Tankside June 2015 Edition

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06/2015

Jasper & Co. HD TANKSIDE.COM

PHOTO BY MELANIE DAVIS

VOLUME ONE No. 2

A Custom Transformation


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FINANZAS - FINANCES

ARTE Y ENTRETENIMIENTO - ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOTICIAS LOCALES -SALUD LOCAL- HEALTH NEWS

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VivaTequilaPDX.com 2 | June 2015

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IN GRATITUDE

STAFF MELANIE DAVIS Owner/Publisher melanie@brilliantmedia.company

GABRIELA KANDZIORA Director of Business Development gabriela@brilliantmedia.company

CHRIS ALVAREZ Production Manager

EDITORIAL AMANDA SCHURR Editor amanda@brilliantmedia.company

SALES LARRY LEWIS Sales Representative

larry@brilliantmedia.company

LYNDA WILKINSON Sales Representative

lynda@brilliantmedia.company

MARY SMITH ENGSTROM Sales Representative/Reporter

BELINDA CARROLL

I was nervous. Making the decision to add a third title to our growing publishing portfolio was a hard one. But much like the other publications I own, it became very clear to me that our biker community needed a media outlet as well. So it was a choice we made without any hesitation. Our biker community is much like the other populations we serve—built around causes, charity, family, freedom, and our perseverance toward equality. And it’s those values and the people behind them that we want to celebrate on these pages. We had sent Tankside to press and it was time to start cooking for the launch party. I come from a very big family so, for me, cooking for a few hundred is cake. I actually enjoy it! So on May 1, I started prepping my award-winning chili and praying. I thanked God for this opportunity and for the communities we serve. I thanked God for the blessings that have been bestowed upon me, and for the strength and willingness to overcome obstacles in my path. I prayed for those whose work I stand on and the courage to continue moving in a positive direction forward. And as most bikers do, I also prayed it would not rain on May 2, 2015, the day of our launch party. We arrived at Skyline Tavern at 2 p.m. to start setting up—so far it seemed to be a perfect day. But I was anxious and wondered if people would show up. The chili was hot, the grill was ready, and I was on pins and needles. That was, until I heard the first

wave of rumbling. By 2:30 the parking lot was already filling up. By 3 p.m. people were enjoying the food and celebration. By 4 p.m. all 200 of us settled in to listen to Lars and his Road Show. People rode in on all makes and models, and people were excited to see a publication for them by one of their own! We celebrated many things this May, from the launch of Tankside to Mother’s Day. However, I would be remiss if I did not point out Memorial Day and give gratitude for those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I am deeply grateful and indebted to those who have served, are serving, and the friends and family of our armed service men and women. Someone like me embodies these freedoms that our country fights for, and it will never be something I personally or professionally take for granted. My business is built around free speech, freedom of the press, and being a woman, and a person of color who runs successful businesses. I know that in many countries you might be able to have or be one of these, but never all of them. Only here in the U.S.A.—so I thank God and I thank you! Happy second edition of Tankside, we hope you enjoy. —Melanie This edition is dedicated to my uncle John Davis, U.S. Army Green Beret, R.I.P. 9-2009, and to those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom!

Sales Representative

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ALBERTO MORENO - Columnist, WOLFGANG VON

ABOUT THE COVER BIKE: “V”-CVO bike build of 2010 (FLHTCUSE 5) CVO Ultra Classic Electric Glide. PHOTOGRAPHER: Melanie Davis. LOCATION: Jasper & Company HD, North Plains, Ore.

HOHENZOLLERN - Columnist, DAVE ENGSTROM- Road Captain

Den Mom & S.A.G. Vehicle

LEILANI FINLEY WILDMAN Events Promoter

REACH US:

503-228-3139 BRILLIANT MEDIA LLC. PO Box 306, Portland, OR. 97207

TANKSIDE.COM Copyright © 2015 Brilliant Media LLC, dba Tankside. All rights reserved. This publication or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.Printed in the United States of America

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4

TWO WHEELS AROUND TOWN

14

BROTHER TO BROTHER: PART 2

6

SAFETY CORNER: THE SPACE CUSHION

15

EARTH, WIND & TIRE: PAINTED HILLS

8

THE V-TWIN PROJECT

16

JASPER & COMPANY HD’S “V”-CVO BIKE BUILD

MARY DAVIS

INDEX

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: JUNE-JULY

10

IN THE CAGE: CHRYSLER 300

17

BUSINESS PROFILE: CRUISE-IN CONSIGNMENT

12

RALLYING CRY: A TURBO-CHARGED CAUSE

18

THE LONG WAY HOME: A PATH NOT TAKEN

19

IT’S A GROOVY RIDE: INTL. FEMALE RIDE DAY 2015

13

June 2015 | 3


Feature

JASPER & COMPANY HD DISCUSS THEIR “V”-CVO MANGO TANGO BIKE BUILD

By Gabriela Kandziora and Jesse B. Taylor

Jasper & Company HD is located in the quiet community of North Plains, just a few miles west of Portland/Beaverton. You can ride there easily. Stop by and see Jasper and his team and then head out into the country on some awesome roads for riding. When you arrive at the shop you will more than likely be greeted by Jasper’s wife, Angela Christensen. Angela runs the front shop, orders the parts, makes sure you are taken care of when visiting the shop, and manages the team’s schedules. You can also find bike parts, leather goods and customized leather seats by Joe Kennedy, used jackets, and other gear at Jasper’s. Jasper and Angela run an incredibly well-oiled business. Arriving in Oregon during 2005, Jasper worked with family members before deciding to create a job for himself, and thus Jasper & Company HD was born. The company has been at its North Plains location since 2013. Jasper has a great group of guys working on bikes and the builds, and everyone enjoys what they do. The bike on the cover of Tankside’s June edition is a very recent build completed by Jasper & Co. HD. Jasper, Owner and Master Mechanic, has restored and customized motorcycles for more than 33 years. He started with museum-quality vintage motorcycle rebuilds on metric bikes such as Norton and Ariel. After changing his focus to Harleys, there was a time when Jasper focused only on Knuckleheads. Now, he does any type of rebuild—anything you dream for your Harley-Davidson can be realized by Jasper. 4 | June 2015

Custom parts or accessories can all be fabricated at the shop. Jasper & Company has great relationships with major vendors and can often build a bike from its basic stock look to smokin’ hot in 2-4 weeks, including paint. This kind of turnaround requires a tight and seasoned team. Each bike is a bit different and time frames vary. Jasper prides himself on staying within the budgeted time and dollar amount. No job is too big or too small, and all budgets can be worked with at Jasper & Company HD. As you tell him what you want, Jasper, with his immense experience and knowledge, will guide you in a direction that will result in a beautiful sound, look, feel, and ride for your motorcycle. He will tell you exactly why he chooses the pipes and parts he selects for your bike. This is total customization, and it is right here in Oregon. Jasper will design something you will certainly fall in love with. Jasper & Company HD even sponsors two race teams, one blown alcohol drag car owned by Pope Racing and the very unique Sportster owned and raced by Mike Graver at O.F.Y. Racing. Jasper did many adjustments and interesting customizations to the Sportie. The bike recently pulled 6.84 seconds on the 1/8 mile track at Portland International Raceway and set a personal best record. Be it speed, comfort, or overall performance, anything you need done on your Harley-Davidson—and I mean anything— Jasper & Company HD can do it. Tankside recently visited Jasper & Company HD to see their latest build. We got

out of the car to eye one of the most gorgeous bikes we have ever seen, sitting right in front of the shop. Long, low, sleek, sexy, tough, modern, and totally custom. I had a huge smile on my face as Jasper, Angela, Richard, Jesse, and friends came to greet us. I simply could not help myself from gawking in awe of their beautiful customization of this 2010 (FLHTCUSE 5) CVO Ultra Classic Electric Glide. The motorcycle is owned by Charles Winders, who also contributed to its design. Tankside started snapping photos and talking with Jasper about the build. Jasper told us his favorite part of the build is to “see my client’s face when they see their bike totally customized”—kind of like the look on my face when I laid eyes on this bike. A man who walks the walk and talks the talk, Jasper knows his stuff and that Harley-Davidson oil runs through his veins. Both Jasper and his team were very proud, and rightly so, to show us this sweet ride. There was a moment we shared, for about 30 seconds, when we all just stood together around the bike in silence, taking in the chrome, the sleek body with her sexy curves, the huge front wheel, the bags and fenders curving together perfectly. It was a moment in which, as bikers, we were all in the same place: completely enjoying the eye candy we were gazing upon. Not a word needed to be spoken—we all felt the same love. I broke the silence with some questions about the build. Jasper had Jesse B. Taylor, an Intern and Social Media Manager at Jasper & Company HD, run down the build process with me. Excited to explain the | “V”-CVO MANGO TANGO Goes to page 5

