Reasons to Ride November 2024

FROM THE PUBLISHER

For over 10 years now, we’ve been publishing an Annual Veterans Edition to coincide with Veteran’s Day on November 11th. Of course, one of our organizational missions is to help support our veterans and community veterans service organizations throughout the year – but we dedicate this issue to our Vets and their families. We seek to not only recognize and honor those that have served our country as we celebrate Veterans Day – but provide a useful resource as well. We’ve sought to include information on some of the benefits and service organizations available to Vet’s and their families. While these are often non-profit community organizations, the work that they do and the services offered are not meant as “charity” – as in simply done for goodwill, but more as a recognition that we owe a debt to those that have served and the families that have supported them. For the various grassroots, non-profit organizations that serve vets – we believe that we have an obligation to help in their work, as they are helping pay back our own debt as well, you might say. I think back to my Grandparents that served during World War II. They never took advantage of any of the services and benefits that they had available to them, because they considered it charity and felt that there was always someone else that deserved it more. They missed the point, although I say that as respectfully as possible.

For the Vets that have served our nation, the families that stand behind them – as well as the first responders and other folks that help protect and maintain our communities – we owe a debt of gratitude for their service and the freedoms it allows. The benefits offered by our Federal, State, and local governments – as well as the support offered by service organizations – are aimed at repaying that debt.

And with this issue, we focus on the Vets and their families. Thank you. And to those that care and provided services to our Vets –thank you.

In much the same spirit, we’d also like to thank the Southeastern Michigan riding community and businesses that joined us for the Rochester Hills Strong Bike Show and Family Day, held at Van Hoosen Farm Park on October 6th. This event was produced by Reasons To Ride in partnership with Erskine Law to help support the families impacted by a horrific incident at a local splash pad park earlier this year. Families had gone to this park to enjoy the day and have fun – but instead experienced a nightmare which left several of them severely injured. It was a random act of violence that unexpectedly impacted these kids and their parents. The best response that we could imagine for that would be a deliberate act of kindness and an opportunity to allow the community to demonstrate the love and support we have for these families. And us being who we are… we of course decided to host a bike show!

And it turned out to be an amazing day! You can see some pictures from the day on pages 48-49. The highlight of the day was seeing two young ladies smiling and laughing as they presented show trophies – seemingly forgetting for even a moment the pain that they had experienced and were still working through. And it was all worthwhile at that point.

Thanks to Erskine Law and Rochester Hills Councilwoman Marvie Neubauer for helping make it all possible. In over 15 years of hosting Bike Shows, I don’t believe I’ve ever been prouder to be a part of an event.

And if you’d like to help support these families – you can still contribute and be a part of the effort, just email us at Info@ ReasonsToRide.com

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you out on the road!

Respectfully,

D. A. Smith Publisher D.A. Smith

Veterans Affairs Editor

Reasons to Ride is looking to add a Veterans Affairs Editor to the team in order to coordinate a year-round focus on Vets – including events, service organizations, and benefits available to them.

We are looking for someone with a passion for serving and helping others in the community. This would be a “volunteer” position as a contributor, however there is an opportunity to make money and certainly cover expenses through corporate sponsors and other work within the magazine.

This is an ideal position for a retired Vet, spouse, or other family member that would like to help other Vets and their families within their community and throughout the region. We are offering a regular featured spot in the magazines and online to feature information of interest and beneficial to Veterans. In the past we’ve featured articles on benefits and opportunities available to Veterans and information on how to take advantage of them. We can also talk about upcoming events and service organizations throughout the area.

It's a great chance to serve VETERANS and help support CHARITABLE GROUPS and SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS within your community – while possibly making some extra money on the side!

For more information or to express interest in the position, please email us at Info@ReasonsToRide.com

Reasons To Ride Partnering with The Ticketing Co.

Back in 2019, Reasons to Ride launched a new online platform in partnership with Ticket Releaf in order to offer online pre-registration and event ticketing as part of our event services. The idea was to allow event organizers to easily and cost effectively incorporate ticketing into their online event listings on ReasonsToRide.com. As far as we are aware, this is the only website, anywhere, to offer this.

Over the years, we’ve fine tuned this and the concept has evolved. 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 can allow you to help protect events from challenging forecasts and eliminate bundles of leftover ha – by not only getting an exact count of confirmed riders, but also their shirt sizes in advance! And with the support of our sponsors, we’ve been able to offer the ticketing and advance promotion at no cost to the event organizers or the charities that they are looking to support.

In 2024, Ticket Releaf merged with TheTicketing.co – and now, Reasons To Ride is pleased to also join in the switch and offer an unprecedented level of service and ease of use to the online ticketing process.

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!

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 hand held 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. Instant payouts are conducted instantly through ACH and Paypal – at no cost, Wire Transfer for a nominal fee, or through a check usually mailed to you within 3-7 business days. It couldn’t be any easier.

And while working with Reasons To Ride, we can help promote your event with digital ads within the magazines, eblasts, social media, and website ads – all linked directly to the ticketing pages. We can often secure sponsors to cover all of these costs as well.

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!

SPECIAL 2025 OFFER FOR VETERANS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

– Book your ride or event through RtR and TheTicketing. com and receive complimentary advertising both within the magazine and online at NO COST with the support of our sponsors. Value in most cases between $500 and $5,000 – at no cost to you! Email us for more information. LIMITED NUMBER OF SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE.

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 a 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 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 change in season and begin looking to next year.

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 really 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

Never Alone

To my Brothers and Sisters I write this poem. Though many days seem empty We are never alone.

When darkness looms around us And the pain of war goes deep, We get tangled up in memories And the thoughts rob us of sleep.

Yet out on the horizon we feel A sense of hope and peace. The moment we let all our worries go And let true love bring release.

Freedom comes in many ways A ride, a dance, or song, But true freedom lies within us And He's been there all along.

So look out on the horizon, Lift your head and shout with glee. True love has come to fill our heart, And set us truly free.

To our Veterans and their families Both in service and at home.

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

Part Three: Norm Goes on a Social Group Ride

This article is mostly for entertainment, but every bit of it is true. Names of people, motorcycle clubs, etc, have been omitted for obvious reasons.

Prologue

In 2007, a friend invited some friends and me to attend a flat track race at a fairgrounds about seventy miles away. We would pay him to buy a block of reserved grandstand tickets so we could enjoy the races together in a group.

The plan was for us to meet and ride to the race, with a leisurely dinner stop at a nice restaurant about 20 miles from the track. A fun evening with friends! I'm in.

The races were on a Saturday in late June. It was over 90 degrees , sunny and humid. We were to meet at 3PM in a Wal-Mart parking lot just off an I70 exit northwest of Dayton, Ohio.

The Social Group Ride

I arrived about 2:45 and saw some of the other riders in the parking lot out near the road. There was no shade, no place to sit or get any refreshment. They were standing around in their jeans and T shirts- I was the only person wearing gear.

3 PM came and went- we were waiting for someone who was running late. I had taken my helmet and jacket off right away but was broiling in the sun. The straggler arrived at about 3:30 but he needed gas, so it was another ten minutes before we rolled out. Our route went north on OH 48 through several suburbs, filled with traffic, never more than 40 mph between long stops at many traffic lights.

About ten miles into the ride, while waiting at a light, one of the riders was on reserve and needed to stop for gas. Fortunately there was a station just across the street so we all pulled in.

Four riders had their wives on back. While the rider filled his tank, the women got off and headed to the bathroom. It was small and only held one person at a time, so they took turns. They all lit cigarettes and enjoyed a leisurely smoke. About 25 baking minutes later, everyone was ready to go again.

We finally got moving at a pace of about 45 MPH as we got onto less traveled roads. About 50 miles into the ride, the leader pulled over and stopped in a little crossroads town.

After a couple minutes I walked over to him to see what the problem was. Turns out that he thought he knew where he was going but was lost. He didn't have a map or GPS. I asked what town we were going to for dinner, and offered to lead the group there.

