Laurie Montoya

Harley-Davidson riders featured in Momoa’s new 6-part video series called United We Will Ride

September 22, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

We went through something together and we are adapting to the new normal. It’s gonna leave a mark, and it should leave a mark like all scars do. But this a cultural reset and we will move forward in a new way, together.”

Jason Momoa is a cultural icon in recent years with memorable characters such as Khal Drogo from Game of Thrones, Conan the Barbarian, and our superhero, the Aquaman. He was even featured in this years Super Bowl commercial for Rocket Mortgage. What most readers might not know is that celebrity icon’s heart pumps motor oil and stomach starves for speed. Momoa is an avid Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider. He bleeds for motorcycles, and recently, Momoa has made it his mission to use his talents to share the best that motorcycle culture has to offer.

Momoa produced a six-part mini series called United We Will Ride highlighting real Harley-Davidson riders around the United States. While this video features Momoa’s gritty and captivating message for navigating COVID-19 and will focus on a range of riders and custom culture bike builders and their passion for motorcycling. He traveled around the nation in a van with a small crew to meet in the intimacy of their homes while they shared their stories and passion for motorcycling.

What Momoa found while producing these films is that we are bonded by our love for riding! He has motorcycles from between around 1915 and 1932 and most recently restored his Harley-Davidson with sidecar which was featured in The Late Show video with James Corden.

Mamoa was featured on James Corden’s The Late Show in November of 2019

In writing this piece I did a little research on Google and was surprised that his passion was legit, this six-part mini series isn’t the only time Mamoa is on his Harley, he is truly a devoted rider. Most recently, he was seen getting taco in the San Francisco Bay area and just meeting people on the street and being a regular guy!

We commend Jason Mamoa for his devotion to the Harley-Davidson bikes and motorcycle culture. He is a fresh face of riders making a difference in this community and we look forward to watching the next series of films. To view the first short film, click here

Video 1 – United We Will Ride

Video 2 – Randy’s Freedom for the Soul

Video 3 – Amy’s Freedom for the Soul

Video 4 – Damien’s Freedom for the Soul

Video 5 – Rowdy’s Freedom of the Soul

Video 6 – Nicola’s Freedom for the Soul

September ends the month with some great motorcycle events

September 17, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

Colorado Rider News is proud to promote and support all events in Colorado

There is nothing like riding in Colorado in the fall! Our fall colors and the change of season is closing in on us and charities and biker events that were cancelled over the summer are feverously trying to get their events in before the riding season is over.

COVID-19 in Colorado has not stopped Colorado riders from their passion of riding and helping the community. It has and always will be our NORMAL to pay for the privilege of riding and at the same time helping our numerous charities thru poker runs, bike show and great music events. Motorcycle riders are such a rare breed of giving individuals and riders always find a way to meet the CALL TO ACTION of organizations or individuals that need our help and rely on our biker dollars to survive.

As many know, I am also the President and Founder of BikerDown Foundation and our 2 events in September (Day of Rock and Can you SEE me NOW) replenished our accident fund to enable us to make sure that we can help injured riders thru the end of the year. We ask you to check out the full calendar of events and try to attend as many as you can.

So here is a list of the events that will be happening the weekend of September 19^th and September 26^th. If we missed a ride, please feel free to post it on our Facebook page and know that Colorado Rider News is here to support all things Colorado.

September 19^th-20^th

Motorcycle Depot Ride, Rally & Show – September 19^th – Hosted by Motorcycle Depot this is the 12^th annual for Adam Levy and this year the event helps Officer Alek Graham and his fight against cancer. Ride starts @ Motorcycle Depot 600 Telluride St. Aurora and registration begins at 8:30 am with a pancake breakfast. Click here for more information

Cool Biker Lunch and Rides – Tbirds Saturday September 19th

Biker Bar Support Poker Run – September 19^th – Hosted by Cool Biker Lunch and Rides. This ride is to support struggling biker bars in Colorado. Registration starts at 9:30 am at T-birds Roadhouse Click here for more information

