The Rider’s Mag - Page 1
The Rider’s Mag - Page 2
The Rider’s Mag - Page 3
Whats Shakin’
Pg. 5
Cruisin’ With Critter
Pg. 6
Barbed Wire Chronicles
Pg. 14
Jokes
Pg. 14, 15
Trippin with Terry
Pg. 16
Breaking Dawn
Pg. 18
Along the Parkway
Pg. 21
Gone But Not Forgotten
Pg. 29
Twisted Spokes Astrology
Pg. 30, 31
Bikers Church
Pg. 32
Donny Petersen
Pg. 34
Motorcyco Beau
Pg. 38
Biker Friendly Listing
Pg. 42
Our Advertisers
Pg. 46
Thanks for your support! We are very pleased to announce that Wiesner Insurance is now the sole and official Insurance Agency of the Rider's Mag and handles all my personal insurance needs as well. They will also be the Official Sponsor of the Shop of the Month Calendar Feature! You will be hearing more of their excellent services in the Months to come! The Rider’s Mag - Page 4
AUGUST
CANCELED
July 31st - August 2nd – Hogs For Hospice Hogs for Hospice is a 3 Day Motorcycle Rally in Aug 30th- The Riders Mag Annual Show ‘N’ Shine We are once again venturing out into the wilds of Loretto on August 30th for our annual Show ‘N’ Shine. Vendor booths will be available, and if you are interested in being a part of this years Show ‘n’ Shine please give either Critter or Kris a call. 1-855-873-6680 or 289-763-4454
NOVEMBER Nov 1st-Peterborough Swap Meet 9am-3pm Come join us at the Peterborough Morrow Building, for the ever growing Peterborough Swap Meet! Find everything you could possibly want under one roof; helmets, leathers, parts, accessories, rear fins, and much, much more! Vendor booths only $50, park your bike and sell it for only $25. For more info email; PTBOswapmeet@hotmail.com, or call; 705-340-2130
SEPTEMBER September 19th Classy Chassis SWAP MEET Located @ 1399, 8th Line of Smith, Lakefield, ON. 9am-2pm www.usedhd.ca September 19th BACCHUS MC Hamilton Annual Poker Run 30 Arden Avenue Registration 9:30-11:00 am www.bacchusmcontario.com
The Rider’s Mag - Page 5
It looks like the Riding Season of 2020 will be recorded in the history books as “The Season That Wasn’t!” or perhaps as the NOT season! Notable, in terms of miles not ridden, events not attended, socializing, and fun not had, it has been one giant pain in the ass! Perhaps hemorrhoid would suit it far better that Covid! Instead of a three or four page “What’s Shak’n” section in the Mag our usual, beyond-full, calendar of scheduled of rides and events that would keep us well-occupied and cause the summer fly by, we have been forced to self-isolate and hide behind stupid face masks and follow social-distancing rules, while waiting for the powers that be to advise us when it is safe to once again, venture out of our shelters! For the past four Months or so, we have been dictated to and restricted, as to where we could go and who we could see, when and for how long! For me, just visiting my wife in a Long-Term Care Home was an adventure all its own! While it is great to be able to see her again, visiting is akin to visiting someone in prison! Although, I don’t have to pass through a metal detector, I am first required to get tested by a testing centre. I am then screened upon arrival, my temperature taken and recorded and then directed to a spot outside where we are separated by a couple of lengths of snow fence that contain a no man’s land strip about 6 feet wide! Combine that with the masks that render our voices into almost totally unintelligible, mumbles and murmurs that have us repeating everything we say several times! Our visits are timed and restricted to one visit per week! I understand why and give the homes full credit for the job they do and the responsibilities that they shoulder, but it is not exactly a pleasant experience for the resident or the visitor! But we do what we have to do and are happy that there has been no out-breaks at that facility! With all the Internet and all the Social Media outlets out there, competing to bring the newest information, scientific discoveries and progress in the search for, causes, cures, prevention, detection, or the newest or simply the most outrageous theories or just plain madeup crap, that go far beyond the scope or reach of mere rumour mills! For that, you need a computer! There is a mish-mash of stuff to keep you busy and multitudes of information out there, be it, good, bad, true, false or just plain ridiculous, to support or disseminate the myriad of conspiracies, theories, or the wide variety of cures, prevention, causes and effects that the governments and big business have secretly and covertly engineered to enslave or destroy life and/or civilization as we know it! They have got pretty well everyone, totally confused, bothered and bewildered! One thing is certain, it has certainly been one big mess, that has changed and will continue to change our World as it once was and it will never be the same again! This phrase has been over-used to the point of being tiresome “but this is the new normal!” is appropriate. The Rider’s Mag - Page 6
If you are reading this, it means that we at The Riders Mag have survived the Pandemic and finally overcome a seemingly endless series of set-backs and are officially back! This, will be the first printed Mag since June! Travel restrictions and other factors have curtailed my abilities to produce and distribute the printed Mag! Then too, many of the distribution points were also affected with closures or partial closures of show rooms, reduced hours, all due to this damned pandemic so we did what we had to do, we went online only for a period of time until things improve! We had hoped that this issue would have been out the 1st of last Month and then for the 1st of this Month but circumstances and glitches dictated that we delay publication until we could resolve the issues! We have to re-think and change up our plans constantly scramble a bit and just do the best we can! All yearly advertisers and subscribers will be credited for the Months that we were not in print! Anyone with ads that were in the “Online only” issues were not charged! Our office Gremlin that we had appropriately named “FUCK” (Because that is what you yell when you come across his handywork!) still shows up once in a while screwing with our computers and other equipment now and then, usually at the worst possible time and that doesn’t help our deadline situation at all! We are planning a recap issue for the end of this Year or the New Year that will contain most if not all of the articles and cartoons from the past fiasco of a year! We are not the only publication, let alone, motorcycle publication, to experience hard times and suffer the ill effects of this Pandemic! American Iron Magazine, which has published since 1989 has suspended publication, indefinitely. There have been many other major media players, who have suffered the same fate! We here at The Riders Mag are doing our level best not to join them on the heap! Undoubtably, it is not going to be an easy task! Many of our customers are seeing hard times as well, but of a different type, but largely due to Covid 19 just the same! Many shops are finding themselves very busy in terms of work to be done but are facing a common problem, parts! They can’t get them! They have a back-log of customers motorcycles clogging up their shops with workorders, that can’t be collected on, until the jobs are finished because the parts needed are on back-order! This leaves the shops crammed with motorcycles, yet, cash strapped, and struggling to pay their bills, let alone spend any on advertising! I know too well what they are going through but understanding the problem doesn’t do much in the search for solutions! I have changed things up with the Mag, in hopes
that I can create an alternative that provides our customers with some advertising space at a more affordable rate and generate enough revenue to at least weather the shit storm that all this Covid 19 has created! I am getting good response to it and I am seeing some very positive results! However, we are susceptible to change! Things keep changing rapidly and with little or no warning! I, in turn, have to pretty much play the cards I am dealt and make the best of it! I have to adapt and change plans at the drop of a hat! I no sooner put together a plan, set deadlines, print and distribution dates, only to find that for one reason or other, that plan is no longer viable! It makes it hard to keep people informed as to what is going on, because most of the time, I don’t know until it is actually happening! I hear all the time from people saying “I wish that I was kept I the loop!” Most times, I don’t have the luxury of a loop! It is more of a “Tag! You’re it! Now deal with it!” situation and I’m constantly thinking on my feet and flying by the seat of my pants! Like the saying goes; “When you are up to your neck in stinky water, bugs, poisonous snakes and alligators, it is hard to focus on your prime objective for climbing in there in the 1st place, which was to drain the swamp!” Another thing, is that events over the spring and summer have been cancelled, right, left and centre, again, due to this damned Covid 19 shit! We had very little to cover as gathering capacities were being stringently monitored and enforced! This applied to weddings funerals and any other social gathering and added to the stress and concerns of a population that has been left reeling in the wake of this pandemic and our Governments haste to deal with it and all it’s repercussions! It has affected every aspect of our lives and precious few, have or will emerge from this this unscathed and unaffected! We have recently noticed that with the lifting of some of the restrictions and most of the