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Feature

transformation, Jesse began describing what their team did to change this CVO from “basic cool” to “panty-dropContinued from page 4 ping sexy cool.” “Gabriela, CVO stands for Custom Vehicle Operations. It is a family of models created by Harley-Davidson for the factory custom market. We call this one the “V”-CVO for very custom. Let’s start at the front of the bike with the one-off front wheel. This is a totally custom 26-inch Ryde chrome wheel. Klock Werks steel 26-inch fender, a custom raked OEM fairing, Klock Werks Flair windshield, all connected to 14-inch Jasper Devils—chrome handlebars completely internally wired that are fabricated locally right here in the U.S.A. specifically for our shop. Every CVO option is wired inside the Jasper Devils, including heated grips. We reinstalled the CVO dash holster to the new inner fairing and it also has the CVO spun aluminum gauges and an American suspension 26B neck, which provides the proper rake required to run the 26-inch front wheel. Jasper has totally modified this entire dash.” As I listened to Jesse, I grew more impressed with the thought and detail that went into this build. Jesse told me that, with the oversized front wheel and stretched rear fender and bags, the bike is a staggering 9-feet, 6-inches long and has a full air ride! The fully adjustable front and rear air ride suspension provide the rider with more options to find their comfort zone. It can increase their ability to safely walk

“V”-CVO MANGO TANGO

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the bike backward and minimize the risk of slipping and tipping over. Plus, it’s just really cool. Jesse continued: “Gabriela, this tank is a Top Shop ribbed tank with Top Shop extended side covers and a chrome flush gas cap. And at the back of the bike, we have a Black Death Kit: 4.5 down and 8.5 out. We are using a Danny Gray Seat that Jasper totally modified to fit against the tank. The long and deep bags have OEM HD CVO speaker lids with Biketronics 4180s 6X9” speakers in the lids and 7.1” speakers in the fairing, all connected to a Sony Head Unit stereo. The tail lights are totally customized. The CVO badge was built flush into the rear fender by our preferred body and paint guys at Keydup Customs. We stuck with the stock motor, a Screamin’ Eagle 110-inch, as to stay on budget and custom 2-into-1 exhaust on this bike. And, if that were not enough, this beautiful bike has full LED lights. This orange color is Chrysler’s ‘Mango Tango,’ chosen by the owner—a perfect shade of orange for this sleek and sexy ride. I could go on about other customizations to this ride, but these are really the transformations that the reader will see from the pictures.” Again, I was impressed with the wealth of expertise that it takes to change a stock bike to this level of beauty in less than one month. I could see the love that Jesse has for the bike and the shop. I asked Jesse, an eight-year Marine Corps veteran, what he enjoys most about interning with Jasper. He told me, “Jasper has taken me under his wing and is mentoring me so that I can be a great mechanic and really understand

Harleys. I am grateful for this opportunity. Jasper and Angela are wonderful people. Every day I have a blast here, and we work on bikes you want to own and take home. We are starting a new build this week. It is just exciting, and they buy lunch!” As Tankside took our last photos of this CVO Custom Build and began winding down our visit, it became really hard to leave the shop. Somehow being around these guys made me want to grab a Diet Coke and watch Jasper work on the next masterpiece. Surely there is something on your ride you would like to customize. I encourage you to ride by or call Jasper & Company HD and let them help you visualize customizing your Harley. Anything is possible. I have designs for longer and louder pipes, a single chrome bag on the swing arm of my Deluxe and a few other things. I know I will be very happy with the outcome. Jasper & Company HD is located at 9865 NW 307th Ave., North Plains, Ore., 97133, just 15 minutes outside of West Portland off Highway 26 at exit 57. They do everything from your basic oil change/fluid swaps, tune-ups, tires, and other adjustments to a complete renovation/restoration of a vintage motorcycle and, of course, all the way to a showroom-quality rebuild, as pictured on our cover. Call Angela at the front of the shop, 971-232-6074, and “like” Jasper & Co HD on Facebook: facebook.com/bikerestoratin. Look for Jesse B. Taylor to write in Tankside about Jasper & Company HD’s next build, and stay tuned on our Facebook page (facebook.com/tankside) for photo updates. June 2015 | 5


brother to brother

“NEW AMERICANS”: THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF TRAVELOGUES

By Alberto Moreno

AUGUST 25, 2014 We arrived yesterday to Fort Collins, Colorado, warmly received and kept by friends for a day of rest. Dana and Nicolas remind me of the hope I have for this world divided by fear. You see, Dana is Irish, English, Scottish and Norwegian, and Nicolas is of Cuban descent, which is its own beautiful mix of cultures. And yet, as improbable as it may be, they have found each other. And in this world that would insist on their separation, their simple love is a revolutionary, beautiful thing. Valdo and I spent a day in their company, exploring these magnificent mountain peaks on the edge of this continental divide. The bikes performed well, climbing over 7,000 feet. There is an exquisite rarified tundra at the top of these rocky giants, but my favorite thing was listening to the soft chime of aspen leaves blowing in the wind. Valdo left at 5:05 this Monday morning. He climbed on his Valkyrie and began his return trip home. It was a bittersweet moment, to say goodbye to my older brother who delivered me here. I will miss riding with him. This is not to say that we did not have our own private disagreements on this trip— that this trip was about closing two great distances. I love my older brother. But we have two very different ways of walking in the world. But what I admire most about him is his fierce love for those whom he has admitted into his family. It is a fierce love which insists on itself. I don’t know any other way to explain this then to tell you about the other day. We were driving together on a country road when all of a sudden I hear a loud thud on the windshield. Valdo swears and hits the steering wheel. I ask him, “What happened?” He says, “We hit something!” “Que?” I ask him, thinking that we hit a deer or a stray dog. “Un pájaro,” a bird, he says. “Oh,” I say, relieved that it wasn’t a deer or dog. “I hit him hard,” he says. “I think he died,” I say. “We have to go back.” “What for?” I say, surprised. “To make sure he is dead and not suffering.” “I’m sure he is dead. Besides, there is nothing you can do for him.” “I have to go back.” “You can’t help him,” I insist. 6 | June 2015

“The very least I can do is to wring its neck. Put him out of his misery.” And this is my brother. This is the fierceness of his love. Which, which insists on itself. And you just know that if you were that bird, there on the side of the road, your broken wing flapping, that he would love you enough to put you out of your misery. And all I can think is that someday, someday, I want to grow up to be like my older brother, Valdo. Tomorrow I ride alone.... AUGUST 27 Rode from Fort Collins to Idaho Falls yesterday. Crossed the Continental Divide at 9,786 feet and then rode along the Snake River through the Grand Tetons and into Idaho Falls. Rode through a patch of snowfall. It may be the altitude, but here and there I can sense autumn approaching. This is a beautiful and divergent country. When I stopped for gas, I spotted a cyclist who was airing his sleeping bag at a Safeway, a gentle man from Tibet who with his partner were riding their bicycles from Vancouver, British Columbia to New York. They reminded me of my old bicycling days. When I was 18, I got on an old Schwinn and rode it from Chicago to Canada and back. Rode 1,600 miles in two weeks. Long time ago now... On my way to the moon this morning, or Craters of the Moon to be more precise. Stopped for breakfast at Atomic Pickle. So named, I think, because it’s located next to an atomic research plant. The remote layout of the lab recalled to me my days at Argonne National Laboratory. Two other older motorcyclists stopped in after me and asked to sit with me, asked me where I was riding from. Chicago, I said, headed back to Portland. “Are you from Portland?” the older gentleman asked. “No, originally from Mexico but have lived in Portland for 15 years.” “Are you legal?!” he asks with a snarky laugh. At these unprepared, unguarded moments, I never know what to say, how to answer, how to get him to see that I am neither legal nor illegal. That I am a man like any other who injures and is injured. Who has brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers who feel. Who have hungered and who are, above all, part of this tender human family. That we work and work again. That we love and sorrow both. But all I can think to ask him is “Where are you from?” To begin a conversa| NEW AMERICANS Goes to page 7

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brother to brother

“CROSSED THE CONTINENTAL DIVIDE AT 9,786 FEET AND THEN RODE ALONG THE SNAKE RIVER THROUGH THE GRAND TETONS AND INTO IDAHO FALLS.”

tion about place and how we are all guests on this Shoshone land. But all he knows is that he is from this place. He has forgotten his own family’s narrative of migration. So I ask his friend, also an elderly gentleman, where he is from. “From Idaho Falls,” he says, “but my last name is Carrillo.” His father was Mexican and spoke Basque, and they have been here so long he no longer speaks Spanish nor Basque. On the way here I traveled a historic route that commemorates the forced “relocation” of Native Americans from their ancestral Continued from page 6 lands. These elders, these grandfathers and children, died on this trail of tears. And they continue to die by this internment and yet we, who are indigenous to this continent, are seen as the stranger, as the foreigner. I simply do not have or own the words for this... AUGUST 30 I have walked on the dark side of the moon, at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. The place stands stark with craters formed from lava flows, creating an otherworldly experience. Visiting the moon reminded me of Tio Aureliano, a great, great uncle who presides over my early adolescence in Chicago in the Wrigley Field neighborhood. Tio Aureliano rented the same apartment four blocks from the Cubs stadium for about 20 years. We always knew when someone scored a home run because we could hear the crowds cheering inside this one-bedroom apartment.

