Communities with a Community

Recently a local motorcycle establishment experienced a tragedy which brought the entire community together.

It was a Friday night when a patron of the establishment was forcibly removed by security. The individual removed had been causing problems with customers when security became involved. Once the individual had been removed, a member of the security staff went to his car to insure the individual left the premises. Unfortunately the removed party had other intentions.

The individual went to a car and secured a firearm. He then turned around with the intention to re-enter to the establishment. The member of security, who had been observing from inside his car, was shot by the irate individual as he attempted to re-enter the establishment.

When the individual was removed the local police were notified. Police arrived on the scene moments after the member of security had been shot. Police apprehended and arrested the individual who shot the member of security while he was sitting in his car.

In a matter of hours the incident was brought to the attention of the motorcycle community. The motorcycle community, two years before, formed CAM a non-profit organization to support members of the motorcycle community during times of need.

A Local Hero

Having been shot four times, putting his own life before the customers and employees of the establishment, Ben became identified as a local hero. The members of CAM rolled the throttle as the motorcycle community joined together to support Ben.

Ben and his family were surrounded by fellow riders offering their support. As the motorcycle community became one, the other organizations and communities within our community joined in to help. The local American Legion and V.F.W. in conjunction with Harley Davidson and local motorcycle shops scheduled a ride to raise much needed funds. Businesses, churches and charities gave their support providing resources and funds to help out the local hero.

On the day of the ride there were more than 250 riders, a police escort, and more than $20,000 dollars were raised to help with the medical bills and financial loss. This was the largest outpouring of support within our community for a fellow rider. This tragedy brought communities together while the image of motorcycle riders was changed in many minds within the community.

A Pastor taught me before anyone cares what you know; first they must know how much you care. Bens’ tragedy represents what happened within our community. The community learned about the heat of the riders, and riders learned the heart of the community. Each learned from the other, providing a foundation of mutual appreciation. A tragedy brought the motorcycle community together as various communities joined together for a common cause.

Your friend,

MotoTec-it Tim

Dirty Motorcycle? Moto-Tec-it.com

7 Fatalities

Friday, June 21, 2019 while fellow motorcycle riders were traveling to an American Legion event, their lives were lost in what is said to be the most horrific motorcycle accident on record.

The families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, their friends, and neighbors, were devastated. Our community of riders mourned, for those who served in the armed forces the loss was compounded

When we experience loss, the death of a loved one, a natural disaster, the ending of a relationship, financial ruin, we question and a time of personal reflection follows.

This became evident following this accident. While I was preparing a post for a social media platform about motorcycles I noticed a thread of fellow riders.

The topic of their discussion can be summed up by stating the individuals contributing to the thread were having doubts and questioning  if they should continue to ride motorcycles. The horrific crash which caused the loss of life of 7 fellow riders in a distant state had caused them to question if they should continue to ride.

Honestly, I have asked myself similar questions when someone I know and ride with experiences an accident. We all know life is not without risks. Motorcycling, like any other activity in life, has a level of risk. The secret is to manage the risks and ride with faith.

February 6, 2012 will be a day in my life I will never forget. It was one of those transforming moments. I had not been feeling well for several hours the night before. We had gone out with friends for dinner and an evening of entertainment. Following dinner I felt worse and decided to end the fun and fellowship early. The next morning my wife drove me to the emergency room because my condition had deteriorated. The next thing I knew I was being told I required emergency surgery.

While waiting to be taken back to surgery my wife and I had a few moments alone together. It was a time of sharing our love, telling each other the things we mean to say more often, but life gets in the way. Soon it was time for surgery.

Awaking after surgery is a good thing although those who have experienced it know of the fog effect. It was not until a day later did I understand they had to preform maneuvers to revive me due to my reaction to the anesthesia. Needless to say it was a pivotal moment in life. I had been given a second chance.

A few days later leaving the hospital my wife made the statement, “I could have been driving home a widow”.

Ask “Why”

I am convinced asking why we do, think, and believe the things we do is important and necessary. My reasoning: When you answer the why, what and how you do things matters.

Asking “why” we learn our motives. Once we learn of our motive, we are then able to determine if the consequences are worth the risk. Today society is more interested in the “who”, seldom if ever the “why”.  After a few minutes on any social media platform will validate any doubt you might have.

My wife learned to ride and scored better than I in a motorcycle course we took together. She enjoyed riding, an experience she never would have imagined every attempting. After riding for a couple of years and hearing of friends having accidents she has chosen not to ride any longer. After asking the why she rode question, she decided it was no longer her desire.

I stated earlier when we ask the why of what we do, think, and believe, what and how we do things matters.

Have you asked why you believe what you do regarding your faith.? We all have faith in something. I have faith someone will read the words I write, or else I wouldn’t write. Faith isn’t the issue we need to answer. The real why questions is why have faith in God?

