Behind Barz Motorcycle Magazine May-June 2023

19 Years and counting!

BEHIND BARZ

FAH - REE JS

MAy - June 2o23

Happy Memorial Day

Editorz Notez

Check out the EVENTZ section of this issue for upcoming events in May and June. We only have a few listed here. No need to take up several pages in the print mag when we can fill those pages with bikers Livin’ The Life! You can find many more biker events easily on your phone or computer by going to our Facebook page Behind Barz Mag. You can also read Behind Barz online for free before it ever comes out in print.

Check out the cover...Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson and The Harley Shop at The Beach ~ Myrtle Beach Spring Rally Bike Week ~ See pages 24-25 for more info of that event.

Check out all of our “Livin’ The Life” stories in this issue! There are so many out there. If you would like, please send us yours. We would love to hear all about it!

We want to wish all the Super Mommas out there a Happy Mother’s Day! ...and to all the Super Dads, Happy Father’s Day! We hope your day is as awesome as you all are! Thanks for all y’all do EVERY single day! Y’all molded us into who we are today!

Memorial Day. Our heroes gave their life for us, for our freedom. Because of them we are able to have the freedoms that we do! NEVER FORGET!

If you are lost...have faith in Him! He will get you through whatever it is that you may face...because He is with you...all the time! God Bless you and yours! We’ll see you out on the road, Behind Barz!!!

ON THE COVER:

Myrtle Beach Spring Rally ~ See pages 24-25

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.

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... WWW.BEHINDBARZ.COM also FaceBook, Instagram, or Twitter

PUBLISHERS & EDITORS: debbie “DOOBIE” sykes - 252-314-8589

vince “Vinney” byrne - RIP

COPY EDITOR: Murphy

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Spick

MARKETING CONSULTANT: Rogie

SALEZ: Debbie Sykes

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! RIP

mike - always on call

jaybird - Always ridin’

damn yank - on the north side

bob bryant - poetry biker

becky - Road Glide Queen

dave - Iron Man

chewy - iron mutt ewing RIP

izzy - MM South Carolina

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 RIP

indiana bill - the longest in the world

paul - ghost baseball player

bob - preacher bob and bullwinkle

michelle - keeping it real

bunny - anywhere there’s cruzan RIP

rodger - Jesus freak

pam - VA MM

mikey - Inspector Clouseau

Doobie

nc packs4 patriots

Information on changes, however please note that the mission is not changing....

Dear NC Packs4Patriots Supporters NC Packs4Patriots (P4P) is preparing for some big changes. P4P and Support our Troops, Inc (SOT), out of Florida, have been working together for close to a decade. SOT has routinely sent shipments of donations to P4P for us to use in our care packages and for pick-ups. We believe that changing needs and circumstances have indicated our troops can be best served if P4P operations becomes part of SOT. SOT is a “501(c)(3) public purpose charity which works to strengthen the morale and well-being of our current military service members and their families.” They provide goods and services that range from large scale enterprise-level container shipments to bases and battalions, down to individual soldier support. As part of the SOT umbrella P4P will become a distribution center for receiving and coordinating distribution of donations on a much larger scale than anything we have handled in the past. With the large number of military bases in NC, and our location close to major interstate highways, we will be able to more effectively receive and coordinate distribution of goods to our troops. Over the coming weeks you will start to see the SOT logo and name on our Donor Letters and other documents. You will also notice that P4P will be referred to as the Support Our Troops North Carolina Distribution Center. We would like to ensure all of our loyal donors that P4P’s current mission of supporting our troops and their families is not changing, nor is our team of familiar faces. Our work will continue but just at a larger scale. P4P would like to sincerely thank our donors and volunteers for all of the support over the years and we look forward to working with you for years to come.

Barbara D. Whitehead, Director North Carolina Distribution Center,

Our Crystal Coast volunteers were busy busy today! They bagged 800 bags of Community Coffee, 120 packs of Mount Olive Pickle Co. pickle packs, unpacked and put away donations and then assembled 200 snack goody bags! Care packages are being mailed weekly so donations go out quickly! Please help replenish our supplies!

We had a fun and productive day with the HOG chapter, Cumberland County. We started with lunch at Bum’s Rest. and Catering. It was a good time of fellowship and good food! They then came to our center and packed over 350 snack goody bags. It’s always interesting to hear experiences of our veterans and appreciate their continued service.

Troops who are deployed and have a confirmed address are welcome to request care packages! Send name, address, and stop mail date to us by email to ncp4p@yahoo.com - information is only used for mailing labels and kept secure. You can also ask for special requests or needs and we will try to fill those. We ask that you let us know when packages arrive.

We need you to join our team to support our local heroes in 2023!

Photo above and below:

Photo above: We always enjoy hearing from our troops and seeing their smiles.

Photo above:

Our Energizer Squad had a busy day, even helping the DAV with Girl Scout cookies!

Photo above:

Bill's Hot Dogs

109 Gladden St. Washington, NC

252-946-3343

They have spicy chili (no meat). Opened in 1928 by Bill Jackson. Hotdogs chips and drinks is all they serve. Grab one or two and go sit down by the water front!

Dick's Hot Dog Stand

1500 Nash St. N. Wilson, NC

252-243-6313

Founded by Socrates Dick Gliarmis in 1921 they are famous for their dogs and their chili which is the original chili recipe that Dick created. Number 1 since ‘21

Westridge Grill

3639 Sunset Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 252-937-7299

Your Neighborhood Place To Be! They have an outdoor patio with live music every Thursday!

Chester's Pit Stop

12161 Ocean Highway

Pawley’s Island, SC

843-630-2041

They have traditional hot dogs as well as NJ Italian hot dogs. Their chili is homemade and spicy!