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Tio Aureliano stands out for me because he held certain beliefs. But what was remarkable was not what he believed in but what he did not believe in. He, for example, did not believe that man had traveled to the moon and back. He believed that this was “Un truco de ‘Ollywood,” a “trick of Hollywood,” that the images we all knew of Armstrong stepping onto the moon were not historical recordings of man’s greatest achievement but a Hollywood film produced for the U.S. For what purpose, it is not clear to me in my mind’s eye—maybe as propaganda for the U.S. in its struggle to win the space wars. Tio Aureliano also refused to believe in diabetes, until the gangrene in his body caused doctors to hack him limb by limb until he was dead. Tio Aureliano reminds me of the older white gentleman who asked me if I “was legal” yesterday. Specifically, his insistence on a narrative that is not historically complete or accurate, a failure to acknowledge that this America was not discovered. That there were millions of Native Americans who had called this place home for millennia before European immigrants engaged in a campaign of genocide resulting in the death of millions of our brothers and sisters. We are taught in our countries to revere our elders as vessels of knowledge and wisdom. I am always saddened to find that, sometimes, before me are simply empty vessels. This anachronistic way of going through the world insisting on a myth of benign acquisition is not only maladaptive but harmful. As I have traveled America’s breadth, as we have crossed her august body, what is clear now is that America is changing, has changed. Her character, her complexion, her very essence has changed. America is a great and beautiful country, not in spite of its diversity, not in spite of its browning complexion, but because of it.

June 2015 | 7


earth, wind & tire

PAINTED HILLS: ONE OF OREGON’S SEVEN WONDERS By Mary Smith Engstrom

If you have the time for an entire day of riding or seek an adventurous overnight trek, Painted Hills is a destination you do not want to miss. This spectacular display of million-year-old volcanic activity aftermath takes your breath away. It appears Mother Nature decided to make this her canvas when she discovered color. Hues of gold, green and red against the brilliant blue sky is undoubtedly one of the most impressive natural works of art I have seen. Nestled between canyons of rugged architectural pillars of lava, when examined up close, appear to be delicate, perfectly placed puzzle pieces. From a distance it seems as though the ground is smooth, but intricate cracks in the earth separate each color from the others. Random placement and blending from color to color complete each knoll as if it were an individual painting. Certainly the presentation changes as the sun rises and sets. I’ve seen it at mid-afternoon but would love to witness it at other times of the day. This ride will take you through the familiar beauty of the Columbia River Gorge to the transitional rolling hills of fertile farmland and through the forest of wind turbines, a new “farming” that harnesses our natural wind resources,

The Road Traveled:

To view map go to Tankside.com & download into your navigation system.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS By Dave Engstrom, Tankside Road Captain

P​O​R​T​L ​A​N​D​,​ ​O​RE. 1. Start out going east on SW Madison St. toward SW 6th Ave. (go 0.16 miles) 2. Turn left onto SW 4th Ave. SW 4th Ave. is just past SW 5th Ave. If you reach SW 3rd Ave., you’ve gone a little too far. (go 0.29 miles) 3. Turn right onto SW Alder St. SW Alder St. is just past SW Morrison St. Perfect Pizza is on the right. If you reach SW Washington St., you’ve gone a little too far. (go 0.1 miles) 4. Turn slight left to stay on SW Alder St. SW Alder St. is just past SW 3rd Ave. CIGNA is on the corner. (go 0.1 miles) 8 | June 2015

with which we are all too familiar in this area. Don’t be surprised to be the lone ranger on the road—towns are few and far between. Your road will gently twist, curve and drop you into deep canyons like a roller coaster as you make your way to Mitchell, Oregon. Mitchell is known as the gateway to the Painted Hills. This mecca boasts a population of approximately 130 people including cats, dogs and a couple of horses at the edge of town. You may be lucky enough to catch the one and only food truck seen in over a hundred miles—if not, there is a meager grocery store and two cafés. It’s highly advisable to pack food and water, as services are limited once you leave I-84. You will find yourself four hours from Portland and roughly two hours from Bend if you hustle and not take the time to sightsee along the way. Once you leave the blacktop, the road transitions to hard-packed gravel. Hopefully you will be comfortable navigating your way into the park; otherwise you will miss out on the destination. The road has been well maintained and is navigable even on two wheels. Unfortunately, shuttles are not available so riding on the gravel is a necessity. If you plan to make a day of it, expect at least a 12-hour trip. In the event you have the time for an overnighter, accommodations can be found in Prineville, Bend, Redmond and Sisters. There are multiple options for this ride, so explore the maps and determine how much time you want to be on the road. You should expect to spend no less than an hour and a half in the park to take in all it has to offer. Painted Hills needs to be on your “Bike It” list if it hasn’t been added already.

From: P​o​r​t​l​a​n​d​,​ ​O​re. To: Pa ​ i​ n ​ t​ e ​ d ​ ​H ​ i​ l​ l​ s​ ,​ ​ M ​ i​ t​ c​ h ​ e ​ l​ l​ ,​ ​ O ​ re. To: C​o​n​d​o​n​,​ ​Ore. To: W​a​s​c​o​,​ ​Ore.​

To: B​i​g​g​s​,​ ​Ore. To: M​u​r​d​o​c​k​,​ Wash. To: C​a​r​s​o​n​,​ ​Wash. To: C​a​m​a​s​,​ ​Wash.

5. SW Alder St. becomes Morrison Bridge. (go 0.21 miles) 6. Merge onto I-84 E. toward The Dalles. (go 13.72 miles) 7. Take the 238th Drive exit, EXIT 16, toward Wood Village. (go 0.27 miles) 8. Turn right onto NE 238th Drive. If you reach I-84 E., you’ve gone about 0.2 miles too far. (go 0.86 miles) 9. NE 238th Drive becomes NE 242nd Drive. (go 0.74 miles) 10. NE 242nd Drive becomes NE Hogan Drive. (go 1.23 miles) 11. Turn slight left onto NE Burnside Road. NE Burnside Road is 0.1 miles past NE 8th St. If you reach E. Powell Blvd., you’ve gone about 0.2 miles too far. (go 0.68 miles) 12. NE Burnside Road becomes US-26 E. (go 103.44 miles) 13. Turn left onto US-26 E./SW Highway 26. Continue to follow US-26 E. US-26 E. is 0.1 miles past SW Swan St. If you reach SW Pony St., you’ve gone about 0.1 miles too far. (go 70.56 miles) 14. Turn left onto Burnt Ranch Road. TANKSIDE.COM


earth, wind & tire If you reach Gable Creek Road, you’ve gone about 0.8 miles too far. (go 5.6 miles) 15. Turn left onto Bear Creek Road. (go 1.75 miles) 16. Turn right onto Painted Hills State Park. (go 0.31 miles) 17. Welcome to MITCHELL, Ore. If you reach the end of Painted Hills State Park, you’ve gone about 0.7 miles too far. (go 0 miles) ESTIMATED TIME: 4 hours, 2 minutes DISTANCE: 200.01 miles

PAINTED HILLS, MITCHELL, ORE. 1. Start out going south on Painted Hills State Park toward Bear Creek Road. (go 0.31 miles) 2. Turn left onto Bear Creek Road. (go 1.75 miles) 3. Turn right onto Burnt Ranch Road. (go 5.6 miles) 4. Turn left onto US-26 E./Ochoco Hwy. (go 3.37 miles) 5. Turn left onto OR-207/Highway 207 S. If you are on Ochoco Hwy. and reach W. Main St., you’ve gone about 0.2 miles too far. (go 23.82 miles) 6. Turn left onto Highway 19/OR-19. Continue to follow OR-19. (go 38.85 miles) 7. Turn left onto OR-206/Wasco Heppner Hwy. OR-206 is just past W. Gilliam St. If you are on NE Main St. and reach Frazier St., you’ve gone a little too far. (go 0.05 miles) 8. Welcome to CONDON, Ore. If you are on W. Walnut St. and reach S. Church St., you’ve gone a little too far. (go 0 miles) ESTIMATED TIME: 1 hour, 36 minutes| DISTANCE: 73.75 miles

CONDON, ORE. 1. Start out going west on W. Walnut St. OR-206 toward N. Church St. Continue to follow OR-206. (go 40.54 miles) 2. Turn right onto Clark St./OR-206. Continue to follow Clark St. (go 0.09 miles) 3. Welcome to WASCO, Ore. Your destination is just past Fulton St. If you reach 2nd St., you’ve gone a little too far. (go 0 miles) ESTIMATED TIME: 47 minutes DISTANCE: 40.63 miles TANKSIDE.COM

WASCO, ORE. 1. Start out going south on Clark St. toward 1st St. (go 0 miles) 2. Take the first right onto 1st St./OR-206. Continue to follow OR-206. Farmers Insurance - Cody Olsen is on the corner. If you reach Fulton St., you’ve gone a little too far. (go 0.78 miles) 3. Merge onto Sherman Hwy./US-97 N. If you are on Highway 206 and reach N. Sawtooth Road, you’ve gone about 0.7 miles too far. (go 8.67 miles) 4. Turn left onto Biggs Rufus Hwy. (go 0.22 miles) 5. Welcome to BIGGS, Ore. If you reach Welk Road, you’ve gone a little too far. (go 0 miles) ESTIMATED TIME: 11 minutes DISTANCE: 9.68 miles