I was able to pick up the pace and get us to the restaurant where we had a nice dinner and still got to the fairgrounds in time to enjoy the races. Afterward, we all and headed our separate ways home.

Takeaways

What did I learn from my social riding experience? First, half of the problems in this particular case could have been avoided. Here's how:

1. Meet and start from a nice gas station with a canopy over the pumps and a convenience store with some seating inside.

2. Riders can easily get drinks and snacks and be comfortable while waiting for others to show up.

3. Riders can take a bathroom break there if needed.

4. Remind each rider to top off their tank before departing.

5. The leader always has a map or GPS and knows the route.

6. Make the meeting point on the edge of an urban area to get away from traffic quickly.

Limitations

Social group riding has limitations, mostly due to the "everyone welcome- the more the merrier," philosophy:

1. One of the attractions of social group riding is informality. No rules. No riders meeting, etc, because those kinds of things are "not welcoming." Therefore,

2. No one looks too carefully at their fellow riders who show up. (You may be riding with others who lack basic skills, have poorly maintained bikes, are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, etc.)

3. With no riders meeting or rules, riders don't get reminded not to follow too close, ride side by side, etc.

4. A large group may make it difficult or impossible to keep the group together.

5. The "slowest common denominator-" the slowest rider always determines the pace of any group. The larger the group, the more likely there will be someone who is much, much slower than everyone else. That insures either a very low pace or lots of stops to allow time to collect.

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

Southwest Ohio Breakfast, 9AM, Nov 16th Village Family Restaurant 144 S. Main St. Waynesville, OH 45068

Central Ohio Breakfast Meet - 8AM Dec 1st Portside Cafe 6515 S High St Lockbourne, OH 43137

Different perspectives

Social group riders have different personal preferences than sport touring riders:

1. Social group riders usually want to stop more often. Their bikes are not set up for long distance riding and may be less comfortable.

2. Social group riders are less likely to have Bluetooth communicators, so their conversation and social time is limited to stops that often include adult beverages.

3. Loud exhausts are common in this group.

4. Social group riders are rarely ATGATT. If you wear gear and they don't, you probably won't have as good a time riding with them on a hot humid day, as they have less incentive to keep moving.

5. Social group riders are more likely to be smokers. I always wind up spending time waiting on them during a ride. Not a big deal, but it's something I don't have to do with non-smokers.

I'm not here to judge the preferences of others, just to contrast their differences. To each his own, but here's a simple truth: The more similar your preferences are to those you are riding with, the more you're going to enjoy it.

Backroads of Appalachia!

As we near the end of our Biggest and Busiest Motorcycle Season to date here on the Backroads of Appalachia and we prepare for our Last Ride, we think back on all the great people and new friends we have met this year on our Mission to make our Region Number 1 for Motorcycles. From our first ride of our Season it has been one incredible journey for us in 2024 as our “All Volunteer” Group gave it all we could once again to bring Riders to our Region and Economic Development to our Small Towns who have struggled economically since the loss of our Coal Industry almost 3 decades ago. This year we have seen riders from all over the world come to visit us here and discover the best riding in the U.S.! Period! and the response we have gotten has been more than positive to say the least! We know there are many places you can choose to go on your Motorcycle Vacation and we thank you for choosing to come and ride with us here in our Region and the “Last Unexplored Frontier on the East Coast!”

years ago just for this purpose and everyone is welcome here no matter what you ride! Every Rider who rides with us at our events or visits us here using our Backroads of Appalachia Mobile Application helps us do just that! With every night you stay, every meal you eat, and every fuel stop you make, You are helping us bring an economic impact to these areas who once had none! You are also helping all our small businesses along our routes and helping those communities create new ones! When you visit us here you are making a difference just by being here and the Riding is Second to None but we will let that speak for itself! We are replacing the Loss of Coal with Motorsports Tourism and it is truly the power of our supporting community that allows us to do this and continue to expand our efforts moving forward! Do not forget If you are an Adventure Touring Rider and don't mind the cold we still have plenty to offer you here in the Off-Season including Gravel and Off-Road so do not hesitate to reach out to us!

As a Non-Profit Organization and an “All Volunteer” Public Riding Group/Community we know we have a lot of people to thank for the Riders who visited our Backroads here in Central Appalachia this year. From our great Partners at the Rallys who help us promote our Organization, Mission, Group, and Free Mobile Application, to our Monthly Marketing Partners who help us showcase our riding here each month, each element comes together to make up our overall efforts but none is more important than you the Rider! In the Motorcycle World it is still more “Word of Mouth” and we cannot thank all our Brothers and Sisters out there enough for your unwavering support of our Mission to Bring the Bikes to Appalachia and for visiting us this year!

This is what makes us and what we do “Totally Unique” at BOA and our “All Volunteer” WCMG group was created by design 4

So from all of us here and from all of our people here in Appalachia to all of our BOA Sponsors, Supporters, Partners, WCMG Group Members, and especially you the Rider, we thank you for your support and for visiting us this year right here in the place we call home on the Backroads of Appalachia! We truly hope you have enjoyed our events, articles, and content over the 2024 Riding Season and for all those Riders out there who have not visited us or joined us here yet, ask any Rider who has and you will find the answer to what we already know and say every week at the end of our BOA LIVE! SHOW…… Best Riding in the U.S.! Period!

Let’s Ride Appalachia!

Jay Fryman (Frydaddy) Founder, Whitley County Motorcycle Group Backroads of Appalachia Journalism Team

By: Joshua Axelrod, Military Times

Motorcycles have always been a part of Stephanie Cutts’ life, for better or worse.

Her husband, Frank, died in a motorcycle accident. But the 35-year-old Navy veteran has continued riding, both to honor his memory and because of the relationships she has developed with folks in the motorcycle world.

As Cutts has known for years, the motorcycle community is a vibrant, supportive group that brings together anyone who loves bikes as much as she does. It has been especially hospitable to veterans seeking healthy outlets to combat PTSD or other mental-health symptoms related to their time in the military.

“There obviously is the adrenaline and the dangerous aspects where you have to constantly be on guard,” she said. “I think there is a deeper camaraderie, where you can connect with a stranger instantly and bond over something.”

Experts in the military and medical fields agree that activities like motorcycle riding can at least temporarily help veterans dealing with PTSD. It certainly helped Cutts get through her trauma by providing her with a supportive community.

“It’s hard to make connections with civilians because you don’t have the same core base of life experience,” she said. “But you can do that with motorcycles because gear heads are gear heads.”

Cutts’ love of motorcycles recently helped book her a once-ina-lifetime trip to Africa through Uuzilo, a nonprofit dedicated to taking veterans and anyone else suffering from PTSD on motorcycle tours around Africa.

Uuzilo was started by Andrew Councill, who was in a bad place around 2015 after a rough divorce and the death of his father. Councill decided to take a trip to Africa and, on a whim, purchased his first motorcycle there. The feeling of riding through the continent on his bike gave him a peace of mind he never thought he’d have again.

“I went from feeling like the most pitiful wretch on earth to feeling like the luckiest person on earth,” he said.

Councill isn’t a veteran, but he recognized that a motorcycle helped him heal from his trauma and figured it might help them too. He feels that the type of person who would go into the military is “well-suited” for this high-octane form of therapy.

“It’s danger, but it’s controlling danger,” he said. “As soon as you get on a bike and take off in Africa ... you very quickly and instinctively decide if you want to live.”

Uuzilo isn’t the only organization that uses motorcycles as a therapeutic tool for veterans.

Motorcycle Missions is another nonprofit serving veterans working through trauma by teaching them about the joys of

‘Controlling danger’ — here’s why vets love motorcycles

motorcycles. It was founded by Krystal Hess, another nonveteran who credits motorcycles for helping to set her on the path to recovery after getting out of an abusive relationship.

