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Motorcycle Mother's Day Special with Krista Grotte and Born to Ride
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• July 2010
• June 2010
• May 2010
• April 2010
• March 2010
• Feb. 2010
• Jan. 2010
• Dec 2009
Nov 2009
Oct 2009
Sep 2009

Welcome to the Born To Ride Women's Club web site. Find out what the Women's Club is all about by visiting the "About Us" page.

 

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Click here to see a picture of Susan's new BTR Tattoo...
Susan's BTR Tattoo
...

Tribute to mom and women who ride
Tribute to mom and women who ride.
...

Roar
Roar:
Motorcycles for women

Born To Ride Women's World
November 2011


Born To Ride interviews guest speaker Genevieve Schmitt, the country's leading expert on women and motorcycles. For more check out WomenRidersNow.com

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July 2010
 

Baby Blues Tattoo

I remember a few years back being at a motorcycle event and seeing this really tall woman riding a baby blue and white Harley-Davidson classic around the venue. She was all tattoos and beautiful! I said to Johnny, “I would really like to meet that woman! She looks like someone who would be fun to talk with!”

Well a few years have gone by and I finally got my chance to meet that beautiful woman! Her name is Candy Roberts and she is the inspiration and force behind the popular Bradenton tattoo shop, Baby Blues Tattoo!

Candy started getting tattoos in the 1970s. “A friend of mine taught me how to tattoo and took me under her wings. Cindi Lael owns Atlantic Tattoo and has been in the business for 30 years. Then I met another tattoo artist by the name of Jacci Gresham. She owns Aart (yes! That’s the correct spelling!) Accent Tattoo in New Orleans. She’s awesome as well.”

Approximately 80% of Candy’s body is tattooed. She has an immense amount of different types of ink and art work all over the place. Talk about a walking billboard for Baby Blues Tattoo! Here is a beautiful, tall, blonde woman that knows the tattoo business inside and out. “I wanted to name my business Baby Blues because I wanted to cater to women. I didn’t want it to be a scary thing for anyone.”

Baby Blues Tattoo

In 1997, Candy gave up tattooing and handed the tools of the trade to her daughter, Becca. Becca has been tattooing for over 13 years. She was born on Candy’s birthday! Both Becca and Candy have been featured in many tattoo magazines in the states and abroad. There is a great poster of the two of them on one of these tat magazines. You can see this poster at the shop on 53rd street in Bradenton.

So, what does Candy do now? “I run both of my businesses; The shop on 53rd Street and the shop on Manatee Ave. I take care of the finances, hire the tattoo artists, and work with the customers. It’s important that the customer knows every detail involved in tattooing – especially if it’s their first time getting a tat. I’ve even gone so far as to encourage a customer not to get a certain type of tattoo.”

I asked Candy about her tattoos and if there were any on her body that she would like to see go away. She held out her right arm and pointed to a black section on her forearm. “I shouldn’t have allowed the tattoo artist to do this one. Look, you don’t even know what it’s supposed to be. I was younger and didn’t know. Today, I use this tattoo as an example to customers of what NOT to get for a tattoo.”

Candy prides herself on hiring the best in the business. She only hires the best artists that have a super portfolio, great references, and who are clean in appearance. I was fortunate to meet all of her artists at the 53rd Street Shop. Odie Diaz has been tattooing for 8 years. He is from Cuba. His portfolio is gorgeous as well as the tattoos on his body! Robbie Luders is her other tattoo artist. Along with his exceptional artistry and cool attitude, he does the piercings at this shop, too! Then there is Jason Donner. He’s been doing this for 12 years and has been with Candy less than a year. Jason said, “I’ve worked all over the place and really like it here.” Jason prides himself with “cover up” work. “Some of my best work is doing cover-ups for people that had some really bad tattoos done.” I looked at some of his portfolio shots and was absolutely impressed with the end result; the before and after pictures were exceptional.

Candy also reminded me of her superior staff at her shop on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton. “Jodie Faus is a 14-year tattooing artist and comes from New Orleans. De-Bo Cowgill has been tattooing for 18 years and Wendy Forbes is the shop’s piercing expert. Every person does superior work with an excellent track record of repeat customers!”
What many of you may not know is that Candy has been nominated for “Manatee County Chamber of Commerce’s Best Small Business.” When I asked her about this nomination, she was humbled, to say the least. “I don’t know who nominated me. I went to an interview with seven business owners, all who are members of the Chamber. It was a fun experience and something that I’m very proud of.”

Candy and her dedicated group of artists are proud of the work they do. While I was there interviewing Candy and her 53rd Street crew, the door was always bringing in new customers. “I get nice people in here. I’ve never had any problems with any customer. We want them to always feel comfortable and relaxed. Good customer service is Number 1 with me and my staff.”

Already having a bit of ink on my body, I had this thought of doing something special for Ron and Debbie at Born To Ride. A tattoo is something that will be with you forever, right? Well, I’ve always maintained the opinion that whatever tattoo goes on my body is a reflection of my love for something special – like pink roses! I shared my idea with Candy and Jason. With Ron’s blessing, and Jason’s artistic talent, I went ahead and had something special tattooed on my body. Somewhere in this magazine you will find my tattoo! Yeah, you’re going to have to look for it. When you see it, you’ll understand how much Ron, Deb, and Born To Ride mean to me.

Thank you, Candy and Crew at Baby Blues Tattoos, for making my day fun and memorable! And Candy, congratulations on the Chamber nomination! You certainly deserve this award and so much more!
Ride Safe and Free,


Susan Hurst
What: Baby Blues Tattoo
Where: 1121 53rd Ave West, Bradenton and 3600 Manatee Ave West, Bradenton
Phone: 53rd Street 941-739-3738 * Manatee Ave 941-708-7075
Website: www.babybluestattoo.com

 
June 2010
 

Betsy Lister

I’ve shared with you numerous times about the many, many people I’ve gotten to know in the motorcycling world. I still maintain close friendships with several of these folks that live throughout the United States. Motorcycling truly brings out the coolest kinds of folks. I met of one of my dearest and closest friends, Ric Remz, at Americade in 1990 when I won the Americade Queen title. On one of our many conversations, he mentioned someone I had met years ago was getting inducted in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame! I was thrilled! I had to share with my faithful Born To Ride readers the remarkable Betsy Lister!
Betsy has been riding motorcycles since the late 1960s. She started out on a Yamaha then over the years went with Harley-Davidson. “I bought a sporty. I kept it for 6 months and put 5,600 miles on it. But decided I wanted a cruiser. So I traded the sporty in for a Dyna Low Rider Convertible. I kept that for 10 months and wanted something bigger! So, I traded the Dyna in for a Road King.”

She kept this bike for nine years until she had a bad repair done on the bike. “It took the wind out of my sails. The bike never sounded right. So, I put it up for adoption and bought a Street Glide. That’s the bike I’m riding today.”

How did you become so involved in the motorcycling world? “In 1996 I was really gung ho keeping people apprised of what was going on out there. I realized there was no central place for people to get information from each state. So everywhere I went I asked people if they wanted to get information on motorcycling legislations, news, events, rallies, etc. I amassed over 12,000 e-mail addresses.”
In 1999 Betsy formalized this information and named it Biker Bits. She’s been doing this every single day keeping people aware. You can check each day’s news on what’s going on in each state. There is even international stuff there for you, too!

Betsy Lister

All of this takes place before she goes to work at her “real” full-time job selling insurance! “My day starts between 4:00-4:30 a.m. I get up and update the website with the information people send me. Once that’s done then I jump in the shower and head out to work.” This is a free service. Just sign up by providing your e-mail address. It’s that simple!

In addition to Biker Bits, she got more involved in the motorcycling world. “After 911, I threw together a motorcycle ride that raised just under $10,000. Not bad for just 22 days of organization!

“The Massachusetts Agents Association, that I’m a member of, has a non-profit fund called, The American Survivor Relief Fund. What better way to network to this organization— that motorcyclists are not bad people. “I had a wine and cheese ceremony at the Harley-Davidson shop in Boston. I invited the press, the biker community, and invited the President of the Mass Agents Association because I know him personally. He was taken by the vast amounts of generosity provided by the bikers and how fast we put this run together. We were the 2nd highest contributor behind an insurance company.”

