BEHIND BARZ
R O
72
jan - feb 2017
MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE
FAH - ree js
OB1 250,000 miles
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Injured?
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Editorz Notez It’s 2017! All of us at Behind Barz want to wish each of you a happy, healthy & blessed New Year! May your roads be paved and not bumpy and with zero pot holes and detours!
On the cover of this issue is OB1, as many bikers know him. He is quite well known on the eastern seaboard! OB1 has traveled many many miles and you can read all about it here in this issue! It is truly amazing what he does in our communities. He is our center fold! So many notable people have passed on in 2016. None more notable to me than my granddaddy. He was a WWII veteran and my hero. He passed away the day after his 95th birthday. You can read all about him on pages 44-45. Gary and the Crew at The Biker Barn have been doing some more customizing on my bike and I will have photos and info in the next issue. Check out the sneak peek on the next page! Those guys can do anything when it comes to Harley motorcycles! 2017 marks our 13th year publishing Behind Barz Motorcycle Magazine! It has been a great ride! The best part is meeting and becoming friends with the greatest folks on the planet...bikers! Thank you all so much for your continued support! Thank you to all of our advertisers for making this magazine possible! Please let them know you saw their ad here on these pages!!! Because of them BB Mag is a Fah-Ree publication!
Doobie
ON THE COVER: William C. ‘OB1’ Amerson, Jr. rides 250k miles honoring others! See more on pages 26-27 Cover photo: Doobie We reserve the right to edit all letters, opinions, or articles for publication in “Behind Barz” Motorcycle Magazine. No part of “Behind Barz” may be reproduced for any purpose in intirety or in part without the express written consent of “Behind Barz”. “Behind Barz” does not endorse any advertiser or its products and cannot be held responsible for advertisers claims. “Behind Barz” has the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. “BB” will not intentionally publish fraudulent or misleading advertising. Opinions depicted in any photograph or writing does not necessarily reflect the view point of the staff of “Behind Barz” Motorcycle Magazine. Manuscripts, artwork, photographs, inquiries and submitted materials are welcomed.
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motorcycle magazine Send: ideas, recipes, stories, photos, complaints, suggestions or whatever to:
PO Box 692 - Nashville, N.C. - 27856 or email: behindbarzmm@suddenlink.net check out the official website... at WWW.BEHINDBARZ.COM or FaceBook & Myspace PUBLISHERS & EDITORS: debbie “DOOBIE” sykes - 252-314-8589 vince “Vinney” byrne - 252-314-8579 COPY EDITOR: Murphy GRAPHIC DESIGN: Spick MARKETING CONSULTANT: Marvin Pike SALEZ: Vinney Byrne, Debbie Sykes, Bud Dunlap PHOTOGRAPHERS and CONTRIBUTORS spick - the best of both worlds charlie - after the 18th hole m.a. - the one and only harley mama jason - foreign corespondent kate - foreign corespondent bones - black hills under ground pork - black hills high wire lady d - LA corespondent angel eyes - on the other side moe - shitcreek Survivor vinney - the original picker! onemore - Fayetteville tabatha - BB Artist damn yank - on the north side bob bryant - poetry biker gypsy - Red dave - Iron Man chewy - iron mutt ewing blue star bud - CVMA big ed - Only as he can tell it! bobby earl - cointreuversial wild bill - the iron horse cowboy RIP “jus” rick - former golden boy preacher man - SHBC RIP d-rod - “guardians” public relations indiana bill - the longest in the world paul - ghost baseball player chunky - draggin’ pegz charlie - double rc bunny - anywhere there’s cruzan chris jones - southeast region johnnie king - CBA member super dave - South Carolina corespondent pam - VA MM
Thanks to Gary, Gregg and Big Will for making my one-of-a-kind suicide shifter! More pics to come soon! ~ Doobie
CONTENTZ
In this issue AMA..................8 Bikers For Diapers.....12-13 Cops & Kids..............15 Why I Ride...........17 OB1 250K Miles.......26-27 CVMA 52-1.............30-31 Wanderlust................36-37 Hayden Drake...........40 Earth’s Angels..............41 Road Scribes............43 Joe Roybal...............44-45 Ride for the Ribbon.....46-47
in every issue Behind Barz Petz...... ...7 Best of the Best.........10 Facez Behind Barz........12-13 Future Bikerz.............14 Tankful of Time..............20-24
CVMA In Europe......30-31
By: Blue Star Bud
From the Mind of Big Ed.....29 By: Big Ed
Behind Barz Mugz........38 Behind Barz Eventz........48
NCPACKS4PATRIOTS.....6 photo: Doobie
nc packs4 patriots Support our local heroes We knew we were extremely busy in November but didn’t realize just how busy! We mailed over 130 packages as of yesterday (7 Dec 2016) and we served this number of troops and families with items picked up at our center --- ready for it? Drumroll please...... 18332 ! WOW !!! Huge thank you to our donors, Hallmark, Archway Cookies, Lance, Energizer, and those wonderful churches, schools, businesses, families and individuals who show appreciate to our troops for their service and sacrifice. Our team Mary, John, Sandy, Tony, Ann, Brenda, Tammye, Jeanie, Amanda, and students from area high schools, community colleges, and universities, is an amazing team of energy, talent and resources to make How to put a smile on a this mission happen! troop's face? Send boxes filled with love from home!
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The Methodist Men of Bath United Methodist Church roasted and packed 200 pounds of eastern NC peanuts - yum!
Big thank you to the youth of Bethany Church, Ayden NC for these fantastic Christmas stockings filled with goodies for our troops! Big “thank you” to St. Joseph’s United Methodist Church for these fantastic donations! We love the cards! Another big thank you goes to the Wayne County Veterans Council for their financial support.!
Please email or call us for more info. Thank you so very much for your continued support!
Barbara Whitehead
NCPacks4Patriots
249E Third St Ayden NC 28513 252-714-1175
email: ncpacks4patriots @yahoo.com
Our days and hours of operation are: Tuesday and Thursday from 2-6 pm Saturday morning 9am-12.
Check out NCPACKS4PATRIOTS on Facebook
Behind Barz Petz
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Send us a photo of your Behind Barz Pet email us at: behindbarzmm@suddenlink.net or post directly to our Facebook page
MAX
Rocky Mount, N.C. RIP The best little guy a human could ever have!
ABBY Goldsboro, N.C.
HURCULES Angier, N.C.
JAX
Clayton, N.C.
ROC
Bracey, VA.
DIESEL Pinetops, N.C.
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American Motorcycle Association American Motorcyclist Association calls on U.S. DOT to include motorcycles in technology plans Vehicle-to-vehicle communication can enhance safety, if all road users are included. PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Mandating vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology in new cars can benefit all road users, but motorcyclists demand to be included in the discussion, planning and implementation of the policies and regulations governing the rollout, the American Motorcyclist Association said today. "We have been representing the interests of the motorcycling community since Day 1 on this issue," said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. "We certainly recognize and appreciate the potentia l for improved safety as vehicles communicate while in operation. But we want to ensure that the detection and response sensors and software can detect motorcyclists and respond appropriately." The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a proposed rule today that would advance the deployment of connected vehicle technologies throughout the nation's light-vehicle fleet. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would enable vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology on all new light-duty vehicles, enabling new crash-avoidance applications that, once fully deployed, could prevent hundreds of thousands of crashes every year by helping vehicles "talk" to each other. The proposed rule would require automakers to include V2V technologies in all new light-duty vehicles, which are passenger cars and some pickup trucks. The rule proposes requiring V2V devices to "speak the same language" through standardized messaging developed with industry. In addition, the Federal Highway Administration plans to issue guidance for Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communications, which the DOT says will help transportation planners integrate the technologies to allow vehicles to "talk" to roadway infrastructure such as traffic lights, stop signs and work zones to improve mobility, reduce congestion and improve safety.
