Wide Open Jan 2013

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“The Voice of the Midwest Coast” Publisher/Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ralph Roades Promotions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jesse Roades Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ralph Roades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Loney Wilcoxson Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Loney Wilcoxson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elizabeth Castillo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Mile Mike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Doc Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David Lee Wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Norm Cooper Photographers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ralph Roades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Loney Wilcoxson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elizabeth Castillo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 Mile Mike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Norm Cooper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ricky Bain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jim Franklin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shooters Images Layout . . . . . . . . . . . Anderson Computer Graphics Wide Open Magazine is published 4 times a year, Bike Show Issue, Spring Issue, Summer Issue and Fall Issue. No parts of this book may be reproduced without permission from the editor. Wide Open Magazine is not responsible for any transactions resulting from advertisements in this book Copyright, 2013, Ralph Roades For advertising rates or Bike Show information contact Ralph Roades : 660-221-2298 For subscriptions: 816-987-5809 fax: 816-987-5821 e-mail: info@wideopenmag.net www.wideopenmag.net Wide Open Magazine 502 Hickory Hills Dr. Pleasant Hill, MO 64080

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR. . .

Well folks it’s that time of year again. I really wish someone could tell me where 2012 went because it’s almost gone. Funny how it seems we were just working on the Spring Issue. As you read this I am busy trying to get this issue out to you since 2013 Wide Open Bike Shows are right around the corner. I am sitting here trying to get my mind around the fact that our Kansas City show is almost completely sold out nearly a full month before the show date. This has never happened this early before, and I am facing the fact that I may seriously have to turn down some folks that want to vend or display due to the fact that there is just no more room. By comparison our St. Louis show is on track to do the exact same thing. While one part of me is pumped the shows are all but filled, I don’t really care for the possibility of having to exclude anyone. I’ll say this though, if you need a better sign that things related to motorcycles are rebounding, I don’t know what it would be.

We have a great issue for you this month. Inside you’ll get to read about the entire goings on at the Dave Mann Chopperfest held in Ventura, California this year. Our old buddy Norm give us all the details worth knowing on the 2012 Rocky Point Rally held south of the border in Sonora, Mexico. We also have coverage of this year’s Spring River Rally and Music festival just down the road at Griffin Park in Hardy, Arkansas.

A little closer to home we’ve got coverage of the 20th annual Ralph Wayne’s Backyard Nationals bike show. This is supposed to be the last edition of this great show. I’ve been hearing this for years, so I’ll believe it when I see it, but if this is truly the last year, you are surely not going to want to miss the story and photos.

We’ll give you info on the upcoming annual Gail’s Harley-Davidson All American Bike Show. As you know this invitational show is a must-attend event and it promises to be even bigger than last year.

We have plenty of bike features for you this issue including two builds from the St. Joseph Harley-Davidson Custom Shop that are as different as night and day. We also have another spectacular custom from Turkey Creek Cycles that demonstrates sometimes being a partner isn’t all it’s cracked up to be when you’re standing in line. Hard Core Customs unveils an updated version of a previous Wide Open build, in the form of a recycled Road King dubbed “The Bagfather.” This great makeover project may just open your eyes to possibilities with your own scooter.

Our Ladies Who Ride feature will introduce you to a lady that owns a sport bike and a Harley, and whose involvement with motorcycles goes much deeper than just riding.

As I do with every issue, I go over the articles as Sandy puts things together. I was saddened to see that our Fallen Sister section was dedicated to Debbie Anderson. Debbie and Dean were the creators of the High Seas Rally we covered in a previous issue. She was a great lady and will be missed. We extend our sympathies to Dean during this rough time.

Well that’s all I have for now, I’ve got to get back to getting our shows squared away. Did I mention that along with free Harley-Davidson motorcycles, live music, loads of vendors, great bikes and free parking, we also have a special guest that is a former Playboy model at our shows this year? You may remember Michelle Manhart as the former U.S. Air Force Drill Instructor that got the military brass all in uproar a few years back.

Now you get the chance to see why in person.

Wide Open Motorcycle Magazine would like to welcome Camtech, The Spring River Rally, and C R Cycle Tires of DeSoto, Kansas to our family of advertisers.

I’d like to thank show sponsors Gail’s Harley-Davidson and St. Charles Harley-Davidson for once again providing a pair of Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom motorcycles that will go home with two lucky winners along with long-time sponsors A&B CARSTAR, Croft Trailer, SMT Machining, and Sinister Industries for all your help and support.

Well, it’s now balls to the walls time planning for a busy and prosperous 2013. All signs indicate things are looking up for all areas of the motorcycle community, and with that in mind we have to ratchet our game up a few notches to keep providing you with everything you’ve come to love and expect from Wide Open.

The 2013 riding season is just around the corner, and in no time we’ll be bringing you info on all the best bike nights and all the must-attend events for 2013. If you can’t make our shows, watch for our Spring Issue.

We will bring you the entire straight scoop, including photos from our shows, along with feature articles on the top three bikes from each show. We’ll also share the names of the two lucky families that leave our shows owning a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

I’d like to thank our family of advertisers and sponsors who work with us hand in hand every single day.

I’d like to thank the Midwest Coast’s best writers, photographers, and of course Anderson Computer Graphics for providing the top-shelf magazine we provide for our readers.

Last, but by no means least, I want to thank you, our readers. You have become our family and our friends. We do everything we do for you, and never forget--without you we couldn’t do what we do.

That’s it for this issue, folks. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and we’ll see you at the shows!

ON THE COVER Ralph Roades’ Bike “Bagfather” See feature on page 26 Ralph Roades, Editor

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Ralph Wayne’s Backyard Nationals

Story and photos

by Elizabeth Castillo “ I want to thank all the sponsors, contributors, all those who helped and all those who attended to make the last 20 years of Backyard Nationals a success,” said Ralph Wayne. That is what Ralph asked me to let everyone know. I and all that have attended want to say thank you to Ralph for hosting this awesome event for 20 years. THANK YOU RALPH. Ralph Wayne’s Backyard Nationals have taken place for the past 20 years on the first Saturday in October in the south Kansas City, Mo yard of Ralph Wayne. It grew from a small gathering to a major Midwest event and from a few people to a few thousand people attending each year. The Backyard Nationals (as Ralph calls it) always maintained the same feel, a coming together of friends to show off some awesome motorcycles. This year in addition to the regular fun was the wedding of Ralph’s son Jason. Jason and his beautiful bride Abby were married under a small tent in the back of the yard at noon and rode out on a Triumph. She was dressed in a beautiful open shoulder dress with belt and boots. (It looked very cold), yet she looked very lovely. The crowd compressed around the small tent to view this wonderful occasion.

Over the years the bikes that have been displayed here are supreme and this year was no exception. Old and rare bikes sit while the crowd

oohhs and aahs. This last Backyard Nationals held October 6th, 2012 brought out cherished machines again. They filled the yard and lined the streets surrounding the house. European, British, German, American, Italian, Japanese and others were represented. Under the tent were some of the most pristine, like Bill Clays 1971 BSA thunderbolt and Vandergriffs 1939 BSA, 1975 café racer and their 1939 Ariel Red Hunter. The Ariel bike was once called the most exclusive in the world. These bikes were well known to British trials and are a true classic. There was also a Bonneville racer with ‘87 sportster power and the shell was on it. In every direction there was another cool bike, like “rusty”, the cool old flat head ridden in by Gino, and the 1925 Henderson with a side hack ridden from Lee’s Summit by R C Ellis.

Kenny Cox brought his 1937 red flathead with a side hack also. These were beautiful machines, all of them, and some very rare. It was nice to see so many familiar faces like Randy Baxter from Marine Iowa. Randy brought his speed twin, the first Triumph twin. Ralph was telling me that on this bike you had to adjust the primary chair by moving the transmission. WOW, things have changed. Each year ribbons (all 1st place) are hung off of selected motorcycles placed there like a gift from Santa, donated by Fred Holter for all these years. It was a special feeling to walk to your bike and see

one of these coveted ribbons hanging. This year they were gold and it just made it even more special.

My friend Rosie (Dave Verts) displayed his bikes just outside the tent. His nickel plated red metallic track master/dirt tracker with a race motor built by Top Henning attracted a good bit of questions. He told me later about the nickel plating instead of chrome. Apparently when racing the guy you would follow would throw back a spray that would affect the paint and make it look bad, so the nickel plating can take the abuse and still look okay.

And that is why a lot of dirt track race bikes are nickel plated. Rosie told me, “It’s not a pretty thing it’s a reason thing.“ His other bike on display was a 1963 Tom Cates frame Bultaco with no brakes!

There were lots of historic bikes and a wealth of information from the people who own them.

Rosie told me something else that I heard from

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Ralph and knew myself, every time we headed out to look at the bikes someone else wanted to visit.

It was great fun.

Each year Ralph’s son Jason does a t-shirt design and T-shirt John makes them. There were some shirts that had tire tread on the sleeves.

Ralph told me T-shirt John put ink or paint on an old Dunlop k-70 tire, rolled it out and used that as the mock up for tread on the shirts. This year there were some shirts with Fred Holter’s picture on them. Fred and Ralph had been the ones 21 plus years ago to dream up the Backyard Nationals and Ralph surprised everyone by having Fred’s picture put on some of the t-shirts. When I asked Ralph about it he told me he had a picture of Fred on his workbench and asked John if they could secretly put it on the shirts. “I didn’t even tell our boys Jason and Dean.” I knew that Ralph and Fred had been friends a long time but was surprised when Ralph told me how long. “Fred’s Dad was a cook over at the country club, he and Brother George would ride motorcycles up and down the road. In 1961 Ralph’s family moved to that area. Ralph said he would see Fred from afar. He and the Rancid Riders hung out at Lawn’s BBQ by the entrance to the drive-inn and I would go to the show. I could hear them old Triumphs and BSA’s tearing it up out there. Fred was like my idol.

How cool! I am so glad Ralph shared that. Fred was 7 years older than Ralph and Ralph considers Fred the co-founder of Backyard Nationals and he had that written on the t-shirts. While working on a motorcycle in Ralph’s garage 21 years ago the idea was born. Ralph says, “Freddie had the idea but he didn’t have the room so I went along with it and it just snowballed into this huge crowd.” The t-shirts are a treasure we have from Backyard Nationals and it is always cool to see one out of state at an event. Fred liked the shirts; he verbalized gratitude to Ralph for the kind gesture. The t-shirt crowd was amazing, several wide stretching out of the yard and down the road over the hill. I say the t-shirt crowd because it seems like a lot of people just come to observe the party and get a t-shirt.

Old timers and magazine photojournalists kindly were given a sooner spot in the line.

Michael Mihalovich and Stripe , fellow photojournalist attended. Mike helped me a lot with

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specifics on bikes. I was kind of in my own world that day as my new “old “bike was ridden to Ralph’s and it was the first time I got to ride her. I was very much busy falling in love with my bike .It was a great first day to ride my new baby on the last Backyard Nationals.

I was first brought to a Backyard Nationals by John Larson many years earlier. John’s son Jack Larson (The Motor Man) at Larson Machine in Belton, Missouri built my new bike. I am very blessed to have this connection to Backyard Nationals, Jack and his father. My friendship with John opened many doors to friendships in the motorcycle world. On one side of my bike was Dave Schneider’s immaculate ‘59 Panhead and the other side was Jeff who rode in on his Panhead from St. Louis with his uncle, Steve Simpson, a recent rider on the cannonball ride with his 1928 H-D was there. David Dikeman, the well known author and dog trainer was there also with the cutest most well-trained dash hounds. My friend Bozz came from Columbia, Rick Yeager and his wife Jennifer came from Sedalia and Phyllis and Don Shearer from Grinnell, Iowa ride down as they have for so many years. GREAT TIME! Thanks to every one of Ralph’s friends and supporters that made up the “staff”. Towards the end of the day when a group picture was taken of the staff you could feel the emotions. 20 years went by fast but the memories will last forever.

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By Loney Wilcoxson Ok folks keep your calendars open on February 8th thru the 10th.

The World of Wheels car show rolls into town for its annual Friday thru Sunday extravaganza. The event once again sets up shop at Bartle Hall. And you all know what that means. Not only are some of the sweetest four wheeled vehicles in the country going to be on display, but once again the prestigious Gail’s All American Invitational Motorcycle Show will be on tap to enjoy as well.

This collaboration between Gail’s Harley-Davidson and the folks at World of Wheels has proven to be a great long term relationship.

What was once little more than an afterthought as far as the motorcycles were concerned, with the addition of Gail and her crew, has morphed into one of the premier motorcycle shows on the Midwest Coast. Applications to be a part of this great event increase with each passing year. The very best examples of custom motorcycles will be on hand so you sure don’t want to miss out.

Following the same successful format as previous years, the bikes in this year’s show will only gain entry in one of two ways. The hopeful owners will be required to submit an application to Gail’s HarleyDavidson for consideration, or if they pull off a class win at this year’s Kansas City Wide Open Bike Show they are automatically eligible.

What better way to compete than to go up against bikes that have already won awards. If you want to be the best you have to beat the best. To see if your bike has what it takes, OR simply "submit pictures of your bike to april@feelthepower.com.

The World of Wheels Show is always a great family oriented event that provides a little something for everyone. Remember kids get in free on Friday with a paid admission and as always discount coupons are available at your local O’Reilly Auto Parts location. As in the past, children 5 and under are allowed free admission all three days. In past years children have been entertained by their favorite television characters come to life and again this year, there will be plenty of things to keep the kid’s attention. If something with a little more action is more to your liking, Rise above BMX Freestyle Exhibitions will be going on at scheduled times all through the three day event.

These shows captivate both the young as well as the young at heart.

For 2013 some of the other highlights include: • Kansas City Pinstripers Dream Factory Art Auction & Jam • Rockabilly Bands including Filthy Phil from “Sons of Anarchy” Friday 4:00-9:00 p.m.

• Wrestling Superstar “Edge” Saturday 12:00-3:00 p.m.