Word got out. Things started to change in Massachusetts. Companies looked at motorcyclists in a whole different light to the point where Betsy and her group were able to get her insurance carrier to pony up and donate $15,000 to the motorcycle safety fund for signage. “‘Check Twice. Save A Life. Motorcycles are Everywhere’ stickers were a huge hit. The carrier that provided the signage for this campaign said it was the best ad campaign they have ever done. They even gave a group discount to motorcyclists!”

It’s one thing to be nominated to the Sturgis Hall of Fame. It’s a whole other realm to be chosen! What did you feel when you were chosen? “I think my heart stopped. I was speechless for the first time in my life. I thought it was a prank call!” Here is what was written about Betsy for the Sturgis Hall of Fame inductee:

Betsy Lister has been working to keep bikers informed for over twenty years. She is the founder of two websites - gypsypashn.com and bikerbits.info – that give bikers from all over the country information about rides, rallies, vendor opportunities, biker rights and more. She also operates a third website providing bikers with lessons on insurance coverage. Over the years she has volunteered numerous hours to raising awareness for motorcycle safety and motorcycle insurance issues. While logging over 100,000 motorcycle miles, Betsy has founded organizations and rides to raise funds for a variety of charities. She is also the biker poet laureate for Roadpoet e-Magazine for both Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

What are you going to be doing now? “I have a dream, not too realistic, but I always thought the most watched program in the history of TV is the Super Bowl. Why not a 15 or 30-second motorcycle safety blip? What better way to get the word out to people that motorcycles are motorized vehicles and have the right to share the road with cars and trucks! I would love to see that happen in this lifetime!”
Here is the ending to this “Women’s World” column. An original poem by Biker Poet Laureate Betsy Lister:

YOU RODE WITH ME TODAY
You shielded me from the cold salt spray like that old familiar
soft supple broken-in leather I treasure so,
You kept me warm

YOU RODE WITH ME TODAY
I felt your breath in my ear, your hold around my waist
You were close

YOU RODE WITH ME TODAY
I saw the sparkle of your eyes in the dew on every blade of field grass
You were radiant

YOU RODE WITH ME TODAY
I saw your smile upon every sun-swept crest of ocean waves
You were shining

YOU RODE WITH ME TODAY
I felt the comfort of your coddle in every ray of sunshine
You were heaven

YOU RODE WITH ME TODAY
I felt your nearness everywhere I went
I was never alone

YES....
I DID RIDE SOLO....
But....

YOU RODE WITH ME TODAY

and I so look forward
to riding with you again....

Do you have some biker information to share on Biker Bits? E-mail Betsy today and be sure to tell her you read about her in Born To Ride!
Email: gypsypashn@aol.com
Website: http://bikerbits.info
Ride Safe and Free,
Susan Hurst

 

 

May 2010 - Happy Mothers Day

Article 1

Faces of Courage

The individuals at Faces of Courage have been striving to make life better for children, women and men with cancer, sickle cell anemia or hemophilia. Founder Peggy Sherry teamed with Attorney Fran Haasch and Kathy Tolleson at ROAR Motorcycles to create a motorcycle worthy of its name ... Courage. Born To Ride caught up with these three ladies and asked them to share their thoughts about the bike and the collaboration.

Fran: I know the bike is going to look awesome because they do great work.

Kathy: Fran donated a Honda 750 and we did a little bit of makeover on it.

Peggy: What a class act; it’s amazing,

Kathy: We want to thank Tucker Rocky for donating some parts and our polishing shop for polished everything.

Peggy: This bike will make someone very happy. It has been a difficult time, we’re building a camp for kids to go full-time and this bike will help us get the camp running. This bike was donated by Fran Haasch; she was the person who got in touch with ROAR.

Fran: This is so wonderful, you ladies at ROAR doing the customization free for the Faces of Courage and Diva Angels, this is such a wonderful cause and I’m happy to be a part of it ... thank you.

Peggy: We will be raffling the bike to help promote Faces of Courage and help build Camp Courage. What we do is day outings, evening programs, and weekend events for women, children, and men with cancer, hemophilia, and sickle cell anemia. Over the last 6 years .96¢ of every $1.00 goes back into the program. So the money raised with this bike, your donations and hard work will go back to children with cancer.

Fran Haasch with Faces of Courage Motorcycle

Kathy: So ladies and gentlemen you need to order your tickets for this bike. It will go for men and women, either way its got some great bling and chrome on it; also has a custom paint job—airbrushing by Fern and the seat by Tim. It’s just a gorgeous bike so get online and go to www.facesofcourage.org or www.facesofcourage.com. Go onto our website www.roarmotorcycles.com hit our links and you’ll be able to find them and get your tickets.

Peggy: And you want to go to the ROAR website because they have incredible bikes; we’re walking around the showroom just going ooh ... ooh, thank you for supporting us and congratulations on being here 2 years.

Kathy: This bike took a little while because Fern and I wanted to make a bike that represented Faces of Courage but we also wanted a unisex feel to the bike because we knew the women at Faces of Courage wanted to sell tickets to everybody. When the theme finally came together it all popped. It has copper leaf in the bike—it’s just a strong looking bike ... it has some of Fern’s signature. It’s really exciting to come together with a group of women for such a worthy cause because cancer touches almost everyone; and when we can come together and do something like this is awesome.

Peggy: As a two-time breast cancer survivor on behalf of all cancer survivors thank you.

Fran: Thank you; when I was in law school in Gainesville I used to volunteer at Shannon’s Hospital with the little children and being a part of this makes me feel really good.

Kathy: Born To Ride ... and someone will be Born To Ride on this bike November 7, at Quaker Stake & Lube.

Roar Motorcycles Founder and author of Hear My Roar! Women, Motorcycles and Mental Health - Kathy Tolleson

We can all agree that motorcyclists are some of the greatest humanitarians
and philanthropists there are. So we were honored when we were asked to help customize a bike for Fran M. Haasch and Faces of Courage. Fran is an attorney from Palm Harbor, Florida who is an avid motorcyclist and supporter of those who ride. Her website is www.LawFran.com. You have probably seen her ads on the back cover of Born To Ride. She also has a big heart and donated the 750 Honda Shadow to Faces of Courage, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing cancer patient support for children and adults. They do a lot of cool stuff for patients and their families like, “end of chemo” parties, overnight camps, self-esteem building and a variety of recreational outings. The ROAR Global Foundation got involved and did a complete makeover. ROAR Quality Paint and Polishing put some great finishing touches on the bike and it has a custom seat by our very own, Tim “The Seat Man.” Also, a great big thanks to the Tucker Rocky Company who donated nearly a thousand dollars worth of aftermarket parts for the motorcycle. They have been great even during these tough economic times helping out whenever they can. Go on-line and purchase your raffle tickets at www.FacesofCourage.org and you could become the proud owner of the motorcycle now named Courage.

Tampa Diva Angels have financially and emotionally supported Faces of Courage for the past four years. They have hosted the Shannon Walsh Revette Memorial Run; sold beer/food at Raymond James Stadium, volunteered at camp and so much more. They will be selling raffle tickets for this bike at area events. Please support their efforts to raise money for Faces of Courage’s cancer camps.

The campers, volunteers and supporters of Faces of Courage would like to thank Fran Haasch for her kind heart and generous donation. She has for years been an educator and advocate to bikers and their families. She has such a pure and giving heart and is a true philanthropist. Our deep thanks also go out to all our friends at Roar Motorcycles … you guys/gals ROCK. All I can say is wow!!! Someone is going to be very happy to own such a remarkable ~ one of a kind ride.
Faces of Courage Foundation is a small grassroots non profit 501(c)3 that provides, at no cost to the participants, day outings, evening events, picnics and weekend camps for women, children and families touched by cancer and blood disorders like sickle cell and hemophilia. The campers come from all over Florida and nearby states to enjoy weekends spent with other survivors who are facing the same fears and struggles. These camps create lifelong bonds with people of varied backgrounds but who all have one thing in common ... battling a horrible life threatening disease. Faces of Courage brings survivors together in a medically supervised facility and allows them to just be carefree and have fun for a weekend. The campers enjoy arts and crafts, t-shirt tie-dying, dances, movie night, canoeing and kayaking, Death by Chocolate parties, memorial butterfly releases, drumming, songs by the bon fire and lots of great food. Many times closing ceremonies end with tearful goodbyes and promises to keep in touch. But the reality is that many of the campers won’t be here next year ... but we know we made a difference in their lives while they where here. These brave campers truly are the Faces of Courage.

