Reasons to Ride Great Lakes July 2023

FROM THE TEAM

Here we are in the midst of Summer and there are hundreds of rides, rallies, bike nights, and other motorcycle events for us to attend – almost every week. In addition, there are hundreds of just cool ride stops that are worth making the trip to – regardless of any special occasion or event that might be happening. They are just cool places to visit and experience. So how do you decide what events to support or stops to hit?

We also like to support the grass roots organizations as much as we can – both as a business and as riders. Every week there are charitable rides and other events organized and hosted by groups of volunteers. Even some of the largest events of the year are hosted by folks that are simply working to support a cause they believe in. Veterans organizations, Eagles, Moose Riders, and of course ABATE host countless events that they don’t personally benefit from – other than a fun time and feeling of gratification earned from serving and supporting others. We greatly appreciate those efforts and believe that’s what makes the riding community what it is. Then there are the rallies and big events – many of which are certainly hosted by “for-profit” organizations, but are still worth supporting if they are done right. For instance, Ohio Bike Week (OhioBikeWeek.com) – the largest motorcycle event in the Midwest – just had a record breaking year… it was an amazing party, if you weren’t there. This entire rally is hosted by great folks that throw a giant party every year, and there’s always so many places to go and things to do – without spending a dime, if you don’t want to. The major concerts are always free to attend and there’s no cover charge to walk / ride the streets and experience the rally. Of course, the hope is that you’re going to spend money with the vendors or possibly support the rally by purchasing a t-shirt or possibly VIP Badges. It’s a cool business model, that if well done, delivers a great experience for riders. And in our humble opinion, nobody does it better than Ohio Bike Week on such a scale.

There are also the weekend party rallies – some of which are hosted by iconic businesses such as Easyriders (easyridersevents.com) or local promoters such as this month’s Steel Saddles Rally in Fostoria, Michigan (steelsaddlestr.com). These rallies are fun parties and a chance to escape the routine while hanging with brothers and sisters of the open road. There’s a cover charge, but in most cases the wristband also includes camping privileges and plenty of entertainment.

If you’ve never been to such a rally or it’s been years since – we’d encourage you to get out and take part, while you still can. The legendary EASYRIDER RODEOS, Boogie in Indiana, HAZEN in PA, and countless other weekend parties are life changing experiences for many – and not due to craziness or over the top shinanigans everyone talks about for years afterwards. It’s the underlying theme of brotherhood that allows that stuff to happen. And if you just want to focus on the riding – and not into the “partying” – there are rallies for that as well, such as the FlyBy Rally (FlyByWeek.com) held in Southern Ohio every year.

It’s what draws us all to ride together in support of total strangers or a cause that we believe in. It’s what draws us together to bike nights and rallies – and yes, some are even “sleep-overs”.

So – pick the rides and events that you want to support or attend. Let loose and attend a party or two – just be safe (pack the sleeping bag if that’s allowed).

But most importantly, GET OUT AND RIDE. Don’t let the summer and another riding season pass you by without getting out and riding with some total strangers that are destined to become brothers and sisters. RIDE WORTHY!

The RTR Crew

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

The iconic Easyriders Rodeo’s return to Fowlerville, MI and Bloomville, OH for old school biker craziness and good times! Don’t miss out on these legendary events!

Kayla, RtR Iron Angels, poses on Jeff Kurtz’s award winning HarleyDavidson Road King. Bike built by Crazy Boar Cycles (CrazyBoars.com) in Ravenna Ohio.

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

MOTORCYCLE MINISTRIES

MARY GILBERT, CMA STATE COORDINATOR

What price Freedom….

“What joy for the nation whose God is the LORD, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance.13 The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.14 From his throne he observes all who live on the earth.15 He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.16 The best-equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior.17 Don’t count on your warhorse to give you victory— for all its strength, it cannot save you.18 But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.” Psalm 33:12-22

I wonder how many read this Psalm before going into battle. It would be quite the reassuring poem, (Psalms is a book of the Bible that is filled with poems), for anyone, don’t you think? Some say war is a necessity, it’s inevitable because most often it begins with just two people. Usually over something prideful, but always something that can be worked out if time was taken to resolve whatever issue was at hand. Big wars are usually over land. ‘I want it…’ ‘You can’t have it, it’s mine!’ ‘Then I will take it!’ And it’s on…crazy, isn’t it? But if you look back and even at the present, it’s all over the land. England didn’t even want this country until they saw how good it was. Then, when the people wanted to break free of the Royals it was on! Paul Revere and all!

