer box, the complex locking mechanism, and the option to bolt the safe directly to a concrete slab, all work together to frustrate the efforts of burglars. Safes not only fulfill the three-fold mission of safe gun storage, they can also provide additional protection against flooding, fires and other disasters. Quality safes are available from American manufacturers, including Cannon, Fort Knox and Liberty Safe.

The purchase of a gun safe represents a significant financial commitment. Just like other high-end consumer products, safes are available with a wide variety of features, all of which affect the bottom line cost of the unit. With prices ranging from $500 to more than $2,500, it’s important to understand which features are important to you. Here are some of the price-changing details to pay attention to:

6. Safe Size: The larger a safe is, the more it costs. So the best way to

save money is to purchase only as much interior safe space as required. However, it’s common for a first-time buyer to underestimate the amount of space he needs, resulting in added expense purchasing another safe down the road.

Here is a rule-of-thumb to help in avoiding the undersized-safe problem. Take a look at all of the items that will be going into the safe once it arrives. There are the guns you have on hand, including related gear like optics, ammunition and magazines. Then tally the guns and gear you plan to buy in the future. Now add to that the non-shooting valuables that will make their way into the safe, including computer hard drives, jewelry, documents and so on. Once a minimum storage requirement is calculated, find a safe that meets those needs, and then buy the model that’s one size larger. That should leave you with enough room to maneuver.

Here are some considerations to keep in mind when selecting a safe: Steel Thickness: The overall toughness of a safe is generally quantified by the thickness of the steel used in its construction. The thicker the material, the more it costs. Steel is gauged using a reverse scale, meaning the smaller the number, is the thicker the metal will be. This means 10-ga. steel is thicker than 11, 12, or 14 gauge. Buyers need to pay attention to the thickness of the steel in the shell and the door, since thicknesses may be different in each of these components.

Fire Rating: Because fires in the home are far more common than we would like them to be, some gun safes are sold with a fire rating. This rating is determined by measuring the internal temperatures maintained within an insulated safe as it is exposed to a range of elevated temperatures over a measured period of time. There is no federal or industry-regulated standard, however, for how such temperature tests are conducted, and there is no minimum standard for what a fire rating should be. So it’s up to the buyer to pay close attention to the numbers quoted by the manufacturers.

For example, the average American house will burn to the ground in approximately 60 minutes without emergency service intervention. Let’s suppose firefighters can arrive on-site within 10 to 15 minutes of a fire being reported. This means the fire will likely be cooling off, or even extinguished, within the 60-minute window. The temperature of a burning house can reach as high as 1,100 to 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit; therefore,

if the contents of a safe can survive an hour or more at 1,300 degrees, it has a solid rating.

Other Features: Many of the remaining features of a gun safe can be considered in the same way as those of an automobile. The fancier the paint job and upholstery are, the higher the cost will be. Electronic locks are faster and easier to use than manual (spin dial) locks, but they can be more expensive. When buying a vehicle, we pay close attention to how the configuration of the interior fits our requirements. With a safe, ensure that the shelves and racks will fit the gun collection properly so as to maximize your storage space. And finally, don’t forget to read the fine print in the warranty. Just like a vehicle, safes are expensive to repair if parts of it become smashed up or worn out.

We have a real advantage today over our gun-owning ancestors when it comes to safe gun storage. Not only has the technology changed and improved in so many ways, there are more options for responsible gun owners to choose from than ever before. No matter what your storage requirements or financial situation may be, there is a safe gun storage method to meet your needs.

Article originally ran on NRAFamily.org, reprinted with permission.

4/01/23 08:00 PM

Hairball

Masonic Cleveland - Temple Live 3615 Euclid Ave. Cleveland 216-881-6350

4/01/23 01:00 PM

Easter Egg Hunt by: Forgotten Ones LE/MC-Gate Keepers Chapter

Fayette County Family YMCA

100 Civic Drive Washington Court House 740-335-0477 dsaunders@faycoymca.org

4/01/23 03:00 PM

Chili Cook off Black Hat

2643 Federated Blvd. Columbus (614) 717-9330

4/02/23 08:00 AM

Cadillac Motorcycle Swap Meet

Wexford Civic Center

1320 North Mitchell St, Cadillac, MI 49601

4/05/23 08:00 PM

SNARKY PUPPY

Masonic Cleveland 3615 Euclid Ave. Cleveland

Garrett Zimmerman216-881-6350

4/08/23 10:00 AM

Rivets and Rhinestones Willow Run Airport

801 Willow Run Airport Ypsilanti Charter Twp. Gill800-800-6034

4/08/23 09:00 AM

Easter Egg-Stravaganza

South East Harley-Davidson

23105 Aurora Road Bedford Heights 440-439-5300 info@southeastharley.com

4/13/23 08:00 AM

The Fools Ride on April Fools Ride ADV Rally Base Camp Richmond kane@appalachianadv.com

