February 2017
• • • • • •
Top 10 Things to do at Daytona Bike Week Bootlegging...on a powerful Indian New BMW K 1600B Bagger Cruise Mate Review Supercross Season without Roczen And much more!
www.southernbikermagazine.com
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February 2017
February 2017
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American Owned, Operated and Printed On the Cover:
February 2017
Photo of vintage bikes on Daytona Beach • Top 10 Things to do at Daytona • Bootlegging...o Bike Week n a powerfu • New BMW K 1600B Bagger l Indian • Cruise Mate Review • Supercross Season without • And much Roczen more!
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om
FEBRUARY 2017 Top 10 Things To Do at 76th Daytona Bike Week................................................8 River City Powersports Show Recap....................................................................10 New BMW K1600B Debuted in Los Angeles.............................................. 12 Bootlegging...on a Powerful Indian..................................................... 14-15 Cruise-Mate is the Answer to Long Rides.................................................... 16 Supercross, How Quickly Things Can Change............................................. 18 Victory Motorcycles Shutting Down Operations....................................... 20 America, It's Time to ROAR by Kathy Tolleson of ROAR.......................... 21 Bike Events........................................................................................................... 22 Bike Nights..................................................................................................... 24-25 Garza Law Firm, PLLC - Sound Advice from Your Attorney..................... 26
Alabama........................22 Georgia.........................22 N. Carolina...................22 Tenn - Mid & West...........23
BIKE EVENTS
Arkansas............,........22 Louisiana.....................22 S. Carolina..................22 Virginia.........................23
Florida,.........................22 Mississippi.....................22 Tennessee - East...22-23 Music Events................23
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February 2017
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Southern Biker Magazine - 5
ridertorider
words from the publisher
Hello Riders,
December and January were cold but productive months. We got to test several new products and rode several motorcycles for reviews that will be included in this issue and future issues. February signals in many things for the year; the Superbowl, the Daytona 500, cold weather about to change to warmer weather and the beginning of bike season 2017! This year also signals the change of command for our great country. A new President was sworn in and the nation as a whole needs to get back to business at hand. We are hopeful that February is also the beginning of a great business year for not only ourselves, but businesses all over our country. We have several new staff members across the southeast and we are all looking forward to getting this year off and running. They will be there to help you with advertising, helping you market your business or maybe just getting your photo in the magazine. Whatever the case may be, they'll have some Southern Biker Magazine ROAD CREW shirts for events and bike nights. Daytona Bike Week is just around the corner and it is THE Event that officially kicks off the riding season. Whether you ride your motorcycle to Daytona Beach or trailer them, be safe traveling and enjoy your stay there. After Hurricane Matthew hit, the city and surrounding areas have pulled together to rebuild and strive to make Daytona Beach even more beautiful than before. We'll be taking in this Bike Week by staying at the Dream Inn right on the beach and hosting a couple of pool-side gettogethers where we'll give away tshirts and prizes. Make sure to come visit us.
"Keep Your Knees In The Breeze!" Kristin "Ms Mag Man" Gracy Kristin@SouthernBiker.us President/Publisher Kristin Gracy msmagman@southernbiker.us 865-405-6989
Graphics & Design Director Jennifer Wilson jennifer@southernbiker.us 865-789-3230
Editor/Track Photo Journalist Randy Gracy themagman@southernbiker.us 865-257-2279
Public Relations Coordinators Tammy Burns John “JJ” Jones Bill Grant
IT Director/Event Editor Joe Ball smokinjoe@southernbiker.us 865-405-0274
Youth Motocross Writer Gavin Smith
contact us Southern Biker Magazine P.O. Box 644 • Madisonville, TN 37354 • 865-247-8118 • Fax 606-220-1412 Southern Biker Magazine is published monthly and NO reproduction of content is permitted without Publisher’s prior written approval. Publisher assumes no financial responsibility for errors in ads beyond the cost of space occupied by error; a correction will be printed. Publisher is not liable for: any slandering of an individual, or group as we mean no malice or individual criticism at any time; nor are we responsible for the opinions or comments of our columnists; and promises, coupons, or lack of fulfillment from advertisers who are solely responsible for the content of their ads. Publisher is also to be held harmless from: failure to produce any issue as scheduled due to reasons beyond control; all suits, claims or loss of expenses; this includes but is not limited to, suits for libel, plagiarism, copyright infringement and unauthorized use of a person’s name or photograph. Publisher does not promote excessive consumption of alcohol beverages. The Southern Biker Magazine name and logo are owned nationally by the Publisher.
Southern Biker Magazine began in 2007 with a monthly circulation of 30,000 and is currently distributed in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina,Virgina, Kentucky and growing. All ads are included on our Facebook page at no additional cost. For rate sheets and info sheets visit our website under Customer Services/Media Kit or email ads@southernbiker.us. No additional cost for our services. One price for everything. Call us today to be included in the Southeast's most popular motorcycle events magazine! Deadline is the 13th of each month for the following month issue.
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February 2017
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10
Top 10 Things To Do at the 76th Daytona Bike Week By The Mag Man, Randy Gracy
M
ost everyone goes to Daytona Bike Week to see the bikes, hang-out with friends and attend organized events are some of the top things to do. Well, I polled some of our readers and here’s the final cut and the Top 10 Things to Do, while you are at Bike Week. #10 – GET TO THE BEACH: So many times we come for Bike Week and we never get in the ocean or even get to the beach. And that’s one of the reasons we all come so get toes in the water and you’re a#% in the sand and enjoy the World’s Most Famous Beach. #9 – Eat Well: Charlie Horse Restaurant has All You Can Eat Crab Legs and every other kind of food too. I hold the record there at 19 pounds of crab legs. Care to beat it? There’s no better Italian food than Zappi’s Italian Grill. Aunt Catfish’s is right on the inner-coastal but if you want to eat right on the beach, hit Racings North Turn Restaurant and the Ocean Deck & Beach Club.
