Ride For Lightning

HOLY CITY SWAP.......

2010-12-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

Don't miss this.......... the swap is gonna be rad and the party even radder.............

If you have any questions let me know.

HOLY CITY SWAP

Charlseston SC - HOLY City SWAP...... Don't miss out!

2010-11-08T20:49:00.000-08:00

There's gonna be a sick swap meet in December.......... December 11th........ Perfect chance to get your Christmas (or Kwanza) presents..........

Good time, great location, food, beer, bands.......... FREE to get in and FREE to VEND............. bring some shit and make some dough....... or bring some dough and get some shit.........

HOLY CITY SWAP!!!

I want to say...............

2010-10-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

I want to personally thank everyone who came and RULED it.........

We made rad money for Lee and had a great time.........

I also want to let everyone know that the Death Science crew and the Hated of the World Crew have been at work behind the scenes holding charity raffles and making Fuck MS shirts to add to Lee's pot............. we made a little over $600 from all our efforts and are kicking that to Lee too............

Thanks again to everyone who kicked in and helped out..... it's times like this that really show what this shit is all about.

Later.

Thanks To All The Sponsors and Riders

2010-10-18T14:18:00.001-07:00

With all the help from the sponsors and folks buying raffle tickets for the prizes, along with run swag we were able to raise $725 for Lee. This is a solid chunk of cash that will help out for sure. Thanks to everyone involved we appreciate all the help and support. If anyone still wants to contribute, go over to Lee's site onesickrace.com and add a few extra bucks.

The Aftermath

2010-10-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

More photos will be coming in from various folks, but in the interim, this about sums up things...

ITINERARY....

2010-10-13T16:46:00.001-07:00

First off we are LEAVING at 9 AM on FRIDAY! We decided we'd rather be safe than sorry... so we are leaving at 9 AM SHARP! Check-in will start at 8 AM.... so, be there to get sorted out as early as you can.

WE ARE MEETING IN THE PARKING LOT OF HOOTERS

1211 13th Avenue Dr SE
Hickory, NC 28602-5178

Here is the ITINERARY.... no need to print it out as I will be bringing a copy for everyone.... but I wanted you to be able to see what's happening in advance.

See you guys on the RUN!

Later.

As always, if you have any questions drop me an email and I'll get right back to you - tim@deathscience.com

Better late than..............

2010-10-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

Got some more support packages in...............

More from Front St.

A box from Old Gold............

And a box full of goodness from Bandit Brand, The Driven and Hi-Bond.........

This is the last swag post............ we also got an amazing box from Low Side Syndicate but my phone won't let me get the shot........... just trust me when I tell you that everyone at the jam will have a copy of the East Coast's best mag - Low Side..............

Thanks again for all the SUPPORT!!!!

Online Raffle Winners

2010-10-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

Well folks, for those of you that couldn't make the run but wanted to throw down a few bucks for the cause, your efforts are now rewarded. Here is a photo of the online merch raffle along with the list of the winners in no particular order. We will be shipping those prizes out tomorrow!

Troy Richardson
Daron Gray
Greg Tucker
Jarrod Crisp
Noah Cowgill
Twisty McFisty
Douglas Parks
Steven Snyder

Huge thanks goes out to our sponsors for the Run. Without your support we would not be able to get Lee as much attention and positive cash flow that he needs to help with the MS treatments. THANK YOU!

Thought you guys might be interested...............

2010-10-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of MOST of the swag.......... there are still some packages outstanding so the pile will grow a bit...........

BUT for now you can see what's up for grabs.

Again, paypal nixed the online sales of raffle tickets BUT you can get as many as you want on the run............. and as always the proceeds are going to Lee.

Thanks again to everyone who gave and to everyone who's coming on the run.... you guys are the one's who made it happen.

Ralph is gonna post a list of the online winners later tonight!

Thanks again!

The hits just keep coming............

2010-10-11T19:35:00.000-07:00

Got a box of swag from Eternal Combustion too..............

Thanks a ton for the SUPPORT fellas!

Deluxe...... killed it............

2010-10-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

Got this SICK package from the guys at Deluxe..... man, they hooked it up.... on top of what they've already done for Lee they killed it with this amazing package of swag for the give-away pile..............

Thanks again for the SUPPORT!!!

Who DOESN'T Love LEE......? Paypal........

2010-10-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

So, it seems that your friendly monster corporation who has its' hands in everyone who conducts any online transactions pockets doesn't approve of RAFFLES.... HOLY SHIT........... so, we can't have a CHARITY (and not in the lame way - but in the help a HOMIE out way) RAFFLE to help a brother in need............... I guess they can rake you over the coals for ridiculous fees and make sure that if you sell anything you have NO control over your own account....... but no way a raffle is cool............... LAME!

So, ONLINE sales of raffle tickets are OVER!

We WILL be SELLING Raffle Tickets on the RUN............... so, don't worry you will get more chances to win.............

If you're bummed send a letter to your friends at Paypal............

Just wanted to keep you guys in the loop.

Later.

The Speed Kings - Custom Deck For Raffle

2010-10-11T07:42:00.000-07:00

Axel, Will and Jeff are going to be rockin' the crowds this weekend and here is a skate deck they put together for the Raffle. Bad Fuckin' Ass!!!!!

The Speed Kings on Myspace

HellMUTT's and AirX KILLED IT AGAIN!!!!

2010-10-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

If you don't dig this helmet you are lost............... Billy from Hellmutt's and Tony from AirX made magic happen again................. this prize is the shit...........

I'm not gonna waste any more of your time......... the pictures say it ALL!!!

THANKS for EVERYTHING Fellas!!!!

DiCE.........

2010-10-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Got some support swag from DiCE magazine as well...........

Thanks for the support fellas.........

47 Industries..........

2010-10-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

Mike from 47 Industries sent this sweet box of swag for the raffle.......... shirts, stickers, water bottles and a GRIP of Greasy Kulture and DiCE magazines..........

Thanks a ton for the SUPPORT!

Front St. Cycles............

2010-10-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

Just got this package from Craig at Front St. and man, these bars are AMAZING!

Oh, and this hat and shirt are fucking SICK!

Thanks for the SUPPORT!!!

The HAINTS hooking us up.................

2010-10-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

I also got a package from the boys at the HAINTS..... these shirts are rad as hell.

Thanks for the SUPPORT!

Violent Choppers showing their SUPPORT!

2010-10-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

Got a package from Violent Choppers..... this tank is NICE! Narrowed just the right amount with the petcock bung relocated so you can eek out that last little bit of gas...................

Talk about hooking the raffle up.......... man, whoever wins this thing with a $3 ticket is a lucky bastard............

Thanks again for all the SUPPORT!!!

Stickers...................................

2010-10-06T19:31:00.000-07:00

So, Chris from RightQuick Grapics hit me up a few weeks ago and offered to print some stickers for the run to kick in his support..... Now mind you I didn't ask.... He just wanted to get involved and help out................

I have to say I'm a sucker for stickers so I figured why not? Man, I have to say after seeing what Chris did I am amazed............... these stickers are RAD as hell and all sizes from small to GIANT..............

Thanks again for the SUPPORT!!!!

Been busy BUT...............

2010-10-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

So, I've been buried trying to tie down loose ends before the run but I thought you guys might be interested in the most recent additions to the swag pile...... They are pretty SICK!

