FROM THE PUBLISHER
As luck would have it, I’m enjoying the first snow of the season while writing this. As a rider, I don’t always appreciate the snow – but it’s also a herald of the season, and I do enjoy the Christmas season.
Christmas seems to be the one time of year when everyone is expected to act a little nicer, be a little more charitable, and maybe just go the extra mile for others.
When you say it like that, it makes you wonder why we can’t just be that way all the time.
To be clear, some do. But many – and sadly most, including me – tend to waver at times. Sometimes we let the challenges and challengers get to us, and we lose perspective. We lose appreciation for all we have and forget that the future has such potential – for all of us.
As riders, we embrace a lifestyle that’s built around escaping the routine and heading out onto the open road. We jump on our iron steeds and leave our troubles behind. Or in some cases, we might jump on a 30, 50, even 90 year old bike that might bring along a whole new set of challenges. But these are challenges that we handle on our own – with our own hands and tools in some cases. Or we reach out to a local shop, dealer, or maybe just a buddy and they can help resolve the issues. And we enjoy a feeling of achievement when we get back out on the road, often with the support of brothers and sisters who’s names we don’t even know. We leave behind the routine and the stress it carries. And if we ride with friends or family – we do it together,
This holiday season, I’d urge everyone to bring this outlook to other aspects of our life.
Let’s grabs some friends or family – and head out or simply focus on what lays ahead for us. Let’s take the time to appreciate the crew we have and what the road has ahead for us. And if we see someone stuck along the side of the road – literally or figuratively – let’s take a minute and help them out. Let’s give em’ a hand and get them back on the road as well.
We’re bikers – and that’s what we do.
It’s been a long and challenging year. Many of us have lost friends and family. Sadly, it seems as though we’ve lost a lot this year –some within our own family here. And even more frustratingly, many of us have lost friends and family due to all the political turmoil. There’s no excuse for that.
As riders, we know when we see someone stuck on the side of the road – apparently in distress; we’d don’t ask about their political affiliation. We don’t consider ethnicity, religion, or possibly even gender. Although some cowboys might pull over just a bit faster for a lady in distress – and that’s alright. The idea is that we aren’t really concerned about that stuff. We see a brother or sister in need, and that’s the priority.
We need that same approach every day, regardless of whether we are riding or not. Our whole nation needs that approach as we move forward, and this holiday season is the perfect time to come together and embrace the future. Let’s get on the road and see what the future holds!
With that in mind, I’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and wish you the best for the upcoming year.
Sincerely,
D.A. Smith Publisher, Reasons To Ride D.A. Smith
ERSKINE LAW Presenting Sponsor for 2025!
Reasons To Ride is proud to announce the return of Erskine Law as a Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Championship Bike Show Series and Reasons To Ride Magazines!
“Erskine Law is a solid law firm with an outstanding reputation for professional representation and taking care of their clients. We are proud to represent them and recommend their services to riders in need.” -Derek Smith, Publisher of Reasons To Ride.
“We are thrilled to continue our sponsorship of Reasons to Ride in 2025. Our commitment is to empower riders with the knowledge of their rights, ensuring all motorcyclists have a trusted partner to turn to should unforeseen circumstances arise. We believe that every rider deserves peace of mind, and we are dedicated to supporting them every step of the way.”-Jessica Ruddy, Director of Marketing Erskine Law
Our past year’s bike show series concluded with the Rochester Hills Bike Show, a community show hosted by Erskine Law and benefiting local families in need. It was an incredible day as riders, exhibitors, and the local community all came out for a day of fun and festivities – in contrast to the tragic event for which we were raising funds in response to.
It was a perfect representation of the Erskine approach – well-planned and professional, helping those in need.
Working with Erskine, we will be getting involved with and supporting even more events in an effort to reach even more riders in 2025. Stay tuned for more updates!
Reasons to Ride, with the support of Erskine Law, will be sponsoring Bike Nights and regional charity rides in 2025. Email us at Info@ReasonsToRide.com for more information on how we can help support your events!
Reasons To Ride Partnering with The Ticketing Co.
As we announced last month, Reasons To Ride has entered into a partnership with TheTicketing.Co to offer event pre-registration and ticketing for events and concerts.
TheTicketing.co is a proven platform used by literally thousands of event organizers across North America. In fact, over $50,000,000 in tickets have been processed by The Ticketing Co. And now, Reasons To Ride is offering their online services to the motorcycle community – backed by our online resources reaching over 1,000,000 riders monthly!
TheTicketing.Co has a platform that offers an unbelievably simple and easy to use process for setting up ticketing and then hits it out of the park with a just as simple and easy process for those looking to pre-register or purchase tickets for your events!
Working with TheTicketing.co, you’ll be able to easily set up an event and offer pre-registration / ticket sales within minutes. And your tickets are available for sale immediately. Refunds, cancellations, and even layaway plans – all handled easily by TheTicketing.co at NO ADDITIONAL cost to event organizers or the charities being supported. On-site ticket validation and check-in can be handled by laptops, through your own cellphones, or through customized handheld scanners that can be purchased or rented for your event. All devices or app’s can scan the ticket QR codes or use an attendee check-in function to search for tickets by name, email, or order id. You can even use TheTicketing.co for box office services on-site at your event to accept credit card, debit card, and all mobile payment options – including Apple pay!
Event organizers are able to track their sales online and view on the custom app platform. Then once your event is over, you can get your funds promptly and easily. In most cases, events are reconciled almost instantly and the payouts are handled on the Monday or Tuesday following your event.
