Welcome back to the All Riders monthly newsletter brought to you straight from the Matt Cave!
This is "4M: The Matt Cave Moto Monthly Mailer".
Pride of Ownership:
With the culmination of another year of life with the All Riders, and after one of the most successful and prolific Toy Runs we’ve ever hosted, I thought it made sense to reflect on the past six years and write a little bit about how this whole community got started, and what it means to me.
Before All Riders, I often found myself in search of someone to ride with. At the time, I had only about three or four friends who rode motorcycles, and our lives and schedules were different enough that more often than not, I wound up out on the road alone.
2008 Big Dog K9 in the shop.
Also, at that time I owned two bikes. I had a 2008 Big Dog K9, which was a production longneck chopper with a 117ci S&S motor. I also had a 2015 Ducati Diavel Dark which was my first foray into very fast bikes. I have always been a relatively indiscriminate lover of motorcycles, so the fact that the two bikes were so different was not strange to me. As a matter of fact, the vast differences between the two kept life interesting, and if I would have been able to keep the Big Dog out of the shop for any length of time, I might have maintained that particular pairing for much longer. Alas, the K9 was afflicted with some kind of mechanical ghoul, so I would have to keep dumping money into the chopper chasm of broken dreams. I wound up repairing the thing one last time, then I sold it. I was also having major problems with my back at the time (I have four bulging discs), so the 108” long, 700 lb bike was getting harder and harder to manipulate anyway. It was the confluence of the two issues that forced me to come to the realization that I had to move on. I really loved that sucker, so it was a hard-fought decision to let it go. As for the 2015 Ducati Diavel… she’s sexy as ever chilling in the “Matt Cave” sporting a fresh new carbon fiber body set.
2015 Ducat Diavel alongside the 2021 Kawasaki Ninja H2 (outside of frame: 2016 Ducati Monster 1200R) in the Matt Cave.
All that being said to illustrate that I was able to live with two very different bikes for very different reasons, and I have always found it pretty easy to find something I like about most bikes. That is why I find it peculiar when motorcycle riders get super “cliquey” and judgmental about what kind of bike other riders ride. I completely understand why you would not want to ride with the sportbike guys on your Harley, or ride with the Harley guys on your sportbike, but prejudicial attitudes never made sense to me. The style of riding (the way you ride) is personal, and the type of bike is instrumental in accomplishing your riding goals. We all know that Harleys are not designed for curve carving, and sportbikes are not designed for loafing down the freeway and chewing up mile after mile in comfortable bliss. However, aren’t we all still motorcycles riders? At the end of the day, aren’t we all bikers?
Having had two very different bikes, I would occasionally come across riders who displayed a distinct disdain for whichever bike I was riding at the time, or the opposite- only accepting me because I was on a machine similar to theirs. I’d pick this up sometimes just from riding down the road and dropping my left hand to the side with the two-fingered “peace” salute only to be snubbed by the on-coming rider. This would happen if I was on the Big Dog and the other rider was on a sportbike, or if I was on the Ducati and the other guy was coming at me on something like an Indian Chieftain. Other times it would become obvious when I’d be at the Speedway during Bike Week, or some similar locale walking around with someone who didn’t know that I also owned one of those other bikes. Sometimes a guy would start talking crap about the types of people who would ride those other kinds of bikes. He’d talk down about “those kinds of riders” and display an obvious feeling of superiority. All the while unbeknownst to him, I was also one of “those kinds of riders.”
It is funny how no matter how similarly aligned people can be (all of us motorcyclists), it is so easy for us to find ways to separate ourselves into opposing forces. Even when we talk about the thing we love to do, our hobby, our sport, our pass-time- we can figure out how to alienate others and obliterate the inherent camaraderie.
