YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
1
FROM THE PUBLISHER We’re barely into 2024 and already we are running into scheduling conflicts and multiple events that are asking us to be on-site at the same time. It’s nice to be in demand, but it’s also a challenge to decide where we are going to be and when it’s worth dividing the forces to spread out. With our network growing and more folks joining the team, we have more options to meet the increased opportunities. But it still poses a question – where are we going to head and what really is the best use of our time. It's really no different than the choices faced as we all decide how we are going to spend each day on this Earth. Each and every one of us must make these decisions every day. Are we going to spend the day at home working around the house – or are we going to hit the road on the bike. Are we going to ride over to the Rally a few hours away, or are we going to hit the local bike night tonight and then a charity ride tomorrow. We all face different questions and challenges as we weigh the options. Do we want to try something new? Do we want to get a little wild – or do we want to help out a local rider in need? (Thankfully for many of us – we can often hit two birds with one stone in this instance! Good to be a biker sometimes.) Do we want to stick with an event and place we know, or do we want to venture out and explore new destinations? Early on in our journey as Reasons To Ride, we adopted the slogan “Let’s Ride!”. We viewed this as a call to arms of sorts – both an invitation and a challenge. Let’s get out there and RIDE – and ride like we mean it. Venture out, try something new, and whenever possible – RIDE to be HEARD. Supporting the causes that mean something to us and make a difference in our lives. Come on out and join us in our journey on the open road. This evolved into an additional slogan we added to our mission – “Ride Worthy”. While this certainly can have a component of faith in it – it’s also more of a challenge to all of us, regardless of our faith. It’s a call to make the most of our journey and the time spent on our “ride”. It’s a challenge for us to not take our time for granted and recognize that it’s an investment for which we should expect a return. It may not be compensation in terms of financial reward – but there should be a feeling of accomplishment and achievement after every ride, if not every day. We’ve gone out and defied the system – embarking on a journey outside the bubble that society seems to want to wrap us in. We’re on 2 or 3 wheels, not necessarily the encouraged 4; and we’re not encased in an armored chariot with airbags and restraints to prevent us from being jostled too much. No bruising of this cargo! Instead we are venturing out with possibly a helmet on our head but still the wind in our face and across our body. We are blessed with this opportunity and the folks that we ride with. And if we are fortunate enough to have the time to spend riding – how are we going to spend that time? For 2024, let’s make the MOST of it. Let’s support the rides and causes we believe in, and let’s not be afraid to take a stand if need be. If you believe in something and it truly matters – you should let yourself be heard. Or in the case of a charity ride or other ride for a cause or in support of something – let our bikes be heard. For us as a company, it’s our goal to get out and make a difference every day. Yes, we’re going to have fun along the way – but there’s a designated direction that we are going to be headed in. And that direction should clear to anyone that’s watching. We’re not perfect, far from it – but it’s our hope that we improve every day. Eventually we will get there – and these challenges we’re facing will drop off. And then – we will most likely go out and try to find some new challenges…. to make the most of our rides, our days, and the time spent here. Because that’s who we are. SMIB DAS 2
D.A. Smith
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
TABLE OF CONTENTS FEATURES
10
14
18
BIKE SHOW REPORT
RAY C'S BIKE SHOW
SPORT TOURING
DEPARTMENTS 02
FROM THE TEAM
03
UPCOMING EDITIONS
04
ROAD TALES
06
MOTORCYCLE MINISTRY
16
CALENDAR FEATURE
20
IRON & INK
22
MOTORCYCLE EVENTS
23
MICHIGAN EVENT BULLETIN BOARD
26
JOKE PAGE
28
RECIPES
29
WORD SEARCH
30
RALLY SHOTS
32
SPONSOR DIRECTORY
ON THE COVER: Ice Racing Photos courtesy Stephen Tripp
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
3
BECOME A LOCAL ROAD REP
updates as to what’s coming up. And you’ll be able to make some money doing what you’re most likely already doing.
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 sales position or full time job for anyone – but is a 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 into it – but it’s meant to be a fun gig for riding enthusiasts. If you’re really active and cover a larger area, you can make good money – but that takes time and a commitment. The real payoff is to have a good time as the person to see about getting their events or even just their 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 ride, 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
4
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 pretty 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 upcoming riding season! So don’t delay – send us an email and tell us a little bit about yourself! Info@ReasonsToRide.com
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
Ride Stops!