Province now in stage 3 of the Government’s recovery plan, that Ride Nights and other activities are starting to spring up in various parts of the Country! This is good, as it will allow us to once again, gather with friends and kindred spirits and get something from this Riding season, that can best be described as disappointing to say the least! We can now, in the short term, even though, apprehensively, look ahead to the near future and see what we can recoup from the remnants of the summer of 2020! All we ca really do is to stay the course and hope for better days ahead! There have been rumours of a possible move into stage 4 floating around! Nothing definite, but it doesn’t hurt to have hope! We are waiting for word from the Province via Doug Ford (Who has done an absolutely incredible job during this time of crisis and gained the respect and admiration of many!) to open things up a bit more in the not too distant future! I have tried to keep in touch with folks in the motorcycle community throughout this mess, and I’m glad to see some things are starting to show signs of recovery! Classy Chassis will be holding their outdoor Swap Meet at their location in Lakefield on September 19th. Come on out and enjoy what has always been a Classy event! Also, Larry Pooler has gotten a date of Nov. 1/20 and the go-ahead for his Fall Swap Meet in Peterborough, so come on out and support this event, and find the parts you need for your Winter projects For us at the Mag, we will try to re-organize a ride night on Wednesdays, (So rudely interrupted by the Covid 19 Pandemic!) at the Lion and Sun, 18947 Woodbine Ave, Sharon, ON L0G 1V0, (905) 589-5757. We will have vendors outside and will be adding entertainment and interesting features as we go! Come on out and enjoy some great food and beverages and get back into the swing of things as the Province awakens from the doldrums, depression, isolations and restrictions that have had such an incredible impact on our lives and livelihoods for far too long! Please be aware that this damned virus is still very real threat and we need to practice proper social distancing and sanitization! We going to go ahead and organize our Annual Show and Shine at The Loretto Inn for the last Sunday in August! That will be Aug. 30, 2020. I realize, it is short notice and that for some of us, who take this pandemic stuff seriously, it may be too soon to break out of their bubble, and I know some who will not come for that reason! This, may well be a downsized version, (We will just do what we’ve always done, put it out there and just hope for the best and take what we get!) This is a great venue, offering tremendous food, an (recently expanded) enormous patio and parking lot that allows ample parking for lots of motorcycles and vendors and should be a blast if everything or anything goes our way! It is unclear, at this point what we will have in terms of entertainment, but there will be music, great food, door prizes, trophies and vendors! Come on out and check out this great venue and try to reclaim what you can of the remainder of the 2020 Riding Season! Please, practice proper social distancing and sanitization! As I said earlier, there were many events cancelled, rescheduled or just left in limbo until dates and venues could be arranged due to restrictions brought about be the Covid 19 Pandemic! There have been many deaths in our motorcycle community and the funerals and memorial services tragically affected and postponed! Subsequently I have missed many! This included a memorial for my friend, Bryce Schwalm of the Brothers of the Blade MC., that had been postponed! But, with restrictions now Covi9-19 being sufficiently lifted to allow for a small gathering a memorial was organized and held at The Brothers of the Blade Clubhouse! In normal circumstances, the organizing a full-on Memorial ride to pay proper tribute would have been appropriate and a man of Bryce’s stature would have drawn out a large crowd! But these are not normal times and circumstances! Large crowds are not what was needed and to pull something like that off aside from being irresponsible, would have been next to impossible to pull off due to the scrutiny that all events and groups were under and the worry and apprehension that this virus has caused! The Rider’s Mag - Page 7
Bryce was a Stand-up Individual, a much loved and well-respected man and Brother in the motorcycle Community! It would have been impossible to keep people away from such an occasion had word of it been widespread and it would have just added an unneeded hassle to those just wanting to pay respect! In their wisdom, Club Brothers, along with immediate family and close friends gathered at the BOTB property, in front of the Memorial wall for an intimate service. Bryce’s urn was placed front and centre with the urns and memorial plaques of Brothers who have preceded him to the Great Beyond! Tributes were payed by those who loved him and gave testament to the great human being he was in life! As Club tradition, dictates, on occasions such as these, the song “One More Ride” written, recorded and performed by Matt Ryan originally in honour of “Bad” Neal Provan was played! It is a somber, soulful, poignant, song that holds a special meaning and place in the hearts of members and friends of the Club! Matt was also in attendance! At this point Danny, who had some of Bryce’s ashes loaded into shotgun shells that were then fired out over the pond! From my perspective looking over Dan’s shoulder and down the barrel, through the smoke omitted from the muzzle of the shotgun, the ashes could be seen settling peacefully on the serene water amongst the ducks and the greenery. Piper, and Club Brother Clem, then added to the reverence of the occasion with a chilling rendition of Amazing Grace on the bagpipes! A moment of silence was then observed, to remember and reflect upon the life and times this wonderful, larger than life, and truly amazing individual, who we all loved and respected in our own way and in our own fashion! So long old friend! Maybe we will meet again some day on the other side, if there is one! L&R. RIP. GBNF.
The Rider’s Mag - Page 8
The Rider’s Mag - Page 9
Gator’s Memorial Ride
I got a call from Gator’s Widow, Judy, inviting me to a memorial ride for Gator! It was short notice but my calendar isn’t too full these days and Gator was a special guy who has a place in my heart and memories! Rather that just make hasty promises that I may not be able to keep, I said I would do my best! It turned out that I was able to fit this trip in between a few other things I had on the go that day but could route everything into one day trip but, as is my custom, wouldn’t be able to stay in any one place too long! I climbed aboard the trusty trike after loading my camera and other weapons and essential needs of a Rotund, Roving Reporter that included my hat, and headed on out to the wilds of Rothsay, home, to a huge rendering plant that, I seem to recall, at times tended to lend a special aroma and ambience to the surrounding area that included the town that was also home of the lovely Judy! I rolled up and parked on the lawn amidst a large contingency of motorcycles of many different makes, models, styles and colours. I heard voices and followed the sound and yet, another trail of motorcycles to the other side of the house where I found a whole lot of familiar faces attached to those voices! I heard my name being called out and suddenly, a little vision in perky and pretty, blonde and black leather, bounded from the house with an ice cold 50, condensation dripping from its familiar container in her hand! I thought that I’d died and gone to heaven! I raised the can to my lips, and let the golden nectar of the Gods flow across my travel dried pallet and down my throat! That and a long warm hug, hearty, hug from and old friend was enough to tell me that I was in fine company and all on a common mission to pay our respects to a man truly deserving of such a fine tribute! I settled in with a crew of ABATE people to shoot the breeze and find out the agenda! Soon some of the Road Relics and the Old Skool Riders wandered over to say hi! Appropriately, Lazy J’s Renegade Ryders RC, being Gator’s Club until he passed, were to lead the pack! We hung out a bit before we got the word that we were going to be leaving soon and we should make our way to our respective motorcycles and prepare to go out on the mean streets, highways and byways and make our way to what used to be Gator’s favourite spot at Bellwood Lake. The ride was well organized and planned-out blocking, was handled masterfully and we all arrived at our destination safe and sound! This is an absolutely gorgeous spot right on the water with a huge lawn, that morphed into a large beach and then into the welcoming waters of Bellwood Lake! The lake was abuzz activity! Fishermen, jet-skis and a lot of swimmers and people, young and old enjoying this beautiful weather in this beautiful spot. They seemed somewhat curious about the large number of motorcycles and bikers that had suddenly filled the large lawn of this tranquil spot, but no one seemed too overly concerned! The property easily accommodated all the bikes with plenty of room to spare! I hung out for a bit, but having lots more to accomplish yet that day, I begged off of the ride back to Rothsay and the promise of more ice cold 50 along with the company of some truly fantastic people where they would party, reminisce and tell Gator stories until the wee hours! Thanks for the invite, the cold 50 and some great hospitality! Here’s to Gator! L&R, RIP, GBNF!