Raffle tickets can be purchased on line for $20 or 6 for $100 at www.FacesofCourage.org. On behalf of all of us we THANK YOU for your continued support and RIDE SAFE!

Roar Motorcycles Founder and author of Hear My Roar! Women, Motorcycles and Mental Health - Kathy Tolleson

We can all agree that motorcyclists are some of the greatest humanitarians
and philanthropists there are. So we were honored when we were asked to help customize a bike for Fran M. Haasch and Faces of Courage. Fran is an attorney from Palm Harbor, Florida who is an avid motorcyclist and supporter of those who ride. Her website is www.LawFran.com. You have probably seen her ads on the back cover of Born To Ride. She also has a big heart and donated the 750 Honda Shadow to Faces of Courage, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing cancer patient support for children and adults. They do a lot of cool stuff for patients and their families like, “end of chemo” parties, overnight camps, self-esteem building and a variety of recreational outings. The ROAR Global Foundation got involved and did a complete makeover. ROAR Quality Paint and Polishing put some great finishing touches on the bike and it has a custom seat by our very own, Tim “The Seat Man.” Also, a great big thanks to the Tucker Rocky Company who donated nearly a thousand dollars worth of aftermarket parts for the motorcycle. They have been great even during these tough economic times helping out whenever they can. Go on-line and purchase your raffle tickets at www.FacesofCourage.org and you could become the proud owner of the motorcycle now named Courage.

 

Tampa Diva Angels have financially and emotionally supported Faces of Courage for the past four years. They have hosted the Shannon Walsh Revette Memorial Run; sold beer/food at Raymond James Stadium, volunteered at camp and so much more. They will be selling raffle tickets for this bike at area events. Please support their efforts to raise money for Faces of Courage’s cancer camps.

The campers, volunteers and supporters of Faces of Courage would like to thank Fran Haasch for her kind heart and generous donation. She has for years been an educator and advocate to bikers and their families. She has such a pure and giving heart and is a true philanthropist. Our deep thanks also go out to all our friends at Roar Motorcycles … you guys/gals ROCK. All I can say is wow!!! Someone is going to be very happy to own such a remarkable ~ one of a kind ride.
Faces of Courage Foundation is a small grassroots non profit 501(c)3 that provides, at no cost to the participants, day outings, evening events, picnics and weekend camps for women, children and families touched by cancer and blood disorders like sickle cell and hemophilia. The campers come from all over Florida and nearby states to enjoy weekends spent with other survivors who are facing the same fears and struggles. These camps create lifelong bonds with people of varied backgrounds but who all have one thing in common ... battling a horrible life threatening disease. Faces of Courage brings survivors together in a medically supervised facility and allows them to just be carefree and have fun for a weekend. The campers enjoy arts and crafts, t-shirt tie-dying, dances, movie night, canoeing and kayaking, Death by Chocolate parties, memorial butterfly releases, drumming, songs by the bon fire and lots of great food. Many times closing ceremonies end with tearful goodbyes and promises to keep in touch. But the reality is that many of the campers won’t be here next year ... but we know we made a difference in their lives while they where here. These brave campers truly are the Faces of Courage.

Raffle tickets can be purchased on line for $20 or 6 for $100 at www.FacesofCourage.org. On behalf of all of us we THANK YOU for your continued support and RIDE SAFE!

 

Article 2

The Fletchers Women

The Fletcher Women
Whenever I get an opportunity to visit with a female motorcyclist that’s ridden many more years than I have (30), I want to cherish every word she says about her life in motorcycling, starting out, and what kind of bikes she’s ridden, people she’s met, etc.

With Mother’s Day, all of us at Born To Ride felt it was appropriate to find the perfect mom who has the perfect daughter and all ride their own motorcycle. It wasn’t hard for us to find this unique team. We looked right out our back door to Fletcher’s Harley-Davidson!
Lucille Fletcher is the wife of Bob. Lucille and Bob opened their Clearwater store in 1964. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters: Peggy, Sherry, and Laura. All three daughters work at the dealership located on 17129 U.S. Highway 19 North in Clearwater. Peggy has two daughters that ride motorcycles as well ... Denise and Jeanine. Denise rides a Sportster and a Buell. She works at Fletcher’s in shipping and accounting. Jeanine rides a Dyna Glide and works for Transitions eyeglasses center. So, we have the matriarch, Lucille, daughters, Peggy, Sherry, and Laura, and granddaughters Denise and Jeanine! We hit the jackpot here!

I talked with Peggy and asked her about her life growing up Fletcher. Peggy started riding with her parents when she was three. “I was always with my mom and dad. I was in between them whenever we went on the motorcycle. Mom could ride but she much preferred riding with dad. Every Sunday we went to races, a meeting, or a run. It was very memorable for me.” Now, Peggy works at Fletcher’s in inventory control, completes the Ebay sales, and oversees the Fletcher’s beach store (located on 483 Mandalay on Clearwater Beach).

H-D Fletcher Ladies

Sherry, daughter number two, said, “My story is pretty much like my other two sisters, Peggy & Laura. I started out part-time after school and on the weekends at the Harley shop helping my mom with the bookkeeping and payroll and I also helped Peggy with the inventory. My mom was really good with the accounting and I learned pretty much all I know now from her. In 1973 I got married and in 1975 my husband joined the Air Force and we traveled all over the world for 15 years. After he got out, we came back home to Florida and back to the Harley business. I joined my sisters in 1990 to take over the reins from my mom and dad so they could enjoy their well deserved retirement. I've been at this business full time for going on 20 years now and I tell you honestly I don't know how my mom did it for so long with raising a family, taking care of a home, and putting in the hours at the store like she did. She still likes to come into the store on Saturdays just to keep tabs on all of us! At 86, she's still sharp as a tack and not much gets by her! I hope I can be as "with it" as she is when I'm her age. She also has a very good sense of humor. She will tell you she has to in order to be married to my dad for almost 68 years!”

And Laura, daughter number three said, “When I was born in 1966, my mom was already very involved in the daily operations of the Harley-Davidson dealership. I don’t know how she juggled taking care of me and managing the books at the dealership full time but somehow she made it work. When I was 6 or 7 years old I remember a lot of long nights at the shop watching my mom balancing the books while I played with my Barbie dolls. When I was attending Largo Middle School I used to walk across the street to the shop, which was on Missouri Avenue at the time, and wash motorcycles for my dad. I hated the sweaty greasy jobs and mom knew it. She would make an excuse to bring me into the office and show me how to do some of the clerical work to get me out of washing bikes. I think that is when I picked up an interest in accounting.

H-D Fletchers Family

My high school years were interesting because I used to ride a Z90 Harley-Davidson to school every day. First of all who lets their 15-year old daughter ride a motorcycle to school? Mom does! I don’t know what all of my classmates thought about this but I can tell you that no one picked on me in my 4 years of high school. After graduating high school my mom encouraged me to pursue my passion in life which involved horse power of another kind. I moved to Ocala to pursue a career working with thoroughbreds on a racing farm. After about four years on the farm I was injured and could no longer work with the energetic thoroughbreds so I decided to follow in my mom’s footsteps and earn a degree in accounting. I never told my mom that I was going to college until I was about to graduate because she had always taught me to take care of myself and do what needed to be done to get through life. Well that is exactly what I did and now I have her to thank for giving me the strength to pursue my passions and persevere when life throws me a curve ball.”

The love these women have for their mom is extraordinary. Thank you, Peggy, Sherry, and Laura, for providing some great stories and sharing it with the readers of Born To Ride!
Happy Mother’s Day to all mom’s out there! All of us at Born To Ride love you!

Article 3

Liza's Pinstriping

Pinstriping - and more - by Liza Hopkins
I love anyone that can draw, paint, embellish, and create works of art that make people stop in their tracks. Liza Hopkins creates more than art; she creates masterpieces that are unique and beautiful in so many ways!