In May, Reasons To Ride will kick things off for the 2024 Ride n’ Win Riding Challenge! This challenge isn’t a skills challenge – it’s a challenge to just get out and ride as much as possible and share where you’ve been. We encourage riders to explore new areas and check out new events. We challenge riders to join us at new rallies and rides all across the Midwest – and even at some of the biggest national events across the country. And along the way, we’re looking for new places to stop! Since its launch in 2011, this program has evolved and grown every year as we try to improve things and ensure that it’s a great time for everyone. This year is no exception, as we add even MORE STOPS and WAY MORE PRIZES! Our primary area of focus for our Midwest stops is across Michigan and Ohio. However, we will also be adding stops throughout West Virginia, Kentucky, and Western Pennsylvania as we develop our new Reasons To Ride: Appalachia programs in 2024. This is some of the best riding in the country and there are literally hundreds of really cool stops to discover. If you own a business, are hosting a ride or other motorcycle friendly event, or would like to recommend a place for riders to visit – shoot us an email for more information on how to become a ride stop. Over 50,000 riders have participated in this program since launched – and we’ve awarded over 3,000 prizes – including motorcycles, travel packages, rally passes, concert tickets – and of course HUNDREDS of t-shirts and other swag! For more information, email us at Info@ReasonsToRide.com
WINTER CHECK-IN’s!
While the snow is flying across the Midwest and the temperatures are falling, many of us have our bikes parked for the winter; however, there are still plenty of opportunities for you to score prizes with our “Ride n Win” campaign! When you’re out and about – and especially if you’re at one of our Ride Stops or partner locations, post up a pic to your Facebook of Instagram with the hashtag #ReasonsToRide. You’ll instantly be entered for the chance to win great prizes – including WEEKEND PASSES to the 2024 Buckeye Motorcycle and Music Rally! You could see LYNYRD SKYNRD, HANK WILLIAMS JR., BRANTLEY GILBERT, FUEL, and so many more acts – FOR FREE, just for checking in and sharing a tagged pic! How cool is that?!
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
5
NEW APPALACHIAN EDITION of RtR Reasons to Ride is proud to announce a new initiative for 2024 – Reasons To Ride Appalachia, a digital and print resource for motorcyclists focusing on the Appalachian region of the United States. This region generally is considered to include central and southern sections of the Appalachian Mountains stretching from the Catskills of New York and into Pennsylvania, down through the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia, Virginia, and the Carolinas – and west into Kentucky, Tennessee, and northern Georgia and Alabama. These rolling hills and mountains provide some of the most scenic and enjoyable routes to ride in the country – with an almost endless number of unique twisting routes and ride stops to discover. With the support of Backroads of Appalachia – a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a passion for this region, Reasons To Ride has helped introduce the Appalachian region to Midwestern readers for the past year with a regular feature within Ohio and Michigan magazines. During the first phase of our launch, RtR will focus on developing digital aspects and networking with regional riding organizations and businesses to promote their events and ride stops to our riders. With a reach of over 500,000 riders monthly already, RtR represents an immediate resource for partners to invite riders from outside the region to discover all they have to offer. As these partnerships develop and RtR identifies feature events to showcase, the print publications will be used to further develop the campaigns. Since the RtR partners began promoting riding and music events more than 20 years ago, the concept has evolved into what was the nation’s largest regional motorcycle publication prior to covid and is now a multi-media marketing cooperative involving national corporations, mainline motorcycle manufacturers and their dealerships, and hundreds of local ride stops – be it anything from a barbershop to a local watering hole. Backroads of Appalachia has proven to be an invaluable resource and partner in showcasing the best that the region has to offer and connecting us with local businesses that can benefit from our support as well. Yet another reason we are excited to hit the road in 2024!
For more information on Reasons To Ride: Appalachia or how you might get involved, please email us at Info@ReasonsToRide.com
MOTORCYCLE MINISTRIES MARY GILBERT, CMA STATE COORDINATOR
Who are we? So many articles written and so little description of who or what the Christian Motorcyclists Association is! Well, here you go… The Christian Motorcyclists Association is interdenominational and evangelistic in nature. We believe in: •
The Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God
•
One God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
•
The virgin birth and deity of Christ, His explicit atoning death, bodily resurrection, and ascension
•
Salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ
•
The sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit who enables a believer to live holy.