And the rest is History…

Lots of people died for the cause of freedom. They still are. Lives are given every day for it, yet it is taken so much for granted that many don’t even notice. I see people not standing when the flag is in parade mode or when we sing the National Anthem, many do not put their hand on their heart, but shout to the rooftops when they feel a right has been violated. Wonder how they think those inalienable rights were formed? But that is not what I want to be the takeaway today…

There’s one who died for the freedom of all. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for the whole world! You see the freedom we know as rights and privileges are not truly real freedom. These things

allow us the freedom to choose what we want to do, freedom to express ourselves, freedom to bear arms, freedom to worship the way we want, but all of those still come with some strings attached. True freedom isn’t really any of these things. True freedom comes from a heart that has been cleansed, purified, and set free from every care and burden that ever beset it. True freedom comes when we can hold up our head because we have allowed the One Who made freedom from sin and shame possible into our hearts and have a relationship with us. That is true freedom and many a man and woman who have seen the woes of the battlefield can tell you that while there, they met the One Who saw them through and still sees them through today.

This is true freedom and the only place it can be won is in the heart. Jesus ‘n’ ME along with many of our Brothers and Sisters are here to show you how to let that freedom reign at any time you are ready to stop fighting the battles alone. And that’s the real takeaway today.

Keep the flag flying and your eyes looking up…He hasn’t lost a battle yet and is always on the ready to help you with yours! Until we meet again…Mary G.

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

RIDING w BRENDAN

OHIO BIKE WEEK – The MIDWEST’S MOTORCYCLE RALLY

Tattoo Party, Sound Competition, Jesse James, Bike Show, Warrant, and so much more…

OH!! (rest of the crowd) HIO!!! This was a new cheer to this Michigander’s ears, but that’s what time of year it was! THE largest motorcycle event in the mid-west! Ohio Bike Week!

With the amount of fun I had in 2002 I was anxiously awaiting this year’s event. Low and behold this year BLEW away last year’s, not only was it more fun, Reasons to Ride Ohio hosted more events. 2023 Ohio Bike Week shattered records for attendance! More people came to Ohio for this event than attended Daytona this year!!!! That’s incredible if you think about it.

The day came and I eagerly packed up the bike and headed south to Sandusky and the familiar Crystal Rock Campground. The weather was perfect for the ride, one of those days where you just chill and cruise your way without a hurry or a care in the world. Upon arrival to the campground I quickly checked in and made my way to the cabin to unpack the bike. Reasons to Ride was hosting our Tattoo Show at the incredible Barrel House Saloon on the shores of Lake Eerie. This is by far one of, if not my favorite venue at OBW. The bands, the crowds and the atmosphere are unlike any I’ve experienced before. Just a real solid place. We were set up and ready to go for the event.

The Tattoo Show went of without a hitch and featured some bad ass works of art from some great artists across the midwest! The judges had a tough night with any of the entries being able to win best in show! With the voting done, the awards given out with all the pomp and circumstance the event deserved we called it a night

Brendan Farren, RTR Contributor

and headed to the respite of our beds. In the morning we had a first for Reasons to Ride, an event that is growing in popularity a Motorcycle Audio Competition, being held at Mad River Harley which is OBW Headquarters. Having had a serious (serious to me) upgrade in the system on my bike I was excited to see what others had done to theirs. Knowing that Reasons to Ride encourages all bikes to enter for the mere fun and experience of these friendly competitions I was eager to enter my motorcycle. I couldn’t wait for morning and headed to Mad River to take my ride to see the guys at the Sinister Sounds tent. I had bought the Sinister Sounds Crazy 8s set up and did the install myself. Sinister did a great job making

it easy for the average person to install. That said I was entering the inaugural RTR Audio Competition so I wanted the factory boys to look it over and be sure it was at peak performance. While Jim and the rest of the guys from Sinister Sounds looked over my stuff I wandered over to find the Reasons to Ride crew the massive increase in attendance was already apparent. This was the first morning of the first weekend of the event There was an entire week of fun and festivities to come!! This was going to be big I could tell. I found Dave, Derek and Jen from the Ohio crew and started setting up while laughing about the year before and loosely making a game plan for the competition. RTR had lined up a couple of seasoned pros to not only judge the event but also to ensure it ran smoothly since they had done this several dozen times. With more and more entries entering by the minute I hurried over to see how my bike was coming along. Jim said they tweaked the amp a little and gave me the ins and outs of my system. Like the great guys they are he provided me with a usb with roughly 40 songs on it I could use for the competition. I made my way back and registered. So to my surprise while registering I learned that my Sinister Sounds set up was JUST enough to put me into the welterweight division with some really decked out, heavy hitting bikes. So while I knew I could finish near or at the top of the division I THOUGHT I would be in I had no idea what to expect at welterweight. The competition pitted bikes side by side with two minutes to strut their stuff then evaluated by the panel of three judges. As I watched the bikes go through the classes I quickly realized I was in for a big ole ass whipping from the other competitors. My bike with four speakers was put into a division that allowed up to ten per bike. Now I am not complaining, per the rules having enclosed subs like I did automatically placed me there fair and square and I have zero complaints about my set-up but these guys had $7k-$20k into the bikes

Fast forward to Thursday and the beginning of the Block Party at Jackson Street Pier.

