FOLDS OF HONOR
In a move to rally the motorcycle community, Indian Motorcycle has announced a fundraising effort alongside Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is a non-profit that provides scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.
Indian Motorcycle is calling support from all Indian Motorcycle Rider Groups to help in this fundraising effort through donations to Folds of Honor. Every contribution makes a difference for families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.
With a nearly 20-year history, Folds of Honor has significantly impacted educational opportunities. They provide scholarships to families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders, awarding over 52,000 scholarships totaling $244 million. Impressively, 45% of their scholarships go to minority students, fostering diversity and empowerment within academia.
The goal is for the IMRG chapters around the nation to help raise $50,000 for Folds of Honor. The Northern Colorado IMRG has pledged to raise $300.
Please consider making a donation today to support this worthy cause. Go to the NoCo IMRG Folds of Honor Charity page and use the “Donate Now” button to make a donation.
For more on Folds of Honor, visit their website.
IS IT EVEN LEGAL TO HAVE A STOCK MOTORCYCLE?
Today, we embark on a funny journey to explore the question that has left many riders scratching their heads: “Is it even legal to have a stock motorcycle?” You’ve just bought yourself a shiny new motorcycle. It’s got all the bells and whistles straight from the manufacturer. But wait – is it legal? Can you freely cruise down the road without at least one modification or newly added accessory? Let’s face it, folks, stock motorcycles are downright questionable. It’s not to say they’re illegal per se, but there’s just something about a motorcycle that screams, “Rebel!” What’s the first thing we do when we buy a motorcycle? We all buy accessories or perform mods to our rides. We begin making the bike uniquely our own.
Many start with the exhaust. Aftermarket slip-ons are added to transform a quiet putter into a motorized symphony of growls, a primal soundtrack to freedom. Then there’s the seat. It may look all comfy and cushy, like it’s begging you to settle in for a long road trip. But a true motorcycle rider knows the score: comfort comes from having your seat sculpted by a master upholsterer, or third-party lounge saddle manufacturer. We live in a world where customization and modifications reign supreme, and the humble stock motorcycle finds itself in the shadows.
Now, look, it’s not to say you have to go out and deck your motorcycle in all the aftermarket bells and whistles. But maybe some customization is in order. Adding a cup holder or cell phone mount, a fancy license plate frame, perhaps a new windscreen, or mid-range bars are nice customizations. But don’t forget safety – i.e. lighting. Customizing your bike with auxiliary and accent lighting on the front will help to make sure you are seen, and custom lighting or strobe lighting on the rear will help grab the attention of vehicles behind you.
A motorcycle is an extension of yourself. It’s a statement, a way of life. As such, that mandates custom modifications to your beloved ride to personalize it. Your motorcycle is a canvas for self-expression, where you can let your creativity run wild and turn your bike into a unique masterpiece. As bikers, we are obsessed with modifications and add-ons. We share stories, and love to show off our latest accessory, which will leave stock motorcycle owners feeling left out.
Conclusion:
It is perfectly legal to have a stock motorcycle, and there’s no secret law dictating you must have a customized machine to hit the road. However, riding an unmodified or non-accessorized steed is pretty rare. While stock bikes are legal, there’s an unspoken rule among bikers that says the more modifications you have, the cooler you are. But beware, once you start down the path of customization, there’s no turning back. You might find yourself knee-deep in aftermarket parts, and debating whether flames painted on your tank really add extra speed.
While the world of motorcycles is filled with customization and modifications, there’s still a special place for those who choose to embrace the stock life. Remember, it’s not about the modifications you make to your bike, but the experience you have while riding it. So, go forth, ride proudly on your modified or unmodified bike, rev that engine, and take to the open road for all its worth.
Until next time, keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down. Happy riding!
DAVID MANN: CHRONICLER OF CHROME AND FREEDOM
David Mann wasn’t just a motorcycle artist; he was the “biker world’s artist-in-residence,” a chronicler of chrome, leather, and the untamed spirit of biker culture. His detailed paintings of roaring choppers, bandana-clad riders, and scenic road trips captured the essence of a lifestyle for decades.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1940, Mann’s artistic journey began with a love for custom cars. He honed his skills as an auto body painter, translating his passion for detail onto gleaming car bodies. However, fate took a turn when he discovered motorcycles and the burgeoning biker scene in California. This new world ignited a fire in his creative spirit.
