Reasons To Ride is a cooperative effort involving promoters, tech guys, some old school bikers, racers, at least one Pastor, and even a few hockey players/addicts. Our team includes a few folks that have worn the badge and a few that might have “crossed the line” once or twice in the past. It’s an interesting group of folks with a WIDE VARIETY of backgrounds.. how wide? Well, that’s a tale for another time.
What has brought us all together? A belief in a unique business plan built around serving the riding community – and by extension our own local communities. We support local charitable organizations, businesses, and even families or individuals in need. We do this by creating a means of easily and cost-effectively connecting riders and even total strangers with those with a message for them. It might be about a service being offered, an event the public is invited to, a destination to visit, or a call for help.
Whatever the message, we offer the means of connecting with THOUSANDS of folks for as little as $20 or even a dollar in some cases!
Sure, it’s a business – and some of us are supporting our families with it, but nobody is getting rich along the way. That has NEVER been our goal. We charge a reasonable rate to businesses and even less to charitable organizations and those trying to help others. We believe in “Walking Worthy” as an approach to life, and maybe even as the cure to a lot of the craziness that seems to be going on in the world these days. This concept has evolved in various forms for over 15-20 years in some cases, but we’ve brought it all together now in Reasons To Ride We’re able to do all of this through the support of key business partners and volunteers from within the community. We partner with various riding organizations – helping to get their message out as they help to get our magazines out. And we offer an extremely cost effective means of allowing dealerships, insurance companies, and other businesses to connect with THOUSANDS of
riders – from an established platform that has earned the respect of riders for years.
Over 15 years ago we started promoting local motorcycle events, primarily charity rides and bike nights. Then we started doing more concerts and local music nights. This soon evolved into motorcycle rallies and then local motorcycle magazines. Throughout all of this we sought to network and collaborate with good people within the community and industries we served. Our team grew with the addition of radio folks, professional promoters, and tech guys that allowed us to develop unprecedented opportunities for local businesses – including our own!
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, especially these last few years. They’ve been a challenge for most folks, undoubtedly. But we’ve been able to endure and even grow through the commitment of our team, our sponsors, and of course our readers.
Whether you follow us online, read our print editions, or just enjoy the videos – your support of us and our sponsors has allowed us to continue serving and supporting the local riding community. Last year alone, we provided free advertising and promotional support to HUNDREDS of charitable organizations and non-profit events. We helped raise HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS to support folks in need through community events and organizations, many of which were struggling themselves.
We’re proud of all we’ve accomplished over the last several years as Reasons To Ride has continued to evolve. For those that have ridden along with us on this wild ride – wait til you see what we have in store for you! For those of you who are just now learning about us – I’d encourage you to like our Facebook pages, explore our websites, and of course read the magazines!
And if you have a business serving the riding community – or just looking to connect with thousands of great folks – please consider coming on as a sponsor or advertiser. A basic Business Subscription is still just $20 a month! And it’s only with the support of folks such as yourself that we can do all that we do.
Thank you.
T. Roberts Reasons To Ride
If you love to ride…
If you enjoy exploring back roads and discovering new stops…
If you enjoy being part of the show, not just on the sidelines…
If you enjoying sharing your adventures and undertaking new ones…
If you enjoy helping others on the road or in your community…..
If you feel a connection with other riders….
You sound a lot like us.
And you might consider becoming a part of our family…
This year we brought teams to Daytona, Sturgis, Wetzel, Chillicothe, and dozens of other events across the state and Midwest. We stood side stage at some of the biggest concerts and worked hand in hand to help pull off some of the biggest motorcycle events.
We are actively looking to add Road Reps, Promotional Staff, Contributors, Photographers, and Area Managers all across the midwesat. Some positions are paid and some are volunteer, but most are a blend of both. You can make a lot of money, but it takes work, dedication, and a real passion for working with others within the riding community.
We have both paid commissioned positions, hourly paid positions, and volunteer positions. It all depends upon what you’re looking for.
We are a family of good folks from a variety of different backgrounds. We have different interests and skills – but we all enjoy being an active part of the riding community. TRO allows us to actively contribute to this community – helping it grow and sharing the stories we’re a part of.
The first step is to email some information about yourself. Next, we need to meet up and talk. Then let’s hit the road together!
For more information or to start the process, please email us at ReasonsToRide and introduce yourself. We look forward to talking.
For a limited time only, those entering established events onto the ReasonsToRide.com website will not only have their events listed on the ONLINE + PRINT EVENT LISTINGS; but they will also receive a COMPLIMENTARY PRINT AD for their event to run in the
We only have a limited number of these completely free PRINT ADS – which will vary in size from 1/8 to 1/4 page spots; and once those are gone we will be randomly awarding FREE ADS to those
In addition, we have a limited number of EVENT SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE – which can include FREE PRINT and DIGITAL ADS, EVENT BANNERS, and even ONLINE PRE-REGISTRATION for your
Basic event listings are just $1 for non-profit organizations and charitable events* and just $20 for commercial events. The FREE ADS that we are giving away range in value from $100 to $700! All will receive social media and online support as appropriate. *Publisher reserves the right to qualify or diswqualify based upon our own
It’s a pretty easy process, and gets even easier once you’ve gone through it. However, it may seem intimidating at first – so, we’ve decided to take it step by step here. All these steps may seem like a lot listed here, but it’s really just “clicking here, clicking there”…. And once you’ve done it, you’ll fly through it the next time!