CVMA CO-13 All Patriots Run Saturday September 19th

Combat Veterans 15^th Annual All Patriots Run – September 19^th – Hosted by CVMA 3-1’s – this poker run is a time-honored tradition and supports The Warrior NOW fund which help vets with mental and substance issues. Click here for more information

WOS Baddest Bagger Contest – September 20^th – Hosted by Wide Open Saloon in Sedalia – Event starts 12:30pm thru 4:30 pm. For more information click here

Combat Veterans CO 3-6 Annual Fall Poker Run – September 20^th – Hosted by the CMVA Front Range Chapter CO-36. This poker run benefits the Colorado National Guard Foundation & High Plains Honor Flight. Click here for more information

September 26^th-27th

All cars bikes welcome Mile High HD Parker

Cruise in Car & Bike Show– September 26^th – Mile-High Harley Parker – Come show off your car, truck, or classic bike for an old-fashioned day of fun. Free to enter. Event starts at 11am for more information click here

JerryFest Pig Roast – September 26^th – T-birds Roadhouse – Hosted by Thunderbird Motorcycle – This is the 8^th Annual roast and just a great get together with cold drinks and good food. click here for more information

7^th Annual MC-1 Honor Run – September 27^th – Columbine High School – This ride honors all law enforcement, firefighters and EMS personnel who service, and sacrifice keep our community secure. Registration is 8am-10am and you must register online, there will be no event registration For more information please visit their website click here

As always enjoy the ride, let us know what we can do better and BE SAFE OUT THERE

Laurie Montoya

Publisher

Colorado Rider News

info@coloradoridernews.com

Publisher, Colorado Rider News

BikerDown Fundraising efforts replenishes Colorado Accident Fund

September 9, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

BikerDown Foundation entered into 2020 looking forward to warm weather, new chapters in other states and the celebration of their 10-year anniversary of helping injured riders. What BikerDown faced was COVID stay-at-home orders, business/sponsorship closures, biker events being cancelled and membership and donations down by 50%. Even in May during Motorcycle Awareness month, BikerDown was forced to move their annual Look Twice Save a Life ride to September and face the challenges this summer of how to continue to help injured riders with the services that injured riders and families needed.

“COVID-19 has affected each and everyone of us in different ways and BikerDown continues to see the trickle down affect it has had on everyone. We than the Colorado riding community for its’ continued support of our Mission”
Laurie Montoya

This was an especially challenging time not only for us, but for everyone in this nation who had been laid off or lost their job because of COVID-19.

BikerDown Colorado wouldn’t have survived these months without the continued support of our sponsors Avalanche Harley-Davidson in Golden, Rider Justice and The O’Sullivan Law firm who continued their committed support of this non-profit and we will always be eternally grateful for their unbridled support to our Mission.

In the past 2 weekends, BikerDown Colorado has been a part of 2 amazing fundraising events, the August 29^th Colorado Women’s Day of Rock and This past Saturdays’ Can you SEE me NOW run. The attendance and support from the Colorado riding community was nothing like we have ever seen at our events and this community answered the call and BikerDown Colorado raised over $10,000 dollars of which 100% will go into our Colorado Accident Fund to help injured riders.

BikerDown was able to raise these funds thanks to some very generous donations of which we must give credit where credit is due.

Scott O’Sullivan and Rider Justice provided the 5-star band Lez Zeppelin as the headliner entertainment for the Day of Rock at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
Mark Miklos, Rob Tompkins, and Dirty Dogs Roadhouse provided the venue for both events and allowed us to ask for donations at the door for the Day of Rock helping us raise $2,500 on August 29^th.
Mark Miklos and an anonymous donor donated a motorcycle to be silent auctioned on August 29^th helping us raised $8,300.00 to be split with Angel Eyes Foundation and BikerDown Colorado.
Avalanche Harley-Davidson Golden Colorado provided us the venue and space to host our registration on September 5^th for the Can you SEE me NOW ride.
100 riders pre-registered for the Can you SEE me NOW ride and 150 riders attended the September 5^th event and we collectively raised over $5,000 that day to help injured motorcycle riders.