• Davis Cleveland / “Flynn Jones” from Disney’s “Shake It Up” Saturday 1:00-4:00 p.m & 7:00-9:00 p.m.

• Stefanie Scott / “Lexi Reed” from Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm” Sunday 12:00-5:00 p.m.

• Rise Above BMX Freestyle Exhibitions multiple shows each day Keep your eyes out for our next issue to get the total recap of the show as well as all the details and winners from this year’s edition of the Gail’s All American Invitational Motorcycle Show.

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Specifications Background Info: Owner: Rex Hurd Model: Bat Rastard Year: 2012 Fab/Assembly: St. Joe Harley-Davidson Custom Shop / Dan “Rooster” Hudgins Paint/Graphics: CC Custom Graphics Engine Specs: Manufacturer: S&S Model: Panhead Displacement: 93 cubic inches Ignition: S&S Heads: S&S Pistons: S&S Cylinders: S&S Fuel System: S&S Exhaust: Paughco Cam(s): S&S Pushrods: S&S Transmission: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Shifting: Foot Drive Side: Left Case: Harley-Davidson Gears: Harley-Davidson Primary Drive: BDL Frame: Manufacturer: New York City Choppers Model: Hard Tail Stretch: None Neck Rake: Stock Motor Mount Type: Solid Shocks: Nope Sheet Metal: Front Fender: Small Rear Fender: Flat-Modified by Rooster Fuel Tank: Harley-Davidson Oil Tank: V-Twin Custom Copper Oil Lines by Rooster Front End: Manufacturer: V-Twin Model: Wide Glide Tubes: Chrome Sliders: Chrome Wheels, Tires, & Brakes: Front/Size: 16” Wheel: Ride Rite Tire: Dunlop Brake Caliper/Rotor: Jaybrake Rear/Size: 16” Wheel: Ride Rite Tire: Dunlop Brake Caliper/Rotor: Jaybrake Drive Pulley: Haybrake Accessories: Handlebars: Chubby Drag Bars Risers: Harley-Davidson 2” Pull Back Grips: Harley-Davidson License Plate Mount: New York City Choppers Mirrors: Lollipop Headlamp: Harley-Davidson Turn Signals: Nada Brake Lamp: New York City Choppers Seat: Harley-Davidson Forward Controls: Jaybrake Hand Controls: Performance Machine

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St. Joe Harley-Davi

2013 Stre

As I sit here writing this feature, Christmas is less than three weeks away. My thoughts drift off towards what I would like to find under the old tree this year. For the first time in many years I am convinced I have made it off the naughty list and am a lock for the nice list. That being the case, I’d love for Santa to bring me this bike. I know what you’re thinking. He doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. Well, you are wrong. I don’t believe in the whole fat guy in a red suit flying around with reindeer shtick. What I do believe is Santa is all things to all people. Maybe it’s your husband/ wife, parents, grandmother/ grandfather, or even your significant other, but we all have a personal Santa.

According to Ralph, Santa is a little plastic card with the words American and Express on it.

If I were you I’d be kissing up right about now and throwing this sweet 2013 Street Glide on your wish list. The elves (yes guys I called you elves, deal with it) at the St. Joe Harley Custom Shop have built a sweet custom bagger that has just enough custom touches to not look like everybody else’s scooter, yet doesn’t have any over the top features that would end up costing old St. Nick an arm and a leg.

The St. Joe Harley boys used a rock-solid proven platform as their spring board to an attention grabbing ride that still retains a full factory warranty as well as the legendary Motor Company reliability. The bike was strapped to a lift and all of its body parts were removed. The crew made a list and checked it twice (give me a break; its Christmas time and I’m having fun) then boxed up the parts and shipped them to Golden, Colorado. The parts arrived at Gunslinger Custom Paint where

idson Custom Shop

eet Glide

once again stock was transformed into stunning. Orange, yellow and black accented with contrasting pin-striping is a can’t miss combination.

Meanwhile back at St. Joe Harley, OEM wheels and tires gave way to bright shiny new wheels from RC Components wearing Avon rubber. The factory mufflers went away and were replaced with throaty slip-ons from RC Comp’s RCX-Haust collection. If you fire this ride up while the children are nestled all snug in their beds, they’ll be waking up in a big hurry. These mufflers sound as good as they look.

A generous collection of chrome HD parts from the well-stocked St. Joe Harley showroom were added to the bike in just the right amount. Personally the fully chromed front end parts Harley offers have always been a big favorite of mine. These very same parts can be had by you to add a little sparkle to your ride, kinda like tinsel for your bike.

When the body parts made the trip back to St. Joe the bike was reassembled and the results speak for themselves. As of my writing this, the bike is still for sale. By the time this issue hits the newsstands it in all likelihood will be sitting under someone else’s tree. If it is don’t worry. Return the sweaters, neck ties and all the other gifts that you don’t really want and take your dollars and your imagination to the St. Joe Harley-Davidson Custom Shop. These guys will throw down on a ride built just for you and then you can have Christmas whenever you choose!

Story and Photos: Loney Wilcoxson

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Specifications Background Info: Owner: St. Joe Harley-Davidson Brand Name: Harley-Davidson Model: FLHX Street Glide Year: 2013 Fab/Assembly: St. Joe Harley-Davidson Custom Shop Chrome: Harley-Davidson Paint/Graphics: Gunslinger Custom Paint Engine Specs: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Model: Twin Cam 103 Displacement: 103 c.i.

Ignition: Harley-Davidson Heads: Harley-Davidson Pistons: Harley-Davidson Cylinders: Harley-Davidson Fuel System: Harley-Davidson Exhaust: Harley-Davidson / R/C Components Cam(s): Harley-Davidson Pushrods: Harley-Davidson Transmission: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Shifting: Harley-Davidson Drive Side: Left Primary Drive: Harley-Davidson Case: Harley-Davidson Gears: Harley-Davidson Frame: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Model: Touring Stretch: Stock Neck Rake: Stock Motor Mount Type: Rubber Shocks: Harley-Davidson Sheet Metal: Front Fender: Harley-Davidson Rear Fender: Harley-Davidson Fuel Tank: Harley-Davidson Oil Tank: Harley-Davidson Side Panels: Harley-Davidson Saddle Bags: Harley-Davidson Fairing: Harley-Davidson Front End: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Tubes: Harley-Davidson Sliders: Harley-Davidson Special Features: Chrome Wheels, Tires, & Brakes: Front/Size: 21�

Wheel: RC Components Drifter Tire: Avon Brake Calipers/Rotors: Harley-Davidson / RC Components Rear/Size: 17�

Wheel: RC Components Drifter Tire: Avon Brake Caliper/Rotor: Harley-Davidson Drive Pulley: Harley-Davidson Accessories: Handlebars: Harley-Davidson Risers: Harley-Davidson Grips: RC Components Mirrors: Harley-Davidson chrome Headlamp: Harley-Davidson Turn Signals: Harley-Davidson Brake Lamp: Harley-Davidson Seat: Harley-Davidson Forward Controls: Harley-Davidson Foot boards: Harley-Davidson Hand Controls: Harley-Davidson chrome Audio: Harley-Davidson

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Results - Chopper Fest Bobber/Chopper Class 1st Scott Jones Noise Cycles - 59 Pan/shovel 2nd Pat Taylor - 48 Pan 3rd Danny Zandona - 42 Knuckle Old Skool Skooter 1st Paul Wheeler - 47 Knuckle 2nd Dalton Walker - 50 FL 3rd Orlando Flores - 47 Knuckle Antique 1st Leroy Yoder - 29 Indian 402 2nd Leroy Yoder - 35 Indian Chief 3rd Dan Michl - 39 Knuckle Modern Bobber 1st Forest Woodman - 2012 Spec Construction 2nd Stacy McCleary - 2012 Spec Construction 3rd Dave Gillem - 96 Big Twin Rat Bike 1st David 72 - CB 750 Honda 2nd Marty Scales - 40 Knuckle 3rd Devillina - 48 Pan/Shovel

David Mann Chopper Fest Dec. 9, 2012 - Ventura, California

by Norm Cooper Back in the 80’s, Dave “Huggy Bear” Hanson, owner of the local Indian Motorcycle shop (est.

1972), began hosting an antique motorcycle show and swap meet at the Ventura Fairgrounds in sunny Southern California.

This Sea Side Park was the place where the motorcycling crowd met to show off their machines, sell some parts and maybe even start some outlandish off-the-wall trends like having a wedding right in the middle of a swap-meet. That was Big Dave Hansen and his bride-to-be Tammy’s thought anyway, and when their friends David Mann and his best-gal-pal Jacquie were invited to make it a foursome. . . well. . .it was going to be a double wedding and one huge party to plan for.

So with a passion for being contrary to ordinary they set out on their mission. From the bagpipers representing David’s Scottish-Irish heritage to Ron Otto (the then-famous floral designer) having his students arrange bouquets for the wedding as a class project, it was a very fashionable biker affair.

Even the bikes had flowers. The Ugly MC did the catering, the Vietnam Veterans MC were in charge of the security for the estimated 1,000 biker guests and other assorted hombres coming from all across the country. The entire swap-meet, which was open to the public, stopped when the bag pipers began playing their moving serenade.

As you can imagine this is sacred ground to those who not only gathered to witness this spe-

Metric Chopper 1st Mikey Santoro - 72 Yamaha Custom 2nd Slim - 72 Yamaha HZ750 3rd Shem B - 79 Yamaha XS650 Koolest Paint 1st Keith Drum - 2010 Spec. Construction 2nd Kutty Notebom Hippy Killer - 76 Shovel 3rd Aki Sakamoto - 76 Shovel Radical Design 1st Dalton Walker - Triumph 500 2nd Jim Giuffra Aft Customs- Honda Spec Const.

3rd Rob Bodine - 82 Honda BB650 Bagger 1st Juan Sandoval - 2012 Heritage Softail 2nd Lu Mautico - 98 Road King 3rd John Stewart - 2007 Street Glide Big Twin 1st Bill Keener - HD Spec Const Pan 2nd Kelly Baker & Ramero Munoz - Evo Custom 3rd Joe Badley Sportster 1st Chris Charest - 73 XL 2nd Bob Baradat - 75 XLCH 3rd Darlene Inda - 2000 XL British 1st Mike Grawach - 68 Triumph T100R 2nd John Crush - 73 Triumph Rigid Custom 3rd Patrick Morin - 67 Norton 750 Atlas Honorable Mention Marco Ibarra - Yamaha XS650 David Mann Memorial Award Micah McClosky - HD Panhead Best Of Show Scott Jones Noise Cycles - 59 HD Pan/Shovel

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cial wedding, but also to those who were left behind after David’s passing in 2004. With no real chance for the California crew to morn David’s death, being that the service and memorial ride held to commemorate his passing was organized in Kansas City where David was born and raised, Big Dave got together with Jacquie and decided to hold a West coast memorial service in the same place where they had all been married. By the way, just for the record, there are two cats here: Dave J. Hansen is known as Big Dave because he’s 6’6 ½’’ tall and Dave R. Hanson who is known as ‘’Huggy Bear,’’ since he has such a big heart.

And this, my friends, is how the David Mann ChopperFest came to be. It bears mentioning that the promoter of the Chopper Fest, Huggy Bear, was also one of the groomsmen at David and Jacquie’s wedding. Nowadays he and his son Tory put the annual David Mann Chopper Fest together and, along with Big Dave, they continue with the love and deep commitment that has come to represent what the ChopperFest is all about: promoting the continuing support of motorcycle art.

In true form to what David Mann always stood for, Big Dave reached out to an unknown artist and asked him to display his work for at this year’s Chopper Fest. “Maynardo De La Unknown,” a true garage artist who has no cell phone, no computer and no idea of what Big Dave had in mind for him agreed to make an appearance. They went to packing and stacking his little shop up and put it front and center stage at the art exhibit surrounding him with the most respected motorcycle artists in the industry. As you’re watching him put the finishing brush strokes on his 6-foot-long by 3-foothigh mural of a sofa made from chopper parts titled, ‘’Don’t Hawg The Couch,’’ you could read these words describing the scene: “Maynardo De La Unknown creates his art in rented rooms. He cannot hear or see you. You do not exist in his reality. His only reason to live is art.

Maynardo represents all the unknown artists who toil in anonymity. His passion is all consuming. His commitment is total. His subject matter is kool.

Do not attempt to speak or to touch him the digital time continuum would be forever broken and his image would surely disappear.”

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Freely expressing oneself was truly the order of the day during the Chopper Fest and the wildest and craziest art forms were not just being displayed at the art exhibit but along the paths of Sea Side Park and even on stage. The Master of Ceremonies, Jennifer Santolucito worked to keep the crowd entertained but found herself speechless when one of the contestants in the tattoo contest stripped right on down to show her work to the stunned audience. Across the venue the Sugartown Rollergirls really got with the program during their exhibition roller derby action, which was a

real crowd pleaser and the rows of vendors and swappers had shoppers prowling the aisles for killer bargains.

Charlie Brechtel, a true biker that lives the lifestyle and puts his life experiences to music, entertained the thousands of attendees with his band. They performed original ditties like his tune “Ghost Cowboy” which he penned as a tribune to David Mann.

Two hundred motorcycles were entered in this year’s bike show, making the 9th Annual Chopper Fest the best ever with over 6,000 people in attendance. This year Jacquie Mann flew in from

Kansas City to join the celebration of David’s life and took part in the endless festivities. One special moment for Jacquie was giving out the David Mann Memorial Award during the bike show. This award went to Micah McCloskey for his 1964 Panhead chopper.

The bike build was inspired by an illustration David did in 1995 and is almost a perfect replica. Micah is an old friend of David and Jacquie’s, so the award presentation was especially sentimental and provided a perfect end to a perfect day shared by family, friends, and strangers. David Mann would have approved.