The Rider’s Mag - Page 10
August 1st long weekend, it came and went this year and I was faced with the realization that I had actually missed some events that I haven’t missed in more years than I can remember! It has left me with a void and it seems that I lost a piece of who and what I am and have always been! I’ve gone against tradition and it will haunt me like a nagging ‘ol lady ‘til the day I die! These events were effectively cancelled as full-on events although some members still showed up at the properties and held a modified get together! Thanks a bunch Corona Virus! In the past, on this weekend, I have attended the ABATE “Final Frontier” and always enjoyed it to the Max! The games! The People! The lifestyle! It was always a good time! From the first year at the new property up in Priceville, affectionately remembered as Mudville or Mud fest, to present I always have a ball! I hope it comes back The Rider’s Mag - Page 11
next year bigger and better as they now have to make up for lost time! They always had cold 50 on hand at the bar, just for me, and I certainly was made to feel welcome! This was on the Saturday, as that is when they ran their Biker Games! I began to have a following as people read about the great times I was having and wanted to check it out and they would ask to accompany me there! Few, ever followed me out again on Saturday when I left after the games late in the afternoon as they had been caught up in the magic of the place and the people and just stayed on! Me, I still had work to do, people to see and being a dedicated, Reliable, Reputable, Rambling, Rotund, Roving, Reporter I left and pointed my front wheel toward the Southwest! My next usual stop, was on my way back home and I always had just enough energy in the tank for a stop at the AOA Clubhouse for their Annual National Convention! There was always a warm welcome accompanied by a cold 50 and I got to visit for a little while with a lot of folks, who I don’t see often enough, or for long enough! This is always just a short stop because I have to be up early the next morning to be back on the road! Sunday is the day of The Brotherhood Bash games and it is and has always been my personal favourite event of the year! I have followed it around to various venues over the years, after they let the property up in Sparrow Lake go! Wherever it was held, it didn’t really matter! The date remained the same and the event itself, never lost its luster or spirit! Faces may change from time to time! Life itself, time, changing times, medical issues, marital issues, legal interventions, mortality, and politics all play a role and take their toll! Attrition due to many different causes and factors, is an unfortunate but inevitable, naturally occurring phenomenon are all, just a normal part of things with any large regularly occurring event or function, family, group, club or association! It happens, it can be a royal pain in the ass, but as long as you can keep the spirit that brought you all together in the first place alive, the event itself will not die! Sure, age may slow us down and some and make us a little more fragile and less resilient and some of the once totally, gritty and dirty, rough and tumble, rock and roll, balls to the wall, games have had to be somewhat modified or tamed down a little bit, so that they don’t have to have EMS teams on standby, it is still a ball and well worth the ride up! I missed seeing the likes of Mr. and Mrs. Haircut along with the whole Haircut Clan (Cult), Deacon, and all the rest of these wonderful folks! I missed the great commentary and entertainment that Casanova (Bless his soul!) provided as he emceed the event for years! It was always great watching and trying to photograph and chronicle games and events while trying to wash the dust and dirt that was constantly being stirred up by the bikes and the free-spirited contestants with a cold 50 (Yes, they had cold 50 for me here as well!)! The constant, hearty, laughter that could be heard above the din of the friendly competition and the roar of the motorcycles leant to the atmosphere. The real joy, was just about being there and feeling welcome! The Rider’s Mag - Page 12
But there was something else that made this event special, no matter where it was held, the true sense of comradery and absolute joy of just being with kindred spirits! It was sharing time with those who didn’t need any explanation of who they were, or why they were here! It is what comes naturally! It was family! There are multi generations of Blood, families who have been coming here for years, where kids have grown and become part of the scene and now their kids are stepping in to be part of it all! The Corona Pandemic has caused chaos, immeasurable and unimaginable harm, the World over! It has caused millions of deaths, financial ruin, as economies crumbled, and lives have been changed forever! The effects of it, will linger for many years to come and the full, final tally of it may never be truly and accurately calculated or reported! I don’t believe that we have or will ever be provided the real truth and details of this horrible thing that has impacted the lives and futures of so many! The financial woes that I have suffered personally and the struggles that The Riders Mag have had to endure, pales in comparison to what others around the Globe have experienced but for me they are the realities and consequences that I have to deal with! At my ripe, old age, with a yet to be determined, expiry date, having lived a lifestyle and followed a diet that isn’t commonly attributed to a long, trouble-free existence, I have to face questions of my own mortality and matters that are pertinent to me and mine! Having survived a heart attack and a stroke along with a few other issues over the years and now dealing with my Wife’s stroke and subsequent health problems I feel that I am somewhat confident that I can offer fair commentary on my views of the current state of affairs as I see them! I have struggled through and endured an over-abundance of funerals for various friends, acquaintances and family in the last while! I have come to realize that time, is the one commodity that is the most valuable and something, over which, I have no control or influence! I cherish whatever time I get to see my wife of 50 odd years in whatever increments are allotted to us, by the LTC home where she resides! I long to, once again, hold her hand while we talk and look into each other’s eyes without masks filtering our voices! We spent a lot of years together, weathered many a storm and stayed the course together, when most other couples that we have known, gave up on their relationships! Now, health issues and circumstances keep us apart! We made a commitment to each other and we are in for the long haul, come what may. I also cherish the time I get to spend with my friends and our conversations that usually revolve around other friends. Those, who have come and gone over the years and who have had a particular impact on us. Those, who intentionally or unintentionally, left their indelible marks on our lives and helped determine who and what we are today and influenced how we now, conduct our lives! It is the combined influences of all the people we have met over the course of our existence that really shape and define who we are! No one is left behind, as the teachings and influence of our parents, friends and acquaintances or whomever stay with us and are then passed on to those
who we impact upon! They say, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger!” This damned Corona Virus hasn’t killed me yet! It hasn’t been a great experience, so I’m hoping it makes me and all of us, a little stronger, a little wiser and a whole lot more resilient! I made a commitment like that to the Riders Mag and I am trying my damndest to keep it going. Some days it seems more trouble than it is worth, and more than I can handle, but I’m in this for the long haul or at least until my time is used up! I hope you all stay healthy and happy as we endure this Pandemic and that we will all soon share time and make memories and there will be better days ahead!
The Rider’s Mag - Page 13
All of us at the Riders Mag would love to start a new project with your Clubs. We would like to create a page devoted to all the different MC clubs across the world. We have all felt the isolation of the virus and canceled events and rides have effected all of us so our plan is to make everyone visible. It will be a lot of work, but we can all do this. $350.00 will keep you on the page for a full calendar year or 12 issues once we go back into print and would love to have it on a world map too. If Interested contact Critter at critter@theridersmag.com. Hope we can all contribute to this great project during this time of isolation. Hope to hear from you, Thankyou, Barbie at the Riders Mag.
6TH Annual Fester Run It was an adventure this years Fester Run. Forecast called for rain and that's exactly what Mother Nature supplied. We all gathered at the gas station on Brock Rd. All was calm then the skys dumped on us like a raging river. It was nice to see all men and women not caring about the weather conditions. True riders they were coming to support a great cause. Proceeds collected to be put into a trust fund for Mark Charette's daughter. Marks passing was a shock to us all. He is truly, truly missed. The day started out a little soggy but cleared up as we went along. On our pit stop we were met by the harrassing black and whites. Yup the neighborhood OPP decided to pay us a visit. Still wasting their and our time on stupid shit. I guess that will never change. Made it back to the Bacchus Club House in Halton Hills for the pig roast. Side dishes were incredible as always, supplied by the ladies who have really out done themselves this time. Place was packed. That pig on the spit was just calling our names to come over and devour him. There was so much food, I didn't really know where to start. Baby potatoes won. Pig came out tender and the aroma made me drool. Its always quite the party those Halton Hill guys put on. I had a great time as always. You never have to ask if it will be a good party or not. I am never disappointed.
For a minute I thought I was dragging you down the highway..."And you didn't stop" he asked? The man replied, "How did you know my name was Katz?" Q: What does a pessimistic Rooster say? A: Cock-a-doodle-don't. Q: What do get when you cross a rabbit with a spider? A: A hare net. Q: What bird can lift the most? A: A crane Q: Why did the employee get fired from the Calendar Factory? A: Because he took a day off! A plane in Holland was forced to make an emergency landing after a passenger's body odor was so bad that it caused others to vomit and faint. You know it's bad when people are going into the airplane bathroom for some fresh air. The Rider’s Mag - Page 14