“I decided it was time to put into action this program that I had been thinking about and use it as a means of therapy for these guys and girls who struggle and suffer from the traumatic experiences they’ve had serving our country and communities,” she said.

Veterans can participate in a few bike-centric courses through Motorcycle Missions that include a motocross camp, a welding class or a build team where you learn how to construct motorcycles.

The organization also holds “build-off” competitions where teams of veterans and first responders compete to design and build the best motorcycle. The latest one took place this April in Austin, Texas, between teams representing Austin and Dallas and was sponsored by Indian Motorcycle

“Support of veterans and the military community is a natural fit for the brand and something we’re very passionate about,” said Indian Motorcycle Senior Director Reid Wilson.

Hess said that more than 100 veterans have gone through various Motorcycle Missions programs since 2016. She has worked with veterans who have told her they have stopped drinking, re-kindled a relationship or felt calm enough to go off their medication after working with Motorcycle Missions.

“They’re very much programmed to do a job,” she said. “When they come home, they’re not deprogrammed, and they have a hard time getting back into the normal rhythm of things… there are intrusive thoughts, there’s nightmares, anger, aggression, alcohol abuses. Our whole goal is to prevent that from happening and give them a purpose.”

That was the case for Matthew Webb, a 34-year-old Marine veteran who was on Team Dallas during that April build-off (Team Austin

Andrew Councill, founder of Uuzilo, a motorcycle therapy program in Africa, gets a push out of the sand where the dirt road was nearly impassable.

Photos from Uuzilo Ltd.

narrowly won). He said that Motorcycle Missions not only made him realize that bikes are his true passion, but he’s now thinking about “ramrodding my way” into the motorcycle industry as a full-time career.

For him, being on a motorcycle is a true “place of peace.”

“When you’re riding, there’s so much going on that your body seizes on that adrenaline,” he said. “It puts you in a place where you’re around like-minded individuals… for the most part, everybody that I’ve met is extremely friendly and wants to be involved and wants to get to know you. It’s a great community full of nice, genuine people.”

He also wanted to dispel the stereotype that people who drive motorcycles are intimidating.

As he put it: “We might look scary, but we’re not!”

(Reprinted from Military Times, rebootcamp.militarytimes.com)

Veterans representing Team Dallas participate in a bike "build-off" competition against Team Austin earlier in a competition put on my Motorcycle Missions, a nonprofit helping veterans combat PTSD through motorcycles.

(Photo courtesy of Motorcycle Missions)

Clint Lawrence, MotorcycleShippers.com

RIDING MOTORCYCLES IS GOOD THERAPY FOR VETERANS

In the last few years, researchers and psychologists have looked beyond motorcycle riding as purely an adrenaline kick. They’ve discovered that motorcyclists find riding to be a therapeutic process that allows them to de-stress. Riding motorcycles is good therapy.

This process is especially important for veterans of our armed services who have returned home to civilian lives while still dealing with some of the tragic events that they witnessed overseas. Many veterans are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – a disorder that can be tough to overcome.

PTSD is one of the most common side effects veterans face after combat. Finding a solution or therapy to overcome the syndrome can be difficult. That is why individuals like J. Paul Rand, Ph.C., MBA researching motorcycle riders are so important. A study he conducted with riders of various ages suggests that while riding “through a relaxation of mental stressors on various schemas, new possibilities for resolution seemed to effortlessly emerge for the riders.” This is the kind of research that can help vets as life ebbs and flows.

Riding motorcycles is good therapy.

Veteran and co-founder of the V-Twin Project Aaron Perry said in a statement for the Portland Tribune “Out there nothing takes hold — especially not pain, anxiety, exasperation or fear.” (Haugen, 2014).

Motorcycle riding is fun, but it can also increase the quality of life for riders. Some veterans even say it is the antidote to stress. In an article similarly titled for military veterans, motorcycle ride provides an antidote to stress (Barrett) Brian Steuber a former U.S. Army staff sergeant says “My medical prescription is 800-plus pounds of American-made metal and chrome. No drug can compare; no feeling is better. That’s why I ride.” This is a common theme among vets who ride, and many would like to see more vets on motorcycles.

PTSD and stress in general are not unique to veterans and can affect anyone. That means riding can be a prescription for everyone. A ride is often a form of relaxation – a way to remove yourself from everyday mundane life, crowded roads, and hectic situations.

Resources for Veterans

There is a wealth of resources and organizations dedicated to serving veterans and their families in recognition of their service and sacrifices made. We wanted to include a few items here worth mentioning specifically, but will have far more online at www. ReasonsToRide.com then just click on the veterans tab.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has established a national Veterans Crisis Line to ensure that Veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors.

To operate the hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans, family members and friends can call the lifeline number, 800-273-TALK (8255) and press “1” to be routed to the hotline and speak to a counselor about any issue that is creating a crisis situation in his or her life.

Contact: 800-273-8255 or text 4HOPE to 741 741 (Ohio’s Crisis Text Line) website: www.veteranscrisisline.net

FIND DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS LOCATIONS

This link will allow Veterans, family, or friends to search for VA locations to connect to Veterans Affairs facilities: https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

Local and Regional Veterans Service Offices

Almost every county has a Veterans Service Office which is staffed with professionals that are certified and dedicated to helping Veterans, their spouses and children, as well as surviving family members of deceased Veterans. They can assist Veterans in applying for benefits earned by active military service. These include:

Federal – Disability Compensation, Pension, Healthcare, Education, Home Loans, Burial and Survivor Benefits

State – Veterans Bonus, Education, Employment, Healthcare, Home Loans, Ohio Veterans Homes, and Military Injury Relief Fund.

Local – Claim Preparation and Assistance, Financial Assistance, Transportation to VA Medical Appointments, and Indigent Burials.

RESOURCES

Many County Veterans Service and County Recorders also make Veterans ID Cards.

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency can be reached at 1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838) or visit the website at www.michigan.gov/mvaa. The Federal Veterans Affairs Benefits and Services number is 1-800-827-1000.

Ohio Veterans can find their local Service Office by calling 877-OHIO-VET (877-644-6838) or by visiting www.OhioVets.gov

APPLY FOR VETERANS HEALTHCARE

VA health care covers care for your physical and mental health. This includes a range of services from checkups, to prescriptions and medical equipment, including surgeries to home health care.

Apply online now. Includes steps to check your eligibility, information/document (s) you need to gather to complete registration, and enrollment application for health benefits.

(VA Form 10-10EZ), including links if you need help. QR1 online application OR QR2 fillable/printable application.

QR1: https://www.va.gov/health-care/apply/application/ introduction

QR2: https://www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pdf/VA%20Form%20 10-10EZ.pdf

FIND A VA HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Search by State or parent VA Facility to find providers in the occupation or specialty that you are seeking. https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/ourproviders

VA MENTAL HEALTH

VA has a variety of mental health resources, information, treatment options, and — all accessible for Veterans, Veterans’ supporters, and the general public. Explore the site to learn more about a specific mental health topic or to find information specifically tailored to your needs. VA provides support for a variety of mental health conditions and other challenges. Exploring by topic includes resources, information on treatment options, and more. https:// www.mentalhealth.va.gov/index.asp

SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT FOR VETERANS

If you’re struggling with substance use problems, you’re not alone. Many Veterans have problems with the use of alcohol, tobacco, street drugs, and prescription medicines. We’re here to help. Find out how to get support for substance use problems through VA. https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/ substance-use-problems/

HOMELESS VETERANS OR AT-RISK OF BEING HOMELESS VA

Committed to ending homelessness among Veterans. The focus is threefold: First, conducting coordinated outreach to proactively seek out Veterans in need of assistance. Second, connecting homeless and at-risk Veterans with housing solutions, health care, community employment services and other required supports. Finally, collaborating with federal, state and local agencies; employers; housing providers, faith-based and community nonprofits; and others to expand employment and affordable housing options for Veterans exiting homelessness. 1-877-42AIDVET (1-877-424-3838). https://www.va.gov/homeless/

RESOURCES

OHIO SUICIDE PREVENTION FOUNDATION

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is a prevention, education, and resource organization. Saving lives by connecting every Ohioan to hope, help, and suicide prevention resources. Every day we lose 5 people to suicide. Suicide devastates families, friends, and communities. Substance use disorder and mental illness profoundly impact Ohio’s growing suicide rate, and it is time to direct our focus, energy, and resources toward suicide prevention.