4/15/23 05:30 PM

A Night at the Races, Hosted by Akron Bikers for Boobs

Raintree Golf & Event Center 4350 Mayfair Road Uniontown info@akronbfb.com

4/15/23 05:00 PM

Bikes & Battle Buddies: Ride for the Cause - Golden Key Camp

A&M Leather 18957 Middlebelt Road, Romulus, MI 48174 (734) 260-2826 info@foundation14.org

4/15/23 10:30 AM

MONROE AUTO SWAP MEET AND CAR SHOW

Monroe County Fairgrounds

3775 S Custer Rd. Monroe Twp. Tony Jurich

4/15/23 10:00 AM

Blood Drive at South East HarleyDavidson

South East Harley-Davidson

23105 Aurora Road Bedford Heights 440-439-5300 info@southeastharley.com

4/15/23 10:00 AM

New Ways Motorcycle Ministries

Blessing of the Bikes Church Full Gospel Tabernacle

939 Utica Ave. Akron (330) 794-4420

4/16/23 07:00 AM

American Legion Riders Post 4 3rd Annual Blesing of the Bikes

American Legion Post 4 401 N Groesbeck Ave. Mt. Clemens Nick 419-579-4845

4/22/23 07:00 PM

"The Rewind” PYOP Backwards Race Presented by Big 3 Racing Dragway 42 9161 Rainbow Hwy West Salem (419) 853-4242

4/22/23 06:00 PM

Chicken Paprikash Dinner Fundraiser & Raffle

South East Harley-Davidson 23105 Aurora Road Bedford Heights 440-439-5300 info@southeastharley.com

4/22/23 10:00 AM

End Hibernation Run

Route 30 Harley-Davidson

350 Tarhe Trail Upper Sandusky (419) 294-4951

route30hd@gmail.com

4/22/23 12:00 AM

Moto At The Mall (Custom Bike Show)

Johnny K's/Midway Mall

3000 Midway Mall, Elyria, OH 44035 216-433-9011

4/22/23 12:00 PM

ALR 703 2023 Blessing of the Bikes

American Legion Post 703 7667 York Rd. Parma, OH 44130

4/23/23 10:00 AM

First Annual Blessing Of The Bikes AMVETS Post #1978

1117 E Bertrand Road Niles information586-567-8964

4/23/23 12:00 PM

Redneckside Motorcycle Whips 1 Year Anniversary Celebration Event Redneckside Motorcycle Whips 145 S Lundy Ave. Salem (234) 341-0090

rednecksidemotorcyclewhips@gmail. com

4/25/23 09:00 AM

Bair's Indian Motorcycle Demo Days! Bair's Powersports 4617 Emmett Boyd Circle NW North Canton 330-966-2247

jeana@bairspowersports.com

4/28/23 06:30 PM

Spring Fashion Show

South East Harley-Davidson 23105 Aurora Road Bedford Heights 440-439-5300

info@southeastharley.com

4/29/23 09:00 AM

Defrost Run & Blessing of The BIkes Ypsilanti Eagles 2935 Holmes Road Ypsilanti 269-683-8558

4/29/23 10:00 AM

TENT EVENT

South East Harley-Davidson

23105 Aurora Road Bedford Heights 440-439-5300

info@southeastharley.com

4/30/23 01:00 PM

Bike Blessing

Christ Lutheran Church

3545 Amherst Ave. NW Massillon (330) 832-8934

Christmassillon@gmail.com

4/30/23 07:00 AM

Motorcycle Track Day

Nelson Ledges Road Course

1342 State Route 305 Garrettsville (330) 977-0111

info@nelsonledges.com

5/06/23 11:00 AM

Abate Motorcycle Awareness Run

Veterans Hall

2460 Blazer Road, Maybee, MI 48159 eagleriders2250@gmail.com

5/06/23 12:00 PM

O.R.R./Motoboutique Spring Opener, 2 Year Anniversary, & Group Ride

Moto Boutique

1800 Georgesville Square Dr. Suite 1 Columbus

614-756-0302 motoboutiqueoh@gmail.com

5/06/23 09:30 AM

MONROE ANTIQUE BICYCLE SHOW AND SWAP MEET

Monroe County Fairgrounds

3775 S Custer Rd. Monroe Twp. Lady T313-290-3802

5/07/23 09:00 AM

Biker to Biker Motorcycle Swap Meet

Clinton County Fairgrounds

958 W Main St, Wilmington

Terri & Dan(513) 235-1998bikertobikercincy@gmail.com

5/07/23 08:00 AM

Metro Detroit AMCA 6th annual motorcycle swap meet

Eastern Michigan State Fair 195 Midway Street Imlay City Nick419-579-4845 monroebikeshow@hotmail.com

5/07/23 09:00 AM

6th Annual AMCA Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet

Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds

751 S. Almont Ave, Imlay City, MI 48444 metrodetroitamca@gmail.com

5/07/23 09:00 AM

Biker To Biker Swapmeet Clinton County Fairgrounds 958 West Main St. Wilmington, OH 45177