Mann’s art transcended mere depictions of motorcycles. He painted the soul of biker culture. His characters weren’t anonymous riders; they were individuals with wind-whipped hair, determined expressions, and a shared sense of camaraderie. He bathed his paintings in warm Californian sunlight, creating scenes that felt idyllic and adventurous.
David’s most famous works, like “Hollywood Run” and “Live to Ride,” became iconic within biker circles. They adorned clubhouses, garages, and even gas tanks, serving as visual testaments to the biker way of life. His influence extended beyond canvas. Choppers were built based on the dream machines he envisioned, a testament to the power his art held.
Though Mann passed away in 2004, his legacy lives on. Even today, his detailed illustrations grace t-shirts, posters, and memorabilia. More importantly, they continue to inspire artists and capture the imagination of those who yearn for the open road and the freedom it symbolizes. David Mann wasn’t just an artist; he was an artist who chronicled the biker culture and became part of its very fabric.
FUN FACT: David Mann never painted a valve stem on the motorcycle wheels in his paintings.
SAFETY TIP: OBSTACLE NEGOTIATION
A safety tip from Paul Carroll
It’s inevitable during your riding that you are going to encounter obstacles which present themselves in the roadway that you cannot simply counter-steer to avoid and you must ride over them. This can be done safely through proper motorcycle placement, throttle and brake control, head and eye placement and good judgment.
While you are approaching the obstacle, you have to determine if it can be ridden over. A good rule of thumb is if the obstacle is shorter than the front axle height, it can be ridden over.
On the approach the motorcycle must be a square to the obstacle as possible. Don’t hit the obstacle at an angle as this could cause the front tire to wash out. The front wheel must be straight. Head and eyes must be kept straight and looking beyond the obstacle. Reduce your speed through proper braking, but maintain sufficient speed to ride over the obstacle. Too slow and the front wheel could wash out.
Rise off the seat slightly so your legs absorb the shock. Just before reaching the obstacle, accelerate in order to lighten the front end and transfer weight to the rear of the motorcycle. As the front wheel goes over the obstacle, roll off the throttle to transfer weight back to the front end and helps the rear wheel roll over the obstacle.
As with any skill technique, practice is needed to master this maneuver. Having a qualified instructor to assist you is obviously preferred.
Until next time, Ride Safe!
CURVES & CANYONS: OUR NEW MEXICO MOTORCYCLE TRIP TO TAOS
The calendar pages practically vibrated with anticipation as June rolled around. It had been months since our last road trip with the memory of Thermopolis last September a distant recollection.
This time, Taos, the heart of northern New Mexico, beckoned with its allure and we couldn’t resist the promise of crisp clean air, ancient adobe magic, and magnificent landscapes. With the rumbling camaraderie of the Northern Colorado Indian Motorcycle Riders Group by our side, we were about to embark on a multi-day odyssey woven with the threads of incredible vistas, charming mountain towns, and the liberating pulse of freedom that only a motorcycle road trip can provide.
Straddling our motorcycles at the Maverik gas station in Dacono, we headed south down the Interstate, making our way to Highway 285. Once on Highway 285, the scent of pine and anticipation hung heavily in the air. This winding highway unfolded before us, beckoning us to continue southward towards the heart of New Mexico. As we continued twisting our throttles, the everyday world melted away, replaced by the thrill of the open road.
The Sun shone like spears through the pines and speckled the asphalt with a mosaic of light and shadow. Leaving the foothills behind, the landscape transformed into a symphony of rolling plains and mesas, painted in hues of sage. The mountain air whipped through our helmets, carrying the distant scent of piñon and juniper. Hugging the curves of the highway, we became one with the landscape. Towering rock formations rose like sentinels on either side. As we continued toward the New Mexico border, the terrain climbed, and the road twisted. The miles ticked by, punctuated by small towns where time seemed to slow down.
After crossing into New Mexico, and on the last leg of our journey to Taos, a cluster of otherworldly structures emerged from the desert landscape. This was The Greater World Earthship Community, a place where homes looked like they belonged on Mars, not Earth. The houses were like sculpted pods, seemingly ripped from the pages of a science fiction novel.
As we continued our incredible motorcycle adventure towards Taos, we came across an awesome landmark – the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. It towers over the Rio Grande River at a staggering 650 feet, and is the seventh highest bridge in the United States. Crossing the bridge offered a spectacular view of the deep chasm carved by the river over millions of years.
