Aug 2011 Sun City Biker 3

SUNCITYBIKER
AUGUST2011

Spider Bike Pg. 18

Reaching For A Star Pg. 10

Readers Rides Pg. 20

Weather 101
Its the time of year that we start to experience the bulk of our thunderstorms. I thought this might be a good time for bikers to review lightning safety. thunder to establish "all clear."

By: Doppler Dave Speelman

SMALL trees. Toss metal golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets, tools, walking sticks, backpacks with metal or any other metal objects away from you. You can be burned by them. Get out of the water. If caught in a boat, crouch down in the center of the boat away from metal hardware. Swimming, wading, snorkeling and scuba diving are NOT safe. Don't stand in puddles, even if wearing rubber boots. Move away from a group of people. Stay several yards away from each other. Don't share a bleacher bench or huddle in a group. Avoid open fields, high places, trees (especially isolated trees), water, unprotected gazebos or picnic shelters, baseball dugouts, communications towers, flag poles and light poles, metal or wood bleachers, metal fences, convertibles, golf carts, bicycles, and motorcycles.

Outdoor safety:
Dont ride - postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. Move to a sturdy enclosed building. Get inside a hardtop vehicle and keep the windows rolled up. Avoid touching any metal. If caught outdoors on your bike and no shelter is nearby: Stay away from tall trees. If there is no shelter crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall. Avoid being the tallest object around. Get as low as you can but do not lie prone on the ground. Squat on the balls of your feet to have minimum contact with the ground. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Get below tree line if you are in the mountains and into a grove of

Flash-to-bang:
When you see the FLASH Count the seconds to the BANG Every 5 seconds equals 1 mile. Divide by 5 to give the distance in miles from you to the lightning. 30 seconds - suspend all outdoor activities (lightning strike was 6 miles away or less) and seek safe shelter If you count 15 seconds or less, a lightning strike could occur where you are (3 miles away or less).

Weather Trivia
The National Weather Service has adopted criteria that must be met before a storm is classified as "severe. What are the criteria?

30/30 Rule
The first 30 means if, between flash and bang, you count to 30 or less, you are in danger and should go to safe shelter. The second 30 means wait 30 minutes from the last flash or

Indoor safety:
Utility lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Do not use any electrical appliances (except those used for weather information) and unplug unnecessary ones. Turn off air conditioners and computers to protect them from power surges. Do not use a corded telephone except in an emergency. Do not bathe or shower during a thunderstorm. Avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity Stay away from windows and doors. Avoid contact with concrete walls or floors which may contain metal reinforcing bars; carports or open garages; covered patios; washing your hands or doing dishes. No place is completely safe from lightning, but some places are safer than others. Although some victims are struck directly by the main lightning stroke, many victims are struck as the current moves in and along the ground.

A. Heavy rain and/or lightning B. Heavy rain and/or wind gusts at 50 mph C. Flooding and/or hail the size of golf balls D. Wind gusts at 58 mph and/or hail the size of a quarter

Answer: D- Wind Gusts of 58 mph and/or hail the size of a quarter.

6 Sun City Biker Aug 2011

Victory recall

Yamaha recall

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): VICTORY / JACKPOT 2006-2011 VICTORY / KINGPIN 2004-2011 Manufacturer: POLARIS INDUSTRIES, INC. Mfr's Report Date: JUL 01, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V346000 Component: EQUIPMENT Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,688 Summary: POLARIS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011 VICTORY KINGPIN MOTORCYCLES AND MODEL YEAR 2006-2011 VICTORY JACKPOT MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, 2004, THROUGH MAY 1, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH ACCESSORY SEATS, PART NUMBERS 2876641-01 SEAT, KINGPIN TOURING, DOU-

BLE BACKREST AND PART NUMBER 2875961-01 SEAT, JACKPOT TOURING W/BACKREST. THE BACKREST SUPPORT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE WHILE IN USE. Consequence: THE PASSENGER CAN BE INJURED OR FALL FROM THE MOTORCYCLE SHOULD THIS OCCUR. Remedy: VICTORY WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 30, 2011. Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): YAMAHA / FJR1300 2006-2009 Manufacturer: YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, USA Mfr's Report Date: JUN 24, 2011 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V338000 Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Potential Number of Units Affected: 9,850 Summary: YAMAHA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 FJR1300 MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 2006, THROUGH MARCH 2009. THE GROUND JOINT CONNECTOR OF THE WIRE HARNESS COULD OVERHEAT AND BECOME DEFORMED, POSSIBLY CAUSING AN INTERMITTENT GROUND WIRE CONNECTION. IF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS NOT PROPERLY GROUNDED, THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND/OR OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS COULD MALFUNCTION, WHICH

COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL. Consequence: IF THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS WHILE BEING RIDDEN, THERE COULD BE A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH. Remedy: YAMAHA DEALER WILL INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL WIRE SUB-LEAD OR, IF THE GROUND JOINT CONNECTOR HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED FROM OVERHEATING, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW MAIN WIRE HARNESS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT YAMAHA AT 1-800-962-7926. Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Aug 2011 Sun City Biker 7

POLICIES AS LOW AS $100

For the price of insuring your bike I can help protect your bike, and more importantly you. Dollar for dollar no one protects the rider like Allstate. Call me today for a fast, free quote.

Dan Corona (915) 855-1090

Corona Agency 1568 Joe Battle Blvd, Ste.106 El Paso

Appointments to fit your schedule.

MOTORCYCLE

Actual cost will vary and may depend on coverages selected. Subject to terms, availability and qualifications. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. 2010 Allstate Insurance Company.

8 Sun City Biker Aug 2011

Reaching For A Star

Story & Photos by Ricky J. Carrasco

The boy with all the bikini

girls is named Michael, the honored guest of this car wash at Tanyas Gridiron on Dyer. While I interviewed his mom, Dolores Ramos, and the President of the El Paso Reach for a Star, Deborah Ruz, Michael was playing pool with his sister. I thought it was very telling that both ladies were facing me, not checking on him nervously. He has normal friends, goes to a normal school, plays normal games and tries to have as normal life as possible. I try to make life as normal as possible for him. When he was 6 months old, Michael was diagnosed with hemophilia, a genetic condition that prevents his blood from clotting. For any other 11 year old boy, skinned knees and bloody noses

come with territory of being a boy. But for Michael, a simple cut could cause him to bleed out. A good enough hit would just cause a bruise

gardless of that, Dolores is upbeat and optimistic. Michaels always talking positive and is always in pos-

teachers and the staff at his school. Other than that and no sports, he has no special provisions. According to Ruz, Reach For a Star normally only handles critically ill children, usually cancer patients of some type, but Michael is special. First, Michaels condition is one that he can go from completely normal to critical because of one simple accident. Second, Dolores actually works for Deborah as a CNA nurse for the Visiting Nurse Association (Deborah is the VNA Director) and Deborah had no idea Michael even had a condition. Some of my employees kept asking me, when are you going to something for Michael? I kept asking why, whats wrong with him? Its just the way Dolores is, she doesnt like asking for help. But for

Michael with his mom and sister and admirers.

in any other boy. With Michael, a severe enough hit would cause him severe internal hemorrhaging. Re-

itive spirits. He simply does not give up, so neither can I. At the beginning of every school year, we talk with his

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something like this, I insisted that I do something. At Reach for a Star, we have relied 100% on donations and volunteers for over 20 years. The economy has made this that much harder, more so because people in El Paso dont realize we are here. This year, we have only served 2 children, including Michael, and there are many more children wed like to serve. We need donations, we need volunteers. Right now, we need a website! We dont have a website, which is how most people would get to know us. We dont even have an office. My volunteers and I usually just meet at a restaurant somewhere. Im willing to pay for someone to help me with a website, which is why Im glad this story is being written. I hope the biker community can help out. Ruz explained that shes hoping that an event at Bart Reeds Comic Strip later this year will allow her to help out a few more children. As for Michael, he was now

playfully arguing with his big sister across the bar at Tanyas Gridiron. Usually these kids want so little, explains Ruz, They ask for simple things, usually for the family. Originally, Michael had to be pushed a little to admit all he wanted was a Playstation 3. Michaels mom tells me, Hes a fighter. I will always be supportive of what he wants to do. What he wants to do is be a doctor. I think thats logical since he spends so much time around doctors. Last year, Michael spent 2 months in the hospital taking treatments and goes to blood treatments three times a week. When its hard, Deborah is a good boss. She will listen and help if she can. Dolores would also like to thank Dr. Carcano, pediatric oncologist, for all his help with Michaels treatments. Ruz tells me as she looks over at Michael laughing with his sister, Michael just doesnt stop. Mom doesnt stop, so we cant either.