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Photos by Ralph & Ricky Bain 26 Wide Open

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Story by Loney Wilcoxson I’ll bet you don’t remember the last time you saw this scooter. Think hard now. I’ll give you a hint. The last time you saw it, the bike looked much different. Think back to our Summer 2010 issue. 100 Mile Mike wrote a feature on the bike that would become Ralph’s 2010 ride. The bike in question began its life as a 2010 Road King Custom. Ralph, who we all know never settles for run of the mill, enlisted the aid of Gail’s Harley-Davidson and turned a stock Road King into a Road King/Street Glide hybrid. The Road King gained a custom fairing courtesy of Wide Open Custom Plastics. Said fairing was packed full Jensen and Kenwood audio goodies to provide plenty of road tunes. A quick detach mounting system allowed Ralph the ability to convert from a fairing-equipped Street Glide like configuration to wind in your hair/we don’t need no stinking windshield Road King layout in a matter of minutes.

The stock drive train was not going to cut it for Ralph so Robin, one of Gail’s master wrenches performed the Gail’s Harley-Davidson Stage II+ conversion on the stock twin cam. After the major surgery the v-twin made 92.6 horsepower along with 104.5 ft. /lb of torque. Those kinds of numbers were sure to put a smile on Ralph’s face every time he twisted the wick.

Fast forward to Fall 2012. If you know anything at all about Ralph, he always wants to push the envelope a little further. I offer the evolution of the magazine and the always a notch higher bike shows we bring you every year as evidence. Well, he is no different with his bikes. His philosophy is a lot like a line from the Guns N Roses song “Mr. Brownstone.” The lyric “I just keep tryin to get a little better, a little better than before” fits Ralph perfectly. Ralph had been rolling around ideas in his head on how to take this bike to a higher level.

Fortunately while in Cincinnati he got to meet Jacob from Bad Dad bagger parts. Ralph shared his vision of the new bike with Jacob, and in no time Bad Dad was on board to help make it happen. Mark from Hawg Hawlters Inc. was also in on the project supplying dual calipers along with a Renegade front wheel upsized to 23” from the previous 21” version. Ralph even got to use the Eddie Trotta, triple tree mounted, front turn signals he received as a birthday gift from his son Jesse.

With all the parts he needed to transform the bike, Ralph now needed a builder. He went straight to longtime friend and advertiser Kevin Burns, owner of Hard Core Customs. Kevin quickly agreed to take on the project. The hybrid bagger found itself on a lift at Hard Core Customs for a full-on makeover. Kevin unleashed his crew on the bike, and in no time it was born again hard.

The bike’s already potent drive line was not molested other than the addition of a chrome inner primary cover to complete the engine’s chrome package.

The scooter’s body parts were stripped away by Hard Core Customs’ very capable technicians, as were the front tire, front wheel, and pretty much everything else short of the frame, engine and drive line.

Ralph was happy with the Renegade Aspen Chrome wheels on the bike, so the 18” rear was allowed to stay. The 21” version out front was replaced with a 23” size wearing Avon Rubber.

The wheels wear matching Renegade Aspen Chrome rotors that get the squeeze from Hawg Halters calipers.

For body work Ralph was only going one route--Bad Dad parts in heavy doses. 7° trees, both fenders, the custom side panels, stretched saddlebags and lids and the stretched nacelle are all Bad Dad pieces.

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Specifications Background Info: Bike Name: The Bagfather Owner: Ralph Roades Brand Name: Harley-Davidson Model: Road King Year: 2010 Fab/Assembly: Hard Core Customs Bodywork: A&B CARSTAR Paint/Graphics: A&B CARSTAR Engine Specs: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Model: Twin Cam Displacement: 103c.i.

Ignition: Harley-Davidson Heads: Harley-Davidson Pistons: Harley-Davidson Cylinders: Harley-Davidson Fuel System: Harley-Davidson Exhaust: D&D Fat Cat Transmission: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Shifting: Foot Drive Side: Left Primary Drive: Harley-Davidson Case: Harley-Davidson Gears: Harley-Davidson Frame: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Model: Touring Suspension: Arnott Air Ride Sheet Metal: Front Fender: Bad Dad Rear Fender: Bad Dad Fuel Tank: HD Stretched Tank Side Panels: Bad Dad Saddlebags: Bad Dad Saddlebag Lids: Bad Dad Headlamp Nacelle: Bad Dad Front End: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Model: Touring Wheels, Tires, & Brakes: Front/Size: 23” Wheel: Renegade Aspen chrome Tire: Avon Brake Caliper: HHI Rear/Size: 18” Wheel: Renegade Aspen chrome Tire: Avon Brake Caliper: HHI Drive Pulley: Renegade Aspen Accessories: Handlebars: Carlini Gauges: Dakota Digital License Plate Mount: Bad Dad Chrome Inner Primary: Harley-Davidson Brake Lamp: Bad Dad Seat: Hard Core Customs Foot Boards: Bad Dad Foot Pegs: Bad Dad Heel Shifter: Bad Dad Brake Pedal: Bad Dad

30 Wide Open

Bad Dad has a reputation for cranking out quality, cutting edge bike parts, and the saddlebags Ralph scored from them are truly impressive. Back in the day, custom bikes and cars were appreciated for being “sano” meaning sanitary, i.e., not a lot of extra parts with no real purpose.

These were the days when door handles were shaved, lights and antennas were “frenched” and things were chopped and channeled. Bad Dad offers a saddlebag lid/hinge system that fits the sano theme perfectly. The bag latches have been replaced by a discreet push button located at the front inside corner of each bag. The trick latches then allow the lids to pivot horizontally outwards, a very cool feature. The All In One rear fender also contributes to the clean look with a frenched license mount and a light that functions as a running light, brake light, and turn signals all in one. Like Ralph says, this scooter has one of the cleanest butts of any bike he’s ever seen. Bad Dad was also sourced for the foot boards, foot pegs, brake pedal, and heel shifter. Ralph wasn’t sure the billet long foot boards that son Jesse recommended he use were going to be the right look for the bike. He should have been; the boards look great!

A&B CARSTAR was then given the task of molding the side panels into the stretched saddle bags giving the rear sides of the bike a seamless one piece look. They then prepped all the body parts and laid down a flawless candy red finish. For all you folks that have waited months to get your paint work back keep this in mind, A&B CARSTAR turned Ralph’s work around in just four days.

All the Bad Dad body parts made their way back to Hard Core Customs, and the build was on. Kevin’s staff proved once again how they made their sterling reputation in the first place.

The bike was assembled flawlessly, and the fit and finish is impeccable. The Hard Core Crew also installed a new set of Carlini “Gangster Ape” bars, gauges by Dakota Digital, an Arnott air ride system, and a Hard Core Customs solo seat as the finishing touch on this sweet ride. Chalk up another in a long line of great custom builds by Kevin and his staff.

The Bagfather is a great example of how folks like you and I can transform our own stock or mildly modified scooter into something truly eye catching by simply adding a few select parts from quality manufacturers. Bad Dad offers you top-shelf, high-quality, and truly tested parts to help you make the bagger of your dreams.

Dave Carrel wanted to build a new scooter for the spring of 2012, so in the fall of 2011 he sold his Street Glide. He then immediately made his way to Gail’s Harley-Davison and picked up a new 2012 ride for his partner in crime Paul Harper and Chris Campbell of Turkey Creek Cycles to work their magic on. The 32 Wide Open

preliminary modifications to the bike were pretty subtle and not incredibly time consuming so Dave could finish out the season. After adding a drop-seat kit, a Thundermax EFI Controller and some exhaust that you could actually hear, the bike was turned over to Dave for the riding season. The plan was to get back to modifying

the bike over the winter months. Due to the mild weather of last winter providing plenty of riding opportunities, Paul and Chris were busy all through the season.

Meanwhile being one of the big wheels didn’t mean squat to Dave; customer’s bikes came first while his ride kept getting pushed into storage. Good businesses run

like that. Personal projects take a back seat to taking care of customers. Seems like a pretty successful way to run a business to me.

Winter became spring, and then spring became summer. Late, this summer Paul and Chris decided it was time to just

knuckle down and tear into the bagger.

“Tear into it” was putting it mildly. The inner and outer fairing alone consumed around 100 hours of modifications and fabrication. The much massaged piece now sports a V-Rod headlamp, a double din head unit, custom TCC logo gauges,

and some serious Alpine 6-1/2" components. Another 40 hours went into the one-off saddle bags. It seems hiding the latches, incorporating hood struts, and mounting speakers isn’t a task for the faint hearted. The bike’s dual exhaust didn’t make the cut for the final build so the holes Wide Open 33

in the extended bags had to filled in as well.

Chris took the bike’s stock engine, stuffed it full of goodies from S&S, Dark Horse and T-Man , and served up one of his very potent 103 cubic inch TCC Enforcer mills that will stretch your arms out with a quickness if you aren’t judicious with your throttle application. 114 ponies 34 Wide Open

on tap will tend to get you attention and hold it. Judging by the looks and length of those Vance and Hines pipes, it’s no wonder the scooter has all the speakers and the thumping amplifier it does. The frame picked up an additional 7 degrees of rake and 1 ½ inches on the backbone to get that sweet looking 23” Renegade front wheel out where it needed to be. Progres-

sive suspension components at the front and an Arnott Air Ride in the rear give the bike its aggressive, down and dirty stance.

Look closely for wiring. See anything? That would a negative, am I right? All the bike’s wiring is hidden. This is just another detail feature that separates the men from the boys where custom bikes are concerned.

Fenders from Bad Dad, saddle bags from

Bagger Bill, and a Camtech fuel tank also received TCC modification and fabrication to work in harmony on the bike. The balance of the body work is filled out with plenty of TCC fabricated parts including their sweet saddle bag speaker lids.

The rest of the bike was fitted with parts coming from names that would be right at home in the custom bike parts hall of fame.

Names like Arlen Ness, Paul Yaffe, Russ Wernimont, Carlini, and of course Turkey Creek Cycles all are incorporated into the overall finished picture.

Anything and everything that could be polished was left in the always capable hands of Bub at Detray Plating. Paint and body chores were handled by Carlos Loubriel of Los’s Garage. Once the flawless

finish was cured, Scott Thomas threw down some bad ass pin striping and impressive gold leaf work.

In the end Dave’s patience paid off and the old adage “good things come to those who wait” has proven how it got to be an old adage in the first place. Turkey Creek Cycles once again knocked one out of the park. But then again, that’s what they do!

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Specifications Background Info: Owner: Dave Carrel Brand Name: Harley-Davidson Model: Road Glide Year: 2012 Fab/Assembly: Turkey Creek Cycles Powder Coating: Industrial Coating Chrome/Polishing: DeTray Plating Bodywork: Carlos Loubriel Paint/Graphics: Los’ Garage / Scott Thomas Engine Specs: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Model: Twin Cam Displacement: 103 c.i.

Flywheels: Dark Horse Rods: I Beam Rockers: Roller Heads: Harley-Davidson / Larson Machine Pistons: Forged Dome Cylinders: Harley-Davidson Fuel System: HPI Exhaust: Vance and Hines Cam(s): T-Man Pushrods: S&S Lifters: S&S Valve: Stainless Steel EFI Controller: Thundermax

36 Wide Open

Transmission: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Primary Drive: Harley-Davidson Case: Harley-Davidson Gears: Harley-Davidson Clutch: Harley-Davidson / Barnett Frame: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Model: Touring Stretch: 1.5” Neck Rake: +7 Degrees Shocks: Arnott Air ride Sheet Metal: Front Fender: Bad Dad Rear Fender: Bad Dad / TCC Fuel Tank: Camtech / TCC Oil Tank: Harley-Davidson Saddle Bags: Bagger Bill / TCC Saddle Bag Latches: TCC Hidden Saddle Bag Lids: TCC Speaker Lids Saddle Bag Fillers: TCC Fairing: TCC Custom Inner and Outer Front End: Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Model: Touring Triple Trees: HHI +7 Special Features: Progressive Suspension -2”

Wheels, Tires, & Brakes: Front/Size: 23” Wheel: Renegade Tire: Avon 120-23 Brake Caliper/Rotor: HHI 6 piston / Renegade 13” Rear/Size: 17” Wheel: Renegade Tire: Avon 180-17 Brake Caliper/Rotor: Harley-Davidson / Renegade Drive Pulley: Harley-Davidson Accessories: Handlebars: Carlini Grips: Avon License Plate Mount: Yaffe Mirrors: Russ Wernimont Headlamp: Custom Single Turn Signals: Yaffe Brake Lamp: Yaffe Middle Finger Seat: TCC Gas Cap: Pop-up Forward Controls: Ness Hand Controls: Harley-Davidson Audio: Alpine Gauges: Harley-Davidson w/ TCC logo Special Features: Hidden Wiring, Polished Engine, Transmission and Primary

Nicole (Nicky) Lewis

By Loney Wilcoxson

We have a special treat for you in this Ladies Who Ride segment. Not only does this lady ride, but she is also the president of a ladies motorcycle club. Meet Nicole (Nicky) Lewis, rider and President of the Soft Touch M/C. Before visions of a female version of “Sons of Anarchy” start dancing in your head read on.

Nicky had been a part of the local bike scene for a few years. At the time she was a sport bike rider. I’m not talking a 250 Ninja either; I’m talking full on sport bike as in a “Busa,” Hayabusa to those of you not familiar with sport bikes. At first she was surprised just how large the urban bike scene was.

Once she got a grasp as to how many folks shared her love of riding, she started noticing other things. She took notice of the deep bonds and camaraderie prevalent in the riding community and made the decision to form a club with like-minded lady riders, the Soft Touch M/C was born. Sophistication, intelligence, self-respect and class are all part of the formula that makes up a Soft Touch member. These attributes serve these ladies well. I have witnessed how they carry themselves on a couple of occasions at local motorcycle events and came away most impressed. The club name is evidence of the amount of time Nicky dedicated to the vision of her club. A classy name that will serve the club well over the long haul is much better than a name that only applies to a certain time period in one’s life.

The Soft Touch M/C takes part in helping charities such as the American Red Cross

and the City Union Mission. They have also partnered up with Aim for Peace, a local organization working to raise awareness of the violence prevalent in many communities today.