"This new technology could help motorcyclists immensely by alerting drivers of a rider's presence as they prepare to make a left turn or approach a motorcycle from the rear," Allard said. "The AMA has submitted comments to the DOT and its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration since this technology first came to light. And we plan to work with the current administration, the incoming administration and Congress on these issues." Among the motorcyclists' concerns are: * Software and sensors must be designed to recognize motorcycles and respond appropriately. * Personal privacy must be protected. * The communications systems implemented, whether Wi-Fi or another technology, must be secure from hackers. * The vehicle operator should have the option to turn off the signal to prevent unwanted tracking. Motorcyclists and others wishing to keep track of the V2V and V2I advances and their effect on the riding community should subscribe to AMA Action Alerts at https:// cqrcengage.com/amacycle. About the American Motorcyclist Association Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit memberbased association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world's largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders' interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today:
americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join 8
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"Best of the Best"
Enjoying the great food... Blue Star Bud
Some of our favorite eateries!
These are some of our favorite restaurant eats...and some of our favorite foods from those places. The Behind Barz Crew has been all over tasting some of the South’s best foods!
Prime Smokehouse Barbecue & Beyond Rocky Mount, NC This restaurant is a genuine hidden gem. That sums up my whole review of The Prime Smokehouse! My riding buddy, Danny Guess and I ate there and were pleasantly surprised. The Google review doesn’t do it justice. I was not expecting such an upscale, classy interior, by any means. Okay, let’s get to the food. Danny had a salad and bowl of tomato basil soup. I could see that the salad dressing was made ‘in house’ and not off the shelf of the local grocery store. I had the ‘rib platter’ with potato salad & broccoli. Our server was Elisa Green, the bar manager, and she set two bottles of Chef Ed’s own Texas Sweet Smoke BBQ Sauce in front of me. Indeed, the Prime Smokehouse even has it’s own ‘in house’ line of BBQ sauces! The ribs were so perfectly cooked that the meat just fell off of the bones, and the sauce I used was beyond compare. The broccoli was perfectly cooked & the potato salad was delicious. The Prime Smokehouse has an interesting history that you can read about on the back of the menu, and my compliments go out to Miss Elisa & Chef Ed. When you go there, you’ll agree that this outstanding restaurant is a hidden gem! Blue Star Bud and Danny
Prime Smokehouse Barbecue & Beyond “Tomato Basil Soup & Ribs” 252-972-7770
207 E. Thomas St. Rocky Mount, NC
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Butterbean Graphics & Music FULL SERVICE PRINT & COPY SHOP and FULL SERVICE MUSIC STORE!
SINGLE & FULL COLOR TEE SHIRTS! 3rd July 2014
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4 E 3rd Street, Wendell NC 27591 Across from Perry’s Gunshop!
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GRAPHIC DESIGN • FLYERS BANNERS • WEBSITES • LOGOS T-SHIRTS • COLOR COPIES BAND PROMOS • POSTERS • BUSINESS CARDS • MAILING NEW & USED MUSIC GEAR! GUITARS • BASSES • AMPS
Bikers for Diapers Blaz
Bikers are some of the most generous supporters of children out there—gracing U.S. highways and byways with ample fundraising rides and runs. This reality once again rang true with the 1st Annual Bikers for Diapers event that took place on Saturday, November 19.
Die-hard bikers, Bob and Piper Ellis (event co-founders) learned about the ongoing work of local pregnancy centers a year and a half ago. They were amazed to realize how entire communities are pulling together to provide substantial support in behalf of moms and dads who find themselves navigating the waters of an unplanned pregnancy. Pregnancy centers are faith-based and offer a confidential, non - judgmental, and non - pressure environment. Services include pregnancy testing, first-trimester obstetrical ultrasound (to diagnose pregnancy), options education (to encourage an informed decision with medically accurate information), and pregnancy and parenting classes which help to supply much needed material support through earn - while - you - learn incentives. Services also include compassionate post-abortion care for individuals seeking an opportunity to heal on the other side of an abortion decision. After visiting one local pregnancy center, Bob and Piper immediately envisioned a donation drive that they are calling a “Garden Patch” biker event. As the result of uniting bikers from multiple faith-based groups, hundreds of people from many churches donated diapers and wet-wipes to help moms and dads seeking timely assistance. On event day, more than thirty bikers took to the road with a diaper hauling trailer in tote and made deliveries to pregnancy centers in Greenville, Goldsboro, Wilson, and Rocky Mount in North Carolina. “We did it to show love to these young women and to show the love of Jesus Christ” (Vicki Dixon—Lucama, NC).
From left to right: Piper Ellis, Laura Strabley, Bob Ellis (event co-founders).
Delivery to Your Choice Resource Center (Rocky Mount, NC)
Delivery to the Wilson Pregnancy Center (Wilson, NC)
God’s participating “Garden Patch” representing multiple faith-based biker groups.
Also accompanying the impressive procession was Chaplain, Rev. Bill Sirginson (Greenville, NC), who shared, “The Blue Knights NC VIII are always willing to help the community and to be of service to our neighbors. Blue Knight, Jeff Casassa Sr. (former Chief of Police at Oriental Police Department), and I are humbled to answer the call to support this project.” Delivery to Wayne Pregnancy Center (Goldsboro, NC)
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aze Trails for Babies! Most touching to Bob Ellis was an unexpected encounter he had with a Dad who was visiting the Wayne Pregnancy Center preceding the event. “When I walked into the Center there was a man holding a brand new baby in his arms. While I was dropping off a clothing donation, this man overheard the Director talking about the Diaper Drive. When I left the facility, he followed me outside, shook my hand, and thanked me for what we were doing. He also stated how much the Center has helped him and his family through a difficult time—helping them to find hope in God. He told me that he is eternally grateful.”
All four pregnancy centers received a mother-load of diapers!
his son years later, Bob and Piper are now partnering with him to raise their grandson. In truth, many of the participating Bikers for Diapers understand first-hand the tremendous needs that exist and are passionate when it comes to supporting their local pregnancy center.
Delivery to Carolina Pregnancy Center (Greenville, NC)
All four of the benefiting pregnancy centers would like to offer a big THANK YOU to Bikers for Diapers! “We are so excited and grateful for the diapers, wipes, resources and the way we have been ministered to by this amazing group of people. Thank you all for loving our babies, moms, dads and families. Ya’ll tee-totally ROCK!” (Beverly Weeks, Executive Director of Wayne Pregnancy Center)
This Divine appointment touched Bob’s heart deeply. Bob has been on all sides of the pregnancy center experience. He grew up in a home with a single mom, suffered through years of abuse and poverty, and experienced his own unplanned pregnancy which resulted in him relinquishing his parental rights. After reuniting with
This article was s ubmitted by Laura Strabley who serves as the Executive Director of the Carolina Pregnancy Center in Greenville, NC. Laura also serves on the Board of Directors of the Carolina Pregnancy Care Fellowship, an organization connecting pregnancy care centers in North Carolina.
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cops & kids christmas
The Nashville Police Department held it's annual Cops & Kids Christmas shopping event on 16 Dec 16. It was a huge success! A big "Thank You" to the Nashville Fire Department, Nash County Sheriff's Office, Town of Nashville "Town Hall", Carolina Egg Companies Inc, Strickland's Equipment Company, the Nashville Chamber of Commerce...and Wal-Mart for making some local children very Happy this Christmas! A number of other local area business' donated to our 2017 Calendar which supports this cause as well! We are very proud of our local law enforcement in Nash County! They have many programs that help our community and they go above and beyond what is asked of them in the line of duty! Besides their Kids For Cops program, they also have...Pack A Patrol Car, and The Hope Initiative Program. They visit our local day care centers and talk with kids. Throughout the year they also eat lunch at area schools. They do so many positive things in our community! Thanks for all you do!!!
