NightRiders: Ride to End Drunk Driving

Paul Jr. Leads the gang

2007-01-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

Pauly Jr. Leads the gang
Originally uploaded by gamp.

Searching through the old photos, this one stood out. It's Paul Jr with the NightRiders on his scooter. He took us for a ride, where he was able to talk on his cellphone, smoke a cigarette, and get us all pulled over by the Montgomery village police, at the same time.

The Aftermath

2005-09-02T17:33:00.000-06:00

Well, we made it back to Colorado safe and sound. Now what? Now we're sending out a press release to announce the completion of the NightRiders: Ride to End Drunk Driving. I'll put up a link to it as soon as I have it out so you can forward it on to anyone and everyone you know. Ok, ok, so I'm pretty sure we didn't eradicate drunk driving, but we certainly helped spread the concept of what we do. And if we can do this every year, it can't help but cut down on the number of drunk driving incidents on America's roads. Thank you all for keeping up-to-date with the NightRiders on our ride across the country. We had a great time doing it and I hope we posted some interesting tidbits from our adventures for you to follow along with us!

-Carl

My Most Death Defying Experience

2005-08-30T09:48:00.000-06:00

This is where I get the bright idea to wear a helmet, due to several minibikes riding by me at about 50mph. Only a few inches from me, it made a great shot. However, after hearing that only the first rider could actually see me, I question my sanity.

327 trip photos on flickr

click here

A few more interesting photos

2005-08-30T09:41:00.000-06:00

We wish they sponsored us

Swimming with the ducks in Indiana

A cameraman never eats

We eat at Perkins

Kenny is scary

Finally Home!

2005-08-29T21:29:00.000-06:00

Well, 4000+ miles total we arrived here around 4:30 in the morning! Woot! Home! Actually get to sleep in my bed! And after 6 hours of sleep, I still feel the lag from the trip, the sting of the vibration of the bikes upon my hands and feet. A great nuisance this feeling is. Though we did make it cross the country driving a motorcycle that vibrates more than a cell phone that's constantly called, and on silent mode. The vibration from the bike runs along your entire body, and the feeling continues as you lay down trying to catch some shuteye for the grueling ride that you know lies ahead within the next 4-6 hours. As the days trekked and hours waned when we finally arrived within Chicago, a great rush of satisfaction flowed through most minds. It was a big city, and we finally had made it, even if we were about 2 days behind. This rush would last the next few days. Being able to get to destinations when the sun was out, able to drive around, and reap some enjoyment of our accomplishment thus far.
However, the rush we felt was quickly turned back to the rampant emotions felt through Nebraska and Illinois as we drove till 4 in the morning to get to Pottsville. Because of those emotions many felt we should just stop as soon as we got to New York, and head home. When we arrived in Montgomery and, understandably, were not given much thought as we stood outside OCC along with many fans who were awaiting someone, anyone to walk out and sign shirts, papers, or pictures. We stayed the night to try again the next days as we were asked to do by Sr. After friendly persistence, our tiny bikes, and curiosity among some of the workers, we finally were given notice and as you can see from the pictures, a friendly welcome by the stars of OCC.
On to New York, where we were pulled over enough to make us think we're some kind of outlaw driving this dinky dizzy bike here. Were we crazy? Well, every one that pulled us over said we were. We packed up the bikes, found the apartment we were to call home the next 2 nights, ate, partied, and crashed. After waking up at 12, we decided to tour the town. Seeking to see Times Square, and most importantly (for me) Ground Zero. Where I stood reflecting upon that tragic day, how my own life was going, and allowing tears of remembrance fall for those who no longer stand.
Before leaving New York, we said farewell to those who decided to end the trip there, and drove onto DC, where we arrived shortly after the sun fell. We walked up to the DC Monument and shortly after walked through the WW2 memorial. Within the memorial, for those who have not seen it, there is one pond that is still, the only ripples within the water are those made by the wind, which states, "Here we mark the price of freedom." On the back wall of this pond are 4,224 stars, which are aptly reflected within the still pond.
Colin had 2 friends walk up and meet us after we left the memorial and we ate dinner, a short break to prep us for the long trek back home.
I am unsure as to where I will post my pics, as I do have over 200 stored within this computer, it will be posted online somewhere. Many of the pics Guy has, maybe he can take care of that for me. But rest assure, they will be accessible to everyone sometime soon.

