Live from Mt. Rushmore on Independence Day
Voyage Jacksonville Magazine “Meet Bells Rides”
Meet Bells Rides
Today we’d like to introduce you to Bells Rides.
Hi Bells, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am an avid motorcycle rider and have been riding since I was nine years old.
After retiring in April 2021, my husband and I sold our small ranch in Placerville, California, and became full-time RVers. We travel full time in our forty-foot RV with an enclosed trailer attached to haul our motorcycles. As we travel, I document our adventures, both with the RV and the motorcycles on my YouTube channel, “Bells Rides Moto”.
So far, in the last six months, we have crossed the United States three times. This year, we are slowing down a bit, staying locations of interest longer to explore the area more in-depth before moving on to the next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Selling your home and moving is always a challenge, but when you lived in one place for twenty-five years, it’s an even bigger hurdle. With the full-time RVing, there have been a couple of obstacles to overcome.
During the first month, I was a crew member and rider of “The World Record Poker Run” to beat the Guinness Record for the longest motorcycle poker run. The plan was for my husband to follow in the RV for my support vehicle and sleeping accommodations. On the second day of the eight-day challenge, my husband got a flat tire.
Normally, it wouldn’t have been an issue, but with Covid, the supply chain affected his ability to get another tire. Ultimately, caused me to leave without him and try to get hotel reservations along the way,
We’ve been impressed with Bells Rides, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What I’m most proud of is a charity motorcycle ride (The Blue Ride) I host every year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Each year we honor a fallen law enforcement officer, 100% of the proceeds raised donated to non-profit organizations.
During the 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the 3rd Annual Blue Ride, we are honoring El Dorado County Deputy Austin Ramsey (EOW October 14, 2021). Deputy Ramsey was a U.S. Army Ranger and a combat Veteran who silently suffered from PTSD. The proceeds of this year’s Blue Ride will go to Operation Good To Go, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans who suffer from PTSD or who are homeless.
I also have a web-based “Motorcycle and RV Gear” store, www.bellsrides.com. The products on my website I have either used personally or have done research with other users of the product.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
On my website www.bellsrides.com, you can choose from shopping at my online store for Motorcycle and RV gear to custom t-shirts https://bells-swag.creator-spring.com/listing/blue-ride-2022?product=1121
or purchase the blue ride tickets https://bellsrides.com/https-bellsrides-com-product-bellsrides-stickers/blue-ride-tickets-2021-taraosullivan/
or simply donate to the blue charity. You can also sign up to receive my blog post and vlog updates.
Contact Info:
- Email: bellsrides@gmail.com
- Website: www.bellsrides.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellsrides/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellsGear/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellsride
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BellsRidesMoto
- Other: https://www.storefrontier.com/bellsridesmotogear
Image Credits
Bells Rides Moto
PTSD is Real-Blue Ride 2022
I have been preparing new designs for “The 3rd Annual Blue Ride” collection.
Each year has meant so much to me, but this year is even more meaningful. Not necessarily because the loss was greater, but this hero needed our help and we didn’t even know it.
PTSD, for anyone, is a demon difficult to fight, but it is a battle that can be fought in the open.
For Law Enforcement Officers, it’s a battle most commonly kept to themselves for fear of losing their livelihood, their careers.
Unfortunately, this happened with Deputy Austin Ramsey. He was a combat veteran and served in the Afghanistan war. Then, as a rookie deputy, he silently fought the demons of PTSD.
This year, I dedicate the Blue Ride design to Deputy Austin Ramsey.
The Blue flag represents Austin as a blue brother, the Eagle represents his military service as an Amy Ranger, and the shield represents he was a protector both at a far and near.
https://bells-swag.creator-spring.com/listing/blue-ride-2022?product=1121
The Blue Ride is a charity ride held on the first Sunday of August, during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The 3rd Annual Blue Ride proceeds will go to “Operation Good To Go”, a nonprofit that helps Veterans with PTSD or who are homeless.
Tickets are $10.00 per person. With each ride ticket purchased, you receive two raffle tickets, and this year there will be an auction for some great prizes.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. Learn more800-273-8255
How to Remove Harley Davidson Tour Pack
Part 2 in a series of a new look for my 2018 Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra.
I remove the tour pack and install a relocation antenna kit.
I also have a chrome Kuryakyn antenna https://amzn.to/3c5GsqR on the way as along with a cool seat https://amzn.to/2Y09gbR for the finishing touches of updating my Ride,
KLR RIDE- SUTTERS CREEK TO EL DORADO
Beautiful Ride Through Spearfish Canyon
EPIC RIDE TO DEVILS TOWER
Where the HELL have I been???
SNAIL MAIL & HARLEY WRECKAGE WALL ART
Motorcycle Gear That Protects Your Skin
There are a wide range of riders out there with a wide range of protective gear. Some ride with a helmet, a t-shirt, jeans and sneakers. Some ride with full leathers. Some ride with with some type of combination leather, gore-tex and carbon fiber.
Personally, I have been guilty of riding in a bathing suit, flying over highway 17 on my way to Santa Cruz. Back when the wheel was first invented and I was much younger and a whole lot dumber. So no judging! Just passing on some experience I have gained from my dumb ass life.
When skin comes into contact with asphalt, the skin is like soft cheese to a cheese grater. Your skin will loose that battle every single time.
The problem I have with protecting my skin, is I’m a California girl and our warm season is pretty long with temperatures near and often times over 100 degrees. I just want to strip down to a tank and jeans.
Fortunately, there are a lot of options on the market, here are a few to consider.
Women’s long sleeve, cut to be more attractive and a better fit with Armor by Speed and Strength. 
The cost is pretty affordable at just under $70.00 to around $140.00. To protect your skin on the lower half is just as important. Some folks think wearing jeans will do the trick and if you are lucky they might, but most cases the jeans won’t stand up to the cheese grater either. https://amzn.to/2YGbcW5
Also, by Speed and Strength.
By Maxlar Jean
For more of the Sport Touring women out there. https://amzn.to/2FI1ABr
By Scorpion EXO There are so many options now for protecting your skin but we cant forget about protecting your noggin. https://amzn.to/2U7Lyel
The Shoei is an exceptional helmet with not just the obvious cranium protection but also the long term protection, something most people take for granted. Your EAR’S! Take it from someone who wear’s hearing aids in both ears due to countless years of abuse. The Shoei is one of the quietest helmets on the market.
I often see riders who I personally know or simply watch on my favorite YouTube Channels forgetting to protect their digits (No, I’m not talking about their phone numbers) I’m talking about their hands. I use my hands for work to make a living, so I include them when I’m gearing up to ride.
Last but not least, is your feet and ankles. When riding a good pair of riding shoes is an absolute must. I prefer boots but there are tennis shoes available as well. I like the thick sole and heat resistant of motorcycle boots. To help with a number of things while riding but having a sure foot when coming to a stop and planting your foot is at the top of the list for me. The heat resistant soles are also helpful so not to melt on your pipes leaving a big mess to clean up.
I hope these options are helpful to you in protecting you on your adventures.
Enjoy the Ride
Bell
BellsRides