#6 – Hit the Vendor Locations: There’s the Daytona International Speedway, Destination Daytona, Beach Street which also is home to Indian of Daytona and the Rat’s Hole Bike Show, Main Street and many, many more. Grab your official Daytona Bike Week mini-book where they will be located or see our March issue centerfold for all the official Daytona Bike Week events.
#5 – Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona: There you can visit Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson, Saints & Sinners Pub and an entire facility of vendors for Daytona Bike Week.
#8 – Ride the Loop: This route is so spectacular and there always seems to be an endless supply of bikes on the Loop. It’s also where a couple of local photographers are snapping pics of you riding your bike which you can purchase later on-line.
#4 – Ride US1 at Ormond Beach: There you can hit some of the all time great saloons like the Iron Horse Saloon, the Beaver Bar, the Broken Spoke and many others. (The Cabbage Patch Bar located off Tomoka Farms Road is not in this area, but it is worth the drive to see the Cole Slaw wrestling and vendors).
#7 – Finns Beachside Pub at Flagler Beach: If you have the hankerin’ for some good seafood, cold beverages and sitting on a top of a two-story building at the beach, then this needs to be your destination. It’s a favorite of mine and all our friends so hopefully, we’ll see you there.
#3 – Go to DIS, Daytona International Speedway: At DIS, you can see what has become the Mecca of auto racing and also motorcycle racing. There you can take a tour on and around the track, go the Daytona Experience and see all kinds of past Daytona racing facts and actual race cars and visit the new Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. You can also
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camp there on the infield during Bike Week to take it all in. The new Midway houses a ton of vendors and demo rides from all manufacturers.
#2 – Go to the Races: Several races are on tap during Daytona Bike Week so make sure to take in the action LIVE! March 11: AMA Supercross, March 12: RC’s Amateur Supercross, March 13: Fly Racing ATV Supercross, March 16: Daytona TT Flat Track Racing, March 18: 76th Daytona 200.
#1 – Ride Main Street at Night: There’s nothing like cruising Main Street during the day at Bike Week, but if you can handle the traffic, Main Street at Night is off the chain. Seeing the lights, hearing all the bands playing, the hot girls, the custom bikes…everything. It is also home to a lot of great stops; The Legendary Boothill Saloon, Main Street Station, Dirty Harrys, Froggy’s Saloon and the Full Moon Saloon. Don’t forget your cell phone cause you’re gonna want to make a few selfies when you stop. There are many other things to do while you are here for the 76th Annual Daytona Bike Week, but try to schedule at least one of these each day and see how much fun you can have this year. February 2017
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River City Powersports Show Recap By Bob Jones
O
wensboro Convention Center in Kentucky was the site of the Inaugural River City Powersports Bike Show with the first Baddest Bagger of the 2017 year. Custom bikes from all over came out to strut their stuff to win prize money and trophies. Entertainers like Roadhouse Atlanta, Rockin’ Rod Bennett and Meet Me Half Way entertained the mass of show goers. Besides the bike shows, they had a BBQ eating contest, a bikini contest, fashion shows, vendors of all kinds and lots of door prizes. The Baddest Bagger was the most contested of the competition and was won by Barnyard Baggers with their custom 2010 Street Glide. This was one of the best bike shows I’ve been to. Everyone was so nice and I’m not just talking about the bikers, everywhere we went from the show, to the hotel, to restaurants, people talked to us like they knew us. There were so many people that showed up for the show, they were waiting in double lines in the rain and cold. The event was so successful, the event organizers were asked to come back the next two years. Having such a great time, I will be back next year. 2017 Baddest Bagger win ner
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February 2017
February 2017
Southern Biker Magazine - 11
New BMW K1600B Debuted in Los Angeles By the Mag Man, Randy Gracy
F
rom their 2015 presentation of “Concept 101” and nearly two years of drawings and final engineering designs, BMW unveiled their newest edition to their 2017 line-up, the BMW K1600B bagger. Seeming designed to enter the bagger market with a huge impact, BMW has designed this bagger, in my opinion, aimed squarely on the Harley-Davidson bagger crowd. BMW intend to double their U.S. market share by 2020 and this is their first swing at doing so. It has been developed for the American motorcycle market (America is H-Ds main market) and will be available around May of this year. When designing this machine, BMW engineers held nothing back while listening to both, their customers as well as Harley-Davidson customers (it seems). The motorcycle features a 6-cylinder inline engine that sports an output of 160 horsepower at 7,750 RPM with a maximum torque of 175 nm at 5,250 RPM.
Need to have it all in one? The suspension is at a premium with their Dynamic ESA chassis and its “Road” and “Cruise” modes. The K1600B in the standard “Road” setting, damping adaptation is fully automated, offering the very highest level of comfort and ultimate traction on virtually all surfaces. In the “Cruise” damping mode, it ensures a very soft feel and a high level of comfort; performance and comfort, all in one at the touch of your finger.
2015 Concept 101
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How many of us have had trouble backing our big hogs back into a parking spot or just backing up period pushing off our tippy toes? It also comes with a reverse assist feature. At the press of a button on the left-hand handlebar panel, you can easily back up into you spot without assistance from another riding pushing you or struggling yourself. This beast can also come with a Shift Assistant Pro option that allows the rider to shift up and down without having to use the clutch. Those are just some of the new items to enjoy on this model from BMW. Here are a few more: •
Bagger design with eye-catching stretched streamline-style silhouette and low rear section.
•
Low rear frame for reduced vehicle height, dropped passenger seat height (- 7 cm) and typical bagger look.