Our brothers from Freak Out the Squares sent over a rad box full of give-away prizes............. Clarke, Mike and Joe are the real deal and have been down to help Lee out since day 1.... shit, they even had a tune-up raffle with the Hated of the World brothers at the Brooklyn Invitational..... Thanks for the swag!

Image1 is one of the best one-shot painters I have ever seen! This panel is amazing..... and as if it wasn't enough he also hit us off with some rad shirts............... I can't thank you enough...

Edit To Route Map around Clemson, SC

2010-10-04T10:16:00.001-07:00

Hey folks, we had to make a slight edit to the route as we get closer to the Saturday after party. The Twisted Spoke is just a few miles away from Clemson and they have a home football game that day. Shitty part about that is in effect, the whole city gets to be a gridlock due to traffic. Double check the map and look at the route around Clemson using highway 183 south as we hit the town of Walhalla. From there we will take 24 south east over to Interstate 85 and be on that for maybe 2 - 3 miles and then take 187 north until it intersects with Highway 28. The club will then be over on the left just south of the town of Pendleton. This should easily put us around the gridlock of Clemson. If you are coming from other directions, just be forewarned about Clemson home football games and the shit traffic.

Final destination is the Twisted Spoke, 7603 Highway 76, Pendleton, SC. Tel: 864-646-9500

Just a couple reminders....

2010-10-03T15:53:00.001-07:00

First, if you haven't gotten your tickets yet and you're going on the run you need to order them up......... while they won't sell out we still have to finalize the numbers with the camp ground.... so, if you're planning on going PLEASE go and get your tickets.

Second, if you want run swag get to it............ we want to get the most for Lee that we can............ but once the run takes off the swag is GONE....

Get your RAFFLE TICKETS.... unless you live under a rock you know that the swag pile is AMAZING..... and tickets are CHEAP..... get some tickets and sit back..... EVEN if you are NOT going on the run you can WIN. We are having an online raffle on TUESDAY October 12. All you need to do is buy a ticket (and yes, if you are going on the run you are still in on the online raffle) and sit back.... you WILL NOT get a ticket in the mail.... we are putting names in a hat and drawing... a couple days before the raffle we will post up the prize packages so you know what's up for grabs.... it's not gonna be just one thing it's gonna be a grip of rad shit for each winner.

If you are going on the run you will also get raffle tickets that we will use to have a couple drawings along the run route..... there will be opportunities along the route to buy more tickets too if you are so inclined. We will have a drawings at the first stop and at the after-party................

BOTTOM-LINE is you will get tons of chances to win the SICK swag that our sponsors have provided.

NEXT.... if you bought RUN SWAG and you are GOING ON the run you will get your swag ON THE RUN. If you bought swag and you are NOT GOING on the run you will get your swag in the mail really soon.

We will be meeting at the Hooters parking lot on the morning of the run at 10 AM to split.... you will get a run map and all the break-down there....

Have no fear we have everything taken care of..... just show up and have fun.... that's it.

If you have ANY questions let me know - tim at deathscience dot com.

Later!

HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-09-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Rhino and Indy went WAY ABOVE AND
BEYOND...............

This has got to be the raddest box of swag that I have EVER seen.......... socks, shirts, hats, trucks and a ton of stickers!!!!

Man, all I can say is Independent really HOOKED the RfL up!

Thanks for ALL THE SUPPORT!!!

How The Ride For Lightning Truly Started

2010-09-29T00:34:00.000-07:00

If yall want to truly know how the whole Ride For lightning started, take a read on my buddy Lance's blog, this posting was the impetus. Lance was tellin' me about his buddy Lee who was having a tough time with this disesase called MS and all the implications. We were just hangin' on my deck talkin' and he mentioned what Lee was going through and it planted a seed. Tim and I had been thinkin' on doing a fall run and knowing about Lee's condition furthered instilled the notion to do a benefit run to do our part in helping out. Hopefully yall are makin' the decision to either go on the run or to contribute to the cause. I know it's asking a lot, especially for a person most have never met, but folks please help us, help someone in need. All the sponsors that are sending in products and new parts are doing it, for the sake of Lee.

For the most part in life, I believe in the individual and the strength of self reliance, hello Emerson, rather than waiting for life to dictate its terms to me. If you agree or don't agree I couldn't give a rats ass, but in the here and now we have a brother in need so if ya have a few bucks or just the time to pass along a web posting that is all that we are asking for.

Ride for Lighting is something within all of us, as its the spark of life...

http://lancedawes.blogspot.com/2010/05/donate-to-lee-bender.html

Rumble In Ramona - The Last Stand

2010-09-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

Here is another event that is helping Lee Bender out. So for the west coast faction that is reading up on the Ride For Lightning, find someone to get ya in as its a private event. I will be there, so if any of yall have my cell, just give me a holler as I will be handling all the bands for the day and can most likely get ya through the gates.

Rock out to The Green Lady Killers

Get your scumbag country on with Hellbound Glory

Flat Tires - Rockin' The Run For Lightning Afterparty

2010-09-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

Flat Tires never fail to put on one hell of a country punk show. Whether it be those sweet chords and licks that are as catchy as the flu in the room full of kids or the many faces of their front man Clint, they bring it live. Here is a glimpse into the mind of the mad man Clint! Don't sleep on checking out the Loose Lugnuts, The Speed Kings and BeItTheMeans for the after party music.

Listen to Flat Tires on Myspace

Check out Flat Tires on Facebook

High Speed High Death.............

2010-09-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

Death Machine sent a rad package full of the coolest t-shirts and hats.........

Thanks again for all the support!

HEAVY...........

2010-09-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Zach has always been down for a good cause... everytime we ask he is more than happy to help out........... this time Zach has his own reasons for being involved and he really hooked it up as usual.

Thanks for all the HEAVY support!

Blood Falcon showing the RfL some love........

2010-09-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

So, the boys over at Blood Falcon were more than happy to lend a hand and support the run.... yesterday I got their swag and it is pretty RAD!

Thanks again for all the support fellas!

HOLY SHIT!!!!!

2010-09-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

Got a package from Shoe today and WOW...........

Shoe's House of Chop hooked it up with an amazing set of tank blanks he fabbed, a couple $100 gift certificates (to spend on any V-Twin merchandise since he's a rep.) and a really clean stock chrome primary cover (looks like a shovel to me)..........

THANKS for all the support!!!

Special 79 really showing the RfL some SUPPORT!

2010-09-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

So, I asked Jay to be involved with the run........we've all seen the amazing work that he turns out under the working name Special 79... I thought we might get lucky and get some parts.......... but I never expected to get this sick a prize...........

Thanks again for all the support for the RUN.............

Swag is good BUT.....

2010-09-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

Run swag from a HOMIE is even better..........

Oliver and the CUT-RATE boys are Salt of the FUCKING Earth! I never even asked them to be involved.... I knew they'd be down.........

Cut-Rate is doing it RIGHT...... check theme out and check out the swag they put on the pile..........

All I know is if you don't have a raffle ticket you're a sucker........ this pile is amazing and with the money going for the best of causes............ whatever, I'm done...... haha................. don't miss out!

Note and UPDATE from Lee.......

