Serving Florida’s Motorcycle & Trike Community Since 2007
March 2015 2014
Riding The Sypder F3 RV’s For Bikers Indian Dark Horse Daytona Scenic Ride Map
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Connie Moore conniemoore62@gmail.com West Palm Beach Area Tim Davis 561-667-8977
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March
2015
Publishers Corner: Let Me Tell Ya! By Mike Savidge
Ninety-Three and Done! you’ll find our new Blog feature. What will be in it? I haven’t
a clue. Oh wait, I do have somewhat of an idea. I’m going to use this space to tell you what we’ve got going on in the digital world. Instead of one deadline for print each month where we gather everything together and put it into the magazine, every day will be a new deadline for electronic postings. Not saying that we’ll be posting new stuff to the website every day, but whenever something interesting comes along, you won’t have The writing is on the wall, or to wait until the next issue comes out to read about it. And more correctly, I should say with less worry about publishing expenses, there will be new it’s on the screen. The world features added to the Go FAR lineup. There’s a lot of good stuff of media communications is to share and, in some cases, electronic distribution for certain constantly evolving and I want types of information works better than print. to make sure that Go For A Ride is part of that evolution. So This will also offer up new, affordable electronic advertising we’ve been making upgrades options. I hear some business owners tell me, “We don’t need to our website and we’ve to advertise, we’re on the web.” But how does someone find added some new features to it you on the web? How do you make sure the right people see and more are coming. There’s you? Unless you’re constantly working at it to make sure your no denying that there’s much more opportunity and flexibility website has a high ranking with all the different search engine with the electronic media. It enables us to offer entertaining algorithms, you’re not getting noticed. Whereas, if your ad is and educational information to our readers in ways we can’t do in our website, you know it will be seen by people who fit your within the confines of the printed page. Electronic information customer demographic. There will be more details in the next can be updated and disseminated immediately online and issue but you can give me a call if you want to take advantage through social networking sites. No need to wait for the next of some “Introductory Offers” we’ve got. issue to be published. I plan on using this part of the magazine to let you know what And, perhaps, one of the biggest considerations is….cost. we’ve been up to in the digital world and hopefully entice you to Printing costs never seem to go down. Adding longer stories or take a look for yourself. Our website offers up the latest issue of additional features to the printed magazine means additional the magazine, along with several back issues in case you missed cost. It means paying for more paper for the additional pages, a month, but we also have sorted out content from previous paying more for the work to do the larger magazine layout, issues and loaded the features into separate categories to and shipping a heavier product means more expense in that make it easy to find. Last year we added interactive business area also. While putting information online isn’t totally free locator maps for Tampa Bay and Fort Myers. They’ve been a of charge, it can be a lot cheaper than the cost of publishing big success and there are expansion plans for 2015. No single thousands of copies of Go For A Ride and then getting them out website can provide anyone with everything there is but we intend to provide you with everything you need. to the distribution points around the state. If I did the math correctly, this makes column number 93 for my monthly intro to each issue of Go For A Ride. If things go as planned, this is also the last “Let Me Tell Ya’”.
The monthly printed magazine is not going away. And, depending on the economy, you could see a larger magazine as we expand in these other areas. Growth begets more growth. One of the new features we’ve been doing is putting condensed versions of some of our stories in the magazine with the extended versions available on our website at www. gofarmag.com. This Exclusive Web Content feature allows us to share more information with our readers each month. Look through this issue and you’ll see what I mean. Wherever you are, take a look around and see what other people are doing right now. Most likely a number of them have their eyes, and fingers, glued to an electronic device. They’re texting, posting, tweeting, pinning, commenting, and communicating in ways that were reserved for science fiction books just a few years back. So what’s next for Go FAR? Well, in the April issue on this page 4
So, to everyone who’s suffered through my monthly musings, I thank you and I hope you’ll continue to read each issue and also add our electronic offerings to your plate. See Ya’ Online!
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE FEATURES AND PHOTOS WWW.GOFARMAG.COM
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March
2015
Newswire
Celebrity Bucks
Harleys
Bring
AIMExpo Championship of the Americas Custom Bike Show Big Announced
In this corner, you’ve got a 1959 FLH Panhead belonging to rock n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis, aka “The Killer”. In the other corner is a 2013 FLSTC 103 Heritage Softail Classic that was originally given to Pope Benedict XVI and passed on to
Pope Francis. Both were recently put on the auction block and it appears music trumps religion. Lewis’ Harley sold for $385,000 at an auction on January 25th in Kissimmee, FL. Lewis has a stable of motorcycles but has decided at 79 that he might be too old to ride. He received the bike from Harley Davidson as a gift in 1959 and when it sold the odometer had rolled just a bit past 2,000 miles. Hardly past the broken in stage. Meanwhile, over in Paris, France, a Harley-Davidson bearing the signatures of two popes on its gas tank brought in more than $52,000 which will be donated to the Friendly World Association, a Polish non-profit that offers care and support to children and families. Last year, another Harley that was given to Pope Francis fetched $327,000 and both bikes have been reported to have been purchased by the same buyer. Guess you could say he’s got the world’s largest collection of Pope bikes in the world now.
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IRVINE, Calif. (February 5, 2015) – The American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), the powersports industry’s largest combined trade and consumer show will host the AIMExpo Championship of the Americas at the 2015 event, October 15-18 in Orlando, Florida. As an officially affiliated show to the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, this dynamic new feature showcasing top custom motorcycles and their builders will appeal to trade, media and consumer attendees alike. For the first time in motorcycling history there will be a world class bike show focused on builders from all of the Americas that will serve as a path to compete in the world championships. Recent World Champions have been crowned from both Canada and the United States with world-class entries emerging from Mexico, Columbia and Argentina. When custom bike builders from all over the Americas meet in Orlando in October they will be competing for a coveted entry, plus expenses, to represent the Americas in the 2016 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building. The Championship takes place at the Intermot international motorcycle fair in Cologne, Germany in the fall of 2016. “The AIMExpo Championship of the Americas will be a showcase of design, engineering and creativity by custom bike builders from as far north as Greenland stretching to the tip of South America,” said Bob Kay, V-Twin Director of the Marketplace Events Motorcycle
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Group. “The show will feature four classes based on different platforms as opposed to catering to the style de jour. Customizing your motorcycle as an expansion of your personal identity has been the essence of two-wheel differentiation and satisfaction since the GI’s returned home in the 40’s. The opportunity for enthusiasts to see these rolling masterpieces of art and meet their creators will be an experience to remember for everyone, no matter what your particular brand preference is.” “The creativity of the builders will dovetail nicely with the recently announced Made in America area of AIMExpo, celebrating American ingenuity,” said Larry Little, VP and General Manager of MPE’s Motorcycle Group. “This showcase of the imagination, resourcefulness and originality of American companies has generated great interest among exhibitors and media, and like the custom bikes, will be a favorite of dealers and consumer attendees this October.” The four classes comprising the Championship include; Freestyle, Retro Custom, Street Custom, and Performance Custom. The winner of the Freestyle Class will represent the Americas in the 2016 AMD World Championship. Additionally, a People’s Choice winner will be awarded for the single most favorite machine in the show. Rules and information for the AIMExpo Championship of the Americas are being finalized and will be available on the AIMExpo website (www.aimexpousa. com) March 1, with entries accepted beginning April 1.
