Indiana

Lessons to learn from Indianapolis motorcycle culture – WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather

By Matthew A. Garcia 8 months ago

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Motorcycle culture is based on life lessons. Many riders call their bikes “equalizers” when it comes to creating a community that celebrates differences.  

Jimmie McMillian, president of 317 Ryders MC, says all communities can benefit from lessons learned in the motorcycle community. “It is it’s very much about freedom. It’s all about being who you are. By day, I’m a lawyer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. … This freedom allows me to enjoy this and that. I don’t feel like there’s a separation.” 

During a time when most the country had to be apart for the coronavirus pandemic, the motorcycle community thrived on riding together and still being socially distant.  

Brett Johnson, owner of Northbilt Customs, said it’s the sense of community that those who do and don’t ride can learn from.

“Sometimes, you’ll see the bikers are a little tough and so on and

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A look inside motorcycle clubs in Indianapolis – WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather

By Matthew A. Garcia 9 months ago

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Many times they are heard before they are seen. The impact of motorcycle clubs is like a quilt of culture. Each motorcycle club, or MC, for short, has a persona of its own with a structure, a voting body and a purpose.

Jimmie “Tac” McMillian is the president of the 317 Ryders MC.

“317 Ryders MC is a motorcycle club founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, in November of 2002, focused on allowing people to come together and enjoy the sport of motorcycling through traveling throughout the country, and also through serving our community through a variety of community service projects that we have done,” McMillian said. 

 MCs have officers, hold meetings, pay dues and some even have nonprofits, as the 317 Ryders do.  

“We are pretty deep. We’re around 60 members, which is pretty large for a motorcycle club. We are so proud of the fact that we

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A growing sisterhood on wheels in Indiana’s motorcycle culture – WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather

By Matthew A. Garcia 9 months ago

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A group quickly growing inside Indiana’s motorcycle culture is having an impact in and out of the motorcycle world.

Women are becoming a vital and influential part of motorcycle culture.

Jimmie “Tac” McMillian, president of the 317 Ryders MC, takes pride in women serving in leadership roles in the motorcycle club. “If you’ve ever been on the road with a woman and you pull up to the light, there’s a little girl sitting in that car. … The way they respond, just over-the-top eager, banging on the window waiting. So excited. It’s special.”

317 Ryder member Kim “All Out” Dennis said the sisterhood of hitting the pavement is rooted on being fiercely confident and free. “I have learned how to just be a family. I’ve learned bike tips right into care for your clothing, tips, fashions. We’re a family when it comes to our kids when

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Motorcycle business booms on legendary Gasoline Alley in Indianapolis – WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Indiana Weather

By Matthew A. Garcia 9 months ago

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis is known for its racing scene.

In the Marion County town of Speedway, one street is home to some of the most amazing stories and experiences in the motorcycle world. The legendary street is home to many racing vendors, motorcycle shops machinist parts suppliers. Gasoline Alley is home to daredevils, hard workers and dreamers, including the owner of Northbilt Customs, Brett Johnson.

“I got into motorcycles when I was a kid. I was 11 or 12 years old with a dirt bike and always wanted to be an entrepreneur,” Johnson said. “Honestly, when the pandemic started my business was less than a year old. I was primed for failing. (My business) grew! It doubled in size. During the pandemic, motorcycling was one of the few things that people could still do. This is not normal for a city. Actually, I would challenge you to find more

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