BIGGS, ORE. 1. Start out going northeast on Biggs Rufus Hwy. toward US-97 N./US-97 S./Sherman Hwy. (go 0.22 miles) 2. Take the first left onto US-97 N./Sherman Hwy. Continue to follow US-97 N. (Crossing into Washington). If you reach Cherry Blossom Lane, you’ve gone about 3.9 miles too far. (go 2.59 miles) 3. Turn left onto Highway 14/US-97 N./ WA-14. Continue to follow WA-14. (go 19.55 miles) 4. Turn right onto Ash St. Ash St. is 0.1 miles past Grandview Road. UNION 76 is on the corner. If you reach Oak St., you’ve gone about 0.1 miles too far. (go 0.06 miles) 5. Turn slight left onto Klickitat Ave. Klickitat Ave. is just past Murdock Ave. If you reach the end of Ash St., you’ve gone about 0.1 miles too far. (go 0.07 miles) 6. Welcome to MURDOCK, Wash. If you reach Chestnut St., you’ve gone a little too far. (go 0 miles)

Continue to follow WA-14. WA-14 is just past Murdock Ave. UNION 76 is on the corner. If you are on Worthen St. and reach Dean Ave., you’ve gone a little too far. (go 34.41 miles) 4. Turn sharp right onto Wind River Hwy. Wind River Hwy. is just past Sprague Landing Road. (go 0.92 miles) 5. Welcome to CARSON, Wash. Your destination is just past Fredrickson Ave. If you reach Glur Road, you’ve gone a little too far. (go 0 miles) ESTIMATED TIME: 41 minutes DISTANCE: 35.46 miles

CARSON, WASH. 1. Start out going south on Wind River Hwy. toward Fredrickson Ave. (go 0.89 miles) 2. Take WA-14 W. (go 31.98 miles) 3. Take the 2nd St. S. exit, EXIT 14, toward WA-500 W./Lacamas Lake Park/Camas/ Park & Ride/ Parkersville National Historic Site. (go 0.4 miles) 4. Enter next roundabout and take the third exit onto C St. (go 0.28 miles) 5. C St. becomes SE 8th Ave. (go 0.13 miles) 6. Enter next roundabout and take the first exit onto SE Union St./WA-500. (go 0.03 miles) 7. Stay straight to go onto SE Union St./ WA-500. Continue to follow WA-500. (go 0.98 miles) 8. Welcome to CAMAS, Wash. Your destination is just past NE 2nd Ave. If you reach NE 4th Ave., you’ve gone a little too far. (go 0 miles) ESTIMATED TIME: 43 minutes DISTANCE: 34.69 miles

CAMAS, WASH. TOTAL ESTIMATED TIME: 8 hours 30 minutes DISTANCE: 416.71 miles

ESTIMATED TIME: 26 minutes DISTANCE: 22.49 miles

MURDOCK, WASH. 1. Start out going southeast on Klickitat Ave. toward Ash St. (go 0.07 miles) 2. Turn slight right onto Ash St. (go 0.06 miles) 3. Turn right onto Highway 14/WA-14. June 2015 | 9


calendar of events

June 15-21

MARYMOUNT MOTORCYCLE WEEK

At: Marymount Event Center, 325 152nd St. E., Tacoma, WA Marymount Motorcycle Week features an indoor display of more than 200 vintage and specialty motorcycles, an American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association-sanctioned vintage trials course on Saturday, June 20, a special display from the Pacific Northwest Museum of Motorcycling, a motorcycle soccer exhibition, a stunt and drill team performance by the Seattle Cossacks (including their rarely seen board crash), and an outdoor cruise-in that Father’s Day weekend. The heavy hitter allstars of motorcycle history like BMW, BSA, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha and more will be highlighted during this special week, which attracts thousands of automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts. Show your dad some love for Father’s Day and treat him to a fun day out to see some of his favorite rides. For more information: 253-272-2336 Online: lemaymarymount.org/marymount-motorcycle-week

OREGON & WASHINGTON BIKER EVENTS IN JUNE-JULY

JUNE 6-7

27TH ANNUAL WESTERN STATES 1000

Starts at: Beaverton Motorcycles, 10380 SW Cascade Ave., Tigard, OR Ends at: Beaverton Elks Lodge, 3500 SW 104th Ave., Beaverton, OR The Western States 1000 is always held the first full weekend in June. In an effort to sustain and perpetuate this traditional, longtime and popular event, Rose City Motorcycle Club (RCMC) is pleased to announce that the TOURCADE’s Western States 1000 will continue. This true 1,000 mile, 2-day motorcycle tour of the Pacific Northwest is hosted by the RCMC Board of Directors. Under the terms of our lease contract, the Western States 1000 will be the only event hosted by RCMC in which RCMC members will be eligible to register and compete for awards and prizes of the day as paid entrants (as they have always done in the past). The event format is unchanged. As in the past, a different route is selected each year, with a different halfway point. If you really like those long miles, come along and enjoy the tour. For more information: 503-351-1650 Online: rose-city-mc.org/RCEventfliers/WS1K.html

June 18-21

A.B.A.T.E. OF WASHINGTON SPRING OPENER

At: Silver Ridge Ranch, 182 Silver Ranch Road, Easton, WA The 37th annual event features four live bands, bike games, a bike show, poker run, bikini bike wash, tattoo contest vendors, camping, food and more, 21 and over only, no pets, BYOB. Campsite included with ticket, RV hookup spaces are an extra charge, clean showers and bath rooms, firewood and ice on site. RV parking with hookups available. Advance Tickets: Members $35, non-members $50 At the gate: $5 extra For more information: 253-678-1713 Online: abate-wa.org/Events/SpringOpener.aspx

June 25-28

FIFTH ANNUAL TOURATECH RALLY

The Fifth Annual Touratech Rally in Plain, Wash. takes place in conjunction with the Overland Rally. It doesn’t matter what you ride (as long as it’s “street-legal”), or what your experience is—the Touratech Rally has something for you. This year’s rally will include camping, classes, GPS tracks, guided rides and entertaining guest speakers. Don’t miss your chance to ride some of the best off-road routes in the Pacific Northwest, as well as attend a handful of free clin-

June 14

THE V-TWIN PROJECT SECOND TITLE CEREMONY AND BIKE GIVEAWAY

At: Sugar Mommas’ Bake Shop, 1714 Pacific Ave., Ste. A, Forest Grove, OR For the second year, The V-Twin Project will donate a motorcycle to a deserving veteran. Join us for the unveiling celebration, followed by a ride to Dr. Feelgood’s Pub for live music and pints. Visit the project’s website (vtwinproject.org) to join the effort, nominate a veteran, learn more about how to donate time, services, or a bike to the cause. Time: 1 p.m. For more information: Clue@vtwinproject.org Online: vtwinproject.org or facebook.com/vtwinproject

OR.

June 13

SPIT SHINE RIDE-IN BIKE SHOW

At: D&S Harley-Davidson, 3846 S. Pacific Highway, Medford, OR There will be live music, a barbecue, 50/50 raffle, prize wheel and, of course, a great bike show! We hope to see you there. For more information: 541-535-5515 10 | June 2015

July 9-13

HELLS CANYON MOTORCYCLE RALLY

At: Historic Baker City, OR Now in its 16th year, Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally boasts seven named roads, five major courses and five scenic byways. Ride the dream in Historic Baker City, Oregon, put your bike on some of the greatest motorcycle roads anywhere, like The Little Dragon—188 corners in 14 miles—or check the Tamarack Trail, 53 miles of

peg-grinding fun. Discover the scenery, history and breathtaking geography of Northeast Oregon by day and the friendly folks that make B City a famous oasis for road-weary If you don’t have fun here, give media sponsor of the Hells Canyo Registration: $50 until July 3; $80 For more information: 503-770-0 Online: hellscanyonrally.com or fa

July 2

PENDLETON B

At: 1601 Westgate, Pendleton, Pendleton Bike Week is a large TANKSIDE.COM


calendar of events ics and classes including Motorcycle Camping 101, Adventure Bike Suspension, Ergonomics and Bike Setup, and Motorcycle Tire Repair. Puget Sound Safety will be on-site offering two different off-road skills development training courses for an additional fee. Come join the Touratech crew for a weekend of riding in the mountains and good times around the campfire. And back by popular demand, on Friday and Saturday there will be a women’s-only ride complete with a post-ride “wine and chat,” a discussion of all things riding. Admission includes camping and classes, as well as access to the Overland Rally. Food and drinks are not included. There is, however, a gas station, small store and restaurant nearby. There will also be a food vendor or two on-site. On-site check-in: Thurs., June 25 at noon Rides start: 9 a.m. Fri., June 26 and Sat., June 27 Classes and seminars: in the afternoon Event wrap-up: Sun. morning, June 28, with attendees to depart by noon Check out the video at: youtube.com/channel/ UCfsFe3_oQMzmrEecXVBdXIA