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March
2015
Bike Review: 2015 Can-Am Spyder F3
By Mike Savidge When did I start to like the new CanAm Spyder F3? How about the moment I set my butt in the saddle and put my feet up on the pegs. I knew I was sitting on a three-wheeler but it felt very bikelike. The saddle was comfortable and my feet rested on forward mounted pegs. This sport cruiser doesn’t have the floorboards found on the other Spyders. As Dale Hoffbauer, the General Manager at Tampa Bay PowerSports, explained to me during the pre-ride briefing, the F3 is akin to the muscle cars of yesterday. Whereas, riding aboard a Spyder touring model is comparable to a smooth sedan ride, the F3 is a get up and go for a ride and have some fun while you’re doing it kind of road machine. It’s smaller and sits lower (seat height is just 26.6 inches) and the machine looks like a street thug parked amongst the more refined members of the Spyder family. The 850 pound vehicle is powered by an in-line 3 cylinder Rotax 1330 ACE liquid cooled engine with electronic fuel
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injection and electronic throttle control. With 115 horsepower and 96 pounds of torque, burnouts are up to you and your tire budget. Something very unique to this Spyder model is the ability to customize the design for different sized riders. It’s called the U-Fit system and you can try it out at Tampa Bay Powersports. The process uses an actual F3 with adjustable foot peg and handlebar settings. There are 5 peg choices and four for the bars, including the most forward position called appropriately Attitude. The test model happened to have the recommended set up for my 5’8” frame with the handlebars at Stock and the Pegs in position 4. I felt like I was sitting on a bike instead of a trike. The ride itself made me realize that adding a third wheel doesn’t mean you have to take away the fun of riding. There’s one brake control pedal on the right side foot peg. It’s super convenient to reach and, to me, a big improvement over the position on the other Spyder models. A push on the pedal efficiently engages the high-performance ABS Brembos mounted on the 15-inch wheels. The 6-speed transmission comes in manual or semi-automatic and both include reverse with a belt-driven rear wheel. My ride had the semi-automatic version and a paddle switch on the left handlebar allowed swift movement through the gears. Downshifting is handled automatically and returns you to first gear when you stop. Without a windscreen, which is offered as one of the options, the feeling going down the road is just like riding a twowheeler. And this thing is quick! Bringing it up to speed on the interstate made w w w.gofarmag.com
me wish I’d put my helmet on a little bit tighter. I’m not sure what the top speed is but I quickly found myself north of the posted speed limit. In town, I was first away at the light every time. Negotiating curves is different from a bike but the body position and handling gives you the confidence to be more aggressive on the turns than with other Spyder models. Looking ahead for a tight turn I tucked my knees in tight to brace myself and tried not to smile too much as the Spyder slung through the curve. The suspension system is more automobile than motorcycle with the vehicle’s Stability Control System and Traction Control System helping the F3 hug the roadway. Though it shares these systems with the other Spyder models, the engineers have loosened the limits a bit on the F3 which makes this a much more engaging ride. The F3 has an upgrade version called the F3-S which gives you cruise control, machined front wheels, a suede seat, stylized front fenders with LED lighting, and special accents and badges. Both models have a 7.1 gallon fuel tank and while this isn’t the perfect machine for touring, there are optional hard saddlebags and backrests to extend your range. It’s the perfect machine to load up for a weekend road trip or head out to your favorite rally. This is a cruiser bike in trike disguise. Of course, riders like to socialize. The Spyder Riders of America was established to offer motorcycling benefits to Spyder enthusiasts throughout the United States. Check out their website at www. spyderryderofamerica.com. Tampa Bay PowerSports is organizing a chapter for Florida West Coast riders. Another group is the US Spyder Ryders (www. usspyderryders.com) who focus on having fun and helping out charitable causes. For anyone who thinks that riding a three-wheeler can’t be as much, or more fun, than a motorcycle, Tampa Bay PowerSports invites you to stop by and take a test ride on an F3. They’re located at 13521 N Florida Ave, Tampa. Phone: 800-237-3599
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GREAT FINANCING AVAILABLE HURRY, LIMITED TIME OFFER! VISIT YOUR DEALER FOR MORE DETAILS. ©2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Offers valid in Canada and U.S.A. only, until April 30, 2015. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your province or state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. *3-Year Extended Warranty: Eligible units are new and unused 2012 to 2015 Can-Am Spyder models. The buyer of a 2012, 2013, 2014 or 2015 unit will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus a 12-month B.E.S.T. extended service contract subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. Exception for Florida residents who will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus an additional 12-month BRP Limited Warranty. The buyer of eligible units will also receive 36 months of FREE Roadside Assistance. See your participating Can-Am dealer for a copy of the BRP Limited Warranty and B.E.S.T. contract. †Up to $2,000 Rebate on select models: Rebate applicable to new and unused 2014 Spyder models. Rebate amount depends on the model and model year purchased. ††Financing Options: Low financing rates are available on eligible units, including new and unused 2012 to 2015 Can-Am vehicles. Subject to credit approval. Approval and any rates and terms provided are based on credit worthiness. Multiple financing offers available. Minimum Amount Financed $5,000; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Financing promotion void where prohibited. BRP is not responsible for any errors, changes or actions related to the financing provided by the financial institutions. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. BRP reserves the right to terminate or change this promotion at anytime without prior notice. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.