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation is a non-profit organization that works tirelessly to prevent one of our most preventable causes of death: suicide. Our work includes reducing the stigma of suicide, promoting evidence-based prevention strategies, and raising awareness about suicide’s relationship to mental illness, alcohol, drug abuse, and other issues. http://www.ohiospf.org

VETERAN READINESS & EMPLOYMENT VR&E

Formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment; can help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. They also assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment. VA's Education and Career Counseling program is a great option for Veterans and Servicemembers to get personalized counseling and support. They help guide Veterans in their career paths, ensure the most effective use of their VA benefits, and achieve their goals.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp

CENTER FOR MINORITY VETERANS

The Center for Minority Veterans is the Department of Veterans Affairs model for inter-and intra agency co-operation, to ensure all veterans receive equal service regardless of race, origin, religion, or gender. https://www.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/index.asp

CENTER FOR WOMEN VETERANS

The Center for Women Veterans monitors and coordinates VA’s administration of healthcare and benefits services, and programs for female Veterans. Serves as an advocate for a cultural transformation (both within VA and in the general public) in recognizing the service and contributions of women Veterans and women in the military. The Center for Women Veterans also raises awareness of the responsibility to treat women Veterans with dignity and respect. https://www.va.gov/womenvet/index.asp

ADVANCE CARE PLANNING VIA GROUP VISITS

(ACP-GV) PROGRAM VA offers interactive groups where Veterans and caregivers can join their peers to learn more about the process of planning for future health care needs known as, 'advance care planning.' https://www.socialwork.va.gov/ACP_GV.asp

FISHER HOUSE PROGRAM

A Fisher House™ is a "home away from home" for families and caregivers of Veterans and Service members receiving treatment at major military and VA medical facilities. VA Fisher House arrangements and accommodations are provided at no cost to guests and located within walking distance of the treatment facility. VA Fisher Houses provide temporary accommodations at no cost for Veterans, Service members, their families and caregivers while receiving treatment through a VA Medical Facility. https://www. socialwork.va.gov/fisher.asp

VA MOBILE APPS

VA Mobile aims to improve Veterans’ health by providing technologies that expand clinical care beyond the traditional office visit. VA Mobile develops apps that give both Veterans and VA care teams safe and secure mobile access to important health data — providing more opportunities for Veterans to be active in their health care. VA Mobile also features health care and wellness apps for caregivers and civilians. VA Mobile is critical in connecting Veterans to care, and VA is dedicated to providing that connection through innovative apps that enhance Veterans’ care experiences.

https://mobile.va.gov/

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

Since 1973, NCA has ensured that Veterans, service members, and their families are honored with a final resting place that pays tribute to their service and commitment to our country. Over the last 50 years, NCA has developed and expanded burial and memorial options, so that more Veterans and their families can utilize their earned memorial benefits.Whether you are looking for a cemetery, trying to locate a grave, have questions about burial benefits or what happens during a committal service the National Cemetery Administration has answers. https://www.cem.va.gov/

Michigan Veteran Financial Benefits

Michigan State Veterans Homes

There are three Michigan Veteran Homes. The homes are in Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids and Marquette.

STATE BENEFITS - MICHIGAN

Veterans eligible for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care or financial assistance for long-term care may be admitted. The veteran must have been discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

Veterans who enlisted after Sept. 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after Oct. 16, 1981, must have served 24 continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty in order to be eligible.

Michigan residency is not required, and spouses or surviving spouses may be admitted if space is available. Fees are incomebased.

Income Tax

Active-duty pay, retired pay, and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax-free.

Property Tax Waiver

100% disabled veterans and those rated 100% due to individual unemployability may be exempt from paying taxes on their home. The veteran must have an other-than-dishonorable discharge and be a Michigan resident.

Unremarried surviving spouses are also eligible.

Vehicle Registration

100% permanently and totally disabled veterans may be eligible to register one vehicle with a disabled veteran plate for free.

Emergency Assistance

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency offers emergency assistance to those having temporary financial issues who require assistance with utility bills, vehicle or home repairs, medical bills or other debts.

There are many resources available including county Soldier and Sailor Relief Funds, the Michigan Veteran Trust Fund, and the National Guard Family Programs.

Michigan State Employment Veterans Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and certain veteran spouses for initial employment with the state.

Michigan Children of Veterans Tuition Grant

The grant provides undergraduate tuition assistance for natural or adopted children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled or died as a result of military service. Children must apply and receive benefits prior to age 26.

Veterans' Burial Expenses

Under state law, eligible veterans and some spouses/surviving spouses who meet residency and asset limits may qualify for $300 for burial expenses paid by the County Board of Commissioners or the Board of County Auditors.

Michigan Veteran Recreation Benefits

Hunting and Fishing

Michigan active-duty residents can get hunting and fishing licenses for free. Non-residents stationed in Michigan can get licenses at the resident rate.

Permanently and totally disabled veterans can get any resident hunting or fishing license, for which a lottery is not required, free of charge.

State Parks

100% permanently and totally disabled veterans get free entry into Michigan state parks.

Visit the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency website for more information on any of these programs.

Ohio Veteran Financial Benefits

Ohio Veterans Homes

Ohio has veterans homes in Georgetown and Sandusky. Honorably discharged Ohio resident wartime veterans who are disabled and unable to earn a living are eligible for admission. Costs are based on income. The Domiciliary at the Ohio Veterans Home Sandusky is for veterans who need some medical care or supervision but can live independently.

Ohio Veterans Bonus Program

Generally, anyone who served honorably for more than 90 days on or after Oct. 7, 2001, is eligible. Applicants must have been Ohio residents at the time of entry onto active duty and be current Ohio residents. The bonus pays $100 per month for service in Afghanistan and $50 per month for service elsewhere, up to a maximum of $1,500.

Income Tax

Active-duty pay is tax-free if stationed out-of-state. Retirement pay and Survivor Benefit Plan payments are tax-free.

Homestead Exemption

Veterans rated by the VA as 100% disabled due to a serviceconnected disability and surviving spouses who occupy the same home are eligible for an expanded homestead exemption. The rate varies by location.

Military Injury Relief Fund

The fund grants a one-time, tax-exempt payment to service members injured on active duty after Oct. 7, 2001, and to individuals diagnosed with post-traumatic stress while serving after Oct. 7, 2001.

Ohio Home Loan Program

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers first-time home buyers home loans at an interest rate approximately a quarter of a percentage point lower than the going interest rate.

Financial Assistance

Each of Ohio's 88 counties operates a County Veterans Service Office that provides direct financial assistance to needy veterans upon receipt of a completed application. Contact your county office for details.

Ohio Veteran Employment Benefits

State Employment

Veterans are entitled to 20% added credit on an Ohio civil service exam. Current Reserve and National Guard members who successfully complete initial entry-level training get a 15% added credit.

Employment Assistance

Veterans can receive free individual job search assistance from a state employment specialist. In addition, veterans and their spouses can receive assistance from their local employment center in resume writing, interview success techniques and more.

Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program

Eligible Ohio National Guard members can get up to 96 educational credits (12 full-time quarters or 8 full-time semesters) of tuition

STATE BENEFITS - OHIO

assistance toward an undergraduate degree at a participating Ohio institution during their enlistment. Members with a bachelor's degree aren't eligible; however, possessing prior college credits or possession of an associate degree does not affect eligibility.