It turns out that even within the great world of two wheels, people want to discriminate against each other and vilify those that they see as different from themselves. See the irony here? Consider that the most trumpeted concept to define the experience of motorcycling is freedom. Freedom from the cage, freedom of the open road. The quintessential biker often touts the lifestyle as the unfettered freedom to be who he/she wants to be, free from societal norms, free from the judgment of the masses, free to be who he or she wants to be. Uh…yeah, sure, but you’re a douche if you ride one of those. Lol.
Sometime in and around 2016, I was carrying that around with me, and as I mentioned earlier I was looking for more people to ride with. One day, I grabbed my buddy "Cooz" and dragged him out to a toy run hosted by one of the local groups. This group was primarily composed of younger motorcyclists who rode mostly fast sportbikes. Lucky for me, I thought I was on the Ducati that day. I showed up relatively early to the meetup spot, and I wound up getting to meet the group leader and a few of the other guys. They had some nice things to say about my new Ducati, and generally speaking, they were pretty nice people. I did pick up a distinct vibe that I was the outsider, though. I was not sure exactly why, but I chalked it up to the fact that they all knew each other and that I was just a stranger to them. I filled my gas tank and milled around the gas station for a while as more and more people showed up; the majority of which were more young people on fast bikes. As the crowd grew, I felt more and more isolated. They broke down into smaller groups of individuals that had obviously already known each other. Finally, I see Cooz swing his giant Goldwing into the gas station entrance with the seasoned dexterity of a professional ballerina. This fella had been riding Goldwings for decades, and the man could handle one of those eight hundred pound beasts like it was a five-pound plastic Power Wheels. I sighed a tiny relief as I watched him roll in, thinking that finally, I could stop looking like a white-haired lost puppy. Cooz zoomed right over to me (coaxing up a small cloud of dust), slapped his kickstand down with conviction, and removed the sunglasses from his un-helmeted head.
"What's up, Buttercup?", he asked as a wide, toothy grin materialized on his face below his rosy, morning-chilled cheeks. I immediately relaxed into familiar conversation with my old friend as I gathered my gloves and helmet to prepare for Kick Stands Up.
One by one the bikes started rolling out of the gas station, imbuing the air with the intoxicating low rumble only a pack of motorcycles can generate. As the melody of motors and symphony of slung chains sauntered by, I prepared for my moment to incorporate Cooz and me into the pack. Then we were off. The ride was a good one filled with nice back road options from Deltona to Claremont. We rode from that gas station to a Sky Powersports location, then to the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant destination. I never counted the total number of bikes, but It was a robust showing. It was a long time ago, but now I'd guess maybe seventy or eighty bikes. The restaurant had tables set up for us which was apparent as they were adorned with the toy run flier. We could see them all as we filtered in. Cooz and I were early arrivals, so we picked a long table and sat down. More and more riders filtered in, but not many people seemed to want to come and sit down with the two old guys. We had plenty of room around us. Finally, the leader and a few of his friends that I met at the start of the event came into the room. I waved at them, called the leader's name, and said we have plenty of room over here. The leader looked at me for a split second, only long enough for me to know that he saw me, then looked away and walked right past us as if we did not exist. When I called out, the other guys glanced at him for a second as if to ask "what do we do, boss?", but they all wound up walking right past our table while ignoring our existence.
The experience really ticked me off. Cooz didn't seem to mind as much as I did, and I think he was chalking it up to the fact that we were so much older than the median population at the event. I wasn't so sure. I chewed on it for a while. When I first rolled in there, I was kind of amped up that I was on my Ducati because it was a fast bike like the kind that everyone seemed to have at the start location. In short order, I did get the sense that that did not matter, though. So, by the time the event concluded, I had developed a couple more theories for why Cooz and I got the cold shoulder. I started thinking that maybe, like Cooz thought we were just too old to be "cool" to these young guys and gals. Maybe that was it, but maybe not. I also started to think that maybe the Ducati was the issue. Most of these kids were riding older bikes presumably because they were young and could not afford newer bikes. Whereas I would never discriminate against someone because of the value of their bike, I could imagine that maybe some of them looked at me like I was an old, rich asshole (none of which is true, lol... well, maybe "old" anyway).