Get your information and materials together. This would be all of the details on your event, including were, what and when. If you have graphics, photos, and most importantly a flyer – you’ll want to have those available
or your state’s specific page, ReasonsToRideMichigan.
Add Your Event”. It’s located several different places on the page, including at the very top right or in the center of the main page.
This will then take you to a page that includes various options for listing your event(s) online. These are primarily Basic Event Listings, Featured Event Listings, and Featured Event w/ Ride Registration. Each of these options is listed with what they include underneath and the costs associated with each.
If you’re with a CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION (501c3) or hosting a NON-PROFIT EVENT, we have special discounted rates for Events. You can scroll down the page for these. These discounts are subject to approval.
5. Once you select which option you want to go with, you want to click “List Your Event Now”. This will take you to the form for your event.
6. If you have an account as an Event Organizer, you’ll want to sign in at the top of the page. If you haven’t done this already – you’ll have a chance to register as an Organizer later in the form.
7. Now, just go through the form and enter the information for your event. A few notes –
a. Event Type – go with the primary classification. Most events will qualify for multiple, and you’ll have a chance to add more later.
b. Even Icon – this is your event flyer, if you have one. If you do not, you can upload a photo from past event or a logo for your organization here.
c. Event Banner – this is for the space at the top of your event listing. It’s a horizontal space, and you can use the “Event Header” image from your facebook event if you’d like. Or you can use a photo of the event from past years or a logo here as well, if you’d like. (This is reserved for Feature Events)
d. Event Description - Include the basic detail on your event here. Don’t repeat details such as date or times, that are listed elsewhere. However, you can include KSU and Bike in times, if you’d like. Basic Event Listings allow approx. 150 characters. Feature listings allow approx. 300 in the magazine listings and unlimited online.
e. Event Dates / Times – you must fill in all of these. Even if you don’t have an “end time” in mind, just give an approximation. If it goes “all night” – or no end time in mind, just select 11:30PM. This will keep the event on the one day and not show it on two. Add Tickets / Rider Registration to your Event. This will allow online registration or ticket sales for your event. There is information on this and all it has to offer on the website. You can also email us for more information. It’s really a great system, and we often have sponsors that will cover this for Non-Profits – so it’s NO COST to the host organizations or the causes they are raising funds for! Email us at Events@ReasonsToRide.com for more information on this.
Are you an Organizer? If you haven’t already done this – select “Sign Up Now” to get yourself registered. This will allow your events to be grouped together and for you to sign back in to make changes, etc..
8. Once you’ve entered all of your event information, you can preview the event listing and select other options for it.
9. Once completed you’ll be directed to PayPal to pay for your event listing. We use PayPal to provide safe and secure, third party CC processing.
Once your event is approved by the system, it will be shown on the ReasonsToRide.com websites and come up in searches. If you are in a region or state that has a partner publication, it may also be printed within the magazine – space allowing. These Print placements are done as space allows and are subject to secondary approval by the magazine editors. If you have a paid or feature placement, your event should appear in the magazine as long as it has been entered by the 15th of the month prior to it being held. If you have a paid / feature placement, you can confirm this by emailing Events@ReasonsToRide.com Please include which state you are located in.
Have you ever been putting something together that has a bunch of small parts to it and when you get all finished, there always seems to be this one screw or bolt laying there that’s just hanging out. Doesn’t seem to fit anywhere. It’s just there. What do we typically do with it? Well, Mr. G puts it in his mega can of leftover screws and bolts. I look at it and wonder what did I miss? It’s there for a reason. I must find out.
That is somewhat of a contrast to our own lives, isn’t it? Some times we can tend to feel like the leftover part of the machine. Unused, forgotten, maybe not talented enough or worthy enough to be useful for anything. At least that is what we have come to believe about ourselves. Maybe we have been told that by someone close to us as we grew up. You know, “Are you going to amount to anything, kid?” or “Hey stupid, didn’t I teach you better than that?” or “Better cross the street now because ugly is about to take over the block!”
All of these things said in a meaningless spout off of the tongue, cut deep into a person, especially when they are young and as you get older, it sticks, and you become what you were told you were. Stupid, lazy, worthless, and even ugly…at least to yourself when you look in the mirror. So, you begin to feel like the screw that doesn’t fit anywhere.
Well, I have some news for you…I found out something about the screws and bolts that don’t seem to fit. There is a reason for them and us! We are called the anchor screw. We are the final piece of the machine that holds everything together so that when things start running, they stay together when running! So, we have a purpose…
Want to know who else is an anchor screw? Of course, you do!