If you would like to help Reach for Star grant wishes to critically ill children, contact Deborah Ruz at blan-

caeruz@yahoo.com or contact me at ximenace@yahoo.com

Aug 2011 Sun City Biker 11

Loading Big Bikes In Pick Up Trucks

There should be an easy and safe
way to load a big heavy full-dress Harley Davidson or custom bike in a pick up truck all by yourself. There is, but. It's the buts that cause the problem. You can buy the long and wide one-piece aluminum ramps that will allow you to ride your bike into the truck bed, but you will run into a major problem if you can't take the ramp with you. How will you unload the bike once you get where you are going? Get the picture? Word of Warning and Danger: Did you know that those factory tailgate straps (cables) on your pickup truck are not intended to bear a load? How many times have you see people loading their motorcycles using that tailgate? Imagine what would happen to you, and your friends helping you, if just one of those straps failed? Somebody is going to be seriously hurt and the motorcycle will be destroyed. For safety, put a three strong supports under three sides of that tailgate: left, center and right side to hold up that tailgate, as a safety net in case the cables let go and break free. Better yet, buy a motorcycle loading system that does not rely on any

By: James Russell Publishing

weight on that tailgate! How much is your life worth? It is dangerous to use ramps! The solution is to buy a ramp that breaks down and folds up so it can be placed along both sides of the bike in the truck, but... If you have a standard pick up truck an 8 foot ramp will work, but if you have a truck that exceeds 38 inches from ground to tailgate, then you need a 10 foot ramp. Will it fit into the truck after it breaks down? Many of these ramps have curved geometry so they don't fold up flat, leaving no room in the truck to bring the ramp with you. But... You could purchase the 8 foot ramp, but to lower the back end of the truck you can buy recreational vehicle type wheel leveling chocks. You inch your truck's front wheel up a bit on the chocks and that will lower the back end of the truck. It's better than trying to find a embankment to back up against trying to find a good angle to load and unload bikes. But... The 8 foot ramp's curve may still be too steep and the low-clearance bike, which may be your bike, will high-center (get stuck) on the

ramp's curvature. So, you are now back to the 10 foot ramp, with all its storage problems, but... The 10 foot ramp may not allow you to close the tailgate in a 8 foot long bed pick up truck. This may or may not be a problem for you. So, what is the solution? Buy a USA Ramp if you want to load your motorcycle or other vehicles into your truck all by yourself. But what if you want to tow a trailer with this ramp? No problem, they have a Safety Tow Ramp. This is a good route to go. But what if you have a 5th wheel travel trailer? You could buy a motorcycle rack to be welded on to the rear I-beams, but the bike must be less than 450 pounds or the towing geometry will be affected and that could cause you to lose control and crash. It's not going to work with big heavy bike. A toy hauler 5th wheel is the only sane choice if you want to go with the 5th wheel, but... you will give up a ton of living space in the RV. Not a problem if you are using the RV for vacation, but living in it for extended periods would be punishing. You could tow another trailer behind the 5th wheel, but do

not go beyond 50 feet total length or the Highway Patrol in some states will pull you over and force you to abandon the RV and hire a tow truck to get it off the roadway, also, some states require that you be licensed to triple-tow trailers. It's not an option for most people. Better to go the travel trailer route with a USA Ramp... problem solved. You will live in more comfort and the bike will be with you where ever you go. Another system I have used is to use the "Big Boy" mfg., by Ramps Are Us. It is an aluminum ramp that folds up into three pieces and so it can be stored along side the bike in the back of the pick up truck, or stack them in the back seat area of an extra-cab pick up truck. This also is a one man operation to load and unload big and low custom bikes in the truck. You can find the company on the Internet. I drive the bike up slowly with no problem. Backing down is a bit scary, but you will get used to it. Just keep the bike in gear with clutch in because the brakes will not work to stop you if you have to stop. If you just go easy and keep the bike straight you will be down off the ramp in two seconds. The

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Big Boy ramp allows you to load and unload the bike yourself, take the ramps with you to your location and still allows you to tow a huge travel trailer (not a fifth-wheel trailer). Safety Notice: I have noticed some safety precautions when using gravity ramps to load heavy motorcycles. The ramps may come with a safety cable to attach to the truck bumper so the ramp can't be pulled away from the truck when loading or unloading. Don't trust these tiny cables! Weave a ratcheting tow or tie-down strap rated for at least 3,000 lbs to the ramp and the truck's tow hitch or other secure area, like the truck axle if need be. Do this to "each" ramp section independently. Each ramp section gets tied down with its own strap! If those tiny cables break without these straps you could die as the bike falls and crushes you. You also need to strap together the ramps so they will not separate horizontally. If the center ramp were to fail the straps tied to the other two ramps will support the bike so it and you will not fall down. Also, if you lose your balance or have to stop part way up the ramp you can safely apply much leg force to the ramp(s) to maintain balance without the risk of a ramp section slipping away causing you and the bike to tumble to the ground. To prevent ramp spreading I tie the ramps one at the top to hold the top truck tail