Tampa Bay PowerSports 813-968-7888 13521 N Florida Ave sales@mypowersports.com Tampa, FL 33613 www.TampaBayPowerSports.com
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March
2015
Travel Tale: There’s a New Coach in Town
By Bernie Stevens
You may have read my article, Big Wheels Keep On Turning, which was published in Go For A Ride in 2013. I wrote it after my husband and I purchased a 2007 Newmar Kountry Star and were just months into living our dream of being RV’ing bikers. It took very little time for us to determine that this is what we wanted to be doing full time. We enjoyed the Kountry Star immensely; however, after about fifteen months our attention started drifting to what could be homier in a motorcoach. Simple things like being able to watch television facing it head-on instead of turning one’s head or a larger guest bed to more important things like a second bathroom were on our “…yeah, it would be nice, but…” list. That list became more important as we spent longer periods of time on the road. While visiting a campground in Wauchula, Florida we discovered that Winnebago had started building two all-electric coaches in 2013. No more propane! It didn’t take us long to start looking at these beauties on the Internet; but, the price tag! Ouch! Never did we think we’d find a deal that could make us sign on the dotted line. Then…it happened. While enjoying a few weeks in Orlando, Rich learned there was an RV show close by. “Let’s just go look,” he said, “we won’t buy anything.” Yeah, right. I heard similar words just before we bought motorcycles and cars. This day was no different. Except by the end of this day we were the owners of a 2015 Itasca Ellipse. Not only did La Mesa RV blow all of its competition out of the 10
water with the price of the new coach, they gave us the right price for our tradein and an incredible interest rate. In my article, There’s A New Coach In Town, which is currently on Go FAR’s website, I share why we: • Continued shopping and comparing RV dealerships even though we were treated well when we bought our first coach • Purchased a 2014 Ford F-150, to flat tow behind our coach • Replaced our Kendon® motorcycle trailer with a Rampage® Powerlift system • Why we chose Rentz, a top towing and hitch dealer in Clearwater, to recommend and install our tow package
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• Why the Ferman motorcycle and automotive group of dealerships in the Tampa area has earned our loyalty for life Whether you’re just contemplating hitting the road as an RV’ing biker, or you’re already one of us, take a moment to go online to gofarmag.com and read my latest article, There’s a New Coach in Town. Further information about our escapades can be found on our website and blog at: rvingbikers.com. You can always reach us by sending an email to bikers@rvingbikers.com. Until later, ride safe and ride often. Read the Rest at gofarmag.com
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March
2015
Biker With A Badge
By M.W. Simpson
OK, time to stop laughing and teasing your northern friends with sunny ride photos and time to head over to BIKE WEEK. The first inaugural running of the Daytona 200 was on January 24th, 1937. The race time was dictated by the tide schedule due to most of the race being on the beach. The first Daytona 200 motorcycle race was won by a Californian man named Ed Kretz on an Indian motorcycle. The race continued to get bigger. In 1942, the race was suspended due to World War II and resumed in 1947. In 1961 the was moved to the Daytona International Speedway where it is still held to this day. [This year it’s on March 14th] The event began attracting larger groups of motorcycle enthusiasts, and in the late 40’s and early 50’s, many were returning soldiers from the war. A dark side of the event emerged with loud bikes racing up and down the Daytona community, criminal acts, fighting and disregard for the public safety. This set up a clash with the community and local law enforcement. There was a breaking point in 1986 and a task force was set up to rein in the problem makers. I have heard people talk about the police not being very biker friendly and now you may know the reason why. This year, as in the past, there will be a large police presence at Bike Week. Chief Michael Chitwood of the Daytona Beach Police Department, will be in the streets himself to ensure public safety.
to traffic law and DUI enforcement. Just a note, the Daytona Beach PD has added 12 brand new Victory Stealth Commander Police bikes to the fleet. These bikes are equipped with all the latest police toys like computers, laser, and citation printers. Believe me…they will be out looking for offenders. Which brings me to the obvious. I have never had a problem with the police, but then again, I never bring attention to myself. If you show up with your dream machine and the loudest pipes known to man, you’re going to draw the attention of the police. If you decide to do a burn-out on Main Street, if the noise and gathered crowd doesn’t attract a few uniforms, the smoke will. If you are going to enjoy a few adult beverages, make it a watering hole near your hotel/campground. If you don’t have a cage support vehicle, walk; cab; or bus. DUI is no laughing matter. A single vehicle bike crash is avoidable and is on you! Crashing into someone else and causing injury or death is senseless. You don’t want me on that soapbox, because I advocate harsh DUI crash penalties.
Time for extra caution.
The Hurt Report, [the most comprehensive report of motorcycle traffic safety in the US] states that 75% of bike crashes are car vs. bike. Also, two thirds of those crashes occur when the car fails to see the motorcycle and violates the bikes right of way. {Commonly a left turn or lane change}. There will be an estimated 500,000 visitors in the Daytona area. The locals are going to be frustrated that they can’t get from point A to B easily. They will attempt to make up time and take shortcuts and even violate traffic laws to meet their ends. They will not “WATCHOUT FOR MOTORCYCLES”! From 2000 to 2014, there have been 164 biker fatalities at Bike Week. Don’t be one of them. Here are a couple of tips. • The number one tip; be aware of your surroundings …mirror s …mirror s … mirrors! • No DUI • Watch your speed • When riding in congested areas, consider riding staggered. Riding To add to the “mobilization” of law two abreast is good riding and let’s enforcement, each local agency has a face it, you look cool. But a cager that Bike Week Plan in effect. City, county and decides to make a change of lane into State (FHP) will have units solely dedicated 12
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your lane does not give you room for evasive action. You either lock up your bike [possibly dumping, or getting rear ended] or you instinctively yank the bike away from the car and hit the bike next to you. • With the aforementioned, always watch the other driver in anticipation of their next move. Are they looking in their mirror getting ready to make a lane change; do you see them edging near the lane line; are they texting!! Remember, if you can’t see their eyes in their mirror, they can’t see you. Stay out of the blind spot. • Do not run red lights. Seems obvious, right? The fact is, most bike crash occur in intersections. If you tend to push the yellow and run the red, so does thousands of other drivers. Especially the 2/3’rds that are cagers. There is nothing you need to be at that is worth risking your life. • Lane splitting, the maneuver of driving between two cars. Not even going to explain between moving cars, because that is just moronic. At stop lights however, it is not only illegal but your possibly going to invoke road rage. Remember those locals that are frustrated with the traffic? There is always that idiot who will do something stupid thinking they are doing something right. {Works both ways}. • No stunts on public streets. Although cool, you can get an aggressive careless or even a reckless driving citation. Besides, think of this…you’re doing a trick and some non-biker is amazed at your awesome skill and is watching or even doing video on their camera phone…and then, crashes into the rear of a group of bikes. You will probably never know that you were a contributing cause to an injury or death. Cops do know that and that’s why they are looking for you. Save the stunts for the parking lots. It’s a bitter sweet thing to hear my fellow bikers from up north to lament, whine and b---ch about the winter and no ride time. Bitter because I feel bad they can’t ride (ok, not really) and sweet, that I can ride almost every day. Have a safe trip to Bike Week…Leesburg, or Sturgis, or wherever you’re two (or 3) wheels take you. As always…bsafe.