Great American of The South

July is National Hot Dog Month! The 19th of July is National Hot Dog Day. We asked for your input for the best Great American Hot Dogs of The South via social media and in the Mar-Apr issue of Behind Barz Mag...and boy did y’all deliver! We wanted to know where to find the best dogs in Virginia, North

SKEETER'S

World Famous Hot Dogs

165 E. Main St. Wytheville, VA 276-228-2611

Skeeter’s was established in 1925. Their chili and coleslaw is house made. Over 9 million Skeeter dogs sold!

Sisters Cafe

685 Main St. Bunn, NC 919-496-1219

Sisters offers a great cafe experience with amazing hot dogs and other country cooked menu items! They also serve breakfast and have daily lunch specials!

Yum Yum

Better Ice Cream & Hot Dogs

1219 Spring Garden St. Greensboro, NC 336-272-8284

Owned and operated by the Aydelette family since 1906. Located on the campus of UNC Greensboro.

facebook.com/BehindBarzMag

American Hot Dogs South

Bud's Grill

1601 N. Main St. Tarboro, NC 252-823-5665

Located in a shiny diner! Bud’s Grill has been in operation for over 21 years and is owned by Bud and Shirley! Their chili is homemade every day by Shirley!

Best N Burgers

4916 Hayes Place Wilson, NC 252-237-2555

Serving Nathan’s Famous All Beef Hot Dogs and Bright Leaf Red Hot Dogs. Plus, they have hand cut Idaho fries cooked in peanut oil! It was a dream that started in 1955!

Warren's Hot Dogs

1938 N. Memorial Dr. Greenville, NC 252-752-3647

Carolina and South Carolina. We were overwhelmed with your responses. There are so many Great American Hot Dog joints in the South!

We couldn’t list them all here because of space limitations but here are a few, in no particular order.

Thanks for participating!

Faulklner's Store

8155 Red Oak Blvd. Red Oak, NC 252-937-1777

Family owned and operated. They have red Jesse Jones and jumbo beef dogs.They also serve Hershey’s hand dipped ice cream.They have many other menu items that are prepared daily.

Warren’s is a drive thru restaurant. Serving hot dogs and pizza. Their homemade chili is spicy (no meat) and they offer cheese onions and sauerkraut. You can also grab a bag of chips and a drinkThat’s it!

Pete's Grill

6 W. Washington St. Petersburg, VA 804-732-6462

Known for their hot dogs and burgers Pete’s is a local favorite! They also serve breakfast.

Greg's Cabana Bar

& Grill

2800 S. Highway 17 Garden City, SC 843-652-4734

Greg’s is a biker favorite during Bike Week! They opened in Feb. of 1994 and serve up not only hot dogs, but surf and turf!

Bob's Dogs

8903 E. Oak Island Dr. Oak Island, NC 910-278-3456

Bob’s Dogs are an island themed eatery and they also have many themed hot dogs. Fun place! Be on the look out for their mascot, “Buffett” the Beach Dog!

Are you a biker friendly business?

If not, you should be! The motorcycle industry is a 25+ billion dollar industry! The average income of a biker is $75k+ annually! Women are more than 1/3 of the motorcycle market! Average age is 40-65. Bikers spend over 3 billion annually on charities!

Get Behind Barz Mag distributed to your business and we will let bikers know you carry it and are biker friendly! All you have to do is ask! Call us and we will let you know how. 252-314-8589

Do you care about your business? If you do, and want to advertise in a respected and professional magazine, give us a call. We are the only full color, glossy biker publication in VA., N.C. & S.C. combined. We were the first free biker mag with an E-Magazine! We have more online social websites than anyone else to offer you the optimum advertising possibilities ~ Print Mag, Virtual Mag and many other social media outlets! All at your disposal for one price when you advertise with us! You have one option when advertising with Behind Barz Mag ~ FULL COLOR! We do not do black & white, we do not do newsprint, we do not charge for web advertising!

We care about your business... do you?

No matter how bad your day is your bike will make you feel better!

Riding with Jaybird “Snapshot”

THE GET AWAY FROM IT

Most of us that ride are hard working Americans that dedicate our daily lives to our occupations and to putting food on the table, a roof overhead, and fuel in our bikes so we can ride when given the opportunity. Life is short, and the majority of us don’t ride as much as we’d really like to, much less vacation like we’d truly enjoy due to our obligations and responsibilities. Personally, it’s been WAY too long since I’ve allowed myself the luxury of a real vacation, so when the opportunity presented itself recently for a weekend getaway with friends/family, I was all over it! A mini-vacation was just what we needed...not too long to cost a fortune and the right time of year to get a little fun in the sun and get away from home. Life has been good to me, and even though I struggle to get by like a lot of folks reading this article, sometimes you just gotta say, I need this, and I’ve worked hard enough! It’s about time for a little R&R. Fortunately, this biker life has afforded us with a lot of friends with similar interests that enjoy hanging out together, which sometimes allows us to pool our assets and make things a lot easier financially. Such was the case with our mini-vacation! Our dear friends Daniel and Dawn Barber returned home from their recent Myrtle Beach honeymoon with 5 tickets to see the KISS Tribute Band “STRUTTER” perform live in concert at The House Of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC the following weekend and this set things in motion for our little group. We immediately decided this was a stay-the-night situation and began searching and found accommodations close to the venue (which was a lot more affordable being “off season”) and immediately began making our travel plans. Our condo was right on the beach and just a couple blocks away from The House Of Blues (kudos to Tim and Donna Huggins for doing the internet leg-work for us and scoring a room with a view). Since the forecast was a bit up in the air, and we had a “5th wheel,” (Sherry Moore) we caged to the beach in 2 vehicles and 3 hours later, we were in Myrtle Beach! Something about crossing that last bridge and smelling that salty sea air just gets your heart pumping and excites the senses! There’s nothing else like it... except maybe going to the mountains and smelling that crisp fresh mountain air, but WOW, what an exhilarating feeling!!!