The beginning of the party was, as always the Jesse James Dupree ride which concluded right at the pier and had easily a couple hundred riders. The vendors were in full swing and the party started. Thursday afternoon I reached out to an old friend I had met from the year prior and asked if she had plans. As it turned out she was free. We met at the Barrel House Saloon, caught up on everything that had happened over the past year and shared some good laughs. Jen wanted to show me her neighborhood bar, I agreed so off we went to the Knucklehead Saloon. Jen is a good soul she likes people so I wasn’t surprised when the bartender had her drink ready and the people knew her by name, the little watering hole lit up when she came in.

I headed back to the pier after and Thursday night concluded with Saliva and Jackyl rocking the main stage.

and systems that’s a vastly different level. The front runner was a blue tricked out Street Glide with a guy named Eli at the helm. The second he had his volume at I’d say a two I knew I had to concede, I had nothing for him. Eli and his Street Glide took home the big prize after eliminating the others but it was admittedly closer than I expected between the last two standing. The first RTR Audio Competition was a resounding success.

Friday I got to meet the “new to me” girls from RTR Ohio Paige and Kayla. In less than a minute I knew I would get along well with these two. Great, great girls very cool to have them on the team. Friday was Twisted Tea Ride day with Billy G. This ride hits the Mickey Moose Stations around Sandusky and concludes at a larger station with free Twisted Tea and a fun burn out competition. Leading the way as always, Billy on his yellow Twisted Tea Bagger Street Glide.If you have never met Billy he is really laid back, friendly and always up to talk about bikes. Fun, camaraderie cumulating with smokey burn outs. The end of this ride brought a familiar face from the past, my dear gal pal Chelsea showed up and would hang the rest of the weekend with me. We were like peas and carrots (Forest Gump voice). It was definitely fun to hang with her again after not seeing her for over a year. Wandering the town I came across the best discovery ever and one I definitely was missing a coffee shop. Saucy Brew Works Coffee is a great local coffee shop close to the Barrel House perfect to grab a cup of Joe to keep the day moving. Book mark that for next year. I got back in time for me and Chelsea to catch the Sponge and Everclear shows on the main stage. I caught up with the guys from sponge after their set out in the perch tent and shot the shit with them since they are all from Michigan’s Greater Detroit Area we had a lot to chat about and they were all willing to give up their time to bullshit with little ole me for a bit which made think even higher of them than before very cool of them. Saturday was here and it was go time for the biggest RTR event of the week, the RTR Championship Series Bike Show! Bikers that had pre-registered were pouring in early and often all signs pointed to this being a big deal and that turned out to be true. The Family Health Services first aid/resting center was next to us and I had been chatting with the incredible Cora that was there for a couple day already who has a life that eerily mimicked my own but that’s neither here nor there. I wanted to tell her we may need some space for overfill bikes because of the sheer numbers that were coming in to register. Of course she was incredibly accommodating and welcomed it. As show day progressed the crowds grew and all in all I think close to a hundred bikes entered the show. We held impromptu audio competition giving away some money based on crowd applause. Low and behold a certain blue Street Glide seemed to get the lions share. The Show was a sight to behold with everything from Sugar Bear front end choppers to super tricked out viclas with the big front wheel glides in between. The show concluded and Quiet Riot and Warrant finished off the main stage shows. The crew went and had a drink together and knew we had just experienced one for the record books and had part in why this was bigger than Daytona. If you haven’t yet checked out OBW do yourself a favor and be at Mad River Harley and Jackson Street Pier for 2024 event. Tell em I sent ya. Until next time….

RTR CHAMPIONSHIP BIKE SHOW SERIES July 2023 UPDATE!

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.

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.

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.

REBEL ROAD! 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,

FINK’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON BIKE SHOW

FINK’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON, ZANESVILLE OH

– SATURDAY, AUGUST 5TH

Fink’s Harley-Davidson hosts the 4th Edition of their RTR Championship Bike Show – and every one of the shows has been a hit! Each year there have been a number of unique garage and pro custom builds – as well as classic vintage bikes. One of last year’s winners came all the way from St. Louis!

Each year, Fink’s presents live music along with food vendors for exhibitors and guests to enjoy!

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

IRON PONY BIKE SHOW

Iron Pony Powersports, Westerville OH – Saturday, August 19th

The RTR Championship Bike Show Series returns to IRON PONY MOTORSPORTS – Central Ohio’s Motorcycle SUPERSTORE for the 6th Edition of the Iron Pony Custom & Classics Bike Show. Over the years this show has brought out a great mix of unique and seldom seen bikes from across the state – and even West Virginia and Indiana. The show also features a variety of vintage bikes – metric and domestic, and usually a few racers as well! And don’t miss the RIDE FOR RHINOS – held the next day!

ARSENAL BIKE SHOW

Arsenal Harley-Davidson, Waterford Michigan - Saturday, 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!