Pre-registration for events – and especially charitable motorcycle rides – has proven to be a very effective way to improve planning and manage costs. Pre-registration allows you to help protect events from challenging forecasts and eliminate bundles of leftover merch – by not only getting an exact count of confirmed riders, but also their shirt sizes in advance! Reasons To Ride is able to support the online sales
by getting the word out and driving traffic through online, print, and on-site promotions! Nobody does it better!
To be clear, here’s what RtR is offering through TheTicketing. co
• Online Ticketing and Pre-Registration at NO COST to event organizers or the charities they support.
• Marketing support through Reasons To Ride including digital, print, and even street teaming at regional events – often at NO COST through the support of RtR and our sponsors.
• No cost ticket check-in and day of event box office options – all included, no additional cost.
• Industry leading customer service – with REAL people on the other end.
• Online sales tracking and reporting instantly through the app or website.
• Prompt payouts, usually within one week of your event ending.
The first step? Email us at Info@ReasonsToRide.com for more information or so get things started! We can schedule a conference call or possibly even an on-site presentation to help explain how it all works. Even if you’ve tried “online ticketing” or have something on your own website – this new partnership offers SO MUCH MORE at essentially NO COST to your organizations or the charities you support.
BECOME A LOCAL ROAD REP
If you’re a rider that’s active in your local riding community, we’d invite you to consider becoming a Local Road Rep for Reasons To Ride. This is NOT meant to be a high-pressure sales position and is probably best as a fun side gig for those that want to get involved in the local riding community. It might be a great opportunity for a retiree or a supplement to those with the summer off. And for active riders already involved, it’s a great chance to help promote local events and businesses, while making a “few dollars” to support your riding habit!
Like most things, you get what you put out of it. If you’re really active and cover a larger area, you can make good money – but that takes time and commitment. The real payoff is to have a good time as the person to see about getting events or even just a picture in the “local biker mag”.
We aren’t looking for guys wanting to be “part-time bad guys” or any nonsense like that, we’re looking for reliable good folks that want to help support others in the community. The ideal folks might be active supporters of a local charity and are looking to expand their activities while getting more exposure for their own ride.
We can handle the sales aspects of the area, but we will look to you for pictures of local events and updates as to what’s coming up. And you’ll be able to make some money doing what you’re most likely already doing.
We’re asking for a minimum time commitment of 8-10 hours a month. It helps if you have a laptop and a camera – although a smartphone can usually do it. You’ll get some cool swag, access to rallies and other events, and a chance to help a lot of local folks. As our coverage and presence in the area increases, you are able to share in the revenue generated. It’s a proven business plan – it’s what built this entire organization. We think it’s a pretty good deal – for the right folks.
If any of this sounds interesting to you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We will be scheduling “Intro Video Seminars” over the next few months to help explain how it all works. And now is the time to jump in, as we prepare for the change in season and begin looking to next year.
TRAINING SEMINARS now being scheduled for JANUARY 2025. Both regional and online meetings available. Don’t Miss Out!
So don’t delay – send us an email and tell us a little bit about yourself! Info@ReasonsToRide.com
NOW BOOKING FOR 2025
Reserve your date for a RtR BIKE SHOW, TATTOO PARTY, SOUND COMPETITION, or PHOTO SHOOT!
As the year winds down, it’s time for us to focus on next year’s event schedule. One of the biggest challenges we face every year is trying to develop a schedule that covers “our market” with active appearances and reaches the most riders – without stretching us too thin… or simply burning us out. Yes, that’s an actual consideration – I promise.
NOW BOOKING WINTER CABIN FEVER PARTIES!
Over the last several years, our winter bike nights – aka CABIN FEVER PARTIES – have proven to be a GREAT WAY to build awareness of a new ride stop or location catering to riders, or a way for a popular ride stop to bring everyone back in for a taste of the bike night festivities with all the familiar faces.
Reasons to Ride will take care of hosting the party and giving it that “bike night feel” without the actual motorcycles. And often, we’ve found that it makes for an even better event for the venues than the actual bike nights – without having to compete with over stops or simply the lure of the open road. Folks come out and they stay for the night, instead of hanging out for a few and then going riding.
NEW MARKETS: NEW PARTNERS SOUGHT
With us now expanding our focus to include APPALACHIA, NORTHERN NEW YORK, WESTERN PA, and parts south… we’re looking for existing events and strong partners for us to develop a relationship with through hosting events and sharing their message.
Our BIKE and TATTOO SHOWS are designed to not only entertain folks, but to actively engage riders and allow both us and our partners to network with. Anyone that’s attended our shows can attest to the family approach that we take with our exhibitors. It’s NOT simply about the bikes or even the ink – but the folks showing them off as well.
But this approach is one that we seek to develop over time – by finding the right partners and building the shows year, by year. For instance, our Geneva-on-the-Lake Bike Show is going on 15 years. During this time we’ve seen builders and “fades” come and go – and bikes exhibited by multiple generations. We’ve seen multiple cutting-edge bikes come and collect all the awards – and then serve as the inspiration for the bike that comes and takes the trophy the next year. It’s pretty cool.
Our TATTOO PARTIES are designed to not only showcase amazing artwork done throughout our communities, but to also bring out new folks into our community. We want to reach into the TATTOO COMMUNITY and encourage them to come out and experience the riding community and the energy we have. That means new customers that might not otherwise frequent your event or business. And those new folks might inspire even more folks as they come back and share their experiences without their circles.
To this end, we offer turn-key promotions that work to maximize the marketing potential of your event or business. Our shows have evolved over time, with new features and extras added each year to create excitement and ensure ours are the best in the area. We take care of all the essentials and can even bring our own power if need be. The host venues can simply focus on taking care of the guests and doing what they do best.