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BB Gear Get You SOME
not your average
10:00 meeting.
photo: Blue Star Bud
Sylvan Heights
BIRDPARK
SCOTLAND NECK, NC www.shwpark.com
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Why I Ride Helping others! Tracy Grimes aka RED, daughter of the late Jerry Grimes, is a 1990 graduate of Southern Wayne High School in Dudley N.C. In 2011, Tracy obtained an Associate of Arts Degree in Communications through University of Phoenix. Adding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications, also through University of Phoenix in 2013, Tracy is working to move her career forward. Tracy works currently as a customer service representative with Butterball, LLC. of Mount Olive, N.C., where she has been employed for eight years. From 2011–2014 Tracy was a member of The Wayne-Duplin Business and Professional Women’s Association of North Carolina, and held office of Corresponding Secretary (2012-2014) during her tenure. She is an avid motorcyclist, coming into the saddle, not long before her father, Jerry, left it. Tracy inherited Jerry’s most prized possession, a 1999 Honda Valkyrie and rides it proudly in his honor. After her father’s death, Tracy believed the best way to honor and memorialize him would be to create a benefit ride, and with her brother, Troy’s, assistance, The June JAMR (Jerry’s Annual Memorial Ride) came to life in the early months of 2015. After a successful inaugural year with The June JAMR, Tracy is excited about the opportunities for future growth while helping others affected by sarcoidosis, the disease that led to her father’s passing in 2014.
You may connect with Tracy on Linkedin or visit www.thejunejamr.org to learn more about the non-profit and sarcoidosis.
Near the time of Jerry’s passing, Tracy met Robbie Watson, who had lost his mother less than a year earlier as a result of pulmonary sarcoidosis. He has become her right hand man, assisting with The June JAMR and other life events, including being her best riding buddy. Tracy is the mother of two and engaged to wed Robbie, also a member of The June JAMR Board of Directors, in the fall of 2017. Tracy is a member of Goldsboro NC Chapter 86 Southern Cruisers Riding Club and a member of Gypsy Soulz. Tracy resides in Pikeville, NC.
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FACES
photos: Bud, Moe, Doobie & Vinney
BEHIND
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Granddaddy Joe
BARZ
tank full of time Chapter ELEVEN XI THE CRONICLES OF SUE WHEN TIMES COLLIDE Since I’ve never taken the easy road and always tested my mettle by doing things like riding motorcycles, joining the Army, getting my Registered Nurse license, going Airborne and being a Para-medic in a combat zone, I’ve always been interested in the lives of other women who have made similar accomplishments. I’ve admired women aviators like Bessie Coleman, America’s first black woman pilot who had to go to France to learn how to fly. She was the epitome of perseverance. Amelia Earhart paved the way for other female pilots and in my generation Patty Wagstaff has thrilled thousands with amazing aerial acrobatics in her Extra 500 plane. Her motto is “Man was not meant to fly like this. Man doesn’t.” Watching the movie ‘Heart like a wheel’ about Shirley Muldowney, the woman drag racing legend gave me chills. Today I follow the auto racing careers of amazing lady drivers like Courtney Force and Danika Patrick. My first love though, has always been motorcycles, and thanks to modern TV broadcasting I can watch racers like Shelina Moreda, Leslie Porterfield, Melissa Paris & Elena Myers fly around the track at astounding speeds. I want to point out that many of my women heroes had considerable help from kind; open minded men who helped them achieve their goal. Some were not so lucky. Today any woman can find a good motorcycle dealership offering a beginners class to ladies who are interested in learning to ride a motorcycle. Being so fascinated with motorcycles and the women who ride them, my attention has always come back to the Motor Maids, one of America’s first women’s motorcycle clubs. Founded by Linda Dugeau from Cape Cod, MA and Australian born Dot Robinson, the Motor Maids were recognized by the American Motorcycle Association and given an official charter #509 in 1941. The Motor Maids Inc. has been riding for over 75 years!!!
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The Motor Maids Inc. is often referred to as one of the oldest and largest women’s motorcycle clubs in America. While I can’t vouch for any of that, I will tell you that in my opinion, they are hands down the classiest! When they ride as a group, their blue and white riding uniforms sparkle and their signature white gloves complete the look. I’ve seen them ride in a parade, heads up, backs straight looking as elegant as any military procession I’ve ever seen. Those ladies are amazing, and I had to meet them, but I wanted to meet the members from all eras, past to present. Not only that, I dearly wanted the original Motor Maids to meet the current members of the club. Happily enough, I had a way to pull that stunt off.
tank full of time n
What more could a gal ask for? Here was a nice ride to a great restaurant and a chance to meet other lady motorcycle riders. I was truly looking forward to tomorrow. The next day, which was a Saturday, I pulled into the parking lot of the Copper Kettle and saw some ladies standing around some motorcycles. As I approached, they all smiled, waved and motioned for me to join them. I was given a warm Motor Maid welcoming by Pamela Jewell, Glennadine Gouldman, Jeanne Deak, Debbie Sykes and several other ladies. They complimented my Harley, and asked if I was thinking about becoming a Motor Maid. I said, “Yes, I’d love to.” then produced the photographs from our trip back to 1940 when I got to meet Dot Robinson as she competed in the Jackpine National Endurance Championship. My new friends were astounded by the pictures! “I’ve never seen such clear, quality shots of Dot!” one said. “And these are in such beautiful color!” remarked another lady.” “My gosh, this young girl Dot is standing beside looks just like you!” Pamela said. “Is this your grandmother with Dot?” And….slowly but surely the light bulb came on as they started to compare the pictures of me with the me standing there beside them.
When the Wizard was fitting me and the guys up with our time travel devices, I asked her if it would be possible to drag someone else around in time. Much to my delight she said that with our new devices it would be possible to have a group ‘piggyback’ on our adventures. I would have to stay in the middle of the pack, crank up the power on my bike’s and my wrist worn time travel devices, then I could treat some friends to a trip through time. This had the potential to be a great deal of fun. My next step was to attend a Motor Maids meeting. I checked the Motor Maids Inc. website, and lucky for me they were having a meeting the very next day. The location of the meeting was in nearby historic Boydton, VA at The Copper Kettle Seafood Restaurant. Even when it came to choosing a meeting place, the Motor Maids had excellent taste. I’d been to Boydton before, it’s a neat town, and the CK is one of my favorite restaurants.
“Wait a minute!” Glennadine said, “This IS you standing with Dot, isn’t it? There are only two ways this could be possible outside of the finest photo fakery I’ve ever seen. Either you are remarkably well preserved for a woman in her seventies or eighties, or…. you’re in cahoots with the Oracle!” “Well,” I replied, I’m not in my seventies by a long shot, but I really can’t say too much about the Oracle. I can say that we’ve met, and I’d better let it go at that. “Fair enough,” Debbie said. “So you have another reason for being here, don’t you?” “Indeed I do!” I replied. “I can time travel, so I’d like to go back to the past, meet up with some of the original Motor Maids, and then bring them back here for a reunion. How does that sound?” Of course they all gave me looks of profound skepticism, then glanced back at the photos they were holding. I knew they needed a bit more proof, so I showed them the GoPro videos I had taken of Dot riding the Jackpine Enduro on my iphone. That nailed it!
story: Bud Dunlap
now on facebook
art: Tabatha Ferrell
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TANK FULL OF TIME Chapter ELEVEN continued... I asked Glennadine where I could most likely find Helen Kiss Main when she was a younger woman and she said “Hampton, Virgina.” So, I set the place and date on my wrist worn time travel device and left the parking lot of the Copper Kettle with a lot of curious Motor Maids watching me fade from view as I phased into the past. I found Miss Helen in her driveway at home polishing up her signature pink & blue Indian motorcycle. I introduced myself, and asked her if she’d like to go on an adventure with me. She hopped on her Indian; kick started it to life and said “Lead the way Susie girl, I’m right behind you.” No wonder Helen Kiss Main was such a legend. Helen told me where to find Dot Robinson and Linda Allen Dugeau, and that they would be out riding their bikes while promoting the Motor Maids. I set the coordinates in my devices and in a flash we were travelling on a back road in 1945. We found Dot on her Indian and Linda on her HarleyDavidson as they were pulling into a gas station to fill up their bikes & stretch a bit. When Dot and Linda saw Helen and I pull into the gas station’s lot, they broke into big smiles and waved furiously at another charter member of the Motor Maids and the clubs first treasurer. We all dismounted our bikes introduced ourselves and had warm hugs all around. Dot and Linda were in their early 30’s and Miss Helen, who would come to be known as ‘The Pink Lady’ was a spry girl of 25. They all looked so happy and healthy, just like in all the online photos I’d seen over the years. Dot and Linda listened with interest to my story as they gassed up their bikes. Helen confirmed my story as to how we got there, then Dot said “We’ve met before, haven’t we Sue? Five years ago at the Jackpine, right? I thought you looked familiar.” I confirmed Dot’s recollection of our brief meeting in Michigan, and that seemed good enough for her and Linda to believe my claim that I could take them into the future. I set my devices to ‘Home’ and the four of us pulled out of the lot and onto the highway. In a heartbeat we were pulling into the parking lot of the Copper Kettle much to the astonishment of a few dozen wide eyed and speechless modern Motor Maids.
