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
Cheap Motorcycle Seat Blog
“TCMT Motorcylce Seat Review”
To do this review, I should start at the beginning. Over a year ago, I started giving my 2018 Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra (GEM) a new look. Prior to this, I installed new ProBeam LED front turn signals, by Custom Dynamics Bells Rides MC Gear
I liked the product so much from this mod I knew I wanted to use Custom Dynamics for the “new look” build. For the next phase of the build, I planned on removing the tour pack, which meant I wouldn’t have as much lighting on the back of my bike. So, I started the project by installing the Custom Dynamics LED Fillerz https://youtu.be/H153lEAxSUQ. As with the ProBeam turn signals, the LED Fillerz were extremely easy to install and was plug and play. Unlike some of the aftermarket LED products, Custom Dynamics products, you won’t have to reprogram your bike ECM (mostly with older bikes). Custom Dynamics is truly a plug-and-play application. https://amzn.to/3MZqCOc
Next, I focused my attention on the tour pack and removing it. But I wasn’t sure if I wanted to remove it entirely or use it occasionally. So at first, I contemplated installing a quick connect to the tour pack for easily reinstalling, but I knew we were preparing to go full time in our RV and I had to consider storage. Ultimately, it wasn’t worth the money or the hassle to find a safe location in our motorcycle trailer. Deciding to store it with the rest of our possessions, I wrapped it in blankets and boxed it up to move to the storage unit in Sturgis, SD.
Because I was removing the tour pack for the new look, it meant I had to address a few things. For instance, on the stock Road Glide Ultra, the license plate and the radio antenna are attached to the tour pack. Custom Dynamics sponsored this portion of the build by sending me the ProBeam LED low profile taillight and the license plate relocation kit. https://amzn.to/364GbDQ
(I went to the local Harley Davidson for the antenna relocation kit and the chrome Kuryakyn antenna).
The Review
Another thing I need to address after removing the tour pack was the seat. On the stock Road Glide Ultra, the stock seat is a large bulky seat that has the nickname of the “Geezer Glide Seat”. Aesthetically, it looked fine with the tour pack was on, but without the tour pack it stuck out like a sore thumb. At last, the Cheap Motorcycle Seat. https://amzn.to/3CKYZnz
(Product description: This series seat is specially designed for street glide style. It can also install on Electra Glide, but we recommend you to buy the right one that will look much better on your bike. If you have questions, please contact us.
Material: Synthetic Leather+Foam+Iron+PP Plastic
Easy installation
The Bucket Seat features an integrated suspension system that protects the rider and passenger’s tailbone from harsh road impact.)
After a year and 8800 miles in the saddle, I feel confident I can give you the “Cheap Motorcycle Seat Review”. I couldn’t be happier. I paid a mere $230.00, and I honestly wasn’t expecting it to wear as well as it has. And it still looks new and feels the same as it did when I purchased it. Because the foam padding hasn’t broken down, nor has the integrated suspension system. And the synthetic leather (also known as vinyl) hasn’t faded, cracked, or torn. And the stitching is still the same vibrate blue color and has not frayed or torn.
Also, just a reminder to get your Blue Ride tickets for the 2022 Blue Ride, held on August 7, 2022. The Blue Ride is a charity ride and all proceeds will go to “Operation Good To Go” a nonprofit that helps veterans with PTSD. The third annual Blue Ride is honoring Deputy Austin Ramsey EOD 10/14/2021. Deputy Ramsey was an Army war veteran who silently suffered from PTSD and took his own life. https://bellsrides.com/product-category/blue-ride-tickets/
Motorcycle Gear
Shop at Bells Rides Moto Gear for cool motorcycle gear, t-shirts and hoodies
https://www.storefrontier.com/bellsridesmotogear
You can also find an extensive selection at https://bells-swag.creator-spring.com
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
Mesa RV Living
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,
Historical Look at The Needles Highway & The Sturgis Rally
SPEARFISH CANYON TO CRAZY HORSE
Update for The Blue Ride #ISH
The Blue Ride is a charity ride for fallen First Responders in the name of Deputy Brian Ishmael #ISH.
El Dorado County Sheriff Deputy Brian Ishmael End of Watch- October 23, 2019.
#ISH was one of our own, He worked with my husband Andy, Retired Captain Andrew Wishart of El Dorado County Sheriffs Office. Brian’s death hit us all hard, the entire community mourns together and together we honor all fallen heroes in his name #ISH.
The Blue Ride will take place during the 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2020
The Blue Ride will start at;
DELUXE HARLEY DAVIDSON of SUNDANCE.
2423 EAST CLEVELAND STREET
SUNDANCE, WY
August 9, 2020 at 10:00 am.
There will be a meet and greet/registration prior to the ride at 10:00 am, kickstands up at 11:00 am.
Nikki, “The Bombshell Biker” will be performing the National Anthem and Darryl Tolleson, “Tolleson Life” will be blessing the ride.
The route will take us on the scenic ride past The Devils Tower ending at Historic Stone House Saloon.
The Blue Ride is $10.00 per person ( 100% of funds will go to Stephen Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation) Each ticket includes two raffle tickets for a chance to win some cool Motorcycle accessories and other prizes. Provided by sponsors like McGuire Harley Davidson, Folsom Harley Davidson, Custom Dynamics, Nelson-Rigg, Rocky Mountain ATV/MC.
Charity Ride
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
https://bellsrides.com/https-bellsrides-com-product-bellsrides-stickers/blue-ride-tickets/
If you can’t make it to The Blue Ride but would like to help raise funds for fallen heroes families, you can purchase a #ISH T-shirt, hoodie or tank
https://bellsrides.com/https-bellsrides-com-product-bellsrides-stickers/blue-ride-tickets/
100% of the proceeds will go to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Tower Foundation, created after 9/11 for the families of fallen First Responders and Military members.
CHECK OUT THE STORY OF STEPHEN SILLER AND ALL THE GREAT WORK THE FOUNDATION HAVE DONE TO HELP THE FAMILIES OF FALLEN FIRST RESPONDERS AND THE FAMILIES OF FALLEN MILITARY MEMBERS RIGHT HERE.
To purchase tickets please mail check to:
BellsRidesMoto
PO Box 2174
Shingle Springs, CA 95682
Please include your email address to receive an electronic confirmation. Your tickets will be mailed within two weeks by snail mail.
Dead line to purchase The Blue Ride tickets by mail is July 1, 2020.
Thank you in advance for your participation and supporting The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation in the name of EDSO, Deputy Brian Ishmael #ISH
EOW 10-23-2019.
Bell
BellsRidesMoto