There’s no need to try re-inventing the wheel –when we have an established series of tattoo events and bike shows that are well known within the community. Over 900 bikes and over 500 tattoos were featured in our 2024 Tour Stops!
If you’re looking for a long-term partner, to bring a turn-key event to your location which we can establish as a marquee annual event – we might be just what you’re looking for. Contact us at BikeShowInfo@gmail.com or you can call me directly at 440-678-8608.
MOTORCYCLE MINISTRIES
MARY GILBERT, CMA STATE COORDINATOR
New Adventures…
Have you ever planned a trip that would take you completely out of your comfort zone and into a world you have never experienced before? Well, by the time you read this article, Rex and I will have been on such a trip and will have probably experienced more than we had ever dreamed.
CMA has a partnership with three different groups doing outreach ministry all over the world. One such group is Missionary Ventures International (MVI) and CMA takes part in different mission trips with themDe, going all over the world to deliver transportation to pastors and missionaries in order to better equip them to ‘go and tell’. This year, we have been afforded the opportunity to go on such a journey to Thailand. That’s right…Thailand!
First, I have never been out of the country, so while I am excited, I am also a little apprehensive. Questions roll around in my mind like, “what if I say the wrong thing? What if I jig when I should jag?” You know…. All the scenarios you imagine really aren’t a big thing if you just relax and be yourself. I’m pretty sure all will be well…. yeah…it will. The only way I can be sure is to rely on the One Who has made this possible. He had confident hope when He went out on an adventure, and it worked out just exactly the way
the Father planned it to work. So, since He is in me, and I am in Him…there will be no issues!
It kind of puts things in perspective, though. Jesus came down from His cushy place in Heaven to a place filled with all kinds of things He never experienced before, starting from a baby! Yes! He started just like us, grew in the knowledge of God and was tempted just like we are. Met strangers that became friends and some that became enemies. Lived in expectation that each day would bring Him purpose and allow the plan to bring glory to His Father… our Father. I am sure there were times He had to feel apprehensive…not fearful, but aware of the things going on to avoid the danger. There were a couple of times He walked right through the danger! Oh yes…the whole church crowd was going to stone Him and throw Him over the cliff, but He walked right through the crowd and left them standing, not even realizing He had gone! That is exactly the kind of boldness He put inside of those who believe!
Are you facing things that you are unsure of? Are you trying to muster up the courage to follow through without fear? Just give it to the One Who gave up all to bring you into a place of confident hope, solid faith and an assuring love. He said He would be with us always, even until the very end. That end could be the end of the journey, the end of the day, the end of the battle, or the end of our lives. Regardless of how we see it, He sees it all way before and will walk with us all the way through!
We are going on a trip of a lifetime and our Jesus is going right along with us and oh how sweet will be the sights, sounds, and opportunities to share His love on the other side of the world as we change the world, one heart at a time!
Pictures will be coming, and the story is to be continued!
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
Sport Touring Corner
By Norm Kern, MSTA Editor / ReasonsToRide.com Contributor
Beginning a New Adventure
In 2020 I was feeling the need to downsize from my beloved Yamaha 1300 FJR sport touring bike. As I get older and lose body strength, I wanted to transition to a lighter bike. I bought a Suzuki 650 V Strom XT, my first Adventure style road bike, which weighs 150 pounds less than the FJR. It's also chain drive instead of shaft and has half the cylinders and horsepower. How did that work out?
Once I had it sorted out with upgraded suspension, windshield and a Russell Sport seat, I came to love it. Over the past four years, I've been riding the V Strom more than the FJR. This year, I only rode the FJR about 3500 miles while riding the V Strom 13400. It's time to sell the FJR, but the V Strom becomes my only road bike, it has some shortcomings that need to be addressed. First there is no cruise control. Even after upgrading, the suspension is still limited in travel and harsh. The ABS brakes are just OK. The traction control is worthless.
In early September, I went to a Triumph demo day. Wasn't that interested but it was something to do. When I saw the Tiger 900 ADV Rally Pro, it looked interesting went for a demo ride. Within one mile, I saw that this was a very capable and refined motorcycle that opened my eyes. Of course it has cruise control. There is nine inches of softly sprung, well damped adjustable suspension, top notch Brembo brakes with Bosch lean angle ABS and traction control and 21 inch spoked front wheel with tubeless tires.
Fly-by-wire throttle, silky smooth three cylinder motor with 50% more horsepower than the V Strom AND weighs about the same! I really wanted to ride one for a day on my favorite roads to really see
how it would work for me. I plus a post on Facebook and a friend in Cincinnati offered me his Rally Pro for the day. I rode it 130 amazing miles of hills and twisties in South Central Ohio. All the components of the Rally Pro work in harmony for an outstanding ride. Using the quick shifter, I do less clutching and braking, am always in the right gears through corners, so the bike effortlessly flows with the roads. The suspension soaks up the bumps on freeway expansion joints and the lumps and bumps of county roads.
My friend who loaned me his bike introduced me to Les Moscariello of Cincinnati's Powersports store, where I was able to purchase a demo model complete with the OEM detachable ADV top and side cases. All the employees of the Powersports Store are active riders and the shop specializes in service work on mostly European brands. If you like real motorcycle shops, check them out!
Although the Rally Pro is a very complete motorcycle, I still had to adapt it for my needs. After installing all my electronics and a chain oiler, the most important modification was the windshield. The stock shield is too narrow and too tall for me- in its lowest position it blocks air from my face and was uncomfortable in the still warm weather of September, so I cut four inches off of it.