Liza has been doing various forms of artwork for over 30 years. She is multi-talented whereas she does more than pinstriping! “I started out making signs. That was my first love.” From there she created different avenues of work that opened a whole new world for her extreme talent to flourish and grow!

While talking with Liza, it became apparent to me that she was very down to earth and extremely easy to talk with. We were able to talk about her art, her passion, and her desire to create a different type of setting for those of us that like to make our vehicles different than what we see out there day after day. In fact the whole time we were visiting, I was already becoming excited with writing this article; I wanted to share my good fortune by writing about Liza in Born To Ride and having my faithful readers meet this talented and devoted artist!
Any of us that have owned motorcycles may have had pinstriping done to make the bike truly our own. When I had my custom, two-tone pink motorcycle pinstriped, I also had the artist draw distinctive roses around the bike as well. I wanted my bike to be unique and uncommon from any others out there and it was. Liza can make your ride look the way you want, too. “I listen to what the customer wants to have and what colors they want to use. Most of the time they let me just do what I think will look best. That’s when I can get really creative and have fun with the project.”

Liza's pin stirping

As I mentioned previously, Liza does more than pinstriping. She has done fabulous murals, many types of vehicles like boats, vintage trucks, and of course, motorcycles! Do you need a sign done for your business? Then Liza is the one you should call! Have you always wanted to have some REAL gold metal flake on your bike or vehicle? Again, Liza is the one to call. Got a boring looking helmet? Let Liza put some liveliness into that lid with her special paintbrush and paint!

Liza is located in Dunedin. You may see her at some local Florida bike events planting her impressive artistic talents on someone’s two-or three-wheeled bike.

Instead of reading about Liza, check out these great works of art! Pictures really do speak louder than words! Oh, and if you do meet Liza and have her put some of her work on your bike, be sure to tell her you read about her in Born To Ride!

Who: Liza Hopkins
What: Signs by Liza
Where: Dunedin
Website: www.signsbyliza.com
Phone: 727-474-5708

Until we meet again,
Ride Safe and Free!
Susan Hurst


 
April 2010
 

Diva Angels

It’s always a pleasure to be able to witness an outstanding group of individuals whose passion and determination to do for others is paramount to who and what they are as a group.

I was truly honored to be invited to the Gulf Coast Chapter of Florida’s Diva Angels monthly meeting recently. Here, I witnessed a highly active and purely unselfish form of camaraderie where a group of self-motivated women riders make it a point to “do for others” in a time in our lives now where that scenario is more prevalent than we wish it to be.

The Diva Angels are sincere and true to form in their quest to “doing good in the community and building strong friendships along the way.”
The weather was cold and most uncooperative the evening of the monthly meeting. I had gotten to the location early hoping to get some good pictures of the Divas riding in on their two-wheeled machines as well as talk individually with these beautiful and formidable women. I wasn’t sure that I would be seeing many bikes because of the weather. But true to form, the roar of engines was heard in the distance and one by one, a line of gorgeous bikes came into view. I was ecstatic! A little cold weather with a definite chance of rain wasn’t going to stop these Diva Angels from riding!

Diva Angels

These aforementioned women, Tanya Tedford, rode in on her gorgeous Honda Shadow. I see Tanya at most biker events Johnny and I attend. Always smiling and full of a positive drive that is most evident with all the Divas, Tanya was a joy to talk with! Sporting a purple Diva Angels tank top, I asked Tanya about her role as a Diva Angel. “I’ve been with the group for five years now. I’m the fundraising director. It’s a great group of women and we have a lot of fun together.”

Another woman in the group of riders was Diana Brabeck. This evening, Diana proudly introduced her new 2009 Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom for the first time. This is one of the prettiest and sharpest looking Super Glides that I’ve seen in a long time. As I strolled up to Diana, she was bubbling with enthusiasm and excitement. “Susan! This is my new bike! Check it out!” The pinstriping was done in a beautiful pink combined with the gray and black paint job of the bike, it stood out like a shining star. The chrome was gleaming as if a set of flood lights had been infused within the metal. Just stunning! Diana has been with the Divas for two years and is the Clothing Director for the chapter.
Prior to my meeting with any organization or group, I do a bit of research.

The Diva Angels have a mission statement that is a true testament of who they are and what they believe in:
“To share in the love of biking and develop a special bond and camaraderie that is solely unique to women. Assist in empowering and enabling other women to ride and help them experience the joy that biking brings. Promote safety and responsible driving and set a good example in the community. Help others who are less fortunate than ourselves through fundraising events. And never, ever forget the fact that WE ARE HERE TO HAVE FUN AND RIDE!”

The Diva Angels is a nonprofit organization of female bike enthusiasts interested in riding together, camaraderie, doing good in the community and building strong friendships along the way. All makes and models of bikes along with all shapes and sizes of women are welcome!

We headed inside the warm confines of the restaurant. Johnny and I sat at a table where I could watch, learn, and listen to the Divas as they conducted their monthly meeting. The warmth of the restaurant was just a fraction of the true warmth, love, and commitment the Divas have for their organization, and more importantly, each other. They believe in each other and the standards they set to commit in helping those in need.

Kat Reyes, the Chapter Director, started out the meeting by discussing the HUGE garage sale they were having for a group called, “Mothers Helping Mothers.” Mothers Helping Mothers is a nonprofit group that provides for families in need. For example, baby items, cleaning supplies, crisis assistance, and clothing for infants through teens, maternity clothes, and shoes, are items that are provided for those needing this type of assistance. Kat was telling the group that her garage was overflowing with donations, with some items flooding their way into her home. The interesting point of this endeavor is that all the donations that were at Kat’s home were those the Divas personally provided as well as friends and families of the Divas. I was beyond impressed! The total proceeds from this sale netted over $1,400!
While sitting and taking notes at the Diva meeting I was finding that many of my personal goals in life mirrored those of the Divas.

I’m always doing for those in need and find that my unselfish behavior wasn’t a single entity. There are many people out there that do well for others and don’t look for adulation and spotlights on good deeds they do for those in need. When it was time for me to address the Divas for Born To Ride, I found my emotions getting the best of me. I shared with them my passion for writing about folks like them and before I knew it, the emotional trigger was pulled. I looked at Johnny and said, “Here I go again!” He smiled his knowing smile and nodded understanding that his wife and life partner could always find that one special group that had the same “giving” allegiance of doing for those in need.


I asked the Divas what was their “ah ha” moment where they knew they found the perfect group to ride with. Rita McLean shared with me the following: “Marsha Wolak hunted me down at Mel’s Diner bike night. She had started Chrome Divas. My sister and I were her first two members. From the Chrome Divas, Marsha and I joined the Diva Angels. We are all inaugural members.” She had added that it was every expectation and more – including the charity work. Presently, there are over 30 members in the Gulf Coast Chapter.

Many of the women in this group truly agreed on one thing – sisterhood. The riding and charity work are all great and worthy, however, the bond of sisterhood is dominant and absolutely real. Most of these women ride motorcycles – some gorgeous bikes at that – but even if a woman doesn’t ride, they are still welcome to join and at the same time, create an environment that allows all their passion and devotion evolve into an organization that stands above the rest.

Thank you, Diva Angels, for sharing your time with me and the readers of Born To Ride Magazine!

Until we meet again,
Ride Safe and Free!

Susan Hurst

Who: Diva Angels
Web: www.divaangels.org
Contacts: Kat Reyes, the Director of The Diva Angels – Gulf Coast Chapter at 941-504-1147 or Donna DeFant, The National President of Diva Angels, Inc. at 941-720-5955.

 
March 2010
 

I love going to parties and meeting new people! Johnny and I recently attended a fun birthday party where there was absolutely no one there that I knew other than a handful of friends and the birthday girl, Theresa. So, being the quiet and shy person that you all know me not to be, I went right up to this guy wearing a cool looking biker shirt and said, “You must ride! I love the shirt! Where did you get it?” I’m sure this guy, named Craig, thought I was some weirdo that my friends invited to the party because they felt sorry for me.