13th ANNUAL GENEVA THUNDER ZONE

Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio – Saturday, September 9th

Our LONGEST RUNNING show, produced by the Iron Cowboy Crew – is this annual celebration of Iron and Creativity overlooking Lake Erie. Each year we add something new and each year the show GROWS! Last year we awarded the THUNDER ZONE CHAMPIONSHIP BELT – and it returns again this year! But who will take it home? The competition is ALWAYS steep as well over 100 vintage and custom show bikes on display at one of the largest ride-in bike shows anywhere.

These are just a few that we’ve already locked down, but we have A LOT more in the works! Make sure that you’re following us on Facebook ( www.Facebook.com/ReasonsToRide) for updates as they are announced. *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

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

THE RALLY RUN-DOWN

A run down of recommended motorcycle rallies and multi-day events.

STEEL SADDLES THUNDER RALLY

July 14 – 16, 2023 Fostoria, MI

SteelSaddlesTR.com

Six of Southeast Michigan’s most active motorcycle promoters have teamed up to present a unique, old school motorcycle rally with camping, bar stool races, rodeo games, vendors, and national headliners including SPONGE, TANTRIC, and Rally Favorite – JASMINE CAIN!

REBEL ROAD RALLY

July 19 – 23, 2023 Muskegon, MI

RebelRoad.org

Michigan’s BIGGEST BIKER BASH is held every year in Muskegon overlooking Lake Michigan. This is an AWESOME community driven motorcycle rally that benefits the regional child abuse council – supporting kids in need! You couldn’t ask for a better cause – or a more dedicated group of folks to support! Reasons To Ride is proud to be a supporting partner and a part of this rally – not only helping to promote it, but also hosting the Rebel Road Bike Show this year! Be sure to check out their Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/ RebelRoad) for more information and updates on parties leading up to the Rally as well.

EASYRIDERS RODEOFowlerville

August 18 – 23, 2023 Fowlerville, MI

EasyriderEvents.com

The legendary Easyriders Rodeo’s are the essential biker bash – and while they aren’t for everyone, they are certainly the definition of old school biker bash for most. National headliners, barstool races, rodeo games, and biker shenanigans fill out a weekend that demands you camp there to fully experience things. It’s just you and 5,000 of your “soon-to-be” closest biker buddies!

EASYRIDERS RODEOBloomville

August 31 – Sept. 4, 2023 Cole Farms, Bloomville OH

EasyriderEvents.com

The legendary Easyriders Rodeo in Chillicothe was forced to find a new home in the midst of the COVID pandemic and ensuing craziness. So last year it landed in Bloomville, Ohio and the Easyriders folks did an AMAZING job of recreating what just might have been the most shamelessly copied event in the motorcycle world. Folks that weren’t there and the old school guys that hate change may bemoan me saying this –but in many ways, we like the new location even better than “Chilli”.

So, Labor Day weekend – you once again have a chance to come and party with “10,000 Brothers and Sisters” that you may have never met before, with Creed Fisher, Moonshine Bandits, and Tantric on stage… rodeo games running on the field, and the traditional craziness in the camping area.

BIKES ON THE BRICKS

September 7-10, 2023 Flint MI

BikesOnTheBricks.com

Since 2007, this annual event has been held the weekend after Labor Day on the brick streets of downtown Flint MI. Over the years, B-o-B has evolved into a unique rally centered around a police motorcycle skills competition that draws competitors from across the country and beyond. It’s really a celebration of both bikes and riding – that welcomes enthusiasts of all ages.

Sport Touring Corner

By Norm Kern, MSTA Editor / ReasonsToRide.com Contributor

While there are no large organized group rides, you can ride solo, with friends in small groups or use our "Find Riding Partners" forms. Here's how it works:

1. Circle your riding choices on the formit takes less than a minute. Add your preferred contact information at the bottom. Leave your form on the stack of completed forms at registration for others to view.

2. Browse other riders' forms and use your phone to take pictures of the ones you want to connect with for easy reference.

3. Connect- Call, text or email others you're interested in riding with.

Motorcycle Sport Touring

Association's largest regional rally returns to Marietta, Ohio, Monday, August 21 - Sunday, August 27, offering outstanding sport touring routes, scenery, fine dining, and social time in a location that is easy to get to from any direction. Lasting a full week, attendees are free to come as early or late as they wish, staying for a few days or the whole week.

Every day is a riding day, with social time in the evenings. Most attendees arrive on Thursday, ride for two days and go home on Sunday. Saturday is the biggest riding day, so if you only come for the weekend, you'll still have a good time. If you come early, MondayWednesday, you will find a relaxed, small rally atmosphere where it's easier to meet and get to know people.

Expect the parking lot to be empty during the dayEveryone will be out riding the twisty roads of southeast Ohio and West Virginia. There are about three dozen routes this year- more than twenty-five road and nine adventure routes to choose from but you can create your own, go sightseeing or whatever strikes your fancy.

What's new for 2023

Hotels- Comfort Suites Marietta did a great job for us last year. It's an all-suite facility, and each room has a full-size pull-out sofa and includes a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker and flat screen TV. Free full, hot breakfast buffet each morning. Free on-site guest laundry, heated saltwater pool and hot tub are open 24/7.