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3645 46th Ave N, Unit C St. Petersburg, FL 727-526-7242
Word Puzzle
Florida Factoids By McGreggor
What do you know about Florida? We’ve put together some clues about the state and invite you to test your Sunshine State knowledge. Answers on Page 35.
Across
1. Tampa Bay footbal team 3. Tampa theme park - _____ Gardens 5. Gulf of ______ 6. Also known as a Sea Cow 9. Florida’s southernmost city 12. Theme Park destination city 15. ____ Disney 16. Sports drink developed at UF 18. Country that established St Augustine 19. Smallest county in the state 20. Abbreviation for Florida 21. Tampa Bay baseball team 22. Miami baseball team 26. Florida feline is our state animal 28. Florida has 67 of these 29. Miami football team 30. University of Florida’s teams 31. NASCAR season final race location
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2015
Mad Beach Bike Fest
By Mike Savidge
Sunday, February 15th was a great day for Mad Beach Bike Fest. This is a day long party which is held four times a year on a shop-lined boulevard in Madeira Beach. It’s right across the street from the Gulf of Mexico. Vendors, Food and Drink, a Bike Show, Live Music, and the local shops combine to make this an event that’s growing in popularity. Thanks to everyone who stopped by our tent to say Hi and pick up a magazine. We’ll see you at the next one in May.
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March
2015
Indian Motorcycle Daytona Ride Map
Celebrate this year’s Daytona Beach Bike Week with a tour of the party zone that starts and ends at the Indian Motorcycle dealership on Beach Street. Along the route you’ll find many of the party stops that have made this event so popular. Enjoy and Ride Safe!
Road Name
Direction
Road Name
Direction
Miles Total
S Beach St
Left
0.3
15.5
E Orange Ave
Left
0.3
15.8
Silver Beach Ave
Straight
0.7
16.5
Right
10.1
26.6
Miles Total S Atlantic Ave
Start at Indian dealership – 290 N Beach Street
Ocean Way Dr
Right
0.3
26.9
N Beach St
North
0.3
S Peninsula Dr
Right
4.2
31.1
Ballough Rd
Bear Left
0.7
1.0
Marcelle Ave
Right
0.1
31.2
Sickler Rd
Straight
0.2
1.2
Cardinal Blvd
Left
1.0
32.2
Riverside Dr
Right
2.0
3.2 Demotte Ave
Left
0.1
32.3
Flomich St
Left
0.3
3.5 S Peninsula Dr
Right
0.2
32.5
Ridgewood Ave
Right
2.1
5.6
Left
1.1
33.6
W Granada Blvd
Right
1.5
7.1 S Ridgewood Ave
Left
2.6
36.2
S Atlantic Ave
Right
4.2
11.3 S Nova Rd
Right
6.1
42.3
Seabreeze Blvd
Right
1.0
12.3
Left
2.6
44.9
N Beach St
Left
0.6
12.9 S Williamson Blvd
Right
2.1
47.0
Fairview Ave
Left
0.2
13.1
Right
3.7
50.7
Main Street
Straight
0.6
13.7 N M.L. King Blvd
Left
0.3
51.0
S Atlantic Ave
Right
0.4
14.1 McLeod Bethune
Right
0.6
51.6
E Internat’l Speedway
Right
1.1
15.2 Returns you to the starting point.
Dunlawton Ave
Beville Rd W Internat’l Speedway
Stay Connected!
Text “INDIAN” to 91011
Learn more about our Bike Week Events like...
• Rat’s Hole Bike Show • Autograph Signing by Mike Wolfe from American Pickers • Indian Motorcycle Owners Bike Show • And Much More…
18
3920 N US Highway 441 Ocala, FL 34475 352-512-0228
290 N. Beach Street Daytona Beach, FL 32114 386-275-1660
Indi�Mot�cycleOcala.com
Indi�Mot�cycleDaytonaBeach.com
Indian and Indian Motorcycle are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International LLC. Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ©2015 Polaris Industries Inc.
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Plus receive event updates, show times, special invitations, and be entered to win your share of over $20,000 in prizes and giveaways during Bike Week!
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AUTHORIZED DEALERS FOR:
*Offer subject to credit approval. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subje out further notice. $1,000 USD or $1,000 CND savings redeemable with proof of Harley-Davids 2015 and is valid on 2015 new Indian motorcycles only excluding 2015 Indian Scouts. See par Indian and Indian Motorcycle are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International LL clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Harley-D advertisement is not a promotion or endorsement of Harley-Davidson®. ©2015 INDIAN MOTO
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2015
2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse
Specs: Engine Displacement Fuel System
Is dark the new chrome? There’s been a slight shift in the styling of motorcycles in recent years with dark blacked-out components taking some of the shine out of chrome. Flashy and shiny has been the mantra of many a motorcycle rider for a long time but blacked-out bikes are now making a statement across many brands with Indian adding to your choices with the 2016 Indian Chief Dark Horse.
Thunder Stroke 111 111 cu in/1811 cc Closed Loop Fuel Injection Front Suspension Telescopic Fork/4.7 in (119mm) ñ 46mm Cartridge Forks w/Dual Rate Springs Rear Suspension Single Shock/3.7 in mechanical preload Front Tire Dunlop American Elite 130/90B16 73H Rear Tire Dunlop American Elite 180/65B16 81H Wheels Cast 16” x 3.5” Front & 16” x 5” Rear Seat Height 26.0 in Wheelbase 68.1 in Fuel Tank 5.5 Gallons Dry Weight 751 lbs Colors Thunder Black Smoke (Information & photos courtesy of Indian Motorcycle)
The Dark Horse is designed as a solo cruiser, though a passenger pad and pegs are among the dozens of accessories and options available. The press release from Indian describes the bike as “striking an ideal balance of attitude and features” which “conveys and aggressive pose”. In plain street talk, it’s one badass lookin’ ride. Even the traditional Indian Warbonnet tank logo is given the darkside treatment. The bike is built upon the same chassis and suspension of the Indian Chief Classic with a mostly black Thunder Stroke 111 engine delivering up to 119 ft-lbs of torque. It’s equipped with ABS to safely control your stops, a remote key fob for keyless ignition and a personalized security code for the ignition should you misplace the fob, electronic cruise control, and a two-year unlimited mileage factory warranty. And if stock factory isn’t your style, Indian offers options that include ape hanger handlebars, air cleaners, fender struts, black fender trim, and a slip-on exhaust with black heat shields and exhaust tips. From those pipes comes what they call Indian Motorcycle Thunder and the true duals have been acoustically engineered to eliminate high-pitched sounds.
