The Other Side of a Motorcycle Rally

It's time for me to drop some names. Some events have transpired that you good people should be privy too. You won't hear tell of this in main stream media and it won't be on any docu-drama, made-for-Television mini series about Bikeweek. Once again, the powers of Good have been victorious. But I digress.

Jay Allen of The Broken Spoke owns and rides an ole Harley that is a tribute to The U.S. Army and all who have served in it. It was his dream to gather together four more motorcycles, each representing the other branches of the US Military. As a Champion for American Veterans, Jay Allen's dream turned into a project. May, 2012 at the 25th anniversary of Rolling Thunder in Washington D.C. five bikes were unveiled representing each of the five branches of our military. Space being limited, I can not tell you of each bike and the amazing people involved in their creation but I can tell you that each is a Tribute and worth learning about.

Rolling Thunder is the largest one day motorcycle event in the USA. Held annually in Washington DC. Founded by Mr. Walt Sides.  "Rolling Thunder’s mission is to educate, facilitate, and never forget by means of a demonstration for service members that were abandoned after the Vietnam War. Rolling Thunder has also evolved into a display of patriotism and respect for all who defend our country." Last yrs event was attended by an estimated 1.3 million people. Walt and his lovely wife, Laura have taken on the task of escorting these five tribute bikes around the country to events for the public to appreciate them and to bring awareness to the cause.

Russ Niedwick and his wonderful wife, Nikki Linn operate a non profit organization called Veterans Support Fund. They have "adopted" the men and women who live at the Veterans Home in Daytona Beach, Fla. Now, when  I say "adopted" I mean they care. Taking them to lunch and afternoon outings. Playing Santa and providing gifts to each one and helping with things such as prosthetic limbs. They know these Veterans all by name. It is truly a blessing to see how they care for our Nations Hero's.

On the 6st of March, 2013, two days before the beginning of Bikeweek, the above mentioned people did a great thing. Without pay or compensation, Without media attention or fanfare these people got together and set up the five tribute motorcycles for the viewing pleasure of the residence of the Veterans Home. These people took the time to have conversations and share stories with these Hero's. For several hours on a beautiful Florida afternoon these people gave of themselves the one true gift that our Veterans want and rightfully deserve. They gave of their time.

Of all the things that make it Bikeweek, The freaks and clowns, the traffic and concerts, the bars and the nightlife, the gathering of friends and the pasties, the people watching and the burn-outs, all of those things and more are possible because of those who came before us. Jay, Walt, Laura, Russ and Nikki and others understand the importance of what these men and women have done for our country. I consider myself blessed to have known them and I am proud to call them friends.

At the entrance to the Veterans Home in Daytona is a sign that reads. "The cost of Freedom is visible here" 

Sponsor Spotlight. Jaybrake

Jaybrake manufactures forward foot controls, hand controls, brake calipers, and other motorcycle accessories to fit Harley-Davidson and American V-twin Motorcycles. These made in the USA billet motorcycle accessories are certain to help you personalize your custom or Harley-Davidson.
Jaybrake has been manufacturing precision motorcycle accessories to fit your American V-twin since 1981 and is both an ISO certified and TUV certified company.Jaybrake is most recognized for our performance billet aluminum brake calipers with designs to directly mount to Harley-Davidson  Sportster, Dyna, Softail, Vrsc, CVO, and Touring motorcycles. Jaybrake also has forward foot controls engineered to mount to entire Harley-Davidson line-up including the J-fl forward controls specifically designed to fit the Baggers.

Some of the other accessories Jaybrake manufactures are: hand controls, the Tranzbrake, grips, pegs, handlebar switch housings, mirrors, and much more...

 Be sure to check out their website at http://www.jbrake.com/index.html

Sponsor Spotlight. Dakota Digital.

For over 25 years  Dakota Digital has manufactured the highest quality instrumentation and specialty electronics for custom cars, trucks, motorcycles and many things in between. Our facility is located in the heartland of the country, on the outskirts of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Here, nearly all products are designed, developed and manufactured from start to finish...right here in the USA by folks who care about the products we sell and the thousands of customers using them. When purchasing Dakota Digital products, you can rest assured you are not only getting the best products, but also the best service and support available. MCL-5400 From Dakota Digital Dakota Digital is proud to introduce the next generation bar mount speedometer. The MCL-5000 Series replaces the popular HLY-5011. As with all of the MCL-5000 Series gauges these speedometers are easily visible in direct sun. Features include: 0- 255 MPH/ km/H user adjustable speedometer Odometer and Trip Odometer Indicators for Left and Right Turn Signals, Highbeam, Neutral, Low Oil Pressure and Check Engine Choice of Black or Chrome housing Dimensions: 3-1/2" x 2" Classic Speedometer/ Tachometer Information Center From Dakota Digital Introducing the latest in a long line of great gauges!  The MCV-7000 series really does have it all. Dimensions: 5-7/8" x 2" x 1-3/4" D 0-199 MPH or KM/H Speedometer 0-8,000 RPM Bar Graph Tachometer with 0-16,000 numeric readout Oil Pressure Gauge, (sender included) Voltmeter Fuel Level Gauge, (bike must be equipped with a stock sender) Gear Position Readout Clock Million Mile Odometer with Dual Trip Meters and Countdown Service Meter Turn Signal, High Beam, Neutral, Low Oil, Low Fuel, Low Voltage, Service Engine/Wait to Start Indicators Performance Displays such as 0-60 MPH/KM/H Timer, 1/4 Mile Time and Speed, High Speed and RPM Recall Positive Locking Connectors for all Wires Choice of Black or Chrome housing.  Be sure to check out their website for all your instrumentation needs  http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm

Sponsor Spotlight. Avon Tyres.

What can I say.... These people ROCK.. It has been nothing but a pleasure to work with them. Every time I have talked with them I have learned. I hope to tour their facility in Stowe, Ohio soon.
I'll be running the Distanzia model most of the time because of the on road and off road capabilities.
I will also be running the Storm2 and Azaro ST tires for the on road only portions of my journey.

 Check out their website at
http://www.avonmoto.com/

Sponsor Spotlight. Hawg Halters Inc.

"Start with the best, Stop with the best" is more than just a catchy ad slogan, it's truly how we feel about what we do at Hawg Halters. Starting with an idea and engineering it with technologies like solid modeling and finite element analysis is just the beginning of one of our products. We select only the best materials, aircraft grade 6061 billet aluminum custom drawn to our specifications, stainless steel alloys best suited for the application, all to produce the best performing products available. We then prototype and test until it is right. We develop the most effective manufacturing methods for each component with the use of computer aided manufacturing and CNC high speed machining centers.

 Parts go through detailed inspection using the most advanced CMM technology providing precise measurements and unbeatable quality. After careful inspection, each part is processed through the finishing stages. Polished, chromed and anodized parts are finished to industry leading show quality standards. Assembly by experienced craftsmen using HHI custom made fixtures and jigs bring it all together followed by bench testing and final inspection to insure proper operation. All that's left is packaging to ensure your part arrives in perfect condition. We ride what we build and believe we manufacture the finest American made products for the American V-twin. We're craftsmen, perfecting the art of your next custom ride.

 American Made Parts and American Made Service straight from the mountains of North Georgia....

Sponsor Spotlight. Spectro Oil

Spectro® Oils is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers and packagers of premium – quality lubricants.
Our products are engineered to provide the highest levels of performance across the full range of full-synthetic, semi-synthetic and petroleum lubricants for all types of power-sports engines and transmissions. Spectro® provides unsurpassed strength and endurance to protect your engine against wear and tear.
The Spectro® line also includes superior suspension fluids, fork oils, brake fluids, coolant, chain lubes, filter cleaners/oils, and appearance products.
We’ve added some new features to the site; these include an updated “dealer locator”, photo galleries and a customer Q&A section.

Engineering Excellence For The Sporty Engine.
BROOKFIELD, Conn. – January 30, 2013. Spectro Oils of America, based in Brookfield,  CT, is pleased to present Platinum Heavy Duty STL; Sportster Transmission Lube. Our 6 speed synthetic technology is now available for the Harley® Sportster and Buell®. This fully formulated synthetic transmission lubricant is engineered to work in all applications where the same oil lubricates the clutch, primary, and transmission.
Spectro Oils Vice President of Sales, Rollin Karoll explains, “Since the introduction of Spectro “6 Speed” transmission lube for HD big twins, Sportster owners have been asking for a lube of their own. That day is now here with the introduction of Spectro STL; Sportster Transmission Lube. Like our industry leading Heavy Duty 6 Speed Transmission lube, Spectro STL provides easier shifting, less gear noise and reduced heat for Sportsters. Our proprietary wet clutch formula also reduces clutch chatter and slippage. If you ride a Sportster, this is the transmission lube you’ve been waiting for!”

Sponsor Spotlight. Renegade Wheels

Renegade Wheels was founded on the premise of delivering to the world the best damn motorcycle wheels in the world. Quality product that ordinary people can afford, one bike at a time. Ultra custom forged billet motorcycle wheels. Designs that are 3D, 2D and Phantom-cut, these are fantastic looking wheels...Renegade Wheels also sells matching brake rotors, sprockets, belt drive pulleys and hidden axle kits.

One of the many things that I dig about their wheels is how the hub assemblies work. They are completely removable.. On my upcoming Pan Am Highway trip I will be carrying an extra wheel and hub assemblies just in case.. I will be able to put that rim on either front or back because of the removable hubs. This will save me from having to carry both a front and rear.

As a custom Wheel manufacture Renegade Wheels has become known as the go to company. You have seen their product all over the industry.. They are the manufactures of all the wheels for the theme bikes built for the TV show American Chopper and have done all the wheels for Paul Jr. Designs.
Oh ya,, Did I mention that this is an American Company making American Parts.???