One day, an employee received an unusually large paycheck. She decided not to say anything about it. The following week, her check was short the overpayment she received the previous week. So she confronted her boss about it. "How come," her boss inquired, "you didn't say anything when you were overpaid?" Unperturbed, the employee replied, "Well, I can overlook one mistake -but two in a row is getting unacceptable!" ************ "What's your father's occupation?" asked the school secretary on the first day of the new academic year. "He's a magician, ma'am" said Little Johnny. "How interesting. What's his favorite trick?" "He saws people in half." "Wow! Now, next question. Any brothers or sisters?" "One half brother and two half sisters." ************ Dave was staring sadly into his beer and sighed heavily. "What's up Dave?" asked the bartender. "It's not like you to be so down in the mouth." "It's my five-year-old son," the man replied. "Don't tell me, he's in trouble for fighting in school? My boy's just the same. Forget about it; it happens to boys that age," said the bartender, sympathetically. "I only wish it was that," answered Dave, "but it's much worse. The little bastard has got our 16-year-old baby sitter pregnant." "That's impossible!" gasped the bartender. "No it's not," said Dave. "The little shit went and stuck a pin in all my condoms." ************ According to a new report, Uber is developing a technology that would allow its app to determine if users are drunk. Now, look. Let's take the mystery out of this. It's 2:00 a.m., I'm standing outside a bar, and I typed in my destination as Taco Bell. Yeah Uber, I'm drunk. ************ A white guy was having trouble satisfying his wife, so he went to his black buddy at work for advice. "Listen," said the inept white guy, "I know you brothers always satisfy your women. How do you do it?" "Oh, dat ain't no problem," said his friend. "What I does is pound it in 'em real fast, and then pull it out of 'em real slow. Keep doin' that and dey come every time." The white guy went home that night and tried his friend's technique out. He stuck it in real fast, and then pulled it out real slow, just like his buddy said. After a while he asked his wife, "Honey, do notice anything different about the way I'm doing it?" "Yeah," she said, "you're screwing just like a black guy." ************ HUSBAND: Shall we try a different position tonight? WIFE: That's a good idea... you stand by the ironing board while I sit on the sofa and fart. ************ A blonde, brunette and redhead woman decided to compete in the Breast Stroke division of the English Channel swim competition. The brunette came in first, the redhead second, then the blonde finally reached the shore completely exhausted. After being revived with blankets and a drink she remarked... The Rider’s Mag - Page 15
LOWERING YOUR BIKE That memorable day in 2012, put a spring in my step and a smile on my face, so big that my friends were wondering if l had won the lottery. Nope! That did not happen but the next best thing for me was when l finally had the money for my dream bike. I had known the model ever since it first came out. I had ridden one in the early 90’s and it was a perfect fit for me. So, imagine my surprise when l sat on the Showroom Heritage Classic and it felt so much taller than l remembered. The salesman saw the look of disappointment on my face and asked what was wrong? When l explained what l was feeling, he assured me it had never changed, l begged to differ!!!! He finally got a more seasoned salesman and yes, in fact, the frame did have to change somewhat to allow for the bigger engine but that the difference was minute. Maybe it was, but that changed everything for me. He could see that I was considering not making a purchase that day. He very quickly suggested a Lowering Kit, professing “it will make the bike much lower to the ground and it will feel exactly the way you remember the 92 Classic. We can also custom cut your seat which will give you more leg length for flat feet on the ground”. This seemed like the answer to me, I thought this salesman was my hero. Now, I just had to wait a few more days to have the bike delivered. My garage had been cleared out and I had installed a rear door so I could have a perfect drive in, drive out situation, as I am a small female about 110 lbs. I knew I would have a difficult time backing my baby up. The terrain surrounding my house was all uneven. This done, I was ready to ride. All geared up, throwing my leg over the bike, I had butterflies in my stomach. The thrill I felt when it roared to life is something, we all share. Brake on, one gear down, clutch out. To say I was a little nervous would have been an understatement. I was finally living my dream. I eased out of the garage and started to turn left to make the necessary U turn around the building to my driveway. Oh Shit!!!! The bike was so much heavier than I remembered, the butterflies, I felt before had now turned into dragons, as I felt the weight of the bike taking over, slowly, down, down, I went. Well f*%k, this was not supposed to happen. My first concern after extracting myself from beneath it was to kill the ignition switch. Then I was frantic about the paint. Please, please let there be no scratches. My friend helped me get the bike back up. Since it had been a slow fall, unto the grass, I considered myself lucky, no damage. Once we got it up, he restarted it and moved it so it was pointed straight out my driveway. As I saddled up once more, he looked petrified “are you sure you are going to be ok?” I assured him I was a decent rider, although, I sure as hell misjudged my first 20 feet. Coming to the hill at the end of my driveway where it meets the main road was not a problem for me but the bike sure felt front end heavy when I turned left. After a couple of hours on the bike I felt like I was home. I was in love. Six weeks later I was riding with friends and we found ourselves on a road where we had to make a tight U turn. Yep!!!! You know where this is going, down I went. So, although I am comfortable in all other situations with riding my bike, I am now scared of u turns unless I have 40 acres, as the song goes. I decided I needed help, so I go to my guys that have been riding for years and they took me out practising. I am just not getting the feel of it, my brain is now setting me up to fail at this. One of the guys, the taller and stronger of the two says “give me that thing and I will show you how it is done”. He did the u turn and a figure 8. When he got off it, he said that is was more difficult to turn than his decker. He did not like the feel of it at all. Other very experienced riders also tried it and all agreed, it was front end heavy. At my wits end I finally got a hold of “Ride like a Pro” in Florida, to see about taking their course. I discussed my strengths and then my difficult U turns. He told me to get the bike put back to original specs, that I should have NEVER have lowered it. it was the worst thing I could have done. If I had an emergency situation, the bike could prove to be dangerous, also that I would be wasting my money taking his course with the lowering kit on it. Just custom cutting the seat would have been enough. Well damn! I spent a ton of money changing it in the first place and now did not have the money to put it back to stock. So, I rode it the way it was for 8 seasons. I just adjusted to the way it handled and I either avoided any place The Rider’s Mag - Page 16
where I had to face a u turn or I batted my eyelashes and would ask a man to move it for me. That did not say much about my riding skills.
plain keep up with the flow, my bike would be uncomfortable at 120, at 130 it would start to vibrate. Now at 135 it rides straight and strong.
This summer I met a professional precision rider, who said he would help me with technique on my turns. The first thing he said we would do is ride over to where he trained, just follow him. I did and he made the right-hand turn into the lot and then I thought he was going to make a left hand turn as I followed. I was about 3 bike lengths behind him when I realised, we were at a dead end and he was making a u turn. I gathered all my courage said to myself “oh F*%k here we go!” I just simply had to rely on instinct, as and I went for it. I pulled up beside him, told him that that was cruel and that I did not like surprises, even if it was a 40-foot u turn. He just laughed and said “you did it, didn’t you? Look you made the turn, tighter than I did, you are on the inside of me”. He had watched every move I made while behind him on the way over. He gave me confidence when he told me that I was an above average rider and that my head was the only thing stopping me. Before trying a tighter turn, he took my bike to see what it could do, shook his head when he got off of it. Once again, I heard put it back to stock! He would not be able to do the precision turns he excels at with my bike.
The only downside have found, is that the ride is rougher now, instead of feeling cushy. Greg says it is because it has more contact with the road. Plus, my Metzeler tires grab the road better as well.
All that being said, I made it my priority. It is now back to the correct height. (I am glad I saved all the original parts and only had to pay for labour.) Greg from Pushrod Performance did the work for me then took time to make sure I knew a few things to expect my first ride out. It looked like my bike, but it did NOT feel anything like it at all. It made me crazy to even think about riding it home from downtown Oshawa in rush hour traffic, as I had been used to riding it the way it was. I would have to be careful making my first right hand turn or I could find myself up on the sidewalk.
It is more responsive, my body always moved with the bike before, yet now it only takes a slight adjustment of my hips to get a change in motion. I know you all understand when l say I dance with my bike… now it is a perfect partner! Before, if I needed a slight push backwards because for any reason, when someone pushed on the front, it instantly felt wobbly like the bike was going to fall over, now it is balanced so much better it is not an issue. Even backing it up by myself is better. The engineers of this bike knew what they were doing and did it for a reason. Which is why I should never have been talked into the lowering kit as it changed the whole dynamics of the motorcycle. But it was a great add on for the dealership! The best thing of all, is that l am now riding better and making U turns with confidence. If you are considering repeating my mistake, l ask you to re consider, if you have already done it and are having trouble, maybe it is not you.
I was as nervous as a friggin new rider, so I called my cousin George who lives in Oshawa to come ride out of town with me, that way I just had to follow him and not stress about where and when I had to turn to get to a road I recognised. It is crazy to think that changing one thing could affect everything. As we are so used to our own bikes what we see in our vision is sometimes not noticed. When the bike was in the lowered position, I never noticed my full brake and clutch cables, they were tucked much lower before, now they were more visible. After they were corrected l noticed that they had been rubbing the paint on my tanks. By the time I was on my third ride after picking it up, they were as inconspicuous to me as they were previously. It is a longer reach to my hand and foot controls now, even where my feet are on the foots rests. This seems impossible yet when I need to reach forward for the hand controls it changes my seat position which changes my legs thus my feet. Every time I need to change gears l must move my foot up closer. Previously, riding on any of the 400 series highways, if l had to pass anyone, get out of their way quickly or just The Rider’s Mag - Page 17
by Dawn Mcilmoyle Bit by bit, the Country is coming out of lockdown and things are starting to happen again. It’s been a long haul since March 17 when we were all put into isolation and all the cancellations began. People are starting to materialize again, out of the confinement of their homes and enjoy the summer weather. Different communities are in different stages and we will have to see how it all plays out. COVID-19 really did a number on my confidence, as I was not able to challenge myself the way I have been. I also fell prey to the COVID chunk and gained a bit of weight while I was sitting around doing nothing, but it’s nothing that walking regularly won’t get rid of.