His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Friend, yes…Jesus. He gave us purpose. He made it possible to be everything he created us to be and more because He wanted and still wants us to know that it doesn’t matter what anyone says about us, He believes in us because He, as the Father and Creator, made us in His image and likeness and therefore we are not just an old worthless screw, we are His children….His handiwork. And no matter how young or old we are, He loves us all just the same!
So, the bottom line today is this: There’s a reason for you and me. We have a purpose and a place to fill. Sometimes it takes a moment to find the exact place we fit, but if we listen to the right voice, and allow His leading, we will find that place sooner rather than later and we won’t end up in a mega jar in a dark place with a bunch of other screws that didn’t find their place. Jesus’n’ME are keeping it together for you… Catch you in the Wind….
P.S. A Special Salute and THANK YOU to all Veterans and their families. Our memories never fade for all the freedoms made, without your sacrifice, we couldn’t share His.
COME RIDE WITH US! CMA is a servant minded interdenominational motorcycle ministry with a nondenominational 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
By Norm Kern, MSTA Editor / ReasonsToRide.com Contributor
2021 has been a good riding season for me- attended a dozen sport touring rallies with over sixty travel days, enjoyed many one-day rides and even a few adventure and dual-sport events. Am fortunate to have had good health this year- plenty of energy and no aches or pains- but know it won't be that way forever. As the years continue to roll by, I'll have to make adjustments and eventually retire from riding, something all of us will have to face.
referred to as the "Wee" Strom) It's a versatile road bike that can do everything from long distance trips on highways to hilly, twisty back roads. I was already familiar with the V-Strom line, having ridden one
One way to keep riding at an older age is to downsize to a lighter bike. My Yamaha FJR weighs about 650 pounds. The full body work can make a simple tip-over a traumatic and expensive event. Getting turned around on a narrow country road requires care and strength, especially if there's any loose gravel around. That's the situation now. In the future, I may have no choice but to ride a smaller, lighter bike due to declining body strength and other health issues
about 1800 miles on a UK trip in 2016. The Wee weighs about 480 pounds and its two cylinders make about 72 HP, placing in right in the middle between the 140 HP FJR and my 315 pound, 40 HP, single cylinder Suzuki DRZ400 dual sport bike.
It's time to find out how well I can get along with a smaller, lighter bike, so last Fall I purchased a 2017 Suzuki 650 V-Strom XT. (Suzuki also makes a 1000cc V-Strom, so the 650 is often
Even though the Wee is a lighter bike, the ergonomics are quite good for me- wheelbase, footpegs, handlebars, seat height etc, are very comparable to the way my FJR is set up. The 5.3 gallon tank provides a solid 200 mile range. The gearing and low vibration characteristics of the 90 degree V-twin motor offer plenty of acceleration and enough power to do long runs on the interstate.
OTOH, the Wee seat was only good for about 100 miles before pain set in. Getting used to it extended the pain threshold to 200 miles, but I was long since spoiled by the Russell Day-Long seat on the FJR. With it, there's never any pain regardless, so I had a Russell Sport model seat made for the Wee. The Sport model has slightly smaller support "wings" on the sides than the regular model and is a perfect match for the Wee's other intended purpose, which I'll talk about next.
Back when I was young I rode enduros and other off-road events, so I love exploring back roads, especially ones with gravel and dirt. When I pass them on the FJR, I want to explore, but it's not the right bike for the job. I still have the Suzuki DRZ400, which is great for that and much rougher stuff, but it's uncomfortable and tedious to ride for any distance on pavement. There's no way I would ride it a hundred miles or so on pavement with its full knobby tires and limited top speed.
Besides, the roads I currently want to explore are the nicer, improved dirt and gravel roads- no big ruts, piles of rocks, deep creek crossings, steep hills or mud. The Wee is a road bike, but has adequate suspension and ground clearance for riding on roads like these, and the larger 19 inch front wheel of my XT model rolls over rough stuff more easily than the 17 inch one found on most V Stroms.
The Wee is not a premium bike and its biggest weakness is the front suspension. The springs are too soft and damping is too stiff, so I installed a Cogent Dynamics spring and valving kit that improved it considerably. I also added a tank bag mount, GPS & phone mounts, heated grips, heated gear controller, taller windshield for cold weather, hand shields and a throttle lock. (Do miss the electronic cruise control like on the FJR though!)
I rode the Wee about 7000 miles this season, including a couple of rallies. (rode about 12000 on the FJR) It's the ticket for poorly maintained county back roads, mild dirt and gravel.
The Michelin Anakee Adventure tires do an adequate job loose surfaces while being excellent on pavement, so I can throw the Wee around with a bit more freedom than the FJR. Absolutely love the flexibility of the bike and will probably ride it even more next season!