•
Fixed side cases with a new compartment design, rear central cover and integrated light units in US-American styling.
•
Chrome-plated parallel silencers with ribbed end caps.
•
Folding rear mudguard for easy wheel removal.
•
Effective wind and weather protection with wind deflectors stretched further back.
•
Typical short bagger-style electrically adjustable windscreen.
have a wide range of Original BMW Motorrad Accessories and options to add for just a few dollars more. Can you imagine what a custom builder is going to turn one of these into? I’m looking forward to seeing it done by several of them. With the base model expected to go around $20,000 and the fully loaded to go around $25,000, I can tell you this, BMW has made a homerun with this bagger. I know my friend Robert Finn has probably already ordered his.
And don’t think BMW isn’t hitting the market with accessories. They already February 2017
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Motorcycles, Bootleg Booze, Busted Legs an' Blasted Stills By Jim Leggett During the Great Depression Jimmie Lewallan led the pack struggling to extract himself from a life of poverty through risky bootlegging – on a powerful Indian Chief
T
alk to any Southerner about Depression era moonshiner and daring distillers evading “the law” (they never say “cops”) and tales of bootleggers running whiskey in fast cars, boats, and airplanes motorcycles too – soon follow. Everyone, cops, revenue agents, sheriffs and judges were all in on the game while well hidden clandestine stills gleefully dispensed tsunamis of corn likker. The late great Barney Barnwell, who distilled memorable whiskey, told me of jailers sneaking convicted moonshiners out nights “So’s they could go sneak into the hills, cook likker on the sly - the law, as usual, makin’ a fast buck.” During such a spontaneous conversation I heard about bootlegger Jimmie Lewallan (1919-1995) who ran white lightnin’ in saddle bags astride a 1926 Indian Chief motorcycle. Young Jimmie was just 14 when he saw his first motorcycle race, hooked on bikes ever after. “So dealer Dennis Shepherd in High Point and I got together and built me a racing cycle” reads an old newspaper clipping. A formidable rider, he also ran moonshine in farm trucks as many kids did, too young if caught to be arrested. The movie Red Dirt Rising – aptly named after North Carolina’s red clay dirt roads chronicles the Lewallan’s evading poverty by running corn whiskey during times desperate and bleak and homemade liquor was pretty much the only cash crop. Sure he drove fast cars too; he and Junior Johnson who also ran ‘shine, but its Jimmie’s fantastic motorcycle adventures I’m hooked on. Intrigued by Jimmie’s biker
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days, true story I tracked down his son, retired police chief Garry Lewallan - who’d had to go blow up a few moonshine stills in his days. “I didn’t take any pleasure in that…” he tells me. Garry, too, could have become a moonshiner, stock car driver or a cop. “I chose the law - the pension plan looked better!” Picture it; High Point NC 1938 – Jimmie guns a powerful 1000 cc Indian Chief down Main Street, whiskey mischievously rattling in the mason jars, the law hot on his tail. Son Gary Lewallan takes up the story…“It was around 1938 and dad was known to make deliveries - stuffed in his saddlebags - for a fella by the name of T.B. Hyde. His misadventure with the motorcycle was in November, he was riding home to Trinity N.C. In those days rural town streets were mostly hard packed dirt. In a hurry to get home, wearing a leather jacket for warmth and protection, he’d set the throttle to run at a pretty fast speed. He also puts his gloved hands in his jacket pockets to keep warm, as riders did
back then. Just as he raced past a Dodge dealership, a Tudor Sedan veered right into his path! No time to get hands out of his pockets to grab the handle bars! “Dad jumps up on the seat as the bike slams into the car, then jumps straight up trying to clear the roof - but his right boot snags the roofline, snapping his leg in two places. He slides a pretty good ways, jacket getting pretty hot from road burn while he rolls onto his back - busted bones sticking out of his boot.” An ambulance raced Jimmie to local Guilford General Hospital. He spends an impatient month as the leg mends. “Well, impatient dad decided he’d been there long enough. So he limps on home, his mangled leg in a cast, on crutches.” Well, having to provide for himself and his parents, as soon as the bent up motorcycle was fixed Jimmie’s back in the saddle, bootleg booze, crutches and all. Local Sheriffs and the North Carolina’s State Highway Patrol knew Jimmie ran moonshine; Trooper Gene Young tried (continued on page 15)
February 2017
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catching him a few times to no avail. The one night, Jimmie roars past, siren ablaze, red light flashing, Young gave chase. “Even with crutches strapped to his bike dad managed to get a pretty good lead – then, spying a handy field, he lays that bike sideways, slides it deep in among a thicket of corn stalks.” As soon as Young roars past, Jimmie wrestled the bike upright and speeds off to make his whiskey run. “Dad told me this story more than once; I even spoke to Gene about it in later years. Of course, he would never say he got outfoxed but admitted dad sure could ride no doubt about that. Gene, since passed away, retired as Captain or Major with the Highway Patrol. I’ve met his son; he lives in his dad’s home about a mile from where I live. I intend on going by and talk to him sometime about my dad and any Depression time stories he cares to share with me about his dad - and hopefully mine.” The end of Prohibition in 1933 did little to discourage illegal whiskey distilling, a “God given” tradition in farmlands all over
America. Folks still recall times when, it seems, everyone knew someone involved in moonshine. (Shhh-jars of corn whiskey were purchased from a West Virginia cop! Untaxed whiskey, gin, rum and genuine hard cider, seems to me, still flows abundantly.) Jimmie grew up loving stock car racing. Running over 140 dirt track events from1941 through 1972, and, he was one of the founders of what became NASCAR. With three flat tires in one race, he still wouldn’t let anybody pass him. He drove in the first NASCAR race and was the first race car driver to go more than 200 miles per hour. Jimmie Lewallan is among near forgotten stories of daring bootleggers, men who invented the sport of stock car racing, back when all they had for protection was a helmet and goggles – when racing was racing and a man had to build his own car, tune his engine and pay for gas out his own pocket.
