Respect for Cuts, Colors, and Vests

We do a lot of sewing on of patches at our store, and take pride in making a vest part of a person's identity. That's really what it is - what you are on the inside represented on the outside. Sometimes it's specific to lone wolf people who just have their own thing going on, and other times it's specific to a motorcycle club. Formal motorcycle clubs (MCs) often have their own person who does their patch sewing, a person they can trust, because like I said, it's not just apparel, it's part of a person.

Whatever the case, whoever the person, the vest is treated at all times with respect. Think of it this way. A vest, and if you're in a club it's most likely called a cut, is like an outer skin; it is a part of the wearer. You don't touch it without approval, just like you wouldn't just touch some woman's boobs or some man's penis. Get approval!

You'll see that some formal MC members will remove their cuts before getting into vehicles (when not on their bikes). It's a sign of respect. Informal clubs may keep theirs on; no disrespect is meant, it's just a difference in rules based on the club or group. I've heard that when hugging a club member that you shouldn't touch the back patch if one is there - know who you are hugging.

So, back to the sewing and getting patches placed. Remember that your vest is you. I've sewn on patches and club colors for MCs, RCs, and informal groups. You can bet your ass that I take it seriously. And for those not in a formal club, I work to make your patches have meaning through placement and theme. Again, YOU have meaning, and so should your cut.

~ Stitchblade 

We're Engaged!!!

A little late on the announcement, but we got engaged - in the store - December 30th!!! It was a surprise, an oh so good surprise! 

Winter Riding, Oops, Writing

A great thing happened in December. We got in touch with the Keystone Motorcycle Press (KMP) to place an ad for  the store. Next thing we know - and a few emails later - Marilyn was writing a story for the KMP about our store, Freedom Thirteen Cycle! How sweet is that? It was published in the January issue. We are so honored and proud. 

Since 1988, KMP has been owned and operated by a husband and wife team. It has updates and articles about motorcycle life in Pennsylvania, and some of eastern Ohio. Check out the next issue. We get copies each month so get one when you stop at FTC!

Fly Your American Colors

Don't be fooled by those who think the 13-star colonial flag is not a US flag. It is. And it is so important to American history. 

Our store gets its name from the original thirteen colonies who won their freedom from the British. Did you know that only 3% of the colonists fought in the revolution?

Sometimes big things happen in small numbers. We believe in standing for freedom; our good buddy does too!

You Will Heal

Sometimes when you have a friend go down on his bike, you imagine the worst. Luckily, our friend Mike stayed strong through a bad time after his bike accident in August and healed feom head, arm, and face wounds, and a broken collarbone. So did his bike! He just got it back from Warren Harley-Davidson and all of us couldn't be happier!

The Thing To Do

The big thing to do at Freedom Thirteen Cycle is to take pictures, quite often with the Silver Knight. Here are some recents. 

Random Rides & Spooky Nights

We've been riding day and night whenever we can, eeking out what's left of riding in 2015. Last Sunday five of us on three bikes hit the backroads around 9PM. It was cold. In full leathers (except for tough guy Vinnie), we went out into the darkness via downtown Sharon. Winding and cold, the roads surrounding the dam were pitch black. We encountered one deer. 

With no time to waste, the next day we rode again. This time we went to find the Volant VFW where a benefit is to be held for our friend Evil Eddie who has stage 2 lumphoma. 

Spooky nights? Nancy's Middlesex Tavern had a rockin' Halloween night party. Somethings were creepy:

Some were jazzy DJs:

Who is this?