Craig is a police officer for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office. Craig and his beautiful girlfriend, Sue Ann, enjoy riding their Harley-Davidson all around Florida. Both Johnny and I visited with Craig for awhile sharing our trips and favorite bikes we’ve owned over the years.
I happened to mention to Craig if he had ever heard about the best biker magazine in Florida called Born To Ride? He said that he had heard of it and that he picks up a copy every month. Well, I told him that I could save him some time by picking up the most recent copy because I had some in my car. Again, Craig looked at me like I was totally off the wall. But to assure him that I was not off my rocker, I told him that I was the associate editor and wrote a monthly column called, “Women’s World.” His eyes lit up and said, “Now I recognize you!”

Genevieve Schmitt

I went out to the car and got Craig a couple copies of the magazine for him and his buddy at work. Once I came in from the outside, and brought in his copies, more people wanted one. So … outside I go again and brought in a few more of the popular magazines. It felt so good to be a part of the Born To Ride family where everyone knew about the magazine in one way or another! It was all good!

More of Theresa’s friends started arriving at the party. A few of the ladies there were students with Theresa at AVEDA Cosmetology School and also rode motorcycles! I found this out by overhearing one of them talking about the BTR magazines lying on the table. So being the introvert that I am not, I slid on over to where Simone and Julie were sitting and asked them if they rode motorcycles. When they answered that they did, I was ecstatic! This was getting better and better as the time went by! Simone is from South Africa and Julie is from Tampa. Both were an absolute delight to talk with! Julie and her man love riding out to Sturgis. How cool is that!

The music was great, the food awesome, and the guests were just a joy to visit with. The doorbell rang again and in walked two more of Theresa’s friends, Marji Cooper and Kim Babral. I introduced myself to them and heard that they also rode! I totally hit the jackpot tonight with all these lady riders!

Marji started riding motorbikes when she was five, starting on a mini bike! She saw how her cousin started the bike. Once he was inside, she went over and started the mini bike, got on it and promptly drove it into the barn door! She’s had a few bikes including a 1978 Harley Sportster.
Kim’s love of motorcycling started when she went for a ride on a Harley and absolutely loved it. “I decided then and there that I didn’t want to be sitting on the back of a bike.” So Kim took the MSF course and got her license. She started out with a 1979 H-D Street Glide. From there she moved up to her current ride, a 2008 H-D Sportster Nightster. Being a true Red Sox fan she had a friend paint the Boston “B” on her bike.

Ever since Kim bought her 2008 Nightster, she was going into Jim’s Harley-Davidson all the time buying chrome and extras for her bike. Marji would go with her and just “window-shop” by sitting on an orange and black Nightster. She wasn’t in a position to get a new bike just yet; just dreamed that someday she would get one.
One day they decided to go to Jim’s to get a t-shirt. Once at Jim’s, Kim left to shop for more goodies for her Nightster and Marji went back over to the orange and black Nightster sitting on the showroom floor. The salesman, Tom, came by and told Marji that she looked good on that bike and the black and orange jacket she was wearing looked good with the bike as well! Tom tried to encourage Marji to buy the bike but she said no.

Throughout their time at the shop, Marji noticed Kim talking to Tom. “I didn’t know what they were talking about. Seriously … we were in there for five hours! I told Kim that I had enough and wanted to leave. Kim said no, no, no. … Then Tom said, ‘Go on over there and sit on that bike.’ I told him I didn’t want to sit on the bike; it’s like holding a kitten – once you hold it you’re going to want it and I can’t afford it. Then Kim said to me, ‘It’s yours. I just bought it for you.’ I couldn’t believe it. I started crying. I kept telling them I didn’t want it and Tom said, ‘It’s a done deal. The bike is yours.’”

A couple of days later Kim and Marji went back to the shop to pick up the bike. When they pulled in, another surprise greeted Marji. “When we pulled into Jim’s, I noticed a bike just like my new one with ape hangers on it. I said to Kim, ‘Look someone stole my idea! Someone probably heard me say that bike would look good with ape hangers!’ Kim told me to go ahead and sit on the bike! I wasn’t about to go and sit on someone else’s bike and get my butt kicked. Then Tom came outside with a camera and said, ‘Go sit on your bike!’ Kim and Tom had known I wanted ape hangers on my bike and they jumped through hoops of fire to get them installed. I wanted my bike to look old-school and they made it happen.”

Kim has won three best of show trophies with her 2008 Nighster. She’s won two of them at Grass Flats and one at Jim’s Harley-Davidson Bike Night. Marji hopes to enter her beautiful new bike in shows this year. If you see these two gorgeous bikes out and about, say hi to the owners, Marji and Kim, and let them know you read about them in Born To Ride!

Thanks Marji and Kim, for sharing your beautiful story with me and the readers of Born To Ride magazine!
Until we meet again,
Ride safe and free…

Do you have a fun story you want to share with readers of Born To Ride? If so, contact me at BTRWomensWorld@Yahoo.com!

 

 
February 2010
 

Genevieve Schmitt

There are many, many people I have met in the motorcycling world that have left a positive impression with me. When I was writing my book, “Women and Motorcycling – The Early Years” I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Genevieve Schmitt. Genevieve is one of the most positive and sincerest women I have met in the motorcycling world. We connected again recently and I asked her to sit with me and tell me what’s been going on in her busy, busy life.

SH: It’s so good to talk with you again! Let’s start out by telling my

BTR readers how you got involved in motorcycling.

GS: Actually, I got into motorcycling through my television work. I worked for “Good Morning America” and GMA was doing a segment on, “Career Women Riding Motorcycles.” I rounded up 15 women riders for the television shoot. Once I saw these women riders, I was hooked! They had a spirit and energy about them that I wanted to be a part of. So I took the MSF class!

SH: What was your first bike?

GS: I started on a Honda Shadow 500cc then graduated to a 1200 Harley Sportster.

SH: How did you get involved with the media part of your job?

GS: Since I’m a true media person inside and out, I couldn’t just go to a rally and be a regular person. I had to try and write about my experiences. Kinda like you getting hooked up with Born To Ride, I got hooked up with Thunder Press in 1993 and started writing freelance articles. I was still with GMA while I was doing my freelance writing.
Television was changing and I had an opportunity to get into the motorcycling end of television by accepting a position with “Speedvision” as a motorcycle reporter. They were looking for someone to go to rallies and report on them. I have a lot of behind the scenes experience being a television producer for 15 years. So I took a shot at being in front of the camera this time!

SH: You’ve certainly have had a varied life! Tell me about your great on-line magazines!

GS: I have two on-line motorcycle magazines; Trike Riders Now (www.trikeridersnow.com)and Women Riders Now (www.womenridersnow.com). That’s pretty much the bulk of what I do. I own these two companies. We are a sound company with very high journalist standards. Just like a print magazine. That’s the way I like to do it.

Before I started my company, I was asked to be a journalist for American Iron Magazine. Like you, I have a monthly column with a female perspective. I also do a lot of the women’s bike features as well. American Iron is a great magazine.

SH: One thing that impressed me about you is your empowerment of women. I feel the same way when I talk with women wanting to become more involved in motorcycling. Give me your views on empowering someone that really wants to ride. When a woman comes up to you at a rally and says, “Genevieve, I really want to ride, but. …”

GS: I see a fear of the unknown in a lot of these women who have come from whatever background that has provided some kind of barriers in their life where they feel they can’t do these things. Sometimes it’s from abusive relationships, strict upbringing, or stereotypes in the family where females “can’t do anything.” Fortunately, I wasn’t raised with those barriers. I was taught that I could do anything. It’s really a matter of reorienting their thinking. I show women how to tackle motorcycling using baby steps. If you think about starting motorcycling as a whole, it’s a very daunting task. How can I get to here – not knowing anything about bikes – to out there – riding on the open road? So I break it down by telling them to set a goal. 1. Do you want to ride? 2. Then you need to take a class. 3. How are you going to get there? 4. You need to set up time. Etc. I try to show them how to break through those barriers.

I think about myself as well. There are times I go through the same things. There are other things I want to do in my life that are a little fearful for me as well. I ask myself how will I get from step A to step B.

SH: What do you currently ride now?