•
The second coming of Jesus Christ
We aren’t considered a club ministry; we are an association. We do what we do in service to God, our Father, and all mankind. We do our best to remain neutral to all causes so as not to exclude anyone, allowing us the ability to serve and be ‘There when you need us’. Our Vision is to ‘Change the World, One Heart at a Time’. We don’t have any hidden agendas; our members do their best at walking with the integrity of Christ every day. Are we perfect? Not hardly. But the word of God says to ‘strive for perfection’ and we walk through each day with the hopes that every new day is a new beginning. Our colors have a special significance to us. This is what they stand for: Triangle Shape =Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Praying Hands = The way God would have CMA grow Cross =The message and statement of faith (I Corinthians 2:2) Bible = God’s direction for CMA Blue Color = The way of the cross leads home (to Heaven) Yellow Color =The crowns and rewards that will be for the faithful Christian. Red Outline = The blood that makes everything it encloses effective. In a nutshell, the ministry of CMA is here for you whenever you need peace in the chaos, prayer, a guiding hand, a comforting voice, a hand up, a help out or even a simple cup of coffee on a chilly day. We’ve got you. It doesn’t matter where you are, we will do our best to be ‘there when you need us’. With all of that being said, look for us out and about at the local events such as; Jim’s swap meet at the Allen County Fairgrounds in February, Walneck’s Swap Meet in Springfield, the Shawnee Bike Blessing, Lima in May, Ohio Bike Week, Vintage Days, Hudson Leather, Kilkare in Dayton, Piqua H-D blessing, No Cages, and so many other places we don’t have room to name! We are out there because we care about you! But honestly, no one cares about you more that Jesus Himself and that’s why we do what we do! So glad I could share a little about us with you this month! Questions? Email us at graceme.mg@gmail.com and we will answer anything you may ask within reason!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Mary G. 6
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
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
7
8
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
OUTREACH REPORT For over 20 years, our team has helped support local charitable events and non-profit organizations. In 2024, however, we are going to start sharing a lot more of what we’re doing – both in an effort to showcase the organizations and causes that we are working with, as well as encourage others to join in!
HOSTING A RIDE IN 2024? OFFER ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION! Reasons To Ride is working with corporate sponsors to offer Online Registration at NO COST to non-profit organizations or the charities they support through Ticket Releaf, Inc. This is an easy way to vastly improve your event by allowing more accurate planning, better protect against inclement weather, and expedite processing on the day of your event – to name just a few advantages. RtR can help arrange local, regional, or even national sponsors to help cover the cost of the online registration and marketing of your ride! Restrictions do apply
HOSTING A BLESSING? Don’t pay for ADVERTISING!
Now how often do we say that?! Fairly often if you’re part of a local grass-roots charity and hosting a non-profit event! With the support of sponsors, such as ERSKINE LAW, we can help arrange sponsorship for your Blessing and possibly provide FREE ADVERTISING, banners, and maybe even blessing stickers for all the bikes! It’s a cool deal – and doesn’t cost your charity a thing! It’s part of our ministry and we want to help you reach even more people with yours! Email us for more information, but hurry – there are only so many events we can help with. Don’t miss out!
– email Info@ReasonsToRide.com for more information.
IT’S A TEAM THING. RtR Offers Promotional Partnerships to Regional Riding Organizations and Charitable Groups
For 2024, one of our primary goals will be to develop regional partnerships with charitable organizations to both help support these groups and the work they do – as well as help promote the magazines and RTR partners within their region. The belief is that by working together, we can increase the impact and reach of both our messages. Working with other regional partners and sponsors, there will also be opportunities for partner organizations to raise funds to support their organizations or their designated charities. Again, it’s a great opportunity for RtR to team up with established organizations to share revenues and ensure that everyone benefits from the partnership. We’d much rather work with a charitable organization than sell them an ad – it’s a WIN WIN for everyone involved. For more information, please email Info@ReasonsToRide.com
POLAR PLUNGE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Reasons To Ride: Michigan is teaming up with the Oakland County Sheriff 's Office to help promote the OC Plungers and raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan. This year, Erskine Law joined in as an Official Team Sponsor as well! Last year, the OC Plungers placed second in their county and our goal is to take first place this year! To achieve this we are hosting several more events and offering special consideration and extra ad space, etc.. for local businesses joining us in this effort to make a difference in some really amazing athletes! We also have new CHALLENGE COINS for sponsors and once again - 100% of all donations go to support the team and Special Olympics Michigan For information on how you can join in - or help sponsor the team - email us at Info@ReasonsToRide.com
OAKLAND COUNTY POLAR PLUNGE
Saturday, February 3rd 10amTiki Beach Bar & Boil 142 E Walled Lake Road, Walled Lake MI Join the crew and take the plunge! Or just cheer us on! Plenty of opportunities to join the fun and support the cause – even if you want to stay dry (and warm!).
IRON & INK TATTOO PARTY Saturday, February 17th Noon –
Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 149 Shoreline Drive, Muskegon MI Join the crew for a cool tattoo themed event with the proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Michigan! Raffles and a portion of the registration fees all go to help the athletes!