2010-09-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

So, today I got an email from Lee........ thought I'd share the pertinent parts.........

yea tim!! ill try not to ramble on too much, in telling the story as much as i have, ive got a good shortened version down, so check this shit out.
my old neurologist frm phoenix called me monday, as in 7 days ago. said, they were going to get me in soon if i was still interested, i said yea, how soon do you think, he said wasnt sure and that he would have his assistant call me tomorrow, last tuesday, for scheduling. cool, hung up, waited, got the call tuesday. she said they were scheduling for this wednesday, the 22nd. cool, ill be there, hows it going to work etc? i had a ton of questions all of which were answered. they are hooking it up........ well, insurance wont accept an unheard of procedure, so they wont cover it and what that allows me to do is to get the procedure done with out having all of the money saved up and the hospital will send me a bill that i can make in payments, pay all at once or whatever i want to do which is killer. get it done sooner and pay later as opposed to save save save, show up with 11 grand in my pocket and go that route. so im fucking stoked!

thanks again for all the help.... you gotta know how grateful i am for your help!

only 110 degrees today, stay up man, talk to you sooooon.... leeeeeeeeeeeee

So, the awesome news is Lee doesn't have to wait any longer.......... Still has to pay but it's not life-and-death in getting the cash before he has the treatment.... we still need to hold fast and get dough together but a little of the pressure is off because one of the goals - the main goal - is being met.... LEE IS GETTING TREATMENT!

Tar Ball Run...........

2010-09-17T13:34:00.001-07:00

This one is coming up real soon...........

If you're in the area or even if you're not check it out..........

Sneak Peak...........

2010-09-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Image1 has been working on painting a panel with one shot for a raffle prize.... take it from me his work is AMAZING........

I snagged these sneak peaks at the panel.... thought I'd share them with you guys.

Pretty RAD..............

2010-09-17T13:23:00.000-07:00

The response to this run and what it stands for has been pretty SICK.... but the thing that has really hit me is how much people want to help.... Hell, we've even been getting offers to help and swag to throw in the pile that just shows up at the door.

The local Wilmington Crew from Behind Bars hit us up with a huge package of swag for the raffle... they didn't ask for any mention..... they just wanted to help.

I want to personally thank them for lending a hand.

Now, go CHECK THEM OUT!

Thanks again fellas!

Ride For Lightning - Bands Playing

2010-09-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

The official lineup is now in for the Ride For Lightning run after party at the Twisted Spoke in Pendleton, SC. If ya can't do the run with us, surely join us for the raging after party. Check out the bands below when you get a chance. Its going to be an amazing lineup and The Loose Lugnuts will get everything warmed up around 3pm with some outlaw country. For those on the run, we have select camping and for all others hotels are just down the street.

Flat Tires on Myspace

BeItTheMeans on Myspace

The Speed Kings

Loose Lugnuts - Check out them rocking a house party

Band Sneak Peak - BeItTheMeans

2010-09-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

We have a special treat for everyone on the run and comes straight from Birmingham, Alabama. When you hear about that elusive term called "Southern Rock", well lets just say the story is about to have another chapter added with BeItTheMeans. Trust me, this is one band that is going to be around for a long time to come. Be glad you saw them on the run as next time around it might be a far larger venue...

BeItTheMeans on Myspace

More SWAG...........

2010-09-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

Got a package from FMA to add to the RAFFLE pile...........

Grant and Harpoon have plenty on their plates.... from magazines to parts to amazing paint.... these guys are plenty busy........... but not too busy to SUPPORT the CAUSE........

Thanks again fellas for the SUPPORT!

Now, go get your RAFFLE ticket for a chance to win some of the FMA goodies.......

Trail Of Tears - Part 2 of 2

2010-09-14T22:52:00.000-07:00

continuation from earlier post...

"At this point having a treaty agreed to from bribery was considered fraudulent, but since Jackson had friends in high places, the treaty was ratified, even though few chiefs had signed it and it had gone against arguments concerning the exchange of land with the tribes. Simultaneously the Cherokee had their own representatives meeting with President Madison and his cabinet, along with several senators. Chieftain Major Ridge and his Scottish interpreter Lieutenant Ross were well received by all. Since they were such a hit they actually managed to get Jacksons bought and ratified treaty rescinded.

This move by Jackson served as a unifier amongst the Cherokee, polarizing them against any treaties or removal of them from their lands. This is all well and good, but the state governments involved were of the mind that the states had formed the Union, not the other way around. IF you guys are thinking, “WTF is he talking about?” Remember this, about 40 years later, there would be a little scuffle contesting the power of states’ rights and powers versus those of the federal government, it was called the Civil War. Yeah, that scuffle.

In the short period of time that it had taken the Cherokee to become civilized according to “modern doctrine”, many white citizens felt threatened by either the enthusiasm of the Cherokee to assimilate. Or they were just holding on to severely outdated prejudices that found basis in other less “civilized” tribes or even smaller violent minority groups within those of the Cherokee. Think modern Islam and violent minor sects today.

Speaking out for the “citizenry”, state governors began taking steps to limit the power of the Cherokee tribes, specific to their own state boundaries, but would often be cited and supported when other states began taking measures against the Cherokee and other tribes. Tennessee’s governor, Joseph McMinn being a supporter of Jackson, asked for federal troops to come to the aid of his state’s citizens based on unsubstantiated threats on life and property. He went on to accuse half breed Chiefs, Major Ridge, Little John Scot, and Charles Hicks of breeding sedition and objection to missionaries teaching the Cherokee things they did not have a need to know. Stuff like English and Arithmetic, the top secret stuff.

While Tennessee was still trying to get assistance from Federal government concerning the Cherokee “issue”, Georgia decided to flex their own muscle. They began passing laws limiting the natural autonomous freedoms of the Cherokee to act on the state level and within their own lands. The laws annexed all lands belonging to the Cherokee within Georgia’s borders, voided the Cherokee constitution and all laws established there in, and pretty much voided any actions by the autonomous governments of the Cherokee council. These went hand in hand with the “Black Codes” established by state governments to restrict the freedoms of free African Americans of the day. Both these sets of laws would be drawn upon later to set up the “Jim Crow” laws after the Civil War.

By 1829 when gold was discovered in Dahlonega, Georgia, matters concerning the Natives slipped from ridiculous to absurd. With Andrew Jackson firmly in presidential office, the Federal Congress passed the Indian Removal Act. By 1832, treaty commissioners began to utilize the growing divisions within the Cherokee Nation, specifically the Treaty Party, and the Nationalist Party. For the next several years the Cherokee councils tried fruitlessly to renegotiate these treaties. Remember during this time, citizens wanting to take “free land” the Cherokee were just “squatting” on, would just break in to homes, assaulting, pilfering, and generally acting like ass clowns towards hard working people in established homes. This was just the lower every day citizens, the upper class citizens (lawyers and businessmen) sought financial gain, by purchasing the recently state claimed lands, and requiring back rent or other means from Cherokee farmers who had once again worked their lands for years.

With the failure of negotiations, the federal government stepped in to take count, collecting many Cherokee in concentration camps, and prepare the Nation for removal. On January 1, 1837 the first group of 600 Cherokee left following a land route, making it to their destination with no reported deaths, they joined the 4000-5000 Cherokee already immigrated earlier in the century. During the collection of the Cherokee, many were literally just taken out of the homes with nothing allowed to be taken but the clothes on their backs. A few lucky ones would be able to go back and pack for the impending journey or gather the few things that had personal value more than anything, but most were never able to return.