July 16-18

WASHINGTON DISTRICT GWRRA CONVENTION

At: Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 4907 Landes St., Port Townsend, WA $1000 grand prize! Live music Friday by “Jukebox” and an ice cream social on Saturday. Events include a ‘50s sock hop, karaoke bike games, bike show, light parade chapter and individual competitions, and the “Walkabout” is back! For more infor-

Baker y bikers by night. up! Tankside is the exclusive on Motorcycle Rally 2015. 0 for a camping packet 0799 or 503-775-2203 acebook.com/hellscanyonrally

22-26

BIKE WEEK

OR e motorcycle rally that takes TANKSIDE.COM

July 25

mation: 360-578-7999 Online: gwrra-wa.org/CalendarListView.html

2015 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship - Washougal National

July 23-26

27TH ANNUAL SUN AND SURF MOTORCYCLE RUN

At: Ocean Shores Convention Center, 120 W. Chance a La Mer NW, Ocean Shores, WA Events include bike games, a live and silent auction, concerts, a fun run, bike show, outside bands, beer garden, entertainment and more! 100% of the money raised from auctions, registration and Sun and Surf merchandise benefit Boyer Children’s Clinic, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Ocean Shores Food Bank, and other local charities. Online: sunandsurfrun.com

At: Washougal MX Park, 40912 NE Borin Road, Washougal, WA The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, features the world’s fastest outdoor motocross racers, racing aboard the best bikes each factory offers, on the roughest, toughest tracks in the world. Motocross racing is survival of the fittest as well as the fastest every weekend; it’s where legends like Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath, James Stewart, and Ryan Villopoto were built. The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship is the pinnacle of professional motocross racing, attracting the world’s most talented athletes to compete on the country’s toughest and most scenic motocross tracks. The schedule includes Loretta Lynn’s AMA Amateur National Regional and Qualifiers, Washougal Hi-Point Series, Spartan Run, Pacific Northwest Championship Series, Pacific Racing Organization Top Gun. Also featured: free motorcycle parking and gear/ helmet check, open air festival seating, infield track viewing via seven track tunnels, a large interactive sponsor village, food and soft drink concessions, on-site camping. Enjoy fishing in our private stocked pond, grandstand seating, shaded picnic areas, nearly 100 percent track viewing from a variety of vantage points, event simulcast on FM radio, beer concessions, onsite parking, handicap parking, and RV septic pump service. VIP Super Tickets include live PA feed, live timing and scoring, live race footage, private restrooms and catering. Online: mxsportsproracing.com/ pages/schedule/washougal-national Fur ther Down the Road

WA.

July 24-26 HOG WILD

At: Quinault Beach Resort and Casino, 78 WA-115, Ocean Shores, WA Hog Wild is three days of fun, excitement, music, food, vendors and beautiful northwestern scenery. Quinault Beach Resort and Casino is the host hotel for Hog Wild and is offering two- and three-night packages, some of which include free VIP entry to Hog Wild for one or two riders. If you prefer, Quinault Beach Resort and Casino also has a firstclass campground that you can book by calling the number below. For more information: 1-888-461-2214 for information, mention “Hog Wild” Online: road-shows.com/hog_wild.php

place in the Wild West city of Pendleton, Oregon. At the base of the majestic Blue Mountains, Pendleton is also home to the world famous Pendleton Round-up and Pendleton Woolen Mill Store. The rally includes a bike show, poker runs and super-moto races. There will be an honor ride for slain Sheriff Til Taylor and the event includes a ride pin fashioned after the sheriff’s badge. For more information: 541-968-3865 or 360-606-5763 Online: pendletonbikeweek.com

July 23-26

RUN 21 MOTORCYCLE RALLY

At: 1259 Salmon River Highway, Otis, OR Motorcycle rally at the Oregon beach, near Lincoln City. Live music and biker games! For more information: 360-600-8988 Online: run-21.com June 2015 | 11


Business Profile

CRUISE-IN CONSIGNMENT

Leather jackets, chaps, saddle bags, gloves… I am sure you have some gear you are ready to let go of. Have you thought of bringing it to Cruise-In Consignment? Cruise-In Consignment is an excellent way to make money on gear you don’t want or need anymore. You will find new items here every week. My MC went to Cruise-In recently to get patches made, and several of my friends bought jackets and saddlebags. Yes, Cruise-In Consignment can make most any patch you would like and even sew it on your cut or jacket. You can email them at CruiseInConsign@gmail.com with a logo or design idea, and they will digitize it, quote you a price, and then mail them to you. Cruise-In makes patches for people and MCs all over the country. The consignment process is super simple. Bring your gear in and Cruise-In gives you an inventory list, prices/tags the products, puts them on their shelves, and sends you a check when it sells. It is a nice surprise to get money in the mail for a jacket, boots, or whatever you brought in. It is also a great way to help out other riders who may be on a tighter budget than others. And, it is really the ultimate way to recycle, a total win-win situation. The inventory consists of name-brand, high-quality, and in-great-shape helmets, gloves, chaps, jackets, cuts, you name it—Cruise-In Consignment has it or will be getting it in stock. I recently saw a perfect pair of Langlitz leather jeans there—gorgeous, thick leather and not a scratch on them. Those in the know appreciate just how awesome Langlitz gear is. This is an example of the outstanding inventory on hand. Cruise-In typically sells their consignment gear for one-quarter to one-third of its retail price. This means you can outfit yourself and your passenger for the price of one, with some money left over for a fun road trip. Owners Martin and Heidi Slagle have been in business for quite a few years and are integral partners in our biker community. Of course they ride, and Heidi is even part of the Patriot Guard. Martin and Heidi always have smiles on their faces and are always there to chat up a good ride. Give Cruise-In Consignment a weekly call to see what has been dropped off, but better yet, stop by and try on some of their quality “gently-used gear.” Cruise-In Consignment is in a small strip mall, with plenty of parking, behind the gas station at the southwest corner of NE Burton Road and NE 112th Avenue. The best way to get there is to head east on NE Burton heading toward NE 112th; you will take a right into their parking lot just before you reach the light. Connect with Martin or Heidi and let them know if you have gear to consign or are looking for any type of on-/off-road motorcycle gear—they are both more than happy to help. Tell them Tankside sent you. 11013 NE Burton Road, Vancouver, WA 98682 360-891-5693 Hours of operation: Sun.-Mon. 11am- 6pm; Tues. CLOSED; Wed.-Thurs. 10am-6pm; Fri.-Sat. 10am-7pm Online: cruise-inconsignment.webs.com or search “CruiseInConsignment” on Facebook 12 | June 2015

—Gabriela Kandziora TANKSIDE.COM


People

IT’S A GROOVY RIDE WITH LADY FRED: INTERNATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY 2015 Saturday, May 2, 2015 marked the ninth year for International Female Ride Day. I really love this day and am honored to be part of it. I have headed up the U.S. event for the past five years. I love that I am riding “in spirit” with all my Wind Sisters from around the world. It is so cool to know that my Wind Sisters in Australia, India, Iceland, Bangladesh, Ireland and Canada, to name a few, are all riding at the same time, as well as my Wind Sisters spread out across America. IFRD was founded by Vicki Gray, from Canada. It is a day to celebrate women riders and to help bring attention to the fact that more and more women are riding. IFRD promotes sisterhood, and inspires and encourages those who have been on the fence about riding to take that plunge and “Just Ride,” as their slogan goes. There is only one rule: Just ride! Anywhere, anytime, just ride. I organized a ride for Michigan with my Facebook group, Biker Chicks Michigan. There was a bike ride going on in Vogel Center at the Museum of Moses, which is about 100 miles north from me and sounded like a good destination. They have a private motorcycle collection, which was owned by Kevin Moses. He passed away from cancer several years ago, and his sister, Karla Moses, runs the museum. I discovered this little treasure one day just zigzagging across Michigan working my way home from the Upper Peninsula. Friendships were made and I’ve been there several times since, as it is a groovy place for sure. One of the cool things about this museum is that they have a 1939 Goulding “Rocket” sidecar man-

ufactured by Dot and Earl Robinson. Earl actually borrowed $3,000 from Arthur Davidson to purchase the H-D Dealership in Saginaw from Dot’s parents. Later the dealership was moved to Detroit. For those who do not know of Dot Robinson, she is considered the First Lady of Motorcycling and one of the founders of the Motor Maids. Founded in 1940, it is the oldest same-gender motorcycle organization in the United States. I am honored and proud to share that I am a Motor Maid too. We are also international, with sister chapters in Canada. I led a small group of chicks to the Museum of Moses, enjoying many back roads and small towns along the way. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the roads were free from pestering traffic. We arrived in time to enjoy the raffles, give out hugs and watch the ride take off. We all had additional plans for the day so we parted ways from there. I continued to zigzag, working my way over to Muskegon to enjoy A.B.A.T.E. Reg 5’s annual membership bash, which was being held at my favorite biker bar, Pat’s Roadhouse. I had so much fun enjoying the 75 miles of virgin country blacktop and took 150-plus pics of some very cool things along the way. It’s hard for me to find roads that I haven’t been on before, as I’ve been riding Michigan for 20-plus years, let alone 75 miles of virgin blacktop. I couldn’t have been more tickled! I finally had a chance to explore an iconic town, Idlewild. I’ve ridden by many times and never stopped in to check it out. Idlewild, also known as