Ohio War Orphan & Severely Disabled Veterans' Children Scholarship

The scholarship is available to children of deceased or severely disabled Ohio wartime veterans. The scholarship covers a portion of tuition and fees at two- and four-year public institutions and at eligible private colleges and universities. The amount changes every year.

Ohio Veteran Recreation Benefits

Active-Duty Hunting and Fishing Licenses

Ohio active-duty residents don't have to buy a hunting license, fishing license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit while on leave.

Non-resident active-duty members stationed in Ohio can buy a hunting license, fishing license, Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, or fur taker permit for the resident rate.

Free Hunting & Fishing Licenses

Ohio resident permanently and totally disabled veterans and former POWs may receive free hunting and fishing licenses.

Camping at Ohio State Parks

Active military and veterans are entitled to a 10% discount that may be used for one campsite, getaway rental unit, cottage, or lodge room per visit. Military ID or veteran identification must be presented to receive the discount.

Watercraft Registration

Permanently and totally disabled Ohio resident veterans, Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, and former POWs receive free registration for personal watercraft.

Veterans Cemetery

The Ohio Veterans Home Cemetery is located in Sandusky. Veterans residing in the Ohio Veterans Home can request burial in the cemetery.Visit the Ohio Department of Veterans Services website for more information on any of these programs.

THANKS TO MILITARY.COM FOR THESE RESOURCES.

A group of “like-minded veterans” working to raise awareness while fighting veterans suicide.

“SAVE22’s mission is to provide support, assistance, volunteers and education services to veterans and first responders who are at risk of suicide. SAVE22 believes that by working together with local organizations and community leaders, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who have served our country.”

SAVE22.vet

330-260-5491

Accounts@Save22.vet

VetTix ww.VetTix.org

Vet Tix * provides tickets to events which reduce stress, strengthen family bonds, build life-long memories and encourage service members and veterans to stay engaged with local communities and American life. We support our troops by honoring their service and providing positive family and life experiences, during and after their years of service to our country.

Vet Tix provides tickets to all branches of currently-serving Military and Veterans, including immediate family of troops KIA.

Since launching in 2008, VetTix has given out more than 18,751,000 tickets to date!

Vet Tix secures tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, educational and family activities across the nation. VetTixers sign up online. We verify their service. VetTixers request tickets to events that interest them, then pay a small delivery fee to receive their free tickets. For more information, visit www.VetTix.org or find them on Facebook, Instagram or X.

RIDING ORGANIZATIONS

Veterans Riding Organizations

There are numerous motorcycle-oriented Veterans groups across the Midwest. We believe that comradery and time with folks that you can connect to as a Veteran is invaluable. We’ve included a few here in an effort to encourage those looking for Brothers and Sisters to ride with – to take the step and find a group. For each, we’ve included a few posts, but there are many more locations within the area for each of them. Googling online or searching on Facebook will usually show local chapters and their contact information.

Reasons To Ride will be regularly featuring Veterans groups within the magazine and online – as well as Veteran Oriented motorcycle events and service programs. We offer greatly subsidized rates for all charitable organizations, and have numerous special programs for veterans organizations and events. It’s our goal to help support as many legitimate charitable organizations, events, and the veterans they serve as we can. With the support of our partner organizations ReasonsToRide.com is often able to offer online preregistration for veterans rides and charitable events at NO COST to the host organization or the charities they are supporting!

For information on how your organization or event can be included in upcoming editions or featured online email us at Info@ ReasonsToRide.com

American Legion Riders

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans’ organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans. Hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen the nation one community at a time.

For more information, visit www.Legion.org

American Legion Riders chapters are well known for their charitable work, which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children's hospitals, schools, veterans’ homes, severely wounded service members and scholarships. Since 2006, riders nationwide have participated in the Legion Legacy Run, to annually raise money for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, established to provide scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed since Sept. 11, 2001.

There are many chapters across the Midwest and nation. You can visit the group pages on Facebook, American Legion Riders of Ohio or Michigan – or visit your local American Legion more information. You can also visit online at – www.Legion.org/Riders

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association

We are an Association of Combat Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who ride motorcycles as a hobby. Our mission now is to support and defend those who have defended our country and our freedoms.

Our membership is comprised of Full Members (those with verified combat service) and Supporter Members (those who have non-combat military service and have a sincere dedication to helping veterans). Many members continue to serve in our Armed Forces, with several serving in combat areas now.

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association has over 250 Chapters in all 50 states, and even several overseas. One of the great aspects of this organization is that each Chapter can decide which Veteran issue(s) they wish to focus on to best serve our nation’s heroes in their respective Veteran community.

Veterans interested in learning more about Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association can visit: www.combatvet.us

Regional Chapters include:

CVMA 12-1, Central Ohio CVMA12-1.org www.Facebook.com/OhioCVMA

CVMA 12-5, Shiloh

Serving members from Sandusky, Lorain, Ashland, Marion, and Mount Vernon CVMA12-5.org Tango@cvma-oh-12-5.org

CVMA 12-7, Northeast Ohio www.CVMA12-7.org www.Facebook.com/CVMA12.7

CVMA 12-8, Hillsboro Dragonfly0665.wixsite.com/mysite Dadkins4800@yahoo.com

CVMA 35-1, UP Michigan www.Facebook.com/UPCVMA CombatVet.org

CVMA 35-3, Southeastern Michigan CVMA353.wordpress.com CVMAMI353@gmail.com

CVMA 35-4, Western Michigan

Covering Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo area. www.Facebook.com/CVMAwestMichigan CVMAMi35-4.org

CVMA 35-7, The Lost Boys www.facebook.com/CVMALostBoys cvma.lostboys@usa.com

Leathernecks Nation Motorcycle Club

Leathernecksnationmc.com

Our membership consists of a very special breed of person. In most military services, you can be all that you can be, but the members of this club who joined the Marines, found themselves being more than they ever thought possible. Both Marines and FMF Corpsmen who wore the eagle, globe, and anchor, have a very special bond and loyalty to one another, which comes quite natural to us. When you combine this bond with the love of motorcycling through the beauty of the country in which we would die for – you’ve created a special breed of person – A Leathernecks Nation Motorcycle Club Member! We are looking for a few good men who served with the Marine Corps, as well as Navy Corpsmen who served with the FMF. Honorably discharged, active duty, or retirees only. Our colors are earned only through hard work, respect, dedication and loyalty to the club. All cruiser style bikes are welcome but American is preferred. We are not a 1% club

Leathernecks Nation Glorious Bastards Chapter OH mcooper101@yahoo.com Summit, Portage Counties OH www.facebook.com/leathernecksnation

Leathernecks MC War Machine Chapter 1323 Eureka Rd., Wyandotte MI

Find us on Facebook “Leathernecks MC War Machine Chapter”

Leathernecks MC, Dawg Haus Chapter of Michigan

Open every other Saturday 7258 Lakeshore, Lexington MI www.facebook.com/DawgHausChapter dawghauslmci@gmail.com

RIDING ORGANIZATIONS

Incorporated in 1995, Rolling Thunder®, Inc. is a class 501(c) (4) non-profit organization with over 90 chartered chapters throughout the United States and members abroad. While many members of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. are veterans and many ride motorcycles, neither qualification is a prerequisite. Rolling Thunder®, Inc. members are old and young, men and women, veterans and non-veterans. All are united in the cause to bring full accountability for Prisoners of War (POW) and Missing in Action (MIA) of all wars, reminding the government, the media and the public by our watchwords: “We Will Not Forget.”

Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 1 Ohio

Meetings are the 3rd Sunday of the Month @ 2pm VFW Post 6768 8584 Olde Route 8, Northfield, OH 44067 www.rollingthunder1ohio.org

Rolling Thunder, Inc. Chapter 2 Ohio

Meetings are the 1st Sunday of the Month 1pm VFW Post 3383

690 West Waterloo Road, Akron, OH 44314 www.rollingthunderchapter2ohio.com

Rolling Thunder, Chapter 10 Ohio

Meetings 1st Sunday of the Month at 1:30pm Wapak VFW 712 Dixie Hwy, Wapakoneta OH 45895 www.RollingThunderOhio10.com President.Ohio.10@gmail.com

Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 1

Meetings are the third Sunday of each month at 1:30pm Kaleva VFW Post #6333 13300 9 Mile Road, Kaleva MI RollingThunderMi1@gmail.com RollingThunderMichigan1.com

Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 4

Meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 1pm

At the Rolling Thunder MI Chapter 4 Offices 548 S Getty St Muskegon, MI 49442 RollingThunderMI4.org 231-534-5362

Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 5

Meetings are held 2nd S unday of each month at 10am

GBACC 218 E Grand River Ave, Brighton MI 48116 www.RollingThunderMich5.com rtmc5.President@Gmail.com (248) 505-5953

RIDING ORGANIZATIONS

U.S. Military Vets MC

The U.S. Military Vets MC was established in 1987 , in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and is incorporated as a non-profit organization. The club is a national organization. We Welcome all Veterans, active duty and honorably discharged. This includes all branches of service and all eras, peacetime and wartime.

For Ohio – www.USVMCOH.com

US Military Vets MC – OH4 Middletown USMVMCMiddletown@gmail.com

For Michigan – WSMVMC-Michigan.org

U.S. Military Vets MC – Michigan Open House – 2nd and 4th Fridays Doors Open 6pm 3744 E. Michigan Ave, Jackson MI 49202 StateSecretary@USMVmv-michigan.org

U.S. Military Vets MC M12 Clubhouse 2460 Blazer Rd, Monroe MI 48162

VFW Riders

We are a Riders Club comprised of VFW members. This includes Veterans, Auxiliary & Social Members. You must belong to a VFW to join the Riders Club. We enjoy riding with others with a common theme in mind.

Our mission is to raise awareness for all VFW Posts, Post 6768 Northfield, Veterans, Active Duty Service Men & Women. We raise monies to donate to Veteran Organizations. We have escorted a Congressional Medal of Honor Winner. We escort funerals of Veterans. We attend functions to help educate people as to what belonging to a VFW is all about.

VFW Riders Post 2284 Edwardsburg MI 69946 M-62, Edwardsburg, MI (269) 357-9439

VFW Riders OHIO

35 E. Chestnut St. Suite 505, Columbus OH 43215 VFWOHRiders.com (614) 222-1611

VFW Riders Post 3762 335 Veterans Way, Washington Court House OH 43160 Find us on Facebook “VFW Riders Post 3762”

Northfield VFW Riders

VFW Post 6768 8584 Olde 8, Northfield OH 44067 www.facebook.com/NORTFIELDVFWRIDERSGROUP

Courtesy VFW.org

While anthropologists cannot pinpoint one reason tattooing began or held fast over the course of humanity, one reason tattooing persists is to signify a warrior. The tradition of tattooing is a mainstay in American military history, from the Revolution to today.

The age-old practice of tattooing can be found on mummies dating as far back as 4000 B.C. Cultural anthropologists attribute the spread of tattooing or body-marking culture to a variety of human traits, ranging from religion to magic to experience and memory.

Outside of religious or ancient ceremonial trends—especially among tribal people worldwide—the connection of the body with patriotic sentiments has, for centuries, been a motivating factor in perpetuating the art of tattoo among warriors. Furthermore, some anthropologists argue that early tattooing was a form of therapy.

“Tattoos and other permanent forms of body modification have been paramount in establishing the status and reputation of warriors for hundreds, if not thousands, of years,” Lars Krutak, a tattoo anthropologist and the host of Discovery Channel’s Tattoo Hunter, told Medium’s “War is Boring” blog in 2014.

Romans & Tribal Markings

In Western culture, tattoos find roots in the Roman Empire. Roman soldiers were tattooed with permanent dots—the mark of SPQR, or Senatus Populusque Romanus—and used as a means of identification and membership in a certain unit.

The Greek word Stizein meant tattoo, and it evolved into the Latin word Stigma meaning a mark or brand. Typically, tattooing was associated with lower classes (criminals, slaves and gladiators) as well as Thracian (Southeastern Indo-European tribe) infantry.

Additionally, tribal warriors of the British Isles embraced the practice of tattooing. Picti people of Caledonia (now Scotland) were known as “the Painted People” because of their tattoos. Celts were known to paint their bodies with spiral motifs—recognized as Celtic knots today. Some American tribes affiliate certain “paint”—body paint, rather than puncture tattooing—with success in war.

Maori tribes of New Zealand have specific tattoo patterns and placement—known as moko—that tell of the wearer’s ancestry and social standing. Maori warriors would behead slaves and tattoo the heads in order to barter for weapons and ammunition from visiting Europeans during the 1700s.

“Use of paint during warfare is very common throughout North America and Australia,” wrote Wilfrid Dyson Hambly in his 1925 book The History of Tattooing. “The desire to impress one’s foes may be uppermost in the case of an advancing army of Indians or

Australians who have used the red war paint very freely.”

Throughout Gallipoli (Turkey), Malta and France, soldiers and sailors sported markings. But the sweep of Christianity stifled tattooing in much of the Western world when, in 787 A.D., Pope Hadrian I outlawed tattooing.

Resurgence in Western Culture

In the 18th century, at the height of British colonial exploration, Capt. James Cook’s expeditions to the Far East resulted in a renewed fascination with the age-old practice of body marking. Sailors returned with permanent reminders of their travels and marks of seaward superstition.

The use of tattoos as identification continued, spreading to sailors in America. During the American Revolution, sailors’ American citizenship papers were often disregarded by British Navy ships— destroyed in some cases—so seamen tattooed their identification information as a way to avoid being illegally recruited by the British navy.

The 19th century British army commander Frederick Roberts encouraged tattoos on troops, saying: “Every officer in the British army should be tattooed with his regimental crest. Not only does this encourage esprit de corps but also assists in the identification of casualties.” (Among many campaigns, Roberts served in Afghanistan during the Second Anglo-Afghan War in 1878.)

Two prominent tattoo artists of the 19th century—Tom Riley and Sutherland Macdonald—both served in the British armed forces. Riley fought with the army in the Second Boer War in South Africa from 1899-1902, as well as Sudan, and Macdonald also served in the British army in the 1880s.

Around the same time, British sailor George Burchett learned the art of tattooing. He joined the navy at 12 years old and, after his service and some years travelling the world, Burchett opened a tattoo parlor in England, and trained under Riley and McDonald. He eventually became known as the King of Tattooists—allegedly tattooing members of the upper class as well as royalty.

Migration to the U.S.

German immigrant Martin Hildebrandt is believed to have opened the first tattoo shop in New York City in 1846. He travelled the country tattooing Civil War soldiers. Civil War veteran Wilbur F. Hinman wrote in his novel Corporal Si Klegg and His Pard: “Every regiment had its tattooers, with outfits of needles and India-ink, who for a consideration decorated the limbs and bodies of their

comrades with flags, muskets, cannons, sabers and an infinite variety of patriotic emblems and warlike and grotesque devices.” Hinman served with the Ohio 65th Volunteer Infantry. This trend of tattooing military servicemembers persisted. It’s said that even Smedley Butler sported a tattoo of the Marine Corps emblem.

“Interesting cases of present-day employment of tattooing to express social solidarity are common enough among soldiers,” Hambly wrote. “Military men not infrequently mark themselves with something which shows allegiance to their profession, for example, the date of a battle, cross-guns, a flag, a cannon, or a pyramid of bullets. Naval men prefer a ship or an anchor, and sometimes the marking does not merely connect the wearer with some particular army, but further identifies him with a certain corps. Thus a cavalryman tattooed a horse on himself.”