I know this sounds like a bunch of unnecessary, possibly overstated melodrama, which ultimately it is. I mean, who cares, really? So what? A bunch of kids don't want the old guys cramping their style; it really is not that important. In the end, no it is not important. However, it resonated with me, and this experience became the spark for the inception of All Riders.
I decided that if I wanted to create a way to find more people to ride with, then I might as well focus on making it an all-inclusive community that anyone who enjoys motorcycles can feel good to be a part of.
I would create a community where anyone can feel safe, feel included, be happy, and not be judged for who they are or what they ride. Hence our slogan:
As the community began to grow, I invited Cooz to become the vice-president, and I asked Monica Crandall to help with the administration of the group. My wife, Jackie was involved from an admin perspective in the beginning as well. Marcio Frederico joined the fray very early, and he carries the "003" ARMD Network card. Eventually, I created A.R.C., the All Riders Cabal. The term "Cabal" is used "tongue in cheek". Cabal has a nefarious connotation, and we are the furthest thing from a secret, clandestine faction. A.R.C. is the managing body of All Riders; the board of directors, if you will. These people are the All Riders Road Leaders as well, leading and organizing all kinds of rides throughout the year. They contribute a lot of time and resources to the group, and I really couldn't keep this thing going without them.
The OG's: Marcio Frederico and Jeff "Cooz" Cusey
Early on I made it clear that I wanted to distinguish the All Riders community from that of a motorcycle club. I wanted to do this for two main reasons. First, I feel like motorcycle clubs are often associated with illicit things, so I did not want the outside world to confuse us with one-percenters. More importantly, I did not want to be considered a club because I wanted existing motorcycle club members to feel like they could remain members of their respective clubs, and be members of the All Riders International Motorcyclist Community at the same time. I want club members to feel like they can come in-and-out of All Riders as they please. I like to think of it like this: If a motorcycle club is a planet, then All Riders is a solar system. Currently, we have a few major motorcycle clubs that I call "friends of All Riders", but they are members of All Riders and many wear our logo with their clubs' logo interchangeably. The Daytona Biker Church, the Nationaes, and the American Legion 259 Riders are just a few.
We do not only go out and have fun on our motorcycles. We host charity events and actually contribute to our local communities and beyond. We also show up in force to honor our veterans, and to contribute to the goodwill of other charity and event organizations.
The Principal Rule of All Riders:
Today the All Riders community is a robust, inclusive, safe haven for motorcyclists of all forms and their bikes of any kind. The only people who are not welcome in the All Riders community are those who are prejudiced against or antagonistic toward any person or people, particularly one that is a minority or marginalized. Fortunately, to date, we have not had to stop anyone from joining or eject anyone for violating the Principal Rule. I believe that our loud, proud proclamation of All Colors, All Creeds, All Classes serves as an armament against would-be racists, bigots, and rabble-rousers. I say: "Bring us your huddled masses... and put them on wheels".
When I show up to one of our rides, runs, or events and take a look around, what I see is diversity. I could not be more proud of this. All Riders is a community of people from all kinds of different places. Different races, different politics, different persuasions, and different lifestyles come together on totally different two-wheeled machines to enjoy their freedom to ride with zeal. We share the roads, food, stories, experiences, and our time in a crucible of motorcycling bliss. All Riders is my legacy to this complex, often disconsolate world, and I am optimistic about its impact on its members and communities beyond.
NEW LOOK:
For 2022 All Riders has a new logo with a new Latin phrase. I like to change the Latin now and then, but this year I decided to freshen up the logo as well. We have a few different versions of the logo already, so I am just adding this one and its variations to the list. I call this set of logos the "Deco Set" because I altered the logo to use "art deco" style wings. This logo is and will be available for purchase on our apparel, and there will soon be a new listing under the "B.Y.O.B (bring your own apparel)" section of the Market Place for the "Deco Logo Set". In addition, we now have a Maker's digital download set available for the Deco logos, Classic Logos, and a few others. The digital set allows you to download All Riders logos and use your Cricut, other vinyl cutters, embroidery, or silkscreen systems to make your own All Riders emblazoned apparel.