As weather got colder, I needed a wider windshield like my other bikes. Madstad makes a very nice adjustable shield for $350, but since I had a spare Madstad set of brackets and shield for the V Strom, I decided to adapt them. The stock Triumph windshield mounting system has almost 3” of vertical adjustment. Making an adapter plate out of polyethylene to adapt the Madstad brackets provides another 2-1/2” of vertical adjustment plus about 15 degrees of angular adjustment. Since I had a spare FJR touring windscreen, I adapted that too, as it's a bit wider than the Madstad. Now I have an excellent windshield system that works in all temperature and weather conditions.
The Triumph comes with hand shields but they don't wrap around my hands like the ones on the V Strom. For cold weather riding I created a set of hand shields out of 1/8” ABS that work well with the heated grips and keep my hands warm.
Like every other bike I've owned, the Rally Pro needs a better seat. The stock seats are heated and are better than on most bikes, but I still want a Russell Sport seat that is custom made to fit me. They are built on the stock seat pan so I will have to send the stock seat off this winter. In the meantime a friend loaned me an Air Hawk seat cushion. You put just enough air in it so your butt just touches the seat in a couple places and the rest is supported by the air cushion. The Air Hawk costs about $100 and is well made. IMHO the best solution for seat comfort short of a Russell seat.
How is the Triumph 900 Rally Pro working out? After two trips and over 5000 miles in two months, it just might be my favorite road bike ever. Let's Ride!
Connect with local Ohio Motorcycle Sport Touring Association riders at these monthly breakfasts:
Southwest Ohio Breakfast, 9AM, Dec 21st Village Family Restaurant 144 S. Main St. Waynesville, OH 45068
Central Ohio Breakfast Meet - 8AM Jan 5th Portside Cafe 6515 S High St Lockbourne, OH 43137
Backroads of Appalachia! Celebrating an Incredible 2024
Throughout 2024, we’ve had the privilege of taking you on a journey through some of the most breathtaking and unforgettable places in Central Appalachia. Each month, we’ve shared articles showcasing the incredible beauty, culture, and opportunities for adventure in our mountains. Now, as the official riding season comes to a close, the vibrant colors of fall have faded, and the leaves lie scattered on the ground, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable year we’ve had.
When we founded our all-volunteer motorcycle group four years ago, our mission was simple but powerful: to bring motorcycles to Central Appalachia, promote economic development in our small, forgotten coal towns, and show the world that there is no better place to vacation or ride than right here. It’s not just pride in where we live—it’s a conviction backed by miles of riding experience across the country. And we’re here to prove it.
Expanding Our Mission
What began in 2021 with a focus on iconic routes like the “KY Vipers” and “Dragonslayer Hwy 160” has blossomed into something far greater. As we shared in our June and July articles, we quickly realized the potential to expand our mission and reach even more communities. Today, The Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application includes over 50 meticulously crafted trail routes spanning 5,000 miles across four states, making it the premier destination for riders seeking the best the U.S. and our Region has to offer.
Riding Season!
more than just words to us—they’re a way of life. Everything we’ve built was designed to be unique from the ground up, created by riders, for riders. The unwavering support of our sponsors, partners, and contributors has been the foundation of this success, proving that together, we can achieve something truly special.
This year, we welcomed more bikes to the region than ever before. The impact on our communities has been profound, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this possible. To our supporters, visitors, and riders: Thank you for the greatest gift we could ask for, and it means more to us—and the people of Central Appalachia—than you’ll ever know.
Join Us for Our Year-End Celebration
As we close out the year, we invite you to join us for our annual Christmas events. These celebrations are our way of giving back to the small towns we love and honoring those who have gone above and beyond for us in 2024. Everyone is welcome to come and share in the spirit of the season as we celebrate a successful year of riding and community-building.
A Gift That Keeps on Giving
Every trail, every curve, and every mile was built by our dedicated volunteers, incorporating input from local communities and visiting riders alike. It’s this collaboration that makes our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile App so unique. With over 3,600 “Uniquely Appalachian” Points of Interest, painstakingly curated by our team, the app provides experiences you won’t find on any commercial map. Whether you travel by car, motorcycle, or offroad vehicle, our app helps you uncover the hidden treasures of Central Appalachia—all for free!
A True Community Effort
If you’ve followed our monthly articles or visited us, you already know that phrases like “all-volunteer” and “community effort” are
From all of us at Backroads of Appalachia and the Whitley County Motorcycle Group, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the rider in your family, we have one that’s both priceless and free: the Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application! Designed by “Riders for Riders” to showcase our incredible region, culture, “Uniquely Appalachian” points of interest, and Riding and it’s our gift to you from all of your brothers and sisters here on the Backroads of Appalachia!
Thank you for being part of our journey, and here’s to an even more incredible 2025!
“Best Riding in the U.S.! Period!”
Jay Fryman (Frydaddy)
Founder, Whitley County Motorcycle Group
Backroads of Appalachia Journalism Team
RTR TECH TIPS: WINTERIZE YOUR BIKE
While I make every effort to ride year-round, the reality is that not only do I live in Ohio - I live in the "Snow Belt". Some "hard core" riders scoff at the idea of storing your bike, but reality is that at the very least you will be riding her less. This is especially important if you have more then one bike.
One of the worst things you can do to your motorcycle - especially the engine - is to simply leave it sitting there. Rust starts to form everywhere, rubber seals and o-rings dry out and harden, and your gas degrades (especially if you have any Ethanol in it).
If you simply push your bike into the corner of your garage and walk away for a few months - don't be surprised if it won't run in the spring. If you want it to fire up and run first thing when you want it - you need to take care of it and properly winterize it.
The following is a general list of items that you should consider as you prepare your bike for storage. Of course, all bikes are different and many have unique needs. Check your manual or with a service tech for advice as to your bike's specific needs.
