October Issue 180

On The Cover Travis Darken

Target Motorsports Columbia

What is Target Motorsports Columbia?

Target Motorsports Columbia is a new type of motorcycle service shop. Repairs that typically need to be scheduled weeks in advance can be done in a "pit crew" style fashion- OFTEN TIMES WHILE YOU WAIT. We offer a variety of services such as tire installation, brake services, oil changes, and even fork seals or chain and sprocket swaps - RIDE IN RIDE OUT. That concept was developed on the racetrack, where track day riders get 45 minutes between each session. We have all been stuck in the pits, swapping critical components on a deadline. Why not offer that service to retail customers? No one likes to wait days or even weeks for parts to arrive and a spot to open up. We set up Target Motorsports to serve the community quickly and efficiently. This is a shop where everyone is a rider, and it shows. The feedback we've received, as far as the convenience and effectiveness, has been tremendous. Have a peek at what our customers are saying on our Google reviews, you'll really get a feeling that Columbia was waiting for a shop just like this.

How did Target Motorsports get started?

Years ago, in upstate NY, I (Travis Darken) opened the TARGET MOTORSPORTS label, a lifestyle brand “Everything Motorcycle” with the emphasis on selling quality used motorcycles at great prices. I quickly realized that I was going to overwhelm the local independent shops with the amount of bikes I was flooding into the market. In NY, vehicles are inspected to make sure they are safe and road-worthy. ALL MY BIKES got New York State Safety Inspections prior to the sale. I was constantly replacing tires, brakes, chains and fork seals, etc. So what did I need? I needed a shop that could handle a HIGH VOLUME and had a FAST TURNAROUND time, so the bikes could get fast-tracked to their new owners. OMAR showed up. Fixed everything I could throw at him. I think the man could rebuild a Blackhawk Helicopter if he had to. I was buying the bikes; Omar was fixing the bikes as well as the customer bikes that came in. BRADLEE Darrah (now owns Palmetto Sales Solutions here in Columbia) would sell the bikes. SAWYER was our lifestyle ambassador, often leading group rides, stunting in style, and representing our brand throughout all the social media platforms.

WHAT HAPPENED? Why are you all here? 2 years ago, amid the Covid Scamdemic, NY state told the parents of school-aged children that we were no longer ALLOWED at the schools. This ISN’T a TYPO, parents were not ALLOWED, and the children, while not being “forced” to be vaccinated, were basically ostracized if they were not vaccinated. Omar’s brother, FASIL, and his wife had moved to IRMO, SC, and were telling us how the Covid situation was being handled down here. We felt immediately at home with the political environment down here in SC. We put the house up for sale and promptly moved to West Columbia. We have not ever been regretful of that decision.

Two years ago, Christina got a job at CYCLE GEAR in Columbia SC, and I got a job managing a big box tire store. We got right back to selling bikes and soon our home garage resembled a motorcycle shop, again. Christina let her customers know that her husband likes working on bikes in his spare time, and soon there were SO MANY bikes to work on. There were so many bikes I called Omar and told him I think we could build a brickand-mortar shop. His move went swiftly, and he’s been a staple at the shop since well before day 1. Christina and I put our notices in, and we both started working at the 2901 Broad River Road location as of December 2022. Sawyer and his family came for a visit over the spring. That was it for them. They left 30-degree weather and got off the plane in the high 80s…. It was a WRAP… we are SO HAPPY to have Sawyer back in the shop with us. Literally every employee vehicle has NY Plates…

Our Commitment to SAFETY!