Left: Jon Slayton as Ace Frehley (The SpaceMan)

Above: Our group at The House Of Blues.

Above: Troy Lynn as Peter Criss (the CatMan)

Above: Roll down the windows... can you smell the Salty air?

Above: Bill Sebetta as Gene Simmons (The Demon)

Left: Gary Stevens as Paul Stanley (The StarChild)

with jaybird

“Snapshot” Bailey

ALL, ‘MINI VACATION’

We got there early enough Friday afternoon to stick our toes in the sand and in the ocean, get back to the room and get cleaned up and go grab a bite to eat at Dirty Dicks Restaurant before going to the concert. Dirty Dicks was a hoot and an experience in and of itself. If you’ve never visited, it’s the most fun you’ll ever have while being publically humiliated while eating a good meal! Fast forward to The House Of Blues...what an operation! Beautiful building, awesome bar, pre-concert entertainment by Stan James Gregory on guitar, and very nice interior decorations! And that’s all before you get into the grand concert area! Thank you to Tim and Donna again for the VIP arrangements upstairs and to the management, staff and security (Brandon, Mike, and Ash) at The House Of Blues for graciously honoring Behind Barz Magazine and granting me pit access to be able to photograph the Number One Rated KISS Tribute Band in the World, STRUTTER! This was truly the highlight of our “mini-vacation” and proved to be an unforgettable experience! STRUTTER is Gary Stevens (as Paul Stanley, The StarChild) on guitar, Troy Lynn (as Peter Criss, The CatMan) on Drums, Bill Sebetta (as Gene Simmons, the Demon) on bass guitar, and Jon Slayton (as Ace Frehley, The SpaceMan) on lead guitar. This was the ultimate KISS experience, and having been a fan of KISS since my teenage years, let me tell you that STRUTTER performs all of the signature songs to a “T”!!! The hard rock music and moves, the facial expressions and mannerisms, the body language, make-up, the solos, and all of the things that have made KISS the number one concert to see for 50 years! If you’ve never seen a KISS concert live and are able to do so, you owe it to yourself to see STRUTTER!!! This was my first time, and I became an instant fan. I’ve seen KISS perform several times in live concerts and I can attest to STRUTTERS’ efforts to be the absolute BEST at what they do!

Above: Couldn’t even wait to take our shoes off!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18...

Above: Don’t even say it out loud, LOL

Right: The House of Blues getting ready for us!

life of the party!!!

Above: Our little 5th wheel in her BIG chair! Sherry Moore, the

Above: Pre concert entertainment by Stan James Gregory (with a little accompaniment by yours truly).

Above: Myrtle Beach Harley Davidson!

Left: Getting the party started

Above: At The Harley Shop At The Beach.

Riding with jaybird

Jaybird “Snapshot” Bailey

Not only did we enjoy the show but we were also granted the privilege of meeting the band afterwards and chat for a while! These guys were gracious and humble and truly proved what a class act they really are. Following the concert and the after-party, our group got some much needed rest and Saturday morning began the tourist part of our Myrtle Beach mini vacation including a visit to Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson to see all of the newest model motorcycles and the coolest HarleyDavidson apparel on the beach and by the way, they also have FREE copies of Behind Barz Magazine! Then to Broadway at the Beach for a bit of casual shopping and snacking and a jaunt to Jamin Leather for some new leather gear. As much as we all hated to leave the beach, we had to remind ourselves that this was a “MINI” vacation and that we needed to head home to the coastal plain. Of course, we all vowed to return to the beach as soon as possible for a longer excursion, but sometimes it just feels good to get away for a few days to remind us of just how good we have it. Spontaneity is the spice of biker life, and these almost unplanned getaways make for AWESOME memories!

Thank you for reading “Riding With JayBird” and I hope that you will be inspired to jump on your bike and take that vacation you’ve been thinking of and if it’s out of reach at the moment, don’t be afraid to take a weekend “mini-vacation”! Trust me, it’ll do your soul some good, and you won’t regret it! Be safe and happy riding my friend!!!

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Above: What happens when Kay sticks her head through the hole in the pizza sign at Broadway At The Beach...

Above: Bill Sebetta showing Sherry what Gene Simmons is best known for.

Above: Our view from the room!

Above: Sherry, Donna, and Kay having a BLAST!

Above: Meet and greet after the show.

Above: Gary Stevens with a special young fan! Aewsome!!!

Above: Congratulations to Dawn & Daniel Barber!

Black

Rememberance On The River

WELDON, NC

REMEMBRANCE on the RIVER is a yearly event held on the banks of the beautiful Roanoke River. This inspiring event’s two primary founders are the NC AMVETS Service Foundation, a 501(C) (3) charitable organization, and Bruce Tyler, a combat veteran and local business owner of Weldon Mills Distillery. Our goal for this years festival held May 25-28 will seek to Reflect, Recognize, and Respect our Fallen Military Heroes and their families.

Our very own, Bruce Tyler, US Army Retired, served 27 years in the Active Army, Reserves, and NC National Guard. He enlisted as a Combat Arms Soldier, was commissioned as a Military Police Officer and subsequently, a JAG Officer. Bruce and his Buddy Michael Hinderliter, started Weldon Mills Distillery, specifically Soldier’s Cut Bourbon, with a goal of raising funds for Gold Star Families. This project is very important to Bruce, as his sister became a Gold Star Widow after her husband and his Blackhawk crew were shot down in Afghanistan.