gate sections together and one at the bottom near the pavement end to snug together the bottom sections with 3,000 lb tie down straps. With all of these straps in place, I know for a fact I will be safe. If you have a large motor home (a Class A type) you can buy a loading ramp that will allow you to load the big heavy bike on the back of the motor home. But, the RV must be designed to take this load. Not all motor homes are designed to take on additional towing loads, but many are. Check with the lift manufacture on how to select a motor home that will accommodate their ramp system. Beware the cost of these Class A motor homes are outrageous. The larger motor home can be ordered to store bikes in a special compartment. Danger: Loading or unloading a motorcycle onto a gravity ramp is dangerous no matter how many safety precautions you take. If the bike falls on you or the ramp breaks the motorcycle and ramp will entangle and crush you, likely unto death. The best system is to use the

automatic loaders that will pull the motorcycle into the bed of a pick up truck. Pak-Rak (their Web site link is on our motorcycle links page) is one that I purchased and it works well. It will not work for custom bikes with long fork rakes and wide back tires, but for most all production bikes it will work just fine if the wheel base is no more than 67.5" long (but overall length of bike and tire width size needs to be the final consideration if it is to fit on the rack). All Harley Davidson's and Honda's usually will work fine, but check wheelbase first. Pak-Rak may be offering a larger rack system for custom bikes. Automated ramps are expensive, but a lot cheaper than paying a doctor thousands of dollars in medical fees and dealing with a life-long physical disfiguring or back injury. It is better to pay for a good automatic ramp. Amerideck also makes an automatic lift system (see our links page). JoeHauler also makes a lift that lets you haul your bike behind your car, truck or RV and it is supported by the vehicle tow hitch. Also, there is another benefit to

the automated ramp system that is well worth the price of the ramp many times over. Convenience and ease of operation. It laboring and time consuming to set up ramps to unload and load a motorcycle and many times you will not pull the bike off the truck to cruise around a city or town "because it is too much work to load up the bike." With the automated ramp you push a button and the bike is down and ready to go in about 3 minutes or less! I have found using these automated ramps permit a higher quality of life because now I can ride in areas of the country I would normally never would have. How many times have you traveled and said, "Gee, it would be nice to ride those mountains" but you could not because unloading the bike would be too much trouble. You need to discover the weight load limitations of the auto-loader motorcycle lifts and tire size limitations. Today the bikes are heavier and have wider tires, so modifications need to be made to some auto-loaders to beef them up in strength, even for some heavy stock bikes. So, there you have it. If you want to load your big bike alone without assistance it can be done, but you need to do your research. More motorcycle dealers should have demonstration ramps so customers can try the product before purchasing.

Aug 2011 Sun City Biker 13

El Pasos Online Motorsport Forum

Automotive, Cycles Racing, lifestyle

www.elpasoracing.com

CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST 2011

H20 Rally in the Crater
Cool off with H20 Rally in the Crater will be August 4-7,2011. Featuring bike games, bike show (trophies awarded to winners), continuous breezy ride, great vendors, Saturday fun run, swimming hole, slip n slide, the best vendors, great bands, non -stop music and stage contests guaranteed to make you smile! ITS A NON-STOP PARTY! Entry into all events is included in the rally admission price. FREE primitive tent camping. VIP sites overlooking the Crater, RV sites, and selfcontained areas. THIS IS AN ADULT RALLY, MUST BE 21 FOR ADMISSION For more info www.rallyinthecrater.com or call Christy 903-938-2995

Iron Cuff Rally - 3rd Annual

The 3rd Annual Iron Cuff Rally will begin on August 12th, 2011 and will end on August 14th, 2011 -Fayette County Fairgrounds, La Grange, TX Events listed: -Games -Live music from various bands -Food/drink -Camping -and much more Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash. Prices: -$15 for day pass -$25 for the weekend -Kids 10 and younger free with proof of age Proceeds go to help the Wounded Warriors & Their Families.