The club also rides. They ride locally as well as nationally attending the yearly National Bikers Roundup. In previous years this event has been held in Las Vegas and Dallas with the 2013 location being held in Tunica, Mississippi. As you can see, these places are all a good distance from good old Kansas City.

As Nicky has grown in her life as a rider she has expanded her horizons in several ways including what she rides. She now owns a 2010 Harley-Davidson Street Glide.

Of course it isn’t just a plain Jane bike. Nicky filled her own parts list which included Sinister Industries saddlebags, a Paul Yaffe fuel tank, and Battastini grips and pegs. She also purchased Cycle Sound speaker lids for her saddlebags along with a set of custom wheels and custom fenders. She gathered up all her parts and took them as well as her bike to Turkey Creek Cycles.

She placed her parts and her ride in the capable hands of Paul Harper and Chris Campbell. Turkey Creek then assembled the bike that Nicky envisioned for herself.

But, don’t think for a minute she let the Busa go. A lady with one scooter is cool, a lady with TWO scooters is way cool! I am indeed impressed. If you see the Soft Touch M/C while you’re out riding, stop and say hello; you’ll be glad you did.

By Doc Davis

Motorcycles are a concentrated mechanical form designed to transport the body and soul. We take things off and add things to them to express our triumphs and yearnings, our personalities, real

38 Wide Open

or imagined, then take them out on the road and release the demons.

While you’re on that motorcycle releasing those demons you may feel as if you have left the earth—are on a different level or dimension. That’s pretty close to the truth. The tires under you are making very little contact with the road, less than a quarter inch in most cases. And while you may want to leave earth you don’t want to do it because the tires were worn and decrepit. That way doesn’t allow you to come back.

This is where Ron and Tammy Rogers come in.

They own the new toy store for scooter tramps, C R Cycle Tires at 9180 Lexington Ave. in DeSoto, Kansas, 913-583-1800.That’s right off K-10 and that isn’t the only thing that’s convenient. They have all brands of tires for all brands and styles of motorized fun whether it’s a Yamaha, a Kawasaki, a Honda ATV or a Harley touring bike. Ron and Tammy are here to keep your machines running safe and on the road.

C R Cycle Tires is a family owned and operated business with thirty years experience of-

fering full mechanical service, apparel and goodies for you and your bike, a complete and well-stocked tire shop that is the core of the business. So, if you’re going bald on your underside this is the place to be. Just to add more to list of convenient things they do. Store hours are 10am to 8pm Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday noon to 6pm.

Now you can wait until after work to get those new tires or repairs after a weekend of hard riding (or unlucky riding if there are a lot repairs).

It sure adds to motorcycle riders peace of mind to know that if something, anything bad happens to the beloved escape vehicles that there is a place nearby that you can trust to get things right again. The Rogers family will be taking care of you. Stop in and get to know Ron and Tammy and the two boys, Ryan and Curtis, at 9180 Lexington Avenue in DeSoto, Kansas, right off K-10. You could call and let them know you’re coming at 913-583-1800. Remember, they will keep the bikes running and rolling on good rubber. See you there.

Bike Shows 2013

By Loney Wilcoxson Ok folks here we go, it’s that time of year again. As your read this, our Kansas City show scheduled for January 12th and 13th is either right around the corner, or if you are slow to pick up your issue, it might be underway. If you happen to miss out on Kansas City you can always catch us at our St. Louis Show in February on the 2nd and 3rd. Remember now, we are again at our new home for our Kansas City show at the Overland Park International Trade Center in Overland Park. Don’t worry though; both shows will have FREE parking.

We can hardly sit still. Our Kansas City show was basically filled with registered exhibitors and vendors well before Thanksgiving, and the St. Louis show is right in the K.C. show’s tracks. You would think we would get used to the way the people of the Midwest Coast support us, but you amaze us yearly by making each show a bigger success than the previous year’s. This year is a little more special though. From the folks we talk to and the evidence we are seeing, all things point to a great upcoming riding season full of optimism and better things for riders.

As in years past we will continue giving away bikes at our shows. That’s right. A brand new Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom will be leav-

ing each show with one lucky family courtesy of our great partners Gail’s Harley-Davidson in Kansas City, and St. Charles Harley-Davidson in St. Louis. Now I know you have to be wound up with the thought of a brand new, no purchase necessary, Big Twin scoot going home from a show with you. Well, your chance is as good as anybody’s because somebody has to win it. Every year I hear the same phrase from our winners, “I never thought I’d win”. Well, obviously they did! You can too!

Like I have said before and will repeat again, you read family in the above paragraph. As always, our shows are a family-friendly event, and as always, kids under 12 get in free. There is no need for anyone in the family to miss out on our shows when you can bring the youngins with you. Somebody has got to be in charge of cultivating the next crop of riders. Bring the kids to the show and start their motorcycle education of with the best selection of scooters you’ll see all year.

For 2013 we continue with our history of bringing celebrities to the show. This year we will be bringing you a Playboy model, in the person of Michelle Manhart. You’ll enjoy meeting this former drill instructor turned model. We also have stars

from the Full Throttle Saloon and the hit truTV series of the same name on tap to visit with you. As I write this, the identities of the stars is so top secret, I’m not even sure whose coming. I am sure though, they will also have plenty of Full Throttle Saloon swag available.

All the things you have loved about our shows in the past are still on the agenda as well. Wide Open is going to pony up plenty of one off custom bikes, prizes and whatever else Ralph decides to treat you with. Our sponsors and vendors also manage to contribute quite a bit of swag so there will be plenty of giveaways. Continued from last year will be Bikini Contests and Live Music. You asked for it and we will deliver. We are never going to stop listening to the folks that made us who we are.

We will have our always popular swap meets at both shows. Each and every year I score big at these swaps and I am sure I will find more of the same great deals this year. Come be part of the fun. You don’t want to be the person that missed out and can only hear about what everyone else experienced. Shake off the winter cold and head on down to the Wide Open Motorcycle Show and have a hot time!

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Wide Open 39

LIMITED BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE! 2013

®

10’ x 10’ - $350 ea. earlybird (90 days prior to show) 10’ x 10’ - $450 ea.

Please check appropriate box of the show for which you will be displaying:

n Overland Park Int’l Trade Center 176800 W. 115th St #500 • Overland Park, KS www.optradecenter.com (Move in Jan. 11th, 9am - 7 pm • Move out Jan. 13th 3-9 pm)

www.wideopenmag.net

VEndor SPaCE:

All vendors get a 1 year subscription to Wide Open

_____# booths

_____# booths

Show Hours: January 12, 2013 10 am - 8 pm January 13, 2013 10 am - 3 pm

Additional Weekend Passes @ $20 ea. _____# passes - Total $_________ Vendor space will include pipe drapery & 2 exhibitor passes per booth. Electricity, Tables & Chairs will be available to rent. Electricity & phone lines must be ordered 30 days prior to show in

Overland Park-call 913-451-7691:

_____ Electricity

Host Hotel - Special Rates Drury Inn & Suites 10963 S. Metcalf • Overland Park, KS 66210 www.druryhotels.com For reservations: 913-345-1500

_______ Phone Lines

Products you are displaying:_____________________________________________

BikE Entry: (1 BikE PEr Booth)

Free Bike Space Available 5’ x 10’ Limited (Individuals only)

_____# booths

Paid Bike Space includes 2 passes per booth ($40 value) Additional Weekend Passes @ $20 ea.

_____# passes

10’ x 10’ - $50

_____# booths Total $_________

n The Family Arena

Yr_______Make_______________Model___________________Length________

hot rod Entry: (oVErLand Park onLy) 10’ x 20’ - $100

Additional Weekend Passes @ $20 ea.

Hot Rod Space includes 2 passes per booth

_____# booths

_____# passes

SWaP SPaCE aLL ShoWS-inSidE LiMitEd: 10’ x 10’ - $50

Additional Weekend Passes @ $20 ea.

Total $_________

_____# booths

_____# passes

Total $_________

__Check Enclosed __MasterCard __Visa __Discover Exp. Date________

CC# ______________________________________________________

Name_____________________________________________________

2002 Arena Parkway • St. Charles, MO 63303 www.familyarena.com (Move in Feb. 1st, 9am - 7 pm, • Move out Feb 3rd 3-9 pm)

Show Hours: February 2, 2013 10 am - 8 pm February 3, 2013 10 am - 3 pm

Host Hotel - Special Rates Quality Inn Suites 1425 S. 5th. • St. Charles, MO 63301 www.qualityinn.com/hotel-saint_charles-missouri-MO180 For reservations: 636-946-6936

Mail entries to: Wide Open, 502 Hickory Hills Dr., Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 Make checks payable to Wide Open Motorcycle Magazine

Fax: 816-987-5821

SPACE RESERVATION AGREEMENT

This Agreement is made by the Exhibitor and Wide Open Magazine Inc. to exhibit at the Overland Park Int’l Trade Center on January 12th and 13th and/or The Family Arena on February 2nd and 3rd. The Exhibitors will hold Wide Open harmless and/or indemnify Wide Open from any and all damages, expenses, or liability including attorney’s fees, resulting to Wide Open or Wide Open’s agents, servants, employees, or the general public as the result of actions or failure to act of Exhibitor, or anyone action on his behalf; also Wide Open shall not be responsible for any property, loss or damage resulting to Exhibitor, or occurring in Overland Park Int’l Trade Center or The Family Arena, the approaches, and entrances thereto, by virtue of his occupancy hereunder or anything connected with said occupancy. Exhibitor shall provide his own property and liability insurance. Wide Open has the right to refuse any entries not in the best interest of Wide Open.

It is hereby agreed upon and acknowledged that Exhibitor expressly agrees to pay the full sum agreed to be paid for said space regardless of whether it has been occupied by the Exhibitor or not, as liquidated damages. Parties agree and acknowledge that payment is expended before the show for expenses and therefore the risk of loss in the event of show cancellation because of an act or God is accepted by Exhibitor and all payments hereunder are non-refundable for any reason.

This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective personal representatives, heirs, successors, and assigns. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands, the day and year first above written. Exhibitor has read and agrees to the rules, policies, and procedures, of this contract, which may be amended by Wide Open Enterprises, Inc.

Wide open BY________________________________________ DATE______________________________________ 502 Hickory Hills Dr., Pleasant Hill, MO • 1-660-221-2298

By signing this contract, it means I have read and agree to rules, policies and procedures on this contract.

SPOTS WILL BE ASSIGNED AT CHECK-IN.

40 Wide Open

EXHIBITOR________________________________________(FIRM) ADDRESS______________________________________________ CITY___________________________________STATE__________ ZIP_____________________PHONE ________________________ DATE_____________ POSITION____________________________ email:__________________________________________________ X _____________________________________________________ (Please print legibly. Must be filled out completely.)

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By David Lee Wells

The Danger of Hospitals One would believe that patient care would be the first priority for hospitals, after all that is the business they are in. Medicare does not believe hospitals are putting patient care first and in the process costing the taxpayers millions of dollars. Hospitals could release a patient and if they were re-admitted after 5 or 10 days they could collect emergency room fees, lab fees, etc. which they would not be able to collect if the patient’s stay had been longer. On average a hospital could make $12,000 to $25,000 more by releasing a patient that might be at risk for re-admission. Medicare is fighting back, beginning on October 1, 2012, Medicare will no longer pay a hospital monies for a patient who is re-admitted within 30 days of that patient’s discharge from the hospital. This is especially important in the case of post surgery complications and hospital induced infections.

If Mom was admitted to the hospital for surgery and after a few days or even weeks upon discharge she would be sent to a facility (nursing home) for rehabilitation to provide her exercises and strength therapy so that she would be able to return to her home, Medicare would pay for 60 days of therapy, rehabilitation or nursing home care. Under the new rules if Mom goes back to the hospital within 30 days and is seen in the emergency room, they stabilize her, maybe keep her in the hospital for a couple of days, then send her back for rehabilitation. Will Medicare pay for this re-admission, or for a bill back to the nursing home? No, not if she was in the hospital for the same type of procedures or process within that 30 day period they will not pay.

Additionally, if you are in a hospital bed “for observation” Medicare will not pay. Mom will be personally responsible for the financial costs of the ambulance, emergency care, hospital stay and for the cost to be transferred back to the nursing home for rehabilitation and completion of physical therapy.

What does this mean for you? It means you must be more responsible and in effect this new law transfers the patient’s responsibility to lead and manage their own care, to insure that the hospital on its records provides for an “admission” under the appropriate circumstances and codes. You need to make sure that if you or Mom is back in a hospital bed you are actually “Admitted” for treatment or care and not for “Observation”. You must look at the records they give you, make sure it says “Admission”; you might even have to go to the accounting office to make sure that any “Admission” is coded correctly.

Of course all of this would be necessary for yourself as well; however, Mom needs to have signed a Power of Attorney granting you the power and authority to handle these matters with the hospital on her behalf. The Affordable Healthcare Act is increasing the responsibilities of doctors and hospitals but is also placing the burden square upon the patient’s shoulders to become knowledgeable as to the requirements of healthcare, Medicare and how it applies to you and your family.

Reimbursement to Medicare: Medicare in June of 2000 changed their rules about automobile accidents

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or negligence cases. Part of the new rules requires that Medicare is going to be reimbursed for medical expenses they paid on an injured individual’s behalf due to an automobile accident due to the negligence of another. Medicare is also demanding payment for future medical expense.

Rating of Hospitals: Whether you agree with Medicare, Obama Care, or any of the health care changes that are either here or on the horizon, you must be aware that not all hospitals are created equally. Your choice of hospital could be a life or death decision. The United States Department of Health and Human Services reports that 180,000 Medicare patients die each year due to hospital accidents or infections which are a result of a stay in the hospital. Additionally, they found that 1.4 million Medicare recipients are seriously hurt in hospital by a lack of care. Choice of hospital is a life or death choice!

So how do you make such an important decision as to the choice of the right hospital? Americans spend weeks, days, and hours investigating the purchase of a motorcycle or car, engage in negotiations and talk to lenders before putting any money down. How much time or energy do you, your friends or family spend in your decision to choose a hospital? Most Americans just leave it up to the doctor, or you just go to the closest one.

