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3rd Annual Colorado Rider News BEST of the BEST Contest is ON

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By Colorado Rider News

Colorado Rider News is bringing back our BEST of the BEST contest.  This year has been a year of recovery for our biker-owned business who survived the pandemic.  Biker-owned companies are just getting back on their feet, and we want to honor them for their hard work. 

CRN had such a great response from previous years, and we have added and eliminated some categories to keep it interesting.  This year, you can vote daily instead of one time per round to really up the competition.

Here is how the contest will work.  The survey/contest is on our Colorado Rider News Facebook page (click here)and our website www.coloradoridernews.com.  Vote daily and vote often.    On October 24th, we will tally all the entries and pick the top 3  semi-finalists and post them online and in the November 2021 issue.  You will then have another 30 days to vote again for the 3 finalists in each category.    Awards will be presented in January 2021. 

2nd Anniversary of the Passing of Mark “Munky” Berman

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By Laurie Montoya

In October 2019, our community lost our friend Munky at the hands of a murderer named Alberto Calcurian. The loss to our community resulted in one of Denver’s most significant celebrations of life in recent memory.

For Munky’s family and friends, this started the beginning of the criminal aspect of Munky’s death, and 2 years later, those family members and friends still have no justice. Calcurian’s legal counsel pleaded that his client wasn’t mentally capable of standing trial, and after a mental health exam, he was committed to some mental facility, and to date, there has been no update since February 2020

Munky’s children received almost nothing from his estate that could ever replace their father, everything that they held valuable was taken from them that day, and that was their father.  I am happy to report that Munkys 2nd love was his motorcycles, and his beloved bike can and will always be at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse in Golden, where it will be a constant reminder of a friend take from us all too soon.

That was the beauty of Munky, he lived life by his own rules, and no one defined who he was. He only cared that a biker was on the side of the road. Whether you were an independent rider, sportbike, Harley, group, or club, Munky would always be there to get you & your bike safely off the road.

On the 16th, at the 4th anniversary of Dirty Dogs Roadhouse, Colorado Rider News will be giving out candles to light and remember our friend Munky Mark. We encourage everyone to bring a photo, and let’s honor our friend with a drink and solo salute in the air.  Munky, I am sure you will be watching!

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse – Celebrates 4-year anniversary October 16th

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By Laurie Montoya

When Mark and Rob ventured into the transformation of our beloved Susie’s bar, no one could have imagined the Dirty Dogs Roadhouse that it is today.  A biker bar that is more to us than a bar to catch a quick drink, grab a bite to eat, and hit the road again.  Dirty Dogs Roadhouse is our HOME. 

There hasn’t been a time in the past 4 years that I haven’t walked in and saw someone I knew who said hello.  It reminds me of the TV show Cheers back in the day when Norm would walk in, and everyone said, “Hey Norm.”    It is a place where everyone knows your name, and if you are riding alone or feeling lonely, you can ride up to Dirty Dogs and see someone you haven’t seen in years and melt the stress of live away.

In 2017, so much work went into the first wave of renovations of the original Susies’ building neglected and renovated by others for years.  It would require more than repainting.   Dirty Dogs had to have a certain biker flair but keep the same vision of the Susie’s we loved.  The biker community didn’t disappoint and supported and packed Dirty Dogs from the moment that it opened.

In late 2017-2018, came Mark and Rob’s vision to create an outdoor patio area that could accommodate the overwhelming number of riders coming in on the weekends.  For months, customers would go just to watch Mark, Bart & Rob doing the improvements themselves, and you could see the excitement each week as another intricate piece of wall or concrete was poured.

In 2019, the 3rd wave was the outdoor stage area that would enable Mark & Rob to bring bigger entertainment and host multiple riding events simultaneously.  The 4th wave was the upper parking lot to allow more riders and vehicles to park safely.

Dirty Dogs is also where most in our community will start or end their charity rides or hold our parties.  Dirty Dogs Roadhouse is also where we have mourned the loss of the bikers that we have lost over the years.  Munky Mark was taken from our biker community 2 years ago, and it was standing room only as we laughed, cried, and remembered a life that was taken from us too soon!  Mark and Rob ensured that Munky’s beloved bike will forever be displayed at Dirty Dogs for his years of service to the community and love and friendship to all of us. 

The history and biker memorabilia around the bars leave no open space, and there is always something that takes us back to a time when Freedom of the Ride was FREE.  Dirty Dogs brings the best entertainment and great food, including their new BBQ trailer.