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I thought things got quiet back on the street of Hollister when I sent that fresh sailor boy to ground after he slapped my behind, but my new friends appeared to be frozen in place. To be sure, they had just witnessed my disappearance into thin air, and moments later my return with three of the Motor Maids Inc. original Founding Mothers. Ahhh..who am I kidding, I was eating this up with a spoon! Dot, Linda and Helen however were delighted in the extreme to see so many women with their motorcycles and each of them were a Motor Maid. It took a moment or two, but the stunned silence soon broke into waving, cheers and a rash of iPhones furiously recording our approach with stills and videos. No sooner had we shut down our machines and set them on their kickstands, than the hugs and tears began. It was such an awesome scene. Some of the legacy members had met these originals before, and so for some, like Glennadine and Golden Life Member Gloria Struck, it was a reunion. Debbie Sykes and Glennadine Gouldman had met and interviewed Helen Kiss Main for the MarchApril 2011 issue of BEHIND BARZ MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE and were thrilled to see her again, but this time, as a much younger woman. Ellen Taylor came out of The Copper Kettle to see what all the fuss was about and finally made her way into the middle of the hugs melee. “Ladies!” she said in an authoritative voice, “Let them have some air! We’ll all get a chance to meet and greet our honored guests, for Heaven’s sake; let’s show them some Motor Maid hospitality first.” “Dot, Linda, Helen, what would you ladies like to do first?” Ellen asked of her guests. “Honestly,” Dot said “I think we’d just love to look at your beautiful motorcycles and perhaps have someone explain a little about them.” Linda and Helen nodded their heads in agreement. “That’s an excellent idea,” Ellen said “I know all of us are dying to see your bikes too, they look amazing.” Ellen asked the gathering if any of them would like to explain the nuances of modern motorcycles to their guests so, Debbie and Glennadine cheerfully volunteered. Dot, Linda and Helen were delighted to see so many makes and models of motorcycles. They took great pride to see that Harley-Davidson and Indian were still in production. Linda was the first to ask; “How do you start these things? I don’t see any kick starter pedals!” Debbie explained that today’s motorcycles have such
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large displacement, high-compression engines that even King Kong would have trouble kicking one to life. The three originals agreed that they would be quite happy to see that invention come to pass. I noticed Miss Helen admiring the variety of helmets sitting on the bikes, or hanging off of the handlebars. When she spoke up, Glennadine and Debbie broke into large grins. “Look here Dot,” Helen exclaimed. “Every one of these helmets has your name on the back, see for yourself.” Sure enough Dot Robinson saw DOT on the back of every single helmet. When Linda said, “I guess it’s like they are all following your lead when they ride, each member is riding with you.” Dot’s eyes began to water. “Of course,” Helen said, “They are all following Dot the same way we did when we started up the Motor Maids. What an honor for you Dot.” Neither myself, Debbie or Glennadine had the heart to break the spell of that wonderful moment. While Dot, Linda and Helen sat on many of the current motorcycles, Debbie snapped pictures, as Glennadine explained that all modern bikes had rear shock absorbers and the Softail models had them hidden under the bike to simulate the look of the ridged-framed machines of the past. When Ellen came over to announce that it was time to eat and get the meeting started, the founding Moms reluctantly got off of the bikes but were glad to have a chance to sit down and visit with the current members who now carried the Motor Maids legacy into the 21st century. While we all ate The Copper Kettle’s delicious seafood, various modern Motor Maids explained to the great delight of the originals that there were now over 1200 members, with chapters in Canada, too. The Motor Maids Inc. was an international organization. Dot, Linda and Helen beamed with pride from hearing about many of the things the Motor Maids had accomplished over the decades. When asked to stand up and say something to the group, Dot, Linda and Helen stood up and Dot said “I’m glad we brought you all up so well.” Linda said, “We love every one of you, and we hope you’ll keep up the great work.” Then Helen Kiss Main said, “God bless every one of you, and keep you safe in your travels.” The thunderous applause shook the restaurant. This was an amazing moment in time, and I was so proud to be a part of it.
After the meeting Dot, Linda and Helen hugged every member there, and asked about their ‘road names’. They were delighted to hear that ‘Dot Com’ was the chapter Web Maid, whatever a ‘web’ was and ‘Dot Candy’ was the Public Relations Officer because of her sweet personality. Eventually they got around to asking me about my ‘road name’. When I told them it was ‘Suicide Sue’ I thought Dot and Helen were going to have strokes. “Oh that just won’t do!” Helen explained, “That’s just not lady-like at all. What’s your real name? Is it Susan?” “No,” I explained. “My folks wanted me to have a real southern belle name so they named me Susannah.” “Well,” Dot said, “Since you have some sort of super powers like that Superman fellow in the comic books, I think your new ‘road name’ should be ‘Super Sue’, and for bringing us all together, I think we should make ‘Super Sue’ a life member of the Motor Maids Inc. right here on the spot!” “I second the motion.” came from the membership and then a “The motion is passed.” With that, Dot, Linda and Helen gave me tight hugs and I officially became a Motor Maid. After being inducted into the finest women’s motorcycle club in the world, by three of the founding members, to the cheers of the assembled current members, and given my new ‘road name’ by the legendary Dot Robinson herself, I couldn’t hold back the tears. To say that I was overwhelmed with joy is a major understatement. Of course, that moment was captured by more iPhone photos that no doubt went directly to Facebook and other social Medias. Miss Helen whispered in my ear, “Why are they all talking to their cameras?” I laughed and assured her that someday she would be doing the very same thing. Eventually it was time to go, so we all made our way out to the parking lot. Someone asked our founders how they managed to kick start those full grown motorcycles. “Well,” Dot explained, “It takes some finesse and determination. Sometimes it takes another woman with a larger stature, and on some cold mornings, it just plain old takes a man to get these things to light!” Linda and Helen nodded their heads in mutual agreement, and successfully fired up their bikes.
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TANK FULL OF TIME Chapter ELEVEN continued... As I pulled into the lead to escort my new sisters from the past back to their respective times Gloria Struck came up beside me and said, “How would you like to fulfill a lifelong dream for some of these girls?” “Of course.” I said “What would you like me to do?” “Be a dear and let Dot take the lead so they can say they had the honor of riding behind Dot Robinson.” “Miss Gloria,” I said “it would be my great privilege.” So, I moved my bike back behind Dot, Linda and Helen and took the fourth position while the rest of my new sisters from the present started up their bikes and fell in behind us. My first ride with the Motor Maids, and Dot Robinson, Linda Dugeau and Helen Kiss Main were leading the pack. What a day to remember! Dot led us out to Highway 58 with the demeanor of a true leader. Lots of other folks were out riding motorcycles too, so our leaders on their vintage Indians and Harley got plenty of admiring glances. We even saw Chewy, biker dog and his driver resting up at a local convenience store. Dot, Linda and Helen smiled and waved at Chewy then he smiled and waved back. You gotta’ love that Iron Butt Mutt!
When I got home I found the guys preparing to visit Brain in the future, and then go back to 1967 to see Mr. Burt Monro ride the world’s fastest Indian at Bonneville. I planned to sit that adventure out and get some much needed rest. It was time to see the Wizard too, and have her download the data from my time travel devices. There’s never a dull moment in ‘Super Sue ’ world is there? You can find out more information about the Motor Maids by going to the links below: www.motormaid.org or www.vawvmotormaids.com or www.ncmotormaids.com.