At Target Motorsports Columbia, we PUT PEOPLE OVER PROFIT, every…single…. time… We as a team value you as a person, a rider, a mother, a father, a son, and daughter… We do not compromise your safety. We offer a FREE 21 POINT INSPECTION of your motorcycle, Can-Am, or Slingshot. We also offer a low cost, comprehensive inspection as well. We put tires on in HOURS, not days... We do NOT mark our parts up... If you’re signed up with our Facebook group, your labor rate is an astonishing $89/per hour. Yes, you CAN bring your own parts, YES, we can still offer your basic services RIDE IN- RIDE OUT. We want you to be as safe and as happy as possible, for the least amount of your hard-earned money as possible. WE OFFER TOWING services to the shop; we work with INSURANCE COMPANIES to take the guesswork out of their estimates. Were you injured in an accident? We work closely with Tom Mcgraths Law Group, and from what we’ve seen they are the FIRST CALL after an accident. This firm has handled our customers' needs with the expertise you didn’t know to expect- VERY PROFESSIONAL GROUP….

We Really Want to Thank Our Customers!

We’ve got a lot of year one folks, that we keep seeing over the years. We want to thank some riding groups that let us advertise in their groups, and all the admins on all the sites we advertise on. We want to personally thank the following people for always being awesome and supporting our shop since day one- Lisa, Mark, Parma, Tim, Kenny, Deanna, Tristan, Deb (if I hadn’t met you, we wouldn’t be here today) Keion, K Moore, Jackie A, Britt from the law Group, Cammie, AND ALL THE PEOPLE I’M FORGETTING... I’d like to thank our Service Members, Active Duty, and Veterans for their SERVICE!!! You get additional, unadvertised discounts, just ask.

Let’s end the year strong!! Ride safe everyone... If you need us we are not hard to find:

www.TMSCOLUMBIA.com

Shop Number- 803.509.3048

Travis- 607.744.1265 (cell, but please call/text, shop first)

WE PROUDLY SERVICE THE FOLLOWING BRANDS:

All Japanese Sportbikes, Ducati, Aprilia, Triumph, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Victory, Mv-Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Royal Enfiend, Spyder, Ryker, Polaris Slingshot, Etc…. We Also Selectively Service Chinese Bikes, Scooters, Quads And UTV’S

M s . C hro M e s epte M ber 2023

Why was the motorcycle laying down? It's too to tired!

The Price of Apathy

As patriotic Americans, we often talk about the price of freedom. We talk about the sacrifices required to protect our rights and about those who came before us, people of integrity who oftentimes gave everything they had in pursuit of an ideal; of a country and a way of life where our children and grandchildren can grow up proud to be Americans, unapologetically embracing a system of government that many other people in the world would love to have. We talk about our service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we are thankful to live in a country that allows us to live our lives as we please, to enjoy the freedom provided by our Constitution, to be able to participate in what laws are passed and which ones aren’t, and to teach our values to future generations.

In the motorcyclists’ rights world, we also talk about guarding against undue government intrusion into our lives and warn against the influence of mainstream media propaganda aimed at tearing down some of our most basic and cherished beliefs. When you get right down to it, that’s why the motorcyclists’ rights movement exists. It’s where we started and why we still fight for our rights at every turn. As past MRF President Karen Bolin once said, “We’re in the freedom business.”

Now consider the price of apathy, of seeing what’s around us, knowing that some of what’s happening is wrong, and doing nothing. Doing nothing, of course, is taking the easy way out. In many cases it’s the old ‘not in my backyard’ philosophy of ‘If it doesn’t affect me directly, why should I worry about it?’

The challenges facing motorcycling today are among the most serious ever, and those challenges are – like it or not - in everyone’s backyard. The MRF and our partners in state motorcyclists’ rights organizations are fighting for the right to repair our own bikes, without being forced to have services that we could easily manage ourselves be performed by dealerships charging exorbitant rates. We’re fighting to protect consumer choice through a strong aftermarket, ensuring that we have access to the vast number of options on parts the aftermarket gives us, parts that are many times better and cheaper than what we'd get from the OEMs. We’re fighting to keep unsafe software being used in autonomous, selfdriving cars and trucks from being tested on our nation’s roadways and killing bikers in the process.

We’re fighting to keep our ability to buy fuel that won’t destroy our engines, as will be the case if gasoline with 15% ethanol becomes our only choice. We’re fighting to preserve internal combustion engines, rather than being forced to buy electric vehicles at a time when neither the battery technology nor a sufficient charging infrastructure to support such vehicles is in place. We’re fighting to prevent unfair profiling of motorcycle riders. And the list goes on.

