YOUNG AT HEART
The energy was almost physical.
It was a resonance that hummed through the pavement and mirrored the idle of the bikes lined up at the gate.
Christian, Dallas, Jesse, Cody, and I weren’t just there to hand out flyers. We were there to represent a way of life and share the mission of veterans serving veterans. But we found out pretty quickly that the best way to explain that mission wasn’t with a brochure.
It was through a giant hot dog.
The title “Veteran” often comes with heavy preconceptions. People look at us and sometimes see only trauma and scars. They see battle-hardened or damaged before they see the person. But the
guards finally came down when the Wienerschnitzel mascot showed up.
Grizzlies fans decided we were okay after seeing Jesse and Dallas squeeze a giant weenie between them for a photo. Then watching that same weenie try to look cool while sitting on a bike. It’s hard to stay intimidated by a group of bikers when they’re busy having a goofy photo shoot with a piece of fast-food marketing. That moment was the ultimate icebreaker. It reminded everyone (including us) that we’re human and, deep down, still young at heart. It gave kids the giggles and suddenly we had a handful of them asking to sit on the bikes while parents just started chatting with us about everything.
As the game played out, the bikes became the bridge. Those conversations inevitably wound their way toward that feeling you can’t get anywhere else: the roar of the engine beneath you, the wind in your face, and the way the world finally makes sense when the road is unfolding ahead of you. It’s the only time your brain actually shuts up and lets you just exist.
In our world, connection doesn’t always require a voice. You can have a whole
conversation without saying a single word. When you’re riding staggered in a pack, you’re communicating through the lean of a turn and the shared rhythm of the journey. You aren’t a statistic. You’re part of a synchronized movement. That silence isn’t empty; it’s understanding that we’re all moving forward together. That’s what we wanted the crowd to understand.
By opening these conversations, we show that while we do deal with real issues, we’re still here.
The deepest appreciation shouldn’t just be for the service or the homecoming. It needs to be for the staying. It’s for the veterans who choose to stay and to keep the kickstand up. We want every vet who passed our booth to know that there’s hope, there’s help, and there’s a community waiting to ride with you.
It’s always worth sticking around to see what’s over the next horizon. Sometimes, the most important conversation you’ll ever have is the one that happens with the wind.
Sarah Jackman WRITER
3rd Annual Gathering of the Saints
Bob "Chappy" Chapman WRITER
On April 11, 2026, the Rock Bottom Riders MC hosted their third annual “Gathering of the Saints” at Freedom Church in Denair, California. Despite changing weather forecasts—from sunny skies to severe rain and wind, then slight improvement just before the event—members remained faithful and prepared. They set up canopies Friday night with prayer and anticipation, hoping to build on last year’s strong turnout of nearly 300 people and over 100 bikes. We rolled in at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, greeted by a mix of patchy clouds and blue skies, ready to kick things off. By 10:00 a.m., the Three Sixteen band had set up, and we had tables and chairs arranged, with delicious homemade tamales, beans, and rice prepared by our amazing Rock Bottom women. The raffle tables were ready, and we had tickets to sell. Our lineup of speakers included representatives from Riding for Jesus Bay Area MC, Bikers for Christ MM, Soldiers of the Cross MM, and Cross MC. Once everyone arrived, the Rock Bottom Riders, speakers,
and the band gathered for a prayer before starting the event around 11:00 a.m., with a more favorable forecast of 70s, with rain later on.
The day began with a moment of silence to honor lost loved ones, including Butch Perry, the founder of Rock Bottom Riders, who went Home to the Lord, this past January. We also
prayed for other biker events happening in the community, including the big poker run going on nearby and for the safety of all attendees at our event and others in the area. We lifted up our military, respected communities, and local, state, and federal politicians, giving thanks for our great nation. Shortly after, the Three Sixteen band
finished their first set, and our first speaker took the microphone, a brief downpour hit for less than five minutes. We huddled under the canopies, got cozy, and carried on without a hitch. The rest of the day stayed dry in Denair, and after wrapping up and cleaning, I made it home by 6:00 PM, without getting rained on, during my ride, although I heard some other riders had a bit of rain on their way.
