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ROAD TALES
XDL FreeRide FEST 2020 TRO Teams up with XDL Championship Series for a RALLY WEEKEND in Cleveland!
Thunder Roads Ohio is please to announce that we have teamed up with XDL Championship Series to help produce the XDL FreeRide FEST in downtown Cleveland the weekend of June 26- 27. XDL Championship Series is the only professional motorcycle stunt riding series of its kind – producing top tier competitions all over the world and showcasing the very finest riders. FreeRide FEST 2020 will combine the excitement of freestyle riding – with both V-twins cruisers and more traditional sport bikes – and many of the more traditional offerings of a motorcycle rally – all along the shores of Lake Erie. Recently, XDL brought the XDL Street Jam Stunt Show to Cleveland as part of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show at the I-X Center. Showcasing some of their top riders, the show allowed those attending to get just a taste of Freestyle Motorcycle Riding. FreeRide Fest, however, will bring things to a whole different level as riders compete in various classes to be the best and take home the trophies. The event will feature Street Freestyle Competitions including Pro Freestyle, V-Twin Freestyle, Lightweight Freestyle (200cc to 400cc), Amateur and side competition favorites like Circle Challenge and Drift Limbo. In addition to the competition area there will be two other spaces set up for practice and jam sessions. TRO will be producing a ride-in Bike Show on Saturday, with over a dozen classes – including custom, vintage, and competition classes for both domestic and imported motorcycles. Professional photographers will be on site shooting motorcycles and models, with an opportunity to be featured on the cover of TRO and in publications nationwide. In addition to the riding competitions and bike show, there will be a variety of vendors, food trucks, and activities for the entire family! In the evening, there will be live music and festivities for riders throughout the city! Watch for additional announcements to come as details are finalized on rides, additional venues, and other aspects of the exciting Cleveland Rally Weekend – XDL FreeRide FEST 2020!
For information on Vending at or FreeRide FEST Sponsorship Opportunities - email BikeShowInfo@ gmail.com
Cleveland CycleWerks to unveil e-Bike
#FalconRising event set to introduce new concept for CCW and possibly break new ground for the industry. We have been longtime fans of Scott Colosimo, founder of Cleveland CycleWerks, and his motorcycles since before we even launched TRO. I should say that up-front. Anyone that has ever met Scott can attest to his passion for not only motorcycles – but for breaking barriers and trying new things. He brings a sense of energy and creativity, that is incredibly refreshing in this industry. He started CCW in 2009, which is essentially the same time we really took the plunge and went full time Iron Cowboy. We both launched out of Cleveland, but certainly Scott’s always been focused on a much larger stage.
few of them over the years, and we have a custom Heist parked right outside my office. It is in fact the very first TRO bike we made, with a custom bobber tank, ape hangers, and a hand tooled leather seat that has our original emblem embossed upon it. It’s a cool bike that always gets a ton of attention at show – usually more than bikes that literally cost 3, 4, or even 10x as much. As I mentioned, Scott’s focus has always been on the world stage – even as he has always championed the CLEVELAND name and spirit of our city. The style and small displacement engines have resonated with Asian and Pacific markets and even European, more so than the big V-twin driven cruiser markets here in the US. So that’s where his sales have soared, even though the bikes are really a perfect fit for all the folks here jumping on the trendy custom vintage bandwagon.
platform grows with the rider as their skill and desire for speed increases.” Yeah, how cool is that?! The Falcon 01 and Falcon BLK can fit into several different categories from E-Bicycle to E-Motorcycle – based upon their configuration. Four Falcon Drive Modes – 1 Eco 2 Power 3 Custom 4 Wheelie + Angry Pixie Mode (20 seconds of MAX DISCHARGE, at the push of a button – “kinda like pure nitrous”)
The Falcon is manufactured in the United States with over 60% US parts content. The bikes will be unveiled for the first time, anywhere, in Cleveland at the Crawford Auto Museum at 6:30pm – and Pre-Orders will start at 7pm that day. For more information visit ClevelandCycleWerks.com or check them out on social media.