So, what price apathy? A riding public that chooses to ignore the threats to motorcycling while sitting idly by, expecting others to do the hard work of protecting our rights and our lifestyle, is arguably the biggest threat we face. Ask yourself: Should we, through our actions, control our own destiny? Forge our own futures? Or should we sit back, foolishly believing that the government knows best how we should run our lives and hoping for the best. There are roughly 8 million registered motorcyclists in America. If even a small percentage of that group were to join with the MRF and our partners in our mission to preserve motorcycling, imagine what we could do. Then imagine what will happen if the vast majority of those 8 million riders choose to do nothing.

Since 1987, there’s only been one organization exclusively devoted to protecting the rights and lifestyle of street riding motorcyclists in the halls of Congress, and that’s the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. To those of you who are already members of ABATE of South Carolina and the MRF, thank you. You’ve already proven that you’re committed to helping protect and preserve motorcycling. That said, we still need your help.

The price of apathy is the loss of freedom, an open invitation to tyranny, and – without a strong MRFcould well be the end of motorcycling as we know it

https://mrf.org/join-the-mrf/

https://www.abateofsc.org/

How to Stay Informed:

If you want to have the most current information make sure you are part of the Legislative Alerts email list. Just send me an email stating you want to be added.

Ralph Bell, Legislative Coordinator

(803) 556-2354

helmet_laws_suck@msn.com

Reb Richardson

Asst. Legislative Coordinator

(803) 491-5145

reb@truvista.net

Submitted eventS 2023 Submitted eventS 2023

MONDAY, OCTOBER 2ND

SUNDAY OCTOBER 8TH

Myrtle Beach Bike Week® Fall Rally

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5TH

Bikers With Boxes Bike Nite

7-9PM Event by Yahweh Fellowship Rides. Bikers with boxes is part of Operation Christmas child. Our goal is to collect items for 150 boxes. Bring an item to help fill a box. Filling boxes on the spot. https:// www.samaritanspurse.org/ operation-christmas-child/ what-goes-in-my-shoeboxsuggestions Food truck on site, music provided, cool bikes, alot of fun fellowship.Vendors welcome, it's free to set up!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

Fish Fry Fundraiser Benefiting Law Enforcement Families With Hardships

NOON-3PM @ Carolina Wings & Rib House, 106 Northpoint Drive, Lexington SC. Featuring Rut Spence Band. $10 Advance/ $15 at door.

FLYER PAGE 13

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

Apostles MSSC Roar for Leo Poker Run

8:30AM Registration

1st Bike Out 10AM. Free Pancake Breakfast,Harley Haven

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

Harold Kennington Memorial Ride

Starting @ Noon Benefit ride, 50/50 drawing, door prizes & auction. Juniors Bar1608 S 5th St. Hartsville, SC

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

14U Wrecker Run

Reg @ 10AM UNCLE JOE'S KSU @11:30AM. LBI 5:30PM BBQ

Plates Music, Prizes & Corn Hole Tournement

WEEKEND, OCTOBER 13-15 MARINES MC PRESENTS MOONSHINERS BALL & PIG PICKIN

6PM- @ Marines MC clubhouse. 6004 Ninety Six Hwy, just below "Just One More" bar & grill!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14th

Anthony's Annual Burn Foundation Benefit Run Reg 10AM-NOON FBO NOONLBI 6PM. 1st $300, 2nd $200. $20 Per Hand. FMI Anthony 803-960-5870

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14th Pickens County Abate Hope Womens Center Benefit In Memory Of Cyndi Threatt

This is something our beloved Cyndi Threatt was very passionate about and we want to continue this ride in her honor. Meet at American Legion aka The Hut - 375 Garvin Road Liberty with new/unused items for the children. KSU @ NOON as a group and ride to Hope Women Center - 879 Gentry Memorial Hwy Easley, SC FLYER PAGE 9