Biker bars like this are rare, and for Dirty Dogs to have not only shown impressive growth over the years (with more to come in 2022) but to have also survived the pandemic with little to no income and rapidly changing restrictions from the health department, shows their management is solid. The biker community will support Dirty Dogs thru thick and thin.

Dirty Dogs will be hosting their 4th Anniversary Birthday party on October 16th so SAVE THE DATE and Thank you, Dirty Dogs, for giving the biker community in Denver a place to call HOME! Please enjoy this 3-page spread honoring the growth of Dirty Dogs Roadhouse

Morning Stretch – Choices

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Morning Stretch
Stretch is a new inspirational writer to CRN and avid rider in the biker community

I believe that what we get out of life is what we’ve set ourselves up to get, so there’s no such thing as an inconsequential decision. Our destinies are the culmination of all the choices we’ve made along the way, which is why it’s imperative to listen hard to your inner voice when it speaks up. Don’t let anyone else’s noise drown it out. We should assume every event has significance and contains a message that pertains to our questions…this especially applies to what we used to call bad things…the challenge is to find the silver lining in every event, no matter how negative.

Life is filled with unanswered questions, but it is the courage to seek those answers that give meaning to life. You can spend your life wallowing in despair, wondering why you were the one who was led towards the road strewn with pain, or you can be grateful that you are strong enough to survive it. If I meet with a disappointment, the sooner I know it, the more of life I will have to wear it off.

If you had started doing anything two weeks ago, by today you would have been two weeks better at it. In case you never get a second chance: don’t be afraid!  And what if you do get a second chance? You take it! The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, to the fullest. Do what matters, now. When you’re a good person on the inside, nothing in the world can change that about you. negativity is the result of one’s lack of self-confidence, self-worth, and self-acceptance.: If you can’t accept yourself, then certainly no one else will. Live your truth. Express your love. Share your enthusiasm. Take action towards your dreams. Walk your talk. Dance and sing to your music. Embrace your blessings. Make today worth remembering! 

Stretch

Do You Know What a Blue Halloween Buck Means?

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Article Contributor: Nichole Zamora

It is almost that fun time of the year when kids dress up in their favorite costumes and go door to door chanting “Trick or Treat“! If you’re lucky, you will get a “Thank you” before they zoom off to the next house, giggling and checking their buckets to see what they got.

What about the kids who show up at your door and do not have a costume on? Or those that show up to your door and do not say “Trick or Treat” or “Thank You”? What do you do when kids that aren’t small kids, but still are waiting for you to drop that piece of candy in their bucket? 

It’s possible that an adult child or quiet child might have autism and be non-verbal.  If a trick or treater comes up with a blue Halloween bucket, do you know what that means?  We live in a different time, and we need to all become more aware that trick-or-treaters at your door may have different needs.

Alicia Plumber started an amazing trend in 2018 for her 20-year-old son BJ, who was autistic and non-verbal, just by a social media post:

Whether you’re out and about this Halloween or staying home to hand out sweets to well-costumed kiddos, you might spot a blue pumpkin today — whether it’s a plastic version used as a sweets-holder or carved and sitting outside someone’s home. This isn’t just a fun style choice. A blue pumpkin symbolizes autism and will be carried by trick or treaters to signal that they may have certain needs.

“This trend seems to be gaining momentum. As the general public becomes more aware of it, we think it could be a wonderful way for kids —the little ones and the bigger ones—to participate in Halloween festivities without the judgment that they sometimes face in social situations,” Wendy Fournier, president of the National Autism Association, stated in a recent Newsweek article.

For those who choose to use them, the blue buckets could provide a subtle, dignified way of alerting people that this child or young adult may not be able to make eye contact, or tolerate wearing a mask, or even say ‘thank you’, but they certainly deserve to enjoy the fun of Halloween as much as everyone else,” she added.

“1 in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASDs begin in childhood and tend to persist into adolescence and adulthood. While some people with ASD can live independently, others have severe disabilities and require life-long care and support,” the World Health Organization (WHO) reports.

Halloween’s history is for adults and children of all ages to have a night of fun, so keep the true spirit of Halloween and just give from your heart and have a variety of treats, even some available for kids that can’t have sweets.