The "stuff" you'll need.
You will need, cleaning cloths, spark plug wrench, a trickle battery charger, four or five quarts of high quality oil, new oil filter, oil can or device to get oil in the cylinders, chain lube (if you have a chain drive), fuel stabilizer, spray can of WD40, a breathable motorcycle cover, kitchen plastic wrap, rubber bands, vinyl or plastic gloves, items to clean and wax your bike. Lastly a nice location for the bike to spend the winter, a heated secure garage would be ideal. Avoid wind, dripping water, vermin, mildew, and chemical fumes.
1. Clean your Bike.
A gentle wash detergent and water will suffice. By removing road grime and insects you will protect the finish of the bike. Avoid spraying water directly into the opening of the muffler. If baffles get wet and are not dried prior storage, internal rust could result. Likewise avoid moisture in the air cleaner housing. If the housing becomes saturated, it could act as a choke, making your bike difficult to start. Use a blow dryer, leaf blower, or a commercial motorcycle blower to dry and then detail with a good chamois. Clean and polish all aluminum and stainless surfaces with the appropriate metal polish. Finally finish up with a coat of good wax polish on all painted and chrome surfaces. Clean the chain (if you have one). Spray off all the built-up residues with WD40. Lube the chain.
2. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank.
Fill your tank with gas as full as it can go. This is very important. As fuel ages, more volatile components tend to change, leaving sludge and gummy substances that can affect the carburetor. Run the bike so the gas and fuel stabilizer get to the carburetor and fuel injectors. Then turn off the fuel and run it dry.
It's important to note that you DON'T want to leave any Ethanol blended gas in your tank for any extended period of time. The ethanol will absorb the moisture and develop a thick sludge within the tank.
3. Drain your Float Bowls, if you have a carburetor.
Shut off the gas petcock and drain the gas from the carburetor bowls. Consult your manual for location of drain screws. Of course, if you have a fuel-injected bike, there isn’t anything to drain.
4. Change your Oil
Oil chemistry changes over periods of extended storage. Old oil can develop acidic qualities, which can corrode engine parts.
5. Oil the front forks.
Using a "turkey baster" put oil over the stationary tubes on the front forks. Then get onto the bike and bounce the bike up and down, while holding the front brake. This will work the front suspension and spread the oil. The oil will keep the rubber seals from drying out and protect the exposed fork tubes.
6. Pull the Spark Plugs
Remove spark plug wires, and carefully with a spark plug wrench remove the plugs. With your oilsquirting device, get some motor oil in the cylinders. Approximately one teaspoon of oil will work well. Tuck the plug wires away somewhere safe so they do not arc, then spin the motor with the starter for a few revolutions to get the oil spread around. Remember to keep your face away from the spark plug holes. Oil will squirt out! Clean and gap the plugs and put them back in. Replace plug wires.
7. Remove the Battery
Some batteries may require charging every four weeks with a “Battery Tender” type of charger. Built up sulfates on the plates can ruin a battery during cold storage and inactivity. A thin coat of Vaseline to the terminals on the battery can prevent corrosion. This small step will mean an easier spring start up and no extra cost of battery replacement.
8. Check your coolant. (If you have a liquid cooling system on your bike.)
Check its level of anti-freeze with a hygrometer. Drain, flush and replace antifreeze if necessary. We suggest this replacement be done every two years. Do not leave the antifreeze level low or empty, this could lead to rust or corrosion of the cooling system. Check all other fluid levels at this time.
9. Check your Tires and Wheels.
Check the tire pressure. Adjust as needed and leave a reminder to check in Spring.
Cleaning the chrome and aluminum parts on your bike - especially rims - with a good polish will keep them relatively clean and easier for Spring clean up. A light coating of silicone lube will give limited protection while in storage. It will need to be washed off before taking out when the weather breaks.
10.
Check the "little
things"
Lube your cables. Lube suspension and pivot points. Lube the drive shaft (if you have one). Check the air cleaner and the fuel filter. Look at brake pads. Give your bike a good once over.
11. Clean and Treat all Leather and Vinyl
Detail your leathers with a cleaner or conditioner such as Eagle One Carnuba Leather Cream or Mother's
Leather Cleaner. While you have it out, this is a great time to clean up your leather riding gear as well. After the cleaner or conditioner is dry, buff with a soft cloth.
There are several good vinyl cleaners you can useand then follow with a vinyl protector.
12. Protect the Metal
With a clean cloth, wipe good quality light machine oil over all the metal surfaces, except the disc brakes. Spray a little WD40 in the tail pipe(s). Cover your tail pipe opening and the air intake with plastic wrap and a rubber band. You can also cover drain hoses as well. This will prevent any opportunistic pests from making a cozy winter home in your bike.
13. Remove the Accessories
Take off any removable accessories, especially electronics or temperature sensitive items. If you have a "Temp Oil Gauge" dipstick - remove it and replace it with the original. Store the "Temp Gauge" in a warm place for the winter. Extreme temperatures may affect sensitive gauges and other equipment during winter storage. Why risk it?
14. Store the Bike
If your storage location is bare concrete, we suggest using a piece of plywood, MDF, or old thick carpet. This will insulate the bike from becoming damp. We also suggest storing your bike with all the weight removed from the wheels. A bike stand or some blocking works if you have a wheeled lift. A center stand and some blocking will work too. Do not store your bike near any ozone emitting devices, such as motors, freezers, furnaces or electric heaters. The gasses they create will deteriorate rubber parts.
Cover your motorcycle with a good breathable cover or a soft cotton bed sheet to keep the dust off. This does not prevent condensation from forming on your ride, but it keeps dust, etc. off the motorcycle.