I am an introvert. As much as I enjoy going out and meeting people, it is extremely hard for me and I would much rather entertain at home. This period of confinement took away the choice of going out, so I was like an angry introvert. I don’t like to go out but being told I couldn’t go out played with my emotions. I have always been a people watcher, and this was an awesome opportunity to sit back and watch things play out on social media as it was pretty much the only thing that didn’t get taken away from us. I noticed the cycles, and I was a part of some of them. I thought at first that I was going to get so much done and this was an excellent opportunity to learn new things. I downloaded some new courses and I bought an electric keyboard. I did happen to get my diploma in Druidism during this pandemic. However, as the days turned into nights and then weeks, I completely lost track of time and my circadian rhythms went whacked. Some days I was confused as to what day it was and if someone said Happy Saturday on Facebook, it took me half the day to realize it was actually not. I checked in on my friends constantly so that I could provide myself some form of socialization and I watched as the World went to hell in a handbasket and people started to destroy and divide Society. It seems everyone has an opinion these days and people who have never worked in the healthcare field are all of sudden experts The Rider’s Mag - Page 18
on a disease that no one really can give straight answers on, even healthcare professionals. We have conspiracy theories, we have hate mongering, we have fear-induced riots and all of a sudden everyone is a racist. I got told that saying “I don’t see colour” is racist as it is taking away from the visible minority. I treat everyone equal; I do not care who they are. I would treat a Hollywood star that makes millions of dollars the same as I would treat the homeless person on the street. With the kindness and respect, I would want shown to me. However, I am watching people I know call people they don’t know inconsiderate assholes for not wearing a mask in pubic. I am watching people divided over a phrase due to racism and I am watching how people treat others as if they are utterly disgusting because they used cash and not a bank card. I got to practice my bow and arrow in my backyard as lessons were cancelled and I must say it was one way to keep active. Dutchess Von Dee and I played a shit ton of fetch because she can’t catch. One thing I always know is when it is Friday because I love wearing RED to remember everyone deployed. While the HMCS Fredericton was deployed
near Greece its Cyclone helicopter known as “Stalker” crashed into the ocean and the six crew members on board were killed. I watched the repatriation ceremony online and then headed down to the Thickson Rd overpass to watch as the 6 Sailors/Airmen made their final voyage down the Highway of Heroes. I ran into my friend Jeremy who had trained with one of the men brought home. Because of social distancing guidelines we did not hug, however Dutchess Von Dee made up for it and gave him lots of love. I am super grateful I
had Dutchess during all of this. Not so sure she is happy about me and my behaviour. I set her up an Instagram account @dutchessvondee_the_gsd and have been taking her picture all the time until she rolls her eyes and I held her down and painted her toenails. My youngest son Donovan left in May to go plant trees and when he comes home mid July he will have put 550,000 trees in the ground in 3 summers. My friend Skully from Dollz by Dezign was having a charity yard sale to raise money for Simcoe Hall Settlement House and it was supposed to be a part of her “Burnout for Charity” at the Rideau Rendezvous but since that was cancelled she still went ahead with just the yard sale and raised over $3400.00 to donate. I took her some items
$100.00 to the cause. I had previously donated $300.00 to the foodbank at Simcoe House Settlement Hall in a hashtag movement for #RoriHacheAndKandisFitzpatrick as I do like to do my part in the Community. I ran into Vanessa from Pushrod Performance that I deliver magazines to at a bike night in Durham and she noticed me, so she came running to say hello. She told me that I can stop in anytime to see her and talk and that made me feel really good because she meant it. While I was talking to her another girl I have met through writing for the magazine came up and said “I was just saying who the hell would wear an outfit like that to a bike night and then I saw your wings and thought, of course Dawn” This made me smile because I am accepted even when I don’t follow the “norm.” I am an enigma wrapped in a conundrum packaged as a puzzle and I enjoy being different. I know that I am the same as everyone yet different and it’s okay. When things started to open up again and you could finally get a haircut or a massage, I decided to go hit up my friend Rick Kemp at Inked Impressions in Port Perry to start some new ink. I had an idea in my head, and he is just the wizard to bring it to life on my body. I made couple cool pictures about how I like to wear my art, not hang it. I was also invited to be a part of a small group of people
I had laying around the house that I had no use for as well as some things I had bought online but didn’t fit and donated The Rider’s Mag - Page 19
to clean the Port Hope ramp of the Highway of Heroes in honour of fallen Soldier Craftsman Kyle Sinclair and Silver Cross Mother Anna Loveman. A motorcycle ride and ride-by was also arranged to honour Anna, the 2 other Silver Cross mothers present and the fallen that have all come home down that highway. Tomorrow is never guaranteed, and freedom isn’t free. Too many people pay the price through other’s negligence. It is riding season and I hate hearing about the number of accidents that result in serious injury or death. A Veteran and his wife out West were tragically taken and I would like to say Farewell, Rest in Peace to Phil and Courtney Mooney. I am looking forward to getting out more again and maybe having a few places to go. The magazine is up and running again in print so I look forward to seeing my friends at Eagle Eye Customs, Motor City Customs, Rick at Rick’s Stylist in Port Perry, Mackie Harley
Davidson, Pushrod Performance and everywhere else I go. I would also like to give a huge shout out to Morley from Recycled Gear in Lindsay for calling to check on me. I feel like I have gotten to know myself a hell of a lot better since this pandemic began. I know what I will accept and how I intend to be treated. I value myself and my opinions, not the opinions of others anymore. I know what I need, I always have. I may go about things unorthodoxly; I may not do it the way everyone else does it. I will never be what everyone else wants me to be, so I give up on that and I am just going to become the best version of me that I am supposed to be. Feels good to feel like I have a purpose again, outside of #KnowThySelf. The Rider’s Mag - Page 20
with Dingo It’s been a strange summer! Actually, a strange spring and summer, in more ways than one! Here in the Niagara area, we look forward for late April when Welland County MC has their annual Poki-Barbi-Dan ride, followed in early May with BRO Niagara’s Cover the Kids ride and the Fort Erie Swap Meet that kicks off the riding season. Not so this year, although each of the groups mentioned previously, held out hope that they could somehow stage their events. And so the dominoes started to fall…..the annual Labreche Ride, cancelled. NBS Riders annual ride….cancelled for example. Bike nights fell by the wayside as more restrictions were placed on having groups of people together. Shops were closed and when they were finally allowed to open there were restrictions galore…..some went a little far in their “rules” with allowing customers inside in my opinion. Signs stating “Don’t touch anything” goes a little far I think. How am I supposed to know if I want that item unless I can look and touch it ? If you needed any work done on your bike, in most cases, you were out of luck. My neighbor waited 75 days before she got her bike back, mainly because, as she was told by the manufacturers head office, “we don’t have anyone working in the parts distribution warehouse at this time, and if we did, it would take time to get parts across the border”. Unreal!! Crunch time since she had plans to return to Sturgis this year, but, as we all know, the border was deemed closed. So much for touring the U.S.!! Then, there was the little problem if you wanted to go for a ride, where to go? Establishments being closed, with the exception of possibly a Timmies drive-through, kind of limited the choices. Riding “around the block” gets old after, even if it takes a few hours to get around the block. Doom and gloom was slow in ending, but our favorite places started opening. Late…using Tons of Bike Gear as an example. Ed and Lillian usually open at the end of March, but not so this year. But, at least they got to open with shortened hours and restricting the number of customers allowed in at a time. Ed still hasn’t gone “full hazmat” and Lil keeps an eye on the outside traffic in the parking lot. Extended patios started popping up everywhere, which was a good sign of things to come. One of our favorite places to go, Hippo’s in Lowbanks, solved the problem by putting picnic tables in the grassy areas that they own. Dunnville Timmies decided to open the doors so that you could at least use the washrooms. The Timmies there is a favorite stop for riders both locally and those touring. Bike nights started coming back….Motorcycle Country RC has theirs at Boo’s in Jordan Hollow on Monday nights, Desiree’s Ride is every other Tuesday at Club 55, Niagara Stone Road, just under the Skyway in St Catharines, and NBS Riders have theirs each Tuesday night at Moe’s in Port Colborne. Garth Paley and the former Jennifer Barnes (they were just married last weekend…congrats you two!) came up with an idea to have a Scavenger Hunt with proceeds from an entry fee going to Pathstone Mental Health and Hotel DieuShaver Rehab Hospital. The idea was to have the whole month of August to complete 3 routes……stopping at local businesses and/or landmarks, taking a selfie proving you were there and at some stops, collecting a poker chip. Once you completed a leg and posted your pics, you were emailed the next route and away you went again. Needless to say, this became a hit with riders and a few cagers. One couple came all the way from London to participate in the Scavenger Hunt. It was a great way to spend several afternoons riding around the peninsula and in some cases, discovering places you never knew existed like the “painted cottages” of Grimsby Beach. There are 347 members who signed up for what became The Hog Shed Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by Garth Paley of ReMax Welland Realty. Thank you Garth and Jenn for a fun time!! OH, and there is a draw for $1000 at the end for one lucky participant along with several draws for prizes donated by local businesses who also were a part of the fun. Check out the Hog Shed Scavenger Hunt on Facebook. There is sad news to report. The riding community lost two great ladies, Darlene Farnsworth and Laney Johnson. Darlene was a beautiful woman, wife, and mother who loved to ride with her friends from Motorcycle Country RC. Darlene will always be deeply missed by all who knew her. Laney, from what friends tell me, was a bit of a throw back to the hippie days, always flashing a peace sign and enjoyed getting her wind therapy on the back of her friend’s Harley. Laney was a mother and grandmother. Rest in Peace both of you and enjoy the ride on Heaven’s Highway. That’s all for now…I’m playing catch up with news from the deep south and my main computer died so I’m on my super slow machine until parts show up for the other one. Ride safe! Dingo The Rider’s Mag - Page 21
The Rider’s Mag - Page 22
The Rider’s Mag - Page 23
The Rider’s Mag - Page 24
The Rider’s Mag - Page 25
The Rider’s Mag - Page 26
The Rider’s Mag - Page 27
The Rider’s Mag - Page 28
Rod the Hat
HAMC “Downtown” Toronto
was much loved and a well respected member.
Today we ride for u brother GBNF GFOD
A valued friend, rider and mother. Muriel will live on in the hearts and memories of everyone she knew.