Jesus while teaching His disciples through the telling of parables addressed this very question. “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:31 NIV

This bible passage reveals it is imperative we learn about the Character of God.  When we base or faith on an event or experience when the trials come happens, our faith will falter. If we learn about His Character although we encounter the trials to come, our faith will sustain us. Our faith will sustain because it is based on Gods character, knowledge, and reason.

If you are encountering a storm or trial of life you can find hope and encouragement here.

Because of our customers we are able to provide encouragement and hope through Pearls of Life.net.

Moto-Tec-it Tim

Dirty Motorcycle? Moto-Tec-it.com

Motorcycle Shows

Are you planning to attend a  motorcycle show this year? Motorcycle shows are the kickoff to another year of riding. I attended my first motorcycle show 7 years ago.

The first motorcycle show I attended was the Great Atlanta Motorcycle Show. This annual show is held in late January. If you are familiar with Georgia weather you know it is as unpredictable as a cage driver. The  weather leading up to the show was beautiful. My riding friends and I were anticipating a great ride to the show.. The weekend of the show the weather turned cold and wet. Needless to say riding to the show was not an option.

My wife and I drove to the show as did most everyone else who had any distance to travel. We entered the show beginning an experience everyone should try. Thankfully the show was well attended with lots of vendors. The two local motorcycle magazines were represented in great numbers. On the stage bands were performing while the crowd increased during the day.Work the Show

Learn and make friends

One benefit of attending a motorcycle show is meeting and getting to know the people from different resources for the products you plan to buy. Often we find ourselves in a rut using the same old products not knowing there are other options available. By attending a show you have the opportunity to talk and learn about how to and why you should buy one item versus another. The time you invest learning about your options will provide comfort and likely better results with greater satisfaction.

We met old friends and made new ones. One great thing about a motorcycle show is there is something for everyone. Organizations you would expect to be present were there including ABATE, The Patriot Guard, and AMA. CMA along with various riding groups had booths recruiting members. Of course, there were lawyers promoting their services. More importantly there were manufacturers and businesses promoting their products directly to their customers.

The Great Atlanta Motorcycle Show was my first show. After the first year we became a vendor at the Great Atlanta Motorcycle Show and the Easy Rider Show in Nashville.

Daytona The Official Start

Daytona Bike Week is the official start of the riding season. For motorsports enthusiast Daytona is where it all began. When planning to attend Bike Week prepare yourself for fun, friends, experiences, and memories of a lifetime.

Bike Week can be overwhelming. The secret to enjoying Bike Week is to pace yourself. The crowds are huge, lines are long, and the sites – words cannot give it justice. Bikes, people, music, and everything you imagine is present, just more than you imagined. One thing to consider is a short ride to and from the venue will save money and possibly a little of your mind.
Daytona Bike Week is the first, others follow. Remember you don’t have to stay the week.

Festivals

Thunder by the Bay Music and Motorcycle Festival has to be my favorite memories of a rally. It is held in Florida the first weekend of February. I remember leaving cold wet Georgia driving south. A couple hours into the drive the skies began to clear as I could feel  the warmth from the sun on my face. By the time I arrived in Sarasota the temperature was in the mid 70’s with the sun shining.

Thunder by The Bay is held in downtown Sarasota. The entire downtown transforms Friday night from business into a music venue. Saturday morning the festival opens with multiple stages and an attendance of more than 40,000. There are food trucks, vendors, artist, and motorcycles everywhere. It is truly an event I would recommend. One of the best memories I have had had nothing to do with the festival. On Sunday morning before the festival began I rode my Triumph Thunderbird to the beach. I was riding in short sleeves, no helmet, over the causeway out to the beach in February. When I think of freedom this is one of the memories that comes to mind.

Rallies

There are also club and organization rallies. These rallies are more frequent, much smaller, more focused.

Some of the rallies I have attended are: The Blue Knights LEMC, Combat Vets, Southern Cruisers Riding Club, ABATE, Christian Motorcycle Association and more. These organizations ride with a purpose having a membership of common interests. These events bring unity to the organization through riding and fellowship. Most of the rallies I attended with these organizations raised funds to help someone in need. Enjoying a weekend of fun, while helping someone else, makes these opportunities really special.

You can follow us on FaceBook. https://www.facebook.com/MotoTecit/

See you on the Open Road, Moto-Tec-it Tim

Ride and Shine

The 2019 riding season will soon be full throttle. For motorcyclists living in the South or out West riding season is never-ending. Riding all year long, detailing motorcycles becomes routine.

Routines are wonderful but limiting at the same time. They are wonderful because we are able to go through the motions without much thought or consideration. The problem with routines is we settle for what we know without realizing what we are missing.