Would it be to your advantage to travel an extra 20 miles across town, to another town? It can increase your odds a lot!

Your doctor just informed you that you have cancer and need to have surgery; he sets up your surgery at a hospital to be done within a couple of days. You are in shock and passively walk out of the office, to afraid to ask questions, to much in shock to know what questions to ask. You need to ask your doctor probing and pointed questions:

Motorcycle Wins Over Dog A lose dog was wandering around rural Missouri.

A motorcyclist was traveling down a 2 lane paved road, when the dog took notice and objected to the motorcycle entering its territory and ran after the motorcycle. It is the age old question, what does a dog do with a motorcycle if he catches it? This dog did catch the front tire, causing the motorcycle to flip.

Unfortunately, the dog did not survive to learn from his experience; however the motorcyclist did survive with $69,000 in medical bills for a separated shoulder, 2 surgeries, etc. The owner of the dog had the responsibility to control his dog and not allow it to run free. The case settled for $238,000. The moral of this story? Watch out for lose running dogs as they may be dumb enough to catch your motorcycle.

• Why do I need the operation, explain in detail?

• Have you tried all conservative treatment options?

• Do I have time to seek a second medical opinion?

Remember anytime you are scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia it is a BIG BIG DEAL, you could go to sleep with no guarantees of waking up.

How do I find a second opinion that is independent?

Don’t rely on the doctor’s choice for a second opinion, do independent research, find a doctor that is either a leading expert in that field or at least one that is trained in a different medical culture. Don’t seek a second opinion of a doctor who went to the same medical school, did his residency in the same place or was trained in the exact same way.

Do some research, make sure your doctor is not an employee of the hospital or has financial ties to the hospital. Hospitals are buying up clinics, doctor’s offices and making doctors paid employees. Hospital safety has not been provided to the general public in the past, it was known to hospitals, doctors and licensing and review boards. The Federal Law state the safety of a hospital must be made available to reduce the amount of medical costs. This information forces hospitals to be better and compete for customers.

The U.S. News & World Report lists hospitals by specialty, such as orthopedics, cancer, cardiology, etc. The leading hospitals by condition are listed, Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins. As a patient you can match your condition with the leading hospitals that treat that particular type of disease.

Rating systems are now available that you can use to obtain information and have discussions with your doctor regarding a particular institutions, a new website went online in June 2000 hospitalsafetyscore.org this site rated 2600 US hospitals on the grade of ABCD & F on 25 different safety measures such as; hand washing, items left in the body, etc., almost half of the hospitals rated got AC rating. This rating does not include specialty hospitals, VA or government hospitals; the site is maintained by not-for-profit group, The Leapfrog Group of Hospital Safety. If you subscribe to Consumer Reports which rates over 4000 hospitals in 44 states. The rating is on the score of 1 to 100 and is rated on six safety items such as; infection, re-admission rates, overuse of CAT scans, complications, mortality etc. The United States government recently began providing information on 4000 Medicare hospitals the website provides data on safety issues at Hospitalcompare.HHS.gov. ***

Where I would rather be: The Elbow Inn, on US 66, alight with Christmas glow and cheer.

David Lee Wells practices law at 329 Armour Road, North Kansas City, Missouri 64116 (816) 842-2171 toll free 1-866-LAW4BIKERS www.law4bikers.com

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Michael Bergen's 15th Annual Night Train Run

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Article written by Debra Wade Photos by Bridget Swearingen, Charlene Swanson Steve Yates Debra Wade Saturday October 6th 2012, would turn out to be one of the most memorable for the Night Train Run. 15 years of having 2 motorcycle runs a year brings them to 30 runs! This year’s fall and spring run have had moments to last a lifetime.

To start out by saying with great sympathy to the band members of Sabbath Disciples for the loss of Matt Ross who was the bass player for the band and passed away in October of 2012, that our prayers are with you and his family. The Night Train Run was the last gig played with Ross in the spring run in 2012. May you rest in paradise.

This year’s fall run would have moments of laughter that many will never forget. It began on a chilly fall day as riders arrived dressed in full leather from head to toe preparing for a long day with the Night Train Run. It including vets of the run who of which had participated from day one and newcomers who have been waiting to take their place in a ride they had heard so much about.

Riders from Ed's Posse, one of Kansas City's most charitable organizations for Bikers for Babies have climbed onboard to show great gratitude as they roll in full force with riders dressed as the Grinch and Santa Claus, with a flatbed truck loaded down with boxes and boxes of toys following close behind! They greeted the children whose parents had wanted them to witness and participate in such a heartfelt event, with laughter and hugs all around!!

Everyone who has been a part of this run is always made to feel very welcome, from the oldest sponsor to the newest rider! One of the biggest thanks Michael has going out on this run is Exide Technologies, which is Michael's employer of 24 years. Also to mention a few other sponsors: D.G. Skouse, Metro Pawn, Jack Wright with Miller Lite, Gail's H-D, Nigros, Ussery Automotive, and Rozatti's Pizza, and the list goes on and on.

One of the most heartfelt moments of this ride has to be the moment when hundreds of bikers pull into one of many stops to watch the video, and this year we name the VFW hall in Desoto, Kansas as one of the favorite spots, known for the largest of stops.

As the lights dim you find yourself in a movie-like setting, gathered to watch a video that describes each run from the previous year that shows a memorial as the riders, donate, wrap, and deliver toys for all the children this charity is known for, and when the lights are turned back on it's amazing to see the tears that have fallen from the eyes of these bikers, knowing they have made a difference in a child’s life year after year.

And with volunteers such as our brother, James Crowell aka "Rockfest" to which he has proven his loyalty on several occasions re-enlightens the crowd with his "childlike" mind bringing laughter throughout the night as he takes on the task of raising donations, outfitted as a fairy! Dressed with a tutu, fairy wings, tiara, and not to forget...his magic wand! He raises more than $300.00 in 10 minutes and continues on with guiding his fellow riders through intersections in dance and with confidence! You can hear the laughter as one bike passes, then another and so on! And this my friends is what keeps the riders coming back year after year for 15 years now!

With very special thanks to sponsors, volunteers, and all riders.

Your hearts have brought smiles to countless children. May the Great Spirit bless you all!

Sincerely,

Michael Bergen

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®

By Elizabeth Castillo

App to Race Motorcycles There will soon be an App available to help you ride faster and safer. This App is in the works through the MOTO 2 race world and is designed to help the motorcycle racer go faster. This new app analyses the track and tweaks the best way to achieve turning sharper, braking harder and riding faster. It is a good thing I am not very technical because the information I read talked about the casual enthusiast using the app to attain bragging rights and this sounded very tempting to me. They are posting bragging rights on Facebook and Twitter about their commute times and that ,fellow riders could be very dangerous for me as I have already established about a 10 minute plus difference when I ride a motorcycle to work as compared to driving a car. ***

Motorcycles Get Free Ride on HOV Lanes With revenue being low a lot of big cities are putting in or adding HOV (High occupancy lanes) and most of the time these fast lanes have a toll.

Well thanks to activists for motorcyclists including the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) in a lot of places these lanes are free to motorcyclists.

Another advantage is usually the lanes have a higher speed limit. ***

Air Powered Motorcycle Runs on Scuba Tank An engineer school graduate in Australia has made a motorcycle that runs off compressed air stored in an on board tank. The machine has a rotary air compressor engine. When you squeeze the throttle air is released to accelerate the bike. It got 62 miles on a full tank and can go a top speed of 87MPH. The article I read about this said “If you haven’t accepted that motorcycles running on something other than dead dino juice are the real deal, then you probably should come around.“ I thought that was great! Another positive about this alternative resource for power was that it only took 2 minutes to refill instead of several hours to recharge for example.

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Colorado Helps Defer Cost of Alternative Power If you are looking to buy an electric motorcycle in Colorado you can be thankful. Colorado has an alternative vehicle tax credit and will refund as much as 85% of the price difference over a gaspowered equivalent. ***

Samson Moving to Sturgis On a 3-acre site near Sturgis is a 45,000 square foot building that by the time of this printing should be the new home of Samson Exhaust. The manufacturer moved their facility from Brea, California to Sturgis, South Dakota. What a cool idea. But cool being the key word here as I’m sure employees that made the geographical change are truly in for a change of weather this winter. ***

Wide Open Bike Shows Wide Open Bike shows: Kansas City January 12th from10-8 and 13th 10-3. It will be held at Overland Park International trade center. St Louis: February 2nd from 10-8 and 3rd from 10-3.

These are great shows. Far as I can see it’s about one of the most fun things to do in winter, so come see the bikes! ***

Rights Violation I am sure if you have read Motorcycle News before you have read something regarding my views on personal rights. Well one of the biggest violation of personal rights for a motorcyclist has been suggested in the great state of Texas. They are proposing to make a law requiring a safety shut off wired in the motorcycle seat to shut off the engine if the riders butt comes off the seat! Proponents don’t think the bill will pass but even the suggestion is ridiculous to me. I come off the seat alot.

And I would gander to guess that most riders lift up off the seat when on a long trip. And what happens when you do proper lifting off the seat when crossing an obstacle? Just amazing what other people dream up as laws against motorcyclists.

Get to Know Your Motorcycle insurance When insuring your motorcycle always make sure you understand what your coverage includes. Years ago it wasn’t uncommon if a motorcyclist were in need of roadside assistance and had such coverage that what showed up to do the tow was a sling type wrecker, not the visual you want to see (your bike swinging in mid air).

Now, if you check, you can find out what kind of truck will be sent to haul your machine. I had a blowout this past 4th of July on 50 Highway east of Tipton, Missouri. A passerby stopped and called a friend of his whom owned a tow service and within minutes a new enclosed box trailer arrived to take my bike to a shop in Tipton (Ghetto Superstars). I was so happy they were open on July 4th.

They had me all fixed up with a new tire and ready to go in about an hour. I paid the tow driver $50 and later called my insurance agent for a re-imbursement check. I was also told if I had called the 1-800 numbers on my card they would have dispatched an enclosed trailer or flatbed to haul my bike. Another piece to learn here is CARRY the card with the numbers to call in case of emergency. DAH! In the case of an accident a lot of insurances will also pay to replace your gear (coats, pants, helmets, boots etc ).

You just have to know, and carry your card.

***

Race of the Century Won by Dale Walksler This past October at Barber Vintage Festival held at Barber Park outside of Birmingham, Alabama the race of the century was ran. This race was open only to machines at least 100 years old .There were 10 riders on machines from 1906 to 1912. Dale Walksler and his son Matt both raced. Dale is the owner of Wheels Thru Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. Matt was riding a 1911 Indian Single and Dale was on a Indian V-twin 1912. The race included 17 turns and over 85 feet of elevation changes. Dale won on the 1912. This race track is really something to see. I went there once and look forward to going back. I could only be so lucky to get to see a race like this. ***

Sinister Builds Great Tribute Bike Sinister Industries is the leading supplier of custom Harley-Davidson baggers parts. They may have also built one of the coolest tribute bikes I have ever seen. Check it out on the internet, look for the 1969 Camaro SS tribute bike. . .amazing.

18th Annual Kansas City Bikers for Babies Ride On a beautiful fall day, 4,633 riders gathered at Kansas Speedway Sept. 16 for the 18th Annual Kansas City Bikers for Babies ride to benefit the March of Dimes. Participants raised close to $650,000, substantially more than any March of Dimes motorcycle ride in the nation. Ed Hale and his Posse broke their own record and raised an astonishing $137,510, surpassing their goal by $37,510.

Ambassador Child Tucker Orton received the surprise of his life when Honorary Chairman, Johnny Dare of 98.9 The Rock, invited him to ride along in his side car for the 100 mile route. For once in his life, the rambunctious 7 year-old was speechless. Another rider who found himself speechless that day was Richard O’Connell, more commonly known as Ricky Bobby, when his name was called as the winner of the beautiful 2013 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic.

This year, participants had the opportunity to choose a 100-mile ride or a 50-mile ride. Once they returned they enjoyed lunch, People’s Choice Bike Show, dealer’s expo and live music. As in past years, those who were Grand Donors, raising $1000 or more, were given the opportunity to ride laps on the Speedway track.

The American Motorcycle Associationsanctioned ride was sponsored by 98.9 The Rock, Farmers Insurance and HCA Midwest Health System. March of Dimes Bikers for Babies has raised more than $6 million in Kansas City in its 18-year history. The Mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

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In Loving Memory of John “Dirty Leg” Dudley On December 13, 2012 our brother John D u d l ey came to his untimely death after an accident on I-70 and I-635. He leaves behind his fiancée Heather, his son Dayton and family. He will also be missed by his brothers and sisters from his charitable group Ed's Posse, a Kansas City-based charitable group.

John has been a member of Ed’s Posse for over four years and has been instrumental to the many missions he unselfishly devoted himself to. To date this group has raised over $650,000 for the March of Dimes and is nationally recognized as a member of the President Society. Immaculata Manner, a home for developmentally disabled woman in Liberty, Missouri also benefited from John’s passion to make a difference. New transportation has been purchased, and living facilities built, just to

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name a few. Also burials for United States veterans were funded and so much more.

The night John lost his life he was wrapping Christmas presents for underprivileged children. Although John is gone, his legacy lives on in the faces of the children who were born premature and are now home with their parents growing daily. The disabled living in homes that he helped remodel and the ladies of the Manner are some of the lives who are just a little better because of his efforts.

A trust fund has been set up for Dayton at the Kansas City police credit union. It is named the John G. Dudley foundation. For more information contact Ed Hale at ed@edsposse.com.

On behalf of Ed's Posse we would like to thank the good people of Kansas City and the surrounding metro area for all the thoughts and prayers during this difficult time, as well for your contributions to our mission.

Special Thanks to Clear Creek Coach.

5 Reasons to Stop Procrastinating Your Winter Service Written By: Dana Sanchez, Chief Procrastinator

Procrastination; gets the best of all of us at one time or another. I’m the worst offender.