These two events and the support of the motorcycle community enabled BikerDown Colorado to replenish our depleted Accident Fund and ensure that there will be funds available for future victims and their families.

For 10-years this non-profit has run on a shoe-string budget and had more love than money! BikerDown Colorado has always met the challenge as injured motorcycle rider accidents and fatalities have increased each year. We lived in the faith and love of this riding community and have always managed to find a way to STEP UP….when a rider GOES DOWN.

I could not be prouder of being a Colorado Biker and honored to be President and Founder of BikerDown Colorado. I thank every one of you for the trust you have placed with us and we look forward to the next 10-years Our Mission never stops! We will continue to work with others to put an end to distracted driving and getting cellphones out a driver’s hands. We are working hard to bring more safety riding equipment in to the hands of riders and possibly a helmet program in 2021

Local Colorado Business Owner Inducted into the 2020 Sturgis Hall of Fame

September 8, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

I had the distinct pleasure of being invited to attend the 2020 Sturgis Hall of Fame breakfast to watch my dear friend and mentor Vicki San Felipo, founder of Road Guardians be inducted in the Sturgis Hall of Fame. It is quite an honor for a woman rider to be recognized by your peers for such a prestigious award in this industry. You quickly realize upon arrival that you are witnessing a part of motorcycle history and that there are so many riders/business owners that have given their lives to the sport of motorcycle riding and fight every day to make the industry better.

Midway thru the breakfast a familiar name was announced. Arlin Fatland owner of 2 Wheelers motorcycle shop, Denver Colorado. I quickly rushed up there to be front and center to see one of our own Colorado business owners be inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame. Here is a little background about Arlin.

He owns and operate one of the few original, independent motorcycle shops that have held firm to their traditions over the decade with 50 years in the same location. Innovative from the start, 2 Wheelers became known for carrying the newest components, manufacturing their own after-market parts, and their catalog since the 1970’s.

Arlin also build custom choppers and his bikes are regularly featured in magazines. He has been attending Daytona and Sturgis every year since the 1970’s too and has opened stores in both locations to fulfill the needs of riders.

Arlin has also worked with the Hamsters for over 40 years in various charity efforts industry wide. The story of 2 Wheelers and Arlin is one of steady, consistent, and humble industry engagement fueled by an unabashed love of motorcycle and riders.

He was incredibly humbled by the roar of the crowd as he walked up to speak, and after he thanked the Hall of Fame and others that had helped him get there, he turned to his 30 year life-long partner, the back bone of the business and the back bone of ME, and in front of everyone asked Donna Malfin to marry him. Our congratulations to Arlin, Donna and look forward to another 50 years of 2 Wheelers being a staple in the Denver motorcycle riding community.

Navigating Constant Change

August 4, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

I keep believing things will get BETTER!

As we enter into August, it hits me our community is 5 months away from Christmas and the cold/flu season. I along with others keep hoping we can close our eyes and it will be 2021.

There isn’t much good news to report this month, as the events that we anxiously await for in August are canceled or so modified that you aren’t sure they are worth going.

Sturgis 80th Rally is in a few days and as President of BikerDown, I head there each year to help in the event an injured Colorado rider needs me. Make no mistake, I have a ton of fun, but it is good for riders to know that if you have an issue or problem, BikerDown will be up there

So here are some updates on upcoming events that we all count on each year.

Ride for Life First Responders Poker Run – July 11th is CANCELED FOR 2020. This event helps first responders with resources for their mental health and suicide prevention.

Cripple Creek Salute to American Veterans – August 21-23 – CANCELED, We spoke to Jim Wear of Pro-Promotions and there is a great article this issue to give riders an updated information.

Colorado Women’s Ride – August 29th is CANCELED – City of Golden informed the organizer that due to COVID, that they would not issue a permit for the 2020 ride.