Endurance Ride – Cool Biker Lunch and Rides Completes 1.5k Riding Challenge

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By Stormy

Cool Biker Lunch and Rides motorcycle group announced another challenge that they are hosting!  You have to ride 1,500 miles in 36 hours.  The ones that completed the 1K last year were invited to inaugurate the 1.5K in 1.5 Days challenge before it opens up to the rest of the group.  The participants were: Dave Setter, Stephen Gonzales, Steve Wilson, Rachel Baldwin, Ed Collins, Jason Ennis, Austin Prather, Kristi Strother, and myself.  Jason Massey and Steve Skalski did their 1K challenge the same day and joined the 1.5K challenge.  The route was from Watkin, CO, to Corpus Christi, TX, to spend the night and head back to Amarillo, TX.  We reached 1,500 miles near Snyder, TX, and pulled over to document it and stop the clock.  We celebrated in Amarillo over steaks and drinks at The Big Texan Steakhouse.

After I did the 1K last year with Krisi Strother to Sturgis and back, I told myself that was the last time I would do that again.  It was exhausting both mentally and physically to the point where I found myself needing to talk out loud to stay awake.  But I am glad I did this 1.5K challenge. It feels great that I can accomplish something only a few people can do.  There is no one way to measure it or weigh it, but feeling accomplished is so closely tied to our needs, desires, ambitions, and drivers that it becomes a personal achievement.  I know a lot will not understand why we, motorcycle enthusiasts, do these kinds of challenges, but we do, which is all that matters.  

Stephen Gonzales

“It sure sounded like fun after completing the 1k in a day last year.  Just like last year, after about 5 hrs. I’m wondering  what I was thinking.   After a few lost items, a check engine light, a small mishap that temporarily put one person on pause, and a couple of fill-ups, all was good.  We had taken our places in line and commenced on our trip.  Great guidance, leadership, and teamwork helped us get through it with two small celebrations of completing another 1k under 24 hrs and then the milestone of 1.5 k in under 36 hrs.  A great trip, can’t wait for another one.”

Jason Massey

“So people going for a 1K or a 1.5K challenge should be experienced riders.  It will challenge you mentally and physically.  Hydration and whatever the individual needs to stay focused are important during the ride.  5-hour energy drinks are beneficial.  Would I do this again?  Yes, absolutely!”

Kristi Strother

“The Limit

I thought I would sleep better the night I got home from a 1.5k challenge motorcycle ride. We traveled over 1,500 miles in a day and a half. My body was tired, exhausted. I tossed and turned all night, thinking about my adventure, our adventure, of pushing it to the limit (that song was stuck in my head too). I should have slept, but the road with all its hidden treasures flashed through my brain. 

Poet T.S. Eliot once wrote: “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” 

I am grateful for this trip. I learned I could push through exhaustion. Plus, I made lasting memories with new and old friends, who also took the leap and pushed themselves to conquer the road, the heat, the endless miles.

We left at the crack of dawn, still dark, only the peering eyes of wildlife followed us down the road. We set out on an adventure, none of us precisely sure how we would do…or how our bikes would do. All we knew was that we were leaving Colorado for Corpus Christi, Texas with a full tank of gas and many early morning biker grins. 

We had setbacks, mostly flying off bikes; an ice chest full of sandwiches, bandanas flying off heads, a bungee cord, and even a helmet.

On the outside, we navigated the road like experienced warriors roaring through the Wasteland; on the inside, each of us had our reason for taking part in the challenge. For some, it was to put their feet in the ocean, others to beat a record; I didn’t want to pass up seeing a part of our great country that I have never seen before. Yes, the merciless sun was relentless. Gallons of water drank, too many to count. But the hundreds and hundreds of miles of green hills, golden valleys, peaceful lakes, and unspoiled panoramic views kept me aching for more. Even the long stretches of interstate, staring at the parched land and decaying houses, kept me intrigued. Who lived there? Why did they let the house fall apart?

Colorado. Oklahoma. Texas. We kept moving. Time slowed. 

I enjoyed seeing gallant horses throw their heads up as we thundered by picturesque farms; I loved the wide-eyed looks of wonder from young kids in the back seats of mini-vans, and I was touched by the show of solidarity other bikers gave as we passed through towns and even on the highway. It may seem like a simple ‘biker wave,’ but the symbolism of safety never left me. It’s a good feeling to be home… and that we all got home safe! 

In the end, it doesn’t matter why each of us took on this challenge.  But I have to admit I do feel stronger. Sleepy but stronger. I pushed myself more than I ever have before. I learned a lot. Saw a lot. And I am grateful for my 1.5k friends who helped me find out how far I could go!