“Black Eden,” got its nickname for being the first place in Michigan to offer African Americans an opportunity to be landowners. During the time of segregation, it was considered the hottest resort spot in the nation for African Americans. The Flamingo Bar became very famous—all the popular acts performed there, including the Four Tops. When it became legal for African Americans to vote, the community started to dissolve as they spread out across the state. During the ‘80s and ‘90s, I knew Idlewild to be the place hunters would go to get their “itch scratched”—there were ladies there willing to “scratch it” for them. The town has since cleaned up and I found it to be a cool little place, rich in history. The Red Rooster is a tavern that has reopened and boasts a “Welcome Bikers” banner on the outside of the building. Someday I’d like to have lunch there when I find myself up that way again. I was now in familiar territory and realized that, if I didn’t make a beeline for Muskegon, I would miss out on the event. The place was still hopping and many of my friends were still there. I enjoyed a delicious grilled steak dinner and danced the night away to live rock ‘n’ roll music. I spent the night in town with friends and had a huge smile on my face as my head hit the pillow. It was also my first “real” ride of the season, rolling just under 300 miles. Yes, indeed, IFRD 2015 was the best riding day of the year and I couldn’t have been more proud to be part of it. Lady Fred is a member of the Motor Maids and many other women’s organizations/RG/Clubs. She is an A.B.A.T.E. member for 20 years, HOG/LOH, Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion Axillary. You can find her at facebook.com/LadyFredBikerChick.

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June 2015 | 13


Local Events

TWO WHEELS AROUND TOWN By Tom Nielsen

1961 Velocette Clubman

The 35th Annual Vintage Motorcycle Ride, Show, and Swap Meet was held May 16-17 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis. The event was hosted by the Oregon Vintage Motorcyclists club. The ride was on Saturday and show on Sunday. On Sunday, there were People’s Choice Award competitions held for American, British, Asian, European, and Scooter motorcycle categories. The Oregon Vintage Motorcyclists club is dedicated to the preservation, maintenance and enjoyment of antique, veteran and special interest two- and three-wheeled motor vehicles. Membership consists of people of all ages and from all walks of life. The club’s premier annual event is the May Show and Swap Meet at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis. Monthly meetings are held year round in Portland, Eugene and Medford. We organize two or three club-sponsored rides each summer and participate in a number of annual events hosted by other groups. For more information, visit oregonvintage.org.

Steel Stampede: Chuck Hodson, age 74, and his Honda Trial bike, with supporter (and rider) Jackie Colwell

Steel Stampede: Matchless and BSA “Trials” bikes

Steel Stampede, May 2-3, Bend, Ore.

The annual Northwest American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) vintage motorcycle trials competition and motocross race was held at the Crooked River Ranch north of Bend. This event has been held since 2006. The trials competition was Saturday. A Trial event is split into sections where a competitor rides slowly through 10 obstacle courses (sections), 1 at a time, while attempting to avoid touching the ground with the feet. Every rider follows a specific “line” through each section, depending on their abilities and the type of motorcycle they are riding. Trials motorcycles are distinctive in that they are extremely lightweight, lack seating (they’re designed to be ridden standing up) and have a very short suspension travel. Vintage Trials sections are made up of 3 different lines (1, 2, and 3). The 3 line is the easiest and is used by the oldest bikes and also less-skilled riders. The 2 line is for intermediate riders and generally the bikes will be newer than 1960. The 1 line is for experts

who typically ride “newer” (still pre-1975) bikes. Trials is a very old sport—in 2011 it celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Scottish Six Days, which were held in Edinburgh, Scotland and which is still run today. In every section, the competitor is scored by an observer (hence the sport’s full name of “Observed Trials”) who counts how many times the competitor touches the ground with the foot (or any other part of the body). Each time a competitor touches the ground with a foot, the penalty is one point. Possible scores in each section are 0 through 5. If a rider falls, they get a score of 5. There were 70 competitors in the trials. On Sunday were the motocross races. There are numerous classes, divided generally by age of riders (open; 40, 50, 60; and 70+), skill level (novice, intermediate, and expert), and size of the motorcycle (100, 125, 250, and 500 cc). Motocross started life as Scrambles events begun as a British form of motorsport in the mid 1920s. Run on a mainly natural terrain course with some manmade obstacles like jumps, these events were very popular and were “imported” to the United States, where they became known as Motocross. Riders par-

Men’s 3/4 Helmet, size XL, Retractable sun visor, clear outer face shield, ventilated ducts, Harley-Davidson Part # 98210-10VM. Worn once. Was a gift, wanted a full-face helmet. Retail: $160, Sale $100. nielsents@comcast.net. 14 | June 2015

ticipate in two “motos” for their class (morning and afternoon), competing head-to-head against their peers. Scoring for Motocross is simpler than trials; first to the finish line wins! The two Moto scores are combined, and the class winner is the rider with the best combined scores from both Motos (descriptions courtesy of Steel Stampede WordPress). The vintage races have multiple classes for vintage roadrace, motocross, trials, dirt track, and cross country to name a few. Each class is broken down by engine size and machine age, such as pre-1965, pre-1974, and pre-1979. There is the distinctive class called “Dinosaur” for pre-1951 machines. There are also different classes based on the age of the rider. For more information on vintage racing, check out National AHRMA’s website (ahrmanw.org) and the Northwest Chapter of AHRMA’s website (ahrmanw.org). Tom Nielsen is a member of Oregon Trail Chapter, Antique Motorcycle Club; Oregon Vintage Motorcyclists; Rose City Motorcycle Club; and the Sunset Chapter, Harley Owner Group.

Oregon Trail Chapter, Antique Motorcycle Club of America Rally July 16 – 19th

Headquarters: Spirit Mountain Casino, Grand Ronde, OR, Purple Lot. Thursday, July 16th: Registration, Social Hour. Friday, July 17th, RideDinner hosted by OTC at the Casino. Saturday, July 18th, Ride Dinner at the Fort Hill Restaurant, Willamina, OR. Sunday, July 19th Depart. Lodging: Spirit Mountain Casino, 800-760-7977 . More Details to come on our website http://www.antiquemotorcycleoregon.com/

TANKSIDE.COM


Safety Corner

THE SPACE CUSHION By Steven Glickman

Adjust your speed to maintain the cushion. Also, never move into We don’t ride motorcycles to be someone else’s space cushion. So, safe, we ride safe so we can keep for example, if you need to move riding our motorcycles. to your right, make sure you don’t Sometimes, when I’m riding my move into the space a person estabmotorcycle, I feel like all the cars lished to make a cushion on their and trucks on the road are trying to left. kill me. They get too close behind A personal injury lawyer told me. They ride alongside me. Why me about a client of his who was do they want to get so close to me? hit on his motorcycle riding down Thankfully, I’ve the highway. He developed a safety was in the left lane “YOU WANT technique that and a woman was helps me get out driving to his right TO MINIMIZE of these situations. in the center lane. THE RISK OF It’s called “get the She was next to heck away from BEING HIT BY him and decided to everyone else on change lanes to her MINIMIZING the road.” Whenleft. She didn’t see THE TIME ever and wherever him and bumped I ride, I establish YOU’RE AROUND him off the road. a space cushion His injuries were ANY OTHER on all sides, and pretty bad. ObviDRIVER ON THE ously, the woman when a car or truck invariably gets in was at fault. But, ROAD.” my cushion, I get he’s the one with away from them the injuries. So and re-establish my cushion. It even though he’ll collect on insursounds simple, but it actually takes ance, he’ll never fully recover. If he some effort to get in the habit of had made sure he didn’t let anyone doing. travel next to him, he would have Here’s how you establish the been harder to hit. cushion. Make sure that you have So before anyone even talks enough room in front of you to react about clothing, helmet, gloves, bike to a hazard in the road. Check your maintenance, or anything else, you mirrors. Is there a vehicle behind have to talk about your space cushyou that has enough room to stop ion. Minimize the risk of being hit by if there’s an emergency? If there’s minimizing the time you’re around not enough space behind you, you any other driver on the road. The have to speed up or move over. Is best part is that once you’re good at anyone riding next to you on your making a space cushion, you’ll be left or right? If the answer is “yes,” looking at more open road. You’ll speed up or slow down so that your be more relaxed when you’re riding. sides are clear. If you’ve created your And that’s the biggest advantage space cushion, there is no one near of riding safely: It helps you enjoy who can hit you and there’s no one riding more! for you to hit. Steven Glickman has been a UPS Once you’ve created your space driver for 20 years and has served on cushion, you have to maintain it. his local safety committee. He’s put There isn’t a correct speed to be trav- more than 6,000 miles on his bike eling to have a space cushion—it is just in the past year (and the year more important than your speed. ain’t over). TANKSIDE.COM

SOLD

Gabriela Kandziora Real Estate Broker

“Results that move you!” MAY I HELP YOU WITH YOUR REAL ESTATE DREAMS?