This year’s event will begin May 25th and run daily from 10:00 am until 7:00pm. Sunday, May 28th closing ceremony will be at 5:00 pm. This event is FREE to the public and will include: North Carolina Vietnam Traveling Wall, owned and built by AMVETS Post 906 in Southport NC, Trees of Valor, Beirut Memorial, NC National Guard Mobil Museum, Lights of Valor, ROTC Drill Competitions, and a Field of Flags made up of flags placed by you in honor of your past and present military family members who served in the United States Military. Food and craft vendors on site, with music, guest speakers including and special presentations throughout the event.

YOU are invited all to participate in our Living Memorial, The Field of Flags. This Memorial will be built throughout the weekend as visitors, with their small donation, place a flag and grow our Field of Flags. Flags can be placed in honor of, or in memory of your buddy, your unit, your ship, your family member, or all veterans who served. It is your flag to place and identify as you wish. At the end of the weekend the Field of Flags will be dismantled and taken to various veteran cemeteries to be placed on Veteran graves for Monday, Memorial Day. All funds from the Field of Flags will go directly to our projects in

support of Gold Star Families. This project will be targeting NC Gold Star Families and assisting in paying off home mortgages.

We are also excited to announce that on Thursday May 25th we will be a stop for motorcyclist headed to Washington DC for the annual Memorial Day Remembrance previously known as “Rolling Thunder” and now known as “Ride to Remember.” We anticipate welcoming large and small groups as they head North. We will post opportunities for the general public to gather and cheer on these dedicated citizens as they honor our POW/MIA and our Fallen Heroes. We join in their commitment to Never Forget!

REMEMBRANCE on the RIVER is solely a volunteer and community donor project.

For more information about volunteering or to make a donation you may contact us at:

www.remembranceontheriver.org

LOCATION: 100-200 Rock Fish Drive Weldon, N.C. 27890

CIVIC Groups and Vendors Needed!

Click here to make donations, to volunteer, visit Facebook, or call 252-673-6495

Sometimes when I stop and look back at where I’ve been and where I am at the moment I can’t help but wonder what I was thinking, especially when I wake up in the morning and see several inches of snow on the ground.

I’ve been homeless and living on the road for over 8 years now and almost nothing I do makes sense to me or anyone who follows my journey on Facebook. The last major and confusing decision I made was to leave Florida and ride out to Colorado. I left a state where the temperatures were in the mid to upper 70’s-80’s and came to a state with temperatures ranging from the low teens to the upper 80’s. I had to leave Florida and go to Georgia to take care of a small legal issue and once I had it all taken care of I felt the unction to ride west again so I packed my bag and headed toward Colorado.

The ride from Atlanta to Longmont Colorado took me longer than it normally would partly because of the weather but getting old had a little to do with it, too. I only had a two day window of decent riding weather to get from my son’s place near Atlanta to a very good friend’s place in Wichita and I had an important stop to make near Birmingham to visit the parents of a brother who died a couple of years ago. Because the weather along the Gulf Coast can be volatile in the spring I only stayed at my friend’s parents place for a couple hours and then rode to West Helena Arkansas and got a cheap room for the night.

It was a beautiful start to the day when I left West Helena but it wasn’t long before the weather started to be a factor. It was fairly warm all that day but about the time I got into Missouri the winds started picking up speed making my arms work to keep my track

The Bullwinkle Chronicles

By: Bob Seymour

straight. By the time I got to Wichita I was ready for a break and the weather forced me to spend almost a week at my friends place before I had another two day window to make it to Colorado. While I was in Wichita I noticed that my tires were in rough shape so my friend took me over to the shop where he has work done on his scooter so I could have tires and brake pads installed while Dave and I went to a weekend men’s retreat.

I could have ridden straight through from Wichita to Longmont but I didn’t want to push myself too hard so I contacted a brother in Wakeeney Kansas and spent the night with him and his wife before making the final leg of the trip. I took the southern route, US-54 outta Wichita to Dodge City because it was about 10* warmer than going north to pick up I-70 east. The wind between Wichita and Dodge City was blowing out of the southwest at 35mph with 50mph gusts which made my arms feel totally exhausted. I took US-283 north out of Dodge City into Wakeeney and I was so glad the wind was at my back for the last couple of hours.

I had a really good time in Wakeeney with my friends Curtis and his Wife Jenn but I could only stay one night because the weather window was going to slam shut the day after I left. It was a chilly ride the rest of the way across Kansas and all the way across Colorado to Longmont and to make it even worse my heated grips stopped working on the way to Dodge City. I was thanking God for the heated vest a brother in Longmont gave me a couple years ago because it kept my core warm.

“Follow Your

ullwinkle Chronicles

Your Gut Feelings”

Whenever I look back at a last minute trip between points A&B that made no logical sense to me at the time I made the decision to go I almost always see a reason I felt the urge to go. I don’t believe in coincidences so I have to believe that it is God Who places the urges and unctions in my gut to get up and get on the road. It never fails that when I follow the feeling in my gut to get out and ride I end up either meeting a new friend or I cross paths with an old friend who needs a brother at that moment.

I know that not everyone can pack up their scooter and ride thousands of miles for weeks or months at a time but we can all follow our gut feelings and take a different route to our favorite destinations than we normally would. If we would all listen to that little whisper telling us to get out of the rut we tend to dwell in, life would be much more fun and exciting. It can be a little uncomfortable the first few times we take that alternate route but it is well worth the effort, especially when it results in meeting new friends or just finding a road with some great twists and turns…. I truly hope everyone has a safe, fun and exciting riding season and that we all meet new friends and can make a difference in our world.

the good news!

