‘Born to Ride’ celebrates 20-year journey on TV

By Eric Vician, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, November 18, 2015 5:01pm

Ron Galletti still remembers the day he came home from the sweltering Florida heat of his construction foreman and told his wife he left his job to pursue an entrepreneurial idea. Galletti wanted to document the lifestyle of motorcycle riders and thought the idea might make for a good television show.

That was 20 years — and two children — ago for the couple, who co-produce Born to Ride a show seen in more than 2 million homes, across 14 counties including locally on Great 38, WTTA Tampa Bay Sundays at 11 p.m.

“I never really thought about longevity when I quit my job and came home and told Debbie,” he said. “We started riding again and started to figure out that these are professional people. We are still breaking down stereotypes of what bikers really are.”

Galletti will celebrate the friendships he has made through the show with a public party open that kicks off at 11 a.m on Sunday at Harley-Davidson Brandon, 9841 E Adamo Drive.

The anniversary celebration will feature live music, food and drinks, vendors, a 10-class bike show, custom bikes and appearances from professional wrestling’s Nasty Boys and actress Krista Grotte.

Galletti, who has featured the likes of Willie Nelson, Steven Tyler, Hulk Hogan and Evel Knievel on Born to Ride, said his most memorable episodes actually feature unsung heroes.

“When we can help the veterans, animals or children, those are the people who have a passion for life,” said Galletti, who has a daughter, Emily, 14 and son, Ronnie, 13.

Since launching the weekly television series, Born to Ride has expanded into free monthly magazines (covering Florida and Georgia), online via social media sites as well as event promotions and its own mobile app.

Keep up with Born to Ride at facebook.com/BornToRideTVMagazine.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/born-to-ride-celebrates-20-year-journey-on-tv/2254546