Read previous Tank Full of Time chapters by Budman! Chapter I in the Sept-Oct 2015 issue Chapter II in the Nov-Dec 2015 issue Chapters III-IV in the Jan-Feb 2016 issue Chapter V-VI in the Mar-Apr 2016 issue Chapter VII in the May-June 2016 issue Chapter VIII in the July-August 2016 issue Chapter IX in the Sept-Oct 2016 issue Chapter X in the Nov-Dec 2016 issue Tank Full of Time is now on Facebook! When you’ve got a Tank Full of Time, you don’t need anything else!
www.Facebook.com/TankFullofTime
Once we were out in the countryside a bit, I motioned for the legacies to fall behind and then hit the button on my time travel device. Dot, Linda and I took Miss Helen home first, and then I dropped Dot and Linda off right back where I first met them. I thanked them for coming and all they had done to promote women on motorcycles, and they thanked me for showing them how their dream had blossomed into such a fine women’s organization that had withstood the test of time. With a smile and a salute, I left Dot and Linda in their own time and returned to my present time. I thought a lot about Dot, Linda and Helen on the ride home. Were they dreamers? Perhaps. Visionaries? Of course. But to me they were tried and true American heroes. If Hollywood was ever going to make a movie worth watching, it would be about those early pioneers of the Motor Maids Inc..
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Achieving 250,000 Miles
T
Is it the Ride or the Destination?
here is an old joke about how do you get to Carnegie Hall…Practice, Practice, Practice…The same can be said for how do you get to 250,000 miles…..Ride, Ride, Ride! I always enjoy hearing the questions: do you prefer Riding Alone or in a Group? Camping or staying in a Hotel? Is it the Destination or the Journey? As there is no right or wrong answer…only a matter of preference…and sometimes depending on the circumstances, you’ll change it up to match your needs. The bottom line though is, you have to get out and RIDE! How I got started on this journey was back in 2000 at the age of 46 with the purchase of a 1992 Sportster 1200. I was living in Myrtle Beach, SC at the time and went up to Wilmington, NC to Coastal Carolina Harley-Davidson. At 6’–2” and 225 lbs, it didn’t take long to out grow the Sporty, and after six months I started the quest for a 1996 Dyna Wide Glide. Picked it up from Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson and equipped it with 3” forward controls, a Mustang seat with backrest, and I was ready for the longer trips. My most memorable trip was to Atlanta for the kick-off of the 100 year Anniversary tour. So far I have owned six Harleys and only one of them was a brand new one! That was the 2005 Ultra Classic Electrica Glide that I test rode at a National HOG Rally in Richmond, VA back in the fall of 2004. Thought I wanted a Springer or Heritage Softtail, and the lines were a little long for the demo rides for them – but the line for the big touring models was short. I thought that it was an old man’s bike, but gave it a try. After only being 10 minutes into the route and looking down at the speedometer – I was doing almost 90 mph, without realizing it. Settled back down and turned on the radio and upon parking the bike immediately asked when can I get one! That was back when Harley was having a challenge of getting lowers for the bikes, so I had to wait 3 months for my ride. Presently I am on a 2014 Limited and loving the new technology it is equipped with.
( back then, there were no RT chapters in SC ). When the leadership at RT National got their nose out of joint about the Patriot Guard, I dropped out of NC-4, and focused my attention on the Patriot Guard Riders in 2006. I have been a Proud Member Standing the Flag Line for over ten years! In 2011 I started riding with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. Became a member in January of 2012, in support of Vets Helping Vets. I am a US Air Force Veteran, proudly serving from 1972 to 1976, working in the field of Electronic Countermeasures on A-7D and F-4D aircraft. Though I had orders three times to go to Vietnam ( TDY & PCS ), each time just prior to being shipped out they got cancelled. I did spend two years in Torrejon, Spain – where my daughter Mindy was born. Most of my riding revolves around supporting Veterans and Veteran charities, as well as Breast Cancer awareness, Toys for Tots, and Standing for our Fallen Heroes. I enjoy working with the Fisher House at Fort Bragg, the USO at RDU in Raleigh, NC and our four American Gold Star Mothers chapters here in North Carolina ( Azalea, Dogwood, Gardenia, Magnolia ). Have been a mentor for T.A.P.S. ( Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors ),
In owning and riding six bikes I have also made an investment in safety. I try to go to a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course every two years or when I buy a bike – whichever comes first. You can develop bad habits quickly. From the Basic course to the Advance Rider Skill classes the focus is always first on basics and then move on to higher level skills. I will be going to a MotoMark class in mid November for an on the road course. Over the past 16 years I have belonged to a number of organizations and rode with a variety of groups. I started with Rolling Thunder as a Member at Large in South Carolina
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story & photos: William C. ‘OB1’ Amerson, Jr.
assisted with Snowball Express, an Escort at Rolling Thunder for the last 12 years of a Gold Star Mother or Wife ( have escorted the same GS Wife for the last 6 years ). Have also had the privilege of riding the America’s 9/11 ride back in August of 2006… Shanksville, PA, to Washington DC, to Ground Zero in New York, NY. Nothing like starting out with 1,800 bikes, and having over 2,500 going thru the Holland Tunnel and shutting down All of lower Manhattan ( all of West St. and from the Battery to Ground Zero ). Very moving ride in support of our First Responders and those who died on September 11, 2001. Been able to visit the Fligh 93 Memorial three times during the construction, the Pentagon Memorial whenever I’m in DC for RT, and Ground Zero three times ( although, I have not yet visited the Memorial or Museum since they have opened – One Day soon ). My son Mark and I had a chance to sign two of the beams that toured the country prior to being used in the construction of the Museum, and although I don’t think we’ll be able to see where we signed them at the Museum, there is solace in knowing we were a part of the process. Besides riding for Charities, going to HOG Rallies (National or State ), HOG Pin stops, or just visiting Harley-Davidson Dealerships for their pins, I have also gone to Rolling Thunder for the past 16 years. I have traveled extensively
to National Conventions, most recently with the CVMA. In 2012 it was Fontana Dam in NC, been on the Tail of the Dragon multiple times…In 2014 it was Gettysburg, PA – along with trips to the York plant and Flight 93 Memorial. For 2015 it was Kansas City, MO and a tour of the Tomahawk plant and the World War I Memorial. And for 2016 it was Milwaukee, WI and a tour of the Museum and a trip to Marseilles, IL for the Middle East Conflicts Memorial. Each trip also included stops for the Tour of Honor to document Memorials and raise money for their charities. I have also participated in fund raisers associated with Smoke Chasers ( BBQ ) which benefited Eddie’s Kids ( foster kids which age out of care ), and other Grand Tour rides which require photo evidence that you’ve been there! Oh, and enjoyed some GREAT BBQ in over 27 states! So, as you can see…it’s not where you go, or how often – but rather that you have to get out and GO!!! Sometimes it’s the Ride, and sometimes it’s the Destination…but whatever it is – it’ ALL fun… rain, shine, sleet, a few snow flakes Dress for the ride, and Enjoy Yourself !!! Hoping to see you on the Road – Ol’ Bill Jammn’ in sunny Oxford
BB Life
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4710 S. KINGS HIGHWAY
4002 HIGHWAY 17 SOUTH
MYRTLE BEACH, SC
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC
843-369-5555
843-663-5555
MYRTLEBEACHHARLEY.com
HARLEYSHOPATTHEBEACH.com
*INCLUDES FILTER, O-RING AND UP TO 5 QUARTS. PRICES MAY VARY.
from the
mind of big ed When you ride a run, you should be at full attention and fully aware of what’s going on around you and here’s something that I should have brought up first but I’m bringing it up now... ~ Check your bike before making a run! ~ Check your oil, lights, belts, tires, and whatever you have strapped to your bike! Making a run with loads of people, you don’t need that 10 year old duct tape holding that rear brake light assembly to go falling off.
photo: Moe
Hello you Happy Riders!!! Over the last 4 years I’ve made the Kennedy home toy run and the last two years the Kennedy home run has been excellent weather for riding. Not having to squeeze on every piece of leather you own with a list of under clothes to stay warm is freaking great! I love to be able to move freely as I ride, and not having two cotton fields worth of cotton, and three cow hides on you is nice. I love making that ride! It’s for a great cause. I do, however, have one issue...I wish folks that made the ride would ride with some sense. The whole rubber band effect nearly makes the experience intolerable .