513-235-1998 bikertobikercincy@gmail.com

22nd Annual Blessing of the Bikes Shawnee UMC 2600 Zurmehly Rd. Lima, OH 45806

5/13/23

Monster Truck Throwdown Dragway 42 9161 Rainbow Hwy West Salem (419) 853-4242

5/13/23 07:30 AM

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Spring Bike Night

AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame 13515 Yarmouth Drive Pickerington crank4acause@gmail.com

5/13/23 05:00 PM

FLAT TRACK RACING at Owosso Motorsports Park Owosso Motorsports Park 2504 W M21, Owosso, MI 48867 (614) 856-2222 info@motorcyclemuseum.org

5/13/23 09:00 AM

1st Annual Blessing of the Bikes Fraternal Order of Eagles 1403 433 E. Court St. Sidney Douglas Carson937-492-8333 Sidneyeagles1403@outlook.com

5/13/23 10:00 AM

2nd Annual Biker Blessing / Family Fun Day hosted by Tavern 62, the Purple Door Church, & OSHR Purple Door Church

2684 Columbus St. Grove City 614-875-5612

brandib@gcumc.org

5/13/23 03:00 PM

Midland Mothers Day Swap Meet & Bike Show

Midland County Fairgrounds 6905 Eastman Ave. Midland 810-691-5781

owossomotorsportspark@gmail.com

5/14/23 10:00 AM

Bike Run plus Blessing of the Bikes Bay City Moose Lodge 2574 N. Euclid Ave. Bay City (989) 697-5525 bubba@bubbastricitycycle.com

5/16/23 10:30 AM

ECH-D BIKE NIGHT: LOUDEST PIPES CONTEST 2023

Electric City Harley-Davidson 1534 Scranton Carbondale Hwy. Scranton 989-671-2800

lodge169@mooseunits.org

5/18/23 06:00 PM

Downriver Iron Mustangs 2023 Opener UP DAY Young Patriots Park 14300 Library Drive Riverview (570) 483-0883

electriccity@hannumshd.com

RECIPES

Italian Sausage, Onions, and Gnocchi in Herbed Brown Butter

Serves

4 (or 2 hungry bikers)

1lb premade gnocchi

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

5 tbsp butter

1 onion, sliced

1 tbsp basil, minced

1 tbsp parsley, minced

1 tbsp garlic, minced

½ parmesan cheese

Cook Gnocchi in boiling salted water until the float, drain

In a skillet, brown the sausage, drain, remove from pan

In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and sauté the onion until tender, remove them and add them to the sausage

Add the remaining butter over medium heat, add garlic and cook gently until butter has browned then stir in the herbs

Add in the gnocchi, sausage and onions, over very low heat, mix well until warmed through and serve with parmesan cheese on top

1 hollow chocolate bunny

2 fresh strawberries

1 1/2 ounces vanilla vodka

1/2 ounce Baileys Irish cream

1/2 ounce heavy cream

1/4 ounce simple syrup

Garnish: chocolate shavings

• Gently remove the ears from the chocolate bunny and set aside.

• In a mixing tin, muddle the strawberries.

• Add the vanilla vodka, Irish cream, heavy cream, simple syrup and ice, and shake until well-chilled.

• Strain into the chocolate bunny.

• Garnish with shavings from the amputated ears.

Have a recipe that you’d like to share? Write it all down and send with a picture – to ReasonsToRide@gmail.com Put RECIPE in the subject line. If we use it, we’ll send you copies of the magazines and a RTR T-Shirt – so include your address and t-shirt size as well! Thanks!

Nana’s Brats w/Taters and Kraut

Serve 3-4 (or 2 hungry bikers)

3 tbsp butter

1 granny smith apple, slivered

2 onions, slivered divided in half

2 cup sauerkraut, bagged-not canned

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup brown beer

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp caraway seed

6 bratwurst

3 slice bacon

2 tbsp butter

4 potatoes, sliced about 1/4" thick

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 tsp brown sugar

1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette

Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat

Add in the apples and onions and allow to cook until they are beginning to caramelized and tender, stir often - do NOT burn

Take you sauerkraut and rinse it very, very well then add it to the pan with the apples and onions.

Sprinkle the brown sugar over everything and toss well Reduce heat to low and add the beer, black pepper and caraway seeds

Cover and allow to cook mixture over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's golden brown color.

When everything is soft and begun to caramelized, remove from heat and set aside

In a separate pan crisp up your bacon, remove to paper towel to drain but keep the grease in the pan

Add in your brats and brown on all side, remove to paper towel to drain

Add in the remaining butter and onions and cook until they begin to get soft

Add in sliced potatoes, salt and pepper and cook stir well for about 15 minutes

Add in the brown sugar balsamic vinegar, stir well to get all the brown bits off the bottom, cover and allow to cook another 10 minutes

Finally add the sauerkraut mixture to the potatoes and stir well over a medium heat to warm everything evenly

Add in the brats, cover and allow to heat through for about 10 minutes

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MONTHLY WINNER: Kory Manausa

SPONSOR DIRECTORY

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