Hambly claims in his book that at the time of publication (1925) some 90% of U.S. Navy sailors were tattooed.

The popularity of tattooing in port towns throughout the U.S. stirred the tattoo business. In 1918, August Coleman—“Cap” as he was known among his clients—opened a tattoo parlor in Norfolk, Va., making a living by tattooing sailors. Franklin Paul Rogers, who became known for his development of modern tattooing machinery, studied under Coleman from 1945-50.

As a child, Rogers met a Spanish-American War veteran who was heavily tattooed, and the future father of American tattooing got his first tattoo at 21 in 1926. He is best known for his “old-school” tattooing style, modeled by such current tattoo artists as Ed Hardy.

Norman Keith Collins—known best as “Sailor Jerry”—was highly influential in the American tattooing world. He served in the Navy, joining in 1930, and traveled much of Southeast Asia. He learned about the practice, becoming influenced by the culture and tattooing style of that area. His style shaped tattoo trends throughout the U.S. in the mid-20th century and remains popular today.

Superstition and Tradition

After WWI, tattooing lost its social status, though continued to be a mainstay in the military.

“Two reactions seem to be possible in persons who see a tattoo on someone,” wrote Samuel M. Steward, a prominent tattoo artist during the mid-20th century, in his book Bad Boys and Tough Tattoos: A Social History of the Tattoo with Gangs, Sailors and Street-Corner Punks, 1950-1965.

“One is complete fascination, a feeling that here is the ultimate stud, the great macho…the far-traveling sailor…The other is a complete revulsion: the tattoo represents the epitome of sleaze…everything that intelligence and sophistication have conditioned you to despise.”

For many, superstition and tradition played a role in motivating U.S. troops to get tattoos. Certain symbols represented the location a sailor had been— dragons for Asia, hula girls for Hawaii, a fully rigged ship

for Cape Horn. Others symbolized a sailor’s job or experience —a swallow for every 5,000 miles sailed, an anchor for a boatswain or chief. Some sailors believed tattooing a pig and a rooster on the arches of each foot would prevent them from drowning.

“In order to express sympathy for a shipmate, one sailor had tattooed a picture of a steamship over which were the words, ‘Empress of Ireland,’” Hambly wrote.

The practice remained popular, however, throughout the Korean and Vietnam wars.

“On summer weekends the sailors flocked into my shop in such numbers that it was necessary to have a policy of ‘Navy first,’ requesting the city boys to come back later, or on another day,” Steward wrote.

Irving Berlin even wrote a song about it. “A Sailor’s Not a Sailor (‘Til A Sailor’s Been Tattooed)” was performed by Ethel Merman.

Tattoos Today

Indeed, the topic of tattooing in the U.S. Navy (as well as all military services) has become more divisive in recent years. A 1986 issue of All Hands (the official magazine of the Navy) published an article imploring sailors to reconsider getting a tattoo. Though for the modern veteran, tattoos from during and after their military service tell a story and can be used as a form of therapy or recognition.

Such projects as Service Ink (see the May 2016 issue) have emerged, encouraging veterans to tell their stories via tattoo. VFW Post 9488 supports a program called Operation Tattooing Freedom, which provides free tattoos as a means of cathartic release for veterans experiencing PTSD or chronic pain.

“A month out of boot camp [in 1999], I had 11 tattoos—typical sailor tattoos,” said Lewis Hunt, former commander at Post 9488 in Charlotte, N.C. “When I’m getting tattooed, I tend to go to a neutral place. The worries of the world go away, and I can be in the moment.”

Hunt himself suffered from PTSD as a result of his service in Afghanistan from 2001-02. He had been on sleep medications for five years and was having issues at home that were affecting his family.

“I talked with my tattoo artist for awhile,” Hunt said. “He was also a veteran. We talked about what we’d dealt with, where we were at. When I got up from getting that tattoo, I felt so much better. My issues didn’t go away, but I was able to work through it. I realized how much that tattoo positively affected other parts of my life.”

In 2009, the Army reported that some 90% of combat soldiers had at least one tattoo—a much higher percentage than the one in five people in the general population with a tattoo. Themes typically included pride in service, patriotism, unit identification and memorials.

Army Regulation 670-1 has been updated frequently in the past few years— most recently no longer limiting “the size or number of tattoos soldiers can have on their arms and legs.” (Army Times, April 10, 2015.) Air Force regulations (AFI 36-2903) allow tattoos as long as they are not excessive (defined as visible in uniform on more than 25% of the exposed body part).

As of April 2016, the Navy’s current regulations allowed sailors to sport one neck tattoo and full sleeves (tattoos covering the entirety of a person’s arm).

“Society is changing its view of tattoos, and we have to change along with that,” former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno told Military Times in April 2015. “It makes sense. Soldiers have grown up in an era when tattoos are much more acceptable, and we have to change along with that.”

11/02/24 07:00 PM

Jokers M/C Downriver

Animal House

Joker's M/C Downriver

4029 W. Jefferson Ave. Ecorse, MI 48229

11/02/24 11:30 AM

H.O.G Ride to Findlay Brewing

Route 30 Harley-Davidson

350 Tarhe Trl, Upper Sandusky,Ohio 43351 route30hd@gmail.com

POST YOUR 2025 EVENTS HERE AND ON THE WEBSITE ATwww.ReasonsToRide. com/Submit-Event

11/02/24 11:00 AM

9th Annual Veterans of Valor Patch Ride

Hall of Fame Harley-Davidson 1120 Main St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

11/02/24 11:00 AM

Annual Chili Cook-Off

Arsenal Harley Davidson

4405 Highland Rd Waterford, MI 48328

Saturday, Nov 2, 2024 9:30am

Toys for Tots Run

SteelCity HarleyDavidson 1375 Washington Rd, Washington PA 15301 Find us on Facebook!

11/03/24 01:00 PM

Home Brewed Bikes

Stones Throw Brewing

101 Button Hall Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445 stonesthrowbeer@gmail.com

11/03/24 08:00 AM

Walnecks Motorcycle Swap Meet- Shepherdsville, KT

Bullitt County Fairgrounds 964 Clermont Rd, Shepherdsville, Kentucky WalneckSwap.com

11/03/24 10:00 AM

Yankee Lake Swap Meet -wRegion Zero

Yankee Lake Ball Room

1814 State Rt.7 NE Brookfield, OH 44403

11/06/24 11:00 AM

H.O.G Ride to Stix

Route 30 Harley-Davidson

350 Tarhe Trl, Upper Sandusky,Ohio 43351 route30hd@gmail.com

11/09/24 11:00 AM

2024 Model Year End Event

Ray C's Harley-Davidson 1491 S Lapeer Rd, Lapeer, MI 48446

11/09/24 12:00 PM

Biker & H.O.G Appreciation Chili Cook off

Route 30 Harley-Davidson

350 Tarhe Trl, Upper Sandusky,Ohio 43351 route30hd@gmail.com

11/09/24 10:00 AM

2024 Year End Event

Hot Rod Harley-Davidson

149 Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI 49440-1164

11/09/24 12:00 PM

38th Annual Toy Run

Walmart

6674 Winchester Blvd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110

11/09/24 11:00 AM

Veterans Day Appreciation Ride

Rock N Roll City Harley-Davidson

4985 W 150th St, Cleveland, OH 44135

11/09/24 10:00 AM

Veterans Day Ride

Adventure Harley-Davidson 1465 OH-39, Dover, OH 44622

11/09/24 10:30 AM

Salute to our Vet's Parade

Mad River Harley-Davidson 5312 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870

11/09/24 10:30 AM

Veteran's Appreciation Breakfast

Hall of Fame Harley-Davidson 1120 Main St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

POST YOUR 2025 EVENTS HERE AND ON THE WEBSITE ATwww.ReasonsToRide. com/Submit-Event

11/09/24 10:00 AM

Veterans Appreciation Event

Arsenal Harley Davidson 4405 Highland Rd Waterford, MI 48328

11/09/24 11:00 AM OFF Road DEMO + Chili Cook Off

Town and Country Harley Davidson

18655 US Highway 12, Cement City, MI 49233

Saturday, Nov 9th 10am

Customer Appreciation Day

Harley-Davidson of Erie 3712 West 12th St, Erie PA 16505

Check it out on Facebook!