Rodger Duvall ~ Jesus Freak Thee Redeemed House biker Church

”Old School Biker”

Lost a friend this past week, his name, “Ron Hart”. Old school biker.

Ron became a Disciple of Jesus.

Ron knew his lifestyle had to change, and he found that the only way it could be changed was by following Jesus .

Ron’s outer appearance didn’t change, his heart had been changed, changed by the truth and love of Jesus.

He loved God, family, friends and brotherhood. And he loved motorcycles and street rods.

He always encouraged me to keep preaching so that lost people would be found and saved, for time is getting short.

Ron called me over a year ago, and told me over the phone that he just had a revelation of Jesus Christ, that He is alive and the Holy Spirit had testified to him that he was saved.

I’ve never heard Ron shout the way he did that day, there was no convincing that he was trying to convince with, he knew and was just expressing the true Joy that had been placed in His Heart!

Looking back at 12 lost years of summers of knowing Ron, I think mostly of the conversations we had, just sitting at his house, or at Thee Redeemed house.

Yes Ron, time is getting short. We don’t realize that until our time is getting short, then we try to take the time that’s left and make the most of it.

I will miss Ron Hart as will alot of people. Ron is not lost, he has been found and has returned home .

He will be back, riding behind Jesus in the biggest gathering to ride this earth will ever see.

KU at the time of Jesus’ return, mount up, keep the motor revving waiting for the command from Jesus, “Let’s Ride” As He gets the command from the Father, “Go get my Children”.

Until we meet again Ron Hart ...John 3:16.

“Jesus Freak” Rodger.

RIGADOON

Amy’s art experience started while in public school, learning enameling back in the 1970s, worked as a self employed artist in hot glass and enameling in the 1980s. The glass bead making made it more complete in the glass arts. Amy then graduated with a B.F.A. degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art. She bought her first motorcycle in the late 1980s. Naming it Rigadoon, the meaning is an old fashioned lively dance. It was appropriate for a motorcycle with a sidecar. Amy then took an avenue in vintage motorcycle drawing! This way she could combine her love of vintage motorcycles and art. The sidecar made it possible to carry art she created on motorcycle tours to look for art galleries across the countryside to carry her artwork. During the tours she saw interesting places that gave her inspiration to create works of art. This made the motorcycle earn their keep!

Tours have so far taken her through 49 states, Canada and Mexico adding over 250,000 miles! Most of those miles she learned to maintain her own motorcycle out of necessity while preferring to ride in low population areas and visiting the national parks.

Working from photographs each motorcycle drawing is hand drawn with pen and ink with added pencil for shading. The cards are then touched with highlights of silver metallic paint for the chrome and other polished parts. Custom drawings are always welcomed!

The drawings featured here are just a small selection of what she has drawn over the years. Vintage motorcycles are her specialty but also has drawn tractors, cars and airplanes. Amy has always been inspired by Amilea Earhrat and her amazing travels to far away places. A favorite quote that keeps her inspired ~ “Everyone has oceans to fly, if they have the heart to do it. Is it reckless? Maybe. But what do dreams know of boundaries?”

With encouragement from friends she drew and wrote a book for all ages on her adventures with her 1973 BMW motorcycle with a sidecar “Rigadoon”. The book “My Adventures With Rigadoon’’ takes her throughout the United States including Mexico. Amy and Rigadoon took off to live on the road for a year. Traveling, meeting interesting people, national parks and experiencing the wind in all kinds of weather. Now Amy is working on her 2nd coloring book about her travels to Alaska!

Examples of Amy’s glasswork can be seen at the White House. Hillary Clinton assembled a collection of crafts to be on permanent display in White House in 1994 and has been on a national tour for five years before resting back at the White House in Washington D.C.

Her main objective in life is to inspire others to create their own life and not be controlled by other opinions on what they think you should do. Always live on your own terms. After all it’s your life to see fit. Get out there and see what nature has in store and feel the wind. Indepence is the key. After all what do dreams know of boundaries?”

From The Mind of Hello My Happy

It seems the club has had its fill with sportsters and baggers. American made and even some metrics, we have just about seen them all. My dream bike has always been a Sucker Punch Sally but me dropping that kind of paper on a two wheels...that’s not going to happen no time soon. I’m also not the guy I was when that bike seemed to be the top of the food chain in my book. I’m 46 years old and years of walking on concrete for well over 25 plus years have finally worn down some bones. I’m not saying I’m dead or an old goat, but riding comfortable has made me mighty spoiled on that Electra Glide. Sure, if I hit the lottery and had money to burn I would absolutely go and buy me a Sucker punch! There’s just something to love about a bare bone motorcycle. Big motor, slim frame and stretched out front end. Yes sir! That’s just sexy to me! Hell, I can see it all in my head now.

Big Ed aka 2Timer

I was at work the other day and a buddy of mine wanted to see some pictures of the motorcycles that some of my brothers ride in the club. I don’t keep too much on my phone but I decided to go into my Google account and search in the files of pictures I’ve taken over the years. As I was scrolling through the countless amount of pictures. I couldn’t help but let my mind fall back in time. It’s been over 10 years since I joined the club and even though I am not a big fan of Google I can honestly say, it’s nice to be able to look back at my long history with the club....the rides we’ve been on and the parties that we have attended. Oh trust me, it’s not stopped yet! This club is still a baby in years when you compare it to clubs that started after WW2 and stuff, but still, ten years is still quite a bit of time.