GS: I bought a new 2008 Harley Street Glide and it was a jump from my stripped-down 1994 Dyna Low Ride. I do so much touring now. When I’m out, I’m out for days. I needed the extra storage space and comfort. I was a little intimidated going into a touring bike. But I got the bike lowered and ergonomically fit for me. It’s perfect!
SH: Tell me about your family?

GS: I have a husband and a dog and three cats, no children. I just missed out on the Mommy genes!

SH: Where do you live?

GS: I live in Livingston, Montana, near Boseman. I came out in 1997 on my motorcycle on my way to Sturgis and just fell in love with this particular valley where the Yellowstone River runs through. I told myself, “I just have to live here!” The motorcycle riding is just incredible, albeit, very short. But we ride when we can.

SH: What’s on deck for 2010?

GS: In February, I have a tour in southern Arizona, kind of a “get out of the snow and cold” tour. I signed up with a company called, Twisted Trails. It’s a two-night, three-day tour. Then Harley Davidson has their “Celebrate Women Riders” event, scheduled for May 22-23 in Milwaukee. I’m really looking forward to going there. Then possibly in August there is a big Motorcycling and Women’s event in Ontario, Canada, that I want to go to. And of course you have to mention Sturgis. This will be my 16th year!

SH: You are an inspiration to many, Genevieve. How would you like to end this article?

GS: When I promote women and motorcycling, it’s never been about alienating men and only a voice for women. It’s a matter of making motorcycling inviting to the women out there who have fears, barriers, or intimidated by a male dominated sport. What it is, hi! Here’s the welcome mat. Come on in! The whole sport will benefit with you being a part of it!

SH: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with me! And when you do come to Florida to visit your family, be sure to let me know! Great talking with you, Genevieve!

GS: Great talking with you too, Susie!

 
January 2010
 

Tammy Bowen – Tiger Bike

With any beautiful motorcycle, there is always a great story behind its evolution and acceptance into your life. Remember my story about Argo a couple months ago? I just love my bike and the reality still escapes me at times that she really is an important part of my motorcycling life.

Beauty is a concept, in reality. Beauty can be within or it can be a surface enigma. When you see a bike at a rally or biker event that takes your breath away, it’s time to find out about the history. There may be more to the outside beauty than we are privy to!

Ron Galletti was telling me about a Tiger bike. “Did you see the Tiger bike?” “You’ve got to see this Tiger bike!” “The Tiger bike is in football games!” What?! Okay, Ron, you now have my attention. Let’s find out about this Tiger bike!

Tiger Biker

One beautiful Sunday morning, I took Argo out of her stable and saddled her up for a ride to Palmetto. There, I would meet with the Tiger Bike owner/rider Tammy Bowen. All the way up 41(Tamiami Trail) from Englewood (yeah, I took the long way) I kept wondering what I was going to see let alone what the story was behind this bike.

I pulled into Popi’s Restaurant parking lot and there was this absolutely gorgeous looking silver and black motorcycle that looked like a tiger! Ron was right! While trying to maneuver Argo into a parking space and talk to an elderly gentleman (who was telling me my bike was too big for me and that Argo wasn’t really my bike and I shouldn’t be riding it) all at the same time, I was anxious to meet Tammy and hear her story. (Oh, as for the elderly guy, that should be another story for Women’s World. It was pretty weird – but then again, I seem to attract to the weird passerby people of the world. …)

I walked into this busy restaurant and perused the clientele. I had never met Tammy and had no idea what she looked like. Then I just happened to look at a table with a single woman sitting there and said, “Tammy?” And she said, “Yes!”

It was like long-lost friends met from years being apart! Ron had told me so much about her that I already felt that I knew her. This was going to be a great interview!

Tammy’s mom rode motorcycles in the 1950s. That’s how Tammy got involved. At 14, Tammy started riding with her mom. Now that her mom is in her 70s, she is now passenger with Tammy!

Why a tiger theme? “My daughter, Jessica, loved tigers. From a little girl to a young woman, she has always loved tigers. This bike was my way of keeping the memory of Jessica with me while on the road riding my motorcycle.”

Tiger Bike

Jessica was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in April of 2005. She passed away on December 1, 2005, just 10 days shy of her 20th birthday.

Looking at the detail of this bike, I had to know who was the master artist that made this 2007 VTX 1300 come to life as a tiger. “Mike Ortiz of Wicked Art Works in Bradenton did the bike for me. I saw his intricate work on a monster truck. So I went and visited him and asked him to do a demo concept for my bike idea. He did a beautiful drawing that was exactly what I envisioned for the bike. So, I asked him what detail he could do and gave him my helmet. The job he did on my helmet blew me away! From there I decided he was the one to do this project. It took him 10 weeks to complete the bike.”

As you can see from the pictures here, this bike is a true looker! The detail is impeccable!

So where does the Tiger bike play football? Laughing, Tammy shared with me the football story. “My son was a senior at Palmetto High School. The mascot is a Tiger. I had to stop at the school to pick up my son’s transcripts for his college applications. The principal saw the bike and asked me to bring it to the Homecoming Game. It was a huge success and the kids just love it! I ride it to the home football games and it is just a great time for everyone!”

This bike is a true labor of love and devotion purely given to her daughter, Jessica. “Losing her I thought life would never be the same. It’s a way of keeping her close to me. Life definitely goes on.”
Jessy, as she was fondly called, is always looking at her mom while Tammy is on the road. Behind the tiger head of the bike, Jessy’s picture is air-brushed to a perfect likeness of a photograph. It is located just in front of the small windshield where Tammy sees Jessy’s beautiful, beaming smile constantly.

Tiger Bike

Many people wallow in constant despair with the loss of a loved one. But Tammy overcame that. “If I’m walking around moping and being negative, that is not a testament to Jessy. The best way I can be a testament to her and her spirit is being a happy, helpful, and positive person. I’ve learned a lot by the dark valleys I’ve passed through. When challenges come to us, good and bad, I rise above it all. I never really understood the meaning of grace until I witnessed my daughter go through chemo treatments without complaining.”

I truly had a great time visiting with Tammy and learning the loving history behind her gorgeous tiger bike! In ending the interview, Tammy said, “Jessy inspires me every day. Through this story, her memory may inspire others. There is a song the Eagles did called, Already Gone. I repeat these lines often: ‘So oftentimes it happens that we live our lives in chains and we never even know we have the key.’”

Thank you, Tammy, for sharing your beautiful and poignant story with me and the readers of Born To Ride magazine!

Until we meet again,
Ride Safe and Free!

Susan Hurst

 

 

 
December 2009
 

Operation American Pride

Michael and Debbie Whitt are the type of individuals that give freely of themselves for things they believe in. Mike is 42 years in the military – Department of Defense, retired Army E7, SFC (Sergeant First Class). Debbie comes from a military family, her dad was retired military, buried in Arlington Cemetery. She is a retired civilian with the Department of Defense.

What is Operation American Pride? Operation American Pride seeks to relieve part of the stress of military men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan by providing items that will provide comforts of home and of course, by providing letters of support and appreciation.
I personally got to take a glimpse of the great items Mike and Debbie send to the troops overseas. They send wet wipes, hand sanitizer, pretzel stix and cheese. Wisp tooth cleaners are a HUGE hit with troops! No water needed! They also send the troops copies of Born To Ride magazine! How cools is that?

Mike added, “I have been to Desert Storm, the Bosnia War, the Haiti conflict, and am now currently working Central Command at McDill Air Force Base in Tampa as a supporting military contractor. I know what our troops are going through with the weather, the stress, and the feelings of missing loved ones back home. Having been there with them I know the hardships they are going through. You are really out in the middle of nowhere!”

Watching Mike and Debbie interacting with folks is sincere and true. The day I conducted this interview, I was at a biker event and was fortunate to spend time with Mike and Debbie. When we got a free minute from the customers, Mike mentioned, “We do more than send packages. We help the families left behind with a bit of financial assistance. You don’t know how many military families are on food stamps!”