When he was just 19, Jimmie’s drive and bravado served him well. During World War II he was wounded two times and with shrapnel in his back and frostbite he was left for dead during the Invasion of Normandy. Captured and imprisoned twice, Jimmie escaped both times. For bravery under fire he was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Silver Star. Jimmy also served in the 3rd Army under General George Patton. They just don’t make bootleggers - or heroes - like Jimmie Lewallan anymore. To watch footage of Jimmie Lewallen racing in Daytona Beach visit http://www. dailymotion.com/video/xc2z52_nascardaytona-beach-race-1952-jimm_auto About the Author: Photojournalist Jim Leggett, a native of Scotland, is a travel write based in North Carolina and Nassau, Bahamas.
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Cruise-Mate is the Answer to Long Rides By the Mag Man, Randy Gracy
E
ver hit the road on a bike and wish you had cruise control for your motorcycle but thought cruise control was not available for your bike or that you couldn’t afford a good add on? Well, I may have stumbled onto one great invention just for you. After my cruise control went out on my H-D, I tried to make do and dreaded the cost to fix or replace it. I met a gentleman that had a Cruise-Mate on his bike and he told me it was the best thing he had purchased for his bike in a long time. So, I went on-line to read about this device and proceeded to call the company. Much to my surprise, who answers the phone? I was able to speak directly with the Cruise-Mate company owner, Tom Lane. I discussed the failed factory cruise control on my 2004 Harley-Davidson Ultra and how the mechanic just could not find the electrical problem with it. Also, if I replace it with a new H-D unit, that would mean $$$. He insisted that it would work and only take 30 minutes to install. I said let’s do this!
The units work just as described and I’m here to tell you, they are worth their weight in gold! On a long ride to Daytona Beach, the Cruise-Mate took care of my speed and I was able to relax each arm on the long journey. My whole body was relaxed more Receiving the package from Tom, I discovered two Cruise-Mates in the package than ever after a 10-hour ride. Others that with the necessary tool additions to install it purchased one have similar stories and reactions. “Love it! I didn’t want to rip (He included the second unit for my wife’s 2005 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe). So the bike apart and spend hours installing off to Mark Schrader at Schrader’s Custom a cruise control. Locking the throttle on a long straight-away to give the right hand & Collision in Knoxville TN and a little a break is all I wanted and Cruise-Mate over an hour later, voila, we have cruise delivered”, said Cliff Marshall. control on both bikes!
Cruise-Mate consists of a solid stainless steel cartridge assembly that is positioned so it can be engaged or disengaged with a flip of your thumb and while engaging, the handle provides very good feel feedback, letting you know how much tension you’re applying to the throttle. It utilizes a 15 degree spring loaded male and female spline inside the handle which allows for infinite adjustment, you can even adjust while moving if necessary. Tom said, “Cruise-Mate motorcycle cruise assist is a very easy to use aftermarket throttle assist for Harley-Davidsons and many other motorcycles. It allows the rider to relieve the constant pressure required to hold your throttle open, helps relieve carpel tunnel syndrome and many other hand, wrist, arm, shoulder issues while riding. With a simple flip of your thumb you can set your throttle where you want it, and you can still operate the throttle if needed with the cruise on. And ALL Cruise-Mate parts are guaranteed for life.” At present time, you can get Cruise-Mates for Harley-Davidson, Victory, Can-Am Spyder and metric cruisers. For more information, go to: www.mycruisemate. com.
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February 2017
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Southern Biker Magazine - 17
Supercross, How Quickly Things Can Change By the Mag Man, Randy Gracy
en Roczen dominated the 450 field so much so in the first two rounds that the real race was to see who would come in second for each race and the championship. It was obvious that he was that much better than the entire field including defending champion Ryan 2. Marvin Musquin – KTM 450 SX-F at Friese and was promptly disqualified Dungey. Enter Anaheim II and in a Factory Edition from racing by the AMA officials. twinkling of an eye, everything changed. 3. Cole Seely – Honda CRF450R For winner Ryan Dungey, it wasn’t While running third and pushing his 4. Cooper Webb – Yamaha YZ450F easy at all. He crashed in the first turn Honda HRC teammate Cole Seely for of his heat race, had a horrible start in 5. Weston Peick – Suzuki RM-Z450 second, Roczen was ejected off his the semifinal and barely made the main bike where he landed squarely on the AMA Supercross 450 Series Standings event. But the defending champion upside of the following jump, hard. (after 3 of 17 rounds) jumped to the front at the start of the The crowd and announcers knew right 22-lap main event for his 32nd career 1. Ryan Dungey, 69 points (1 win) away it was bad. He lay on the ground victory. “It was kind of a rough go,” motionless for several minutes. The 2. Marvin Musquin, 62 Dungey said. “I had to make the most of medical crew carefully administered aid it. But I got a rocket out of the gate. 3. Ken Roczen, 51 (2 wins) and then placed a brace to his left arm. 4. Cole Seely, 51 He was transported to an Orange County Dungey took over the series points lead. hospital. The official word from Honda Dungey’s teammate Marvin Musquin 5. Eli Tomac, 44 is that Roczen suffered a compound takes over second by seven points while fracture to his left forearm. His season Roczen fell back to third. is over. Rookie rider Cooper Webb rebounded I was enjoying watching him race and from all the criticism and landed his best command the entire field. I will miss finish of his career in the 450 series with his drive, his fantastic riding ability and a solid forth. look forward to his return as soon as Kawasaki rider Justin Hill of finally got possible. Ken Roczen crash a win in the 250 West Series leading from the start. Aaron Plessinger was The first 450 heat race had an unusual turn of events for a couple riders. Vince second and Shane McElrath, who won the first two series races, took third. Friese, Jason Anderson and Musquin
K
went over a triple jump at the same time and after landing, Friese shut the other two out colliding with Anderson. After the race was over in the tunnel leading to the pit area, Anderson threw a punch
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AMA 450 Supercross Results – Round 3 – Anaheim 2 1.