Gabriela@RealtorGabriela.com • 503-481-9870

5000 Meadows Suite 150 Portland, OR 97035

June 2015 | 15


Community

“A DIFFERENT KIND OF THERAPY”: THE GRASSROOTS V-TWIN PROJECT DONATES A MOTORCYCLE TO A DESERVING VET

By Gabriela Kandziora

Recently I had a cup of coffee with Air Force Guard John Cloutier, aka “Clue.” I had heard about the wonderful project that Clue and Aaron Perry, a fellow Air Force veteran, started. The idea that these two military men brainstormed, put into motion, and saw to fruition is the V-Twin Project. The V-Twin Project is a unique collaboration of individuals that provides a motorcycle for a vet, nominated by our community, each year. Best friends since grade school, Clue and Aaron were enjoying some whiskey after Aaron rode from Boise all the way to Clue’s home in Hillsboro. The pals laughed, caught up on each other’s lives, and started to toss out ideas about what they could do for their military brothers and sisters to help them know that they are never to feel alone—especially after taking off the uniform and returning to civilian life. These boys knew they were onto something big when they came up with the idea, as Clue put it, “to put a bike together and give it to a vet.” Clue and Aaron wanted to do good for those who have served. And so, halfway through a bottle of whiskey, the V-Twin Project was born. Clue and Aaron put the cash they had in their pockets on the table to start the fund: $20. Those of us who have launched projects and businesses from nothing understand that anything is possible, and that having the idea and drive puts you more than halfway to your goal. This belief was also held by Clue and Aaron. They knew with all their beings that the V-Twin Project would grow and make a difference to a veteran they had not even met yet. Those of us who ride completely understand the medicinal, meditative, relaxing, calming and therapeutic effect of riding—and the camaraderie that can only be found in the biker life. We understand what an amazing gift this was to be for an unknowing vet, a gift of freedom for the freedom fighter. The excitement of being able to surprise a deserving veteran spurred Clue and Aaron on, igniting a deep, unstoppable passion to give back. With the end goal of a gorgeous bike being unveiled to a vet firmly in their minds, they began 16 | June 2015

networking and talking and connecting and creating, and slowly but surely a website was built, patches were designed and produced, and the V-Twin Project Facebook page (facebook.com/vtwinproject) took off. In fact, people who would be of great help began to fall into place. Take Willy Risco, who owns Aloha Tattoo (alohatattooco.weebly.com). A retired Navy diver, he heard of the V-Twin Project and asked Clue to come down to his studio. Clue met with Willy as the latter tattooed stars on the naked breasts of a female client. Clue was determined to move the project along, so with a smile on his handsome face he began telling Willy the vision for the V-Twin Project. Willy worked and listened. Toward the end of the tattoo, Willy spoke. He wanted to help and offered up a sizable donation from each tattoo done to the project. The word spread. More tattoos were inked— more money was donated. With help from the artists at Aloha Tattoo, people who heard about what Clue and Aaron were working toward began donating, and in less than one year from that whiskey-induced brainstorming night, the V-Twin Project had gathered about $4,500. In February 2014 they bought their first bike, a 2006 Vulcan 900. Once the bike was purchased, fellow veterans, motorcycle and auto shop staffers, and others offered to help bring the bike into a state of glory for the still unknown vet. Chaz Auto & RV in Hillsboro (chazauto.net) was kind enough to donate a custom paint job for the Vulcan. D&S Cycle (dandscycle.com) donated new tires. Clue’s pal, Dominic Joseph, signed on as the team’s mechanic, responsible for getting the bike tuned up and running smoothly. And rather quickly, the bike was ready for its new owner. Now to find a deserving vet. The V-Twin Project put together a selection board to help with the nominations and create a list of criteria (vtwinproject.org/nominate). The criteria are impressive. One that truly stands out to me is No. 6: “Community Service—What have you done to make your community a better place?” A veteran who moves toward doing good things for their community is moving in the best direction possible, particularly after that person has taken off their uniform

and is working toward fitting into civilian life again. The selection board decided that the first veteran to get three or more nominations would be the inaugural recipient. The lucky vet was Tyler Andreatta, a former Marine who had been injured by enemy fire while in Afghanistan. The V-Twin Project’s first giveaway happened on June 8, 2014 (vtwinproject. org/2014/08/12/tyler-andreatta). The gifting of the Vulcan to Tyler Andreatta was a huge celebration. The unveiling happened at Aloha Tattoo. With music playing, Willy had the barbecue fired up and was once again donating monies from each tattoo inked that day and in the future. A large crowd gathered around the covered motorcycle. As Clue removed the cover and Tyler saw his new bike, there was not a dry eye in the crowd. Clue signed over the title to Tyler, who held it in disbelief and shock, his knees buckling a bit, a huge smile on his face as he got on the gorgeous, shiny bike. But the party wasn’t over yet. Most of the crowd rode to Dr. Feelgood’s Pub, where a live band was playing and the Patriot Guard was there to greet Tyler. This was a genuine celebration of gratitude, from the moment of the V-Twin Project’s inception to the moment the band played their last song. The veteran now has “a different kind of therapy.” May Tyler Andreatta enjoy riding that beautiful Vulcan knowing that he will never feel alone after taking off the uniform, because Tyler is now part of the biker community. The V-Twin Project will unveil their second motorcycle on June 14, 2015. This year’s project is truly sweet—Sugar Mommas’ Bake Shop (sugarmommasbakeshop.com), which will host the ceremony, is donating monies from bake sales. Check out their amazing “patch cookies,” decorated to resemble the V-Twin Project patch (1714 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove). Come and enjoy the party June 14, and support one of the best projects you will ever witness. Contact Clue himself (Clue@vtwinproject.org), and visit their website (vtwinproject.org) to join the effort, nominate a veteran, learn more about attending the unveiling, and how to donate time, services, or a bike to this awesome project. TANKSIDE.COM


In The Cage

I PREFER CARS “IMPORTED” FROM DETROIT, LIKE THE CHRYSLER 300 By Roger Rivero

We immigrants bring our customs to our new home. Only with time do we feel the confidence to experiment and explore new territory. We do this with the purchase of cars. With some exceptions (Russians don’t arrive in search of Ladas), we buy used brands that for years have been popular in our countries of origin. It is very common to see Mexicans in VW and Nissan vehicles, Central Americans in Toyotas, Argentines in Mercedes, Fords and Fiats, and Cubans in Chevys, Dodges and Fords. I personally am a good example of what I say, because in my already 20 years in this generous land, I have passed several times by the “big three Americans” either with used or new cars. My third car was a gift from the company for which I worked, a Chrysler Grand Voyager, which at home we affectionately nicknamed “Carburo.” Thanks to this van we visited fan-

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tastic parts of America, and always returned home “safe and sound.” “Carburo” has never been forgotten, and has been well remembered these days, as I had the opportunity to evaluate another Chrysler product for a week. The 300 is a large sedan, able to accommodate five passengers in comfort. It is quiet (I would say that very quiet, Lexus style) despite the fact that the Firestone tires of our test vehicle did not help much. Well finished and well stocked with technology, it’s ahead of its competitors with its rear-wheel drive and 8-speed transmission. Inside, even though the Chrysler 300 does not reach the level of finish in some European models it competes with, it would be unfair not to recognize a cabin full of rich finishes and extensive softtouch materials, with soft leather tones, which allow a peaceful stay in it. The “Uconnect” infotainment system is without a doubt one of the best today. On the road the Chrysler 300 behaves as what it is, a heavy car, very comfortable, but powerful. Our test car, a Platinum 300c, came equipped with a 5.7 Hemi V8 with an agile response to “jamming” the accelerator like a young antelope. Entering the highway in a 300 is a real pleasure. It reaches 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. This car

adsorbs the roughness of the road efficiently, although a bit more “ease” in the shock absorber wouldn’t hurt for the American road system, which is worse every day. The tremendous pressure suffered by the automobile industry during the last crisis has enabled a rapid shift in the quality, reliability and innovation of the “Big Three.” Chrysler, now FCA (Chrysler Fiat Automobiles), has been second to none in the process. Driving cars from these manufacturers has become an encouraging experience. As some of my friends have jokingly commented when I give them a “taste” aboard these cars, “It seems that Americans are learning to make cars.” While the statement is sarcastic, it has imprinted as always the certainty of popular wisdom. This Chrysler 300 is an excellent example that helps to reaffirm the comment. Those of us who have driven American cars for many years have had to answer the awkward question: Why don’t you buy a Toyota? Or a Honda? The answer may be long, even politicized, but thanks to Chrysler we can now claim otherwise: I prefer to import from Detroit. More about cars: AutomotrizMagazine.com.