Hosting a charity event and looking for sponsors? Need help getting the word out? Let us know, we can help! (It’s kinda what we do!) Info@ReasonsToRide.com
For information on how you can join in or help sponsor an event, please email Info@ReasonsToRide.com
TO DONATE
RTR CHAMPIONSHIP BIKE SHOW SERIES PRESENTED BY ERSKINE LAW Last month we focused on updating and customizing a modern bike to show, but certainly there is an entirely separate portion of the show crowd that is focused on vintage motorcycles. Vintage motorcycles present an entirely different set of challenges when it comes to showing a bike as opposed to a more modern custom bike.
RESTORING and SHOWING a VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE Restoring a classic motorcycle offers many an unexplained high for many with a passion for them. There’s something about the sound and unique rhythm of the engine that’s music to ears of vintage enthusiasts. That gets kicked up to another level if you’re the one that’s restored the bike and adjusted the timing and sound of that engine. Here are a few tips and suggestions for restoring or preparing a vintage bike for a show – or to simply enjoy! Know your Limitations and Understand Costs Involved For some, restoring an older bike is a budgetary decision – thinking that it’s cheaper to pick up and restore an older bike than get a new one. That may be true – but not always, especially if your goal is to ride a lot. Vintage bikes take time, patience, and sometimes a significant investment in terms of cash and time finding elusive parts. There are also many aspects of the motorcycles that directly impact the safe operation of the bike. Work on the brakes, wheels, or even just the handlebars themselves can lead to accidents, injuries, or worse if not done properly. Not to be overly dramatic – but it needs to be said and considered. There is certainly no shame in calling on a professional if you are not comfortable with anything you’re working on.
Finding a Good Mechanic or Professional Reliable and experienced vintage motorcycle mechanics are the zen master / “yoda’s” of the vintage motorcycle community. Some shops specialize in older bikes and have built up national reputations for their expertise. Some specialize in engines and performance, some specialize in particular makes and styles. And some do a bit of everything. The key is finding someone that is reliable and has a good track record with vintage motorcycles – and with your particular make as well. It's also important to clearly explain your goals and discuss the costs involved. Are you trying to build a perfectly restored show bike that is going to win AMCA awards or are you looking to build a cool custom vintage bike that’s a blast to ride and show off. These considerations can dramatically impact the costs involved and certainly the plan of attack for the shop. It’s also important to convey what you’d like them to do and what you’d like to do yourself. Again, try to network with other enthusiasts in order to get a better feel for who’s out there and their reputation. 10
Create a Plan A successful restoration project requires a plan of attack – because there are often so many things to do and consider. In many cases, it really makes a difference how you order the stages of your attack. Start by listing all the sections that you wish to repair and consider which should go first and then last. Your plan might also dictate when you need to get parts – or maybe vice versa in some cases. The availability of parts (or resources to purchase expensive ones) might help order what aspects you work on and when. Looking for vintage parts is certainly some of the challenge with older bikes. You can’t always just go to the shop and pick them up – or even order them online. In some cases, you’ll find that you may have to make the replacement part from scratch – or possibly find someone else that already has. You can join forums, contact local shops or scrap yards as resources.
Dismantle and Label For some reason, one of the first thing that rookie restorers feel compelled to do with their vintage bike is to begin taking the bike apart immediately. If you jump in and tear it all apart – you might just have a hard time reassembling it all. You’ll also find yourself with a HUGE task to complete. Its better to go section by section in most cases – especially if you’re actually riding the bike. If it’s rideable and you’re updating and restoring it section by section, you can cut down on your down time. Plus there’s something just a bit overwhelming for a lot of folks when they are faced with a table full of parts. That being said, don’t leave all your parts out on the table. Even with the best intentions, thing will get knocked around and potentially mixed up. It’s better to bag the small parts and then even tape them or otherwise connect them to the larger parts. And then everything should be kept together asa group whenever possible. Bag, label, and even take pictures before and after removing the parts. The more information you get down and organized you are – the better your chances of getting it all back together again.
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
Get a Service Manual A service manual for your specific bike and model year is an essential tool for restoring and maintaining a vintage motorcycle – especially since a lot of the older bikes did things differently than modern bikes. It’s also great for identifying what parts are there – and which are missing. A lot of times you may find yourself rebuilding stuff that others had undone. OEM factory repair manuals are often the “holy grail” when it comes to vintage motorcycles, but aftermarket manuals such as CLYMER or HAYNES books are written with the home mechanic more in mind and may include better insight to various issues.