Has the FJR's day in the sun passed? Eventually it will be too big and heavy for me, but that's a ways off. For now, if the rally destination roads are all pavement, a long haul, or weather could be dicey, I will be on the FJR. The electric adjustable windshield and fairing protect me better from rain and cold. Electronic cruise, smoothness and power make 500+ mile days easy. Superior brakes, suspension and good handling make it fun in the twisties despite the weight, and I can still ride the wheels off of it. Having both of these excellent road bikes on hand now enables me to make a smooth transition in the future as needed.
Next month, we'll explore another tool for extending your riding years in Part 2: Trailering to Events
Concealed carry in vehicles varies widely from state to state. In many states, you are expected to keep your handgun unloaded and cased in the trunk of your vehicle or in a locked storage area which is inaccessible to both the driver and the passengers.
Those with a concealed carry permit may be permitted to carry a concealed carry weapon. Again, this depends on the state.
Your concealed carry permit may be accepted in other states if the other states accept the Concealed Carry Reciprocity legislation. Most—but not all—states do.
When you are concealed carrying on a motorcycle, the rules are not a lot different from those for carrying in any type of vehicle. So, there aren’t a lot of major modifications to your existing concealed carry permit.
While riding on or in any vehicle while you are concealed carrying is pretty much the same, there are some additional challenged you have to be aware of if you are going to ride a motorcycle and carry a concealed weapon.
1. Remember It’s a Concealed Carry Weapon
Depending on where you carry, your biggest challenge may be to keep that firearm out of sight.
The best positions for concealed carry when riding a motorcycle depend on personal preference and your motorcycle riding style. For example:
Some motorcycles require you to have a strong forward leaning position. In cases like that inside the waistband concealed carry could be very tricky. Instead, you might consider a pocket holster. The pocket holster will have to fit inside your jacket or it won’t be secure.
If pocket holsters aren’t your thing or you don’t feel your firearm will be secure, you might want to consider a behind the back holster at five or six o’clock position. The downside is that this position may not be secure at high speeds and in sharp turns.
Some bikes require an upright seating position. This gives you more concealed carry holster positions. Inside the waistband is popular. You can carry securely at either three o’clock, or a kidney position. I wouldn’t recommend an appendix position because of where your legs are positioned.
If you decide to carry inside the waistband, make sure you have your passenger straddle but be aware of your firearm’s location. If you drive your motorcycle in a reclined or backward leaning position, an appendix holster is reasonable if your gun isn’t too big. You might also give thought to a pocket holster or an inside the waistband holster.
The type of motorcycle you ride, your style of riding and the type of gun you’ve chosen as your every-day concealed carry all affect your decision about what type of holster and carry position works best for you.
Retention of your firearm is always a major consideration. Be sure to secure the trigger guard inside your holster. Keep your gun on you unless it is locked in the cargo box.
Avoid holsters that expose your weapon and let it fall out. Ankle holsters, purse holsters, and thigh holsters are bad choices when riding a motorcycle. The best idea is to try various holsters and carrying positions to find the one that works best for you.
Cover garments are also a concern. You have to contend with riding position, moving on and off your bike, making tight turns, and things like the wind. The farther up your torso you carry, the easier it will be to conceal your weapon.
Another consideration is quick access. Sure! It’s great to have your weapon safely secured in its holster. It’s good to have it well covered by garments. But, you also need to be able to get your weapon drawn quickly and smoothly.
Research into five ways to concealed carry styles looked at three criteria:
• – Concealability: degree of invisibility of your concealed carry
• – Draw Speed: How fast and easy can you reach and draw your weapon?
• – Ride Comfort: How suitable is this style for use while riding a motorcycle?
Some concealed carry styles were omitted because they were unsuitable for motorcycle concealed carrying. Ones that were
Your choice of holsters has a lot to do with your personal carry preferences. However, in a vehicle or on a motorcycle you also have to consider what is feasible and comfortable. For example, appendix carry while driving a car is uncomfortable. It can also not be the way to go on a bike.
Depending on your build, your personal carry preference, and the gun you like to carry and how your bike rides, you may have to make some concessions. Your favorite gun and/or holster may just not work.
A shoulder or chest rig works very well for motorcycling. However, consideration has to be given to substantial cover garment. The weather is also a factor. In the hotter months and/or in a tropical climate heavy black leather or Kevlar-reinforced clothing can be downright uncomfortable.
During the summer, you might change to belly bands holsters and holster that fit under a shirt.
eliminated included ankle carry and off-body carry. Others were eliminated because they failed to conceal or did not allow quick draw and/or they were not comfortable for motorcyclists.
What did they discover? Pocket carry is convenient and doesn’t require extra gear. Moreover pocket carry is easily accessible from a seated position astride a bike. On the downside, pocket carry is very bulky and does not conceal well.
The study also looked at belt carry both inside and outside the waistband. This style was rated the most convenient as well as best access. Where the gun is carried was crucial as your weapon could be uncomfortable or hard to get at or positioned with the muzzle in a dangerous spot.