“The Indian Chief Dark horse is unlike anything else currently available from Indian Motorcycle,” said Indian Motorcycle Senior Product Manager, Ben Lindaman. “While it shares the best traits with other models in the Chief platform, its signature matte black paint and minimalist profile give it an attitude unlike any other Indian motorcycle. We’re excited to unveil this new bike at an aggressive price point for a full-size cruiser.” That starting price being $16,999.
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AmVets Post 301 Ellenton Peggy ’s Corral Palmetto Mango Jo’s Ruskin VFW Post 8108 Riverview American Legion Post 148 l ast Bike In at 3 PM
Follow us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PokerRunHaleyHouse 12 Vendor spaces Available Call for More Information: Bill Turner 813-440-0740 Steve Nasrallah 813-731-1663
100% Proceeds Benefit
Haley House Fund
March
2015
Iron Eagle Chili Cookoff 2015 By KruisinWithKati
I’ve been attending Betty Boop’s Annual Chili Cook Off at Iron Eagle Bar in Okeechobee for years and have always had a good time. It’s an old skool kind of event with lots of good ole folks coming together outside not caring how cold it is for a great cause. All the cooks ready their pot of chili on site and then the taste testing begins. Sampling is done with donations to a container on the cook’s table. Then, when the sampling is done the proceeds are divided for the winners, with the remaining cash going to the charity. One of the coolest things at this event is the winners donate all their proceeds back to the charity which in this case is Martha’s House, a home for abused women and children. This year’s top winner was Karen (Kat) Wine, Excellent job and your first time competing at that!
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Easy to Load – Easy to Pull Deck drops to the ground, ride on & secure bike, crank deck back up, hook to vehicle and go Single – 1200 lb capacity • Double – 2000 lb capacity Trike Model too! Custom Colors Optional dolly wheels allow trailer to be stored on side.
March
2015
Life of A Rider
By Lowell Anderson
recently injured his left leg and hasn’t been comfortable on the bike ever since, so he hired my buddy to come down and train with him to get things figured out. After a few hours of testing and watching him ride, the result was that the rider was favoring his good leg so much that he was riding lazy. Not shifting the bike when he needed to and trying to ride the whole track in two gears. He also was riding with poor form keeping his elbows down and riding out of position. All of these things result in poor lap times and a lack of confidence for the rider. The rider didn’t even realize he was doing these things. It’s amazing that someone can be so good at something and do it so often that they don’t realize when they are doing it wrong. They only see the results and realize something is wrong. A few quick adjustments, mixed with some practice, and his lap times fell buy a full Recently I went to a motorcycle second, which in this game is a lot of time. industry trade show for work. These shows are great for seeing some of the He also told me another story about a new products available and they are rider that has a health issue. His immune great for seeing old industry friends. system isn’t functioning properly and it While roaming around looking at all the is causing him to have issues maintaining cool stuff, I ran into one of those old stamina during a race. He gets tired friends. After spending 10 years racing after 10 laps and starts to slow down. supercross, he decided it was time to quit At this level that is something you can’t and concentrate on his family and a new do, so they were trying different training career. Now he finds himself working for techniques in combination with a change one of the big parts distributors as a rep, in his diet to try to even things out. It’s and spending the rest of his free time still to be determined if it will work. training some of the current supercross riders racing today. The public doesn’t get to hear these stories because the riders tend to keep We spent a few minutes talking about these things under wraps. That’s why I family and friends and catching up on old am not putting any names in this article. times. He has two young kids and was Any disadvantage is an advantage to telling me all the stories that come with the competing riders, so keeping these being a father. Eventually, that led to a things quiet is really important. Another conversation about his kids learning to consideration is the factory teams talk ride and what bikes they were on, which to each other, so, if you have an injury, led into a conversation about the current letting people know can be detrimental race series and some of the riders. It’s to your future career. Really puts the funny how the conversation always leads riders in a tough spot. Who do you talk to the passion of riding and racing. to, and how do you get help? When you get inside the industry it is pretty interesting to hear some of these stories. There are plenty of stories to be told about the riders and some of the struggles they face. First he told me about one of the top riders he was training. He 24
People don’t realize all the struggles these guys go through to get to race day. Most people think the riders just show up, everything is ready for them, and they hop on the bike and go race. That’s not the w w w.gofarmag.com
case at all. These guys spend countless hours training and getting ready for race day. There is a ton of testing and planning that goes into every race. It’s really not as glamorous as people think. It’s a lot of work, and most of it isn’t too enjoyable. The ones that are good at it do it for the same reason as the guys and girls that ride on the weekend. They love it, it’s a passion and they want to be the best. It always seems to come back to that.
Product Review: V-Lift Motorcycle Stand By Mike Savidge Retail Price: $219.00
A solid, well-built and affordable product that’s made in America isn’t always easy to find these days. But, if you have a need for a sturdy motorcycle stand that will easily and safely get both wheels off the ground for cleaning or repairs, the V-Lift fits the bill.
March
2015
It comes out of the box ready to go to work. There are two pieces, the stand itself which is about three feet long and ten inches wide. It has steel wheels on one end which allow you to roll it under the bike into position. There are leather strips on top of the bars to prevent slippage. The other piece is a 3-foot steel bar which is inserted into the stand and used to raise the bike. The two wheels allows the stand to pivot outward while raising the bike to a height of 8 inches. Push in on the manual locking pin, remove the steel bar and the bike is ready to be serviced, cleaned, or stored. Remember to leave the kickstand down because you’re gonna need it when you lower the bike. Check out gofarmag.com for more photos and additional information about the V-Lift. Read the Rest at gofarmag.com
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March
2015
Veterans Info
Online Prescription Tracker Gives Under Secretary for Health, Carolyn M. Veterans 24/7 Online Access to Clancy. “This idea is both innovative and transformative, and it is certainly one, Status Washington, DC – Feb 4, 2015 - Veterans can now track the status of most of their prescriptions online, thanks to an innovative idea by a Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) employee. The new 24/7 service allows online tracking for most prescriptions mailed from the VA Mail Order Pharmacy. The Prescription Tracker was recommended by VA employee Kenneth Siehr, a winner of the President’s 2013 Securing Americans Value and Efficiency (SAVE) Award. Siehr’s idea focused on the use of technology as a way to save money and improve the services VA provides to its patients. “Our nation’s Veterans deserve a firstclass pharmacy and quality customer service as a part of the exceptional health care available from VA,” said Siehr, the National Director for Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacies. “It is an honor to be part of serving Veterans and to have been recognized for an idea that enhances our services to them.” More than 57,000 Veterans are currently using the service through My HealtheVet, an online feature that allows Veterans to partner with their health care team. The number is expected to grow as VA starts to educate Veterans about the new feature. Later this month, the tracking feature will include images of the medication that dispensed. Over the next year, a secure messaging alert will be added so that Veterans know when a medication was placed in the mail. “VA prescription refill online is an excellent example of how one employee looked at the process of VA prescription tracking through the eyes of our Veterans and came up with an idea that better serves Veterans,” said Interim 26
when put into action, improves customer service for America’s Veterans.”