A little leather bed roll on the front handlebars filled with everything to explore your mind and tap into the spirit world. A pocket full of cash and tank full of gas. Reach my finger to the tips in a pair of old worn leather gloves and adjust my shades to the rays of the morning sun. Twist that throttle a few times and kick start that bare bone sled ‘til she rumbles. Reach my arms to the sky as I grip those apes and twist that throttle back ‘til all that’s behind me is my past. No care for cautions or speed limits signs. Just ride from NC until I see the painted desert of Arizona. Yelp that’s where I want to go. It’s always been a dream of mine to ride that desert and burn some fuel on those hot two lane roads. Yea, that was a dream of mine, but lets face it. Dreams are just that, dreams. I say that because I live in a real world. The real world is not some fairy tale. The real world comes with lack of funds, lack of time, and others roads open up and you take detours. Its just life. You find a woman and you fall in love and your biker dreams end up finding themselves on the back burner. That’s reality. That barebone two wheel death machine just transformed into a mini van and 50+ hrs a week at a job. I’m not saying that like a buzz kill. There’s nothing wrong with being young, wild and picturing yourself doing young and wild shit! Nothing wrong with it! I’m just saying, its like that phrase I hear all the time. It goes something like this...“If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans for the future.” ...seriously.

I don’t have that same dream anymore. I look at real world shit now. I see a long trip like that of going from here to AZ. Like screw that! I want to hang out with my wife and kids. Hey! I’m a Daddy and that’s where my dreams are now. I want to build a life so my kids have great memories of their Daddy being the best Daddy they could ever have. I want my wife to look back and not regret giving this old asshole the best years of her life. This is my dream now, but I am still a biker. I still love what I love. I love to ride. I love my club. I still love making rides with my club.

of Big Ed...

But sometimes I wonder if I even fit in with the club anymore because I love being a family man more. Lucky for me my club is about family.

Nobody is standing in my way to make a better life for my family. The choice is mine to make and my brothers support me. They, too, are finding their way. Some getting married and starting a new life. Some are having kids or already had and raised kids. Some are looking at big career moves or making a name for themselves in other avenues, and others are looking at what to do with the rest of their lives. One of the best qualities of my club that makes it unique is we are always family in a way. Because lets face it. Sometimes life takes you away from the club but the club has not forgotten you. You sit down with us and you express your thoughts and feelings and where you believe your life is taking you. If it’s chasing the tides of the ocean in a sail boat, or you got a big opportunity in your career that’s going to take you to another level the club is always here and our arms are always open to you. Just like coming back home when you’ve living away for many years. You are welcomed because you are always a brother.

Well, before I end this article I want to say, we all know its that time of year. The weather is finally coming around for a lot of bikers out there. Please be safe and try to look twice. These crotch rockets are buzzing around like supped up hornets and my fellow Harley riders are just loving the ride. Please look twice. I never like hearing man down, or hearing about a fellow biker dying in a wreck. It just takes a split second to change someone’s world forever. So, please look and listen and help keep a biker safe.

Blue Knights NC Chapter 2

Escort Ride For Mr. Bill McCombs

On March 25th of 2023 the Blue Knights Wake County Chapter 2 hosted an escort ride for Mr. Bill McCombs. He is a 95 year old World War II Navy veteran that is now under hospice care. He had one wish, to ride in a sidecar/motorcycle again. Mr. McCombs not only served his country on one of the submarines in the US NAVY that made it back home, 1 in 5 didn’t make it, he was also an avid motorcycle/sidecar rider up north when he returned. He used to ride his motorcycle in all types of weather including snow. He would put sacks in the sidecar in the winter to be able to get to work. His daughter Judy and Vince Doxbeck, President of the Blue Knights Wake County Chapter 2, made his wish come true. Bill rode his own motorcycle till the age of 75 with his wife in a sidecar. Bill’s daughter, Judy, reached out to Vince Doxbeck and asked if he could put something together for her dad. Vince jumped on the opportunity to honor her and her father’s wishes. She asked that he ride in a sidecar and instead of getting one, Vince got two sidecars for Bill and his daughter so she could be a part of this memorable ride. She asked that they take him for a ride but what Vince put together was so much more than just a ride.

Vince arranged that all participants meet at the Food Lion on 42 and 50 and a small group would go pick Mr. McCombs up and bring him there and surprise him when he saw the crowd that was there to support him. All Bill knew at the time was that he was going to be getting a ride from a couple Blue Knights in a sidecar. But when they picked him up and brought him to the Food Lion there was an overwhelming amount of people there cheering and clapping to support him and take him on this ride. Some of the groups that participated in the honor ride were Blue Knights NC Wake County chapter 2, Blue Knights Johnston County Chapter 12, Operation Fly Our Flag - OFOF Raleigh Battalion, United states Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Memorial Day - Ride To Remember, Toasts To Honor Fallen Heroes, US Spyder Ryders, Charlotte Metro, Garner Police Department, Garner Fire Department, and Wake County Sheriff’s Office. Bill received many gifts from all the clubs including his very own motorcycle vest with patches from all the groups participating and a hand painted Navy Seal from me. People came all the way from Charlotte NC to support Bill in the pouring rain. Being a Navy man, the rain was nothing Bill was afraid of. Unfortunately it did rain for most of the ride but everyone was there to make sure Bill and his daughter Judy had the best experience possible. At the Food Lion, after showering Bill with gifts, it was time to ride. We rode over to Garner War Memorial where the Garner Police, Garner Fire Department and Raleigh Battalion, United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps and Patriot Guard Riders of North Carolina were staged and waiting. It was amazing to see the Sea Cadets in their uniforms. They presented the colors and stood at attention as our national anthem was played. Bill was given more gifts including Challenge Coins and hats. Afterwards, Bill was loaded back into the sidecar and we all went for lunch at Locked and Loaded Bar and Grill. It was such an honor to watch this hero look around in amazement at the support he received this day. There was a flag there that we all signed, it was presented to Bill, and we gave a toast and thanked him for his service. This ride was a big honor to be a part of and Bill and his daughters are all amazing people. Everyone there was in support of Bill and making sure that his experience was the best experience possible. This is just a taste of what the Blue Knights Wake County NC chapter 2 does for their community. The Blue Knights are hosting a Car Show on October 7th 2023 to raise money to keep doing stuff like this for their community so please come out and support the Blue Knights Wake County NC chapter 2.