A major concern with this carry is potential for your weapon to be lost because of vibrations, bumpy roads, or holsters poorly snapped to your gun belt.
In most cases, you need your right hand on the throttle. If you are right handed you can’t shoot and drive. Drawing, firing and operating your motorcycle at the same time happens only in the movies.
When you’re riding a motorcycle, your weapon is subjected to wind, rain, snow, ice, extremes of heat and cold, salt air, dust, and body oils and sweat. Even if you never shoot or draw your handgun, you need to step up your gun-cleaning regimen.
If you decide to off-body carry in a purse, a messenger bag, a backpack, or a briefcase, this introduces more potential problems. You can’t exactly strap it on or throw it over your shoulder. Even a
Continued from P.15
backpack puts you off balance and causes wind resistance.
Some motorcycle jackets have “outlaw pockets”. These are deep and close with snaps. You will usually find them on the inside of the jacket to the left of the chest. These can easily accommodate a compact or subcompact concealed carry pistol. However, here’s the problem. What happens when you want to take your jacket off?
One of the biggest worries of any concealed carry weapon owner is maintaining control over his/her handgun at all times. This is a lot harder than it sounds when you’re riding a motorcycle. Your jacket has to cover your weapon in the face of wind, rain, and a speeding machine. If you’re getting on and off your bike you have to be careful not to let your weapon show. When you enter a bank, a post office, a school, or a courthouse where can you stash that gun so it is safe from thieves? Do you leave it in your saddlebags or other storage space?
Police usually lock their duty belt, gun and other equipment in the trunk of their squad car when they leave their vehicle for a restaurant or to use the restroom. Motorcycle cops don’t have this luxury. Where can they stash equipment?
It’s tempting to leave it concealed on your person. However, as tempting as this is, remember that bike saddlebags are certainly not as secure as a car trunk. Thieves are less likely to break into a car than they are to break into your saddlebag. The trick is to be subtle about stowing a firearm. Just as it is concealed while you are carrying, it should be as concealed as you place it somewhere secure on your bike.
Here’s a good suggestion from an experienced biker. When you go into a place of business like a bank or a private home which is a no-gun area, stop in a safe place within a half a mile or so of your destination and lock your weapon in a safe place like a tour pack. Not saddle bag.
• Plan how you will deal with your weapon in various scenarios. That planning as well as trial-and-error will go a long way toward making your life less stressful.
• Those who ride a lot caution against holsters that fail to secure your weapon securely. They tell of times when they went into a skid and their handgun fell out of their pants and onto the road.
• They also suggest you get a secure storage compartment on your bike to place your handgun, passport, wallet and other valuables.
• Improper carrying can lead to loss of your pistol. Guns are expensive and you do not want them to fall into the wrong hands.
•
It is not unheard of for motorcyclists to go tumbling through the air. Safeguarding your weapon against such a possibility is a wise plan. A good retention holster or one with a thumb break and a lanyard chord could save your gun from damage or loss. In case of a roll or a skid, your bike will slide and your saddlebag will also suffer. Having a tour pack will protect your valuable items where saddlebags will not.
•
If you use an inside the waistband holster and cross draw with your left hand you can still shift and clutch and keep your throttle hand free.
•
If you go into a skid and your weapon is in an outside the waistband holster, chances are your weapon won’t be there when you get out of the skid.
•
Think seriously about position. In a one or eleven o’clock position, a slide down the road will do damage to your weapon.
•
The standard or upright position on a standard bike is statistically the safest riding position. It is also the most comfortable for most body types.
Please not that this article is posted for general information and discussion purposes only and is NOT meant to serve as legal advice. Please seek out the laws of your state and / or an attorney for legal advice about your own personal weapon and how to handle / use it. We strongly recommend formal and constant training for
ALL ARE WELCOME! We’ve always believed that the best thing about our bike show series is the people that both exhibit and attend. This isn’t just about the bikes – but about the people building and riding them as well. After doing these shows for more than 10 years, its great seeing how many connections and friendships that have developed over the years between folks coming to the shows. There’s a common bond that exists between riders – and there’s even more of a connection between the folks that take the time to restore, customize, or even create their own bikes. People start talking about what they’ve built, what they have at home, and what they rode up to the show. If you’ve got a bike you’re proud of – we’d like to invite you to join in and put her in the show. Even if you’ve never shown her before – that’s ok.
We’re all family here. Make sure that you check out our events listing on Facebook and follow the ones that are of interest to you. We will be posting updates and more details about the shows and new programs as things are finalized. www.Facebook.com/ThunderRoadsOhio
Most of the 2023 season is now behind us, and it’s been an amazing year with more than 800 bikes being shown in the series this year! We will be featuring the results along with photos of the bikes and events throughout the winter, as we review the shows and begin looking forward to the next season.
Each year we review the shows and consider we can expand and improve the shows for the following year. Here are a few things that how we are considering at this point.