The final stretch of highway unfurled before us, leading straight into the heart of Taos. Pulling into town, a sense of accomplishment washed over us. Finally, we arrived at the Taos Motor Lodge, where we would spend our nights. We had a great dinner at a resort just down the road, and afterward we hung outside at our hotel enjoying the company and swapping stories.
The next morning, we ate breakfast and then set out to ride Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway. This National Forest Scenic Byway is the most popular tour in the area and circles Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico at 13,161 feet. Our first stop on the 84 mile loop after navigating several switchbacks was at Angel Fire to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, built by Dr. Victor Westphall and family in memory of the death of his son and others in Vietnam. We passed Eagle Nest Lake, said to be one of the finest trout and landlocked salmon waters in the United States. Next we rode past the gold mining town of Elizabethtown, and was the first incorporated town in New Mexico in 1870. In Red River, we took a break and enjoyed a stroll through this family oriented town with an old west feel. With the threat of rain, we left Red River, passing through the historic village of Questa with a rich Hispanic heritage. On our way back to Taos, we rode through the Hondo Valley. Back in Taos, we stopped to walk around for a little bit and to eat a late lunch before heading back to our home base.
The final morning brought rain for our trip home. Before heading out, we donned our rain gear, and with
unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of adventure, we’ll began our trek back home in Colorado, making
the most of the scenic return route.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE IGNITES CREATIVITY WITH “FORGED” SERIES ON YOUTUBE
Gear up for a ride into the world of custom motorcycles with Indian Motorcycle’s “Forged” series on YouTube. This series spotlights the creativity and craftsmanship of renowned bike builders like Roland Sands, Brittney Olsen, and Carey Hart as they transform Indian Motorcycles into one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
There are two main installments of Forged:
- Forged: A Custom Indian Scout Series celebrates the legacy of the iconic Scout model. Three builders draw inspiration from the Scout’s rich history to create unique customs that pay homage to different eras and styles.
- Forged: A Custom Sport Chief Series puts the spotlight on the powerful Sport Chief. This series features
three builders, including celebrity Norman Reedus, entrusted with personalizing their Sport Chief visions.
Throughout the series, viewers get an insider’s look at the entire customization process, from initial concepts and design discussions to the meticulous fabrication and final reveal. “Forged” is for motorcycle enthusiasts who appreciate the art of customization and the innovative spirit behind Indian Motorcycle.
Head over to the Indian Motorcycle YouTube channel to ignite your passion for custom rides and witness the transformation of Indian Motorcycles into rolling works of on “Forged.”
CINNAMON ROLLS & CANYON CHASES: A DAY TRIP THROUGH COLORADO’S MOUNTAIN MAJESTY
We gathered at Jax’s West in Loveland. With the fresh morning air, and the sun peeking over the Rockies, we tightened our helmet straps and began our motorcycle ride to the legendary Glen Haven General Store for their world-famous cinnamon rolls. Weaving out of Loveland and following the curves of Highway 34, the Big Thompson River rushed alongside side of us through the evergreens.
Leaning into the corners, the road dipped into the Big Thompson Canyon with the towering rock walls casting shadows down on us. At Drake, we turned onto County Road 43, a motorcyclist’s haven of climbing tight turns and switchbacks. The thrill of the ride was a counterpart to the breathtaking scenery.
After an exhilarating dance with the road, Glen Haven came into view. A quaint mountain town, nestled among towering pines. We pulled up outside of the Glen Haven General Store with its wooden façade. Stepping inside, we ordered cinnamon rolls that were gooey masterpieces. We found a spot on the porch to savor the warm, sugary goodness where each bite was a burst of flavor, the perfect reward for a perfect ride.
Next, we left Glen Haven to continue our day’s journey. It was perfect weather for a ride on Devil’s Gulch Road. The infamous switchbacks provided a series of sharp climbs to take us to Estes. Despite the concentration required, smiles stretched across our faces. Unlike the tourist choked main Highway 34, this route was free of traffic and slow-moving RVs. Soon Estes Park came into view, nestled against the backdrop of snowcapped peaks.