11/10/24 08:00 AM

Walnecks Motorcycle Swap Meet- Princeton, IL

Bureau County Fairgrounds 811 W.Peru St Princeton, IL 61356 WalneckSwap.com

11/10/24 09:00 AM 43rd Annual Lima, Ohio Motorcycle Swap Meet

Bubba's Tri-City Cycle's 2750 Harding Hwy, Lima, OH 45804

11/12/24 07:30 PM

Nitro Circus Saginaw Dow Event Center

299 Johnson St, Saginaw, MI

11/15/24 02:00 PM Asheville Tattoo Arts Festival Harrah's Cherokee Center

87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801

11/16/24 10:30 AM

Turkey Run to Victory Kitchen

Mad River Harley-Davidson

5312 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870

11/16/24 01:00 PM

Turkey Run

Rock N Roll City Harley-Davidson 4985 W 150th St, Cleveland, OH 44135

11/22/24 06:00 PM

Holiday Fashion Show South East Harley Davidson

23104 Aurora Rd Bedford Hts, Oh 44146

11/23/24 08:00 PM

ekoostik Hookah

MoonShine Nightclub

109 S Front Street, Fremont, OH, United States, Ohio 43420

11/23/24 11:00 AM

WTF?! Wine Tasting Fun!

Hot Rod Harley-Davidson

149 Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI 49440-1164

11/24/24 08:00 AM

Walnecks Motorcycle Swap Meet- Springfield Ohio

Walneck's Motorcycle Swap Meet 4401 S. Charleston Pike Springfield, Oh 45502 WalneckSwap.com

11/26/24 07:30 PM

Nitro Circus - YOUNGSTOWN OHIO

Covelli Centre

229 East Front Street info@nitrocircus.com

POST YOUR 2025 EVENTS HERE AND ON THE WEBSITE ATwww.ReasonsToRide. com/Submit-Event

11/27/24 03:00 PM

Happy Drinks-Giving Pre-Game PArty

Hot Rod Harley-Davidson

149 Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI 49440-1164

11/29 - 11/30/24

Holiday Open House South East Harley Davidson

23104 Aurora Rd Bedford Hts, Oh 44146

12/07/24 11:00 AM

Holiday Sip and Shop Craft Show

Hot Rod Harley-Davidson

149 Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI 49440-1164

12/08/24 01:00 PM

Home Brewed Bikes

Stones Throw Brewing 101 Button Hall Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445 stonesthrowbeer@gmail.com

12/08/24 12:00 PM

Pet Pictures with Santa South East Harley Davidson

23104 Aurora Rd Bedford Hts, Oh 44146

Saturday,Dec 21, 2024 11a, Winter Wonderland Celebration! Pocono Mountain HarleyDavidson

110 Hill Motor Lodge Rd., Tannesville PA 18372

Find us on Facebook!

Wednesday, January 1, 2025 FREEZIN for a REASON

American Legion - HAMBURG PA

650 Franklin St., Hamburg PA

Find event on Facebook

Visit us on Facebook or for up to the minute event listings, ReasonsToRide.com

1/05/2025 8am

Walnecks Motorcycle Swap Meet- Springfield Ohio

Walneck's Motorcycle Swap Meet 4401 S. Charleston Pike Springfield, Oh 45502 walneckswap.com

1/17/25 10:00 AM

Abate Of Michigan 2025 Seminar

5353 Gateway Centre Blvd, Flint, MI 48507

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Walnecks Motorcycle Swap Meet- Princeton, IL Bureau County Fairgrounds 811 W.Peru St Princeton, IL 61356 walneckswap.com

RECIPES

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 POUND ITALIAN SAUSAGE, CASING REMOVED

• 1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL

• 1 SMALL ONION, CHOPPED

• 2 CLOVES GARLIC, MINCED

• 4 CUPS CHICKEN BROTH

• 1 CAN (14.5 OZ) DICED TOMATOES

• 1 CUP HEAVY CREAM

• 1 CUP GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE

• 2 CUPS BABY SPINACH

• 1 TEASPOON ITALIAN SEASONING

• SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE INSTRUCTIONS:

• IN A LARGE POT, HEAT OLIVE OIL OVER MEDIUM HEAT. ADD ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND COOK UNTIL BROWNED, BREAKING IT UP WITH A SPOON. REMOVE EXCESS FAT IF NECESSARY.

• ADD CHOPPED ONION AND MINCED GARLIC TO THE POT, AND COOK UNTIL THE ONION IS TRANSLUCENT, ABOUT 3-4 MINUTES.

• POUR IN THE CHICKEN BROTH AND DICED TOMATOES, AND BRING TO A SIMMER.

• STIR IN HEAVY CREAM, GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE, AND ITALIAN SEASONING. SIMMER FOR 10 MINUTES, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY.

• ADD BABY SPINACH AND COOK UNTIL WILTED, ABOUT 2 MINUTES.

• SEASON WITH SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE.

• NOTES:

• FOR A THICKER SOUP, ADD A TABLESPOON OF CORNSTARCH MIXED WITH A TABLESPOON OF WATER.

• SERVE WITH CRUSTY BREAD OR GARLIC BREAD FOR A COMFORTING MEAL.

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!

Meat Lovers Pizza tacos

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 LB GROUND BEEF

• 1/2 CUP CHOPPED PEPPERONI

• 1/2 CUP COOKED AND CRUMBLED BACON

• 1/2 CUP SLICED SAUSAGE

• 1/2 CUP PIZZA SAUCE

• 1/2 CUP SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE

• 1/4 CUP SLICED BLACK OLIVES

• 1/4 CUP DICED GREEN BELL PEPPER

• 1/4 CUP DICED RED ONION

• 1 TSP GARLIC POWDER

• 1 TSP ITALIAN SEASONING

• SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE

• 8 SMALL TORTILLAS

INSTRUCTIONS:

• COOK GROUND BEEF: IN A LARGE SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT, COOK THE GROUND BEEF UNTIL BROWNED AND FULLY COOKED. DRAIN ANY EXCESS FAT.

• ADD MEATS AND VEGGIES: TO THE COOKED GROUND BEEF, ADD THE CHOPPED PEPPERONI, CRUMBLED BACON, SLICED SAUSAGE, DICED GREEN BELL PEPPER, AND DICED RED ONION. STIR IN THE GARLIC POWDER, ITALIAN SEASONING, SALT, AND PEPPER. COOK FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES, STIRRING OCCASIONALLY, UNTIL THE VEGETABLES ARE SOFTENED AND THE FLAVORS ARE WELL COMBINED.

• PREHEAT OVEN: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN TO 350°F (175°C).

• WARM TORTILLAS: PLACE THE TORTILLAS ON A BAKING SHEET AND WARM THEM IN THE PREHEATED OVEN FOR 2-3 MINUTES, JUST UNTIL THEY BECOME SOFT AND PLIABLE.

• ASSEMBLE TACOS: SPREAD A SPOONFUL OF PIZZA SAUCE ON EACH WARMED TORTILLA. ADD A GENEROUS PORTION OF THE MEAT MIXTURE ON TOP OF THE SAUCE, THEN SPRINKLE WITH SHREDDED MOZZARELLA CHEESE AND TOP WITH SLICED BLACK OLIVES.

• BAKE TACOS: PLACE THE ASSEMBLED TACOS BACK IN THE OVEN AND BAKE FOR 5-7 MINUTES, OR UNTIL THE CHEESE IS MELTED AND BUBBLY.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

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