Camping: Multiple options are available nearby.

Outdoor Lounge: WednesdaySaturday, our trademark "Outdoor Lounge" will be located behind the hotel. We'll have plenty of chairs and pop-up shelters with tables so you can relax with friends.

Dining: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday features Dinner Tours to nice restaurants in downtown Marietta. We carpool and use a trolley bus to get everyone there and back so you don't have to gear up and ride your bike to enjoy a good dinner or adult beverage. There are no included meals for 2023, as many attendees prefer to ride long routes on the weekend and would rather catch a bite to eat on the fly. A food truck will be available in the hotel parking lot Wednesday, Friday and Saturday so you can get dinner and enjoy it at the outdoor lounge with friends.

Saturday Night Closing Ceremony-

FlyBy Week's closing ceremony will feature door prizes from Lemon & Barrett's Motorsports of Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Extras

T-Shirts are available for 2023, featuring a new logo by Chris Parker of Roadwolf Design.

Free Therapeutic Massage- LMT AnneMarie La France of Morganton, North Carolina, will be on hand Thursday-Saturday to provide free thirty minute mini-massages and full paid sessions.

Bike Wash-. MSTA member and detailing expert Jeremy Riffle, owner of Vehicle Enhancements, Inc. of Dayton, OH, will be on hand to answer your questions about cleaning and finish protection for your bike. He will have a Muc-Off power washer that's designed specifically for motorcycles, plus water hoses, soap, towels, blow dryer, cleaning and detailing supplies. All materials and assistance will be free, fast and fun!

Full info and registration- visit https://flybyweek.com or contact event coordinator Norm Kern at nkern@kernvideo.com. Event registration: https://reg.planetreg.com/flybyweek2023

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

Southwest Ohio Breakfast, 9AM, June 17

Village Family Restaurant

144 S. Main St. Waynesville, OH 45068

Central Ohio Breakfast Meet - Sunday July 2

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

6515 S High St Lockbourne, OH 43137

Backroads of Appalachia! - Reasons to Ride Partner

Have you downloaded our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application yet sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture? With over 4500 miles of “Appalachian Awesomeness” across the Central Appalachian Region we do not have just one state to ride and enjoy in our mobile application, we have 4 states and growing and our app is completely free!! How is all of that free for everyone to enjoy you ask? Well that answer is simple and what makes us here at the Whitley County Motorcycle Group and BOA different then anything else out there.

Backroads of Appalachia is a Non-Profit organization funded by state operating budget, federal grant, and private donation but the most important part of our organization is that we are truly Community based. From our volunteers who work hard on what we do here everyday on each project and event, to our media and publication partners, to our welcome centers, which provide a second chance for those in addiction recovery, to you the rider, everyone is part of who we are and what we do here. When you come here to ride here the money you spend in these small towns across Appalachia and the input you provide us on our trail routes and offerings helps us continue to improve what we have for all others that come here to enjoy. This community based effort is helping our region prosper again after years of lack of industry and economy. We are truly “Patches with a Purpose” here at the Whitley County Motorcycle Group, the Motorcycle side of Backroads of Appalachia, and all are welcome to join us and be part of our mission. We have everything you are looking for as a rider right here in Central Appalachia covering multiple states including KY, WV, VA, and TN and it’s all GPS-Enabled!

From Pavement to Adventure Touring to Off-Road all in an easy to use application built by riders for riders. Join our WCMG public Facebook group today to stay up to date on “All things Motorcycle” here in Appalachia or catch one of our Backroads of Appalachia Live! Shows each week every Wednesday at 6:30PM. You can also find our motorcycle events in our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application Calendar, on our group page, on our website by visiting www. backroadsofappalachia.org/events, and also by visiting our media partner at www.cyclefish.com.

So what are you waiting for? Become part of something bigger and come see us right here on the Backroads of Appalachia this year and discover what other riders who have visited us here already know, there is simply no better riding anywhere in the U.S.! All without the traffic, overdevelopment, and high cost of travel. Have you taken “The Road Less Traveled”?

Let’s Ride Appalachia!

Jay Fryman Founder, Whitley County Motorcycle Group Board of Directors, Backroads of Appalachia Backroads of Appalachia Journalism Team BackroadsofAppalachia.com

FIREARMS REPORT

by Rob Morse, NRA Instructor

Where are you safe? Home? Work? While driving? Are you armed?

Our homes, our place of work, and our car feel safe today because nothing happened there yesterday. These honest citizens were prepared even where they thought they were our of danger. Again in recent weeks, these honest gun owners saved their lives and the lives of others.

The longer discussion of what we might want to do is on the Self Defense Gun Stories webpage (www. SelfDefenseGunStories.com) which I host.. For now, here are the stories and the links to the original news sources. How will you protect the people you love?