Ryan Dungey – KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition Ken Roczen taken to Supercross care center
February 2017
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One year subscription to Southern Biker is $3995 per year. The #1 Biker Event Magazine in the South can be delivered to your door! Name:__________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ City:____________________________________________________ State:______________Zip:__________________________________ Make check payable to: Southern Biker Magazine P.O. Box 644 | Madisonville, TN 37354
February 2017
Southern Biker Magazine - 19
Victory Motorcycles Shutting Down Operations By The Mag Man, Randy Gracy
A
huge surprise just hit the motorcycle industry and market as Polaris will be closing its Victory Motorcycle operations. Founded in 1997 and with the first bike hitting the ground in 1998, Victory motorcycles will, for the most part, ride off into the sunset.
obviously be holding closeout sales on all motorcycles, parts, accessories and clothing. Polaris is not leaving their dealers out in cold either. Below is part of the release by Polaris:
“This was an incredibly difficult decision for me, my team and the Polaris Board of Directors,” said Polaris Industries Insiders wondered if the Victory line could hold its own in a very competitive Chairman and CEO Scott Wine. “Over the past 18 years, we have invested not motorcycle market. Polaris tried many only resources, but our hearts and souls, angles to reach the motorcycle buying into forging the Victory Motorcycles public, even partnering with the Arlen brand, and we are exceptionally proud Ness family in 2004 to add name of what our team has accomplished. recognition to its brand, but even that Since inception, our teams have designed did not give it the boost they’d hoped for. They recorded land speed records at and produced nearly 60 Victory models that have been honored with 25 of the the Bonneville Salt Flats and raced for industry’s top awards. The experience, championships in NHRA Motorcycle knowledge, infrastructure and capability Drag Racing, but failed to bring enough consumers into the dealerships enough to we’ve built in those 18 years gave us the confidence to acquire and develop keep the American V-Twin in operation with the company falling in the red three the Indian Motorcycle brand, so I would like to express my gratitude to everyone of its last five years. associated with Victory Motorcycles and During this transition, the Victory models celebrate your many contributions.” still on the floor will obviously take a Several factors influenced the hit in pricing as will current owners of announcement. Victory has struggled Victory motorcycles since the franchise to establish the market share needed tag will go away. No one is quite sure why they just didn’t try to sell the brand, to succeed and be profitable. The but for the near future, the company will competitive pressures of a challenging motorcycle market have increased the headwinds for the brand. Given the significant additional investments required for Victory to launch new global platforms that meet changing consumer preferences, and considering the strong performance and growth potential of Indian Motorcycle, the decision to more narrowly focus Polaris’ energy and investments became quite clear.
20 - Southern Biker Magazine
Polaris CEO Scott Wine
“This decision will improve the profitability of Polaris and our global motorcycle business, and will materially improve our competitive stance in the industry,” said Scott Wine. “Our focus is on profitable growth, and in an environment of finite resources, this move allows us to optimize and align our resources behind both our premium, high performing Indian Motorcycle brand and our innovative Slingshot brand, enhancing our focus on accelerating the success of those brands. Ultimately this decision will propel the industryleading product innovation that is core to our strategy while fostering long-term growth and increased shareholder value.”
February 2017
America, It's Time to ROAR
Kathy Tolleson CEO ROAR Motorcycles, Inc.
his isn't one of my typical articles but it is relevant to the motorcycle world. Bikers are some of the most patriotic people in America. Many motorcyclists have served or are serving in our military, law enforcement or in fire and rescue. I was just packing to leave for the inauguration when I had to make sure I got my article in for the magazine. As I sat down to write, I thought of the different biker groups who are making the journey to Washington D.C., and it was comforting to know those in the motorcycle world will be there to support this transition of power.
T
Now, we even have a VicePresident who rides. I think there's several reasons for the patriotism of motorcyclists. First, HarleyDavidson and Indian motorcycles were a "Made in America" product. Second, you can't ride any distance without taking in the amazing beauty, vastness and incredible differences that make up the geography of America. There are many times, I have found myself singing "America the Beautiful" as I ride. Third, as I shared in the beginning many who ride are brave men and women who fought in our country. Motorcycles played a major part in World War II. Fourth, people who ride experience "FREEDOM", and it is in our blood through the ancestors who went before us and were willing to brave all odds to come to a place called America.
Vice President Pence
of the Brave." Our prayers, at this time, need to be that the campaign promises to "Make America Great Again" really do come true. One man can cast a vision but it's going to take each and every one of us doing our part. I challenge you with this question, "What are YOU going to do this year to help your nation become great again?" Hate doesn't get the job done, just being anti doesn't get the
Bikers for Trump heading to Washington D.C.
job done and leaving it to someone else doesn't help. To me, the season we are entering into is far beyond politics, political persuasions or an elected official, it's about the heart and soul of our nation. I have to fly in to Washington D.C. but I will be praying for all those who are riding in and will be listening for the sound of the ROAR!
