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Let me introduce you to Thom Lillie of Lille Glassblowers, Inc.

Let me introduce you to Thom Lillie of Lille Glassblowers, Inc. A couple of years ago I was sitting on the patio reading the morning paper and I noticed an article about a glassblower who had a studio in Smyrna, Georgia. At the time I was looking for someone or something to photograph and I thought that the art of blowing glass could be a great subject. I googled the name of the glassblowing studio, and when I contacted them to tell them what I was interested in doing I was told to come on up. I threw a flash…
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A Distracted Driver – Spyke & Mike

Hey there, my avid BTR readers, Mike and I have officially become a statistic. Most of our closest friends already heard the news about Mike being run off the road by a distracted driver. For those that haven’t, I’ll give you a brief description of what I saw. I was riding in my usual spot; behind the windshield. We were going down the Pinellas Bayway when a white vehicle came into our lane and Mike tried to avoid them. He went into a median turn area but could not slow down fast enough. He rode over the curb and ended…
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Completing 48 at 60 – Panhead Randy’s Bucket List

This “Bucket List” mission began over 42 years ago when I purchased Old Blue at the ripe young age of 18, shortly after graduating from high school along Florida’s east coast. Old Blue is a 1963 Harley-Davidson Panhead that has unselfishly transported me from one destination to another like a magic carpet, always willing to embark on the next adventure. In addition to the day-to-day local riding and fun, Old Blue carried me on several long road trips over the years. In 1975, she took me from the east coast of Florida to the Grand Canyon and back, and in…
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Recently, I decided to get back on my bike – CMA Christian Motorcyclists Association

Recently, I decided to get back on my bike, after a long time of not being in the saddle. I don’t really know how it came to pass that the bike got ignored, and began gathering dust. I think it was a combination of medical challenges, a brutally hot summer, and focusing on other things. When I did get back on the bike, my riding skills and confidence were in the toilet. I was acutely aware of the 900 pounds of machine that I was holding up, and it took a little time of acclimation to get used to it…
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Spyke & Myke March Madness

Hey, there my BTR friends! It's March Madness and that means the end of winter in Florida, spring breakers taking the place of snowbirds, the Strawberry Festival, and Bike Week in Daytona. Unfortunately, Mike and I won't be attending this year. He's still in rehab ‘cause his body is taking it’s good ole sweet time to heal. Mike says it sucks getting old, but I don't know what he's talking about. I just turned 28 a couple of weeks ago and to everyone's shock and awe, I popped a few eggs out of my butt during my birthday week! Yes,…
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Psychomania Movie Review

This month Born To Ride reviews the 1971 film “Psychomania.” If you like old British horror films, then this one’s for you. Maybe I should have said horrible old British films. Either way, Psychomania has a lot to like or dislike, depending on your level of intoxication. The film centers around the life of “Tom” who is the leader of a ‘motorcycle gang’ called the Living Dead. Tom and his ‘gang’ ride authentic period Triumph motorcycles, and meet in a field with several large vertical stones which somewhat resemble Stonehenge. When they gather there, they often discuss what they will…
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The Art of James Silk

Hello, Born To Ride readers, My name is James Silk. I’m a self-taught artist and drew a lot of choppers when I was very young. Motorcycles have always fascinated me, but I’ve never owned a Harley or a large bike. My father retired from the NYPD. He rode a 1947 Indian Motorcycle with the sidecar for many years while working on the force. I get inspiration from the older bikes, riders and beautiful women. Hopefully, that shows in some of these pieces I drew here. My work has been published in Penthouse magazine other publications and now Born To Ride…
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Rider Training & Education Contributes Little to Motorcycle Safety

(According to U.S. Safety Experts) Many reputable groups within the highway safety community have taken the position that motorcycle rider training and education contributes little to motorcycle safety. It is their position that rider education does not have a discernable impact on motorcycle safety, and universal helmet laws are the only reliable method of reducing motorcycle fatalities. Do not take my word for it. Here is what the experts have to say: “While basic rider courses teach important skills, the effectiveness of training as a safety countermeasure to reduce motorcycle crashes is unclear.” (Traffic Safety Facts, National Highway Traffic Safety…
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“So Here’s The Deal” Big Bone 1%er