If you’re not familiar with Cleveland CycleWerks, it’s a pretty cool story that is straight out of Cleveland. They design and manufacture small to mid-displacement motorcycles that bring a very basic and straightforward approach to riding. CCW bikes are designed to be both economical and fun to ride. They offer a handful of models that are by design – meant to be customized and made your own. Don’t get me wrong, they are cool little bikes from the get-go; but you can’t help but think of ways you can customize them. We’ve customized a Fast forward to today, as CCW prepares the next step in their evolution. On Friday, March 20th, Cleveland CycleWerks will unveil their newest bike – The Falcon, which they refer to as an “E-Mobility Platform”. They haven’t released a single image of this new bike, but they’ve leaked some snipits here and there of it and some of the totally unique approaches they’ve taken. I had the chance to talk with Scott a little about the bike, and I tell ya – I can’t wait to see it. I’m hesitant to jump into too much on the Falcon 01 and Falcon BLK as the new models are named, but I’ll share just a few tidbits here. As Scott explains – “We are no longer bound by the physical constraints of internal combustion. Our
#Falcon Rising Event Friday, March 20th, 2020 6:30pm Cleveland History Center 10825 East Blvd, Cleveland OH 44106 Reserve tickets online at ClevelandCycleWerks.com or follow link from the Facebook Event.
HANOI JANE COMES TO OHIO JANE FONDA TO BE HONORED BY KENT STATE UNIVERSITY AS PART OF 50th ANNIVERSARY MAY 4TH PROGRAM
In a stunning move, which has rattled both Veterans and patriots from across the country, Kent State University announced on February 10th that they would have Jane Fonda as the featured speaker as part of their efforts to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of May 4, 1970. On that day, Ohio National Guard members fired on students during an anti-war protest, killing four and injuring nine others. The 82 year-old actress and activist will be the centerpiece of four days of events that KSU has planned Fonda, the daughter of actor Henry Fonda and sister to iconic Peter Fonda (Easyrider) was one of the most prominent figures of the anti-war movement and is certainly remembered as one of the most divisive. She allowed herself to be photographed atop a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun during a 1972 trip to Hanoi and made repeated broadcasts for the communists – some of which branded US Soldiers as War Criminals. It’s hard not to take exception to Kent State’s honoring of Jane Fonda – especially when it was revealed that they would be paying her over $80,000 for her appearance. To make matters worse, it would appear that there was little recognition or any consideration given to the actual Veterans that served in the conflict. These were men and women that answered the call to serve their country, regardless of politics. Over 2,709,000 Americans served in Vietnam and over 58,200 are listed as killed-in-action. Another 303,704 were wounded, with amputations and crippling injuries 300% higher than WWII and 70% higher than Korea. And it’s worth noting that draftees accounted for over 30% of the combat deaths. While certainly the deaths at Kent State are tragic, and worth considering. How do spend 2 years planning a program to focus on the events – without considering the actual Vietnam Veterans that served and REALLY had to sacrifice. And instead honor a person that essentially called for their death and crossed enemy lines to become a spokeswoman for a force that was actively attacking our servicemen. Even the Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, took a stance – calling on Kent State University to rescind its invitation. In a tweet, LaRose, who served for 10 years in the U.S. Army, wrote: “There’s still time to right this wrong @KentState - rescind your invitation to @JaneFonda. The anniversary of this tragedy is not the time to pay a speaker who betrayed our service members.” Continuing LaRose wrote, “The 50th anniversary of one of Ohio’s darkest days has the potential to serve as a moment of unity, understanding and healing in a nation that is deeply divided. However, Kent State’s decision to pay Jane Fonda $83,000 to speak at their commemoration event does the very opposite,” “I served 10 years in the US Army and eight years in the Ohio Senate before becoming Secretary of State. I certainly understand that people disagree on policy issues, especially matters of war — and that’s ok. What’s not ok is providing aid and comfort to the enemy and willfully serving as a propaganda tool for those engaged in hostilities against the United States. And Ms. Fonda did that — the very definition of treason.” “American service members coming home from Vietnam deserved a much better reception than the one they received. They weren’t the politicians who chose which battle to fight — they were the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines sent into the