This whole time, the Cherokee leadership tried so hard to get the Treaty of Removal, rescinded, but to no avail. Instead seeing their people mustered under guard and made to stay in the collection camps, they finally capitulated and began organizing themselves to make the journey under their own autonomy rather than that of the federal governments. So they arranged for transport and lodging at certain points along the proposed routes, they also arranged for food and supplies to be left at certain points. They did allow for the escort of federal troops merely as assistance. Unfortunately, most of the time, the planned assistance would never come through, and people would be left waiting for much needed supplies to get to them in the sweltering camps of the summer, or the freezing camps of the winter. They would suffer death not from bullets and sabers, but small pox and dysentery. They would indeed shed tears with every step of this forced journey.

There is a little more to it, but I had to figure out how many high spots to this period in history there were worth sharing. Already I feel like its way long for a blog, but this is something that needs to be shared and it is not a nursery rhyme about a long walk. It’s about a forced removal of people; no matter how “legal” it was supposed to be with paperwork like treaties. The areas we will be riding through on the run are these people’s lands whether they live there anymore or not. Let’s respect it.

Story By Josh

Band Sneak Peak - The Speed Kings

2010-09-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

We are about to officially announce all the bands playing the event, so why not get started with some dirty southern street punk via Wilmington, NC. The Speed Kings are a kick ass band and all the fellas will most likely be doing the run as well with us. Dig into their sounds!

The Speed Kings on Myspace

Independent showing the RfL some love.....

2010-09-14T06:45:00.001-07:00

When I was a kid it was always the dream to ride for Indy.....

Ok, so it's not the same but I'm pretty stoked to be on the Indy site and Strange Notes......

Thanks to Rhino and Indy for getting on board with the Run and helping us make shit happen...........

Hats and Shirts are WORKING....

2010-09-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

Ralph and I sorted the shirts out today.............. AND the hats are in.........

Everything looks AMAZING........

REMEMBER $5 from every shirt and $3 from every hat goes to Lee's fund....... don't miss your chance to HELP........

HATS HERE!!!

SHIRTS HERE!!!

Cherokee Nation - Trail of Tears, Part 1 of 2

2010-09-13T11:59:00.001-07:00

After such a great story on the history of runnin' moonshine, we asked our pal Josh to do a write up on the Trail of Tears. Being that we are staying on Native land on the first night of the run and camping right beside protected trout streams we feel as if folks should know more about this area and an event that is a sad chapter in American History.

"Does anyone remember back in grade school when they learned about Columbus “sailing the ocean blue…”? Yeah me too, but later on we learned that was really on par with a nursery rhyme compared to what really happened. Columbus was really a harsh guy, who brought gun smoke, disease and death to the tribes of the Caribbean islands, while taking anything of value that was not nailed down. After doing a write up on Moonshiners, Ralph asked me to do some digging into the Trail of Tears as well, to educate others further regarding the Cherokee reservation we are camping on the first night. This is my attempt to expound upon the nursery rhyme we were all told in high school concerning such a dark part of US history. I cover three segments, involving so much more than just a forced march from the Appalachian Mountains to the plains of Oklahoma.

Before beginning, I want to just throw out a few tasty bits to wrap your brains around. The fiv civilized tribes were the Cherokee, Choctaw, Muscogee (Creek), Chickasaw, and Seminole. They were considered so because Anglo European settlers during the colonial days and early federal periods thought these tribes showed the most speed in adopting many colonial customs they found useful amongst their respective peoples. This allowed for “generally” good relations between all. The second little morsel is the definition of “Ethnic Cleansing” as stated by the UN. It is the planned deliberate removal from a specific territory, person of a particular ethnic group, by force or intimidation in order to render that area ethnically homogenous. It is usually used in conjunction with “Genocide”, i.e. Bosnian Serbs. Not to be confused with the Tutsi and Hutus of Rwanda, that was more Genocide in union with Ethnic Cleansing. I just want everyone’s attention properly focused for the next few paragraphs.

The first segment would be during the colonial days coinciding with the movement of the Ulstermen south out of Pennsylvania starting in 1730 (read my last blog entry on the History of Moon shining). At this time a rough estimate of the Cherokee had them at 20000 souls to include 6000 ass kicking warriors. Less than two decades later, they would only be able to muster 2500 scrappers to protect a total populace of 8500. This is believed to be due mostly to the transfer of diseases European settlers exposed the Natives to. The Cherokee were divided into three segments; the Lower People near the headwaters of the Savannah River in eastern Georgia, the Upper/Overhills People near the headwaters of the Tennessee River situated in the Appalachians, and the Middle People inhabiting the valleys and lower hills in between. Within these segments there were various clans, and groups which would later convolute later tribal government and political practices. Good to know the modern US is not the only nation that suffers from too many people not knowing what they want, but knowing what they do want.

The French and Indian War would kick off sometime in 1754, but like all good fights there would be a lot of trash talk and conflict to precipitate such matters. Having already had two decades of practiced trade with the English; the proposal of a fort built along the long considered settlement boundary of Long Canes Creek was well received by the Overland tribes, allowing for easy trade and a place of sanctuary for the families in case of attack. For this the Cherokee agreed to fight for the English and allow the King “sovereignty” over the land. For the Cherokee this was considered only in effect for administrative duties, not actual title to the land. Shortly after the completion of Fort Prince George, many white settlers thought the same things the Cherokee did about the Fort; a trading post and protection from attack, “Hey let’s move there!” The surrender of sovereignty had been misunderstood as title to the land, and this is where things go downhill quickly.

The French using the evidence of encroachment by the English conspired to anger the Cherokee further. Using a bordering tribe of the Creek Nation, secret meetings were held to generally piss in the collective cereal bowl of the Cherokee Nation. The English would get wind of this, and agree to parlay but also cut off the trade of gunpowder and shot to the People. This pretty much brewed up a cycle of pissedivity resulting in early 1760 of the overall middle finger towards the English Crown and violence then ensuing.

War is not profitable if done on the defense. Especially for the Cherokee as their need
for “civilized” items became increasingly acute over the following months. By the end of 1760, the need for the items but more importantly their needs for a crop to make it through the next winter caused the negotiations of peace between the Cherokee and the English. The Colonial Governors opted for being shrewd and made them wait until the spring of 1761 to begin sending in relief.

The French and Indian War would formally be closed in 1763. Hostilities with the Native Americans on the continent would still be felt during the coming months with conflicts like Pontiacs Rebellion in Michigan. Since the Civilized Tribes kept the peace below the Ohio River, the English Crown in October 1763 issued a Proclamation Line running through the Appalachians to assure the Tribes no further encroachment by settlers. During the French and Indian War there was no major loss to the Cherokee. They could still muster 2300 warriors but there dependence on trade goods had only deepened.

The next phase center around the next 70 years as the Cherokee spent their time becoming more “civilized”. They learned to speak English and get a formal education through various Christianization programs, invented their own syllabary (means “the method to write their language”, I had to look it up), draft a constitution establishing a representative government and courts of law, and generally form themselves into a mostly agrarian society. They were in fact becoming their own autonomous functioning nation in theory and practice, with all the amenities to be identified as their own Nation-State by others. The problem for the other nation lies in the fact that the Cherokee people as a whole was spread over five major states; North and South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and a few in Alabama.