Our speakers are not your typical presenters; they are deeply embedded in the motorcycle community, with many being ordained pastors. A huge shout-out to them for sharing the Gospel and being a light, along the highways and byways.
Many Riders from the Bay Area, Sacramento, Merced, and the Sierras, were present, many had a MC or MM patch and several without any patches. families brought their Children Though the cages outnumbered the bikes. This year, numerous bikes received blessings as we prayed blessings for the riders too. Some attendees visited the prayer booth for prayer and the testimonies shared were truly inspiring. One woman, in particular, shared how the Lord is healing from cancer and delivered her from depression. While I noted her name, I don’t have permission to share it, but she left a lasting impression on all of us with her uplifting spirit.
We also showcased a large photo of our founder, Butch Perry, at the event, as this gathering was one of his dreams. Butch’ vision was to build a Christian Motorcycle Club and mingle with Christian and non-Christian Riders, as we share the Love of Jesus Christ. I hope to write an article about him soon, God willing.
Thank you all for your support.
Clovis Rodeo Parade 2026
Richard Tilley EDITOR
On Saturday April 24th, Danelle and I headed up to Clovis to meet up with friends to watch the Clovis Rodeo Parade. It was a bit chilly out with a light breeze. When we arrive to Clovis the area was packed and it was hard to find a place to park, so we went and parked behind Sassano’s Men’s Wear off of Pollasky and 5th and then walked over to Clovis ave and 4th to meet up with others.
When we arrived there, you could see Clovis police playing catch in the street with several kids and see the sidewalks getting filled with people on both sides of Clovis ave. The kids were having a blast. The Parade usually brings out a huge crowd, and it wasn’t no different this year.
After standing on the corner for about 10 minutes, we heard the pipes from the Bikers rolling in. We were meeting up with my brother and sisters from the 5Diamonds MC Fresno to enjoy the Parade together. It always nice to enjoy the parade with good friends. AS they were walking up, I seen their Vice President had his 2 kids with them. It was gonna be first time I got to see his new baby boy in person. He is 5 months old now. It is cool to see the kids ready to watch the parade.
After a few minutes went by, a Clovis Police Sargent came over and started complaining that the Club members were wearing their Cuts and He referred to them as a gang, which is not true at all. These guys do some great things raising funds to help others in the community because that is what they do. So, is was
sad to heard the Clovis Police calling them a gang, he was way out of line. He was telling members that they needed to remove their Cuts or just go home and if they didn’t do as they were being told. They were going to jail for just standing on the corner to watch the Clovis Parade. No one was there to cause any problems. Only one’s making a scene were the Police. Saying it is a private event and that the bikers were not welcome to be there. I asked how is it private with all these folks out here to watch and was told it is private, which didn’t make any sense.
Within a few minutes there was about 10-15 police officers approaching. The Police Sargent was telling the bikers to remove their cuts and leave or we are bringing a paddy wagon down and all of them were going to jail.
After about 20 minutes of being harassed, the 5 Diamonds decided not to play the game with the police
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and decided to deescalate the situation and leave. The police even followed them as the biker headed to the parking lot to get ready to leave. It was sad how they were being treated by the police. I was angry after watching all of this. This is not how we are supposed to be treating one another in America.
We did shoot a video of the whole thing and it is embarrassing how the officers acted. I got lots of messages from others and items shared from Google that showed the Clovis Rodeo Parade was a public event even though the police said no it is a private event.
I will be attaching a law that someone sent me as well. Which shows what the police were doing was out of line. There was a Biker Club riding in the Parade but the 5 Diamond
MC was harassed about just being there to watch and support the parade.
Here it is:
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
For a police officer to legally detain or remove you, they generally need reasonable suspicion that a crime has been, is being, or is about to be committed (Terry v. Ohio).