So put me on a highway

Show me a sign

Take it to the limit

One more time”

Steve Wilson

“This trip was many months in the making for me.  I’ve been planning to do a 1500 mile trek and tried to find destinations to go to.  My brother’s house, for example, is 1530 miles away from mine.  When Ed started planning this trip to Corpus Christi and back, I was excited.  About a month prior, I decided to bring my son, Gummy Bear, with me.  My wife and I lost him on 4 November 2017.  I brought his urn and made a little bed with his stuffed puppy in one of the fairing compartments.  He was as snug as a bug in a rug.  Having this memory with me made it all worth it.  Sure, I was hot, dirty, stinky, and tired… but I wouldn’t trade it for the world because I got to have an adventure with my first son.”

Steve Skalski

“This soul is more fulfilled after following leader Ed, and riding with the others for 1.5k miles in 1.5 days.  I expected it would be both physically and mentally challenging, and I wasn’t let down.  I couldn’t and wouldn’t have done it if it weren’t for you and my fellow riders. THANKS TO ALL!”

Dave Setter

“What a great team effort by an excellent group on a mission!  Doing this 1.5K in 1.5 days with 11 bikes with folks on a bike for 40 out of 60 hours (with over 2,200 total miles) was just awesome.  Everyone pulled together and got it done.  Ed Collins (a/k/a the great cat herder), thank you for your leadership efforts.  You made it happen smoothly despite a few bumps but most of all, you made it fun.  Thanks again.”

Rachel Baldwin

“This was a fun event; with this many people going, it was a challenge that we had stacked against us.  We rolled through, and the ride was well organized from the start, which was our advantage.  Everyone played an essential part.  I was overwhelmed with joy that morning; everyone was prompt, ready, excited, awake, and passing out goodies to one another for encouragement on this ride.  We were a team!   We were focused.  We paid attention to detail, and I was so impressed we had a way to check codes on our bike, holy cow!  Prepared is the word that comes to mind, even with reminding everyone to add roadside assistance, bring batteries for key fobs, first aid, battery jumper, air compressors, and the like. The stop in Corpus woke my senses with the chirps of the seaside birds and the gorgeous water view from our hotel window.  I was able to run into a childhood classmate at our gas stop in Comfort, named Matt Herrera; I haven’t seen him since 2002. It was all by chance!  I had no idea he worked there, dope!  We kept in great communication with each other.  Leaders took the lead when the dynamics changed, and we all accomplished this great task together!  Thanks for this great opportunity!  What a ride!”

Ed Collins

“Bike is ready, and I am ready; everyone is ready!  And away we go into the dark morning, eleven bikes in formation headed for the Gulf of Mexico.  Twenty-one hours later, we had come through fog, a 100-degree stretch, a few turns, and the best McDonald’s burger I can remember to arrive at our hotel.

After the group congratulated each other on making it to Corpus Christi, we went straight to bed so we could ride 500 more miles in 36 hours.  The following morning I learned the definition of a CBLR member.  We had a member develop mechanical issues the day before; we got them a tow and safe before moving on.  I had set it up to grab parts and let the group move on to accomplish their goal.  They would have none of it – as a group, they decided to wait for me … that act of “selfless group sacrifice” set the tone for my experience.  I was honored and humbled to ride with this group.”

Austin Prather

“I broke down 550 miles into day one.  I got a tow to a motel from some cool rednecks. Then I diagnosed and repaired a broken wire to my electronic throttle body.  I rode back to Amarillo to meet with the rest of the team after they completed their mission.  I rode motorcycles, fixed stuff, met people, ate steak.  It wasn’t the worst experience I’ve had.”

Join Cool Biker Lunch & Rides on Facebook and get the guidelines if anyone wants to try this challenge.  It will be an epic experience that you will remember for a lifetime.

7th Annual Colorado Wounded Veteran’s Run

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By: Becki Bradley

September 18th was clear and warm as bikes arrived by the dozen at Takoda Tavern in Parker. Colorado Wounded Vet Run was underway. Veterans and their supporters came out to show support with their bikes, voices, and money. The 7th Annual CWVR event was underway, and the number of bikes far exceeded the previous years. It’s estimated that there were over 135 registrants for this year’s ride.  This annual event drew veteran motorcycle groups and  clubs, including but not limited to Veterans MC, Eagle Riders, Combat Vets, American Legion Riders, Marine MC, and many other

CWVR is a nonprofit organization that works year-round to raise funds for chosen honorees. Each year honorees are selected from Colorado veterans that people in the community nominate. Once selected, the board puts on fundraisers and volunteers at biker events for donations. Get Your Bike Off was held at Dirty Dogs and included vendors, an auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Serving beer at events is also a way the CWVR volunteers use to raise funds as well.