While the Cherokee were busy becoming civilized, many people sought the removal of the People from what they considered now sovereign US soil. Between 1810 and 1825, treaty meetings constantly took place between the Cherokee leadership and dully appointed officials of both state and the federal government. One staunch supporter for the removal of the Cherokee People and others was Andrew Jackson. His belief was rooted in the growing sentiment that since the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, Americans should expand instead of hunker down and stay committed to their own borders, and not spread too thin their population and limited power. Jackson utilized anything in his tool box in getting the different tribes removed from land he believed to be rightfully possessed by the US. 1814 would see Jackson using the Cherokee for assistance while prosecuting the Red Stick tribe, neighbors of the Cherokee. 1817 would have Jackson, acting as a Federal Commissioner, use wholesale bribery to get as many of the Cherokee leadership in his pocket concerning tribal removal to western lands. Indeed that year a sizeable group of Cherokee would migrate willingly to north east Arkansas."

Part 2 will be posted tomorrow.

Thank You Note From Lee Bender!

2010-09-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

Let Lee tell you his story and why we are all helping him out...

road of bones from lee bender on Vimeo.

Support local music!

2010-09-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Rusty Knuckles is throwing a pretty nice party tomorrow night in Raleigh at the Dive Bar. Anybody within a 60-100 mile radius should try to attend...lots of good music! Ralph is one of the organizers of the Ride for Lightning, and the owner of Rusty Knuckles, so let's try to support our local talent!

Just so it's fresh.........

2010-09-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

The run is October 15-16.

We are meeting in Hickory, NC on the morning of October 15th and heading out... we will be heading to Cherokee, NC along the Blue Ridge Parkway... we will be camping that night in Cherokee on the reservation just down the street from the casinos.... the next morning we are heading out to Pendleton, SC for the blow-out after-party.......... ALL the details will be posted as the run gets closer but for now that's the four-corners...........

To sign up GO HERE!!!!

Also, on the RAFFLE.... we are having 2 Raffles......... one online and one in person... you buy one ticket and you are in on both so long as you go on the run.... we are gonna give at least 8 prize packages out for each of the raffles..... I have already shown some of the rad swag we've been getting.... it is only gonna get better from here............ those who win are gonna be STOKED.... and look at it like this, even if you lose your couple bucks are going to Lee to make a real change.........

Now, get on it and buy some tickets and get your run ticket........... time to live it and not read about it.

As always, if you have any questions let me know - tim@deathscience.com

Later

Mount Mitchell....

2010-09-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

The first day of the RfL we will follow Blue Ridge Parkway up to Mount Mitchell........

Mount Mitchell is the highest peak of the Appalachian Mountains and the highest peak in the eastern United States. It was the highest point in any state of the United States until Texas joined the union in 1845. The nearest higher point east of the Rocky Mountains is Harney Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

For our purposes it is really high and an amazing place to see.... some of the most amazing roads on the East Coast along with really beautiful views....

See for yourself...

Bull City Rumble................

2010-09-07T03:55:00.000-07:00

So, I totally missed out...

But Ralphie represented for the RfL............. I didn't realize the Rumble was happening til it was too late......... but Ralph went to spread the word about the Ride for Lightning and said it was a good show full of rad bikes and good people............ Hopefully some of the Ton-Up Club will be joining in on the run in October.........

Ralph took some good shots of the show as well..........

Thanks for the pictures.

DS and F MS..................

2010-09-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

So, we (me and the Death Science Crew) are a proud sponsor of the Ride for Lightning.................. we are definitely kicking in on the raffle BUT we felt like we could do more........... so here it is..................

Our HOMIE Kris designed this RAD t-shirt..............

Shirts are $15 shipped to your door (S-XL).... Lee will get $5 from each shirt.

Shirts are printed by us in house.

We are taking pre-orders now... we will start printing shirts on the 15th and print until we are done..............

If you have any questions hit me up........ tim@deathscience.com

Otherwise, go ORDER some SHIRTS!

Thanks!

Baas Metal Crafts...........

2010-09-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

Like Christmas every day............. got this package from Kevin Baas (aka Teach) the other day..............

First off, you can always count on Teach for quality American Made goods for your motorsickle...... You can also always count on him to help out whenever there's something going on related to motorbikes.........

You probably know his bikes and his parts................ but you haven't seen the package of shit he sent along for the RAFFLE...........

THANKS!

Raffle UPDATE........

2010-09-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

I've been posting the swag as it's been rolling in...........

So, let me clear a couple things up..........

First, there are 2 raffles. One online and one in-person. The tickets will all be drawn from the same pile......... if you are there then you get 2 chances to win.

Second, if you win the online raffle we will email you and mail you your prize.

Third, not buying a ticket is DUMB........ for a few bucks you get a chance to win the raddest shit out there.......... AND give dough to Lee who needs it like you need rad shit to wear/ use on your bike............

What are you waiting for??? GO GET A RAFFLE TICKET!

About the ride tickets.....

2010-09-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

There is NO paper ticket...........

You sign up and we get your info and take care of the rest.

We'll let you know the EXACT time and place to meet up for the start of the run.... then we hit it........... that simple....

We will take care of everything else.....

In the meantime, don't miss out and go ahead and sign up........ it'd gonna be the last East Coast ride for the season and it's an amazing opportunity to help Lee out.

FTW...............

2010-09-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

CO................

The boys at FTWRide Co sent over some rad goods to add to the swag pile........

Thanks for everything!

Don't sleep, the swag pile is getting monstrous..............

BDAC.......

2010-08-31T13:11:00.000-07:00

So, the boys from BDAC really put their money where their mouths are........... not only were they one of the first to sign up (and not just one but like 3 or 4 of these guys) but they were one of the first to send in swag.......... these guys are STAND UP in my book.

Thanks again for the help and thanks for adding to the swag pile...............

WOW... Just WOW!!!

2010-08-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Man, the Chop Cult did a write-up on the RfL and Lee....... I don't know what to say..... Bill and McGoo have always been good to us and this time they have topped themselves.... I know it's more for Lee than anything else as it should be but it is rad to see them take something we are putting on as seriously as we are........ on top of that I got the BIGGEST box of swag the other day.........

The guys over at the CC and Biltwell are legit and amazing..... they really put their money where their mouths are.......

Thanks again fellas, without you none of this would be possible!

Later.

More raffle RADness from Bench Mark....

2010-08-27T06:44:00.001-07:00

First off, I have to say, there are a bunch of sponsors on the run that I didn't know before we started lining shit up..... Chris from Bench Mark is one of those people..... I've seen his bike and the parts he makes but never met (even online) him......

That didn't stop him from jumping on board with the run 100%.....

It is amazing to get help from so many rad people....

The swag pile is getting bigger by the day......

Anyways, Bench Mark is one of those companies that does what they do in an AMAZING way.... their parts are always classy and under-stated......... not the typical "look at me" nonsense....... they are amazing pieces. Don't waste any more time reading my nonsense.... check out their site it is SICK!

Thanks again.....