1. New Trike Categories – including Custom, Stock, and Vintage This category continues to grow each show, including some amazing custom – even “radical” – three wheelers. We are planning on keeping side cars in the category at this point.
2. Adding more BIGGER events – fairs and festivals. This year we partnered with several larger regional events to host bike shows, these included the Wild Turkey Festival and the Union County Fair. These events gave Exhibitors more things to do during the shows and certainly brought more folks to check out the bikes. There were challenges, though, as we had to make sure the bikes could easily access the areas for the shows. We plan on improving that area – primarily through pre-registration and sending out passes in advance.
3. Electronic voting system. We are considering several options to allow electronic voting by those attending the shows. This would speed up the administrative side of things while still ensuring that every vote was counted. Once we get things figured out, we will share our system with the Federal government. ��
4. More unique trophies and prizes! We tried offering custom Prize Belts, Rings, and show placards this year. Working with show sponsors, we plan on expanding this for next year.
Have suggestions or thoughts? Email us at BikeShowInfo@gmail.com , and let us know what you think.
We’ve posted over well over 30,000 Bike Show and event pictures on our Facebook page, with most sorted in Albums by the particular shows. If you’re home and feel like reminiscing about warmer days out on the bike, take a few minutes and check them out. You’re welcome to tag and share these as you’d like. We are working with some new partners to offer the ability to easily get these printed and sent to you – with just a few clicks. Hope to have an announcement on that shortly. Currently, however, we do have the means to get you posters – even big vinyl banners for your garage – of any images we have. Our partner, NEO PRO IMAGING ( www.neoproimaging.com ) is able to do some amazing things with pictures – such as metal or acrylic prints suitable for mounting on the wall or professionally displaying. Email us for more information BikeShowInfo@gmail.com
We are currently reviewing locations and locking down dates for our 2023 ReasonsToRide Bike Show Series. For 2023, we are looking to expand the show throughout the Midwest, and we are adding NEW lo cations and dates in Michigan. We will be adding both more local BIKE NIGHT SHOWS and larger REGIONAL SHOWS. We will also be sched uling at least one or two of the CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS in Michigan as part of our Midwest schedule. For these, we are looking to partner with a larger rally or venue.
These shows are completely turn-key, with us handling everything from promotion and pre-registration to voting / judging and the awards. Then afterwards we share the story with hundreds and even thousands of photos – to promote future shows at the location. For many shows, we also arrange vendors and sponsors to offset expenses or even make it a revenue generator.
If you’re interested in hosting a show or having us produce a show as part of your event, email us TODAY for more information at BikeShow Info@gmail.com We are ALREADY locking down dates
We’re able to produce full color vinyl banners of photos or your design –for less than $2.50 a square foot!*
Oh ya, you read that right, MICHIGAN CHERRY MARGARITA!!
Makes 1
12 fresh Michigan cherries, pitted
1-1/4 fl. oz. white tequila
1 fl. oz. fresh lime juice
3/4 fl. oz. agave nectar
1/2 fl. oz. cherry liqueur
1 fresh sweet cherry with stem, for garnish
Put the cherries in a blender and purify till liquid (add a tbsp of water if needed)
Pour cherry puree into a shaker
Add the tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, cherry liqueur, and 8 large ice cubes.
Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
Immediately strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with the cherry
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!
Serve 4 (or 2 hungry bikers)
1 pound ground beef
2 ¼ cups hot water
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups pasta (egg noodles, broken lasagna
noodle, spiral pasta, etc)
1 cup diced tomatoes (I like the flavored ones by hunts)
1 tbsp corn starch
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shred
1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
½ cup parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (optional)
Add hot water, milk, noodle, corn starch, tomatoes, oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and sugar, stir well
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 1220 minutes until pasta is tender
Turn off heat, uncover, stir in cottage cheese, ½ cup mozzarella and let stand to thicken at least 5 minutes
Serve with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top (and fresh herbs-optional)
For more great recipes, visit www.facebook.com/TheBikerChicksKitchen
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10/14/22 05:00 PM
300ft Dirt Drags Test-n-tune TrucksBuggies-SxS-Atv-Dirt bike Test-n-tune 300ft Dirt Drags. Friday October 14th 5pm-12am
$5 Gate adults, kids 12 & under free Steering Wheel Shootout Saturday October 15th. 300ft dirt drag racing.
Port Huron Motorcycle Club
3377 Griswald Rd Port Huron Doug 810-650-3464
10/15/22 10:00 AM
2nd Annual Pumkins in the Park Motorcycle Trunk n Treat
They loved Us last year and asked for more!!!
Time to line the motorcycles up and hand out candy to those smiling little faces.
Downtown Plainwell 131 S Main St, Plainwell 269-366-5272
10/15/22 12:00 PM
Got a winning chili recipe? Let our crowd & judges decide!!
Participants will be judged on a scale from 1-10 (10 being the best) on taste, texture, color and aftertaste.
Winners will announced a little after 2pm once the judges have determined them. Those who wish to participate, please arrive between 11:30am-Noon for set up.