All the time and energy put into the fundraiser culminate with the actual bike run and this year’s proved great results. The Run itself is a parade route with the honorees following the flag jeep, each being chauffeured in their vehicle, making a small procession followed by so many supporting riders. The route down Hess and over to 105 in Sedalia is always a beautiful ride and anyone on the road that day knew something was going on. People honking, waving, and taking videos were all along the route that led to Highway 83 and north to The Stagecoach as the parade destination.

The ceremony is solemn and emotional. Bagpipes and the National Anthem set the tone for the day and hearing the honorees’ stories in their own words bring home what has happened in their soldier lives. It gives the bystander a glimpse into their journey from home to war and returning from the field of battle wounded. Being a part of this allows veterans and supporters alike to show a bit of appreciation and, in some cases, a proper welcome home.  

RiderJustice – Motorcycle Camping

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Motorcycle camping
Scott O'Sullivan - Founder of Rider Justice
Scott O’Sullivan

Pretty much everyone on the planet is looking to get the hell out of their homes right now. And it seems like camping is one of the most popular getaway ideas for Summer 2021. Have you seen the stories about how the National Park System is being overwhelmed? Even State Parks are facing extremely high demand for their camping spots.

But it is still totally possible to find campsites if you’re willing to be flexible. Have you tried Googling “Dispersed Camping Colorado” or “Dispersed Camping Tennessee” or “Dispersed Camping Georgia?” (You get the idea.) Basically, dispersed camping is the term used for camping spots that are outside of for-pay campgrounds. Usually, it’s free but you can’t reserve spots, so you have to show up and hope one comes available. (I recently found an open spot near Grand Lake, CO, so it’s possible!)

Clearly, to camp in a dispersed campsite, you have to be flexible. But what’s more flexible than motorcycle camping? People hauling giant fifth-wheels or trailers have a lot more to think about when they decide to go camping. (Are there hookups? Will I be able to back this thing into the spot? Can I drive through?)

Motorcycle riders have the luxury of knowing that pretty much any camping spot will be big enough for their bike.

But how do you prepare for a motorcycle camping trip? Those fifth-wheels mean that the owners can chuck just about everything and anything into the camper and take every luxury with them. (Camping snobs would NOT call that camping!) But motorcycle riders need to plan very carefully for successful camping trips.

What Do I Need to Take on A Motorcycle Camping Trip?

You have to pack light for a motorcycle camping trip. That much is obvious, right? But HOW do you do it? Well, ask yourself a few questions first: How long will you be gone? Will you be able to shop for food if you’re gone several days? Does your campsite offer any amenities? The answers to these questions will guide you through some of the details.

Here are a few tips to get you started!

  • Make sure your bike is in good condition. You should try to learn some of the basics of motorcycle repair and maintenance before you head out on a long trip. For example, practice checking tire pressure, oil levels, clutch and brake fluids.
  • Pack extra bungie cords and straps. They are just ridiculously handy. These are some great heavy duty straps offered by our friends at Brother Moto out of Atlanta, GA.
  • Pack some basic first aid supplies.
  • Bring a multi-tool that gives you what you need to work on your bike and your gear.
  • Pack clothes that you can wear multiple times and in multiple ways (ie. layers). It may be days before you can get to a laundromat.
  • Designate different saddle bags for wet clothes and dry clothes. And extra trash bags are great for transporting wet stuff.
  • Balance your gear on both sides of your bike. It is very important to pack the heaviest items close to the center of the bike.

Gear for Motorcycle Camping

You probably know by now that I’m a gadget geek. I love researching fun stuff like camping gear. Honestly, you don’t need a lot of newfangled gear to go motorcycle camping but

there are a few things you will probably need no matter where or how you camp:

  • Sleeping bag: Take a cue from backpackers and get a very light sleeping bag.
  • Lightweight camping cookware: There are some fantastic camper cook sets out there!
  • Propane canister: One small, 16-ounce canister is probably enough for a full week of campsite cooking.
  • Tent: See below.

Motorcycle Camping Tents

I can’t help myself. I fell into a rabbit hole on this topic… There are so many cool tents for motorcycles! Here are a few brands that I ended up falling in love with:

If you go motorcycle camping this summer, send Rider Justice some pics! We’d love to share your adventures on our social channels. Find us everywhere @MotorcycleRiderJustice.