Story and Photos: Samantha Raybon

Story and Photos: Ivan Colin

Livin' The

Great CVMA Event Ride To Annabella’s

Aanother GREAT CVMA Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association event, put on by SC 34-1 and their Annual Spring Ride!!!

Outstanding Attendance and a Scenic Route around Lake Murry!!!

I like that they appealed to all sorts of fund raising...Gun Raffle / Door Prizes / Bake Sale / Chapter Quartermaster items / 50 - 50... VETS HELPING VETS!!!

GORGEOUS DAY

We hated to waste a gorgeous day so we rode 300 plus miles round trip for lunch.

Greenville, Washington, Edenton, Elizabeth City, Frog Island for seafood lunch, OBX, Roanoke Island, Columbia, Plymouth and all towns in between.

Wade Barnes, Greenville, N.C.

Great lunch ride with some of my Blue Knights Brothers and family to Annabella’s.

Thank you everyone who came out on this chilly morning.

Greg Toback ~ pics Samantha Raybon

OB JAMMR facebook.com/BehindBarzMag

The Life Burning Bike!

Maggie Valley North Carolina

Just getting back in from The Missing Link Run. Staying at the Holiday Motel in Maggie Valley, N.C. We saw a Moose while out riding. It’s beautiful in the valley!

Burning Bike at Fastlane Campground in Daytona Beach, FL. This is a special event to remember a loved one. You can sign or write a message on the 75’ wooden handmade bike before it is burned. There are all kinds of week long events leading up to Burning Bike. facebook.com/BehindBarzMag

Chuck & Leslie Kubasek

Devin and Jay Arzoomanian & James Campbell

MAY

We are working to ensure events listed in Behind Barz Motorcycle Magazine are as up to date as possible. Please be sure to confirm the status of any & all events before making plans to attend by calling or emailing the event contact person listed with event.

6 SMITHFIELD, NC

Help Thy Neighbor JOCO

Starts at Bulldog Harley Davidson 1043 Outlet Center Dr. and ends at Plan B Bar 519 W. Market St. with music, food, raffles, vendors and fun. $20 rider and $10 passenger. Contact Betsy: 919-500-6475 or Scott: 919-437-3698 or Angie: 919-810-8416 Motorcycle Poker Run to benefit Help Thy Neighbor Johnston County

6

KINSTON, NC

BBQ Fest On The Neuse 1st Annual Bike Show Reg 10am-12pm. Judge 3:30pm. $20 per bike.

More info: Styxx 252-560-6095

See flyer on page 7 in this issue.

6 WILSON, NC

Ride For Hope

CycleMax 6723 Ward Blvd.

Ride ends at Hope Extended Community Outreach Center in Goldsboro (1138 Rosewood Dr.)

$10 per bike. $5 passenger. $10 cage. Door prizes and 50/50 drawing. Food and music provided.

More info: 919-738-3365 See flyer on page 5 in this issue.

6 HENDERSON, NC

Run For The Son

Brewer Cycles 420 Warrenton Rd. Reg. 9am-10:45am. Kickstands up 11 am. Free registration. Donations appreciated.

More info: 252-492-8553

6

EVERYWHERE

International Female Ride Day

11

ROCKY MOUNT, NC

American Legion Post 58 Pancake Breakfast

American Legion North Church St. 6:30am-11:30am.

Pancakes without sides $5

Pancakes with 1 side $7

Pancakes with 2 sides $9

3 Sides only $8 (eggs, bacon & sausage)To order call: 910-988-2450 or 252-446-6208 Proceeds to benefit local charities and veterans.

MAY 13

ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC

16th Annual Cruisin’ For A Cure

Roanoke Rapids Theatre 500 Carolina Crossroads Pkwy. 9am-3pm. Car, bike, truck,, etc. registration 9am-11am. Food & drinks. Live DJ. $20,000 in raffles!!! Rain or shine! For more info: Ricky Gupton 252-203-1093

See ad on back cover of this issue!

13

KENLY, NC

Bike Show

Kenly 95 Petro East Coast Trucker’s Jamboree & Truck Show I-95 Exit 106 (Thee Redeemed House Bike Show) Reg. 10am-12pm. Judging starts at 12pm. Awards at 1:15pm. Entry fee $10 per class.

15

MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Spring Rally Kick-Off Party

Sneaky Beagle 5040 Carolina Forest Blvd. 4pm-8pm Free to all riders! Live music, food, MBHD Spring Rally giveaways, door prizes & Rally games! More info: 843-369-5555 www.myrtlebeachharley.com

15-21

MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Spring Bike Week www.myrtlebeachharley.com

16

MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Spring Biker Olympics

The Rat Hole 3833 Socastee Blvd. Unit B 12pm-7pm. Grab your free H-D Rally giveaways, warm up on the practice field, grab your seat and get ready for a day of entertainment! More info: 843-369-5555 www.myrtlebeachharley.com

17

N. MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Grumpy’s Biker Breakfast

The Harley Shop At The Beach 4002 Hwy 17 S. 9am-11am. Kickstart your day to a delicious FREE breakfast! Free custom H-D Rally giveaways! 843-663-5555

18

MURRELLS INLET, SC

Spring Rally Bike Night

The Wicked Tuna 4123 US-17 BUS 6pm-9pm. On the gorgeous waterfront! Live music, custom H-D giveaways, door prizes, bike night food& drink specials. For more info: 843-663-5555 www.myrtlebeachharley.com

Eventz Behind Barz

See our Facebook page for these events and more: www.facebook.com/BehindBarzMag

MAY

19

N. MYRTLE BEACH, SC

Grumpy’s Biker Breakfast

The Harley Shop At The Beach 4002 Hwy 17 S. 9am-11am. Kickstart your day to a delicious FREE breakfast!