Sponsor profile AND RAFFLE Update....

2010-08-24T04:51:00.000-07:00

So, I contacted Jason at No School Choppers about being part of the Ride for Lightning..... he said "Yes" before I could even get the question asked..... That was rad enough but when I got the box man, I was stoked......... Jason sent a ton of rad goodies that are all gonna be up for grabs in the raffles..... BOTH online in the ONLINE and the IN-PERSON raffles................... all I know is that someone is gonna hit the mother-load.......

No School is a DIY operation where Jason has taken his love for bikes and brought it to the masses...... Check it out for yourself.

Thanks again!

First up to bat on the THANKS YOUS.......

2010-08-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

We are gonna do some sponsor updates....... we want to show our love to those who have shown love to our run and let you guys know who's behind the run...... it's not just us.... without EVERY one of our sponsors we would not be making this work.......

HATED OF THE WORLD.......

I am proud to call Jason, Chris, Brian and Joe friends......

These guys are as stand-up as it gets. I could say more but I don't need to.... if you don't already know them you are missing out...............

Thanks again fellas for all the help and support!!!

Quick UPDATE.... Shirts and whatnot.......

2010-08-23T04:40:00.001-07:00

To EVERYONE who has ordered a shirt or hat.....

First off, if you are going on the run your run swag will be given to you at the run (probably at the beginning when we check everyone in)....

Second, we will ONLY have a VERY LIMITED number of run shirts and hats for sale on the run...... why? Well, because we are trying to raise money and every penny we spend, on pre-printing shirts, for example, in the hopes they sell is a penny OUT of Lee's pocket........ SO IF YOU WANT SOME SWAG GET IT NOW.......... Please.

Finally, for those of you who have already ordered swag - THANKS!!!! We will be sending it out in the next few WEEKS....... THANKS for your patience.... the response has been amazing....

Thanks again!!!

A little info.......... Where to stay before the run....

2010-08-19T11:02:00.000-07:00

Things are moving quickly......... the word is getting out.... thanks to all of you guys who have signed up already.......... we are stoked.

I have been getting a lot of questions about pre-run accommodations.... Here's the deal.... the run is gonna start in the parking lot for Hooters at 10 AM. There are several hotels/ motels in the area.... here's a list:

View Larger Map

Sleep Inn
1179 13th Ave. Dr. S.E., Hickory, NC‎
(828) 323-1140‎

Comfort Suites
1125 13th Avenue Drive Southeast, Hickory, NC‎
(828) 323-1211‎

Holiday Inn Select
1385 Lenoir rhyne blvd. sehwy 70, Hickory, NC‎
(828) 323-1000‎

Best Western
1520 13th Avenue Drive Southeast, Hickory, NC
(828) 323-1150‎

And there's a bunch more............ take a look and line one up......... we are gonna pre-party somewhere local and then head out on Friday....

The best spot looks like the Sleep Inn... letter "A" on the map... it's located directly behind the Hooters and Waffle House and it has a big parking lots.... perfect place to stand the night before, drink beers and talk about bikes.........

If you have any other questions let me know - tim@deathscience.com

Pre-run info......

2010-08-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

I will post up some local motels/hotels so that if you are coming from out-of-town you can sort out a place to stay before the run.......

Don't worry we've got you covered.

If you have any other questions feel free to hit me up - tim@deathscience.com

They're here......

2010-08-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

Got the hats and t-shirts sorted.... man, I am stoked!

Don't forget.... you can get a hat or shirt whether you go on the run or not....... $5 from each shirt and $3 from each hat goes right in Lee's pocket..............

Also, don't forget that raffle tickets are on sale..... shit is rolling in......... trust me, the swag is gonna be rad!

Raffle tickets will be on sale until October 13 for the online drawing and until the drawing takes place for the in-person raffle. You will get an email with your ticket number for the online raffle (don't worry we will also have a master list in case you lose the email) and you will get a ticket in person for the run raffle........ In the end you don't need to worry about a thing because if you win the online raffle we'll be mailing your prize out to you..... so, worst case you'll get a sick gift in the mail........ SURPRISE!

Just saw this.... It's SICK....

2010-08-18T09:23:00.000-07:00

So, I was checking out Lee's site and saw this..... it's RAD!

California DREAMIN'......

california dreamin from lee bender on Vimeo.

Moonshining History - By josh

2010-08-11T20:17:00.001-07:00

One of our pals is doing some research for folks about the routes involved in the Ride For Lightning run coming up this October 15th & 16th. For those not in the know about the south that we know and love, read on. Its quite interesting to understand about our forefathers with their trials and tribulations, and how one item in particular has made the region quite infamous. Story by Josh...

Moonshining History

The "Revenge Run" that Tim and Ralph put on back in April was a good time, no doubt about it. What made it extra special was the fact that it revolved around the stomping grounds of Edward "Blackbeard" Teach, one of the most fearsome pirates to ever swing a cutlass, swill rum, pinch the butt cheeks of saucy wenches anywhere, and generally give the finger to anything resembling any type of authority in his part of the Atlantic. The reason I knew about his level of bad assery (its a word, trust me) was that through four years of college, I managed to make it to a few classes while stuffing my hangover on the back burner. The classes I did manage to make usually pertained to History, and my favorites of those revolved around Pirates. So besides the good friends and swag I got on the last run, I got to finally see a bit of what Black beard called home.

On to the present, Tim and Ralph again decide to start up a run on the other side of the state up in the mountains a bit. Give it a theme, like the RR it had to have its own amount of kick assness ( Yes, "ass" is definitely one of the words in my verbal tool box. Not quite a hammer like "fuck", but probably more of socket wrench), and what better way to celebrate twisty roads and scenic vistas then by having a "Ride for Lightening."

It is pretty awesome if you think about it. A run to celebrate the spirit and essence of the Appalachia's captured in a mason jar. On further inspection, I realized I knew little about "'shine" and the folks who make it, besides the stereo-typical names associated with that type of enterprise, and that NASCAR can trace its roots back to moonshiners tear-assin' through the mountains evading the law. In wanting to use my research skills on a new subject, I thought it might be a good idea to give back to Tim and Ralph and kick some knowledge out to folks, like me who have no clue about "white lightening" and one of the most famous regions it comes from. So I cracked open a few books, J.E. Dabney's Mountain Spirits and Wilbur Millers Revenuers & Moonshiners and a few other sources. This is what I came up with.

To know about "Moonshiners" you have to go back to the very beginnings of this country before it could even be called such a thing. During the initial immigration push to populate this side of the pond between 1730-1780’s, the Scots-Irish out of Ulster left Ireland due to some messed up “rent” schemes. The majority of them pushed through the major ports of Boston, New York, and Baltimore to find decent farm land on the initial frontiers of Pennsylvania. Instead they were subjected to the same “rack-rent” schemes that caused them to seriously haul ass out of Ireland. They were still trying to escape the tyrannies being enforced on them from across the Atlantic and even the “civilized” trappings based along the coast. Think when your landlord screws you around during lease renewal time, only more of on a weekly basis. Leaving Pennsylvania, the Scots-Irish pushed west through the Cumberland Gap, and south down along the Appalachia.