Military Freedom Run

The run starts at Caliente Harley Davidson and ends at Texas Pride BBQ in Adkins, TX. Registration is $20.00 and includes a commemorative patch. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with first bike out at 10 a.m. Honorary Road Captain, Major General James Whitmore, USAF, Retiring 9/2/11. **100% of proceeds benefit the VA Fisher House** For more information please call 210-6175107, email STXVOLSVC@va.gov or look up the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Sa nAntonioVAMC

Estancia Valley ALL Bike Toy Run - 4th Annual

Saturday August 13th, 2011**Meet at 9 AM in the parking lot of "Der Wienerschnitzel" (Central Ave. & Juan Tabo)** Last bike out at 10 AM**We will ride to Moriarty Lions Club (signs in Moriarty, NM will point the way to the Lions Club)**Cost: at least (1) toy (boy or girl) and one or more non-pershiable food items. **Toys will be given away by Santa the Sunday before Christmas to any child that comes to see Santa. Others to families who otherwise would not have a Christmas. Food donations go to Bethel Community Store-house in Moriarty, NM and will be given to

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST 2011

families in dire straights for Christmas and in some instances, Thanksgiving also. There will also be a 50/50 Poker run cost is $10.00 a hand. For more info please call: Bob Borgen (505) 832.6845 or J.J. Jimenez (505) 832.6095 Sponsored by the Moriarty, NM Lions Club

PTs Rockn 66 Rally

3, 2011 to September 4, 2011.

PT's Rockn 66 Rally will begin on August 26th, 2011 and will end on August 28th, 2011 Location: -PT's, Winslow, AZ Events listed: -Live music -Great food -Bike games -Tattoo contest -Bikini bike wash -Vendors -Bike show & parade -Cold beer/drinks -and much more There will be live performances from 'Hard Knox Band' on Friday, and 'A Boy Names Sioux' on Saturday night. All bikes are welcome! No pets allowed! Please contact for more info: -928.289.0787

Location: -1948 S. Naco Hwy, Bisbee, AZ Events Listed: -Bonfire -Free vendor space -Door prizes -BBQ cook off -Part swap meet -Free camping -And much more Please contact for more info: -520.234.6402

FEATURE YOUR EVENT ON SUN CITY BIKER!

If you would like to have your event listed for all our readers to see please email details to:
events@suncitybiker.com

Survivors Benefit Run

Lottery Benefit run for the Community Youth Center Warehouse in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Located at 200 Church Drive, Ruidoso, NM. Live band, bike washing, lottery poker,jumping balloon for kids, bike games, door prizes, tattoo artist, face painting and lots of food and fun. Escorted 1 hour scenic ride $10 for bike/$15 with passenger We hope to see you all there!

Great Southwest Chopper Fest

Bisbee, Arizona (AZ) The Great Southwest Chopper Fest will take place from September
Aug 2011 Sun City Biker 17

2007 Suzuki Hayabusa Venom

Mod List: Custom Spiderman/Venom by Mikes Paint Shop in Columbia, South Carolina. Extended 330 sing arm from Roaring Toyz Custom wheels from Roaring Toyz Power Commander Air Ride Suspension Midget Exhaust

The customization of motorcycles has evolved tremendously through the decades; bringing back old fads and having new fads die fast. There isnt a dull moment in the motorcycle scene. When it comes down to it, most enthusiasts try to add creative touches to their bike, making them that much more different than others alike. This months featured bike, without a doubt, has that spark of imagination and originality. This 2007 Suzuki Hayabusa, owned by Kurt Hamilton, is one you would definitely take a second look at, or third. His Spiderman/Venom themed bike

has spectacular detail and flows great with the curvy lines on the Busa. Mr. Hamiltons inspiration was from him being such a fan of Spiderman. After seeing the second Spiderman movie, he liked the intense transformation Spiderman had to the sinister character, Venom. When he bought his Busa, he knew it would be the perfect bike to depict that transformation. Hamilton has been riding since he was 18 years old, learning how to with his next door neighbors bike. What got him into riding he said, It was the thing to do back then you were one of the few back in Brooklyn, New York, where

Hamilton grew up. Its always fun to witness how well two objects, a fascination with motorcycles and comic book heroes, can coexist so well with one another. What Hamilton most likes about owning his Busa is his ability to, Get out on the road and enjoy a good ride As well as the many compliments he gets on the bikes theme. He enjoys seeing peoples reaction to the bike. When asked if he has any future plans for the bike he said, ...Venom, I really think shes done, I dont want to overdo it. Most can agree it is difficult to find anything else he could add to his bike. He did mention his next bike will be a Chopper. I wonder if it be just as cool looking

as his Busa? The imagination one may have opens new doors, especially when brought to reality. It leads others to do the same, thinking of something better than the last persons idea. The power to create something no one has ever seen before can be tough, but simply making it your own is what its all about. SCB

Special Thanks to: My Beautiful Children (son, Bryant and girls KJ and Raigan); Mikes Paint Shop in Columbia SC; Roaring Toyz in Sarasota Fl.

Readers & Rides

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Readers & Rides

Aug 2011 Sun City Biker 21