Front Pocket Deco IMC Logo
Deco-Machina Logo
Deco Sleeve Logo
Deco Wings Logo
Vita ex Machina
The new Latin "Vita ex Machina" can be translated into English as "Life from the machine." It follows our older Latin phrases: "Libertatem Daubus Rotis", Spiritus in Via", and the original: "Dues ex Machina".
The previous phrases and their translations:
libertatum Duabus Rotis: Freedom by Two Wheels
Spiritus in Via: Spirit in the Journey
Dues ex Machina: God from the Machine
What's Happening in January?
The Great GoPro-Motion Giveaway is in progress. If you want to get 2022 started off right, just purchase a commemorative decal, and you get one of only 70 entries to win a GoPro Max 360! 70 entries to commemorate the beginning of the 7th year of All Riders. You can even choose the number decal (entry) that you prefer (unless someone already snagged it). Just choose the number from the dropdown.
In addition to the GoPro Max 360 waterproof action camera, if you win, you will also receive a one-year subscription to GoPro and a 64GB Extreme Sandisk card.
AGAIN: THERE ARE ONLY 70 ENTRIES ALLOWED-We are down to around 30 entries at the time of this writing.
ARMD Network Members get an additional entry for FREE!
If you are an ARMD member and want a Free entry, add two numbers to your cart, then use coupon: ARMDFREE
ARMD Network
No sense in wasting time and money with shade-tree mechanics or fraudulent, double-dealers. These established reputable companies have contributed to our community. These are the guys and gals who understand that, while on their quest for success, they need to keep their customers happy... so that we keep coming back for more.
You can expect that the proprietors of the supporting vendors of the All Riders Motorcyclist's Discount Network are fine people who love the ride or appreciate bikes like we do, and take great pride in their "moto-centric" stations in life.
We have a new set of designs for the ARMD annual card and the ARMD Lifetime members cards available for purchase now! Remember that if you purchased an annual ARMD membership prior to now, you are due to re-up for 2022. You'll get the new design, and your membership will entitle you to all kinds of All Riders perks (including free raffle and giveaway entries) as well as discounts at our growing list of supporting vendors.
The 2022 ARMD Card
If you purchased a 2021+ Lifetime ARMD card last year, then you are good to go... no need to worry, you are a Lifetime ARMD member. If you have not, and you want in, go ahead and purchase a 2022+ Lifetime ARMD card. It is a new design, but it works exactly the same way as the 2021+ card. There are also new ARMD Membership and New Lifer t-shirts available for purchase in the All Riders Market Place.
The 2022+ ARMD Lifetime Membership card
Our January Events:
1) 1/1/22:
The Dan's Wednesday R.A.D. (Ride After Dark)
This RAD (ride after dark) is a new Wednesday night ride hosted by Dan Soucy and Dan Timonere that will be in effect until Chuck's Wednesday Ride to Nowhere returns. This ride will always start at the Shell station at the intersection of Howland & Catalina Blvd's in Deltona and will always end at OB's in Deland for their bike night. How we get there will be a mystery and we may not know until we pull out of the parking lot. The ride can last anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes depending on the weather and the route. Hope some of you will join us.
2) 1/3/22:
First Fridays Moto-Meetup: This first Friday we return to our new "usual" First Friday locale: Mellow Mushroom in Port Orange. 5790 Journey's End Way, Port Orange, FL 32127. Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. 7:00pm.
3) PAUSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
Weekday Destination Ride with Other Dan:
Unfortunately, The Weekday Destination Ride with Other Dan is on hold while Dan sorts out some medical issues. All signs point to a return to the fledgling ride line up, so don't fret. We will let you know when Other Dan is back in action.