ONLINE? Click for more info
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
11
RTR CHAMPIONSHIP BIKE SHOW SERIES PRESENTED BY ERSKINE LAW Connect with Others with Similar Bikes / Passions As essential as a good manual might be – you may find that another enthusiast with a passion for bikes such as yours might be even more helpful in terms of completing your project. Not only might they offer extra insights and knowledge they’ve acquired through similar project(s) – connecting with others and sharing your experiences is one of the most rewarding aspects of restoring vintage bikes. Vintage enthusiasts undoubtedly have a passion for their bikes that others might not understand – but can certainly ignite discussions and excitement in others with similar interests.
So where might you connect with such folks? Online groups such as the Columbus Area Vintage Motorcycle Group – found online as a Facebook group but also at regional bike nights and events throughout the year – are a tremendous resource. You need to ask to join the group, a step installed to cut back on scammers and others with other agendas – but once in you’ll find thousands of folks with a passion for older bikes. Not only that, but it seems as though everyone there is willing to jump in and help out however they can. And of course there are swap meets – where you might also find necessary parts – and of course Bike Shows! Undoubtedly the greatest appeal of our bike show series is not just the bikes themselves – but the men and women standing beside them. At virtually every show we see it happen – someone rolls in on a vintage bike and is amazed to discover that he is mobbed by folks that either have / had a similar bike or simply have a passion for that style of old bikes.
12
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
the
©ROTH ’01
RAT FINK © Ed Roth, 87, 2008
of
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! PistonPowerShow.com or at in Tallmadge Where the Supply is Limited.
APRIL 5–7, 2024 I-X Center • Cleveland, OH
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
13
Sport Touring Corner By Norm Kern, MSTA Editor / ReasonsToRide.com Contributor
“Should I buy heated grips or heated
More Motorcycle Sport Touring Association News for 2024 When I wrote the January column back in December there were big Motorcycle Sport Touring Association (MSTA) changes in the works.
members via email and subgroups on Facebook and promote local meet-ups, rides, meals etc. For 2024 we are strengthening that network and already have new directors in North Carolina, West Virginia, Missouri and Illinois, with more to come.
On January first, I became MSTA club president. Having previously served as vice president, am replacing Pat Mogavero, who has done an excellent job as president for the past seven years. Pat is happy to be promoted to member but will continue to be very active in the club.
MSTA event news
For those who don't already know, I have been riding for almost sixty years, beginning in spring of 1965. Starting with two small Honda's, a Norton Atlas and an early 60s BMW, I got into two-up touring, first on the BMW, then on Moto Guzzis. My off-road experience began in AMA enduros in 1967 and I competed through the 80s, transitioning to dual-sport and ADV riding in the 90s. I had a motorcycle dealership for Guzzi, Vespa and KTM from the mid 70s to early 80s and built custom CB and entertainment systems for bikes. Over time, my road riding evolved to a Kawasaki Concours and the sport touring riding style in 1986. In 2001 I got a Honda ST1100 and learned about MSTA, (then HSTA) joined and immediately began attending rallies. I was an early adopter of GPS technology and began collecting routes from club events and converting them into GPS files. This interest grew and over the years I became one of the club's GPS gurus. In 2016, Pat Mogavero and I went on a motorcycle trip to UK and Isle of Man. Pat had been MSTA vice president for a few years and was ready to move up. He asked me to be his vice president and we were approved by the club executive committee in January, 2017. In 2018, I took over the popular regional MSTA Mail Pouch FlyBy rally and made it into FlyBy Week, which became my test bed for rally promotion and new features. It was one of the first MSTA events to have a website. In 2022 while redoing the FlyBy site, I decided to go ahead and build websites for all MSTA events, which has helped to promote the club. Thanks to Pat Mogavero and the other officers and volunteers MSTA's membership quit declining and has become stable. Pat is handing the club over to me in an excellent condition with most of its needs for better organization and service to members already taken care of. I feel that MSTA is in an excellent position for 2024 and is poised to start growing again, which is my primary goal. Look for better promotion of events, more social meet up opportunities, more welcoming support for new event attendees and better communication between volunteers and officers. 2024 is going to be a great year for MSTA! Lou Laguna has been promoted to vice president, replacing Norm. Lou is from Pennsylvania, and retired from his regular job in 2023. Now that he has more free time, he wants to be more involved with the club. Last August, Lou moved to Sparta, North Carolina, which has opened a lot of opportunities for him. MSTA state and area directors The club has always had member representatives in areas where membership numbers are strongest. They communicate with nearby 18
I reported on 2024 club events last month but here are a couple of updates. MSTA now has eighteen rally events for 2024, which is the most I can remember in my twenty three years in the club! Sky High Tour- is a brand new Just-For-Fun rally in Colorado. Come and ride the Highest Paved Road in North America. The destination is the Mount Blue Sky Summit, (formerly Mt. Evans). It will be held July 12 - 14 in Evergreen, Colorado (Road routes only) https://ridemsta.com/co-sht Durango Daze- Colorado state director Doug Logsdon is moving his previously mentioned Montrose rally to Durango, Colorado, due to more choices and better pricing of hotel rooms. This will be a casual JustFor-Fun rally to be held in Durango, Colorado, September 13 - 15. It will include a selection of both road and ADV routes. https://ridemsta.com/co-dd
How to join in the fun for 2024 •
Go to Facebook and join the MSTA - Motorcycle Sport Touring Association group
•
Go to https://ridemsta.com/membership-2/ and join to become a full member
•
Go to https://ridemsta.com/events/ to look over the calendar and make your plans to attend a rally.