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14th

Keith's Benefit Toy Run & Car Show

10AM-6PM Reg 10AM for Bike Ride & Car Show. ALL Donations Accepted! 2914 Geer Hwy, Marietta, SC FMI Chrissy 864-305-9233

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST Ride To Fight Cancer

10AM. KSU @11AM, Escorted ride and car show with raffles and food. 2PM Awards & Drawings. Ashley Ridge High School 9800 Delemar Highway Summerville SC 29485

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22ND

11th Annual Scooters For Hooters Ride

Hosted by The Riders Law Group. Don't forget to wear PINK! Best Pinked Contest! Bra Show, Raffles, Brenda The Pink Fire Truck & More! *Breakfast:8AM *Registration:11AM

*Afterparty at 3! The American Legion Post 166 Canteen 116 Howe Hall Rd, Goose Creek, SC

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22ND United We Stand 2023 ABATE of SC

HELMET RALLY

KSU@ 1pm From Quaker Steak & Lube 2154 S. Beltline Blvd. Cola. EXIT 5 on I-77, to RIDE to SC State House.

ABATE of SC is NOT “anti-helmet”! We are PRO HELMET CHOICE!

FLYER PAGE 9

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28TH

Sons Of The Son Mc Cross Hill

@7PM. Sons of the South Steampunk Halloween Party. Come enjoy a night of fun! We will be selling our FAMOUS Chicken STEW and having a raffle for two guns!

1927 Bthabara Church Rd., Cross Hill, SC

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28TH Law Dogs Fund Raiser For KCSD K-9

@ Thunder Tower HD. Bike show, 50/50 drawing, Music, Food and games.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

SUCK BANG BLOW'S HOWL-O-WEEN!

11AM - 4PM Benefiting Mollies Angels Foundation. There will be over 30 vendors, Live music, a "spooky" photo booth, Dog Treats and more!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH

Veteran Suicide Prevention

Hosted by #MISSION22

Start at Whiskey Bent on Whiskey Rd. Aiken. Ride to Hozes bar and then to final stop. Live music, raffles, 50/50, and food. All proceeds go to mission 22 to help veterans.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER18th

Murphy's 29th Aunnual Toy Run

11AM KSU NOON $ = New Toy Per Person.

FREE barbecue after ride! 114 Camelot Ct. Kings MTN NC. Rain Date Nov19th FMI 704739-4707/704-477-5762

STRONGER TOGETHER

A few weeks ago, we were invited by a local club to a cookout at their clubhouse. Being the “portly” gentlemen that we all are, it was only natural that we accept the invite.

One of our usual meeting places before a ride is the local Family Dollar store parking lot on the north side of Greenwood. On this day, several brothers and I gathered there, prayed up, and mounted our bikes for the 15-mile trip to the clubhouse.

Gregg, a good brother of mine, had recently purchased a Harley Davidson Tri-Glide. Even though the bike was over ten years old, it was in pristine condition and had very low miles. There had been a couple of small glitches with the bike, but nothing serious. As we rolled onto the highway, he was happily riding in the rear of the formation, and I was in the front. I wasn’t sure, but it seemed from my rearview mirror that his headlight was a little dim. Not thinking much about it, we rode on toward the next town looking forward to food and fellowship.

The meal consisted of Bar-B-Q pulled pork, baked beans, and various other side dishes. Add an A&W Root Beer to the mix, and you definitely have my undivided attention.

We spent the evening breaking bread with friends, shooting pool, and talking motorcycles. A joyous time was had by all who attended.

As all good things must do, the night finally came to an end. After thanking the club for the invitation and saying our goodbyes, we headed out the door to the overflowing motorcycle parking lot. The sky was clear, the temperature was perfect, and we prepped for a nice, easy ride home… That is until Gregg fired up the trike. He had no headlight and no driving lights.

We toyed with the switch and looked over the bike for any issues but did not find the culprit. While it was not quite pitch dark yet, here we were in another town with nothing but forest land between Gregg and his house, and he was without a headlight.