UPDATE – Organizer Susan “Bubbles” Risky is working with Rider Justice and Dirty Dogs Roadhouse to continue to help the community and on the 29th they will host a Day of Rock with suggested donations going to BikerDown Foundation to help injured riders.

Can you SEE me Now – Look Twice Ride – September 5th – Normally this ride is held in May during motorcycle awareness month, but due to the shut-down rescheduled this ride for September. You can pre-register by going to www.bikerdown.org.

6th Annual Hornbuckle Foundation – September 12th – This event is put on by the Hornbuckle Foundation and supported by the Sober Souls, MC & Dirty Dogs Roadhouse. Proceeds from this event will be used to help those suffering from substance use disorder to assist them with sober living and recovery coaching. For more information and updates please go to www.hornbucklefoundation.org

We are still unclear what the future will hold for weekly bike nights and other charitable rides. Colorado Rider News will keep you updated as we get more information.

Lastly, we have updated our Biker Owned Business (B.O.B.) page with some new business that bring more diverse products and businesses to our page. It has always been my hope that riders would look to our B.O.B. page when you need a service done, keeping those biker dollars within our community.

As always enjoy the ride, let us know what we can do better and BE SAFE OUT THERE

Laurie Montoya, Publisher Colorado Rider News
info@coloradoridernews.com

10 Teams Compete: Customized Wheelchair Competition

August 4, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

2020 has been one of the most challenging years for any non-profit or small business owner with COVID-19 hitting our community here in Colorado and nationwide. As Executive Director of BikerDown, my job is to get as creative as possible with fundraising activities and I believe that this wheelchair competition shows how a small non-profit can think outside the box.

BikerDown is planning our first medical equipment drive and fundraiser through an exciting contest where competing groups submit customized wheelchairs for prizes. All attendees of the event are encouraged to clear out some storage space and donate gently-used medical equipment to BikerDown so that we can replenish our equipment and help even more injured bikers.

September 5, 2020

On September 5th at the Can You SEE me Now motorcycle awareness ride, 10 teams of motorcycle clubs, riding groups and bike builders will show just how creative they can get with a standard wheelchair and present their final customized wheelchair in bike-show fashion Teams will compete for prizes and trophies and the coveted People’s Choice award. BikerDown has brought in 3 great judges to judge the competition and the attendees at will vote for their favorite teams’ wheelchair.

This is a new innovative way to add medical equipment to our arsenal to help injured riders. An injured rider will never be charged for medical equipment from BikerDown. A motorcycle rider recovering never wants to be in a wheelchair, but when we bring them these tricked out chairs, they always have a smile on their faces because they know it was created with love and respect.

Thank you to Rider Justice for continuing their sponsorship of the Look Twice Save A Life Ride and for helping with our medical equipment drive here in Colorado buy buying wheelchairs for this competition. (Also, at the Sept. 5 event, Rider Justice will be drawing for the winner of the Honda Monkey!)

The Original Wheelchair Competition

The wheelchair competition was 1st launched in February by our Las Vegas BikerDown Chapter to build inventory for this start-up chapter. Executive Director, Cerah Venturo and Dazzlin 2-wheel division Manager from Vegas sponsor Full Throttle Law created a tremendous event and brought the motorcycle community together to make this a fun event with a DJ, food and a medical equipment rodeo. Not only did the chapter have 10 amazing chairs at the end of the day, but the community donated so much medical equipment, that they had to rent a 26 ft. U-Haul to get it to the storage garage.

BikerDown is celebrating our 10th year of helping injured motorcycle riders and hosts the National chapter. It is our hope that the Colorado riding community will come out on September 5th, enjoy a great ride, and share our hope to do everything our community can to help injured motorcycle riders with their recovery.

We still have a few spots available for this competition, if you are interested, please contact Laurie Montoya: laurie@bikerdown.org.

If you have any gently used medical equipment, bring that equipment Saturday, September 5th to Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and donate it at our collection area.

BEST OF THE BEST: Semi-finalists

August 4, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

In the July 2020 issue, Colorado Rider News brought back the BEST of the BEST contest. We are publishing the 3 top semi-finalists in each category here and will have a 2nd round of voting that will go until August 25th.