, or just show up! We'll make sure there's room for everyone!
*Gift Cards cannot be used on a new bike purchase.
Arsenal Harley-Davidson 4405 Highland Road Waterford Township 248-674-3175
Kari at kari@arsenalharley.com
10/15/22 12:00 PM
GRHD Chili Cook-Off
An event to benefit The Grand Rapids Home for Veteran's. Chili Tasting & Judging Plus a Bake Sale!
Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson
2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville 616-896-0111
10/15/22 07:00 PM
Shielded Souls Live Music Night Featuring The Category 5 Band OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Shielded Souls Monthly Charitable concert series, live music featuring some of the best of local talent. Cost is $10 at the door, credit cards accepted. Food will also be available for purchase.
Shielded Souls Clubhouse 21038 Middlebelt Rd, New Boston 313-300-2383
10/15/22 12:00 PM
Steering Wheel Shootout 300ft Dirt Drags Truck/buggy/SxS
Steering Wheel Shootout Saturday October 15th. 300ft dirt drag racing. -sign up open 10am -drivers meeting 12pm -time trials 12:15
- diesel trucks, gas truck, buggy, SxS. Port Huron Motorcycle Club
3377 Griswald Rd Port Huron Doug810-650-3464
10/15/22 09:00 AM
IT'S TIME FOR OUR ANNUAL FALL SWAP MEET! BRING YOUR OLD RIDING GEAR, COLLECTIBLES, OR PARTS! WE HAVE PLENTY OF SPOTS
Wolverine Harley-Davidson 44660 North Gratiot Ave. Clinton Twp 586-463-7700
10/15/22 11:30 AM
CAHOG Chili Cook-Off
It’s our annual CHILI COOK-OFF! Enter your best recipe or just come to taste! The top 3 vote getting chili recipes will win prizes and all donations benefit our HOG Chapter!
Capitol Harley-Davidson
9550 Woodlane Dr. Dimondale Kelly M.517-646-2345
10/15/22 11:00 AM
Hogtoberfest Open House FREE LUNCH & $1 BEERS!* Brats & Pretzels Kids Korner & Outdoor Games! T-SHIRT SIGNUPS COMING SOON
Motown Harley-Davidson 14101 Telegraph Road Taylor 734-403-4804
Visit us on Facebook @ facebook,com/RTRMichigan or for up to the minute event listings, ReasonsToRide.com
10/15/22 09:00 AM
Wolverine Harley-Davidson: SWAP MEET
It's time for our Annual Fall Swap Meet! Bring your old riding gear, collectibles, or parts! We have plenty of spots available, call today to reserve yours!
Wolverine Harley-Davidson
44660 N Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48036
10/15/22 10:00 AM
Wolverine Harley-Davidson: TRUNK or TREAT, Trick or Treat, Trunk to Tour Pack!
All trunks are welcome to our Trunk-orTreat Halloween Celebration. Decorate your car, truck, or motorcycle. The more, the spookier! We'll have door prizes, demo rides & the Jumpstart* (weather permitting), and a food truck on-site for Lunch! Invite your friends and family to this Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Celebration! Trunk-orTreating will start at NOON!
Wolverine Harley-Davidson
44660 N Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48036
10/15/22 10:00 AM
Wolverine Harley-Davidson: 20th Anniversary Celebration
CELEBRATE 20 YEARS of WOLVERINE H-D
Wolverine Harley-Davidson
44660 N Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48036
10/16/22 11:00 AM
ABATE of Michigan, REG 12 - 7th Annual Fall Colors Run
Fall color motorcycle ride starting at VerHage fruit farms in Kalamazoo with three stops. Ride ending at Happy's Landing restaurant and bar. There will be smoked brisket and pulled pork available at Happy's landing and a new maple apple hard cider on tap from Corey lake orchards!
VerHage Fruit Farm and Cider Mill 8619 W. ML Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009
10/21/22 06:00 PM
Leathernecks MC Harrison - BIKE NIGHT
Come on out and support your LOCAL LEATHERNECKS!
Leathernecks MC Harrison Clubhouse 16 S. Clare Ave, Harrison MI 48625 231-838-5152
10/22/22 12:00 PM
Anniversary #3
Welcome to the Circus!!
Join us for a 3rd Anniversary party from 12pm-3pm! We'll have a magician walking around doing some incredible stuff, and then a fire performer at 3pm! There will be free food*, beverages, dessert and the chance to win a $10,000 shopping spree by guessing the 6 digit code**
Arsenal Harley-Davidson 4406 Highland Road Waterford Township 248-674-3175
10/22/22 01:00 PM
OUR FINAL EVENT OF THE YEAR.. POLAR BEAR AND HALLOWEEN CLASSIC FINSIHING THE YEAR OFF WITH A BANG!!!