Motorcycle detailing does not have to be difficult or take a lot of time. When washing or detailing a motorcycle becomes more work than rewarding we ride a dirty motorcycle.

When riders are asked what products they use to wash or detail their bikes their answers vary. Some Harley owners will say they only use Harley Products. When this is their answer I wonder if their routine maintenance products are all Harley-Davidson Brand. Taking it one step further, was that custom paint done at the dealership? Goldwing owners will often have the same answer regarding Honda Products. Amazingly, both Harley and Wing riders complain about the cost of the products they use to detail their motorcycles.

What is the Secret?

The secret to motorcycle detailing is using products specifically formulated for motorcycles. Using a product developed for cars can work but it may also cause damage. Cars are designed with an exterior and interior, motorcycles are not. Motorcycle wash and motorcycle detailing products must be safe for multiple surfaces.

Shine-Up Liquid is a best-kept secret. The formula will detail motorcycle chrome bumping the shine to a glisten.  It will also bring paint to a luster, bringing out all of those special specks of color. The formula provides protection to the paint and will revitalize leather without making the surface slick.

YouTube Video

What makes this product unique is the formula. The formula contains no petroleum distillates, acids or alcohol. Just a spritz of spray and a wipe with a soft cloth reveals the shine.

This is the testimony of the owner of the motorcycle in the picture:  “I thought my bike was clean and shiny….not until I used your products. It looks wet and the metallic flake has a 3D field look to it. Made in the USA IS A BIG PLUS TOO.” Van D 

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See you on The Open Road,

Moto-Tec-it Tim

Thank You

My wife Jodi and I are the owners of Moto-Tec-it.com. We are truly thankful for so very much. We are thankful for our faith, family, friends and the life we share together.

Having the privilege of business ownership is beyond words. We believe we provide awesome products but if if wasn’t for our customers we would not enjoy the life we do.

Providing products Made in America is important to us. Serving our country in the Army was both an honor and experience I will always cherish. Having the freedom of speech and religion will never be taken for granted.

We share our story to give God glory, for His providence or our faith, family, work and play. We are both honored to enjoy the roles and responsibilities we do.

Jodi is an Instructional Support Specialist helping to educate students our future leaders. Business ownership allows me to substitute at her school, to be active in our community through the Chamber of Commerce, serve as Commander of American Legion Post 57 Newnan, and we are able to share our story through our platform Pearls of Life.net.

It is because of you and the opportunities our country provides we are able to do the things we do. There are many other small business owners like us who really want to make our communities stronger and do so by their service and contributions.

As business owners we know how important each and every purchase by a customer is. This is why we make it a practice to buy from small businesses providing American made products.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Moto-Tec-it Tim

Liquid on road grime makes muck

Washing a motorcycle by spraying liquid onto the road grime on a dirty motorcycle makes muck. When the wet muck is wiped up with a dry solid cloth, the cloth traps the grime against the surface. The grime might be gone but often a residue remains.

Ultra Gloss Bike Wipes are non-woven pre-saturated wipes. The “non-woven” wipe design captures the grime in the wipe. Removing the grime from the surface before a light buffing protects the surface. The cleaning agents in the wipes (Wipe-on) with the jewelers polish remaining after the grime is removed (Wipe-off) polishes the surface revealing the shine.

Watch the video  Ultra Gloss Bike Wipes

Buy on AMAZON

Shine while riding on the Open Road,

Moto-Tec-it Tim

What Hat to Wear When

Owning and operating a small business requires someone to wear a lot of different hats throughout the day. Many business owners agree one of the benefits of business ownership is no two days are alike.

“Routine is wonderful until it becomes a rut, a grave with both ends missing.” Tim Smith

In my past career, a company I worked for hired a consulting firm to help focus the company’s sales force. During lunch, I was able to speak with the consultant inquiring how the company he worked for won the contract. I learned, during our conversation, that Roger was actually the owner of the consulting firm. His ownership of the company caught me by surprise because his business card only had the title “Consultant”. I learned that he wanted to be seen as an employee, not the consulting firm owner, believing this allowed for more honest interactions with his clients.

Roger and I were able to speak after the training and again a few weeks later. I learned from him the importance of being knowledgeable and competent in the multiple facets of a business. He taught me it wasn’t necessary for me to be the expert, but knowledgeable enough to know when I needed to hire an expert.

No one knows your business better than you. This is the first learning Roger taught me. Knowing my business I also know who needs the products or services I offer. Product knowledge is necessary for successful marketing. Marketing is creating the buzz which later results in sales. Sales done well results in profit and sustainability.

Every day I wear many hats for Moto-Tec-it.com, from inventory management to customer retention all the while developing a manageable, profitable, sustainable business and every facet in between.

Your friend,

Moto-Tec-it Tim