Gregg insisted he would be fine since there was still a little daylight left, and he assured us he could see reasonably well. We reluctantly agreed, climbed on our bikes, and rode out of town.

Once we were out of town, with no streetlights to aid our vision, it was much darker that we anticipated. Looking to the rear of the group, I suddenly realized I could no longer see Gregg in my mirror.

This was a major issue.

After motioning for everyone to slow down, I raised my shield and expressed my concern for Gregg’s safety to Ricky who was riding to my immediate right. Ricky glanced at his rearview mirror and agreed with me.

“I’ll get him home.” Ricky replied.

Knowing that Gregg would be turning left in about a mile, Ricky moved to the left lane and signaled for Gregg to fall in behind him. Ricky would act as Gregg’s headlight and get him home safely. As they made the turn and rode away, I watched Gregg’s taillights disappear in the distance. While Ricky’s headlight was showing the way, Gregg’s taillights were much brighter than Ricky’s.

That’s when I realized they were stronger as long as they were together. One guy had a working headlight, the other had better taillights.

You were not meant to go through this life alone. God has put people in place to come alongside you when the going gets tough. Along with that, there are times when people will need you for support as well. Don’t take God’s gift of friends for granted and be that friend for someone in need. I guarantee you will both be stronger for it.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

Ride on and stay safe, Dennis Reynolds

Mideast Regional Elder Bikers for Christ M/M

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Daylight Savings Time Can Effect YOU Riding A Motorcycle...

The effects of Daylight Saving Time (DST) on motorcycle riding depend on a variety of factors, including the time of day and weather conditions. However, DST can cause drivers to lose an hour of sleep, which can lead to drowsy driving. This can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) can also cause slower reaction times on the road. According to a study in Sleep Medicine, drivers should be alert for groggy drivers on Monday mornings after DST.

To minimize the disruption of DST, you can try to adjust your sleep habits gradually at least a week in advance.

With all that said. I just want to give YOU a reminder that the "others" we share the road with may be even less alert then they already are...

November 5, 2023

Bikers Against Bullies

The

Patriot Express Foundation’s 6th Annual Military Benefit Run

On Saturday, September 2nd, the Patriot Express Foundation held their 6th Annual Military Benefit Ride to support “Service Dogs for Veterans” in Greenville, SC. The Patriot Express Foundation was established in 1996 by the Dave Barr Foundation as a series of motorcycle events and fundraisers designed to raise awareness while providing help for our injured military veterans.

Dave Barr joined the US Marines in 1969, and went to Vietnam. He later joined forces to support peace and stability in Israel, Zimbabwe/Rhodesia, and finally in South Africa where he was severely injured by a land mine, and lost both his legs. When he returned to the states, he went home to California. He realized that he wanted to ride his old 1972 Harley Shovelhead, and after some modification, he was riding it regularly. That’s when he decided to ride his Harley around the world in hopes to show other people with disabilities that they can do whatever they want. It took him two and a half years but he finished the 83,000 mile trip around the world.

Dave Barr and Mike Wourms wrote a book about his adventure - “Riding the Edge”. I bought the book after talking with him last year. I read it cover-tocover. It was a daily log of his adventures going around the world. I brought it with me when I went to the event to ask him to sign it. He did. He wrote “To Wally, Ride safe, ride free. Please continue telling the story, Dave Barr - 9/2/23”

My day started early. I awoke at about 6:30AM, and headed to the Crestview Baptist Church for their “First Saturday All-you-can-eat Breakfast”. It was delicious as usual. After finishing breakfast, I headed south, and arrived at the Harley dealership at about 8:30AM. It was a very pleasant ride to Spartanburg in the cool 60 degree morning.

After I parked “Miss Vickie”, I looked for Dave. After he was finished talking to a young lady, I said “Hi”, and asked him to sign my copy of his book. He actually remembered me from a year ago when they held their last event at Wicked Wrench. I also gave him a hard copy of the October 2022 issue of Carolina Chrome magazine with the article I wrote about his visit. He really liked it.