California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act. Under the Unruh Act, you cannot be discriminated against in “all business establishments,” but California courts have extended this logic to prevent arbitrary “anti-biker” harassment by state actors (police) in public forums.
Sammartano v. First Judicial District Court: The court ruled that “colors” are a form of protected symbolic speech. It specifically rejected the idea that the “potential” for intimidation or disruption is enough to ban patches in public spaces.
The “Gang” Label: Even if local law enforcement classifies a club as a “criminal street gang,” California law (and the 9th Circuit) requires evidence of an actual crime being committed before they can interfere with your presence on a public street. Merely wearing the patch does not meet the legal standard for “criminal activity.”
Mongol Nation v. United States (2023): Most recently, the 9th Circuit affirmed that the government cannot seize or ban the use of club patches, as doing so violates the First Amendment right to free speech and association.
Local ordinances cannot override your First Amendment rights. Police can only enforce loitering laws if they can prove you are “obstructing the free passage” of others or have “intent to commit a crime.” And finally... the arbitrary enforcement of the laws in Clovis are ridiculous.
You can’t let other motorcycle clubs (Legion Riders/ ECV) wear their patches and be a part of the parade and kick the other clubs out for attending.
Under the California Unruh Act, a “business establishment” (which includes the Clovis Chamber for Big Hat Days and the Rodeo Association cannot engage in arbitrary discrimination. If an entity has a dress code, they generally must enforce it uniformly. If they allow some patches but not others, they are opening themselves up to a discrimination lawsuit.
CMA MOTORCYCLE MISSIONARIES
By Gary Roberts President of Sword & Shield Riders | Clovis, CA Chapter CMA
GO.One of the most impactful and important directives that Jesus Christ has implored us to do as Believers of The Way. A seemingly small and innocuous word, a verb that can convey so many biblical directives, which we shall explore here in this article. Most believers, and the world in general for that manner, are taught from an early age that one should always go to church, which is not a bad thing in itself, but there is so much more to it than mere regular church attendance. There is a saying in the modern church circles which stands true today - we don’t go to church; we are the church going!
I am attending a new local church in our area which I love, and on a recent random Sunday (but God knew) a visiting Missionary / Evangelist was attending and was signing books after service. My brother Dave Shearen and I approached him after service for one of his books. We were wearing
our usual motorcycle group “cuts” (vest), and he stated that he had a scripture for me and wrote it down on my copy of his book. I had been seeking God about what is my focus as a Christian for quite some time and the Lord reminded me of what that was that morning. This wonderful Man of God simply jotted down: Matthew 28:19&20. This scripture is affectionately called The Great Commission - I knew immediately what this meant, as it’s one of my favorite scriptures in God’s Holy Book. These 2 scriptures detail His final exhortation on earth to His disciples - it states “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things, that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19&20). God simply and plainly spoke to me, and I understood
what was needed for this season in my life and those endeavoring to do the same.
As the current Chapter President in our local Sword & Shield Riders Clovis Chapter #1266 of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, our Chapter Officers and I are continually striving to maintain a healthy and growing group of motorcycle enthusiasts, focusing our balance of evangelism, fellowship, discipleship and
outreach events within our group. With all the ministry business to promote the gospel and efforts to maintain a stable, healthy group of believers, I believe God has shown us His practical application, directive, and answer as I prefaced in the above paragraph: GO. And it dawned on me: we are Motorcycle Missionaries
In the biblical context, the word “go” signifies an active,
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divine command to step out in faith, obedience and mission. This often requires believers to move beyond their comfort zones and into God’s true purpose.
“Go” is a forward-looking action, a call to move from a spiritual complacency to an active, purposeful living and life. It is an Actionable Obedience – a call to action. It is a Mission and Purpose –spread the Gospel to a lost and dying world & to serve one another selflessly. It is a Movement of Faith – departing from familiarity towards a
promise unseen! It is a “With” Movement – we are not to act alone. We are to utilize God’s promises and divine unlimited power to fulfill His calling and purpose in each our lives individually and collectively. Fear not my friends as we journey forth into the highways and byways, seeking the lost and hurting, whether individually or as a group. God will always bless us, and keep us, and direct us when willingly obey His edicts and direction. JUST GO!!!