One of my favorite sayings is, “Nothing makes me more productive than the last minute.”

And while sometimes that can be true, it often means I’ve pushed something else off to do what I’ve been procrastinating about.

It’s a viscous cycle. So this year, let’s not procrastinate about servicing our bikes.

Recently I stopped by the service department at Yeager’s Harley-Davidson in Sedalia, Missouri. With over 100 years of combined service experience, surely they can help me with my procrastination problem.

Greg McGinnis, Service Manager gave me these tips.

Greg McGinnis, Service Manager

1. Time “Servicing your bike during the off season saves you riding time in the spring. The fact is most people wait till they want to ride to do a lot of the cool things to their bikes that they wanted to do last year,” says Greg. (Sound familiar?)

He goes on to explain that winter months are the ideal time to do any type of service work that will take you off your bike for an extended period: engine work, air cleaners & exhaust, wheels, new paint work, adding new lighting and audio system. Waiting till spring, when everyone else comes in and the shops are backed up, takes you off your bike even longer.

2. Money Many shops will run Winter Service Specials to try and lure procrastinators in before

the spring rush hits. Saving money is a huge motivator. In many cases you can save yourself hundreds just bringing your bike in a couple months early. Yeager’s Harley-Davidson runs winter specials on Tires, Audio Systems, LED’s, Engine work and more every year from Jan 15-Feb 15 and it’s a great way to make sure their customers save money and get on the road at the first crack of spring.

(See their ad in this magazine for the latest winter specials.) Yeager’s also offers free pickup and delivery, so you may want to ask your repair facility if they offer that in your area. (Saving you money AND time!)

3. Safety Safety is huge. Chad Fidler, Parts Manager at Yeager’s says, “When you’re in a rush to get things done, safety can often be over looked.

Servicing your bike in the winter Chad Fidler, Parts Manager months affords you the time to slow down, make special checks, and talk to your dealer and parts department about new equipment that can make your riding season a safe one.” New LED lights offer brighter lighting so that you can see more of the road in the dark. Also, brighter light means oncoming traffic can see you as well. Melissa Richwine, Motorclothes Manager at Yeager’s also advises, “Take a look around the Motorclothes Department. Ask questions. We’re here to help. Many new safety features are added all the time to the clothing, footwear and helmets.” More than just looking really cool, many of the items you’ll find in this department are designed to increase safety and comfort throughout your riding season.

4. Knowledge Melissa brings up a good point. Ask questions.

Dealers are usually a little slower during the winter months and now is a great time to learn everything you can about your bike and riding gear. Larry YeaMelissa Richwine, ger, owner of Motor Clothes Manager Yeager’s HarleyDavidson says, “Oh we have customers that come in all the time just to ask questions. We don’t mind it a bit. That’s what we’re here for.

If we can help out in any way we’ve done our job.” Yeager’s has a website with lots of terrific instructional/ e d ucational Larry Yeager, Owner videos. Just go to YeagersCycle.com and click on Customer Corner, then on Video Library. Knowledge is power!

5. Happier Getting things done simply feels good.

You are happier knowing that you’ll be the first out on the road this spring. You’ve saved yourself money and time and you’ve insured your safety which equals a happier you.

Happy New Year!

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camtechcustom.com Camtech Custom Baggers.....The Southeast's Premier Custom Bagger Facility

Camtech thrives on building the best baggers and most innovative parts in the Southeast and the US, with attention to detail as a top priority. We are continuously developing new parts to stay in the forefront of our business. Please give Camtech a call and we can take your bike from mild to wild to fit you, the customer.

Camtech Custom Baggers SPL Speaker Lids

Camtech Custom Baggers “Spike it” horn

Camtech Custom Baggers Flared Body kit

Camtech Custom Baggers tank and Side Cover kit

Camtech Custom Baggers 6 x 9 double din inner Fairing

Camtech Custom Baggers double din road Glide Fairing

• Fits Hard Touring Bags • Handles 6 1/2” Component Speakers • Recessed Speaker Area and 3D Spike Accent • Paint ready fiberglass/ gel-coat composite—Set $425.00

• Years 2001-2011 • Creates one piece profile look • Covers existing tank and replaces side covers • Paint ready fiberglass/gel-coat composite—Set $900.00

• Harley Touring Models Inner Replacement • Accommodates double DIN radio—GPS/DVD/Bluray and 6x9 Speakers • Retains original gauges • Paint Ready fiberglass/gel-coat composite— Inner $900.00

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• Fits V-Twin Touring Bags • Replaces Stock Horn • Stock Mounting Hardware • Paint ready fiberglass/gelcoat composite— $139.95

• Years 2001-2011 • Creates one piece profile look • Covers existing tank and re places side covers • Paint ready fiberglass/gel-coat composite—Set $700.00

• Road Glide Inner Replacement • Accommodates double DIN radio—GPS/DVD/ Bluray and 6x9 Speakers • Retains original gauges Paint Ready fiberglass/gel-coat composite— Inner $900.00

camtechcustom.com

Camtech Custom Baggers Chin Spoiler

Camtech Custom Baggers “Big Mouth” Chin Spoiler

Camtech Custom Baggers “6” Stretch” Saddle Bags

Camtech Custom Baggers

• • • •

Fits all 2000 and up Harley Touring Models Accommodates Oil Cooler Aluminum Screen Paint Ready fiberglass/gel-coat composite— Inner $375.00

• Years 2001-2013 • 6” stretched from stock Stock Hardware and Lids Work Paint ready fiberglass/gel-coat composite— Set Primed $899.00

Camtech Custom Baggers “ 6” Subbags” • 6” Stretched bags with cut ins for square Subs • Handles 8” Square Subs • Recessed for clearance on air ride systems • Paint ready fiberglass/gel-coat composite—Set $1499.00

• • • •

Years 2001-2012 Fits Raked Bikes From 23” to 30” Aluminum Screen—Mounting Brackets Paint ready fiberglass/gel-coat composite— $375.00

6” Stretched rear Fender overlay • • • •

Fits Touring Bikes 09 and Up Overlay Radius Tag Pocket Paint ready fiberglass/gel-coat composite— $399.00

Camtech Custom Baggers “Busa Glide” Street Glide overlay-Fairing

• Fits Street Glide Stock Fairing • Overlay • Comes with Light and Screens • Paint ready fiberglass/gelcoat composite— $1550.00

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Bad dad’s Long Cut Floorboards

Bring some new life to your Bagger of Softail with a set of Long Cut Floorboards available from Bad Dad. These custom CNC’d floorboards are cut in America from 1-1/4” thick billet aluminum and are available in raw, gloss black powdercoat, black powdercoat with brushed edges, or chrome finishes. Bad Dad’s Long Cut series is available individually or as a complete set for your front floorboards, rear floorboards, brake pedal, toe and heel shifters, and rear peg inserts. Contact Bad Dad at 260-4072000 or by visiting www.baddad.com for more information.

Bad dad all-in-one rear Fender

This custom rear fender fills the gaps between your saddlebags and is available in varying lengths to match either stock saddlebags or Stretched Saddlebags. The custom Frenched taillight is sunk into the surface of the fender for a clean custom look. The taillight performs run light, brake light, and turn signal functions, and includes the appropriate wiring harness.

Bad Dad’s All-in-One Rear Fender is made of rigid hand-laid fiberglass and is finished in a blemish free gel coat. The fender fits 1993 to current Touring models and most 1986 to current Softail models.

For more information on this great product and other custom Bagger parts, contact Bad Dad at 260-407-2000 or online at www.baddad.com. All Bad Dad parts are proudly made in the USA.

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www.baddad.com

Bad dad’s injected Stretched Saddlebags

Bad Dad’s Stretched Saddlebags now feature RTM injection technology which provide for a smooth finish inside the saddlebag. These Stretched Bags are 4-1/2” longer than stock, feature additional carrying space in the extended area, and are available in multiple exhaust configurations for your custom application.

Bad Dad’s Stretched Bags are finished in a final primer that is ready to go directly to paint, and all of Bad Dad’s bags are pre-drilled and prefit to use your existing saddlebag lids and hardware. Simply bolt-on and go.

Contact Bad Dad at 260-407-2000 or by visiting www.baddad.com for ordering and more information. All Bad Dad parts are proudly made in the USA.

Bad dad Stretched nacelle

Bad Dad’s Stretched Headlight Nacelle is an excellent way to dress up the front of any custom Bagger. This seamless nacelle mimics the factory design and features a 3” stretch over the factory headlight bucket to elongate the appearance of your Bagger’s front end.

This one-piece stretched nacelle is constructed of thick hand laid fiberglass and finished in final primer that is ready for paint.

This custom part acts as a replacement for the stock nacelle and accepts the factory headlight assembly and trim ring. An optional stretched nacelle spear is also available.

Contact Bad Dad at www.baddad.com or call 260-407-2000 for more information. All Bad Dad parts are proudly made in the USA.

Say no to BorinG harLEyS

With SMt's newest for slider covers!!

ChroME or Contrast-Cut BLinG Fork SLidEr CoVErS

SMT's Latest Sik Creation......These are a direct OEM replacement for all Harley Touring models and FL softail models with existing fork slider covers between the years fo 1986-2010. Basically, if you have a Harley with fork slider covers these will replace them. This includes all of the following bikes: Electraglide • Streetglide • Roadking • Roadglide • Ultra Classic These fork slider covers are 100% billet aluminum then Anodized and Contrast Cut or Triple Chrome Plated for that quality look you come to expect from SMT. Included: left and right covers and hardwear.

These are a direct OEM replacement for all Harley Touring models and softail models with existing floorboards between the years 1986 - 2010. Basically if you have a Harley with rider boards these will replace them. These include all of the following bikes: Electraglide • Streetglide • Roadking • Roadglide Ultra Classic • Heritage • Crossbones • Fatboy These rider boards are 100% billet aluminum anodized and then run through our CNC mills for a contrast cut look or triple chrome plated with the quality you've come to expect from SMT. They're made with your total comfort in mind: 16 inches in length and 4 inches in width (for your big feet) with Acorn Nuts so your feet stay off of the actual boards and don't scratch them. Basically, take off your existing floorboards and bolt these babies on....Just do it yourself.....doesn't get any easier than this!!

Included: left and right rider boards, mounting brackets and hardware

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www.smtmachining.com Say no to BorinG harLEyS

With SMt's newest exhaust tips.

SMT's Latest Sik Creation......These are a direct replacement for all 31/2" or 4" rinehart exhaust mufflers for all touring models. NOW THESE ARE BAD!!! WITH A LENGTH OF 4 1/2" THESE WILL REALLY SHOW OFF YOUR EXHAUST!!!.. Basically, if you have a Harley with Rinehart exhaust these will replace them. This includes all of the following bikes: Electraglide • Streetglide • Roadking • Roadglide • Ultra Classic These exhaust tips are 100% billet aluminum. Anodized and then contrast cut or triple chrome plated for that quality look you come to expect from SMT.

Included: left and right exhaust tips.

Why roLEX?????? the roLEX of BaG LatChES

These bag latches were engineered to flow with the natural contour of your bags. They are also around 3 inches longer than your stock latches for that total custom look. They were also painstakingly crafted for perfect clearance so as to not scratch the paint on stock Harley lids.

No detail was left to chance by our engineer Sebastian Glod. The man knows what you want and gave it to you. That is why they are the Rolex of Bag latches!!! SMT's Latest Sik Creation......These are CNC machined and from 6061 T6 Billet Aluminum. They are a direct replacement for your stock bag latches. Made to fit any 83-11 Harley Touring model: Electraglide • Streetglide • Roadking • Roadglide • Ultra Classic These bag latches are 100% billet aluminum then triple chromed or anodized then run back through our CNC machines for that contrast-cut look pristine look you come to expect from SMT. Included: left and right side bag latches (Sold in a pair).

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www.sinisterindustries.com

Wicked road Glide Paintable Windshield

Finally a windshield for your Road Glide! With our Wicked Road Glide windshield you will immediately change the look of your bike! Easy bolt on design updates your bike in minutes! It is made of NYB Polymer which is stronger than ABS! On the windshield all bolt holes will be hidden from view! Get yours at www.sinisterindustries.com

Retail: $230.00

accent Glove Box doors go with all our ac-

cent parts line. Gives your glide that extra edge. Fits all road glides. Made of NYB Polymer. Sold as a set! Get them at www.sinisterindustries.com

Retail : $210.00

latest creation! Comes in chrome or black finish. Has a removable baffle. Has a standard tip but is a great match for our Gnarly Series tips. Makes 76.59 HP and 88.23 Torque with stage 1 air cleaner on 2007s-2010 touring models.

Fits all 1998 to present touring models.

Get yours at www.sinisterindustries.com

Retail: $1,390.00

drop top Glove Box

Doors fit all road glides!

Made of NYB Polymer. Gives the bike a sick custom look.

Lid Design locks doors in place to prevent scratching when opening and cleaning. Sold as a Set! Get them at www.sinisterindustries.com

Retail : $210.00

Pissed off headlight Bezel Our headlight bezel

gives your road glide a nasty aggressive look. It fits 09 to present models. It will fit earlier years but you need to upgrade your headlight assembly first to 09 or newer. Made of NYB polymer, which is stronger than ABS! Get yours at www.sinisterindustries.com

Retail: $165.00

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UP-yours Performance Exhaust Check out our

Big Baller Gauge housing Recessed speedo & tack housing reduces reflection from gauges.

Allows you to see the gauges more clearly along with the bad ass custom look. Made of high strength NYB Polymer which is stronger than ABS. Get them at www.sinisterindustries.com

Retail: $190.00

Big Baller horn Cover This is John’s latest

creation! Get rid of the ugly cowbell horn cover!

Our new design is made of NYB polymer which is stronger than ABS!!! Get yours at www.sinisterindustries.com

Retail: $159.00

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SPRING RIVER RALLY! W e are all fired up for the 2013 Spring River Rally and we would like to thank those who attended

last year!