You sure don’t need any tires on your bike looking smoother then a baby’s butt. One bad blow out and you could take out a crew of your fellow bikers. The rides you make are better if you come back home looking the same way as you did when you left, being alive and not injured. I can tell you, everybody wants to come home the same way. Any run you go to is suppose to be fun, but this ain’t the time for silly games and putting people at risk. Be careful and watch the other guy, and don’t assume that just because the stop lights are blocked, that you can ride thru a cross section with no worries. Remember, stupid people live among us. They are lurking everywhere and they have no clue to their own existence. They just POP UP and piss you off!!! I like making folks laugh, and I know I got a little serious on this article , but people’s lives are a serious matter to me. So be safe out there and Happy New year from your bro, 2Timer.
Big Ed aka 2Timer
Well, 2Timer what are you talking about, with this rubber band effect? I’ll tell ya!!! It’s when you ride for almost 30 miles in third and fourth gear, because riders are too busy worrying about waving at a camera, taking selfies, not operating their motorcycle properly, or just not paying attention. This causes gaps in the group, and gaps with 1500 bikes is NOT a good thing y’all. It’s unsafe, and it’s gotten people hurt. When you ride, you need to ride with the thinking in mind that there are 1500 bikes behind you. There’s people of all ages behind you. There’s people who are experienced riders and you got some that just got done watching every season of Sons of Anarchy went out bought a bike and now have no clue how to ride. yes.. they are behind you, too...or in front of you.
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CVMA
Normandy 4: Visiting St Mere Eglise, France. Can you spot the unlucky paratrooper in the background? It’s been a big year for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) in Europe! The CVMA stood up its first chapter in Europe, allowing combat vets living in Europe to unite and get to work on our charter mission: Vets Helping Vets. CVMA Chapter 52-1 chose the Wounded Warrior Center at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) as our primary target for support. With multiple chapter members already working at LRMC, providing support to these heroes was a natural fit for our organization. As readers of this publication are aware, the media doesn’t cover the number of service members still being wounded in combat every month, but we know bikers care!! To date, CVMA 52-1 has already hosted two dinner events for these Wounded Warriors, with more planned in the future. Living in Europe, members of CVMA 52-1 are lucky to be surrounded by many areas with military historical significance. Our chapter has established three major annual events where we ride out to pay respect to those Americans
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who fought and paid the ultimate price on foreign soil. In early May, we ride to Plzen, Czech Republic, to attend their Liberation Fest, an annual festival to commemorate GEN Patton’s liberation of Plzen in 1945. In early June we ride to Normandy, France, and spend a week riding to the different sites to pay respect, St Mere Eglise Drop Zone, Pointe du Hoc, Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, and numerous American cemeteries and memorials. For Veterans Day, we ride to Bastogne, Belgium, to commemorate the brave men of the 101st Airborne who held out under impossible odds in the winter of 1944. It is an honor to walk in the footsteps of those who walked here before us, and we are humbled to be able to provide support to other vets who are in need. If any readers are planning to be riding in Europe during the dates listed above, email us at cvma. ot.germany@gmail.com! Thanks for the support, BB!! Jeff “Rage” Souter Chapter Commander, CVMA 52-1, Germany
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52-1
Bastogne 1: Honoring those who fought in the Battle of the Bulge at the Bastogne War Memorial; it was cold and wet, but nothing compared to what those men endured in 1944.
European Vets: Greeting a group of European Vets who were paying respect at the American Cemetery in Normandy. Vets all around the world share a common bond and mutual respect.
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1192 Tant Rd. Spring Hope, NC (Hwy 64 Exit 1737)
www.NashArts.org
1192 Tant Rd. Spring Hope, N.C. (Hwy 64 Exit 1737)
Congrats Tom! We asked y’all to get ugly and many of you did! But Tom was the winner of the Ugly Sweater contest! Thanks to everyone for participating! Tom will get a BB Prize Pack full of BB Gear and goodies from our advertisers! Tom Colosimo from Ohio.
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Wanderlust By: Michael Dale Prever Ira was a tough kid. His family, like so many others, had left Europe and come to America chasing the romantic dream of building a future while settling the American west.
The Homestead Act had provided the land on which to build that future. Ira’s father decided Colorado had the most to offer in the way of opportunity. The weather and the foothills of the Rocky Mountains were familiar in that they were reminiscent of their European homeland. Beef was in high demand and the valleys of the Colorado Rockies were covered with countless acres of sweet green grass and miles of lazy rivers and streams. It was the perfect environment for raising livestock and if a man were not afraid to plant his feet and shoulder the task, he could do well for himself and his family. And so it was there, in the heartland of a new life, that the family settled. In addition to beef cattle, the family raised and sold horses. Folks in those days considered horses primarily as tools and therefore they were in high demand. Soon, word got around that Ira’s family ranch produced desirable stock. Many head were sold to the US Army as well as local farmers and ranchers. For a few pieces of silver, a man could own a healthy and well trained horse of his own. They came ready to work, ride, or pull a wagon. Business was good. It seemed that all was perfect for the family except for one small inconvenience. Ira loved to ride.
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Wan
Ranching is a tough life with a list of never ending chores. Often, a rancher’s workforce would consist solely of his children. Therefore, it was crucial that everyone pull his or her share of the load. Obviously, Ira’s love of riding conflicted with this philosophy. Although he would complete his chores, they were hastily done and not always up to his father’s standards. Many heated discussions resulted from this, but Ira would not be deterred. As soon as he was able, he would climb into the saddle, urge his horse forward, and take off for adventures in parts unknown. Ira loved to ride and that was that. Ira never lost his wanderlust. Later in life, he was known for moving from place to place. Eventually, he met the love of his life, married her, and raised a family. Irene was her name and for her, Ira stayed closer to home. They were blessed with two daughters who would grow to be duplicates of their mother. There was a boy as well, and it seemed from the very start that he would be just like his father. Curious to a fault, young Lloyd would wander everywhere. His mother learned early on to keep a watchful eye on this one. Lloyd seemed especially interested in anything with wheels or wings. This interest would eventually lead him to enlist and participate in WWII. It would also set him free. On the seat of a 1942 Harley-Davidson he peeked behind the curtain, traveled far beyond the horizon, and saw for himself the other side of the mountain. Like his father, Lloyd loved to ride.
anderlust Eventually, Lloyd found his home. It was a quiet little town hidden on the coast and full of opportunities. It was in this town that he met a seventeen-year-old girl and fell in love. He gave her his name and a promise. In return she gave him four children and fifty-seven years of love, respect, and devotion. Lloyd never lost his love of searching but age and responsibility preferred him to stay at home. Often, he could be caught in a quiet moment looking towards the horizon. In his mind, he was someplace beyond the limits of his little town. He loved his family but he missed every mile. He so wanted one more ride, and at the age of seventy-seven, Lloyd took that final ride. In the arms of his bride he closed his eyes and took off for adventures in parts unknown. The legacy he left included two daughters, two sons, and an arm full of grandchildren. Everything was well enough. His daughters and sons had married and raised families of their own. It seemed that everything was indeed, well enough. Michael was Lloyd’s oldest son, and like his father and his father’s father, the boy hungered for travel. As a child he would pretend that he was a sea captain. Many afternoons were spent on the bayous of his home, drifting about in whatever hulk of a waterlogged discarded boat he could find. His imagination would take him far away to parts unknown. It was obvious that he had inherited the genetic wanderlust which flowed in the veins of those who had come before him. As soon as Michael was old enough he enlisted in the Navy and went to sea. He needed to find out for himself what was over the distant horizon, and what lay beyond the fingers of his outstretched hand. The sea called and Michael answered. The years came and went like waves on the shore. His chosen life had yielded numerous adventures which later in his life would evolve into tales not unlike those told by ancient mariners in dim fire lit taverns. The source of those tales had dimmed his once bright and curious eyes into early morning grey. Longing to see his home again, Michael packed his sea bag for the last time and went ashore. Now retired, he faded into a slow and comfortable life. His children grown and the bills paid, he believed that life was well enough. However, the yearnings of his intentionally ignored wanderlust were undeniable. The open road called and Michael answered.