We have a 200% increase in voting this year and CRN was really surprised by some of the results in each category.

Here is how the semi-finalist voting round will work. Each top three contenders will receive voting pads so that customers can manually place their vote for the BEST of the BEST. You will still be able to vote online and thru our Facebook page. On August 25th, we will gather all the votes, and total up the winners. Awards will be presented on September 5th at the Look Twice Save a Life Ride at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse in Golden.

Vote in the semi-finalist round right now!

Here are your Top 3 semi-finalists in each category (note these are listed in no order):

Best Breakfast

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
Wrigley’s Chicago Bar
Takoda’s Tavern

Best Burger

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
The Piper
Wheelz Bar & Grill

Best Pizza

Stagecoach Saloon
Wrigley’s Chicago Bar
Wide Open Saloon

Best Tattoo

West Side Tattoo
Mile High Tattoo
Celebrity

Best Chicken Wings

The Piper
Dirty Dogs
Stagecoach Saloon

Best Bloody Mary

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
The Piper
Wide Open Saloon

Best Craft Beers

The Yard House
Dry Dock
105 Brewery

Best Bartender – Female

Shannon Dirty Dogs
Stephanie – Jake’s Roadhouse
Kara – The Piper

Best Bartender – Male

Matt – The Piper
Darrin – Dirty Duck

Best Dealership – Harley-Davidson

Mile High Harley
Rocky Mountain Harley
Avalanche Harley

Best Dealership – Non-Harley

Sun Enterprises
Tri-City Cycle
Peak Honda World

Best Dealership – Independent

Motorcycle Depot
Motorado
Wicked Influence

Best Service

Motorcycle Depot
Thunderbirds
Wicked Influence

Best Rally/Event

Freedom Fest
Vets Rally – Cripple Creek
Thunder in the Rockies

Best Local Biker Band

Guild of Ages
Hillbilly Demons
Brian Hornbuckle

Best Biker Movie

Easy Rider
Wild Hogs
Harley-Davidson Marlboro Man

Best Colorado Day Trip

Mount Evans
Peak to Peak
Million Dollar Highway

Best Biker Business – Retail

Renegade
The Werkes
Cycle Gear

Best Biker Business (Non-Retail)

LEM Landscape
Dirty Dogs
Colorado Rider News

Best Sewer

Lydia Sewing
Laurie Sew Just Sew
Renegades

Best Bike Night

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
Wide Open Saloon
Avalanche Harley-Davidson

Best Biker Patio

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse
Wide Open Saloon
The Piper

Best Biker Bar

The Piper
Wide Open Saloon
Dirty Dogs Roadhouse

What is Independence Day?

July 9, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am usually not at a loss for words, but I was literally at a loss for words about what to write about this month. I have spent the past 2 days trying to write something that was inspirational or educational about the meaning of Independence Day in 2020. After, much thought, I realized I am not main stream media. There is already to much about this on social media, and you can hardly turn on the TV without having to endure news breaks or daily briefings. Friends and family are suffering right now, and many readers are on the front-line fighting this virus or have been financially affected by the shutdowns.

Colorado Rider News is supposed to be fun and informative. However, it makes it hard to add that content, when almost every ride or event in our monthly schedule is based on COVID-19 or the current state of the protestors and rioters.

We care about this powersports community, the small businesses that we go to for parts, service, food/beverage, our places that we call home which are now completely changed and struggling. The doors may be open, but it will take months if not years, for recovery from this first shutdown.

So here are some updates on upcoming events that we all count on each year.

Ride for Life First Responders Poker Run – July 11th is CANCELLED FOR 2020. This event helps first responders with resources for their mental health and suicide prevention.