We have moved the dates of the rally for 2013 to avoid the mid summer heat. Motorcyclists will be heading to Griffin Park in Hardy, Arkansas to one of the most natural motorcycle rallies in the country the weekend of June 21 & 22, 2013. Last year’s event was the hottest five days in weather history for Arkansas and the action was even hotter.

Those who attended had one hell of a good time and we are already getting reservations from last year’s attendees! Last year’s event attracted motorcycle enthusiasts from across the southeast & midwest that enjoyed five days of motorcycle related activities with a concert and party every night featuring national headliner entertainment.

Due to over 105 degree daytime temperatures many took advantage of a Poker Float

down the river or just chilled out in the shallow pools of the cool spring river.

Riders tested their skills participating in the Bike Games and or tried their luck on a Poker Run through the winding roads of the Ozarks.

Those with the urge to burn their iron horse took to the burnout pit to find out what they are made of. We want to thank the CMA for helping with the Bike Games & Ride in Bike Show they did a fantastic presentation.

The Miss Spring River Rally contest knocked it out of the park! The main stage was lined with beautiful ladies in bikinis from across Arkansas and Whitley Paige of Jonesboro, Arkansas was crowned Miss Spring River Rally 2012.

We will be adding some new attractions and entertainment in 2013 that will be two days of jam packed nonstop fun. Bikini Bull Riding will return along with Biker bull riding on real live bulls and don’t forget the Jell-o Wrestling. This year we will be adding organized rides for motorcyclists

who wish to explore the open roads of the Ozarks.

We have great news the Spring River Rally will be wet in 2013. Sharp County is no longer a dry county! Beer & Wine will be available at the 2013 Spring River Rally! We have a great entertainment lineup for both days. On Friday night in concert “VelcroFly” a (ZZ Top Tribute) and on Saturday live entertainment continues on the Main Stage featuring local & regional acts. Saturday night the “Vikki McGee Band” will open for national headliner “Kentucky Headhunters”.

For those of you that wish to party late stick around for the after-hours party for some wet and wild fun! Tent camping on the river is included with your admission and we have limited RV spaces w/electric & water hookup that are available. For current rally information please visit www.springriverrally.com.

Mark your calendar for June 21 & 22 and ride out to the Spring River Rally!

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Rocky Point Rally

by Norm Cooper

November 8, 2012 ~ “Come join us on the Sea of Cortez in Puerto Penasco,” was founder and event coordinator Oscar Palacio Soto’s open invitation to his 12th edition of the Rocky Point Rally in Sonora, Mexico. From children with special needs to the elderly, they were all on Oscar’s list of altruistic institutions to receive benefits from this Mexican fiesta.

Now this was one poker run that truly put my wanderlust to the test. Trying to prepare for a road trip gets even harder as ol’ man winter starts his fury with the morning temps dropping down in the 20’s and MapQuest warning me that it is 1,350miles from Chapman, Kansas to my destination on the Sea of Cortez. While the right-minded people are taking advantage of the special winter storage rates for their bikes, here I am trying to get plugged into some electrically heated riding gear that had been thrown at me by a good friend. Something just felt wrong about this new wave technology until I stumbled out into the drizzle of a 28-degree morning. So with places to go and people to meet I plugged in and pulled out just as the sun ap-

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peared in the rear view mirrors. This put a new meaning to the term “a rain date.”

After a chilly day of riding thru 3 states that included Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas before landing in New Mexico, I was thinking the Yucca Motel just north of Tucumcari would be a good place to put the kickstand down, get a home cooked meal at The Crossroads Café, and kick back in their famous “cowboy suite,” with the TV tuned to the weather channel in order to map out a plan for the next day’s ride.

It was still below freezing when I hit the entrance ramp to 1-40 leaving Tucumcari. The weatherman did have good news, predictions for low 60’s all the way to Flagstaff so no worries of riding in the snow: just beautiful scenery, sunny skies and thoughts of being south of the border.

Arriving in Phoenix I was welcomed by the Valley of the Sun’s famous warm weather and shed a few layers before I joined up with several friends who were busy double-checking all the international obligations we’d have to face when crossing Mexican customs. The devil is in the details here and

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with the zero tolerance policy by both the Mexican Customs and US Customs, it’s very important to go online and do your research. We were expected to leave our weapons at home along with all ammunition. They will tolerate a 4’’ knife but don’t try to bring a switchblade back because that is a crime.

You must have Mexican insurance and it must be purchased from a Mexican insurance company. Not having this is a ‘’major complication,’’ which is worse than a crime. Having a well informed insurance agent like Rosie Glover ROSIE@proalliance.com.mx in Rocky Point is priceless. A volunteer bilingual staff is available 24-7 thru the entire 4-day rally to assist at an accident scene or to help if you’re detained. We all took the $300,000.00 liability with full coverage for $20 a day, which included theft, partial theft and vandalism.

With all the logistics behind us we rolled into Why, Arizona looking for the Flores Gas Station and our first Poker run card. What we found was an adventurous crew of thrill seekers and before we could top off the tanks we had become a part of this band of jovial gypsies and the next card draw in-

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cluded free beer and tacos at Circle K Gas Station in Sonoyta, Mexico. None of our crew will drink and ride so we blew on past the free stuff and just enjoyed the scenery on highway 8.

The Rocky Point Rally has the blessing of all the authorities from the border town of Sonoyta to Puerto Penasco as well as the support of Federal Preventive Police and Customs. Everyone wants to see the Rally back at the record of 10,000 attendees that crowded the coastal town back in 2006.

Border crossings went smoothly, of course they have huge x-ray type machines and drug dogs that never fail to do their job and by the looks of those two Dodge Chargers sitting there idling they were ready for work too. We only had one little problem with a guard; he liked our friend and thought she should stay there with him. He soon found out that wasn’t going to work and let her pass.

The Playa Bonita Resort was our home for this 4-day fun in the sun biker getaway. With the activities spread out all over town plus the resorts on the beach, hey just turn around and you’re at another party. About 20 bike clubs from both sides of the border showed up as well as lots of independent riders from everywhere.

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Saturday was the Bike Parade starting out at a bar called Black Dog and ending at the malecon (pier) which is lined with little shops where the shopping is great. When the miles-long parade of bikes gets to the waterfront street it turns into a non-stop circle of bikes which started at 10am and was still going strong at 6pm when we left for our dinner party at The Playa Bonita.

Dinnertime on the patio was always outstanding. The excellent food, nice sea breeze blowing in with the Mariachi band playing as we watched the sun set. One evening we watched the sun sink into the sea from the saddles of our rented horses.

After dark they had a party just to break a piñata that looks like a motorcycle. I don’t think drunk people should try this, but it sure is fun to watch ‘em. At the other end of the patio a band was kicking out some really good tunes in Spanglish, a combination of Spanish and English lyrics. Free Bird never sounded so good! This was a good way to end a perfect fiesta. After another fine breakfast and saying goodbye to new friends, we set out to try our luck at returning to the USA. So with passports in hand we took our turns rolling thru customs and hoping for the green light. Yea we won!!!

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By Loney Wilcoxson You all know that we love to steer business to companies with people that ride. This issue, that company is A&B CARSTAR. CARSTAR is the world’s largest collision repair organization. You might be wondering what this has to do with motorcycles. Trust me I’m getting there. But I am going to give you a little background first.

A&B CARSTAR’s relationship with Wide Open goes back a long way. In fact it goes back with Ralph to a time when the business was known as A&B Collision Repair. A&B Collision Repair was founded in 1964 by Dan Bailey and his brother Bill. These brothers grew the business the old fashioned way through hard work and providing customer satisfaction. The word spread and eventually A&B Collision Repair expanded to three locations. During these days A&B Collision was given the task of transforming a 1958 Chevy Yeoman Ralph picked in Sedalia from a dinged up oxidized old car into the shiny red hot rod that became known as “Devil in a Red Dress.” This ride was not only the shop car for several of Ralph’s business ventures, but also a rolling advertisement for A&B Auto Body in the many parades in which it participated.

Fast forward to 1998 the once A&B Collision repair centers became A&B CARSTAR locations. Dan became CARSTAR’s North American Operations President and his son Brett took the reins of the company. Brett continued the same winning formula that had been successful in the past and before long, three locations became the five locations A&B CARSTAR still operates today.

While A&B CARSTAR has been a longtime friend of Ralph and Wide Open as well as a sponsor of our annual bike shows and other endeavors, they also are active in each location’s local community, sponsoring youth sports teams and supporting worthy charities. As an example, the A&B CARSTAR located in St. Joseph, Missouri was recently approached by the Noyes Home For Children for a bit of assistance. A member of the committee charged with planning the organization’s annual Take-A-Seat and More auctions had donated a vintage MG convertible to be auctioned at the event. While mechanically sound, the little convertible’s appearance definitely betrayed its age. The entire crew at the St.

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(cont’ from page 69) Joseph A&B CARSTAR took a hand in bringing the little convertible’s appearance up to the level required to entice bids out of the auction attendees. Well over 40 man hours went into the reconditioning, and that does not include the time spent by location manager Rodney Davis in applying the multi-coat green paint job.

A&B CARSTAR shoots the new waterborne finishes. Brett Bailey was proactive in switching to these environmentally friendly materials making the switch in advance of being forced to by the government. The benefits of the change means that not only is 75% of hazardous waste eliminated, helping nicely with the “green” initiative that is on everybody’s tongues these days, but, since 80% of the vehicles on the road are wearing water-based paint from the manufacturer, any repairs required are going to be easy to match. Now you know why some repaired vehicles’ finishes just don’t quite match the factory finish.

All five A&B CARSTAR locations feature state of the art frame machines and paint booths and are staffed by professionals that are not only I-CAR Gold Certified but also ASE Certified to boot.

This type of attention to quality staffing has allowed the Riverside location to garner the coveted nationwide Collision Repair Facility of the Year not once, but twice, in 1996 and again in 2006.

Safety is also a huge concern of Brett and to that end all of his painters wear fresh air supply respirators.

Now back to supporting businesses with riders. All FIVE A&B CARSTAR locations feature riders just like you and me. While they aren’t in the motorcycle repair and paint business, they are riders and you as well as I have a cage of some type whether we want to admit it or not. So remember to patronize businesses where your fellow riders work, for all of our sakes.

We at Wide Open are happy to have A&B CARSTAR with us not only as sponsors and advertisers but also friends that share our love of riding. If your ride needs a new finish or if you have been in an unfortunate accident please check out one of the five A&B CARSTAR locations listed below, you’ll be happy you did. Remember the CARSTAR motto. “Relax, we’ll take it from here.”

When a business has been around for over 50 years, you truly can relax.

A&B CARSTAR of Riverside 2250 N.W. Vivion Rd Kansas City, MO 64150 Ph. 816-741-6966

A&B CARSTAR of Smithville 1706 S. 169 Hwy Smithville, MO 64089 Ph. 816-532-0000

A&B CARSTAR of Wornall 8200 Wornall Rd Kansas City, MO 64114 Ph. 816-444-7802

A&B CARSTAR Plaza 4200 Main St Kansas City, MO 64111 Ph. 816-531-6868

A&B CARSTAR of St. Joseph 301 N. 36th St. St. Joseph, MO 64506 Ph. 816-232-4442 70 Wide Open

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Croft Trailer Supply Hosts Grand Opening by 100 Mile Mike

Croft Trailer Supply, your hometown Kansas City trailer supply company, held a Grand Opening Open House this past October at their new 970 North Rogers location in Olathe, Kansas. Naturally the new Wide Open, professional-grade twenty-foot long, Sure-Trac enclosed trailer was on site with a contingent of Wide Open Girls. Even though the rear of the trailer sports a nearly life-size image of the 2013 Wide Open Girls

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Swimsuit Calendar cover, it’s definitely more fun the meet the calendar girls live and in person, which was part of the excitement at the Croft Open House.

Since there was a little bit of rain trying to spoil the weekend, most of the Croft Open House displays and events moved into their spacious service area in their new Olathe location. With more than 19,000 square-feet of space, there was plenty of area to check out displays,

trailers, and accessories, and enjoy snacks and entertainment during the day.

Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 FedEx Toyota Sprint Cup NASCAR race car was on display at Croft’s. 2012 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Brent Chapman’s Toyota Tundra truck was on display also.

Croft set up a top-of-the-line SureTrac premium flatbed trailer as a stage in

their large shop area. ‘Loozin’ Sleep’, a local band composed of lead singer Michelle Hawkins, drummer Jim Pritchett, lead guitar Mark Hills, and GW ‘Dub’ Schmeck on bass, entertained the crowd with the band’s signature ‘magical blues sound’, woven from the likes of the Stones, Johnny Winters, and Led Zeppelin.

Throughout the day Croft was presenting some really nice raffle prizes, at about fifteen minute intervals. Some of the prizes included Kindle Fires, cargo carriers, bicycle carriers, tool boxes, various other accessories, and gift cards.

Any time of the day could have been your lucky fifteen minutes. Also available were free hot dogs, doughnuts, and popcorn.

You may be too late to get in on the week-long sales specials Croft offered with their Open House festivities, but now is the ideal time to get ready for the fun-filled days of Spring by having your own trailer serviced by Croft. Having your trailer serviced by the professionals a Croft, you will have peace of mind regarding your trailer on you next daytrip or long term adventure with you trailer.

Whether you’re hauling two-wheelers, four-wheelers, watercraft, other toys, or tools, Croft has plenty of parts and accessories that can either update or improve your current trailer. Of course you could upgrade to a new Sure-Trac trailer from Croft.

Be sure to check out their display at the Wide Open Bike Show at the Overland Park International Trade Center Saturday January 12th and Sunday January 13th. You can also catch them at the Kansas City Boat & Sportshow Thursday January 10th or Friday January 11th before you go to the Wide Open Motorcycle Magazine Bike Show.

At any of the five Greater Kansas City Croft locations, you will get competitive pricing on high quality products, and knowledgeable technicians that service everything they sell at a local familyowned business that has stood behind their products for seventy years.

