Carolina Chrome, February Issue 117 by CHROMESC.COM

Carolina Chrome The #1 Magazine for South Carolina Bikers!

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Issue #117 February 2018

NOT FOR RESALE

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Ms. Chrome February 2018

Ms. Tiffany Morales Goose Creek, SC Photographer Robert Vance Holley of Robert Vance Photography

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Pictures by Parks King

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Pictures by Parks King

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Photography by Robert

Veteran & Biker Owned & Operated

Vance Holley

Bandline Up @ Red Anchor

~Friday Feb 2nd 9pm Mr. Brent Lundy ~Friday Feb 16th 9pm The Man, Presley Aaron

https://www.facebook.com/RedAnchorSC/

Picture by Parks King WWW.CHROMESC.COM

Big Show’s 1982 Honda CB900

“A few years ago, I drove 612 miles one way up to By Button Decatur, Illinois to pick up I said it before. Time to say it again. He is the Big Show. this unrestored CB900. In fact, he’s so big I couldn’t fit his cool bikes into just It looked great in the picone article. This time, we’ll check out his 1982 CB900. tures- very well kept. When I saw how nice the original pipes were, I couldn’t walk away from it. There’s a couple of small things I’ve done, making it just a little more perfect. The headlight ears and bucket have been replaced with NOS parts. The bucket is specific to that year. When I started looking, I ended up finding two of them in Pennsylvania through a woman in England. You can say what you want about who makes “I bought one of these brand new in 1981. Guess I’ve the best bike. This 900 always been real picky about my rides. The only way to rides so much better than have the best bike I could was to buy it brand new. So I did. Then I wasn’t just buying someone else’s problems. the Goldwing or my new Man, it was a great bike. The only regret, if you could call Harley.” it a regret, was that the busier I got, the less time I had on the bike that I enjoyed so much. Work. Family. Military. None of those things are a part time gig. And like I said before, my bike ended up sitting more and more until I finally sold it.” Life has a way of circling back sometimes while it’s moving forward without stopping. Just like Big Show found that GoldWing he had always wanted, the opportunity arose to have another gorgeous CB900 parked in his shop.

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By 1982, Hondaâ€™s transverse four cylinder platform had transitioned from the market-changing 1969 SOHC (single overhead camshaft) 750cc into a double overhead camshaft a decade later before growing into a 900cc version. All manners of fairings, frame configurations, displacements and seating positions eventually came to market based upon this engine platform. This CB900 remained true to the original concept of a big engine on a regular motorcycle. The four-into-four exhaust configuration is a big part of their mechanical appeal. Over the years, pipes bear the brunt of use and abuse. Seeing four gorgeous pipes usually means thereâ€™s a nice bike underneath them. This big Honda is a keeper but there will probably be more pristine old Hondas passing through Chesnee, compliments of the Big Show. Last spring, he had a gorgeous unrestored Honda K1 SOHC

750. After he made a phone call and sent a few pics, the American Pickers van quietly stopped after hours at Classic Cycle on their way to Daytona. They did the deal with him, loaded it up and hit the road. Even the big dogs know that he is the Big Show.

www.AntiqueBikesOnMain.com If you ride an old bike and want to see it here,call us or come by Classic Cycle in Chesnee, SC (864) 590-2141.

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Pictures by Grange Simons Lucas111 12

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Dr. Dillligaf, I am considering buying a motorcycle trailer. Is there anything I should I know about pulling a trailer in the mountains? Signed, Just Asking

Dr. Dilligaf How many pairs of clean underwear do I need for a week long motorcycle trip? Husband and wife. Signed, Stoopid and Stoopider Dear Happy Couple, Three. I mean really on a bike you have to stop every couple hundred miles for fuel and potty breaks. You wash the dirty ones in the sink at the rest stop or gas station and then hang them in the breeze to dry as you ride. Now, if y’all wear different sizes or the wife won’t wear tighty whiteys or boxers and you won’t wear panties [although I have my suspicions] you will need four pair total. This system allows you to always have your bottom end spot free. Happy to Help, ~Dr. Dilligaf