June 2015 | 17


Rallying Cry

A TURBO-CHARGED CAUSE Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally to raise funds to replace beloved K9 police dog

By Wolfgang von Hohenzollern

By now you should be registered for the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally. If you haven’t, please do so at www.hellscanyonrally.com/registration and come join us for the fun! In either case, visit hellscanyonrally. com/2015/05/turbo-retires-after-distinguished-career, where you can donate any amount to help HCMR raise $10,000 for a new police K9. You see, Turbo is retiring. Back in 2007, HCMR helped raise $30,000 for Baker City’s first police K9, Turbo, a beautiful, strong, smart black Labrador trained to sniff out drugs. Turbo was used in schools, around town, and on the highways whenever there was a suspicion of drug trafficking. Now after 8 years on the force—56 years in dog time—Turbo is scheduled to retire this June. Turbo has been such a positive addition to the Baker City Police Department that Chief Wyn Lohner quickly made the decision to replace Turbo and keep K9s as an active part of the force. Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally would not be possible without the continued support of Chief Lohner and the Baker City Police. For this reason, along with the basic fact that the dogs are cool, the rally is all in on helping Baker retire Turbo and find a suitable replacement. According to Chief Lohner, $10k is what Baker needs to make this happen, and consequently that is what HCMR intends to raise. If every person who attends the rally donated a minimum of $5, we would raise more

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than enough money for a new K9 police dog and send off Turbo to a lovely retirement. HCMR staff will approach vendors and large donors directly. However, help is still needed from riders. You can donate to the K9 fund and receive a pin commemorating Turbo and the Baker City Police Department. The pin will also be available at the rally. HCMR asks all of you to think about the great time you are going to have at the event and what a great place Downtown Baker is and then kindly donate to this worthy cause. Just click the “donate” button on the Hells Canyon site (hellscanyonrally.com/2015/05/turbo-retires-after-distinguished-career) and give what you can. Every donor will be presented a special commemorative pin to wear. This might be really helpful if you were to be pulled over! Baker City has welcomed riders to their fair locale when lots of other places turned bikers away. HCMR would like to thank Baker City for their friendly and warm attitude toward bikers and the rally. Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally is proud to be part of this awesome community project. See you at the rally! Tankside is the exclusive media sponsor of the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally 2015, which runs July 9-13 in Historic Baker City. Regular registration is $50 until July 3; a camping packet is $80. Call 503-770-0799 or visit hellscanyonrally.com. Pick up the July edition of Tankside for more information.

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18 | June 2015

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The Long Way Home

A PATH NOT TAKEN By Wolfgang von Hohenzollern

One of the first rides I took after Elizabeth broke it off with me was along the coast up and to Vancouver, British Columbia. There is something about being on a motorcycle, alone with your heartache, that helps heal everything quicker. Perhaps it is the power of the bike that moves through the depressed soul and reawakens it? Perhaps it is the feeling of oneness with the bike that realigns the soul and body? I just know that riding alone heals me. I had decided to ride up to Canada along the coast as much as would allow and then come back down I-5 to Portland. I had it mapped out and in my GPS, ready to roll. I geared up as soon as possible and got on my Harley and go. I ride as far as it takes to clear the sadness. This time it didn’t clear until I was heading into Port Angeles. Honestly, the pain stayed with me longer than I care to admit. A few years after we broke up, I had met the man who was able to retain Elizabeth’s heart. And in simple terms, during my ride toward Canada, I deducted that she needed an older man who would never leave her. In some way, he made her feel secure whereas I just did not. There were many clues and red flags but, alas, I was blinded by beauty and lust and then love. It was extremely frustrating to me. I knew Elizabeth loved me very much. It was real. It was delicious. But it was not enough for her. I simply could not understand it. I still don’t. As I geared up early that Friday morning, ready to ride the pain away, there was a definite crispness to the air, even though it was summer in Oregon. I put on my heated gear, knowing I would have to plan to stop and remove it as the weather warmed up. That morning the coldness helped numb the pain of rejection, the emptiness that had crept into my body and seemed to strangle my heart and void my gut. I had a vague idea of the route I would take up to Canada, a happy place for me. There are so many restaurants, the mountains, the city of Vancouver, and of course the ferry ride to Victoria, B.C. Elizabeth and I had traveled there many times by both car and motorcycle. Whatever made me think that going to B.C. was going to help me get “happy” and not think of her, I am not sure. But there I was, heading that way. I guess I was hopeful that the memories would bring her back to me somehow. I had decided to go the coastal route. This was gonna take some time. It was okay, I had six days. Taking the quite familiar Highway 26 toward Seaside, then heading north on Highway 101 and before TANKSIDE.COM

crossing the bridge in Astoria, I stopped to try to eat something. I was pretty hungry but had no appetite. I fueled up my bike and then choked down some eggs, sausage and potatoes. Astoria is a doll of a town, and growing. The farmers market rocks, and the Columbia River Maritime Museum is worth a few hours of your time. The town has an amazing history. I highly recommend it. I don’t remember much of the ride from Portland to Astoria. I have ridden it countless times, as have so many of us who live in Portland. All I could think of was the craziness of losing Elizabeth. It really hurt. However, something about ocean air is absolutely soothing and, after breakfast, I started to breathe deeper and relax and actually see the scenery around me. I still had a ways to go before Canada, so I headed toward the Astoria Bridge, four miles across the Columbia River. I clocked it once—it sure doesn’t feel like four miles when you ride it. Such an amazing view of the Columbia River. If that river could talk… the history it could tell us. After crossing the Astoria Bridge, I stayed on the 101 North toward Long Beach, going right on the Alt 101 and then right on the 101 again, heading north. I stopped at gas stations as soon as I saw them because I hadn’t traveled this route before and wasn’t sure where the next one would be. I always travel with a one-gallon jug of juice for my Harley so I don’t sweat it too much, but fueling at a gas station is always easier. On that note, I recommend carrying a one-gallon jug of gas with you. I don’t ever want to have to leave my bike on the side of the road to hoof it to the nearest town. And we all know that cell service is rarely available in the remote parts of the world, where we really need it. As I started to leave the miles behind me, the depressed, cold emotions started to leave me as well. The weather warmed up and felt good on my skin. There is no way to remain sad when you ride. The feel of the wind on you and all of God’s creation overwhelming you with its beauty make it impossible not to be grateful to be alive at that moment. My Harley hummed along; like a loyal steed, she knew I needed to run with her. I gave her gas and we rode smoothly and quickly, together enjoying our freedom. I rode through some gorgeous mountains and forests, alongside the Bear River, the very edge of Washington State by the Pacific Ocean. I rode through South Bend and on over to Raymond, Washington. I stopped to shed some gear in Raymond, a super small town. Raymond’s claim to fame is that it is on the Willapa River. I then rode through Artic, keeping on 101, heading north, and stopped at Cosmopolis, Washington. I fueled and stretched my legs a

bit. Cosmopolis is the oldest city on Grays Harbor. A land claim was filed there in 1852 and it was incorporated in 1891. “Cosmopolis” means “City of the world.” I guess they had high hopes back in 1852, certainly spurred on by the oceanic ship trade routes and such back then. I crossed the Chehalis River and made it into Hoquiam, following signs to Highway 101 N. This highway took me around and through the Quinault Indian Reservation, and then, back along the western edge of Washington State, with the Pacific Ocean on my left. I stopped at Forks, Washington to refuel and have a bite of lunch—amazingly beautiful land to ride through. Continuing on Highway 101 N., I came into Port Angeles. I decided to spend the night here. I had ridden for about seven hours, with stops, and had clocked about 350 miles or so. I had never been to Port Angeles and felt it was a great place to explore. Turns out I was right. I checked into a hotel near the water, unloaded my bike and took a hot shower. Maybe I would not make it to Canada this trip and instead enjoy these harbor towns in the next few days—and leave the Canadian memories alone for a while. I was feeling good as I dressed and stepped out into gorgeous Port Angeles. As usual, I love to seek out a great place to have a drink and some food. I ended up at Downriggers on the Water, ordered a bourbon and some happy hour foods. I just chilled and enjoyed the clanking of dinner plates, glassware, the buzz of the restaurant, and not having to engage with anyone at that moment. I spent the next few days exploring Port Angeles: museum, art, walked the city, took a ferry ride, and ate and drank my way through a myriad of restaurants. This town is pretty cool. I decided to ride back home the way I came. I didn’t make it to Canada and that was okay. I tossed my printed route map to Canada in the trash and realized it is just a path not taken, much like that path not taken with Elizabeth. Who knows why we must have these upsets in life that change plans and bring us to paths that we do not take? And, as I read once, life is like a motorcycle ride: There will be storms along the ride, repairs, alternate routes one must take, but we must keep riding in this glorious life, no matter what happens. I found a new happy place and a new attitude. Elizabeth was still on my mind and my heart still ached, but I had a great time exploring some new territory. Portland, Ore. to Port Angeles, Wash. Total Estimated Ride Time: Just under 7 hours with stops Distance: about 350 miles June 2015 | 19


LIFE IS GOOD. ENJOY THE RIDE!

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