14. DON'T run the engine for short periods of time over the storage period, this can lead to condensation due to engine and combustion byproducts in the oil. With the battery tender on there is no reason for this.
2024 Holiday Gift Guide
The Holiday Season is a time of sharing and the giving of gifts between friends and family. If you have riders on your list, we would like to offer some suggestions for unique and practical gifts that any rider might appreciate. The following pages are a mix of items and services offered by Thunder Roads Ohio and some of our partners.
Some of our suggestions are practical items that a rider might not consider or just over look. An AMA or ABATE Membership, for instance, is something that any biker or enthusiast will appreciate but might not get themselves. Helmets, good gloves, or protective riding boots are other items that riders can always use – but often neglect for themselves.
It’s also worth mentioning that you might consider getting a little something for your “Iron Steed” as well. People think nothing of getting gifts for dogs and cats – so why not for your bike? And as luck would have it, we might have a few suggestions for stuff your bike would love as well!
Don’t forget your bike this holiday season!
Give the Gift of Reasons To Ride!
Of course, the ideal gift for any Ohio motorcycle enthusiast is their own personal subscription to Reasons to Ride!
Each month we will ship a copy of the magazine directly to their home, office, or shop - whatever they would like. While others are scrambling to make sure they get their TRO before they disappear from the local shops, your lucky recipient will have their own copy delivered right to them!
And in the spirit of the season, we've decided to sweeten the deal a little bit. For a limited time, we are offering a special Holiday Package which includes an Official Reasons to Ride shirt - as well as the subscription for only $40! (+ S/H and Tax if applicable) We will also throw in a $10 RtR GIFT CARD, which can be used at the Office Store, any event we are at, or online at www.ReasonsToRide.com.
You can order this Reasons To Ride Gift Package online or by calling 440-678-8608. Shop online at ReasonsToRide.com
Quad Lock Phone Mount
Motorcycle Cargo Nets
Good Coffee
Directions don’t come naturally to many motorcycle riders, and the amount we get lost is a testament to that. Sometimes getting lost is part of the adventure, and sometimes you just want to get home. Either way, it couldn’t hurt to have a map within eye reach while you’re on the move. And thanks to Quad Lock products, that’s now possible.
Quad Lock makes a huge variety of phone mounting products and motorcyclist-specific products are some of the most popular. This particular unit, the Quad Lock Motorcycle Handlebar Mount, includes everything you’ll need to install it on any motorcycle and allows for your choice of mounting angle.
Cargo nets are as important to motorcycles as gasoline. Cargo nets are how 90% of loads are carried on motorcycles, and for good reason. It’s a cost-efficient solution to bringing along an extra helmet or strapping down some Trader Joe’s.
As long as the bike in question has some frame rails or passenger pegs and a rear pillion, this cargo net will work. No need to get fancy with the nets either, considering regular motorcycle riders will soon find themselves with a collection of them. You can never have too many!
For many riders, coffee might just be more important than gasoline; and GOOD coffee might just be life changing for some.
Coffee is something that is a staple for many, but far too many have never experienced the difference that high quality coffee can make in one’s day – making it a perfect gift for many. Something that they might not spend on themselves, but they’d really appreciate. There are an endless number of custom roasters and boutique brands out there – but BLACK RIFLE COMPANY has become synonymous with quality. They have a wide range of styles and it comes in every packaging and option available from whole roasted beans to convenient k-cups. They have it all – and it’s all great! Plus you’re supporting a domestic brand that might just share some common values with many of you.
BLACK RIFLE COFFEE COMPANY: Freedom Fuel, Available on Amazon.
Abel Brown – Gear designed by journeymen for the road.
We first heard about Abel Brown tents from an Australian biker who clued us in as to this small Colorado based company that simply has a passion for making really high quality gear that works. It’s designed for folks that want to get out on the road – with as little stuff as possible, but still enjoy some comforts along the way.
“Abel Brown’s mission is to provide those who want to take on journeys of the unknown with products that encourage this lifestyle.”
So we got one of their Nomad tents – tents designed to use your bike for anchor points, eliminating the need for poles. And yeah, it really works. It’s a cool, well thought out tent that just works. But the thing about Abel Brown is that their products aren’t mass produced – they’re produced by craftsmen using the finest quality materials. So, they are often out of stock on the cool stuff – so get it while you can. We’ve wanted one of their camp blankets for a while, and low and behold – they are in stock as we write this. The other cool thing is that they improve their products over time. They don’t offer ten different tents – but their basic Nomad tent has evolved over time as they’ve used it and they’ve gotten feedback over time. We got one of their early Nomad tents – and they are now on their 4th generation, and the improvements they’ve made sound great. They’ve also developed accessories, like poles, that allow even more versatility to their stuff.
If you’re looking for a cool, high quality gift for a rider in your life – or even yourself, check out their website. Chances are you’ll find something to catch your eye. It’s not “cheap” but it’s not absurd. You’re paying for well-made stuff that’s going to last - not just a label.AbelBrown.com
Range Membership / Classes
Purchasing a gun is only one step in a long process leading to proficiency and confidence with that firearm. This process should include plenty of training and practice – and that means time spent at a range, preferably with someone that really knows what they are doing.
Far too many people just head off to the range with their gun – either by themselves or with another person that is either unexperienced or may have never received structured training. This leads to bad habits, bad experiences, or at worst – bad accident.
A range membership or certificate for professional instruction make a great gift for just about any adult. Most quality ranges will offer professional instruction either privately with certified instructors or in group classes. A membership to a local range such as First Strike in Newbury, Ohio will be greatly appreciated by anyone that has a firearm or is considering getting one. Most ranges also offer a variety of classes and instruction, suited for novices to the trained professional.