Ann Arbor, Michigan: elderly man at home

You are a 77-year-old man at home on a Wednesday evening. It is 6 p.m. when you hear the sound of breaking glass and the sound of someone moving around your home. You’re armed. You walk toward the noise. You see someone standing in the center of your kitchen and you shout for him to stop.

The intruder moves toward you. You present your firearm and shoot your intruder until he turns away. The intruder runs back toward the kitchen window the way he entered your home. He leaves headfirst.

Edinburg, Texas: mom with children at home

You are a mom at home with your children on Tuesday evening. It is about 9 p.m. when you hear someone break into your home through the garage. You gather your children with you in your bedroom and you lock the bedroom door. You grab your gun and your phone. You call 911 and ask for help.

The intruder tries to get into your bedroom. You shout that you’re armed. You tell him that you’ve called the police. The intruder bangs against your door again and you shoot your door near the doorknob. Now your intruder runs away.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

We are providing this content for consideration and discussion purposes. We STRONGLY believe that NOT EVERYONE should carry a firearm – and if so, should ONLY be done when legally able and with proper training. Firearms MUST also be properly and securely stored when not carrying. This isn’t just a legal disclaimer – this is common sense, we believe.

You stay on the call with the police dispatcher. You put your gun away when the police arrive. The news stories aren’t clear how the police entered your home. You give the officers a brief statement. The police find your attacker about a hundred yards away from your home with a gunshot wound on his left arm.

Your attacker is taken to jail and booked on charges of burglary of a habitation. His bond is set at $750,000. Later, you saw his mugshot in the news from a prior arrest. His head and neck are covered in tattoos.

You are not charged with a crime, and your children are uninjured.

You call 911 and ask for the police. You put your firearm away when the police arrive. You give the officers a brief statement and show them what happened. They find a bullet hole in the kitchen wall. You missed your attacker even though he was only 5 yards away from you.

You are not charged with a crime.

New Orleans, Louisiana: store employee at work

You are working behind the counter at a Dollar General store. A man comes up to the cash register. You scan the item and the man argues about the price. He tells you to come outside and he’ll beat you up. You stay inside the store. The customer walks to the door and then turns around with a gun in his hand. He points his gun at you.

You’re armed, too. You present your firearm and shoot your attacker in the chest. He runs outside. He crawls into his car and drives away. You stay at the scene and call 911. You give the police a brief statement, and other witnesses tell the police what happened as well.

Your attacker crashed his car on the way to the hospital. Another driver delivered him to the emergency room. Your attacker was in critical condition for several days. He says he doesn’t remember being shot.

Your attacker was taken from the hospital and charged with aggravated assault with a gun and possession of a gun by a convicted felon. He is held on a $95,000 bond.

You are not charged.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: young woman on the road

You are a 27-year-old woman. You’re driving through downtown traffic on a Wednesday. It is about 5:30 when a stranger runs up to the passenger side of your car. He smashes the passenger-side rear window with a crowbar.

You’re armed. You shoot your attacker. He runs back to his car and drives off. You drive to your relatives' house nearby. Now you feel safe enough to call the police. You show the police your identification and your carry permit. You show them the crowbar in the back seat of your car. The police find one shell casing from your firearm inside your car. You give the police a brief statement that describes what happened.

Police find your attacker at a nearby intersection. The woman who was driving with him ran from the scene. EMTs take your attacker to a nearby hospital with a single gunshot wound to the groin.

You are not charged with a crime

Crime can happen anywhere and at any time. Please protect yourself and the people you love.

What can you do now to be safer later?

Rob Morse writes about gun rights at Ammoland, at Clash Daily, at Second Call Defense, and on his SlowFacts blog. He hosts the Self Defense Gun Stories Podcast and co-hosts the Polite Society Podcast. Rob was an NRA pistol instructor and combat handgun competitor. Republished with permission.

Matt’s Cholo Build: Part 1

Jim Shibley, RTR Road Rep & Contributor

7/03/23 09:00 AM

Independence Eve Explosion

Kuhnle Motorsports Park

8233 Sidley Road, Thompson Oh dawnkgmedia@earthlink.net

7/08/23 12:00 PM

Bike Show & Bike Audio

Competition

El Jalapeño

5125 Youngstown Warren Rd, Niles 330-974-2341

davidpetrilla834@yahoo.com

7/08/23 12:00 PM

Ohio Valley Thunder Rally

Renaissance Park Event Center 10542 OH-73 Waynesville

Mike Schmitz937-478-6330

mjschmitz@ramprecision.com

7/08/23 10:00 AM

Shawn Alan Ketchum Jr Memorial

Poker Run

John & Helen's

28897 US-30 Kensington

Amy Sherwood330-303-7699

SKJrMemorialFund@gmail.com

7/08/23 10:00 AM

Fairview Hospital Toy Run

Rock N Roll City Harley-Davidson

4985 W 150th St. Cleveland 216-252-3111

Marketing@americanroadgroup.com

7/08/23 01:00 PM

Rock 'n' Race Dragway 42 9161 Rainbow Hwy West Salem (419) 853-4242

7/14/23 10:00 AM

Wauseon National 2023

Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet

Fulton County Fairgrounds 8514 OH-108, Wauseon (812) 239-6324

punkyream@yahoo.com

7/15/23 10:30 AM

6th Annual Ride for Colton

American Legion 1824 1824 Park Way East Liverpool 330-385-0138

7/19/23 12:00 PM

Muskegon's Rebel Road Motorcycle Rally 2023

Hackley Park Downtown Muskegon 350 W Webster Ave, Muskegon MICHIGAN (231) 327-5290