•
If you are in NE Ohio
I hope to see you on the road or at a rally. Please feel free to message me at nkernmsta@gmail.com with your comments and questions. Connect with local Ohio Motorcycle Sport Touring Association riders at these monthly breakfasts: Southwest Ohio Breakfast, 9AM, February 17th Village Family Restaurant 144 S. Main St. Waynesville, OH 45068 Central Ohio Breakfast Meet - February 4th Portside Cafe 6515 S High St Lockbourne, OH 43137
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
19
20
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
21
OHIO EVENTS MICHIGAN EVENTS 2/01/24 07:00 PM Becoming a Motorcycle Ohio Instructor Information SessionSW Ohio Scarlet Oaks Career Campus 3254 East Kemper Rd Cincinnati, Oh 45241
2/3/2024
Zeppe's Cabin Fever Party w/ RTR
2/03/24 10:00 AM Biker Breakfast Motor City Harley Davidson 24900 Haggerty Rd Farmington, MI 48335 2/06/24 06:00 PM The Comet Bike Night The Comet 4579 Hamilton Ave. Cincinnati, Oh 45223
Zeppe's Tavern & Pizzeria 11110 Kinsman Rd Newbury, Oh 44065
odbrip@gmail.com
2/03/24 11:00 AM Vintage Vault Hall of Fame Harley Davidson 1120 Main St Cuyahoga Falls, Oh 44221
Youngstown Harley-Davidson
2/03/24 12:00 PM
Garage Brewed Rhinegeist Brewery 1910 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
2/10/24 12:00 PM Big Game Day Party 5700 Patriot Blvd. Youngstown, Oh 44515 2/10/24 11:00 AM Sip 'N Paint Your Ride Hall of Fame Harley Davidson 1120 Main St Cuyahoga Falls, Oh 44221
Visit us on Facebook or for up to the minute event listings, ReasonsToRide.com
2/10/24 09:00 AM Red Hot Chili Bash and Salvage Day Southeast Harley Davidson 23105 Aurora Rd Cleveland, Oh 44146
2/17/24 05:00 PM A.R.M. Chapter #22 Spaghetti Dinner NW Alano Club 2903 S.Wayne Rd Wayne, MI 48184
2/10/24 11:00 AM Polar Run for Deputy Yates Harley-Davidson of Xenia
4405 Highland Rd (M-59) Waterford, MI 48328
1213 Cincinnati Ave Xenia, Oh 45385 2/10/24 09:00 AM CAVMG Breakfast at the Nutcracker Nutcracker Family Restaurant 63 E Broad St., Pataskala, OH 43062 2/10/24 12:00 AM 5th Annual Christian Unity Breakfast Springdale Nazarene Church 11177 Springfield Pike Cincinnati, Oh 45246
2/10/24 12:00 PM Annual Shanty Fest Arsenal Harley Davidson 4405 Highland Rd Waterford, MI 48328 2/10/24 09:00 AM Big Bend Racing Ice Breakers Series Big Bend Family Campground 513 Conrad Rd Stnadish, MI 48658 989-737-2178 rlv1178@gmail.com
2/10/24 12:00 AM New Model Showcase Arsenal Harley Davidson 4405 Highland Rd (M-59) Waterford, MI 48328 248-674-3175 info@arsenalharley.com 2/13/24 06:00 PM Knights of the Road MC- Fowlerville Presents Impact Dinner and Ladies Night Michigan Riders Memorial Wall 10520 Iosco Rd Fowlerville, MI 48836 2/17/24 08:00 PM Knights of the Road Detroit M/C14th Annual Metal Party Knights of the Road M/C Clubhouse 17118 West Mcnichols Rd Detroit, MI 48235
22
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
2/17/24 11:00 AM Stage IV Live Build Arsenal Harley Davidson 248-674-3175 info@arsenalharley.com
2/17/24 12:00 PM