The Rider’s Mag - Page 29
August This astrology has been written in “Quin-trains” meaning there are five lines to the divination. The fifth line will reveal the answer to the other 4 lines. There are 13 twisted spokes in creation of my wheel I use instead of the common 12. Since this wheel is created this way, this allows the reader to approach the wheel in 3 ways. As each sign represents a spoke in the wheel, you can read either what your own spoke has to say or read what all the spokes have to say to share a visual to the whole picture. See how all the spokes complete your wheel. The 13th spoke is what I call the “Dath Spoke” It is the spoke that binds all other spokes together, so you can see exactly what wheel(s) you’re using for your ride. Consider it having extra rubber for extra mileage. You can also read the 1st line of each of the signs to get another insightful message. Aries: As you listen to the voice across the table You hear the wisdom that will enable The circle round gathers those indeed It is the knowledge that they all need For within those words, you will feel sound Taurus: In a ponderous way you sit all alone If you're not in your element, it's time to roam This broodiness looks like a frown Evacuate it from up to down Noble as you are, it's time for the tone Gemini: You've reached your goal, now you begin All prepared, now walk forward and go in This shall bring the upon the changes deeply in need For it is about you soul that needs to feed Have no expectations, this is in order to win Cancer: Are you kneeling or sitting these days The difference is how you approach these ways Is it a task or is it a gift That will give you your needed lift Either way, it's a good thing as as one says Leo: It's time now to pull your sword from stone You've been chosen from before, you alone A time is present that leadership is in need All things are in need, especially to feed The story of King Arthur arises from bone The Rider’s Mag - Page 30
Virgo: More secrets from the night are revealed Even from things you have appealed The day will come soon enough By then, you'll know secrets and stuff Nothing is forever hidden or sealed Libra: Stop dragging your foot, it marks the floor Don't you know, you're not near the shore Feeling confined with thoughts in mind Getting out of this will be helpful you'll find So what is it, a little less or a little more Scorpio: Your hands seem to be tied up at this time Folded a clasped, are you praying in rhyme Open your eyes and look out your window You might be interested in what's in show Don't be stubborn like a repetitive mime Sagittarius: You need to rest, even put your foot up It's time to let yourself dream from the cup A new hunt, a new tool, ponder a wish It just could be the right filler to your dish All will be different and shouting "Waszz-up" Capricorn: Memory and thought should be balanced right For one can lead the other to fight Learned from experience from all around Will find that harmony to be found Pull these companions together with your might Aquarius: Wandering in the caverns beneath your place Giving you ample time to prepare for the race Now that you're confident and ready You'll find life much more steady At a moments notice, it will become your ace Pisces: The battles over, but not completely for you Rest a bit, you'll need the you that's new You've been given a clue within your dreams Now find the fresh watering streams The next move is up to you now, this is true Dath Spoke: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Even if somebody hides away in the shoulder Proof is in the pudding they say Then let evidence show one the way All will make sense as one grows older
September This astrology has been written in “Quin-trains” meaning there are five lines to the divination. The fifth line will reveal the answer to the other 4 lines. There are 13 twisted spokes in creation of my wheel I use instead of the common 12. Since this wheel is created this way, this allows the reader to approach the wheel in 3 ways. As each sign represents a spoke in the wheel, you can read either what your own spoke has to say or read what all the spokes have to say to share a visual to the whole picture. See how all the spokes complete your wheel. The 13th spoke is what I call the “Dath Spoke” It is the spoke that binds all other spokes together, so you can see exactly what wheel(s) you’re using for your ride. Consider it having extra rubber for extra mileage. You can also read the 1st line of each of the signs to get another insightful message. Aries: The sun sets as the Horseman is awoken Because at night there are less words spoken He is the fourth called within one year As a rider upon a horse, he shall bring fear Passing through leaving here and there a token Taurus: Your pillars have no roof to hold So, in exchange you get to see the sky unfold Believe it or not, this is your sacred place It fortifies you and your occupied space This place of greatness will stay with you, so I’m told Gemini: A passing rite and a passing of light Here comes the next level, not quite in sight It’s a formality that you will go through It’s what all others would want to be true When you awake, you will feel right Cancer: There in the land of slumber and rest The realm of dreams speak their best A vision clue of what you seek It was a trade that has left you weak When you awaken, you shall know your quest Leo: When it comes to push and shove Make sure your heart if full of love You are well armored and experienced this way Just remember what was said and how you sway You don’t want an unwarranted iron glove
Virgo: The battle is fairly obvious as you fight As fierce as you can be, conjure your might You are proper in your training and skill There shouldn’t be a problem to win with will The battle is almost over, just one more night Libra: Pulled from stone, you need to turn around Towards this way is what you seek to be found Travel quickly while you’re safe at this time Don’t stop, not even for a dime Things will come together to make things sound Scorpio: You lay at rest while others fly around you There’s a transformation happening, it’s true Just be still while the noise is loud Eventually it will disappear into a cloud Then the passage rite confirms all is new Sagittarius: Words spoken can be corrected but not taken back Careful communication will keep it on track How others respond to your voice Will leave a large margin of choice Balance is needed in order to reduce the flack Capricorn: Don’t wish too hard, you don’t want to cry But take those thought in order to try Soon you will be able to move about But not until you’ve finished your stout After all is done, you can let out a big sigh Aquarius: A very unique situation that you are in Nurturing and nurturer as one to win A special wonderful feeling to share If it’s for one or for even a pair The fates look favourably upon you and your kin Pisces: Like Merlyn raising the staff up high By this action you might open the sky But be aware of what you call forth then For the elements will tell you when Karmically responsible to give you the tie Dath Spoke: Tic, Tac, Toe, it still looks like a stalemate Keep your cool and quieten your state It’s not all bad as one would say For after night, there is a sun with day Life needs a call, maybe a new rate The Rider’s Mag - Page 31
Once again, I must remind you to keep an open mind when reading what I try and communicate, especially in this article, in case you end up thinking I must have ridden a few too many miles in the hot sun before writing this. Also, because I have no visual aids and cannot draw anyways, I will need you to picture in your mind what I am trying to convey. I want to talk about alignment, and the importance of it in happy and contented riding and living. Those of you who need to be hands on in the operations of your bike know in order for good cycle operation both front and rear wheels need to be totally aligned. In addition, transmission and rear wheel sprockets need to be in alignment, especially those bikes whose transmissions are separate from the engine. That means engine and trannies on these bikes must also be in alignment. Those of us who have ridden bikes with bent head stocks, that have been crashed, and want to turn left or right have experienced fork alignment issues, especially under hard breaking. And of course tires and parts wear much faster. So, what about the alignment of the bike rider? The same things apply, so let’s look at the mind, the tongue, and the heart. Once again it is important for happy operations these three things must be aligned. If the mind is full of negative and angry thoughts, the tongue usually ends us saying things that are out of alignment with normal feelings. If the heart is like that of a wild animal, it often controls the brain to see only darkness, and periods of light are short lived. You may now be thinking, that’s cool, I agree, I need to do a better job of keeping my mind, tongue, and heart in alignment or I am going to do that. Good luck with that. It is like someone saying I am not going to drink today and by noon they are plastered. I have never been able to achieve 100% physical alignment as a human. I believe as a sinful human, it is impossible. I have come to believe I cannot become a good person, whatever that is, on my own. I have come to rely and trust in God to perform the changes I cannot. I ask for help in the morning to do his will and thank him and night, it is very simple. For me it is like trying to ride a bike with no fuel, when I live on my own reliance. But when you add some good high-test spirit of God to your tank, riding is much easier for you and those around you. So, give asking for help a try, not just once, but for a period of time so you can look back and see improvements. This is the fifth month we have shared in a new crazy COVID world. Meditate on alignment, if it is hard to put into practice, ask for some help. It will be good for you and the world. Until next time, God Bless Pastor Glenn
What do you believe in? After we ponder, discuss, and consider many things we probably will come to some conclusion like I believe in truth and in things that I know are true. Over the years I have missed a lot of truth, or have had to work extra hard at what I believe in because I have limited truth to what I see with the eye. In easy terms, if you cannot see it you don’t believe in. This past weekend my seven year old granddaughter and I were in the garden. She was so amazed at all the red tomatoes, green beans, and cucumbers, she then said mother nature had made them all. So, she saw with her eyes what I saw, but it was obvious we did not agree on how the garden came about. Questions like “If mother nature made the tomato, where did the original one come from?”. So, you may be asking, who cares, where the original tomato came from, it does not matter. That does not mean, where it came from goes away. It just means we chose to ignore where it came from, it still came from somewhere. When I was about 13 years old I sat in a Sunday School classroom, because my dad said I had to. I got into a long and heated discussion with an old farmer/Sunday school teacher which lasted after church while the others attending had left. He finally lost his cool and said, “while you have got to believe in something”. I told him I did, I believe in me, and I quit Sunday school. He died before I got to tell him he was right. Over the years I have talked to many people who all seem to agree there is something, somewhere that they cannot see or describe that keeps the planets in this crazy universe from colliding. Many believe something made those plants and stars. However, many chose to stop processing further at this point. Many people like myself soon become totally lost The Rider’s Mag - Page 32