Upon moving to areas like North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, these people found themselves having to hack a living from the land constantly dealing with toil, disease, weariness, and threat from natives, with nothing but their balls and gumption.They brought the skills of distillation along with them. I know after a day of getting my butt kicked by mother nature and everything else living in the woods, a few drops of the home brew would have definitely hit the spot.

Descriptions of these hardy people are varied and wide. One Dr. Benjamin Rush of the time, described the Scots-Irish farmers as a man who “…cannot bear to surrender up a single natural right for all the benefits of government, and therefore he abandons his little settlement and seeks retreat in the woods.” Years later Teddy Roosevelt asserted that “these Irish Presbyterians were a bold and hardy race is proved by their at once pushing past the settled regions and plunging into the wilderness as the leaders of advance.” They were considered by many to be the archetype of the American Frontiersman.

On the frontier the building block of the mountain community was the family farm. For the most part the farm was considered self sustaining. As on any farm most of the work was considered agriculture-centric, moon shining was just another part of business on the farm. As farming was so difficult, family and extended “kin’” were necessary for thriving in the wilderness. People would travel across mountains for trade and social interaction as well as agricultural support. This support net was usually relatively small. With the addition of “blood ties”, it would make a moonshiner’s network trustworthy and difficult to penetrate. This would prove highly beneficial as time went on and more settlers came into the area.

During the expansion down the Blue Ridge, distilling liquor became a way for landowners to provide a profitable means for paying property taxes; this was considered common knowledge amongst everyone throughout the colonies, and later the newly formed United States. Simple enough, right? Alexander Hamilton using this knowledge after the Revolutionary War was over, took a page right from the “redcoats” and instilled an excise tax of his own (how else were we gonna’ pay off 21 million dollars of war debt). This almost started a second revolution called the “Whiskey Rebellion” before the first revolution had barely been tucked in. Thomas Jefferson probably thought Al was a bit of an ass hat and decided to lift the tax; it would stay lifted for the next 50 years.

By 1862, another war was already raging. The “War of Northern Aggression” would not be kind to ‘shiners on both sides. Governors of most southern states knew the use of corn for liquid refreshment would have better uses for southern forces, and stated their displeasure as such. This did nothing to discount the ingenuity of the intrepid moonshiner as he would use anything that could be harvested to ‘still up a batch of moonshine. On the northern side, the renewed excise tax would have far longer lasting effects. The Act of July 1, would create the “Office of the Commissioner of Internal Revenue.” Ain’t that some shit, the IRS? Can you believe that? All started just because some guys were making a little tipple. So pretty much it was out of hand from the beginning…….awesome.

With the end of the Civil war came Reconstruction and Industrialization. The resources found in the Appalachia were suddenly ripe for the plucking. As far as the moonshiners were concerned the Act of July 1, actually helped their profits. Just think about Northern Californias marijuana farmer and how much his profit will decrease should marijuana become legal for more than just people with a prescription. Moonshiner’s could find lucrative outlets in the company boomtowns that sprang up along rail spurs that hauled away the ore and lumber being plundered from the mountains. Industrialization did not just create a stronger need for ‘shine, it also created a desire for things only to be found at the expansive company stores; matches, printed cloth, commercial dye, kerosene lamps, etc. These things all cost money, and with the effort it took to get the crop to market, all profit was sucked up by “shipping”. Imagine trying to get some unruly ass mules or obstinate oxen to drag a wagon load of corn up, and over a mountain all without trying to fall off of the damn thing. Only to be told that your work and toil is only worth “fuck all,” literally. Your wagon load of corn is only worth $10, a wagon of the “mountain dew” brings in $150. I am no math whiz, but even I get that much about economics.

With the end of “reconstruction”, when moonshining became more of a full time occupation due to the unforeseen “profitability” of the ever continuing excise tax, reasons for producing ‘shine differed amongst many; property taxes were still a concern, entrepreneurs sought higher incomes, and still fathers just wanted to provide for their children’s education. The typical moonshiner like their reasons, was just as difficult to describe; simple farmers, outcasts and criminals, even respected citizenry. Though they may be different, they did share several qualities, skill, ambition, and vigilance. They worked hard to produce in the outdoors, weathering the heat/cold of the season, always on the lookout for betrayal or the law.

When I think of these early moonshiners, I can’t but help see similarities between them and us. Not everyone who made ‘shine did so with profit in mind, neither does everyone who wrenches or rides on a bike do so to see dollar signs. The Scots-Irish settlers who were just trying to find their niche and live a way of life that was free of repression share similarities with a lot of our influences (punk rock, biker mentalities, skaters, limpnickie attitudes, etc.) as to why we ride and the methods we pursue to enjoy it today. The way settlers came together to help each other even if it was just a passerby needing a dry place to crash for the night, reminds us that each one of us on a bike is a part of this community. Even though Lee is a dude I have never met, if Tim and Ralph think he is worth helping, then I say that’s gotta’ count for something.

Next time I am gonna throw some stuff together about where our camp site is and the Trail of Tears. I hope you learned something about these unconventional people, and realize they helped pave the way for us to be original in our own right. We hope you join us on the run to celebrate the spirit of originality with the moonshine “spirit” of the Appalachians.

Joshua

All images found on google under "moonshine"

Registration is OPEN!

2010-08-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

So, here's the deal....

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

First off you know the route by now.... if not, look below.

We have lined up nearly 50 sponsors to be involved in the run.... not for the sake of GLORY but for the sake of making a REAL difference..... Lee needs some cash to help with his MS treatment and we are going to make it happen.......

Sick run on amazing roads trying to make things happen for Lee........ don't miss out!

Here's the breakdown....

To go on the run it is gonna cost you $20.... that's $15 for 2 nights of camping and all the break-down help you could ever need AND $5 going to Lee....

We are also selling run swag - EVERYONE can get swag.... you don't have to be on the run... so, if you just want to support the run and Lee then pick some up..........

We are selling shirts and hats for the run.... shirts are $15 with $5 going to Lee... hats are $10 with $3 going to Lee and raffle tickets $3 a piece or 2 for $5 with the whole nut going to Lee.........

The RAFFLES are going to be BOTH online AND in-person.... so, if you are going on the run it's 2 chances to win.... the online raffle will be a jam where you buy a ticket or 20 and sit back... if your number is drawn then we send you your prize... for the in-person raffle, we will do the drawing on the run...... Oh yeah, everyone who registers to go on the run gets one raffle ticket for FREE.......... and we are gonna be raffling off some AMAZING stuff........

There is NO registration cut-off..... you can get in up to the day we leave.... the more the merrier....

Spread the word - this run and the after-party are going to be RAD! At the end of the day the more people who know about the run the more help we are all gonna be to Lee.......... let's make a real difference.......

If you have any questions let me know - tim@deathscience.com

Thanks!

Ok........ Registration begins next week.

2010-08-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

Ok, here's the deal.....

We are gonna run an open registration with a $20 fee that will cover camping for 2 nights, chase trucks with gas (which people are gonna need) AND a $5 donation to Lee... We are also gonna run 2 AUCTIONS... one online and one on the run... tickets will be $2 each or 2 for $5 with all proceeds going to Lee. We are gonna sell run swag with all profits from their sales going to Lee as well........ and finally we are gonna print some FUCK MS shirts... once again all proceeds going to Lee.