Iron & Ink Tattoo Party Hot Rod Harley Davidson 149 Shoreline Dr Muskegon, ME 49440
2/18/24 10:00 AM Akron Motorcycle Swap Meet Summit County Fair groungs 229 East Howe Rd Talmadge, Oh 44278
2/22/24 12:00 AM
Create 'N Sip
Zeppe's Tavern and Pizzeria 11110 Kinsman Rd Newbury, OH 44065 2/24/24 11:00 AM Cabin Fever Hall of Fame Harley Davidson Hall of Fame Harley Davidson 1120 Main St Cuyahoga Falls, Oh 44221 2/24/24 09:00 AM Dice Roll and Blood Drive Southeast Harley Davidson 23105 Aurora Rd Cleveland, Oh 44146 2/24/24 09:00 AM Big Bend Racing Ice Breakers Series Big Bend Family Campground 513 Conrad Rd Stnadish, MI 48658 989-737-2178 rlv1178@gmail.com
2/24/24 11:00 AM Stage IV Live Build Arsenal Harley Davidson 4405 Highland Rd (M-59) Waterford, MI 48328 248-674-3175 info@arsenalharley.com
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
23
OHIO EVENTS MICHIGAN EVENTS
2/25/24 12:00 AM Annual Flint-MI Motorcycle Swap Meet Dort Financial Center 3501 Lapeer Flint, MI 48503 3/02/24 09:00 AM Big Bend Racing Ice Breakers Series Big Bend Family Campground 513 Conrad Rd Stnadish, MI 48658 989-737-2178 rlv1178@gmail.com 3/03/24 08:00 AM
Walnecks Motorcycle Swap Meet: Springfield Ohio 4401 S. Charleston Pike Springfield, Oh 45502
3/09/24 09:00 AM CAVMG Breakfast at the Nutcracker Nutcracker Family Restaurant 63 E Broad St., Pataskala, OH 43062
26
3/10/24 09:00 AM Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Pancake Breakfast VFW 1500 38295 Pelton Rd Wiloughby, Oh 44094 https://www.cvma12-7.org/ 3/16/24 05:00 PM Knights of the Road MC- Fowlerville Annual St. Patty's Day Party Michigan Riders Memorial Wall 10520 Iosco Rd Fowlerville, MI 48836
3/24/24 12:00 AM Yankee Lake Annual Spring Swap Meet Yankee Lake Ballroom 1814 State Rt 7NE Brookfield, Oh 44403
4/5/2024 I-X Piston Powered AutoRama I-X Center 1 I-X Center Dr Cleveland, Oh 44135
4/28/24 09:00 AM Spring Fever Motorcycle Swap Meet Sandusky County Fairgrounds 901 Rawson Ave Freemont, Oh 43420 jakpak@amplex.net 5/04/24 12:30 PM
5/04/24 12:00 AM O.R.R./ Motoboutique Spring Opener, 3 Year Anniversary & Group Ride Moto Boutique 1800 Georgesville Sq Dr Suite 1, Columbus, Oh 43228
5/05/24 07:00 AM
Biker to Biker Motorcycle Swap Meet Warren County Fairgrounds 665 North Broadway St Lebanon, Oh 45036 5/18/24 11:00 AM CMA- Blessing of the Bikes Stinger Harley-Davidson
Renegade Monster Truck Tour
3053 Eastpointe Dr., Medina, OH, 44256
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
marketing@stingerhd.com
19201 East Bagley Rd Middleburg Heights, Oh 44130 lindsey@renegademonstertrucks.com
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
27
28
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
29
RECIPES
Easy Lasagna Soup
"Easy Lasagna Soup that the whole family will love! Full of beef, noodles, tomatoes, onions, garlic, fresh herbs and lots of cheese!" Servings
Ingredients
Southern Fried Cabbage and Bacon
Seasoned cabbage fried in butter and tossed with extra crispy bacon, caramelized onions, garlic and spices! So easy and delicious! Perfect as a main meal or side dish!