I believe our nation is at a pivotal time. We need to once again become the "Land of the Free and the Home February 2017
Southern Biker Magazine - 21
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ALABAMA Feb 4: Veterans of America RC's Polar Bear Dice Run, 1117 Jordan Ln NW, Huntsville. There will be live music, 50/50, and a Best and Worst roll. Registration - 10:00am, KSU at 11:00am, and LBI at 3:00pm. The fee is $15/rider and $25 for two up. All proceeds to benefit the Floyd E. "Tut" Fann State Veterans Home. 256-7831957 or www.facebook.com/ VeteransofAmericanHuntsvilleAL/ Mar 2-5: Stock Law Gap Spring Rally at 9100 S Shackleville Rd, Georgiana. 334-525-0409 or www.stocklawgaprally.com Mar 16-19: Bama Bike Fest Spring Rally at 16971 US Hwy 43, Forkland. www.bamabikefest.com
ARKANSAS Feb 11-12: ABATE Motorcycle Swap Meet & Bike Show at Arkansas State Fairgrounds, Little Rock. www.abatedistrict1.org/
FLORIDA Feb 4: Forgotten Soldiers Outreach Poker Run, 4484 Bowman St, Greenacres. Help us
22 - Southern Biker Magazine
www.southernbikermagazine.com
Family Owned & Operated Open: Mon-Fri 7:30am - 6pm, Sat 7:30am - 5pm
send care packages to deployed men and women. $15/hand or 3 hands/$25. End at Moose Lodge 994, Greeenacres. First 100 entrants receive a swag bag. Best hand, 2nd best, 3rd best and worst hand prizes. Food and drinks at Moose lodge, live band, DJ, raffles, 50/50. Cars welcome. FMI www. forgottensoldiers.org Feb 4: Space Coast Motor Officers Charity Car, Truck, Motorcycle & Craft show, Melbourne. Feb 4: Plant City Bike Fest, 102 N Palmer St, Plant City. There will be an 8-class bike show. The registration fee is $10 per class. live music. www.plantcity.org/ major-events. www.facebook.com/ PlantCityBikeFest or 813-7543707 or info@plantcity.org Feb 4: Steel Horses for Rescue Horses, 628 Glen Cheek Dr, Cape Canaveral. Reg. 10am. Donation $15/hand and $5/ additional hand. LBO at 11:15am. LBI at 4pm. Music, door prizes, silent auction, 50/50, food, fun. 321 863 8074 or sta113sec@ gmail.com or www.facebook.com/ events/384492961900049/
BIKE EVENTS Feb 5: Webster Westside Auto & Cycle Swap meet & Show,Webster.
Feb 25: Monster Energy Supercross at Georgia Dome, Atlanta.
Feb 7: Sumter Swap Meet & Show, Bushnell.
LOUISIANA
Feb 18: Osceola Law Ride, 7786 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee. 70-mile police escorted ride. All riders welcome. There will be coffee and donuts during the registration, live entertainment, lunch at the end of the event, public safety displays, raffles, 50/50, door prizes, guest speakers, and vendors. FMI www.blueknightsfl29.com or contactus@blueknightsfl29.com Feb 18: Party Under The Bridge, 101 Ave J, Moore Haven. Great fun, food, music, beverage, vendors, giveaways. Support or local Veterans. Oldies car show with trophies, lawn mower pulls, ridein bike show, 50/50, raffles and more. 863-509-9761 or vrat61@ hotmail.com Feb 19: Midwest Motorcycle Antique & Custom Bike Show, Beaver Bar, 1105 US-1, Ormond Beach.Twenty classes and trophies. Special guest judge Billy Lane. 9am9pm. 386-257-6265 Feb 19: Howard’s Flea Market Motorcycle Cruise-In, 6373 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa. Mar 10-19: Bike Week, Daytona Beach.World’s Largest Motorcycle Event. Ride down historic Main Street and Beach Street, along A1A or the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop Ride. Enjoy street festivals, concerts, the Daytona 200 motorcycle races, bike shows, rallies, manufacturer showcases and more. FMI www. officialBikeWeek.com Mar 11: Monster Energy Supercross, Daytona Intl. Speedway, Daytona. Mar 31-Apr 2: Sand & Sass Ladies Motorcycle Rally, 2nd Annual at Panama City Beach. FMI sandandsass.com
GEORGIA Feb 24-26: AMSOIL Arenacross, Atlanta.
Mar 11-12: AMSOIL AX – New Orleans Mar 25: Dream Natchitoches
Run
2017,
MISSISSIPPI Mar 3-5: AMSOIL AX Arenacross, Southaven.
NORTH CAROLINA Apr 7-9: Barry’s Bike Rally, Grandy. All Bikes & Riders welcome. www. barrysbikerally.com Apr 8: Navy Seal Tribute Ride leaving from 615 Bar & Grill, 615 General Booth Blvd,Virginia Beach VA to Barry’s in Grandy, NC.
SOUTH CAROLINA Mar 5: Chefs Who Ride, 970 Morrison Dr, Charleston. Ends at Royal American with incredible bites, beverages and live music. $90/pers KSU: 1:00 PM. http:// charlestonwineandfood.com/ events/chefs-who-ride
TENNESSEE - EAST Thurs Bike Nite at Ridge Runners, 259 Warehouse Rd, Oak Ridge. 865-298-5262 Feb 4: Polar Bear Poker Run at OAA Restoration Center, 876 Englewood Rd, Madisonville. Meet at 9:30AM and KSU up at 10:30AM. Lunch at Biker Rags. Bring an extra jacket, can food item or monetary donation to help support OAA Restoration Center (Homeless Shelter). Poker Run $10 w/half proceeds to winner) 50/50 drawing, door prizes. 423-536-8035 | tnsolrrc@ gmail.com Feb 11: Black Sheep Reunion and Sweetheart Dance 9pm-1am at Blistered Chicken Saloon, Spring City Feb 11-14: Four Days of Love Sale at Smoky Mountain H-D, Maryville.