Cripple Creek Salute to American Veterans – August 21-23 – we spoke to Jim Wear of Pro-Promotions and as of the time we went to press, Jim stated that we are still a GO for the August event. There will be some changes that we will post as we get closer to the ride. For more updated information please go to www.theveteransrally.org

Colorado Women’s Ride – August 29th is CANCELLED – City of Golden informed the organizer that due to COVID, that they would not issue a permit for the 2020 ride.
*******UPDATE – Organizer Susan “Bubbles” Risky is working with Rider Justice and Dirty Dogs Roadhouse to continue to help the community and on the 29th they will host a Day of Rock with suggested donations going to BikerDown Foundation to help injured riders.

Can you SEE me Now – Look Twice Ride – September 5th – Normally this ride is held in May during motorcycle awareness month, but due to the shut-down rescheduled this ride for September. You can pre-register by going to www.bikerdown.org.

6th Annual Hornbuckle Foundation Poker Run – September 12th – This event is put on by the Hornbuckle Foundation and supported by the Sober Souls, MC & Dirty Dogs Roadhouse. Proceeds from this event will be used to help those suffering from substance use disorder to assist them with sober living and recovery coaching. For more information and updates please go to www.hornbucklefoundation.org

We are still unclear what the future will hold for weekly bike nights and other charitable rides. Colorado Rider News will keep you updated as we get more information.

Lastly, we have updated our Biker Owned Business (B.O.B.)page with some new business that bring more diverse products and businesses to our page. It has always been my hope that riders would look to our B.O.B. page when you need a service done, keeping those biker dollars within our community.

As always enjoy the ride, let us know what we can do better and BE SAFE OUT THERE

— Laurie Montoya, Publisher
Colorado Rider News
info@coloradoridernews.com

Gov. Polis orders bars and nightclubs to shutdown again

July 9, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

Just when you think you can live with the NEW NORMAL for our biker bars and restaurants, things can change faster than you can blink. We have all watched our local biker restaurant bars like Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and others have 2 weeks of profitable business, thereby giving them the revenue to restock depleted supplies and beverages. These establishments have revamped their indoor dining, purchased more tables and chairs to amplify the number of customers they can serve. All their staff are wearing masks, and on most tables you will find bottles of hand sanitizer in the event you need to clean your hands or re-sanitize.

“We have spent more money than we had adhering to the requirements of state and city government to open a few weeks ago and are prepared to seek whatever legal remedies are available to remain open.”
Anonymous bar owner

On Tuesday, June 30th, Gov. Jared Polis again ordered bars and nightclubs to close amid rising coronavirus cases. It appears that Colorado has taken a step back in its reopening. COVID-19 infections have increased for two straight weeks and in particular, the rise is growing among younger Coloradans. Public health officials have attributed that increase, in part, to parties, protests and travel, while the governor also credited the uptick to bars and clubs — where it can be difficult to practice social distancing.

“Whether you personally go to bars or not, just understand that they are important for many people in our state… but there is not a way that we have found for patrons to be a reasonably a safe distance apart.”

The question is what does this mean for our local biker restaurants and bars? I spoke with 2 bar owners in Aurora and Golden who said that if they have to shut down completely again, they possibly will not survive another 30-60 day shutdown. One owner who asked to remain anonymous stated, “we have spent more money than we had adhering to the requirements of state and city government to open a few weeks ago and are prepared to seek whatever legal remedies are available to remain open.” They also stated that they cannot afford a possible lawsuit against the state, but if it is the only way to survive, that they will not go under without a fight.

Colorado Rider News will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Diann Barton and Russell Fox “A True Biker Wedding”

July 9, 2020 By Laurie Montoya Leave a Comment

On June 27th, I had the distinct honor and please of attending the biker wedding of Diann and Moonshine. COVID or no COVID, this couple was determined to not let the virus impede on their nuptials.

The ceremony was officiated by Rob, co-owner of Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and Diann and Moonshine were surrounded by all of their biker friends, family and probably a few hundred more that just wanted to wish them well.

We wanted to share this day with those that might not have been able to attend and to give them forever memories. Diann and Moonshine mean so much to BikerDown, #2Wheels4Meals, Dirty Dogs Roadhouse and the biker community.

On behalf of the Colorado motorcycle community, we wish you both a life filled with happiness and joy!