Dear Just Asking, You know I ran into you the other day and you reminded me that you had posed this question to me recently. Usually when someone sends me a question and I don't answer they breathe a sigh of relief asking themselves "What on earth was I thinking"? So here we go. By motorcycle trailer I will assume you mean a trailer on which you carry a motorcycle. If you meant a trailer that you pull behind a motorcycle... I would have just called you a fool and refused to answer. Motorcycle riding is dangerous enough without multiplying your disadvantages by increasing your stopping distance and diminishing your maneuverability. If you want to pull a trailer you should be a trucker not a biker. Do YOU have a question you’ve always That being said let's talk about the former. If purchas“just wondered” about? ing a trailer to pull your motorcycle around the country Find Dr.DILLIGAF on Facebook @ to rallies and such, please by all means go ahead. They make bumper stickers and T-shirts for people like you. I’m sure you’ve seen them: “I drove my car to or send us a a bike rally” etc. But seriously speaking I understand Question, Statement or Comment to that there are times when a trailer is a legitimate opcarolinachrome yahoo com tion. You know, like when your man card has been pulled or you are delivering it after you’ve sold it. Anyways, if you are towing a single bike trailer you can barely tell it’s behind you even in the mountains. But if you are pulling a trailer capable of carrying a couple of touring bikes it is another story. In addition to being certain that your towing vehicle has sufficient power and brakes for the job you must be certain that your pride and joy is secured properly! This means with tie downs at four corners. Ratchet devices not tension devices are preferred. Finally, a two bike trailer will typically be wider than your tow vehicle. This means you need to make wide turns, hug the centerline on right turns and stay near the outside white line on lefts. Allow for a greater stopping distance and check your load frequently and you will usually get where you’re going. Normally I would sign off with “Ride Safe” but I guess I’ll go with drive safe. ~Dr. Dilligaf 14 WWW.CHROMESC.COM

Are YOU Tough Enough For Dr. DILLIGAF??

Strive for mediocrity, you’ll be guaranteed success!! ~Dr. Dilligaf

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NCGW e&c

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Pictures by Aaron Lucas

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Pictures by Aaron Lucas

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Brittany and Tommy Newman

Charleston, SC

Photography By Vici Amanti of MinT Photography

UPCOMING EVENTS...

MONDAY FEBRUARY 19TH

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2nd NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 24TH ALR CHAPTER 193 BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER! ZORBA’S OF CHAPIN

PRESIDENTS DAY

SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH @ 1pmCOLUMBIA’S 12TH ANNUAL ST. BALDRICK’S EVENT CAROLINA ALE HOUSE - VISTA

SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH @ Noon 23RD ANNL PAINE MEMORIAL RUN PETE HILL MOTORCYCLES,1401 SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3rd RD 11 am-5pm MARCH 3 W. BLUE RIDGE DRIVE, GREENTH 5 ANNUAL ELI RIDE LUNGS FOR LIFE BENEFIT FOR VILLE. HOSTED BY GREENVILLE HOUSE DIVIDED BAR & GRILL, CHRISTI PARKER CHAPTER OF ABATE OF SC WOODRUFF RD-GREENVILLE LOVE RUN STARTS @ HOUSE ANNUAL RIDE DOWN MEMOSTARTS@11AM, KSU@12:30 DIVIDED, REG 11-11:45AM, KSU RY LANE TO REMEMBER OUR NOON. $10 INCLUDES FOOD BROTHERS AND SISTERS WHO SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH 11am ENDS@GREENVILLE SHRINE CLUB CAME BEFORE US AND ARE ANNUAL POLAR BEAR BENEFIT NOW RIDING ON THE WIND. FBO @ NOON GADGETS OF RD SATURDAY MARCH 3 LUGOFF 96 US-601,LUGOFF YAHWEH MUSIC JAM SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH 10am RIDE TO BENEFIT TUCKER IN-VEST USA CAR SHOW 10am ICEHOUSE AMPHITHEATER, VETERANS HOME. DARWIN LEXINGTON & POKER RUN (803) 467-5117 CAROLINA ALE HOUSE SATURDAY MARCH 3RD HARBISON/COLUMBIA SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH 2 nd ANNUAL IRISH FEST CAMDEN TH 15 ANNL OYSTER ROAST 10:30am CAMDEN SATURDAY, MARCH 24TH 10am & BIKE SHOW 3RD ANNUAL MEMORIAL RIDE 1:30PM-6PM @ RICHARDS BAR & SATURDAY MARCH 10TH FOR MUSH PAUL GRILL, HWY 17 N, MOUNT PLEAS2018 SC STATE LEGACY PRE-RIDE VENTURES BAR & GRILL, EDANT. HOSTED BY EAST COOPER RIDE ACROSS THE STATE TO MOND HWY, LEXINGTON ABATE. PETE (843) 452-7086 RAISE FUNDS FOR THE SCHOLFBO 11AM LBO1PM LBI 5PM ARSHIP NEEDS OF OUR FALLEN WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH SATURDAY MARCH 31ST 10am HEROES AND CHILDREN OF 50 LOW COUNTRY BIKE NIGHT ROCKABUNNY RUMBLE 7 PERCENT OR MORE DISABLE @ HONKYTONK, LADSON,SC SUCK BANG BLOW VETERANS. HOSTED BY AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS OF SC SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10th SATURDAY MARCH 31ST 11am STATE LEGACY RUN BATTLE FOR THE BLUE, 6TH ANNUAL SALUTE TO VETS/ BATTLE OF THE BAND TH 2 pm-2am MILITARY SATURDAY MARCH17 @ 11AM, ICEHOUSE AMPHIMARCH MADNESS BULLDOG CYCLES THEATER, LEXINGTON. HELPING ROCKHILL 81 SUPPORT IN-VEST USA BY RAISE MONEY SATURDAY APRIL 1ST JOKERS BAR ROCKHILL TO PROVIDE BULLET PROOF VEST EASTER FOR OUR POLICE OFFICERS, TH SATURDAY MARCH 17 THEIR K-9 COMPANIONS,& FIRST ST PATTYS 5 POINTS SATURDAY APRIL 7TH RESPONDERS! PROTECTING CHARITY POKER RUN TO RAISE THOSE WHO PROTECT US! TH SUNDAY, MARCH 18 @ 2 pm FUNDS FOR CHILDREN IN NEED EVENT GREENWOOD BLESSING OF THE HOSTED BY MAULDIN ROTARY th ANNIVERSARY BIKES 10 CLUB. REGISTRATION STARTS TH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14 · FIRST MOUNT MORIAH BAPTIST AT 9AM @MAULDIN CULTURAL VALENTINE’S DAY CHURCH CENTER, 101 E. BUTLER ROAD, MAULDIN, SC