Our goal is to get Lee to Poland for treatment..... he needs a little over 7G's.......... now, maybe this sounds like a big lump but...... let's make some shit happen..... go on the run.... buy some swag or raffle tickets... it's a couple bucks..... what's the worst you get? An amazing ride or some cool shit and a chance to HELP out! How could that be bad?

Next week we will give all details on the registration and swag for sale.... and each day we will be running a sponsor bio so you can see the amazing swag up for grabs and get a handle on all the RAD people giving up their own product to HELP Lee out..........

For now, check out this slide show of shots from the run route...... I'm telling you this is some of the most AMAZING scenery that I have ever seen..... and the roads are made to ride on a bike!

Popcorn Sutton - Moonshine Legend

2010-08-04T14:00:00.001-07:00

With the upcoming Ride For Lightning motorcycle run, we are taking a page out of history by blazing down a few infamous North Carolina mountain roads used in the hauling of moonshine. Long are the tails of racing and running shine, but a few names tend to bubble up, when it comes to the tasty swig of fresh mountain dew. Popcorn Sutton is one of those characters that legends are made of. He defied the revenuers for many years and supposedly offed himself instead of heading to prison for 10 years for making homemade liquor. I like to think that his renegade spirit is still with us as we are blanketed by culturally devoid zombie after zombie. Popcorn's story has been told in a documentary and its one not to miss.

Popcorn Sutton - The Last One - Documentary

The RUN is SET....

2010-07-31T05:16:00.001-07:00

Ralphie and I finalized the run yesterday and it is AMAZING.....

We checked out all our routes for the run and made sure everything was solid. The roads are INCREDIBLE... it's a way different ride than the Revenge Run

It's gonna be cool with the leaves changing.... the roads roll and twist..... it is gonna be SICK!

The run is gonna start in Hickory... head up to Boone and down to Cherokee along the Blue Ridge Parkway to camp for the night.......... and the campsite is RAD.... right at the edge of a fast-moving creek... Then the next day we ride out of Cherokee along HWY 28 to our final stop in Pendleton SC for a BLOW-OUT after-party........

You don't want to miss this.....

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Sponsor update............

2010-07-31T04:59:00.000-07:00

Man, again I can't say how rad it is to have so may people into getting on board with our run.............. We just added a few more amazing people to the roster........

Chopper Dave's Casting Company
REAL Skateboarts
Spitfire
Cut-Rate
Shoe's House of Chop
Dime City Cycles
47 Industries
Special 79
The BDAC
Hell Mutt's
Air X
Ryzart

By the end of next week we will have the run poster set and up............... this thing is gonna be amazing! We are gonna make some REALLY GOOD shit happen for LEE.........

Stay tuned....................

Things are moving for sure.....

2010-07-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

So, we are stoked at the response so far........ everyone we've talked to is behind the run and helping Lee 100%.... it's good to see people willing to lend a hand.... we appreciate it for sure....

The sponsor list is growing by leaps and bounds..... we've still got a few invitations out.... but for now here's the list (in no particular order)... and I know you can read the side bar but I'm gonna re-list them because I'm stoked.....

The Driven Skateboards

Freak Out the Squares

Biltwell

Low Side Magazine

Street Chopper Magazine

FMA

Death Science

Atomic Customs

Image 1

Iron Horse

Bandit Brand

Rusty Knuckles

Chop Cult

Violent Choppers

Vanguard Cycles

Loser Machine

High Speed/ High Death

Front Street Cycles

Hated of the World

Death Machine

Dice

Bench Mark

The Haints

Rigid Hips

Lords of Loud

Blue Collar Moto

Low Brow

Old Gold Garace Co.

Blood Falcon

Eternal Combustion

Born Loser

And the AFTER-PARTY is gonna RULE........... I don't want to give too much away but let me say this....... don't forget that Ralph's company Rusty Knuckles just inked a little deal with a true legend in music - Antiseen................... MORE SOON on this and the RUN........

Run tickets and swag will be on sale next week.............. shit is gonna rule........

Watch it............ it's worth it for sure.........

2010-07-22T17:00:00.001-07:00

Ride For Lightning Run Map

2010-07-21T07:44:00.001-07:00

Hey folks, got the run mostly cooked right here ye'ol google maps, have a look. Some cool spots along the way are of course the Blue Ridge Mountains and old roads that Nascar driver Junior Johnson used to run shine on. My personal highlight is to once again roll up to Mt. Mitchell, its the highest point on the whole east coast and is quite impressive. Your carbs shouldn't be an issue at that elevation, I had two of my bikes up there and nary an adjustment. As Tim was mentioning earlier the leaves will be changing and this area is about as damn close to beautiful as it can get in the fall. We will have chase trucks with us as this route is also going to be quite remote.

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It's on.......... the Ride for Lightning (October 15-16).....

2010-07-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

We’re back at it again...

We were so stoked the response to the Revenge Run was and all the friends we made that we’ve been counting the days till next year….. but why wait till next year? The Revenge Run started the year off with a bang so why not go out the same way?

The Ride for Lightning (October 15th and 16th)

Initially Ralph and I decided we were gonna do a small ride and camp jam (no sponsors and very little organization) to get back together with all the cool people we met on the RR. But recently, we both caught wind of Lee Bender and his fight against Multiple Sclerosis…… And while neither Ralph nor I know Lee personally, we figured why not help out in whatever way we can. So, we decided to do another proper run and raise as much cash to help Lee out as we can.

I got into bikes for the same reason I got into skateboards...the brotherhood. And while I don’t know Lee personally I dig what he is doing and feel a certain kinship……….. Lee was a sponsored skater (OJ, Nike, Indy…) who was diagnosed with MS in ’07…. What started as slight numbness in his hands and feet quickly became numbness from chest to toes….. his balance has been affected making skating impossible…although he can still ride a bike (some of you have probably seen his blog – onesickrace.com)…... but the real fear is that MS is a degenerative disease – so, it will likely only progress from here………. but there is hope…….. Lee has found an experimental treatment that has shown real promise in relieving the symptoms of MS and returning those who undergo the treatment to a more “normal” life………… to undergo this treatment Lee has to trek to Poland (the procedure is not sanctioned to be performed in the US)…… To do this Lee needs $11,000…….. he has raised a little over $4,000…….. so, there’s still quite a ways to go……………. And we can all help.

As for the run route, well, the two coolest things North Carolina’s past has to offer are pirates and moonshine (well, maybe not all in the past). So, it only made sense to pay tribute to NC’s deep moonshine history this time around!

The Ride for Lightning will follow some old moonshine roads through the mountains of North Carolina. The run will start somewhere near Winston-Salem, go up to Cherokee where we’ll camp for the night and then head down to Pendleton, SC for a blow-out after-party (same as last time – bands, booze, bitches…)…… same recipe as the RR except the first day will be a little shorter………… We will be riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains just as the trees are changing….. no better roads nor view in the country………….

We are gonna sell some swag and have a few raffles with all profits going to help fund Lee’s fight…………. There is also gonna be a small entry fee to go on the run which will also go to Lee………….. so, you spend a couple bucks and get to go on the run or buy some rad shit and all the while get to help Lee………… how could that suck?

Next week we’ll have all the details up on the route along with shots of the run.

For now, here's a general idea.... BUT the final route will be on small 2-lane roads and not on I-40.......

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