We’d recommend visiting your local ranges website or calling for more information.
Shokz OpenRun PRO
If you or someone you know spends a lot of time on their phone, these might be a complete game changer for them.
These open-air Bluetooth devices allow you to use for phone for music, mapping directions, and of course calls through “bone conduction technology” leaving your ears uncovered. This allows you to remain alert to sounds and more safely operate your vehicle – while still being able to easily hear whatever is being played through the headphones. For calls, the noise cancellation seems to work really well – and for those extra concerned about it, there’s even a model with a boom mic that you barely notice while wearing.
Available through Amazon and other retailers. Shokz.com
First Strike www.strike-sports.com
12375 Kinsman Rd, Suite G Newbury OH 44065 (440) 739-4047
Must Have’s for the Range –
Walker's Razor Slim Earmuffs
• Protect Your Hearing - Walker'S Razor Ear Muffs Have An Ultra Low-Profile Design Featuring Extra Slim Ear Cups, For A Secure Fit; These Ear Muffs Protect Against Hazardous Noises, While Still Letting You Clearly Hear Everything Going On Around You
• Sound Amplification - Walker'S Razor Ear Muffs Amplify Safe Sounds Using Two Hi-Gain Microphones To Provide Clear Omni-Directional Hearing; The Low End Frequencies Are Enhanced To Produce Accurate, Natural Sound
Future Biker Gear
For our youngest bikers, Reasons To Ride offers our “Future Biker Gear”. A collection of t-shirts, onesies, and sweatshirts in a variety of colors in sizes from infant to toddler.
Find online at ReasonsToRide.com
12/14/24 1-4 PM
Winter Wonderland
Join other families for activities, treats, crafts, and a visit from Santa himself!
Location: Columbus, exact location provided after registration
12/04/24 09:00 AM
Chaplain Hours
Chaplain Hours 9-11 am 1st and 3rd wednesday of the month.
M.A.S.H
562 Pennsylvania Ave. Delaware, Ohio 43015
12/6/24 5:00 PM
Route 30 Garage Party
350 Tarhe Trl, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
12/7/2024 10:30 AM
Doughnuts With the Grinch Route 30 HarleyDavidson
350 Tarhe Trl, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
12/06/24 06:00 PM
VIP Party
Rock N Roll City Harley-Davidson
4985 W 150th St, Cleveland, OH 44135
12/07/24 11:00 AM
Holiday Sip and Shop Craft Show Hot Rod Harley
Davidson
149 Shoreline Dr Muskegon, ME 49440
12/07/24 11:00 AM
Photos with Santa for Veterans DAV 620 N. Broadway St. Medina
http://www.reasonstoride. com/Submit-Event
12/08/24 01:00 PM
Home Brewed Bikes
101 Button Hall Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445
12/08/24 12:00 PM
Pet Pictures with Santa South East Harley Davidson 23104 Aurora Rd Bedford Hts, Oh 44146
12/08/24 10:00 AM
Metro Triumph Riders - DETROIT MICHIGAN 5407 Crooks Rd, Troy, MI 48098
12/11/24 07:00 PM
HOG Chapter Meeting
Wolverine Harley- Davidson 44660 North Gratiot Ave Clinton Township, MI 48036
12/13/24 6:00 PM
Shop & Sip
South East Harley
Davidson
23104 Aurora Rd Bedford Hts, Oh 44146
12/14/24 08:00 PM
ABATE of PA - Pike County
CHRISTMAS PARTY and TOY DRIVE 6 West Bar & Grill 875 Route 6, Shohola PA 18458
12/14/24 11:00 AM
Pictures with Santa Wolverine Harley- Davidson 44660 North Gratiot Ave Clinton Township, MI 48036
12/16/24 07:00 PM
Ladies Only White Elephant Party Kickstand Saloon
2045 W Alexis Rd, Toledo, OH 43613
12/18/24 09:00 AM
Chaplain Hours M.A.S.H
562 Pennsylvania Ave. Delaware, Ohio
12/21/24 09:00 AM
Last Minute Shopping Event
South East Harley
Davidson 23104 Aurora Rd Bedford Hts, Oh 44146
12/21/24 11:00 AM
Pocono Harley-Davidson: Winter Wonderland Pocono Harley-Davidson 110 Hill Motor Lodge Rd., Tannersville, PA 18372
12/21/24 06:30 PM
Little Mania Midget Wrestling at Bayside H-D
Bayside Harley-Davidson 2211 Frederick Blvd, Portsmouth VA
12/21/24 11:00 AM
Pictures with Santa Wolverine Harley- Davidson 44660 North Gratiot Ave Clinton Township, MI 48036
12/27/24 05:30 PM
Kevin's Happy Hour! at Longhorn H-D Longhorn Harley-Davidson
2830 I-20 West, Grand Prairie, TX 75052-7033
January 2025
1/01/25 10:00 AM 4th Annual Freezin for a Reason Veterans Benefit Ride American Legion Hamburg 650 Franklin St, Hamburg PA 19526
1/01/25 10:00 AM 16th Annual Frosty Balls & Frozen Susie’s Benefit Ride to Benefit Veterans 255 W. Main st., Mount Joy, PA
Visit us on Facebook or for up to the minute event listings, ReasonsToRide.com