VA Announces $300 Million in Grants to Community Partners Working to End Veteran Homelessness Washington, DC – Feb 13, 2015 - Building on President Obama’s commitment to end Veteran homelessness, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is announcing the availability of $300 million in grants to non-profit organizations and other groups that serve Veterans through VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. The SSVF program assists very low-income Veteran families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The $300 million grants are available to current grantees seeking renewals. Announcement of the grants comes on the heels of the January agreement that dedicates the West Los Angeles VA campus to serving veterans in need, and commits the Department to design a plan to help end homelessness among Veterans in Los Angeles County. Additionally, a nationwide homeless 2015 Point in Time (PIT) Count took place last month, in which VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald and other VA officials spread out around the country to identify homeless Veterans. Last year’s PIT Count revealed that 49,993 Veterans were homeless on a single night representing
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a 33-percent decline in homelessness among Veterans since 2010. VA relies on strong, targeted collaborations in key areas at Federal and local levels and engages community partners to develop innovative and forward-thinking solutions that can lead to scalable and replicable models of service. In FY 2014 alone, through VA’s various homeless programs, nearly 70,000 Veterans and their family members were placed in permanent housing or prevented from becoming homeless under the SSVF program VA’s goal is to end Veteran homelessness by the end of 2015. “One of the things you learn in the Army is you never leave a soldier behind,” said Secretary McDonald. “Unfortunately, we’ve left some people behind, and they’re our homeless Veterans. VA is committed to achieving the goal of ending Veteran homelessness, and we won’t rest until every homeless Veteran has a place to call home.” VA most recently announced awards totaling $507 million in SSVF grants. Those funds included targeted support for 56 high-priority communities. VA is currently preparing to award an additional $93 million in SSVF funds for high-priority communities. For more information about VA’s homeless programs, visit www.va.gov/ homeless. The Federal Register notice of funding availability may be found at www.va.gov/ HOMELESS/ssvf/docs/SSVF_NOFA_Feb3. pdf. Additional information about the SSVF program may be found at www.va.gov/ homeless/ssvf.asp.
WONDERING WHERE TO GO? SEE OUR EVENT LISTINGS PAGE 30
March
2015
Road Trippin’ By Hyway
Ya gotta admit, despite how messed up youWhen you’re planning your route for a road trip, lookin’ at a map doesn’t always tell the whole story about a road. In all reality the person making the map is a desk chair jockey and probably has never sat on a scoot. They ain’t got no clue as to what a biker is looking for. To them a road is just a line on a piece of paper and not all that accurate either. Yea some roads are designated with green dots as being “scenic” but scenic and thrilling are two different things. Maps seem to be made for just cages and RVs. Neah Bay, Washington had been on my bucket list for a long time. Call me psycho but I just always figured it would cool for what it’s worth to have braggin’ rights to say I’ve been from Key West, Florida the southeastern most point in the 48 to Neah Bay, Washington the northwestern most point in the 48. The only real plan I had was head up through Georgia to the Chattahoochee National Forest, spend a week or 10 days at Vogel State Park exploring the area and then up to the Cherokee National Forest for a few days before heading up through Michigan and across the top to Washington. The route to Vogel State Park according to the map looked pretty straight forward and it was for the first few hundred miles, I75 north outta Ocala, loop around Atlanta, pick up US19 and straight up, piece of cake, no brainer, until that is, US19 marries up with US129 at the entrance of the Chattahoochee National Forest. From that point things quickly changed. Now, I’m here to tell ya it’s one thing to know ahead of time what you’re in for, ya can kinda prepare for it even if it’s your first time there. It’s a whole nother ball game when ya get blind sided from left 28
US129... The Other End
field. OMG! I was totally unprepared for what lie ahead of me. The map maker LIED!