This year’s event started with registration at the High Voltage Harley-Davidson in Spartanburg, SC. at 8AM, and would go about a hundred miles through South Carolina to the Elk’s Lodge in Union, Rotties in Woodruff, Pour Sports in Greer, the Moonlight Tavern in Boiling Springs, Wings Etc. in Boiling Springs, and ended up back at the High Voltage Harley-Davidson for food, live music, awards, and other festivities. For $25.00, and $15.00 for the passenger, you could have a day full of fun and excitement – All for a worthy cause too!

Later, I met “Pops” from the Armored Saints Motorcycle Ministry. While talking, I mentioned Dave and his accomplishments. “Pops” wanted to meet him so we walked over to Dave, and I introduced him. Dave and “Pops” hugged like old friends (Both being Marine vets). They started talking, and Dave told about some of his exploits on his Harley. He rode his Harley all the way from his home in California to be at this ride. We all got along great. Then it was like a light went off above their heads. They realized that I was Navy not Marine. They ganged up on me kidding like the Navy and Marines do. I held my own even though I was outnumbered. Later, I placed a stack of Carolina Chrome magazines on the registration table, and gave them a donation.

Pretty soon, other bikers were arriving, and signing in for the ride. I watched as they rode in, and talked with many – some were friends from local biker ministries like the Armored Saints and the Christian Motorcycle Association. Soon, everybody was called around for information about the ride, and then the pre-ride prayer. Afterwards, they all went to their respective bikes, and left in a group. There was a very loud roar for about five minutes, and then all was quiet again.

I left heading home. I stopped at Strawberry Hill produce stand on the way to buy Cindy a cantaloupe. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning!

Dr. Dilligaf

Dr. Dilligaf, Without using any sort of research, such as any computer website, encyclopedia, etc.: what do skulls mean in the motorcycle world? What about wings? Let's see what you think motor mouth.

~The BPC

BPC,

Did you just start riding or just start writing? Or did you just start reading instead of looking at pictures? I answered that question in this column before there was a Google. But now that there is Google why are you asking me?

Just be like everyone else and search the digital world for the answer that most closely aligns with your pre-determined ideology and run with that. If all else fails, you might even ask yourself "what do skulls/wings mean to me"? Or how do I even know that you are in the "motorcycle world" and have an opinion on that?

But I digress. If per happenstance or fortune, you may have just recently moved here from a faraway world or universe and missed it earlier I will repeat my thoughts on the subject. Be forewarned that this type of knowledge is not embused by our creator but has been accumulated through life's experiences and exposures. Conversations riddle with lies, innuendo and downright deception along with tall tales of deeds unheralded have led me to believe this.

Skulls symbolize our mutual mortality. The only thing common to all men is coming and going. No one gets out alive. In addition, for centuries the skull has symbolized courage and bravery. The symmetry of the skull as a whole is attractive to me and to many others, I can assure you. The bottom line is that for many groups, from

pirates to bikers and tattoo artists, the skull has become something many people agree is cool. So, who doesn't want to be cool?

Dr. Dilligaf, Why does motor oil break down at 240 degrees but extra virgin olive oil doesn't break down until 405 degrees? Why shouldn't I use extra virgin olive oil in my bike? ??

Stupid, I respond that way but because you didn't sign your letter. I figure even an idiot knows to do that. And you have an idiot question as well.

You don't spend the money on extra virgin olive oil knowing that the first time you ride it is no longer virgin, extra or otherwise.

Met Jim a few years ago at Greenville HD (great bike nites)!

American Legion Post 25 Jim, is a real biker and has done some road trips on his 1991 Sportster. It's beautiful with a killer paint job! He has claimed Mt Washington! Thats a hike!

"We" vets must stick together and the Legion is a BIG part of that!

See ya'll out and about ~Pappy

It was a beautiful day, Sunday after church, rode up to Bald rock a nice place just to be

We Are The Firm That Rides! ®