1/3/2025 6:30 PM
Euchre Nights Route 30 HarleyDavidson 350 Tarhe Trl, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
1/05/25 01:00 PM
Home Brewed Bikes Stones Throw Brewing 101 Button Hall Ave, Goose Creek, SC
1/05/25 08:00 AM
Walnecks Motorcycle Swap Meet- Springfield Ohio Walneck's Motorcycle Swap Meet 4401 S. Charleston Pike Springfield, Oh 45502
1/10/25 09:00 AM
Gibtown Bike Fest 2025
International Independent Showman's Club 6915 Riverview Drive, Riverview FL
01/11/25 11:00 AM
Soup Cook-Offs South East Harley Davidson 23104 Aurora Rd Bedford Hts, Oh 44146
POST YOUR 2025 EVENTS HERE AND ON THE WEBSITE AThttp://www.reasonstoride. com/Submit-Event
1/12/25 08:00 AM
York Vintage Swap Meet and Bike Show
Potomac Vintage Riders 334 Carlisle Ave, York, PA 17404
1/17/25 10:00 AM
Abate Of Michigan 2025 Seminar
Abate 25 5353 Gateway Centre Blvd, Flint, MI
1/18/2025 6:00 PM
T and Rich Dueling Piano Route 30 HarleyDavidson
350 Tarhe Trl, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
2/01/25 12:00 PM
Garage Brewed
Rhinegeist Brewery
1910 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
2/01/25 10:00 AM
Full Throttle Custom Bike Show
1921 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403
February 2025
2/05/25 12:00 PM
AIMEXPO
Las Vegas Convention Center 3150 Paradise Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89109
2/08/25 12:00 PM
Troop 285 Car and Bike Show 205 Scout Pack & Troop 285 10400 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762
2/09/25 08:00 AM
Walnecks Motorcycle
Swap Meet- Princeton, IL Bureau County Fairgrounds 811 W.Peru St Princeton, IL 61356
2/14/25 10:00 AM
Thunder By the Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival Sarasota Fairgrounds
3000 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota FL 34232
2/15/25 09:00 AM
Motorama Races and Show: HARRISBURG PA
PA Farm Show Complex
2300 N.Cameron St, Harrisburg, PA 17110
02/15/25 12:00 PM
Iron & Ink
Tattoo Party Hot Rod HarleyDavidson
149 Shoreline Dr. Muskegon, MI 49440
2/22/25 09:00 AM
2025 Polar Plunge
The Beach: Tiki Bar & Boil
142 E Walled Lake Dr, Walled Lake, MI 48390
2/22/25 10:00 AM
Mama Tried Eagles Ballroom
2401 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
2/28/25 12:00 PM
72 Detroit Autorama
Huntington Place
1 Washington Boulevard . Detroit, MI 48226
2/28/25 02:00 PM
Cleveland Tattoo Arts Festival
Cleveland Convention Center
300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland OH 44114
2/28/25 06:00 PM
Cabin Fever Bike Night
Route 30 Harley-Davidson
350 Tarhe Trl, Upper Sandusky,Ohio 43351
2/28/25 10:00 AM
84th Annual Daytona Bike Week
Official Bike Week Welcome Center
126 E Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
CrockPot Kielbasa, Cabbage and Potatoes
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 POUND SAUSAGE, KIELBASA
• 2 POUND POTATOES, FINGERLING
• 1 YELLOW ONION
• 1/2 CABBAGE
• 3 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED
• 1 TABLESPOON SUNDRIED TOMATO PASTE
• 14.5 OUNCES TOMATOES , CANNED FIRE ROASTED
• 2 CUP CHICKEN STOCK
• 1/4 CUP SALTED BUTTER
• 1 TEASPOON SEA SALT , FLAKES
• 1/2 TEASPOON BLACK PEPPER
• 1 TEASPOON CAJUN SEASONING INSTRUCTIONS:
• PREPARE INGREDIENTS. CHOP KIELBASA INTO ¼” PIECES, HALVE THE FINGERLING POTATOES, SLICE ONION ABOUT ¼” THICK, AND CUT CABBAGE INTO 2” WEDGES.
• ADD KIELBASA, POTATOES, ONIONS, AND CABBAGE TO THE SLOW COOKER. LIGHTLY STIR, THEN ADD ALL REMAINING INGREDIENTS EXCEPT THE BUTTER. USE A WOODEN SPOON TO MIX THE INGREDIENTS, THEN TOP WITH BUTTER.
• COVER AND COOK ON LOW FOR 7 HOURS, OR HIGH FOR 3 HOURS.
CrockPot Spicy Corn and Jalepeno Cheese DIp
INGREDIENTS:
• 3 CUP WHOLE KERNEL CORN
• 2 JALAPENOS , SEEDED AND DICED
• 1 CUP COLBY JACK CHEESE, SHREDDED
• 2/3 CUP SOUR CREAM
• 8 OZ. CREAM CHEESE, CUBED
• 6 SLICES BACON, COOKED AND CHOPPED
• 1/4 CUP CILANTRO, CHOPPED
• 1/4 CUP QUESO FRESCO
• 1 LIME, HALF JUICED, HALF CUT INTO WEDGES
• CORN CHIPS, YOUR FAVOURITE
INSTRUCTIONS:
• PLACE THE CORN, JALAPENOS, COLBY JACK, SOUR CREAM AND CREAM CHEESE IN THE SLOW COOKER. TURN ON LOW FOR 2 HOURS. ALTERNATIVELY, YOU CAN WAIT TO ADD THE CREAM CHEESE UNTIL 15 MINUTES BEFORE SERVING.
• STIR OCCASIONALLY.
•
• ADD THE BACON AND STIR, SAVING SOME FOR THE TOP.
• REMOVE AND SPRINKLE WITH CILANTRO, QUESO FRESCO AND A SQUEEZE OF LIME.
• SERVE WITH YOUR CHOICE OF CHIPS
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!