So it's safe to assume that anyone reading this is probably just as biased as I am when it comes to this motorcycle stuff? We like the look of the bikes. We like the loud noise that they make. Hell, some of us even like the smell of the damned exhaust. There are also a ton of different bikes and there are many different types of people who ride motorcycles. I mean some folks are the so-called weekend warriors that take the bike out of the garage every once in a while. Then you got those folks who go through…
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The Shadow Warrior Riders MC – Warriors Helping Warriors

I love hearing how folks became part of the Born To Ride Family. Today, you’re going to read about a long-time BTR family member, Chance Showell, and the magnificent work his MC is doing for veterans. When did you meet Ron and Debbie? “I think it was 1995. I was doing Tech Tip of the Week, sponsored by the local Tampa Harley-Davidson dealer. I had experience doing TV and radio, so it came naturally for me. In fact, Ron always called me, “One Take Chance” because I always got everything done in one take. Of course, over the years, with…
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Welcome to Daytona Bike Week. Now Leave!

Not a very Southern way of being hospitable is it? Well, to some it may be the greeting they receive when they arrive in Volusia County to attend the annual Bike week event. I’m referring to the percentage of the participants who ride to this event displaying their patch logo or “colors” signifying their membership in a motorcycle-related club or organization. Unless you’ve been under a rock or just don’t participate in Bike Week in Daytona, you can’t help but notice the “No Colors Allowed” on the entrances to various businesses during the event. It is my understanding that this…
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Rockville 2020 – 3 days of thunder and lightning

Welcome To Rockville 2020 Celebrates Its 10th Year Florida's Biggest Rock Experience Heads To Its New Home At The Daytona International Speedway In Daytona Beach, FL May 8, 9 & 10, 2020 With Incredible Festival Lineup Featuring Headliners Metallica (Two Unique Sets — Friday & Sunday) And Disturbed (Saturday) Plus Lynyrd Skynyrd—Last Show In Their Northern Florida Home Area— Godsmack, Deftones, Social Distortion, The Offspring, Staind, Lamb of God, Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, Mastodon, Gojira, Royal Blood, Alter Bridge, The Pretty Reckless, Anthrax & More Weekend, 2-Day & Single Day General Admission & VIP Passes And Camping On Sale Now With…
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We all know that the advertisers keep it all going, but it’s the articles and contributions that make the difference

Hi Ron, it was a pleasure meeting you at JT's roadhouse last night. I am the guy with that 76 shovelhead chopper with flames. First I wish to congratulate you and the gang at Born to Ride for publishing a great magazine. We all know that the advertisers keep it all going, but it's the articles and contributions that make the difference: The ad for Chopporama at Gibtown follows up with a write-up of the event along with info on the bikes and builders. This stuff keeps the reader informed and solicits the readers' interest. I am disappointed for missing…
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Showers in Season – Born To Ride Kids

Christian Motorcyclists Association Living in Central Florida, we are prone to have seasons of showers. Before we mount up on our bikes for a ride, we will often check our weather map on our cell phones. That map, along with a good old fashion glance at the skies, can help us to plan our ride to avoid any potential rain. We can study the clouds or the overcast haze, and we can see which way the weather is blowing. That attention to the atmosphere can often give us good guidance. The only challenge with that technique is that we can…
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Nefarious James “Respect”

What the hell makes you think you’re so special that everyone should give you their respect? Tell me how you’ve earned it? Everybody wants it. There are those who think they deserve it. There are those who demand it. There are those who think it should just be given to them. For those in the lifestyle, y’all know what I’m talking about. I truly do believe many of you out there reading this article have no freaking clue what true respect really is as it relates to the motorcycle world. There are some things about respect you need to understand.…
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THUNDER BY THE BAY – 22 YEARS OF GIVING!

I’m at that age where I can’t remember what I did 5 minutes ago, let alone, 22 years ago! When it comes to pulling off outstanding and memorable biker events, Lucy Nicandri, the force behind Thunder By The Bay, can remember every detail on that first planning day; where the first Thunder By The Bay was planned out on a restaurant napkin! Who would have thought that you’re on your 22nd year with Thunder, Lucy? “Oh, Susan! You remembered the napkin story!” Yes, it is hard to believe that we have been doing this for so long!” “I try to…
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