ENTRY FEE FOR TOP E.T. $30.00 PER DAY
Ubly Dragway 4812 S Ubly Road Ubly 989-658-2331
10/22/22 10:30 AM
Join us for our first workshop of the season! We’ll have complimentary breakfast and we’ll be going over home vs. climate-controlled storage, fuel stabilizer, battery tenders, leather storage, & MORE!
Capitol Harley-Davidson
9553 Woodlane Dr. Dimondale Kelly M.517-646-2345
10/29/22 07:00 PM
Halloween at the Diamondbacks MC MUSIC - SNACKS - GREAT TIMES! $10 Cover Live Music
by:HOMESPUN 8pm til MidnighT.
Costume Contest @ 10:30pm
1st Place: $225 2nd Place: $75 3rd Place: $50 Diamondbacks Clubhouse 7037 Windsor Hwy Potterville
10/29/22 12:00 PM
TRICK-OR-TREAT, TRUNK-TO-TOUR PACK!
All trunks are welcome to our Trunk-orTreat Halloween Celebration. Decorate your car, truck, or motorcycle. The more, the spookier!
Wolverine Harley-Davidson
44661 North Gratiot Ave. Clinton Twp 586-463-7700
10/29/22 12:00 PM
Calling all who behave badly, but in an amusingly mischievous way!! Stop by our Scallywags Party for an afternoon of pirate delight!
We'll have a "Sail" on select pre-owned bikes, plus find some treasurers and save some loot on our end of season merchandise!
Arsenal Harley-Davidson
4405 Highland Rd. Waterford 248-674-3175
10/29/22 10:00 AM
It's our ANNUAL Tricks, Treats, & Tacos event! Kids trunk or treat outside, trick or treat inside, best costumes win a prize, AND Teresa's Kitchen TACO TRUCK 11a-1p.
Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek 269-979-2233
10/29/22 11:00 AM
Halloween Benefit
It’s our annual Halloween benefit! Help our HOG Chapter stuff the saddlebags full of NEW children’s books and CANNED GOODS for the Greater Lansing Food Bank! Prizes for the best costumes, trick-or-treating, AND Got Smoke BBQ Food Truck 11a-2 Capitol Harley-Davidson 9552 Woodlane Dr. Diamondale Kelly M.517-646-2345
10/29/22 12:00 PM
ZIPS HARLEY-DAVIDSON'S ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT
Help us give the kids a ghoulish Halloween by bringing your "trunk" full of goodies! Last year we had over 500 little goblins come and we would love more TRUNKS!
Zips 45th Parallel Harley-Davidson 980 S Wisconsin Ave, Gaylord 989-732-8000
10/29/22 12:00 PM
SANDY'S HARLEY-DAVIDSON TRUNK OR TREAT
Sandy's, The Bitely Boys, Fremont Hog, and WEco Store #14 will be passing out candy!
Sandy's Harley-Davidson 11940 N Maple Island Rd. Fremont 231-924-3020
10/30/22 10:00 AM
Kalamazoo Motorcycle Swap Meet & Show
e 49th Annual Kalamazoo Motorcycle Swap Meet & Motorcycle Show Buy, Sell or Swap Bikes, Parts, Leather, Accessories, Tools & More Food & Beer Available General Admission $10 per Adult 3600 Vanrick Drive Kalamazoo Michigan 49001 (800) 800-6034 - Gill
10/31/22 10:00 AM
Harley Halloween
Bring the kids and enjoy FREE TRICK OR TREATING in all Departments!
Motor City Harley-Davidson
24802 Haggerty Road Farmington Hills 248-306-9178
10/31/22 10:00 AM
Bring the kids and enjoy ������ FREE TRICK OR TREATING ������ in all Departments!
MOTOWN HARLEY-DAVIDSON 14102 TELEGRAPH ROAD TAYLOR 734-403-4804
11/02/22 07:00 PM
PitStop Bible Study is our weekly time of prayer, worship, and Study of God's Word - the Bible.
Victory Biker Church 12190 Miller Rd, Lennon, MI 48449 810-271-0002
11/04/22 06:00 PM
Leathernecks MC Harrison: BURGER NITE
Come on out and support your LOCAL LEATHERNECKS!
Leathernecks MC Harrison Clubhouse
16 S. Clare Ave, Harrison MI 48625 231-838-5152
11/10/22 12:00 PM
Are you a veteran in need of food assistance?
Soldiers’ Angels will provide food assistance for veterans in Detroit, Michigan.
American Legion Joe Louis Post 375 19486 Sherwood St. Detroit Soldiers' Angels210-629-0020
Visit us on Facebook @ facebook,com/RTRMichigan or for up to the minute event listings, ReasonsToRide.com
A young man walked into our insurance office to purchase coverage for his new motorcycle. Only one question confused him. "Do you have a lien holder on the vehicle?"
"I've got a kickstand," the prospect replied. "Is that the same thing?"
I used to own a motorcycle which couldn't go anywhere. Later I found out that the reason being it was two tired.
Q: What is the difference between a Harley Davidson and an old dog?
A: The dog can get in the back of the pickup by itsel
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