(Facebook Group: Sword & Shield Riders CMA)
Fresno Harley-Davidson Bike Night
Richard Tilley EDITOR
On April 8th, 2026, Fresno Harley Davidson put on a Bike Night at their dealership. When I pulled up there were probably about 75 bikers there in attendance. The Parking lot was full of people and vendors.
They had food vendor serving tacos, hot dogs and more.
There were like 5 other vendors there selling their goods as well. The line was long to get to order your food, but it was worth the wait.
Fresno Harley Davidson had a slow ride contest which everyone enjoyed watching, The DJ was playing music in the background. As I
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Patti Crocker (559)
walked around you could see everyone having a good time talking with friends and making new ones as well.
This was their 1st Bike Night for the 2026 Season, and I believe it was very successful. Folks were asking when the next Bike Night is going to be. They announced the next bike night will be on
May 22nd, 2026. I am sure it will be busier than the first one was since everyone was having fun and I am sure they will be telling their friends who missed the 1st one.
So, make plans to be at Fresno Harley Davison on May 22nd so you don’t miss out on the fun.
Fresno Harley-Davidson Bike Night
BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY FOR CENTRAL CALIFORNIA
Central California
Graphic Design Services
Jennifer Turk
559-708-8122
jenhturk@gmail.com
Inhisimage Cleaning LLC
Professional Cleaning Services
559-286-8207
www.facebook.com/ InhisownimageCleaning559
Karaoke & DJ Service
Tina & Papa Rick 209-376-1894
Central Coast
California Cravings www.californiacravingsca.com
Clovis
Sassano’s Men’s Wear
448 Pollasky 559-299-4430 www.sassanosmenswear.com
Fresno
420 Compassionate Care
Medical Cannabis Cards
559-498-3899
Daruma_Doll559
https://www.instagram. com/daruma_doll559/
Clawson Motorsports
6334 N. Blackstone Ave 559-435-5020 www.clawsonmotorsports.com
Kooty
Freeze Dried Kreations 559-2132-8271
Ruff Cuts Dog Grooming Dana Bartram
559-558-0018
Friant
Crafters Garden Boutique 17304 N. Friant Rd
559-999-2376
craftersgraden@gmail.com
Mariposa
Happy Burger Diner 5120 Highway 140 209-966-2719
www.happyburgerdiner.com
Steve’s Sportsman Café 3441 Woodland Dr. 209-966-8223 www.facebook.com/ StevesSportsmansCafe
Nationwide
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys 4400 Coldwater Canyon Ave Ste 200 Studio City, CA 800-424-5377 www.russbrown.com
North Fork
Buckhorn Saloon 32992 Road 222 559-877-8700
http://www. buckhornsaloon.net/
To have your business listed for $8.00 a month
Contact Richard 559-572-3573
Visalia Harley-Davidson Bike Night
Danelle Brown WRITER
When I found out that Visalia Harley was having their first bike night, I was so excited to go. It was a nice day. When we got close to Visalia Harley, I could see they were having a great turnout. Cars and trucks were parked outside of the dealership for at least a hundred yards away. The Parking lot was filled with at least 200 motorcycles.
There was a crowd of people, live music playing, a food truck and some small vendor booths as well.
As everyone was hanging out and looking at all the amazing bikes. The show started and bikers took to the streets to show off what they could
do. Impressive wheelies, and burnouts. At one point a guy burned his tire. It was amazing to see one after another doing tricks and how long they could keep their bikes up as they did wheelies. The live band was something to really listen to and it was nice to hear country music playing. The singer was great, and the food was really good. It was something I can’t wait to go back to again. It was a lot of fun, lots of friends and a nice family atmosphere. If you haven’t been, you have got to go. It is something to see and attend. You don’t have to be a biker to come out and enjoy the bike night.