RebelRoad.org

7/20/23 12:00 PM

Muskegon Bike Time 2022

Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 149 Shoreline Drive, Muskegon MICHIGAN 49440 (231) 722-0000

info@hotrodhd.com

7/22/23 12:00 PM

3rd Annual Cars 4 Vets Fest Yale Tavern

11 S Main Street Yale (810) 304-0100

markrebeaud@aol.com

7/22/23 09:00 AM

2023 Shriner Poker Run and Bike Show

The Local @ 97 58 OH-97 Lexington 419-545-7800

mikejmiranda@hotmail.com

-

BARSTOOL RACES

- CAMPING

- CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

- FIRE DANCERS & AERIAL

PERFORMANCES

- FOOD & BEER

- KICK S START CONTEST

- LIVE MUSIC

- P OKER CRAWL

- RODEO COMPETITION

- TAT TOO GALLERY

-

VENDORS & MORE

7/22/23 09:00 AM

Mid-Ohio Shrine Club's Annual Poker Run

MVP's Sports Bar and Grille

275 Park Ave. West, Mansfield, OH 44903

Michael419-545-7800

7/22/23 11:00 AM

Mercy Grace and Motorcycles MM Car/Bike Show

1st Christian Church 1020 Wales Rd NE, Massillon, OH 44646

Jesse330-844-9524

mgm4christ@gmail.com

7/22/23 09:00 AM

3rd Annual Cars 4 Vets Fest Yale Tavern

11 South Main, Yale MI 48097

7/23/23 11:00 AM

2023 Shriner Motorcycle Rally and Poker Run

The Local at 97,, 58 OH-97, Lexington 419-295-2586

mikejmiranda@hotmail.com

7/29/23 12:00 PM

Niles Burn Run 2023 Riverfront Park Water Street, Niles MICHIGAN 49120 (269) 635-3411 - Deborah Martyniuk martyniuk22@gmail.com

7/29/23 09:00 AM

Rumble in Romulus 2023

Downtown Romulus

Downtown Romulus, Michigan 48174

Steve Harmon734-335-0071

Sales@BigStevesDesignz.com

7/29/23 10:00 AM

Fuel Cleveland 2023 Motorcycle Show

The Historic Hale Farm & Village 2686 Oak Hill Rd, Bath fuelcleveland@gmail.com

7/29/23 12:00 PM

4th ANNUAL TWO HEARTS BEAT AS ONE RUN Yellow dog Saloon & Grill

2242 Greenville Road (SR88) Cortland jamie.nicole@icloud.com

8/02/23 12:00 PM

Athena Ride for Women 2023

Ohio’s Windy 9 Athens (800) 878-9767

8/05/23 10:00 AM

Chief's Chicken Run Shakers Public House 385 Georgesville Rd, Columbus OH 43228

614-365-1283

Amorgan0512@gmail.com

8/10/23 12:00 PM

Elkhart County ABATE

Summerfest 2023

Boot Hill Ranch/SummerFest property

10542 Bair Lake Road, Three Rivers MICHIGAN 49093 (574) 596-7266 - Sam Bardo elkhartcountyabate@gmail.com

8/10/23 12:00 PM

Summerfest (Abate Foundation Event)

Boot Hill Ranch

10542 Bair Lake RD, Three Rivers

Sammy B574-596-7266 elkhartcountyabate@gmail.com

8/11/23 11:00 AM

3rd Annual Tattoo City Tattoo Convention Dort Financial Center 3501 Lapeer Road Flint Dolan3737amber@gmail.com

8/19/23 09:00 AM

Suicide Prevention

Motorcycle & Auto Fundraiser Ride Poker Run

Outlaw Pete's 7658 Smith Creek Rd. Wales Sherri Liverance810-689-0457

8/19/23 09:00 AM

9th annual Suicide Prevention fundraiser group ride Outlaw Pete's

7658 Smiths Creek Rd, Goodells, MI 48060

Sherri810-689-0457

8/20/23 09:00 AM

14th Annual Bikers for Boobs

Poker Run

Summit County Fairgrounds 229 E. Howe Road Tallmadge info@akronbfb.com

8/26/23 10:00 AM

Cruisin' The Chapel Car Cruise Christ Community Chapel 750 West Streetsboro Street Hudson (330) 650-9533