IF YOU HAVE AN EVENT, PLEASE TYPE OUT AND SEND THE: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE & WHY & THE ATTACHED FLYER TO: CAROLINACHROME@YAHOO.COM OR CAROLINA CHROME FB MESSENGER 22

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COASTAL VICTORY 843-651-9799 3956 HWY 17 S, MURRELLS INLET, SC 29576

The Story Of How “Big Eddie” Lived The Rider’s Life!

great close friends, “Eddie’s Second Chance” was born. It was a fundraiser designed to get him to Orlando and on with his new Many people knew my brother as “Big Eddie” and for the obvious lease on life. reasons. He was a big man, with an even bigger heart. For as long Friends and family rallied together along with the people of Coas I could remember Eddie was the one who took care of things, lumbia to raise enough money to send Eddie down to Orlando to start on his school. A year always looked out for the underdog and invited every stray person and a half later, he made it. to the house for dinner. That was actually a running joke in my He graduated and was on his house forever. He was just the type of person who would come to way back to Columbia to work the defense of those who couldn’t defend themselves. It was that on Harley’s. He was hired by spirit that caused many people to gravitate to him. We called him Thunder Tower and begun his the unofficial Mayor of Columbia. Actually, Eddie was a bouncer work as a Harley Technician. for many years and always came across as a roughneck, if you I rode motorcycles while in the did not know him and I honestly could attest to his rougher side. Corps and a little after so I was However, the truth of the matter was there was no better friend or a pretty experience rider. One no worse enemy than Eddie. He was doing very well for himself, now managing clubs and run- day that I will never forget was the day, my big brother asked me ning things for a few locations. Life was good, but in 2006, his to show him how to ride safely. My brother was always doing for health started to decline. It started with flu like symptoms, and others rarely ever taking time for himself, so this was an opportuwithin a few weeks he noticed a lump on his neck. It took a few nity I jumped at. Little brother showing big brother something. It @## chewings to get him to go to the doctor but eventually he was yet another bond that we shared and I was honored that he reluctantly went. After much poking and tests he was called back asked me. So I did and as time went on, he became more and to the doctors office and bluntly told, “Eddie… you have Cancer, more confident riding. Stage 2 Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma”. He was in shock and the As the saying in our house news hit him hard. It really made him feel as thought he was at goes, “If it wasn’t for Bad Luck, rock bottom. This big, tough guy had just met his match. Due to Eddie wouldn’t have any luck at the chemo treatments he was left really weak and unable to work. all”. Nine months into his career It killed him but he had to move back in with our parents and lost with Thunder Tower, he was in a motorcycle wreck ultimately everything he had worked for in the previous years. It was during one late night conversation that I said to him “Ed leading to him being out of work and back in the hospital. Eddie what do you want to do with your life once you beat this shit?” has always been a big guy and dealt with a lot of medical issues. “You mean IF I beat this shit,” he said. I immediately snapped and This time being a cancer survivor and Diabetic, it was tougher the thought of loosing my big brother pissed me off causing me to for him to heal. The prolonged process ultimately lead to him no revert back to my Marine Corps mode, barking out “ Nothing will longer being employed with the dealership and having to find beat you and you have to fight!” He agreed and was game. He another way to support himself. said, “You know I want to work with my hands, I love mechanics and I have always wanted to work on Harley’s. “No SHIT?” I said and he said, “Yeah man this whole thing has made me really think about my life and what I should be doing with it. A year and a half passed and sure as shit he did it. He was in remission. It was a long road, it really broke him down, but he was still breathing. He decided that he was going to go to MMI in Orlando and take the step towards becoming a Harley Davidson He was determined to stay the course and started to do work on bikes for friends and family. He enjoyed riding and working on Technician. He applied and was accepted to Motorcycle Mechanics Institute bikes. He was the biker that most guys wanted to ride with. He and was given a start loved it and really was into helping people with their bikes and date for the next class in educating them on mods, performance etc. Time went on and it August of 2008. The only was rare to see Ed not riding or at events. It was his life; a life problem was that due to that he fully embodied and worked hard to keep up with. Health not being able to work concerns kept him away at times but as soon as he was OK to for the past two years, ride he was back on the iron horse. he really didn’t have the One of the fondest riding memories he and I shared, we called money to move and set- “The Brothers Ride”. He and I along with two great friends Eddie tle in to a place in Orlan- and Dennis O’Connor packed up and rode the Dragon’s Trail do. With the help of some in Tennessee. Man, that was the best weekend of our lives!!! 26 WWW.CHROMESC.COM