Whether you’re looking for a trailer, a hitch, trailer parts, accessories, trailer repair or service, look no farther than Croft, right here in the Midwest Coast, at www.crofttrailer.com.

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With Swami Ralph, The Great Prognosticator Ahh my followers, I Swami Ralph, see many mysterious and strange happenings to come. Now you too can share in my prophecies. Gaze with me into the crystal ball that tells all! Follow me on this magical tour through the twelve signs of the Zodiac to see exactly how your life’s adventures will unfold.

Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 19)

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 20)

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

It’s one of those days I’m afraid. Nothing seems to be going your way, the neighbors have called the cops on you again for a noise disturbance due to your new Thunder Header…problem being, you were showing it to your S & M buddies.

Some things are better kept secret.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Mud wrestling and excessive amounts of Jack Daniels may be considered a good thing for some, but in your case it turned out to be a bad idea. Bikini’s, booze and mud are only a good combination when the participants in the bikinis are female.

So your chick wants to “try new things” and all you want to do is cruise around on your new chop. Well, thanks to modern technology, you can have your cake and eat it too! Just pick up one of those new vibrating passenger seats and tell her you’ve got a surprise!

You’re getting tired of the typical bike nights and Saturday parties at the Harley dealer so you want to branch out and do something different. Before you decide to lead a full on rally in your front yard your might want to check with your neightbors, or at least cut their phone line so the fuzz doesn’t get involved.

Pisces (Feb, 19-Mar. 20)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You’ve got a leech at the office pestering you for information on buying a new bike, where to go, who to see, how to pedal it…

Yeah, you know who I’m talking about.

Think of that shop you know on the outskirts of town ran by a couple of colors, tell him to go there and ask for “Cupcake.” It will be interesting how he fares.

You always have the tendency to make fun of certain people you encounter on the road. Now I could tell you this is wrong and that you should be kind to everyone you see…but I won’t. Go ahead! entertain yourself. Bicyclists are especially fun to mess with.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

We’re heading into winter and you’re considering taking a vacation before the holidays. You’re looking at a road trip, but your lady wants to take a cruise. Do a little demonstration for her. Get a bucket of water and a piece of metal, drop the metal in, watch it sink and say “But Babe see what happens with Harley’s and water!”

Here’s a few words of wisdom. Never take a dare to swallow a key after a few too many cocktails.

For one, if you have a key, chances are you need it, secondly, it won’t be fun getting it back. And please don’t rationalize that your bike key is smaller than your house key!

Your Lucky Numbers Check your birth sign to determine if you’re Fire Earth, Air or Water. Then select 4 numbers from that part of the Lucky Star & 2 from the Special numbers.

EARTH

WATER

AIR

FIRE

5 31

6 35

9 3

8 1

SPECIAL 4 26

12 39

17 21

18 14

15 12

16 33

7 28

2 36

36 19

33 11

10 22

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

We’re heading into winter and you’re considering taking a vacation before the holidays. You’re looking at a road trip, but your lady wants to take a cruise. Do a little demonstration for her. Get a bucket of water and a piece of metal, drop the metal in, watch it sink and say “But Babe see what happens with Harley’s and water!”

You take things way too literally. When you get a new bike, typically you won’t let anyone else ride it until “The new wears off.” However, you’ve been polishing the bike more than you’ve actually been riding it, and not only has the new worn off, but so have the paint and chrome.

Soon you'll find yourself in a familiar drunken stuppor, and once again your lady will pick you up off the floor and deal with you with patience. This time give her some reassurance that you won't do anything stupid during these escapades. When she's undressing you for bed, say "Get off me lady, I'm married." You might just find a very happy Mrs. in the morning.

You’re looking for a good deal on a new hog. But your salesman must have been in used cars before Harleys and you feel there’s a great deal of smoke being blown up your ass. Turn the tables, tell them you’re from IRS internal affairs and you need their help to bring people to justice.

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®

Earl and Bubba are quietly sitting in a boat fishing, chewing tobacco when suddenly Bubba says, “Think I’m gonna divorce the wife—she ain’t spoke to me in over 2 months.”

Earl spits overboard, takes a long, slow draw and says, “Better think it over—women like that are hard to find.” *** I was at Lowe’s the other day pushing my cart around when I collided with a young guy pushing his cart.

I said to the young guy, “Sorry about that. I’m looking for my wife and I guess I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”

The young guy says, “That’s OK. It’s a coincidence. I’m looking for my wife, too. I can’t find her and I’m getting a little desperate.”

I said, “Well, maybe we can help each other.

What does your wife look like?”

The young guy says, “Well, she is 24 years old, tall, with blonde hair, big blue eyes, long legs, big boobs and she’s wearing tight white shorts, a halter top and no bra. What does your wife look like?”

I said, “Doesn’t matter—let’s look for yours.” *** His name was Bubba. He was from Mississippi...and he needed a loan. So he walked into a bank in New York City and asked for the loan officer. He told the loan officer that he was going to Paris for an International Redneck Festival for 2 weeks and needed to borrow $5,000 and that he was not a depositor of the bank. The bank officer told him that the bank would need some form of security for the loan, so the Redneck handed over the keys to a new Ferrari. The car was parked on the street in front of the bank.

The Redneck produced the title and everything checked out. The loan officer agreed to hold the car as collateral for the loan and apologized for having to charge 12% interest.

Later, the bank’s president and its officers all enjoyed a good laugh at the Redneck from the South for using a $250,000 Ferrari as collateral for a $5,000 loan. An employee of the bank then drove the Ferrari into the bank’s private underground garage and parked it.

Two weeks later, the Redneck returned, repaid the $5,000 and the interest of $23.07. The loan officer said, “Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we are a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked you out on Dunn & Bradstreet and found that you are a Distingushed Alumni from Ole Mississippi University, a highly sophisticated investor and Multi-millionaire with real estate and financial interests all over the world. Your investments include a large number of wind turbines around Sweetwater, Texas. What puzzles us is, why would you bother to borrow $5,000?”

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The good ‘ole boy replied, “Where else in New York CIty can I park my car for two weeks for only $23.07 and expect it to be there when I return?” *** An 18 year old Italian girl tells her Mom that she has missed her period for 2 months. Very worried, the mother goes to the drugstore and buys a pregnancy kit. The test result shows that the girl is pregnant.

Shouting, cursing, crying, the mother says, “Who was the pig that did this to you? I want to know.”

The girl picks up the phone and makes a call. Half an hour later, a Ferrari stops in front of their house. A mature and distinguished man with grey hair and impeccably dressed in an Armani suit steps out of a Ferrari and enters the house.

He sits in the living room with the father, mother and the girl and tells them, “Good morning! Your daughter has informed me of the problem. I can’t marry her because of my personal family situation but I’ll take charge. I will pay all costs and provide for your daughter for the rest of her life.

Additionally, if a girl is born, I will bequeath a Ferrari, 2 retail stores, a townhouse, a beach-front villa and a $2,000,000 bank account. If a boy is born, my legacy will be a couple of factories and a $4,000,000 bank account. If twins, they will receive a factory and $2,000,000 each. However, if there is a miscarriage, what do you suggest I do?”

At this point the father, who had remained silent holding a shotgun, places a hand firmly on the man’s shoulder and tells him, “You’re gonna try again!” ***

GOT A JOKE

SEND US YOUR JOKE. IF WE USE IT WE WILL SEND YOU A WIDE OPEN T-SHIRT FREE. INCLUDE YOUR SIZE WITH ALL JOKES.

MAIL TO: WIDE OPEN 502 Hickory Hills Dr. Pleasant Hill, MO 64080 At the Iniskillin Winery warehouse the regular taster died and the director started looking for a new one to hire.

A homeless street person, drunk and with a ragged, dirty look, came to apply for the position. The director wondered how to send him away. They gave him a glass to drink.

The old troller tried it and said, “It’s a Muscat three years old, grown on a north slope and matured in steel containers. Low grade but acceptable.”

“That’s correct,” said the boss.

“Another glass, please. It’s a cabernet, eight years old, southwestern slope, oak barrels and matured at eight degrees. Requires three more years for finest results.”

“Absolutely correct. A third glass.”

He calmly said, “It’s a pinot blanc champagne, high gradeand exclusive.”

The director was astonished and winked at his secretary to suggest something. She left the room and came back with a glass of urine. The homeless street person tried it.

“It’s a blonde, 26 years old, three months pregnant and if I don’t get the job, I’ll name the father.” *** A guys walk into a bar in South Carolina and orders a white wine.

All the hillbillies sitting around the bar look up from their beer and whiskey, expecting to see some pitiful Yankee from the north.

The bartender says, “You ain’t from around here, are ya?”

The guy says, “No, I’m from Canada.”

The bartender says, “What do you do in Canada?”

The guy says, “I’m a taxidermist.”

The bartender says, “A taxidermist?

What in the hell is a taxidermist? Do you drive a taxi?

“No,” says the Canadian, “A taxidermist doesn’t drive a taxi. I mount animals.”

The bartender grins and hollers, “It’s OK, boys. He’s one of us.” ***

January Jan 12-13 Wide Open Bike Show-Overland Park International Trade Center, 6800 W 115th St, #500, Overland Park, KS, 913.451.7691, www.optradecenter.com, 660-221-2298, www.wideopenmag.net Jan 19 St Joe Harley-Davidson Winter Fest-4020 S 169 Hwy, St Joseph, MO, 816-233-9061, www.stjoeharleydavidson.com

February

Feb 2-3 Wide Open Bike Show-The Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, St. Charles, MO, 636-896-4200, 660-221-2298, www.familyarena.com, www.wideopenmag.net Feb 3 4th Annual Mid-winter Vintage MC Show & Swapmeet-Douglas County Fairground Bldg 21, 2120 Harper St, Lawrence, KS, Jim Sneegas 785-8424314 Feb 8-10 Gails Harley-Davidson World of Wheels Bike Show, Bartle Hall, Call 816-966-2222 for more info, www.feelthepower.com Feb 23-24 AMA Arenacross-INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, KS,

Show times are Sat. 7:30pm & Sun 12pm, For more info www.arenacross.com Feb 23-24 44th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Rod & Custom Car Show-Monticello Berndes Center, 766 North Maple St, Monticello, IA, No entry fee, travel money, trophies and cash prizes for motorcycles, For more info: Galen Muller 319-465-5119 or 319-465-5380, rodandcustomcarshow.com

March

April Apr 6 Gails Harley-Davidson Gailapalooza-71 & 150 Hwy, Grandview, MO, 816-966-2222, www.feelthepower.com Apr 13 MC Swap Meet-Morley Community Center, 101 Kirkwood, Morley, MO, 573-545-4591 April 20 St Joe Harley-Davidson Winter Fest-4020 S 169 Hwy, St Joseph, MO, 816-233-9061, www.stjoeharleydavidson.com

Mar 2 Monster Energy AMA Supercross-Edward Jones Dome, 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO, main event starts at 7pm, www.supercrossline.com

Apr 24-28 Laughlin River Run-Nevada

Mar 2-3 AMA Arenacross-Sprint Center, Kansas City, MO, Sat. begins at 7:30pm, Sun 12pm, www.arenacross.com

Apr 28 Jeff Williams Motorcycle Swap Meet-Twin Drive In Theater, 291 Hwy, Kansas City, MO 816-228-5811, www.jwswapmeet.com

Mar 3 Jeff Williams Motorcycle Swap Meet- Missouri State Fairgrounds, Hwy 65, Sedalia, 816-228-5811, www.jwswapmeet.com Mar 23 St Joe Harley-Davidson Winter Fest-4020 S 169 Hwy, St Joseph, MO, 816-233-9061, www.stjoeharleydavidson.com

May

May 18 St Joe Harley-Davidson Smokin’ Sat Tunes-4020 S 169 Hwy, St Joseph, MO, 816-233-9061, www.stjoeharleydavidson.com

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Advertiser Index A&B Carstar.......................................................................................................................................71 Amsoil .................................................................................................................................................69 Austin’s Motorsports..............................................................................................................68, 83 Baby Your Bike .................................................................................................................................52 Bad Dad..............................................................................................................................................57 Bad Seed Motorcycle Company...............................................................................................25 Bullfrog’s.............................................................................................................................................67

82 Wide Open

Camtech Customs .........................................................................................................................53 Consultecs.........................................................................................................................................19 CR Cycle Tires...................................................................................................................................38 Croft Trailers ...............................................................................................................................73, 76 Custom Color ...................................................................................................................................15 Drury Inn & Suites...........................................................................................................................24 Fro’s Hideout ....................................................................................................................................65 Frontier Steak House.....................................................................................................................66 Gail’s Harley-Davidson ....................................................................................................4, 11, 84 Hard Core Customs........................................................................................................................21 Hawg Halters ....................................................................................................................................70 IM Tirebiter’s .....................................................................................................................................65 Jess & Jim’s Steakhouse..............................................................................................................65 Ken Dake, Attorney ........................................................................................................................20 Kim Hausmann’s Permanent Makeup ..................................................................................10 Larsen The Motor Man .................................................................................................................25 Longbranch Steakhouse..............................................................................................................62 Loud Mutha Fairings.......................................................................................................................72 Margarita’s.........................................................................................................................................66 Meadows Optical............................................................................................................................38 Neighborhood Cafe.......................................................................................................................62 Quality Inn & Suites........................................................................................................................24 Sinister Industries ...........................................................................................................................61 SMT Machining................................................................................................................................59 Spring River Rally ............................................................................................................................63 St. Charles Harley-Davidson ..............................................................................................22, 45 St. Joe Harley-Davidson.............................................................................................................2, 3 Today’s People.................................................................................................................................79 Total Venue........................................................................................................................................82 Turkey Creek Cycles.......................................................................................................................31 Vintage Motorcyce Show & Swap Meet.................................................................................67 Wide Open Bike Show..................................................................................................................41 Wide Open Subscription .....................................................................................................80, 81 Wide Open Custom Plastics.......................................................................................................62 Yeager’s Harley-Davidson ..........................................................................................................50