The second half of the Sons of Danarchy, Dan Timonere has decided to take the helm in order to bring motorcycle riding bliss to those fortunate few untethered to the daily grind.
Those retired rapscallions and radical refugees from the standard workweek who are looking for that weekday fix finally get what's coming to them.
"Other Dan" will be hosting the WDR every other Monday, so be sure to mark your calendar. The route is up for grabs, and the destination unknown, so just put your riding boots on and show the f#@& up.
4) 1/9/22
Dan's 2nd Sunday Sunrise Scoot:
Hope you can join us for the second running of "Dan's 2nd Sunday Sunrise Scoot." This month we will meet at the Shell station in Deltona at 2885 Howland Blvd, 32725 at 7:00 am with KSU at 7:15 am. Our breakfast destination this month will be The Beaver Bar in Ormond Beach. After we stuff ourselves and go into a semi-coma, we will head to Flagler Beach via the Ormond Loop. From there, we will make our way down SR-11 where we will end in the parking lot of OB's Restaurant & Lounge in Deland. I hope you can join me in greeting the new day from the perch of our scoots. Dan's "2nd Sunday Sunrise Scoot"...It's Better than Coffee and Won't Make You Pee
Dan's "2nd Sunday Sunrise Scoot"...It's Better than Coffee and Won't Make You Pee...
5) 1/15/22:
Command K9 Services Presents:
Poker Run-We are going out to support Command K9 Services by joining them on their Poker Run. $15 entry fee, $5/passenger. Command K9 Services provide professional service dog training for disabled veterans free of charge thanks to donations to assist with their individual needs.
7) 1/16/22:
Matt's Full Moon Ride: January Edition:
Looks like Dan has to skip town for business, so your fearless leader will be taking over. From this day forth, January's event will be doned: Matt's Full Moon ride. We will ride in Dan's honor, and hopefully, I can do him proud. The January FMR will be on Sunday, January 16th. We will meet at 6 PM at the Shell station at the corner of Howland & Catalina Blvd's in Deltona with KSU at 6:15 pm. The route is TBD, but I promise that we will have fun
6) 1/20/22:
Third Thursday Moto-Meetup: Thursday, November 18th. As always, Third Thursdays Bike Night will be at Abbey Bar & Odd Elixir downtown Deland. Amazing staff, great beer, wine, mead, and some finger food to boot. We start at 7:00 pm.
You also get 10% off of your entire bill with your current ARMD membership card.
Check out Abbey Bar:
6) Chuck's Wednesday Ride to Nowhere is OVER! NO MORE WEDNESDAY RIDES UNTIL MARCH! The famous weekday evening ride hosted by the 'Route Master" Chuck "Magnum" Boehm has ended for the season. Chuck returns to Wednesdays in March, so keep your eyes open for more info.
Follow the link above for t-shirts, patches, membership cards, and work shirts.
Look out for another installment of M Squared: Seminole Powersports North installs some super-slick Rotobox carbon fiber rims on my Kawasaki Ninja H2.
Other Information:
As always, if you would like to check out some fantastic reviews and interviews, check out our relevant pages:
If you are new to riding or want to bone up on some group riding info or learn about how we do things at All Riders, check out:
We also link to the AMA database of motorcycle laws in the USA at All Riders 101.
If you want to learn more about or membership card program: ARMD, go here:
Please take some time and check out the rest of the site, and if you have any criticisms, ideas, corrections, or worthwhile general observations, feel free to email me at:
matt@theallriders.com
ARMD SUPPORTING VENDOR HIGHLIGHT:
EURO CYCLES OF DAYTONA came out in force for our 6th Annual Toy Run. They donated and raffled off a cleaning kit, a $100 gift certificate, and a badass Schuberth Helmet! ARMD members get either a 10% off of parts and service. Don't be shy, go in tell tell em I sent ya.
Thanks for stopping by. Rubber down!
-Matt