In Estes, we took a roundabout way through the outskirts of town to hop onto Highway 7 where we would begin to ride the Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway. Sunlight shown down on the asphalt as we cruised along the highway with the rhythmic hum of our engines a steady companion. The towering pines occasionally gave way to meadows. Every turn offered beautiful views of mountains. We rolled past the Chapel on the Rock in Allenspark, a tiny, non-denominational chapel built right into a massive rock formation. As we continued riding, the road climbed steadily, offering exhilarating sweeping curves. The air grew thinner, providing a coolness to an otherwise warm day. We reached Ward, a town seemingly frozen in time. Old buildings lined the dusty streets, a testament to a bygone era.
Leaving Ward, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the narrowed twisting road of Lefthand Canyon. Lush evergreens crowded the road while the curves provided a rhythmic ride, interrupted every so often as we went around bicyclists. The Canyon had a tranquil meandering beauty. Exiting Lefthand Canyon brought us back to civilization as we headed to Longmont where the day’s ride would come to an end.
The ride had been a perfect blend of adrenaline and serenity, and a testament to the beauty of the Rockies. Though this was not the first time we’ve been to Glen Haven and rode Peak-to-Peak, each ride provides us with a new story to be told.
BEYOND THE FRONT RANGE: VIDEO LAUNCH OF OUR MOTORCYCLE ADVENTURE TO THERMOPOLIS
Video from day 1 of our 4-day and 3-night road trip to Thermopolis Wyoming and Red Lodge Montana last September. We travelled 329 miles to reach Thermopolis going through Laramie, Medicine Bow, Casper, Shoshoni, and finally Thermopolis. We finished our day’s ride upon arriving at our hotel tucked away within the Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis.
We stopped in Medicine Bow to rest for a while. When the Union Pacific Railroad established a station here in 1867, this transformed the landscape from a primarily Native American territory to a bustling frontier town. Cowboys, miners, ranchers, and even outlaws flocked to Medicine Bow. Saloons, hotels, and general stores sprang up to cater to this diverse population.
Heading north toward Casper, we passed through windmill farms where you can see hundreds of windmills for miles. Casper Wyoming is the second-largest city in the state. It is nicknamed “The Oil City” as Casper’s history is intertwined with the oil industry, thanks to the discovery of the nearby Salt Creek Oil Field.
Arriving in Shoshoni, about 32 miles from Thermopolis, we made a roadside stop before riding the last leg of our trip to Thermopolis. In 2017, Shoshoni found itself in the spotlight during the total solar eclipse due to lying on the centerline of the eclipse. Shoshoni is the Gateway to the Wind River Canyon. This scenic byway is a spectacular natural wonder known for its dramatic landscapes, rich geological history, and abundant wildlife. The canyon was carved by the Wind River over millions of years and its walls reveal colorful layers of sedimentary rock.
After a long day journey, we arrived at our destination in Thermopolis – the Hot Springs Hotel located in the Hot Springs State Park. We ate dinner at the hotel bar and restaurant known as the Safari Club where we dined among a collection of big game trophies that could be found everywhere, creating a unique dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Later in the evening, we ventured out into the park and came across a pavilion where there was a summer concert going on. We were entertained by the band playing classic country, and 60s and 70s pop rock music.
CLUTCH DECISIONS: WOULD YOU RATHER MOTORCYCLE SCENARIOS
- Would you rather have a motorcycle that transforms into a different style of bike (cruiser, sport bike, adventure, etc.) whenever you want, or a motorcycle that can fly through the air?
- Would you rather be instantly teleported to any motorcycle event or rally in the world, or have a magical garage that can house an unlimited number of motorcycles?
- Would you rather have a motorcycle with a built-in mini-fridge to keep your drinks cold, or a motorcycle that brews you a fresh cup of coffee on long journeys?
- Would you rather have a self-balancing motorcycle that can’t fall over, or a traditional motorcycle with basically no lean angle?
- Would you rather have a helmet with a visor that can display navigation, or a visor that can alert you of pending threats ahead of you?
- Would you rather have unlimited free motorcycle parts and maintenance for a year, or unlimited free room boarding while traveling for a year?
- Would you rather have the ability to teleport your motorcycle anywhere, or the ability to fix any mechanical problem in minutes while on the road?
- Would you rather have a motorcycle that can magically fold up and fit in your pocket, or a motorcycle that can never get dirty and never needs cleaning?
- Would you rather have the ability to ride long wheelies, or to drag your knee around a corner?
- Would you rather get caught in a downpour with no rain gear, or in the blazing hot sun without a cooling vest?