February 2017
Feb 18: Swine Ball with extended store hours until 8pm at Smoky Mountain H-D, Maryville. Mar 30-Apr 2: March Moto Madness Mother Rally, 801 Steer Creek Road, Tellico Plains. If you love to ride, eat, camp, outdoors, and love spending time with good people, this is for you. marchmotomadness.com Jul 15: NoogaStrong Memorial Ride, Thunder Creek H-D, Chattanooga. An annual ride that was created to remember & honor GySgt. Thomas Sullivan, SSgt. David Wyatt, Sgt. Carson Holmquist, LCpl. Skip Wells, & PO2 Randall Smith. These 5 great men lost their lives when Chattanooga, TN was attacked by a terrorist on July 16th 2015. The charity that benefits from our efforts is Wreaths Across America. www.NoogaStrongRide. com. Cost: $15 online/$20 onsite. KSU: 11AM. FMI: www.facebook. com/NoogaStrongRide
TENNESSEE - MIDDLE & WEST Mar 18: Spring Thaw Bike Show & Swap Meet at Wilson County Expo Center, Lebanon. Bike parts, accessories, bikes for sale, clothing and more. 615-364-1828 or www. bothbarrelspromoions.com May 4-7: Boogie Hollar Motorcycle Rally at 164 Clay farm Lane, Atwood. Live music, wet t-shirt contest, bike games, wet boxer shorts contest and more! FMI 931260-9339 | www.boogiehollar.com
VIRGINIA Jun 15-17: Mid-Atlantic Women’s Motorcycle Rally, Front Royal. Women riders helping women with the challenges of cancer. Calling all women riders! Join us for the 25th anniversary of the Mid-Atlantic Women’s Motorcycle Rally.It’s three days of fun,friendship and fundraising. Workshops, biker games, rides, bingo, parade and nightly entertainment. FMI: www. mawmr.org
MUSIC EVENTS Feb 1: Podium & Bike Nite at Boot Hill Saloon 9pm, Daytona Beach Feb 2: Chris Hiatt Band at Boot Hill Saloon 9pm, Daytona Beach February 2017
Feb 3: Max Q at Boot Hill Saloon 9pm, Daytona Beach Feb 4: Chris Solo at Boot Hill Saloon 3pm, Daytona Beach Feb 4: Stone Grey CD release party at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach Feb 5: Chip on acoustic 3pm, Michalini’s Jam 8pm at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach Feb 6: Industry Night & Podium 8pm at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach Feb 8: Crush at Boot Hill Saloon 9pm, Daytona Beach Feb 9: Adam James at Boot Hill Saloon 9pm, Daytona Beach
In Loving Memory of MILO The Tennessee Biker Dog With heartfelt tears, Joe Burris wrote, "I'm sure gonna miss Milo. He went everywhere with me. We worked together every day and we played together. He was a real joy that God put on my doorstep one day. Less than a month later he wanted to ride with me. The rest was history. We became best friends. He rode like a champ!"
Feb 10: Chris Solo 3pm, Fat Cactus at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach Feb 11: ETC 3pm, Kings of Chaos 9pm, at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach Feb 11: Black Sheep Reunion and Sweetheart Dance 9pm-1am at Blistered Chicken Saloon, Spring City, TN Feb 12: Solo TBA 3pm, Michalini’s Jam at Boot Hill Saloon 9pm, Daytona Beach Feb 13: Girl on Fire at Boot Hill Saloon 9pm, Daytona Beach Feb 15: Miss Intent 9pm Bike Night $1.50 longnecks at Boot Hill Saloon 9pm, Daytona Beach Feb 16: Chris Hiatt Band at Boot Hill Saloon 9pm, Daytona Beach
Feb 20: Chip 3pm, Psychomagnets 8pm, at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach
Feb 25: Solo TBA 3pm, Fat Cactus 9pm, Xfinity 300 at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach
Feb 22: Chip Acoustic 3pm, Crush 9pm at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach
Feb 26: Micalini’s Jam 8pm, Race Day Daytona 500 2pm at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach
Feb 23: Miss Intent 9pm and CanAm Duals at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach
Feb 27: Adam James 8pm at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach
Feb 24: Miss Intent 9pm, Camping World Truck Series 250 at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach
Feb 17: Chris Solo 3pm; Crush 9pm at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach Feb 18: Dirty Soul Revival, Indoor Show Series at The Shed, Smoky Mountain H-D, Maryville, TN Feb 18: Crush 9pm, ARCA Race & the CLASH Race 8pm at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach Feb 19: Chip 3pm, Micalini’s Jam 8pm, at Boot Hill Saloon, Daytona Beach
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msmagman@southernbiker.us Southern Biker Magazine - 23
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Southern Biker Magazine - 25
Marcos Garza
Sound Advice from Your Attorney
Spring is Here (Almost). Remember the Ten Commandments to Avoid a DUI
pring is upon us! As I’m writing this article sitting on my patio its 63 degrees and sunny and many of you are probably getting your bikes ready for the first biker rally or spring ride down the Dragon.
rationalizing “riding only a short distance home,” “not leaving your bike somewhere unsafe,” or the embarrassment of “trying to get a ride back to my bike tomorrow morning.” Avoid the temptation when you’ve had too much to drink. Give yourself only one option to get home by not taking your bike out in the first place if you plan to drink that day.
This article’s intent is to help you to NOT need my services in the first place. The first recommendation for avoiding a DUI is not to put yourself in the situation in the first place (aka Don’t Drink and Drive”). Rest assured, not only can a DUI damage your reputation, your family life, lead to loss of employment, etc. it’s also very dangerous business. Practically speaking, a $10-$60 cab ride can save you thousands!