Operation American Pride

Operation American Pride is a 501c3 organization. Everything that is sold from their vending goes right to the troops via the care packages. They make all of the items they sell! Yes, even Mike gets behind the sewing machine! “It’s very hot over there. The gear the troops wear is extremely heavy and it’s HOT! We found some “Cool Ties” on the Internet. It consists of strips of material with polymer crystals sewn inside of the material. You soak the tie for 30 minutes in cool water. The tie swells 200 times its normal size. You wear it around your neck and it will keep you cool 4-6 hours. We said to ourselves ‘Why can’t we make them and sell them to get donations for the organization?’ For our troops, we only can send them the camouflage cool ties.”

Mike and Debbie’s first event was the Rolling Thunder event at Patriot Harley-Davidson in Fairfax, VA. “They had a big open area where over 3,000 bikes participated. It was the staging area for the ride to the Vietnam Wall. We did so well that we decided we had to continue with this endeavor. On a weekend if we make $100 we feel we hit gold!”
An interesting event occurred at the Rolling Thunder event! Mike and Debbie both shared the following. “Two guys came into the tent and recognized that we sent them these care packages. It was like a home reunion! These two soldiers want to go back because their buddies are still over there fighting. There is a true brotherhood and sisterhood out there.”

From the Rolling Thunder event, Mike and Debbie thought they could make and sell other items. So out come the sewing machines! They now make pillows with the service insignia (Army, Marines, etc.) and doo rags. Debbie added, “We get people that are in a special unit and they want us to make them special doo rags with their unit name and insignia on it. For example, we did some doo rags that say 101st Airborne Division and on the sides of the doo rage we embroider Hoorah. The insignia for this doo rag is a screaming eagle.”

In addition to sending care packages overseas, Operation American Pride also:

• provides funds to assist when normal operating expenses of the home cannot be met.

• seeks to assist by providing donated funds to military families that have no other way out than to accept welfare and food stamps.

• provides tuition assistance to mothers returning to the work force, to students in their first year of college, and to families who need assistance in purchasing the required school supplies at the beginning of the school year.

• visits VA and military hospitals delivering items to make their recovery a little more bearable.

• collaborates with local schools to send letters with well wishes and just general discussions letting the military member know that he is appreciated.

When the time was coming to an end and I had to finish up with my interview, I asked both Debbie and Mike to explain to me where their passion comes from in making this organization work. With tears welling up in both Mike and Debbie’s eyes, I knew that I hit an emotional trigger. I wasn’t prepared for the emotion to surface with me, but it did. ... It was difficult for me to write while my own tears stained the paper I was writing on.

Mike: “It’s very emotional for me. Every soldier counts. Just last week a sergeant came up to me saying his buddy was killed today. Our passion is that you bring everyone home in one piece. We don’t want them to be forgotten.”

Debbie: “My passion comes from Mike. When we make our items and box up supplies to send to the troops overseas, it’s from the heart. We don’t make money with our organization. Every penny we get goes to the troops and their families.”

Together, let’s help Mike and Debbie make the Christmas holidays brighter for our troops and their families. Monetary donations are needed as well as the items I mentioned in the beginning of this article. Also, if you have a friend or family member you want to have a care package sent to, be sure to include their full name, their rank, and their military address APO or FPO.

I will be sending a monetary donation to Operation American Pride. Will you join me? All donations are tax deductible! Oh, and if you want to meet Mike and Debbie in person, they will be at the Englewood Methodist Church Bike Run on Saturday, December 12 in beautiful Englewood, Florida!

Please let Mike and Debbie know that you read about their fabulous organization in Born To Ride!

Until then,
Ride Safe and Free!

Susan Hurst

What: Operation American Pride, Inc.
4343 70th Street Circle East
Palmetto, Florida 34221
(941) 803-8039

Web: www.operationamericanpride.org

 

 
November 2009
 

Giving Thanks for Argo

You know what I mean when you find the “right” car, the “right” house, the “right” pair of boots, and most definitely, the “right” motorcycle.
My friend, Esther Halt, was always trying to find the “right” motorcycle for me. For months she would keep sending me e-mails of people selling their prized two-wheeled scoots. When I would open the picture to gander at the merchandise for sale, the pull to purchase the bike was never there. I’ve been a “dresser” girl all my riding life. I absolutely love my full dressed bikes. One day I had told Esther that I would love to get my hands on a pearl white Fat Boy. Yeah, I’ve had my hands on a few of the two-legged fat boy’s out there, but shifting gears here, I was looking for the two- WHEELED version of the Fat Boy!

Then, one day it happened.
I got home from work and always the first thing I do is check my e-mail for work, making sure I haven’t missed anything important during the day from my superiors. While checking out the e-mails, I saw an e-mail from Esther with yet another bike for me to peruse. I opened the attachment and THERE IT WAS! A gorgeous Harley-Davidson Fat Boy with tall apes, super-long fringe, and a pearl white paint job. I couldn’t stop looking at the picture! I was in love and totally mesmerized by this gorgeous sight!

Johnny was sitting in the living room watching the news and I said, “Honey. I just found my bike.” Of course, Johnny has heard this statement more than once. Dutifully, he knew the drill; get up from the couch and come into the office, look at the picture, and tell me his honest opinion. He walked into the office—and looking at him I said, “Honey, this is THE ONE!” He took one look at it and said, “Wow! That is a beauty!”

susans-bike

The price was great and I asked Johnny if I could go ahead and e-mail the owner telling him of my interest. He said, “ABSOLUTELY!”
I wrote the owner and told him I was interested in his bike and if he could please give me a call. Well, I waited and waited. It seemed like eternity (when it was really only a couple days!) and Patrick, the owner of this bike, called me. My heart went up into my throat when I asked him if it was still available. I was so afraid he was going to say he just sold it. My friends, I’ve been devastated numerous times in my life. So if this wasn’t meant to be, then so be it. To alleviate any bad karma I incorporated a bit of a guarded pessimistic attitude, enhanced with a cool measure of calm.

Patrick told me that no, it had not been sold. Oh, this is getting to feel really good right now! I asked him if I could come and look at it. He said yes and we set a time to go to his home a check out this motorcycle in person.

The day came when we were going to check out the bike. I can’t tell you the excitement I felt driving to Patrick’s home! My stomach was in knots, I had a headache, I was sweating profusely, and was just on top of the world!

We rang the door bell and Patrick met us at the door. We introduced ourselves and proceeded to head out to the garage where the prized treasure awaited us. Patrick opened up the garage door. It was like opening up a treasure chest. When you look inside the chest you see beautiful, shining jewels. When the garage door fully opened, there was the two-wheeled jewel shining brightly under the garage lights. It was looking proud, gorgeous, and perfect. I walked up to the bike and looked at Johnny and said, “Honey, it’s beautiful!”

Both of us enjoyed our time with Patrick talking about motorcycles and this bike in particular. I knew in my heart that this was THE ONE. Generally, I’d talk to Johnny in private about buying something this expensive, but I just said, “What do you think? Can we get it?” Johnny said, “Absolutely!”

From there it seemed like forever before I could get her on the road. If my Star Trek transporter was working, I’d have it transported to our home. But since that wasn’t going to happen in this lifetime, I had to have patience of Job to see this through. I was asked to jump through hoops of fire to get my money from an account up in New York. They wanted me to “stop by the bank to fill out paperwork and show proper ID, blah, blah, blah.” I had to explain that I was 24-hours away from their precious bank and that a fax machine and notary would have to suffice.

Thankfully, it all came together just beautifully. Patrick was a joy to work with. He treated this bike with respect and excellent care. Today, I ride it to bike shows wherever Lady Biker Gifts has set up as a vendor. She’s a looker and a fine addition to our family. In fact, I gave her the name, Argo. Argo was the horse of the warrior Princess, Xena.

May the blessings of the Thanksgiving holiday bring you peace, love, happiness, and joy! I found my joy and happiness with my new bike, Argo, but more importantly, being able to share it with the love of my life, Johnny. I am truly thankful.

See you on the road!
Ride Safe and Free!

Susan Hurst


 
October 2009
 

Great Attitude + Great Personality = A True Rockstar!
Marion Jankowski

It’s not too often that I meet someone that has the spark and sizzle that my personality exudes. But, I have to tell you that I finally met someone that has! And her name is Marion Jankowski.