believing solely in oneself. It seems the harder we try the darker things become. The bible tells us, God is omnipresent, everywhere at once, kind of like air or light, in heaven, in the entire universe, on earth, and in those who believe in Him. So, if believing in yourself and running your own show is not working well, try believing in Him. You can still believe in yourself if you want, just believe in Him more. As your faith grows you will believe in Him more and more, and in yourself less. Many times problems get resolved by simply believing he will handle them, and he does. You may be asking yourself, why does this goof keep writing about God. I do it because I want you to experience real and lasting peace. We taught we had it in the 60’s, but that was man made, try God as you have nothing to lose and so much more to gain. Pastor Glenn
The Rider’s Mag - Page 33
The Future Comes from the Past Liquid Cooled V-Twins Shocking news! Harley-Davidson will replace the air-cooled, pushrod-operated Milwaukee-8 with a fully liquid-cooled, overhead cammed engine within two years. It appears that Indian has won the race with the venerable Harley-Davidson for the first liquid cooled engine, the 2020 Challenger. However, if knowing your H-D history, AMF/Harley-Davidson handily won this race over forty years ago with its famed and very secretive Nova project designed to bring HarleyDavidson into the twentieth century. This fully developed prototype featured a Willie G. design radiator and fan under the seat and liquid cooling with overhead cams in a 60-degree V-Twin engine. It also had the first five- speed transmission and rear belt drive. I saw a prototype Nova stuffed into a dark corner in the Juneau Avenue building in Milwaukee in 1997. I was visiting with an American Iron Mag team to learn about the new Twin Cam powertrain. The Nova came close to revolutionizing the future of Harley-Davidson. There are inevitable changes that must occur for this outstanding company to survive into the future. Certainly, traditional styling and mechanical concepts basing on the Big Twin and Sportster must fall by the wayside in the coming years. There is a little known American Machine and Foundry story of the very secretive Nova Project. For H-D riders of the day, AMF was derisively infamous for manufacturing bowling balls amongst other recreational products. However, AMF also experimented extensively with a new ultra-progressive design motorcycle. While AMF did not quite save the Hog’s bacon, it made many of the prerequisite moves and laid the groundwork for the Gang of 13 to build on. The Gang of 13 was the team of AMF/H-D executives that bought Harley-Davidson back from AMF in 1980. Dare I say that AMF engineered the first 5-speed transmission, rubbermount frames, and rear belt drives? Furthermore, in my heretical opinion, backed by historical fact, AMF instituted the beginning of the 1984 to 1998 Evolution engine in 1977, three years before the buyout by H-D management. This reviled company also had a hand in the progressively new Evo head design, unleaded gas valves and seats, offset connecting rods, improved piston and ring design, and many other developments incorporated into the Evo engine. Harley-Davidson traditionally bases on the awkward and inefficient 450 -cylinder angularity but also developed hopeful consumer acceptable transition motorcycles via the 600 V-Rod and the 720 Buell 1125R. Most view this as a first time utilization of newer technology by the Motor Company. However, in 1976, AMF/Harley-Davidson began development of new two, four, and 6-cylinder water-cooled motorcycles whose technology was certainly equal to if not ahead of the Japanese at that time. The projected launch date that never happened for the Nova was during 1981. The 1976 Pinehurst Meetings set the future. Pinehurst, a North Carolina resort is where the two-pronged strategy for the future evolved for the Harley Davidson division of American Machine and Foundry. The strategy was superb. It only failed due to a lack of resources to finance both plans. However, either approach had huge potential to work on its own. The implementation of both strategies could possibly have made Harley-Davidson the dominant player in motorcycling worldwide. The dual strategy was to first refine the 1966 to 1984 Shovelhead into an evolution of design improvement to make a next generation engine reliable and fast. Hence, the name Evolution. The second strategy was the Nova Project. The Nova was a new motorcycle designed to conquer the smaller bike market and give a high tech alternative to traditional Harley-Davidson’s. The best choice was to evolve both concepts in tandem but this was not to be. The Nova was a double overhead cam (DOHC), 600 V-Twin water-cooled motorcycle in various two to six cylinder configurations ranging from 400cc to 1500cc. The simplicity in achieving the differing Nova displacements would save much money and increase ease of production. The stroke of the 400, 500, 800, 1000, 1200 and 1500cc projected Nova motorcycles would remain constant at 2.28”. There would be two bore sizes of 2.60”, and 2.91”, creating either a 200cc or 250cc displacement for each cylinder. A multiplication of these two size cylinders created the different size displacement motorcycles using banks of V-Twin cylinders. Nova models based off either one of these 200cc and 250cc cylinder configurations. Therefore, the 2-cylinder V-Twins became 400cc (2 x 200cc), or 500cc (2 x 250cc). The V4 motorcycles were a multiple of this, adding a 2-cylinder bank to form the 800cc (4 x 200cc) and 1000cc models (4 x 250cc). Finally, the V6 models were three banks of 2-cylinders to create the 1200cc (6 x 200cc), and 1500cc models (6 x 250cc). The different Nova models also had interchangeable 5-speed transmissions gears during the 4-speed era before the introduction of the 1980 5-speed FLT Shovelhead. The Nova was visionary but radically dangerous thought considering the traditional Harley rider market during that era. All Harley DavidsonV-Twins are under-square engines where the stroke is longer than the bore diameter. When bore The Rider’s Mag - Page 34
and stroke are equal, the result is a square engine. The Nova was an over-square engine with a shorter stroke relative to bore diameter and thus very modern for its time; then and now. The new Indian Challenger is also over-square. So what is the big deal? Long stroke engines like the 80 cubic inch Shovelhead and Evolution have a 4.250” stroke. These long stroke engines that include the Twin Cam, M-8, and air cooled Indians have difficulty going over 5500 rpm safely because of the mechanical limitations of a pushrod valve train. Without the need for pushrods, the shorter stroke overhead cam Nova could safely rev to the 10,000-rpm levels. Think fast as in speed! AMF decided that in-factory engineers would handle the Evolution engineering while Porsche was subcontracted to develop the Nova. Porsche, as the reader may know also mightily assisted in the development of the V-Rod decades later. The smaller displacement Novas would allow entry-level riders into the Harley Davidson fold. The smallest Harley at the time was the 1000cc 2-cylinder V-Twin Sportster that was much too large and expensive for young enthusiasts. The largest Nova at 1500cc was 160cc larger than the 1340cc Shovel or Evolution Big Twins. Nova would challenge the vaunted Gold Wing and other big cruisers that would soon confront Harley-Davidson dominance of that market. The V6 1500cc 600-Nova model had up to 135 horsepower output. This is remarkable because it is about 2 ½ times the horsepower output of the Big Twins of the day. Furthermore, the 1981 Nova had 13 more HP than the 2020 Indian Challenger. According to the EPA, the Milwaukee Eight 107 produces about 93 horsepower with the 114 M-8 producing about 101 horsepower @ 5020 rpm at the engine. The powerhouse Nova certainly would have revolutionized American motorcycling. The Nova Project launched in the 1970’s almost came to fruition and missed going into production primarily because of the Gang of 13, 1981-company buyout. The new owners were forced to abandon the Nova Project, as there just was not enough money to put both the Nova and the Evolution into production. The financial choice for the Gang of 13 was to modernize the V-Twin Shovelhead whose warranty problems were sinking the Factory relative to its competitors. But Nova technology carried on with the use of belt drives and 5-speed transmissions that assisted mightily in Evolution success. Nova design also provided the Evolution FXRT with its aerodynamic, frame mounted faring and saddlebags. Will Willi G’s under seat Nova radiator and fan ensure their future liquid-cooled Big Twin design remains much the same for Harley traditionalists with their upcoming liquid-cooled offering to compete with the 2020 Indian Challenger? Next issue, I will discuss engine heat, liquid cooling, and lower emissions necessary for any V-Twin engine, especially Harley-Davidson to survive into the future. Donny Petersen www.donnypetersen.com
Learn the real deal… Wanna know what really happened from the one who was there? NOT Fiction from Cops and Reporters doing the Biker Smear Nor from Stoolies trying to justify their lies. Truth can be stranger than fiction. Order from www.donnypetersen.com I will announce book signings on my Facebook page. OR By Etransfer $60 (book, tax, shipping) to donnypetersen@rogers.com Then message/email me the name I should autograph the book to and the mailing address. The Rider’s Mag - Page 35
HAMC “Downtown” Toronto: July 3/20: Death in the Family It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Rod the Hat has passed. After cremation, as per Rod’s wishes, he will be interred in a Harley Davidson engine cylinder and head and placed behind the clubhouse bar, surrounded by brothers and his favorite alcohol. Post-Covid, we will have a ride for Rod the Hat followed by a Celebration of Life. You can read about Rod in Biker 101: The Life of Don. The stories are endless but Rod is the guy who got me drunk in 1968 and conned me into buying a motorcycle. Then, he taught me how to ride it. Rod’s dry sense of humor was legendary. Never cracking a smile, he let his words hang in the air. He patiently waited for listeners to absorb, until bursting into laughter. Rod never lied. However, he was expert at letting the listener draw their own conclusions. When he was On the Program, I warned Rod not to fool with the membership. “They have seen it all Rod. You will not be able to fool them.” One time, Rod didn’t show up at the clubhouse for a few days. He finally walked in and began cleaning as was required. “Rod, where were you?” “I was feeling a little under the weather.” A member noticed something on Rod’s wrist. “What’s on your wrist Rod?. “Nothing…” “Is that a hospital bracelet? Why didn’t you tell us you were hospitalized?’ “I did explain. I told you I was not feeling well.” I sat smiling for I knew Rod well. A suspicious member grabbed Rod’s wrist and exclaimed “This bracelet is from years ago!” Rod was in deep shit. We all stared as the silence became deafening. Then, everyone burst into laughter. It was hard to get mad at Rod. Another time of many, the coppers pulled Rod over. “Whaddya want?” “There was a bank robbery. You fit the description” “Bullshit! You fuckers know I don’t rob banks.” “What do you do then?” "I sell drugs.” “Do you have any drugs in your possession?” “You got any money officer?” Frustrated, the cop told Rod to fuck off. One night, Rod was paying his dues. He peeled three fifties off his roll. Rod slid them across the table to the treasurer. Just as the treasurer began to grab the money, Rod deftly took them back. “Stop fucking around Rod. Pay your dues!” “You don’t want 3 bills with the same serial number, do you?” Rod calmly turned and walked back to his seat, laughter following his every step. Rod was Rod; a good guy and a great brother.