We rode and laughed our @##%# off. It was an awesome experience that none of us will ever forget!

On that morning when I pulled into the parking lot of Wild Wings on Eddie’s bike, the parking lot was full. It looked like a bike show. People had come as far as Florida to ride for Eddie. My heart was over flowing with emotion. I could not believe it, but as I thought about it, I could. He was loved and not because he was just a big guy, but because he was a genuine person, a great friend and people were going to miss him. I was so honored to be there as his representative. Proud that he had made such and impact on people and was respected enough that this many people showed up to ride in his name. The ride was awesome; the weather could not have been better, sunny and almost 80 that day. It was almost like Eddie himself had a hand in the conditions. As we, all pulled into Lucky’s my parent were there to witness the sea of bikes that were part of the ride. It was a very emotional thing for them and I knew they were as proud as I was. The drinks began to flow and the staff was so amazing. They had bent over backwards to make sure the day was a success and without a doubt it was. The ride and other events raised enough money to cover most of his funeral costs. That was a huge help to my family and I can never thank everyone who supported it enough. Some time has passed since Eddie was called home, emotions still come and go but I know his friends and us family will never forget him. We will always hear his laugh, smell his cologne and remember the warmth of his bear hugs. I can’t say enough about the man he was. He was so many things to so many people. To me he was my big brother, my protector and friend. I know he will always be with me in spirit and he will always be with me when I ride. We love you Bro!!! Eddie “Big Ed” Gomez 02-25-72 – 11-17-17 Gone but Never Forgotten! We hope to continue the ride annually and to help bring awareness to Cancer, Diabetes and Sleep Apnea, all of the things that lead to his passing. The family can never thank people enough for their support and generosity during this time. We asked that if you knew him, you remember him.

It was Tuesday, October 17, 2017 and I was headed home to pick up my kids, when I my Dad called me. As soon as I answered, I knew something was not right. He said “Gabe?” “Yeah Dad, what’s wrong?” I asked sharply. “Gabe… Eddie is dead, your brother… He’s gone!” My world was rocked, I had no idea what to do at that point. All I could think about was getting to Columbia to see him and my parents. However, the drive on I26 from Charleston, was horrible with traffic and wrecks, so I was too late to see him taken away. Eddie passed away in his sleep, he suffered a cardiac event and passed the way that we all hope we do. In our beds at peace and with hopefully no pain. It is the toughest thing I have ever had to deal with but I know that he is in a better place, will always be my guardian angel and is riding alongside the lord. God needed another caring heart and his time here on earth was through, he had been called home. The outpouring of support that followed was amazing! I cannot begin to count the phone calls, texts, emails and instant messages we got that week, and continue to get. It was at Hemingway’s in Irmo where we gathered to celebrate Eddie one Friday night, where the idea of a Memorial Ride came up. Hell, it was only fitting that we saddle up and ride. Eddie would love to see us all ride, even if he was not there. The ride was dubbed: Eddie’s Last Ride Home, a tribute to him, the man that loved and was loved by so many. It was Saturday the 4th of November that we chose for the date; two weeks after we laid him to rest. Local businesses like Wild Wings, in Lexington and Lucky’s in Irmo, graciously provided us a start and end point for the ride. We chose to ride over the dam, since that was one of Eddie’s favorite places to ride. We were to Article by Eddie Oconnor start in Lexington and ride over the Lake Murray Dam, through Chapin and back to Irmo, ending at Lucky’s where we would have a raffle, eat and drink and remember the man that brought us so much joy, laughter and support.