contact@ccchapel.com

8/26/23 09:00 AM

19th Annual Hotrods and Harleys

Brothers of the Ring MC Main Street Mulliken K-9517-927-7981

8/26/23 11:00 AM

Riding For Amputees Motorcycle Rally

Townsend Park

8280 6 Mile Road Cannonsburg

Jessica616-893-6930

fabercycle898@gmail.com

9/01/23 08:00 AM

6th Annual Ohio Vintage Nationals

Freebird Dragway

Friendship Park Smithfield 740-827-8455

9/01/23 08:00 AM

6th Annual Ohio Vintage Nationals

Freebird Dragway

2107 Friendship Park Rd. Bloomingdale, OH 43910

Drew Phillips 740-827-0491

9/01/23 12:00 PM

Michigan CMA State Rally 2023

Bay Shore Campground 450 N. Miller Rd, Sebewaing MICHIGAN 48759

9/07/23 12:00 PM

Thunder on the Strip 2023 Motorcycle Rally

, Geneva-on-the-Lake OHIO

(440) 466-1768 - Dwayne at Goblin

Custom Cycle

9/08/23 10:00 AM

21st 9/11 Remembrance Run

2 Wheel Tavern

13984 S Straits Hwy Old 27 Wolverine (231) 525-8388

twowheeltavern@yahoo.com

9/09/23 10:00 AM

Warren's Ride For Autism

Route 12 Harley-Davidson

68951 White School Road Sturgis

WarrenrideforAutism@yahoo.com

9/15/23 12:00 PM

Ohio CMA State Rally 2023

Union County Fairgrounds

845 N. Main St, Marysville OHIO

9/23/23 11:00 AM

2nd Annual Dayton Vintage Motorcycle Show and Swap Meet

Rip Rap Roadhouse

6024 Rip Rap Road Dayton (937) 236-4329

kevin@ripraproadhouse.com

9/24/23 09:00 AM

Bikes & Battle Buddies: Ride for the Cause - SUMMER SHAKE DOWN

UAW Local 3000 Hall

22693 Van Horn Rd, Woodhaven, MI 48183

Tony Jurich

RECIPES

BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Makes 10 skewers of 3

30 large shrimp, deveined and peeled – leave tail on 15 Strips of Bacon (do NOT use thick cut bacon, the thinner the better)

10 skewers, soaked in water

1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

1 more cup for dipping

Cut the bacon pieces in half lengthwise to make them thinner.

Dip each shrimp into the BBQ sauce to coat

Discard unused BBQ sauce

Wrap the bacon around the prawn and slide it onto a skewer securing the bacon

Continue wrapping and skewering shrimp, 3 to a skewer

Heat your grill to medium

Remove grates and coat with cooking spray

Return them to the grill and place shrimp skewers on them

Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side them flip to cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until bacon crisps.

Serve with more BBQ sauce for dipping

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!

Recipes Courtesy : "The Biker Chick's Kitchen 2" on Facebook

Mushroom Swiss Burger w/Gravy Mayo

Serve 4 (or 2 hungry bikers)

Oil or cooking spray

2 cups sliced mushrooms

1 onion, minced

1lb COLD, GOOD LEAN ground beef

1 tsp garlic, minced fine

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

4 slices GOOD Swiss cheese

1 tbs Mayo

2 tbs sour cream

1 tsp brown gravy mix (you can use more to suit your taste)

Good quality bread buns

Romaine lettuce leaves

In a medium pan over medium heat, sauté onions in 1 tbsp oil until brown, remove from pan and set aside.

In the same pan add 1 tbsp oil and the mushrooms, cook till tender, remove from heat and set aside In a medium bowl, mix together cooked onions, garlic, salt, pepper and very cold ground beef.

Blend with your hands, making sure everything is well incorporated, but DO NOT OVER WORK OR IT WILL BECOME TOUGH

Meanwhile, mix the sour cream, mayo, and brown gravy together in a bowl, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Divide meat mix into 4 equal parts then each pat gently shape into patties, slightly thicker on the outside

Lightly brush the grill or pan with oil and heat to high – I mean really HOT

Place each patty on the grill or into the pan (you should heat a good sizzle sound if its hot enough) and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, then flip over and cook the other side for a couple of minutes cooking to the level you like

Just before they are done, spoon mushrooms on each burger and cover with a slice of swiss cheese

Allow it to begin melting but don’t over melt while in the pan or on the grill or the topping may slide off lol

Serve on toasted buns with gravy mayo and lettuce

•American•annual•backyard• •blessed•civic•explosive• •fierce•free•honorable•

•inspired•loyal•national• •outdoor•patriotic•proud• •spangled•spirited•staunch• •true•united•

MONTHLY WINNER: Lonnie Jones

SPONSOR DIRECTORY

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR SPONSORS THAT HELP MAKE THIS MAGAZINE POSSIBLE. IT IS ONLY WITH THEIR SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT THAT WE CAN PRODUCE WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE THE FINEST REGIONAL MOTORCYCLE PUBLICATION IN THE NATION.