The Rider’s Mag - Page 36
The Rider’s Mag - Page 37
Well here we, are rolling into Ontario and everyone is still shaking their heads, wondering “What the hell happened to us in 2020?”. Going between confused, and pissed by the daily updates that make you feel like you are trying to herd a pack of cats. On the upside, there is life happening within our motorcycle community, although it is taking baby steps with everyone trying to figure out the daily updates on the safe distancing requirements and how to apply them, so as not to run afoul of the authorities. So far, the rides that have taken place have been kept to small numbers, well distanced, and meeting or ending up at a location with lots of space. A few impromptu cruise nights have also been popping up, with everyone being pretty damn respectful of the guidelines! After losing so much of the season we all just want to maximize what is left of the 2020 riding year. Special occasions, such as weddings, graduations, anniversaries and funerals were acknowledged by well organized drive bys so that the individuals or families could view the line of motorcycles passing by to show their respect and support for the occasion. Now, a number of events are going forward, although scaled back, so I will list some of the ones that you may wish to participate in. On August 8th - The members of the White Knucklerz RC will be holding their 6th Annual Ride for Sick Children in Cornwall. Larry and his crew are the kind of club who actively support other club’s events and I might add The Riders Mag! So, if you feel like going on a scenic ride to Cornwall and spending the day with great people, then drop by. August 22nd - The Falcons MC, Cap-City Crew, will be holding their 2nd Annual Battle Field Run. There will be a free breakfast, provided for all participants by members of The Celtic Brotherhood. Like last year, the Falcons MC will see to it, that any profits, will be used in some way to help veterans. Last year, the proceeds were used to help two particular veterans, who were dealing with PTSD in their recovery. So, mark this ride on your calendar, drop by, and have a great time with great people. I have some great news for the Ottawa and area motorcycle community! I was informed by my good
The Rider’s Mag - Page 38
friend and Brother, Jim Poulin that he would be going ahead with his Fall Greely Motorcycle Swap Meet on Sunday September 13th but, with a new twist! It will be held outside, and where traditionally it is a “Parts Only” event, Jim is going to open it out to some of the other types of vendors, those who sell biker related merchandise. This is a great event and always well attended. It’s been many years since there have been outdoor motorcycle swap meets around here! If you do attend, I hope that you will stop by The Riders Mag
booth to say hello. The members of TCB are planning to provide a free breakfast to all the vendors as a way of thanking everyone for participating, and keeping this tradition alive. Saturday Aug 29th The Templar Knights MC are planning on hosting their 8th Annual Toys for the Kids Ride in Renfrew. This club, devotes a lot of their time and effort to make things better for children! Why not combine a good cause with a great ride and help the Templar Knights make a positive difference. On a more serious note, last year in the month of August I had to inform the biker/motorcycle community of Eastern Ontario that they had lost one of their iconic figures! A man, who, for well over 40 yrs devoted much of that time to making things things better for riders in one way or another! He was also a member of The Celtic Brotherhood. Mike “Bozz” Bossio passed away on August 17th just two weeks short of his 71st birthday. I personally
have known Bozz for over four decades and was proud to call him not only a friend, but my brother! Especially in the last 8 yrs., when he became a full patched member of the club. He was married to his wife Adele for 50 yrs., and they had two children. He became an auto mechanic and he was involved in motorcycles from the very beginning. Eventually, he opened Boss Auto Repair which he operated as a family business with his son, Paul and daughter in law, Angie. Both he, and Adele, belonged to many different riding associations over the years, and at the time of his passing he was an executive member of ORRA (Ontario Road Riders Association) and SOAR (Society of Ottawa Area Riders). He was the chairman of SOAR for the last 5 years. Bozz was also active in organizing breakfasts for his friends in the Retreads. His other passion was cooking and feeding people, which he did with great skill! Whether it was hamburgers, The Rider’s Mag - Page 39
hot dogs or pulled pork, he prepared it with pride! Over the last several years you could find him, along with his TCB Brothers behind the griddle, serving complimentary free breakfasts to riders participating in events or rides hosted by other clubs! These Clubs, who were active in community work, such as BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse). TCB donated these breakfasts, while promoting brain injury & PTSD awareness. There were also the rides his own club hosted such as the Ride for Autism, Ottawa, and the Awareness Ride for Brain Injury & PTSD. Bozz and crew not only did breakfasts but they did bbq’s and I think it is safe to say that in the last several years they probably fed well over 6000 motorcycle riders. In honor of his passion for both the motorcycle community and feeding it, The Celtic Brotherhood created an award called “The Bozz” commissioned from one of our own brothers, Mike “Grinder” Maloney. The metal sculpture was made of motorcycle parts of a figure holding a wrench in one hand and a mini spatula in the other. It just seems to capture the essence of what he was all about! Each year, someone who the Club feels has gone that extra mile to make things better in our community will be acknowledged by this award. On this, the one year anniversary of Bozz leaving for Valhalla, I would like to say that from all your Brothers and supporters; Bozz you are a true Biker’s Biker and while you have taken your last ride here with us, we will not be sad at your leaving. You will be here with us every time one of us fires up their bike or every time we break out in uncontrollable laughter, over some joke that nobody else in the world would understand but us! Whenever we hear the chorus to Steppenwolf’s “Born To Be Wild”, and most of all you will be with us every time we hug each other and say the words that Bikers know the true meaning of “Love Ya Bro!”. So until we all meet again in Valhalla to raise a little Celtic Hell.. Love and Brotherhood! Throughout the month of August I will participating in any number of small gatherings and rides and I look forward to having more news to pass on to you and please contact me with any events you might know of so I can do my very best to get the word out For many years I have ended my column with the same things, reminding you of all the riders and their families struggling with brain injury and PTSD. I tell you to support the rides and events of clubs in your area because they are the ones that come to support yours and I mention that you should support the businesses and services that advertise in The Riders Mag because without it, we couldn’t reach out to all of you and keep you informed of what incredible people you all are, but this is a little bit of a different ending for now. This battle with the Covid-19
Virus continues to take its toll both in lives as well as jobs and our economy is struggling to find a new normal. The government wants to sing us a song as the boat struggles The Rider’s Mag - Page 40
to stay afloat but out there, others are winning the war one battle at a time. All of us from “The Riders Mag” want to offer all the members of the medical profession such as nurses and doctors to truck drivers and grocery store clerk and about 1000 other occupations, our respect and admiration for what they are doing. To our brothers & sisters in the motorcycle communities everywhere, we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel but life will be different that when we entered it but not for us because I mean everything I say about all of you every time I write about how awesome you all are and if you arrive at the end of the quarantine in fair shape... Please take the time to check and see what you can do for the others in your biker community who didn’t fair so well Sorry for the speech but we have to be there for each other. If you have an event or ride or if you are business that deals with either motorcycles or the people who ride them you might like to advertize or even perhaps become a distributor of “The Riders Mag please contact me by email or phone. As always, I want you to remember we make our motorcycle communities stronger by making them better. Email: theridersmag.beau@gmailcom Twitter: Riders Mag East @motorcyco_beau you can also read us for free online: www.theridersmag.com MLLH&R and most of all Brotherhood ... Motorcyco Beau!
The Rider’s Mag - Page 41
The Rider’s Mag - Page 42
The Rider’s Mag - Page 43
The Rider’s Mag - Page 44
The Rider’s Mag - Page 45
Approved Appraisal Services B.A. Machine BACCHUS MC Bond Slave M.C. Calgary Harley Davidson Classy Chassis & Cycles Donny Petersen Easy Acres Machines Hawg Worx Hips Cycle Mackesy Smye Marcy Flowers By Design Meetz Small Engines Metal ‘N’ Ink Mostly Iron Heads Motorcycle Enhancements Motorcycle Supershow Mylar and Loretas Restaurant Noura’s OPUS Employment Peterborough Swap Meet PD Restoration Plastix Fantastix Robinson Motorcycle Smokies Garage Tons of Bike Gear Wiesner Insurance
The Rider’s Mag - Page 46
Pg. 2 Pg. 41 Pg. 3 Pg. 41 Pg. 22 Pg. 36 Pg. 35 Pg. 28 Pg. 3 Pg. 3 Back Cover Pg. 23 Pg. 16 Pg. 28 Pg. 28 Pg. 46 Inside Back Cover Pg. 28 Pg. 41 Pg. 28 Pg. 3 Pg. 23 Pg. 23 Pg. 28 Pg. 17 Pg. 21 Calendar Feature
PRESENTED BY
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • TORONTO J NEW MOTORCYCLE DISPLAYS J HOT SHOPPING DEALS J MANUFACTURER & DEALER DISPLAYS J 500 EXHIBITORS SPAN OVER 7 HALLS J PARTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR SALE
J MEET INDUSTRY CELEBRITIES J 100 CLUBS, RIDES & RALLIES J CANADA CUP CUSTOM COMPETITION J GIANT USED BIKE MARKET J CENTURY OF MOTORCYCLES EXHIBITION The Rider’s Mag - Page 47
The Rider’s Mag - Page 48