From The Desk of April Violet … Mz. Heelz on Wheelz

Sinan

The Motorcycle Squirrel

When we purchased Thunder Roads® TN and KY, we committed to our readers to diversify the magazine to include all riders and motorcycle enthusiasts. If the following story doesn’t prove that commitment, we’re not sure what will. Introducing Sinan

The Motorcycle Squirrel

I met Sinan a few years ago at a local car show and immediately fell in love with this furry little ball of personality. His owner, Saed Awad, and I quickly became friends and have stayed in contact regularly. I was excited to write this article on Sinan’s rise to fame finally. I didn’t expect to discover that the real story was not Sinan; it was Saed and his journey and how his love for the motorcycle community began. When I sat down with Saed, I started the interview with, “How did Sinan come to be?” He responded, “April, to explain that I have to tell you a little about my childhood.” And so he did. Saed Awad was born and raised in Jerusalem. He shared all the generalities of growing up. However, one topic stuck out to me. He recalled that while growing up, motorcycle riders were thought of as criminals, gang members, generally bad people. He learned to fear them and, of course, stay as far away from them as possible. Fast forward to 2005, when Saed moved to Knoxville TN Imagine growing up, taught to fear bikers, and then moving to East Tennessee. He spoke of working at a restaurant where it turned out, two of his co-workers were bikers. One day, they told him of an event they were participating in to raise money for a charity. “I could not wrap my head around it,” he stated.

“How are these so-called bad people riding motorcycles to help someone in need?” The more he got to know his friends, the more Saed’s view began to change. The more he witnessed it, the more he wanted to be a part of it. Saed shared with me a time he was invited to The Warehouse Bar and Grill in Oakridge, TN, to play pool. (Now Ridge Runners) A friend of his quickly tried to discourage him from going. He warned, “You cannot go out there. It is a biker bar. They will not accept you, and it could be dangerous for you.” Saed decided he would not live in the same fear he grew up in. So, he went. At this point, I was intensely listening to find out what had saed and sinan happened. A huge smile came across his face. “April, they loved me.” He went on to share that he was welcomed completely. No judgment. Never made to feel inferior or treated as an outcast. He recalled the incredible feeling of family and brotherhood. He was even asked to come back and substitute on a team during pool league. He did very well, by the way. It turns out Saed is one heck of a pool player. Ok, I know you are wondering how Sinan fits into all of this? In 2018 a married couple discovered a baby squirrel in their back yard that must have fallen from the tree. They brought it to Saed because they knew he was the best choice to raise it. “Wait,” I said. “Why would they think that?” He began laughing and revealed that he had an odd love for squirrels. Saed proceeded to tell me that he built an oasis in his backyard for wild squirrels that has tables, chairs, and camping spaces. He would leave food on the tiny tables to invite the squirrels to enjoy. Saed noticed the strange look on my face and further explained where his love of squirrels came from. As a young child, there was a cartoon in his country about a Squirrel. Saed told me, “Nothing would keep me from watching it. It was my escape from day-to-day life. I loved it. And if you were wondering, the Squirrel’s name in the cartoon was Sinan. So now Saed finds himself with a baby squirrel to raise and care for. “I knew immediately what I wanted to do,” he said. I wanted to be a part of this incredible biker community, but I didn’t have the passion for riding like so many. However, I did desire to be a part of their community, and Sinan would be that connection. So Saed went out and found a tiny motorcycle for Sinan, along with a small helmet and made him his very own biker vest. Why stop there? Saed went even further and hand-made Sinan an entire wardrobe, furniture, everything a squirrel would need. Now keep in mind having a wild squirrel is no easy task. Keeping him alive was priority. Even bottle feeding him. Saed spent countless hours training Sinan to be calm around crowds, loud noises, and people wanting to hold or touch him. Not to mention getting him to sit on his motorcycle when needed. Very impressive. Saed decided to take Sinan to a University of Tennessee game to try out all that he had taught him, wearing his tiny UT game jersey, of course. Sinan was an instant sensation, receiving more attention than anticipated. Of course, not all was good attention. Someone decided to report Saed to the TWRA. If you didn’t know, it is illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet. One afternoon, Saed received a knock on his door. There stood the TWRA, they had come to take Sinan away. However, Sinan wasn’t just any ordinary pet squirrel. Saed told them the story of how he ended up with Sinan. After spending time with him and seeing the true love Saed has for Sinan and his devotion to squirrels in general, considering his backyard set up. They agreed not to take Sinan away but informed him he would need to get licensed and permitted as soon as possible to keep Sinan. So Saed completed the required 200 hours in Wildlife Preservation and legally gained his permit to keep his beloved friend. All the hard work has paid

Sinan with Kid Rock off. Sinan is a local celebrity now. He loves being out in public. He even has his own Facebook and Instagram. (Be sure to follow him) Besides UT games, spending time rubbing elbows with the likes of Kid Rock or enjoying the camping and incredible outdoor activities East Tennessee has to offer. Sinan also is a Smokies Baseball fan. Jersey and all. However, Sinan’s main focus is his fellow biking community. Saed makes sure that Sinan attends as many motorcycle events as possible to show unity, love, and support. Just as the Motorcycle community showed Saed. Do us a favor. If you are ever out and about and have the pleasure of running into Sinan, be sure to pose for a quick picture with him, get a pawtograph, but more importantly, thank Saed for sharing his story, his precious Sinan, and being an inspiration to us all.