I’m not a “Hot Dog” show-N-go rider by any stretch and I ride a full dresser, nonetheless I like a good challenging ride as much as anyone. I’ve rode some really sweet roads over the years including US129 the Dragon Tail a few times and each time the ride was over, the thought that runs through my mind is, “WOW! Now that was an incredible ride”. I always look forward to goin’ back and giving it another whirl knowin’ that using a little common sense and not pushin’ my luck I’ll be around to repeat the ride whenever I get a chance. However, make no doubt about it, I have no desire whatsoever, none, notta, to ever re-ride that 26 mile section of US19/129 dubbed the “Georgia Dragon” that runs from approximately Dahlonega, Georgia to Vogel State Park ever, ever again! If there wudda been any road to turn off onto I wudda gladly turned off and never looked back. That 26 mile section of US19/129 is without question the most white knuckle ride I’ve ever been on to date. Once you’re on it you’re committed, there ain’t no pull offs or cross roads until you get to Vogel State Park. The road cuts through the forest and up and down the mountains. Most of the hair pin switchback are either on an extreme up grade or a suicide down grade. The majority of the turns are 10 to 15 mph with a lotta 5 mph in the mix just to keep you paying attention! Now mind ya, I’m not the worlds best rider, but I have been around the block a couple times, I’m here to tell ya the turns and switchbacks are so tight and banked so steep that if you try to do the speed limit it’s too slow to keep the bike on two wheels in the turn and if you speed up you can’t make the next curve! I spent a lot of time doin’ the “Duck Waddle Shuffle” through a lotta the turns! 26 miles of nothing but switchbacks, hair pin turns and extreme ups and downs at the turns! This part of US129 is not like the other end of the Dragon with stores, a parts tree and everything else, it’s just a single road through the forest with no shoulder or convenient “View” pull offs. w w w.gofarmag.com
The only “view” you get is the “hold your breath view” of the 10 feet of road in front of the bike! 26 miles of committed white knuckled terror! This is one section of road I never want to challenge again, I just thank God, I’m alive to write about it. For positive looking at a map doesn’t always tell the whole story about a road. The map maker LIED! Hey folks if you like the high quality of this magazine, let our sponsors know, drop your cash at their shop. Catch ya at the next gas stop. Have a question or comment? Drop me a line at: hywayrebel@gmail. com
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MOTORCYCLES AND THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO RIDE THEM GOFARMAG.COM
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March
2015
Upcoming Events
SSAT - Feb 28 - Moore Haven - PARTY UNDER THE BRIDGE 11am - Music, Food, Vendors, Bike Show, Games and more. Proceeds support our Vets. Fraternal Order of Eagles - 101 Ave J - 863-946-1523
SUN - Mar 22 - Lehigh Acres - 4TH SUNDAY MONTHLY KATI’S PARTY @ MUGS N’ JUGS 12-4pm Bike Games, Contests, Prizes, Music and More! 5512 8th St W, Info: 239-369-5069
SAT - Feb 28 - Fort Myers - 2ND RUFF RYDER ANNUAL SLOW DOWN RALLY Starts ends SunSports, 3441 Colonial Blfd. $10/person all included. Food, Raffles, Music, Slow Down Race. Info: 239-209-3187
SAT - Mar 28 - Crystal River - ANNUAL MYSTERY POKER RUN Sponsored by American Legion Riders. Last bike out 1030am. Prizes, 50/50, Food, Drink, Music. 6585 W Gulf to Lake Hwy. Info: 352-795-6526
FRI-SUN (10 Days) - Mar 6-15 - Daytona Beach - 74TH ANNUAL BIKE WEEK America’s Most Famous Beach hosts the world’s largest motorcycle event. Info: www.bikerbeach.com
SAT-SUN - Mar 28-29 - Cape Coral - 2ND ANNUAL BEARS & BBQ Benefits Caleb’s Crusade. 10am-7pm Event. 730pm Concert. 1023 SE 47th Terrrace - Behind Dixie Roadhouse. Info: 941-286-3317
SAT - Mar 14 - Fort Myers DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS BIKE NIGHT Motorcycles only downtown! Music, Food, Entertainment. 6-8pm Info: 239246-3045 SUN - Mar 15 - Sarasota - 16TH ANNUAL ST PATTY’S DAY POKER RUN Benefits Humane Society of Sarasota. 11am-Noon register 2331 15th St. $10 All stops are Irish pubs. Info: 941-720-5955 TUE - Mar 17 - ST PATRICK’S DAY FRI-SAT - Mar 20-21 - Estero - 21ST LEGENDARY PARTY COUNTRY STORE Put on by ABATE of Florida Estero River Chapter. 19990 Corkscrew Rd. Gates open 5pm Fri. $10/Day $15/Weekend Camping, Bike Show, Vendors, Band and more. Info: Larry 904-610-7070 or Kirk 239-272-6194 SAT - Mar 21 - Tampa - 8TH ANNUAL HALEY HOUSE POKER RUN KSU 11am American Legion Post 148 Riverview. $15 Donation includes Poker Hand, Meal and Raffle. Ends at James A Haley Hospital. Info: 813-440-0740 SAT - Mar 21 - Palm Springs - BLIND CENTER POKER RUN FUNDRAISER Benefits Florida Outreach Center for the Blind. $20 donation. Food, Music, Raffle.2315 S Congress Ave. Info: John 561-847-0904
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THU - Apr 2 - Tampa - WALK IN MY SHOES 2015 Benefit for Lauren’s Kids to end child sexual abuse. Reg 1130-Noon. Walk time 1215-315. Out and back loop from Alpha House, 201 S Tampania Ave. Info: LaurensKids.org/walk. SAT - Apr 4 - Fort Myers - 12TH ANNUAL EASTER BUNNY TOY RUN Escorted ride hosted by 6 Bends H-D @ 9501 Thunder Rd. $10 Rider/$5 Passenger. KSU 11am. Info: 239-590-0513 SUN - Apr 5 - EASTER SUNDAY SUN - Apr 5 - Webster - MONTHLY SWAP MEET Webster Flea Market, 516 NW 3rd Street. 1st Sunday of every month. Info: 800832-3477 SAT - Apr 11 - Titusville - 13TH ANNUAL BREVARD LAW RIDE American Police Hall of Fame, 6350 Horizon Drive. $20/Rider $10/Passenger BBQ Lunch included. Escorted ride, helmets required. Tours Kennedy Space Center. Vendors, Entertainment, raffles and more. Info: 321-794-6084
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SUN - Apr 12 - Fort Myers - BBQ BANDS & BREW POKER RUN Benefits Lee Builders Care. $25/Rider $10 Passenger One Beer and BBQ sliders included. Starts @ 6 Bends HD. Info: BBQPokerrun@gmail.com SUN - Apr 12 - West Palm Beach - PALM BEACH H-D 24TH ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF & POKER RUN Vendors, Full Bar, Raffles, Music. 1 Blk W of I95 at 45. Info: 561-659-4131 SAT - Apr 18 - Orlando - PIGS AGAINST PEDIATRIC CANCER RIDE FOR NEMOURS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL KSU Noon - 13535 Nemours Pkwy. Escorted ride with party at Johnny’s Fillin Station. $20/Single Rider $25/ Rider+Passenger. Entertainment and Bike Raffle.Info: 321-230-1960 FRI-SUN - Apr 24-26 - Leesburg - 19TH ANNUAL LEESBURG BIKE FEST One of the largest free bike events in the country. Info: www. leesburgbikefest.com WED-SUN - Apr 29 - May 3 - THUNDER BEACH MOTORCYCLE RALLY Free rally in the panhandle. Info: www. thunderbeachproductions.com SAT - May 9 - Fort Myers - DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS BIKE NIGHT Motorcycles only downtown! Music, Food, Entertainment. 6-8pm Info: 239246-3045 SAT - Apr 25 - Sarasota - INAUGURAL EMPOWER RIDE PASSPORT RUN In partnership with B.A.C.A., to benefit the Child Protection Center. 5 stops. Starts 720 S Orange Ave. Ends at Knights of Columbus. Info: 941-365-1277
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31
March
2015
Kruisin’ with Kati