Free custom H-D Rally giveaways! 843-663-5555

20

MURRELLS

Tuna Shack / The Boathouse 4123 US-17 BUS Reg. 9:30am-11am. $15 rider. + $5 passenger. Enjoy FREE breakfast, music and the first 150 riders will receive a FREE EVENT T-SHIRT! KSU 11am sharp! Take a 60+ mile ride escorted by our local Rivertown! Ends at The Boathouse for an after party on the gorgeous waterway with live music, FREE food, Rally games, free door prizes and custom H-D Rally giveaways!

For more info: 843-369-5555 www.myrtlebeachharley.com

20

GREENVILLE, NC

Pitt County BFC Bike Blessing

Carolina V-Twin 1924 N. Memorial Dr. Music, hot dogs, 50/50 raffle. Raffle tickets $5 each. For more info: Paul 252-531-5493 or Scooby 252-402-9390

20

PRINCE

INLET, SC

MAY 27

RALEIGH, NC

Laps Of Honor Ride @Tobacco Road HD 1126 S. Saunders St. NO REG FEE! Donations to the US Veterans Corps will be greaaciously appreciated. Reg 10am. Leave at 11am. Return at 12 noon. Live music, food trucks, drinks. For more info: 919-832-2261

JUNE

3

MEBANE, NC

6th Annual Americans Assisting Veterans American Legion Post 95 506 W. Clay St. Reg 9am-10am. 10:15 ride briefing. KSU 10:30am. Fully escorted scenic ride approx. 80 miles. $20 single $5 passenger. Ride will end and lunch served at Broken Chains Biker Church 523 S. Worth St Burlington.

3

GOLDSBORO, NC

2nd Annual Suicide Awareness Run Deuces Saloon 2101 East Elm St. KSU 12pm. $20 rider. $10 passenger. $8 per plate non riders. Join us for a day of loud pipes, good food, and good memories!

GEORGE, VA

Spring Open House

Colonial Harley-Davidson 1701 Temple Parkway 12pm-2pm...free lunch from 11am-2pm. Vendors, free food, test rides. More info: 804-861-4700

20

EMPORIA, VA

2nd Annual Moose Memorial Poker Run

Hosted by Muddy Water Riding.

Starts at Simmon’ s Truck Stop 1589 Skippers Rd. Reg 11am. KSU 12pm. Ends at Muddy Water Club House. More info: Tony 434-637-6383

21 WORLD WIDE

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

Raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health and prostate cancer research. www.gentlemansride.com

25-28

WELDON, NC

Third Annual Remembrance On The River

100-200 Rock Fish Dr. On the scenic Roanoke River! 10am-7pm each day. Free to the public. More info: 252-673-6495 See page 22 in this issue. www.RemembranceOnTheRiver.org

3

JACKSONVILLE, NC

New River HD 19th Anniversary Party 2394 Wilmington HWY. 9am-3pm. Vendors, food trucks, raffles, music and more! Interested in being a vendor? Call Calie: 910-346-9997www. newriverhd.com

8-10

CHASE

CITY, VA

South Central Bike Fest 535 Jonbil Road

Thurs: Vendor and camper set up. Fri: Gates open at 12 noon. Sat: Open 7am. Charity event to benefit the Barksdale Cancer Foundation and The Mecklenberg County Cancer Association More info or to be a vendor: Lee 434-210-1503 See ad on page 10 in this issue.

10

HARRISONBURG,

VA

8th Annual Ride To Fight Suicide

Blue Ridge Powersports 20 Heritage Dr. Reg 8am. Bikes out 9:30am. $20 bike. $5 passenger. Bands, 50/50, raffle, silent auction, food and drinks. For more info: 540-849-6209

24

MECHANICSVILLE, VA

Ride For Sierra Dice Run

VFW Post 9808 Reg. at 9am. Raffles and 50/50. Facebook.com/rideforsierra www.RIDE4SIERRA.COM

Eventz Behind Barz

See our Facebook page for these events and more: www.facebook.com/BehindBarzMag

STICKERS

For 19 years we have included stickers in each issue of the magazine. I personally put each and every sticker in each and every copy myself (Doobie)!!! Here lately folks have gotten bad about pulling stickers out of many copies... I guess because they like the stickers so much. It has happened in the past but not like it has the last few issues. It is unfair to others who pick up a copy of the magazine only to find that their copy does not have a sticker. So, starting with the Jan-Feb 2023 issue of Behind Barz we are not going to place stickers in each copy. We will have stickers available for FREE but you have to send a self addressed, stamped envelope to our PO Box listed on previous page. We will then send you the sticker that goes with this issue (if you write “GLOW” on the envelope) plus we will throw in 3 more stickers, of our choice. We hate this has to be done but with the time it takes to place each sticker in every copy and then people are pulling the stickers out we feel that this is the best way to do it right now.

Thanks for your continued support! We still have lots of killer prizes from our sponsors on the previous page to give away. So remember, you can’t win it if you don’t stick it!

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