I met Marion at Black Widow Harley-Davidson in Port Charlotte. I was totally amazed at her spunk and wit. She is real as real can get!
How did Marion get involved in motorcycling? “Four years ago I dated a ‘weekend warrior.’ I was the passenger. After we broke up I decided I wanted to get my own bike. A friend of mine called me one day and told me she found my bike. It was pink and white and in my price range. There it was sitting on 41 (Tamiami Trail) just waiting for me to take her home.”

Marion’s ride is a beautiful 2002 Dyna Low Rider perfectly named, “Princess.” As you can see from the picture, she’s a headturner – oh – and the bike is too!



Marion is known in the biker community as “Rockstar.” But don’t think for a moment that she has the attitude of a prima donna rock star. No way! She greets her customers and friends with hugs and sincere smiles! Her presence lights up any room.

Rockstar’s parents raised her to believe that motorcycles and bikers were bad. “My parents were adamant about me not riding motorcycles. It’s how I was raised. When I was married, my husband wanted to buy a motorcycle. I told him if he bought one, we would be getting a divorce. It’s just how I was raised.”

Today, her parents have totally embraced Rockstar’s life as an avid biker and her friends are a part of the Jankowski family. “My parents love my friends and now have peace of mind that I will always be taken care of when out on the road.”

When Rockstar first started riding, she really didn’t know anyone to go riding with. So, how did she overcome that? “I showed up at a local place in Port Charlotte called Gatorz. There were a bunch of bikes outside so I figured that someone would let me ride with them. I went in and asked the group if I could tag along. They said sure and put me in the middle of the group when we rode. I learned A LOT from them!”
From there, she fell into another riding club called The Lost Souls. “This is my second family. I was bartending at a bar where The Lost Souls were having a party. I really enjoyed the people that were there and just wanted to be a part of their riding club. My fellow Lost Souls friend, Swamp Rat, helped me grow in my confidence as a rider. They are all truly family in so many ways! Our motto is Bikers with Big Hearts. We are a family-oriented club.”

Rockstar and her fellow co-workers and friends do a ride called “Grub Gourmet Adventure.” You never know where these adventures will take you! “One of my favorite rides was a lunch run to Key West. We left the dealership at 6:30 a.m. and returned at 12:30 a.m. the next morning. The ride home from Key West was horrible due to an intense rainstorm. I was the only one without a helmet and windshield. I said to myself, ‘I can do this.’ The minute we pulled out on US 1, the sky opened up! There were supposed to be seven bikes behind me but they were nowhere to be found! My boss, Armand Pinard, was running out of gas. He put the reserve on but 4 miles from the gas station he runs out of gas. I headed to the gas station to get gas for Armand and who shows up? The other seven bikes! They had pulled over when they saw the storm approach. Once I explained to them that Armand had run out of gas four miles from here, they helped get the gas and Armand back among the group. We still talk about that ride to this day!”

Just this past May, Rockstar put together “No Boys Allowed” motorcycle run. “This year 45 women showed up for the ride. We had different stops and contests throughout the run. Our last stop was where the guys would meet us. We gave out over $700 in prizes that day. One of the best memories of that day was looking in my mirror and seeing 45 headlights behind me. It still gives me goose bumps thinking about that!” The 2010 “No Boys Allowed” run is already set for Saturday, May 1. It’s already on my calendar since I plan to be a part of this fun ride! How about you?

Rockstar loves her life and what she does for Black Widow Harley-Davidson. “I come to work ready to ride.” In addition to her Marketing and Event Coordinator position with Black Widow, she also sells bikes out on the sales floor, creates the monthly newsletter, and helps out with whatever needs to be done at the shop. Her motto is, “There is no greater freedom than your Harley and the open road.”

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to meet Marion “Rockstar” Jankowski. If you’re ever in the Port Charlotte area, stop in to Black Widow Harley-Davidson and let Rockstar know you read about her in Born To Ride magazine!

Until we meet again,
Ride Safe and Free!


 
September 2009
 

Jean Davidson

What would your life be like if your grandfather was one of the four founders and first president of Harley-Davidson?

I had the opportunity to ask that question – and others – with Jean Davidson, granddaughter of Walter Davidson!

Jean is the daughter of Gordon Davidson. Gordon’s dad was Walter Davidson. The history of this family is rich, eclectic, and totally awe-inspiring.

Jean Davidson

When I asked Jean what the most memorable thing she could think of growing up, she said, “Riding behind my dad on the motorcycle. Dad had a Harley with a side car. When mom and my sister wanted to ride, I got to ride behind my dad. I was very close to my dad.”

Jean began riding a Harley at the age of 12. She also was the owner of the largest Harley-Davidson dealership in Wisconsin. “We bought the dealership in 1967 and opened it up to the public in 1968. At that point in time what was considered large isn’t large anymore. In 1979 I divorced my husband and gave him the dealership.”

Jean remembers vividly the different times in her young life when there would be well-known Harley racers in the kitchen just sitting around the table talking and visiting. “I remember just looking at these handsome racers. It was so neat looking back at times like that and having the opportunity to be in the same room with these guys!”

For those of you reading this article, you may know of a well-known Harley dealer from Daytona Beach named Joe Robison. “I grew up with Joe. When I’ve been to Daytona, I always made it a point to go and visit Joe and his wife Angie.”

Jean is the proud mother of five children and seven grandchildren. “My children still ride today. Motorcycles that have been in the family over the years are still road worthy today. During Harley-Davidson’s 105th Anniversary Parade, our 1935 knucklehead was a part of the parade. Those bikes are just beautiful works of art.” Due to hip replacement surgery, Jean prefers to be a passenger when out at various events and rallies. “I love to ride as a passenger!”

While interviewing Jean for this article, I noticed that she was an excellent story teller when she was talking about certain events in her life. “I’ve always been a teacher and a writer. I wrote the school curriculum and was even asked to write the state school curriculum.” Jean took those two attributes and with the passion and knowledge of her family history, started writing books.

Two well-known books are “Growing up Harley Davidson – Memoirs of a Motorcycle Dynasty” and “Jean Davidson’s Harley-Davidson Family Album.” The first book is the personal story of the history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The second book is 100 years of the world’s greatest motorcycles in photographs. “It took five years to write the first book. I wanted to find all unknown stories no one had heard before. After the first book came out, the publisher wanted a second book!”

Jean Davidson

Jean didn’t stop there. She has even written children’s books! “Riding Back in Time – On My Daddy’s Harley-Davidson,” “My Daddy Makes the Best Motorcycle in the Whole Wide World,” “Color Me Harley-Let’s Go For a Ride!” and, “Fun and Games with Harley-Davidson.”

There was a huge turning event in Jean’s life. Jean lost her four-year old grandson, Ryder. “One day he was playing with the neighbor boys. One was Ryder’s age, and the other was eight years old. They were playing near a ditch filled with water. Ryder and the other four year old boy fell into this water-filled ditch. The eight year old boy didn’t yell. He got scared and ran home. If he would have yelled, Ryder’s dad could have saved both the little boys because he would have heard the yell.” Jean turned this tragic event into a viable charity called, the Davidson Yell and Tell Foundation. “This is a charitable foundation set up to teach young children what to do when they observe a dangerous situation. Many times this child will run away or be quiet because he/she doesn’t want to get into trouble or be called a tattletale.

Sometimes the child is so afraid, he/she is too scared to do anything. The Yell and Tell program teaches children how to take action and be a hero.” Some of the most dangerous situations that this program covers are: Pools, Rivers/Lakes, Fire, Poison, Guns, and Child Enticement.
Currently, Jean has reached over 30,000 children with this program; 32 children have used it to save someone. This program is also tied in with Harley-Davidson. Jean goes into schools discussing this life-saving program as well as participates in local motorcycle rides. “Money that is raised on the motorcycle awareness rides stays in the community where the ride is taking place.” Jean has even been in Florida speaking in Lakeland, St. Pete, Brandon, and Bradenton about Yell and Tell.

I was very happy to have been able to talk with Jean Davidson. She is a formidable person and one that has a vision and purpose in life. I’m glad that I could bring Jean Davidson to the faithful readers of Born To Ride! Thank you, Jean!
Susan Hurst

Who: Jean Davidson
Web: www.jeandavidson.com

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