Ingredients • • • • • • • •
Instructions • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1 head of cabbage (about 3 lb cabbage) cut, cored & sliced into strips 16 oz bacon diced into small pieces 1 small yellow onion diced 1 tablespoon granulated sugar 1 tablespoon garlic minced 2-3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes sea salt, cracked black pepper, onion powder, & garlic powder to season
Heat a very large stainless steel or cast iron deep skillet and add bacon. (You may need to add a little olive oil if using a turkey bacon) Cook bacon pieces until extra crispy and remove from pan with a slotted spoon. Leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan along with any burnt pieces stuck to the bottom of the pan (this has lots of flavor) Add onions to pan and toss onions with sugar. Cook until onions are tender and caramelized. Add garlic and cook until garlic is fragrant. Add butter and stir until butter is melted. Stir in red pepper flakes. Add cabbage to pot and toss so that cabbage is coated in the butter mixture. Let cabbage fry until tender, stirring frequently. Season cabbage generously with sea salt/seasoning salt, cracked black pepper, onion powder and garlic powder. When ready to serve stir in bacon (or add it to individual bowls if you want it to remain extra crispy) Enjoy!
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!
Recipe sourced from www.divascancook.com – visit them for EVEN more great recipes! 30
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
10 lasagna noodles 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup onions chopped 1 tablespoon garlic minced 1 lb. ground beef 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (basil, oregano, garlic kind) 30 oz canned tomato sauce 4 cups chicken broth 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke optional 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons basil 2 teaspoons oregano 1 teaspoon parsley 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional salt & pepper to taste 1 bay leaf 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
•
2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Garnish
• • •
Instructions
ricotta cheese (optional) mozzarella shredded fresh parsley
Prepare The Noodles • Cook lasagna noodles al dente according to package and drain. • Let noodles cool and then cut into bite-sized squares. Set aside. Prepare the Soup • Heat olive oil in a large pot and add onions. • Saute until onions are tender and then add garlic. • Cook garlic until fragrant. • Add ground beef and cook until beef is browned, and then drain off the fat. • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. • Stir in basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. • Taste and add salt and pepper and adjust seasonings to your liking. • Add bay leaf and simmer for 15-20 minutes. • Stir in prepared lasagna noodles. • Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. • Ladle into bowls and top with a dollop of ricotta (if using), shredded mozzarella cheese, and fresh parsley.
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
RV SALES - PARTS - SERVICE
RV RENTALS
SALES
RENTALS
4500 Grove Ave. Lorain, Ohio
440-282-5600
C G D A I P B S S I K G C V L
O N E Q N E A D O R E O P A O
F I V R I L T S N G U Z N L V
U N O L S Y F O S R K E E E E
O R L A B J I S T I H P T N B
T A E V W T G I P W O W T T I
X E B Z C V N D V I D N I I R
T Y U E R G Y A F C L G M N D
U R F Q H C G R C D O U S E S
N F A Z U H I L D S P R T X M
A H Z E X O H I A E E S H T I
U J P K H W B N C W S M M V E
H S I R E H C G O J H I Y V G
R O M A N C E L E A H X R O O
E J Y J V S F B F L A M E E Y
•adore•affection•beloved• •bouquet•cherish•courting• •darling•desire•flame•flowers• •gift•heart•kiss•lovebirds• •passion•romance•smitten• •tulips•valentine•yearning•
MONTHLY WINNER: Angela Jurs
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
31
32
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM
33
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.
AmericInn MI......................................................................26 ARSENAL HARLEY-DAVIDSON MI..................................45 Backroads of Appalachia KY............................................27 Bair's Powersports OH.......................................................30 Best Bear Lodge MI...........................................................26 Biker to Biker Consignment ...............................................32 Cash 4 Motorcycles OH MI..............................................37 Dick Scott Powersports MI.................................................25 Dusty Bones MM ................................................................. 9 Gray Wolf Lodge MI..........................................................26 Hi-Point Firearms OH.......................................................... 31 Honda Marysville Motorsports ........................................ 10 Iron Horse Campgrounds SD............................................26 Iron Pony / Pony Powersports OH...................................2-3 I-X Center Piston Power Show OH.....................15 & 20-21 Johnny's Grill & Pizzeria OH............................................. 41 Mark Wahlberg Airstream & RV OH............................... 41
34
MSTA ............................................................................24-25 Nutra Relief OH/MI...........................................................30 O.C. Plungers ......................................................................11 Ohio Bike Week ................................................Inside Cover Old Firehouse Winery OH................................................37 Progressive OH..................................................................... 1 Ray C's Rodeo & Bike show MI......................... 18-19 & 31 Rushing Wind Biker Church ................................................ 9 Sassy's (Twinsburg) OH...........................................34 & 44 Sinister Sound IN................................................................ 13 South East Harley-Davidson OH.......................................33 Superior Oasis MI..............................................................26 The Bike Shop OH..............................................................37 The Rock OH......................................................................... 9 Warren HD OH..................................................................30 Zeppe's OH........................................................................36
YOUR MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE POWERED BY REASONSTORIDE.COM