Ok let us get this month’s article started… In a happy mode this morning, sent some photos into the Ft Myers New Press at the suggestion of one of my dear friends Wolford… Honestly I thought he was nuts and they wouldn’t use mine but low and behold they did. Not the one I expected either, they chose the one of my dog Bella, the last of four photos I submitted. Not being able to ride like I want has really tossed me into a whole other world. Along with now having a dog that makes me get out of bed so she can go out we’ve added a camera to the mix… what fun! Birds, lizards, flowers and anything else I can get to be still long enough for me to capture in my frame. My photos can all be seen on Facebook… I do post daily. Hey don’t fret that I’ve given up on the biker lifestyle, that’s the least of what is going on, I am just adding to it. Motorcycles are a thing of beauty and will always be on the top of my list for photos. As for where me and my bike stand, or sit should I say, we’re waiting to get new handlebars installed so that I can reach to turn without leaning so far. Good things come to those who wait right? I’ve been waiting a long time to get back in the saddle, I’m sure there are going to be a lot of mixed feelings when I finally get there. I’ll keep ya posted. And by the way, Don Adams is back in the town of LaBelle and he’s back doing the Thursday lunch rides. His rides leave out of the Shell gas station at 9 every Thursday, destinations are always fun and lots of times a surprise. Everyone is welcome to ride along. While I was visiting one of the local bike shops in Ft Myers the topic of poker runs 32
came up. Today I went online to see just where poker runs got started. I didn’t find an answer to my question but I did see a post about a boating poker run… Hadn’t given too much thought to poker runs being done on anything other than a bike until I read this. A question that was given to me is WHY do organizers of Poker Runs think they always have to be stops at bars? Why are we encouraging riders to drink and ride? That’s a good question. My personal thoughts are; years ago there were a lot more riders that would hop on their bike to head to the bar for an outing. In these days and times, riders are more concerned with not wanting to end up in jail with DUI’s so the amount of overall bar hopping has gone down. So just maybe we haven’t caught up the poker run stops with the times we actually live in. Look around, there are lots of places that are biker friendly and would love to have riders stopping in. Way more places than there were years ago when wearing leather and having loud pipes was a badboy stereotype and not welcome by lots of businesses. Take just about any biker magazine and you’ll see a variety of stops and if you’re good at organizing you might even see a poker run route already laid out for you without having it all bars. There is nothing worse than ending a poker run on the note of a biker who went down because he or she might have had one too many to drink or the rider was hit by a drunk biker. BTW, I don’t have the group shot of the Fort Myers Hog Chapter but just the
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same I want to thank you all for coming to Mugs & Jugs 4th Sunday Monthly Bike event with the most riders to roll in!! Thank you!!! Tis The Season To Be Riding! And we’ve got lots of destinations for you! Bears & BBQ is holding their second annual fundraiser this time in Cape Coral behind the Dixie Roadhouse on 47th Terrace. Terralonn Promotions is the contact. Also, there is the 3rd Annual BBQ, Bands & Brew coming up. I’ve always attended this one, it’s fun. Downtown Ft Myers Bike Night is still going strong. For those who don’t know, I am one of the vendor organizers so if you’re a vendor that would like to set up let me know. I also take lots of photos to post on the web-site for your viewing pleasure… we have March 14th and May 11th remaining then it’s done until next season. Mugs & Jugs 4th Sunday Monthly bike day has added a swap meet to the event. No charge to set up just let me know you’re going to be there. One other place I want to tell ya about, it’s the best Blues bar in South Florida. Buckingham Blues Bar, great music and very, very biker friendly. All of these events can be found in this magazine, on our website at gofarmag.com, or on my facebook page if you need more info. Well that does it for this month, lots of hugs to all and keep it between the ditches! Kruisin With Kati
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March
2015
Rollin’ with Rikki @ Cape Coral Bike Night
RwR @ Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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35
March
2015
Product Review: ABUS Brake Disc Lock
ABUS Brake Disc Lock 8077 Granit Detecto Yellow Retail: $179.99 Securing your bike when you’re traveling, or even at home, is a good practice. A good disc lock can help, but a good disc lock with a 100dbB alarm is a much more powerful theft deterrent. I took it out of the package and my first impression was ‘solid’. That covers the feel and look of it. At almost 2 pounds, it’s a hefty little piece of hardware. A bright yellow case of temper hardened steel contains a black 13mm locking pin along with the sensor and batteries. (Two AA size, which are included.) The unit comes with 2 keys, one has a light, and the company touts the ABUS X-Plus cylinder as having the highest protection from being picked. The key releases the locking pin which you slide in from the back of the disc and then slide the lock inward to close it over the disc. The lock will fit if you can put the pin through an opening that’s less than 48mm or about 2-inches from the edge
of the disc. They do offer a printable template on their website at www.abus. com so you can check for fit before buying it. Once locked in place, the ABUS 3D detection system is activated and movement in any direction will start it to chirping. This is the lower level warning alarm and has two functions, it will scare off a thief and it will also keep you from mounting up and trying to ride off without removing the lock. If the movement continues, the alarm kicks it up to 100dbB. An LED light lets you know the unit is activated and also when battery power is running low. The 8077 Detecto doesn’t have a bracket for mounting to the bike but does include a nylon travel case which you can drop in your saddle bag. The lock can be transported in the locked position but will not be activated thanks to the automatic brake disc recognition system. Check out their website for info on this and other ABUS security products at www.abus.com.
Business Profile: Leather Lids Ray V. Gordon is the owner and founder of Leather Lid Inserts. They coined the phrase “We Take The Sag Out Of The Bag” and that is exactly what they do. Ray has been riding motorcycles since he was 14, and has watched the motorcycle industry grow into what it is today. After 35 years of owning and operating a successful aluminum company in Fort Myers, Ray sold the business so he could retire, or so he thought. Ray bought himself a new Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic. And just like everyone else with leather saddle bags, his also started to sag and cave-in. He saw a need to fix this problem. Starting up the new business was something he just fell into by fixing his own saddlebags and those of his friends. When their friends saw his work, they wanted Ray to fix their saddle bags.
More information about our inserts can be found online at w w w.LeatherLidInser ts.com. They’re easy to install yourself or you can have them installed at one of our dealer installer locations which can So, if you’re tired of looking at your caved- also be found on our website. in leather saddlebags or if you have brand RIDE SAFE, ray@leatherlidinserts.com SEE US AT SEMINOLE H-D SANFORD new bags and want to prevent them from DURING BIKE WEEK 2015 ever caving in, Leather Lid inserts are CALL THE BAG LADY 386-873-8998 also the solution. finally design a patented lid and bag reinforcement kit that is designed to help keep the original shape of any leather saddlebag on the market.
As an inventor and entrepreneur, Ray put his skill and creative background to work and began experimenting with several different types of materials to 36
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