Do YOU Have...

Do you have a story you would like to share? A riding adventure? If so, Carolina Chrome would love to share!! You can submit it!! Contact Carolina Chrome at 803-520-0383 or email; carolinachrome@yahoo.com WWW.CHROMESC.COM

Pictures by MinT Photography

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About The Author;

Wally was born in 1944, and lived in Chicago until moving south to Shelby, NC in 1986. He has been writing for most of his adult life. As an instructor in the Navy, he wrote many lesson plans for the course he initiated and taught. During college on his way to a BS degree in Math and Physics, he enjoyed taking the required English writing courses. As an engineer in industry, he wrote many work instructions and procedures. He wrote stories that were published in various car club newsletters. He also was the editor for two different car club newsletters. It wasn’t until 2005 that Wally became published regularly - when he became a staff writer for “The Southern Motorcycle Times” which was published in Charlotte, NC. In 2005, he had eighteen touring articles published. He also wrote a few feature stories along with a seven-month long “tongue-in-cheek” duel with another staff writer for the paper. The paper went under in 2006. From 2004 to 2007, Wally was published in USRiderNews (Dixie Rider). Then in October 2007, he became a staff writer for USRiderNews in the Carolinas State Insert with his monthly column “Wandering with Wally”. During the time to follow, he had other articles published too along with a couple cover photos for the insert. The magazine went under in

September 2015. From 2007 to 2016, many of Wally’s articles were published in Free Riders Press – a paper published in Wausau, Wisconsin. In November, 2015 he became a staff writer for the Carolinas Full Throttle magazine, and had as many as six articles in one monthly magazine issue. In 2017, Wally was published in Carolina Chrome – a free South Carolina Biker magazine. He hopes that it will be a long and continuous relationship. Wally and his wife of 39 years (Cindy) have one son (Danny) who has become an avid drag racer. Wally has been riding motorcycles for almost 60 years. He has also taken the MSF Rider Course, Bike-Safe Carolina (twice), and been a Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge RiderCoach. Wally is independent, and does not belong to any club or other affiliation but he does have many close friends in some of the local clubs. Wally built a couple Panhead choppers in his youth, and has owned a motorcycle continuously since he was 19 when he bought a BSA 250 instead of an engagement ring. He has owned only a few motorcycles in his life because he likes the stability of knowing, and loving his ride. Since 2012, he rides a 2009 Victory Kingpin named “Miss Vickie” with over 58,000 miles on it. On any Sunday morning, you can find him riding somewhere in the mountains of North or South Carolina searching for a new waterfall or a twisty road he hasn’t ridden yet. He usually rides solo because he likes it that way – doesn’t have to wait on anybody or ask permission to turn onto an interesting looking road. He just enjoys meeting new people, and seeing new things. To contact the Wally, email wallywer44@hotmail.com.

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Pictures by MinT Photography

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Pictures by Aaron Lucas

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Pictures by Aaron Lucas

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Pictures by MinT Photography

Pictures by Retread

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Pictures by Grange Simons Lucas111

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Pictures by Nicole CGW

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Pictures by Aaron Lucas

Myrtle Beach H-D Bike Night!!

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New Year New Ride â€¦ Grab Freedom

4710 S. KINGS HIGHWAY MYRTLE BEACH, SC MYRTLEBEACHHARLEY.com

4002 HIGHWAY 17 SOUTH NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC HARLEYSHOPATTHEBEACH.com

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TOM McGRATH’S MOTORCYCLE LAW GROUP

Dedicated to protecting the rights of injured motorcyclists. We ride so we understand. If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, call the Motorcycle Law Group. SM

1-800-321-8968 www.MotorcycleLawGroup.com Licensed in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.