4. People often ask what should I tell an officer if he or she asks if I’ve had something to drink? Do I tell the truth? Although the author cannot recommend giving a false statement to an officer (possibly a crime), rest assured that ANY admission of drinking an alcoholic beverage will likely lead to the necessary “probable cause” that an officer needs for your arrest. You always have a right not to incriminate yourself and remain silent.
Mistake #1: Think that it won’t happen to me. There’s a first time for everyone. Just because you’ve got away with it for the last 10 years, doesn’t mean your luck will hold out another 10. In fact, it is often after folks “straighten up,” they get a DUI. This is to say, sometimes people will begin to act “more responsibly” by drinking only 3-4 rather than 6-8. However, if pulled over, an admission to an officer that you have had 3-4 is sufficient “probable cause” to lead to your arrest and the night in jail. And remember, 90% of people pulled over tell the officer that they had “a couple” or “two” to drink. Such a statement is a surefire way to land yourself in jail for the evening.
5. Always be nice to officers. Cooperative doesn’t mean you have to incriminate yourself, doesn’t mean you have to do a field sobriety test and doesn’t mean you have to give a blood or breath test, but simply being polite and being kind is more likely to lead to NOT being arrested, or at the very least, makes your case far more defendable down the road.
S
2. “Belief” that a couple glasses of water or cup of coffee will make you alert or sober. Water or a cup of coffee doesn’t make you sober, just more hydrated and drunk, or more awake and drunk. Time is the only way to truly sober up. Keep in mind that the old wive’s tale that people use about a drink an hour is wrong. Everyone is different, but a closer approximation is roughly ½ a drink an hour for women and about 2/3 of a drink an hour for men. 3. “Belief” that if you get too drunk, then you will have the awareness to ride home. Most of us are smart folks until we have a couple too many drinks. The best solution is to get a ride, take a taxi, get an Uber on your way to go out for the evening. If you purposefully give yourself no other option other than to take another taxi home, then you prevent yourself from later in the evening
26 - Southern Biker Magazine
6. To blow or not to blow (to consent or not to consent to blood or breath testing): Refusing a test can lead to another charge and possible loss of license, although this is not an automatic action. Providing additional evidence will likely lead to a stronger case against you. When in doubt, it is your right to refuse a blood or breath test (or refuse a field sobriety test). 7. Won’t they just get a search warrant if I try to refuse a chemical (breath or blood) test? Answer: They may or may not; however, there are certain procedural steps that must take place correctly and lawfully in order to get a valid search warrant. Consenting to a blood or breath test gives up most of your rights when it comes to defending your case later. 8. Make sure your headlights, taillights, running lights, reverse lights, blinkers, even your license plate lights are all in working order. Don’t give law enforcement an additional reason to pull you over. Remember that registration sticker you got in the mail?----STOP READING NOW, and go stick it on your license plate, no seriously go stick it on now!! (but don’t forget to come back and finish the article). I can’t tell you how many clients have been pulled over for this very thing, and the sticker was in the glove box or on the kitchen table! There is no need to give law enforcement a perfectly valid reason to pull you over when you’ve potentially been drinking. While we are on the subject, don’t forget your insurance card. I’m not your daddy, but it is a good idea to have all of these essential items all together in one place for easy access. In fact, officers often state that the suspected person
appeared drunk because they “fumbled with their wallet,” or “fumbled when trying to provide license, proof of insurance and registration.” 9. Motorcycles. Although it is technical legal to have a drink, and for some of us, two drinks and drive a car, I do not recommend driving a motorcycle under any circumstances after any drinking. The response time necessary to ride a motorcycle is drastically reduced from that of a four-wheeled vehicle. Save your chrome, don’t throw your leg over that bike if you’ve had ANYTHING to drink. Drinking and cruising is potentially a costly mistake, bringing harm to yourself, loved ones, and other drivers. 10. Plan, plan, plan. Arrange a ride at the beginning of the night, before your decision making is altered in anyway. Go ahead, call your favorite cab driver, download the Uber app—fill in the credit card info to make the ordering an Uber/Cab easier, less complicated and quicker later. Arrange for a sober ride in advance of your potentially impaired decision making… A cab or Uber is always cheaper than a DUI. Many folks have found that having Uber downloaded or their favorite’s cab app on their phone BEFORE they go out is helpful and convenient way to prevent a DUI. If one isn’t available, maybe the other will be.
To recap, safety is essential. Always do the safe thing. It’s cool to be safe, it’s cool to wear a safety vest if it means not getting a DUI or run over. No one is going to make fun of you or think less of you for doing the right thing. Encourage others to do the right thing and Don’t Drive Impaired. (By the way, driving impaired is illegal and less than drunk—You don’t have to be full drunk to be charged with DUI). The last thing any of us want to do is to spend our hard earned cash and tax refund checks on a DUI and a DUI attorney instead of the next rally or a new bike. I don't include this example to ruin anyone's day or to try to be overly dramatic, but accidents happen among young children and sometimes the availability of a weapon for a depressed teenager can create catastrophic and irreversible results! Be careful! Marcos Garza is the owner of the Garza Law Firm, PLLC, a Tennessee Law Firm dedicated to the full service of motorcyclists, bikers, cruiser and crotch rocket riders across the state. Please direct all comments and follow up questions to him at (865) 540-8300 or mgarza@ garzalaw.com.
February 2017
February 2017
Southern Biker Magazine - 27
76th Annual Daytona Beach Bike Week March 10-19, 2017
Once you become part of it, it becomes part of you. Join us as we celebrate everything you love about the experience at Daytona Beach Bike Week—10 days of festivals, concerts, cruises, showcases, and more. So make the pilgrimage to the one place every rider can call home: Daytona Beach. The Original American Beach. OfficialBikeWeek.com
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