Something over the hill, around the bend, and in places we have yet to see. It is the need to find out who we are and more importantly, why we are? Each of us must seek our horizon as surely as each of us will see our sunset. From birth we are curious and explorers by nature. We all hear a call and though some may intentionally ignore it, most of us will answer. The mode of travel is a personal choice and is up to the individual, but whether it is a mathematical probability or the design of our creator each of us has an in-born yearning to look beyond ourselves and to see what is next. It is a fact of who and what we are. We all want to know what is ahead of us, we all need to see for ourselves, and in our own unique way’s we all love to ride.
His chosen ship and horse was the HarleyDavidson Motorcycle. That was his simile and why not? Was there not wind, sky, and freedom? Were there not miles of open road? Does the thunder of a big V-twin motor not borrow the image of hooves as they pound the earth? If one uses their mind’s eye they can see it, feel it, and dream it. They become a part of it and it a part of them. It is not running away so much as it is running towards something.
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MUGZ photos: Bud, Vinney, Melanie & Doobie
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Sunday, 18 December 2016 Grimesland, NC
Hayden Drake
Most children request toys for Christmas. Hayden Drake just wants cards. After seeing a story in the news this week about the 5-year-old Greenville boy, who is battling cancer, our officers were particularly touched by his positive attitude and perseverance. We found out through the grapevine that Hayden is a big fan of the police, particularly the SWAT team. He refers to them as the “Ninja Turtles” Officers wasted no time pooling their personal money and resources together to make Hayden’s Christmas a little brighter this year. This afternoon, each unit of our department (including the Ninja Turtles) presented Hayden with cards and gifts. From there, Hayden got a personal police escort to the airport where the wonderful folks at Free To Be Me were standing by to give him his very own ride in a private plane! We hope this will be a day Hayden will never forget! We certainly won’t!
visted by the Ninja Turtles story & photos: Greenville Police Dept.
*Special thanks to Robinson Jewelers and Greenville Fit Body Boot Camp for their donations as well! Robinson’s personally engraved a police challenge coin with Hayden’s name on it and Fit Body Boot Camp generously donated additional toys! We are blessed to have such wonderful community partners! Over the past couple of weeks Hayden Drake has received thousands of cards in the mail. Well-wishers from 30 states, Canada and Germany have sent greetings to him and he loves them all! Hayden is in remission but will still have to undergo three more years of chemotherapy treatments.
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earth’s angels toy run 1
st Annual Earth’s Angels Toy Run was held on Oct 22nd, 2016 at Melanie’s Place in Tarboro, N.C. The Tar River Chapter of Bikers for Christ hosted this event. Earth’s Angels is a Non-Profit organization that helps the less fortunate children of Edgecombe County to have a Merry Christmas. Tar River BFC along with Earth’s Angels founder, Ray Parrisher and Melanie Whitfield Johnson, Owner of Melanie’s Place came together to organize the toy run to raise money and get Toy donations for the children. Despite a slight chill in the air, twenty-three of the twenty-seven motorcycles participated in the ride with additional Bikers being present when the r ide returned. The ride covered 50 miles of Edgecombe County country back roads and returned back to Melanie’s Place for food and fellowship. Several members of Brothers First M/M, Heaven’s Saint’s M/M and Wayne County BFC came together with friends new and old to show support for this event. Great Tees and Biker Style Vendors were set up onsite and we enjoyed the sounds of Southern and Classic Rock & Country music by Marvin “The Riding DJ” Baker. There were numerous door prizes donated by various businesses including a One Day Harley Rental from Ray Price HD. The winner of the great prize was Rodger Duvall of Kenly. Rodger also won the 50/50 drawing and donated it back to Earth’s Angels (Thank you Rodger)! Earth’s Angels was blessed by the generosity of those in attendance, as well as, the many sponsors. Over $900.00 was raised! Thank you to all who were involved and supported this event. We hope to see you all come out next year. If you would like to donate to Earth’s Angels, the mailing address is: Earth Angels PO Box 401 Tarboro NC 27886 or you can contact Ray @ 252-813-2308
Story & photos: Kristen Jagow
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1192 Tant Road, Spring Hope, N.C.
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A New Horizon
In The Wind A lifetime ago And miles away From where I am now Now on this day Blood mixed with oil Droplets to ground From a busted knuckle On a bolt frozen solid A slip of the wrench A lesson learned A motor rebuilt A few scars earned It was the beginning Of a lifelong desire To be in the wind A dream since a child Key in Ignition on Start 'er up Twist the throttle Kickstand up Boot the shifter First gear dropped Into the wind.... © Sorez RSOA ™
A LINE IN THE DUST A line in the dust At the depth of the day Clouds invade blue skies Its always that way. Seed of excitement Are pebbles on wind From the sands of the desert To the jungles we're in The wind and the pen Are the road maps of life Where the writer resides And never visits again. Each line is a stroke On the portrait of life Visions and moments That unite and divide Yet all come together At the end of the ride To breathe in your life Is a matter of trust And it all comes down To a line in the dust. Fred Steele © 2016 Road Scribes Of America ™ On January 13, 2012 - The Road Scribes of America: A Fellowship of the Pen, the Wind, and the Road was founded. Their mission is to ride and write together with a positive creative spirit, and through mutual support, with respect and loyalty towards each other, and the literary and/or artistic community at large, bringing the reader, the audience and the writer/artist together on a ride towards a new horizon on the literary landscape. While the Road Scribes of America are not exclusive to any one genre, or any medium of artistic expression, their devotion to Biker Poetry remains. Their purpose as a fellowship is to promote publication and support the writer/artist in what is often a solitary experience on the literary landscape. For more information, or to look the Road Scribes of America over, go to http://roadscribesofamericatm.com
Stormin' Thunder The rain is sideways, wind's a blowin' There ain't no place that I am goin' Sittin' here, I sadly gaze out into the violent haze I dream of days that let me ride to fill this need I have inside I vision days when skies are clear days when thunder's what I hear Not the thunder from the clouds Thunder from my pipes, so loud © Rod Hatter Road Scribes Of America ™
THE ROAD TO SPRING In amongst the dirt and snow Of the pothole road Silence waits for spring. The first shoots sprint To the end of the vine Mother Nature knows its time. You can hear her sputter Choke and start, In the shed out back of the barn. The winter warms a pen full of ink To write another yarn. Beneath the sheds layer Of sediment dust Is the shine of the chrome No signs of rust. Time to grease and preen And dust her down Time to fire her up And head for town. Birds sing hard in budding trees Nights are cold But it does not freeze. Rain and sleet mark winters end The road to springs Just round the bend
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Now that I travel A fresh paved road Away from the gravel And the heavy load Bogged down in the muck And also the mire Had to shake off The dark smoke and the fire The ride smoothes out now As I twist the throttle No worries today No concern for the 'morrow V-Twin rumbles Beneath my seat In the twists and turns It's easy to lean One with the Road One with my ride Dark clouds passed Clear blue skies © Sorez RSOA ™
Fred Steele © 2016 Road Scribes Of America ™
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Joe Roybal My Granddaddy
He entered active service with the U.S. Army on August 29, 1942, and served more than four years, seeing action in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central European campaigns. Among his notable experiences were taking part in t he Omaha Beach landings of the Normandy invasion in June 1944, parading down the Champs-Élysées in Paris a few months later to commemorate the liberation of the French capital city, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge in December of the same year, and crossing the Rhine River into Germany in 1945 for the final Allied push.