battle. And we should say one thing to them: Welcome Home.” Ten days after the announcement and the ensuing outcry, Kent State’s 50th Commemoration Advisory Committee responded. “We take to heart the painful feelings expressed by those for whom Fonda’s visit to Hanoi as a young activist in 1972 had a profound impact. We are equally moved by those who expressed their high regard for Fonda’s atonement after the incident and her lifelong activism in support of human rights and civil rights. “The Committee began its work nearly two years ago on the premise that diverse viewpoints have their place in our history and in the wide range of Commemoration programs activities and speakers that will be part of the weekend’s activities. “We remain mindful that Kent State occupies a special place among universities in America. We know firsthand the dire consequences of polarizing rhetoric and the positive outcomes that result when we work together to reconcile our differences through thoughtful reflection and productive discourse. “As the 50th Commemoration of May 4th approaches, we remain optimistic about the opportunity and responsibility we have to model for others the importance of reflecting on our past, learning from our mistakes and recognizing that tragedies borne of division have no place on a college campus or in a democracy.” It seems ironic that they would close with these comments. Clearly Kent State University and their 50th Anniversary Commemoration Committee has learned NOTHING from the past
and has FAILED to recognize that “tragedies borne of division have no place on a college campus..” as evidenced by their desire to create even more conflict and strife by bringing in such a polarizing speaker – especially with zero consideration for those that really sacrificed. Have an opinion – we’d love to hear it. Even if you disagree with us you can share your thoughts on the Blog, in the Magazines, or on our Social Media. We welcome the conversation. “As an American you have the right to believe whatever you like...you have right to vote for whom ever you like...you can be pro or anti war...what you have no right to do...is to go to a country we are at war with, sit in an anti aircraft battery and literally mention you hope Americans fly over so she can see the AA battery in use....that is crossing a line pretty sure our constitution would label treason...She’s no better than the American we caught fighting with the Taliban at the onset of the war on terror...difference he was not a celeb! I am sure her dad is rolling in his grave with all the support he gave our troops during WW2 with film and television. Vietnam was not a popular war for many reasons however American men and women went and did a job and received horrific treatment on their return including my father. So I take it bit personal a fellow citizen wishing death upon my family members! If Kent does not back down need a massive counter protest with bullhorns booing loud and clear! She does not even feel sorry for going too far... #hooah – R Needham, online comment
OFFICIAL TRO EVENT
RIDE TO BE HEARD! IN SUPPORT OF OUR VIETNAM VETERANS Sunday, May 3, 2020 Festivities Begin 1pm, Ride Staging 5pm Kent American Legion Post 496 1945 Mogadore Road, Kent OH 44240
Born out of the outrage over Kent State Universities decision to honor Jane Fonda, the RIDE TO BE HEARD! Is a separate event and ride in honor of our veterans – especially those that served during the Vietnam Era. We want to bring enough RIDERS down to the Campus and through the streets of Kent so that the sound they hear and everyone else watching remembers is that of PATRIOTIC RIDERS honoring our Veterans, Remembering those that Sacrificed, and making it clear that we have NOT FORGOTTEN the stance she took. Maybe this can be a lesson for all those in Hollywood today that take similar positions - and speak out against our own nation. We want to include as many groups and riders as possible and make certain that everyone on campus - even inside the MAC Center can hear the ROAR of our engines and message it conveys! PLEASE NOTE: This is not a POLITICAL EVENT, supporting any party or candidates for office. This is a RIDE to support VETERANS, that have once again seemingly been forgotten. IF you represent a riding organization that would like to join-in and possibly help out - let us know. For more information, you can email us at Events@ReasonsToRide.com You can also register online for the ride through ReasonsToRide.com at www.reasonstoride.com/events/ride-to-be-heard/ Please subscribe to the Facebook event for updates and further commentary. It is accessible through the Thunder Roads Ohio Facebook page – www.facebook.com/ThunderRoadsOhio or through the facebook event – RIDE to be HEARD! https://www.facebook.com/events/711945569342229/