Granddaddy Joe holding my mom, Mary Ann Joseph Eutimio Roybal, Rapid City, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Sept. 4, 2016. He was 95. Born Sept. 3, 1921, in Sapello, NM, he was one of nine children born to Filiberto and Ana Maria Aragon Roybal. Like millions of his contemporaries who lived the harsh realities of the Great Depression and World War II, his life was one of hardship and sacrifice but also much happiness and joy. Most important to him were his Catholic faith, his family and his country, and his life was a testament to each of those passions. Roybal grew up in the Sangre de Christo Mountains of northern New Mexico on a small diversified farm in the village of San Ignacio. Like many rural children of the time, he grew up without electricity or indoor plumbing, and attended rural school until the eighth grade at which time he went to work as there was no rural high school. As a boy, he did farm work, but most enjoyed working cattle on horseback and fishing the mountain streams of the area. During the height of the Great Depression, he worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps on public infrastructure projects. In 1941, he went to Pueblo, CO, to work in construction of a government ammo dump, and received his draft notice the following year after war with Japan was declared on Dec. 8, 1941.
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After returning to the U.S. at war’s end, he married Mary Edith Solano on Feb. 2, 1948, in Rapid City; the couple had met while he was on leave before shipping out for Europe, and they corresponded throughout the war. Together, they had six children. He initially worked with various construction companies in the Rapid City area before serving 34 years as a federal employee at Ellsworth Air Force Base and was named the Civil Service Employee of the Year in 1965. Upon his retirement, he worked in part-time positions with Sears and the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Roybal was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary; sons Joe (Peggy) of Woodbury, MN; Desi (Eileen) of Georgetown, TX; and Fil (Laura) of Rapid City; and three daughters – Maryann (Charlie Sykes), Spring Hope, NC; Abby (Mark McCaskey), Piedmont; and Sally (Rod Colhoff), Rapid City. In addition, the couple has 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Other Roybal survivors include a sister, Cleo Noel, and a brother, Adolfo Roybal, both of Las Vegas, NM. Roybal was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was a long-time member of the Disabled American Veterans and received his 50-year membership pin from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1273 in 2015. He also volunteered for more than 25 years providing military funeral honors for fellow veterans at Black Hills National Cemetery. Funeral arrangements for Roybal are pending with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City, with interment at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis. In lieu of gifts, the family requests that contributions be made to the Hospice House of the Black Hills.
Bill Casper of Rapid City, SD was going to interview my Granddaddy at Ellsworth AF Base on Sept. 10th this year during a ceremony honoring WWII Veterans. He had already conducted the interview with him at his home ahead of time. But before this event was to take place my Granddaddy became sick. Bill Casper gave his eulogy at the ceremony instead. Here is a short excerpt of that from Casper... I would like to tell you a little bit about Joe Roybal. He truly was G.I. Joe. He wasn’t a national hero and he didn’t come home with a chest full of medals. Joe wanted to be a paratrooper, but was told that he was too small so he became part of an anti-aircraft automatic weapons battalion. He landed to gun fire on Omaha Beach on June 7th, 1944 and fought with his 40 mm gun crew all the way across France, through the Hurtgen Forest, the Battle of the Bulge, and to the occupation of Germany. After the war Joe came home, married his sweetheart Mary and lived a quiet life here in Rapid City. Joe said that Steven Spielberg got it right in the movie “Saving Private Ryan” except for one thing; he couldn’t reproduce the smell! Of bodies, blood, oil, and saltwater! Joe never forgot that! So, I would like to salute Joe and all the other G.I. Joes who lived and fought in their one square mile of Hell. Bill Casper photo courtesy of Joie Roybal
We had the privilege of touring Washington, D.C. with Granddaddy and the other Honor Flight members from S.D. back in 2011. It was such an honor to walk those memorials with him during those days. He never talked about the war to me but I know he carried the vivid memories with him his entire life. I will miss seeing my Granddaddy Joe and talking to him. He wanted to live to have his 95th birthday on 3 Sept. and he did with his wife, all of his kids and grandkids with him. He left us in the early hours of 4 September.
My Granddaddy Joe with me at Duke when I was receiving cancer treatments back in 2006/07. We had a secret bet going. I told him that I was going to leave this world before he did and would be waiting for him. Now, he is waiting for me.
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Saturday, Nov. 5th, 2016 Eastern Radiologists Greenville, NC Saturday morning started out a bit chilly for the 10th annual Ride for the Ribbon, but before long turned into a perfect autumn day. We had a great turnout, as usual, with lots of bikerz on many different types of bikes, as Addie Best and her crew of volunteers started us off with a wide variety of beverages and foods for breakfast. Our excellent Road Captain Susie Urick held the riders meeting, double-checked her plans with the Greenville 5-0 and we were off. During our approximately 100 mile ride we stopped in Washington and Kinston to grab cards for the poker run, stretch, freshen up and have more snacks and drinks. As well organized events go, this ride is always the gold-standard of great pre-planning and flawless organization.
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Ride For The Ribbon story & photos: Blue Star Bud During our stops, I moved through the crowd taking pictures and making new friends. I got to see Misha Bullock & Keisha Little who doubled as participants and 'road blockers' this year. I recognized the awesome team of Keisha and Misha from last years ride. Lucky young Mr. Hampton Poplin was there, riding with his Grandfather on their Sportster. I also got to visit with Sandy & Henry Cooper from Pinetops, NC and Robbie & Laurel Clark from Kinston, NC. Our R/C, Susie Urick, was on the phone at every stop clearing our pending arrival with the local Police Departments and I'm happy to report that our ride went off without a single mishap or close call. Everyone, roadblockers, Police, riders, and a patient public who let us through so many intersections did an outstanding job. When we returned to the Eastern Radiologists Breast Imaging Center, Miss Addie's crews started tallying up the poker hands and inviting us to have more refreshments. The Mace N Dixon band played live for us, and we all look forward to doing it again next year.
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JANUARY 6
RALEIGH, N.C.
d n i h e B z r a B z t n e v E
Nantucket Returns to the Lincoln Theatre Lincoln Theatre ~ 126 East Cabarrus Street 7pm-12am. Time to kick back with a little rock n roll after the holiday craziness! Tickets $15 and $25 VIP. Two other great bands on the bill - The Commune and Monika JaymesMusic! It’s gonna be a full night of awesome music :) You don’t want to miss this! 7pm doors open, 8:15pm The Commune 9:15pm Monika Jaymes and 10:15pm Nantucket. Tickets available at: www.etix.com Check out all of Nantuckets upcoming shows on their website: officialnantucketband.com
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SUMTER, S.C.
Christian Bikers United 2017 Unity Baptist Church 4000 US-15 10am-2pm with live music, fun, food and fellowship. Formore info contact: John Foisey 803-565-3748
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WILSON, N.C. Polar Bear Run & Chili Cookoff for Joyce Taylor
The Surge, Farmington Heights Church 910 Raleigh Rd. Pkwy. Reg. starts at 10am. Kickstands up at 11am. RAIN, SLEET, SNOW or ICE! Chili judging after the ride. Please make a big pot for the hungry chily riders! Reg. by email or day of event: bwoodpd@rocketmail.com $20 per bike, chili cookers free! See flyer on next page.
FEBRUARY 11
RALEIGH, N.C.
6th Annual Candy Ass Run at Ray Price HD 1126 S. Saunders St. Registration 11am. Last bike out at 12:30pm. Dice Run $20 riders and $10 passengers. Dinner included. American Legion Riders 436 presents Big Daddy’s Chili Cook-off $20. Entry $5 Bowl. Proceeds to benefit veterans and charities. Gifts, door prixes, 50/50 raffle, dice run high and low cash prize. For more info contact TORK: 919-904-9363 Come one come all or stay your candy ass at home!
For many more Eventz listings, please go to our website where you will find large, easy to read flyers. Please feel free to share your event flyer with us! behindbarzmm@suddenlink.net
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