- Kenny

Huge Thanks to Orange County Choppers

2005-08-29T12:10:00.000-06:00

The NightRiders team had a great experience with everyone out at OCC in Montgomery, NY and wanted to thank them for their hospitality. Paul Sr, Jennifer, Paul Jr, Earle, Mikey, Vinnie and everyone else at OCC (in order of us meeting them), THANK YOU very much for a warm welcome. We wish you the best and will keep you updated with our status!

-Carl Grodnik

P.S. Let's not forget the Village of Montgomery Police Department, because they were definitely diligent that day also. Thanks for helping us get a great impression of Montgomery!

www.OrangeCountyChoppers.com
http://www.villageofmontgomery.org/page.php?page=5

By Request

2005-08-28T18:15:00.000-06:00

Colin

Guy

Dale

Brian

Carl

photos taken by Colin
As a reminder, I'm posting every photo I have from the trip at flick, so click here for more photos - they're higher quality too. Unfortunately I've already used all my alloted space, so I'll have to buy a pro account there to continue.

what a nyc apartment looks like when NR gets in

2005-08-28T17:54:00.000-06:00

The NightRiders slumber after a busy night in NYC

B-Rad prepares for Dizzy Bikes

photos by Kenny

An homage to Gayle

2005-08-28T08:47:00.000-06:00

Gayle, an honorary NightRider accompanied us all the way to NYC. Sorry guys, she's Jon's girlfriend.

DC!

2005-08-28T08:41:00.000-06:00

We made it to Washington, DC. Here we are at the Washington Monument, the WWII memorial and out for a celabratory dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill downtown.

from left to right, Kenny, Travis, Carl, Gary, Brad, Colin, Brian

from left to right, front, Carl, Brad, Guy, middle, Colin, top, Brian, Gary, Travis, Kenny

Holla!

2005-08-26T22:59:00.000-06:00

NightRiders in New York... HOLLA!
Photos coming soon. Video documentation of clueless country boys bounding about the big city sure to be making it into the homes of America before long.

NBC News? Who needs it! We slept until noon today and then went sight-seeing. DC tomorrow (or BUST)!

Orange County Choppers

2005-08-25T12:17:00.000-06:00

After hours of waiting, we got a ride with Paul Jr. of Orange County Choppers, then we got pulled over by Montgomery Police, then were escorted to the police department where we were shown their new Harley's. After returning to the Orange County Choppers fab shop, they gave us a tour.

photos by Colin
Thank you for the hospitality to everyone at OCC.

The debate continues

2005-08-25T07:04:00.000-06:00

Last night, while camping in a state park near Orange County Choppers, we debated whether or not to ride to DC. I think right now we're going to spend some time in NY and muster up some press, so we can hope to influence opinions about safer alternatives to drunk driving, namely something like our fine service. However, since so many of us have to be back to Denver / Boulder by Monday, and our travel time on the bikes is so long, we will probably drive to DC and just ride around there. This is fine with me because I like NY, and because, well who cares really.

Below we can see Dale and Brad having a comfy night, Jon modeling in Ohio, and some of us swimming in Indiana.

Problem $olved!!

2005-08-25T01:07:00.000-06:00

I've decided to fund the ride in its entirety by

donating the proceeds from the sale of my Ferrari.

City of steel

2005-08-24T12:45:00.000-06:00

A single biker in the convoluted city.

City of Steel

2005-08-24T12:27:00.000-06:00

Into the throat of Pittsburg through the Fort Pitt tunnel.

Sojourners

2005-08-24T10:45:00.000-06:00

A long overdue picture of our eclectic team.

The Bosom of Pennsylvania

2005-08-23T13:14:00.000-06:00

Though mechanical failure and delaying repair are constant, the greatest impediments to this journey have been conflict and our sinking morale. Leaving the daunting and interminable stretches of the midwest behind, the group is invigorated by Pennsylvania's mountains. The serpentine roads are a thrill and our progress is almost palpable as we round each turn, climb to the apex of every hill, and plummet whooping down steep mountain grades. Animosity, acrimony and accusation are forgotten, centrifuged away by the winding roads.

We need help!

2005-08-21T09:09:00.000-06:00

If you're reading this, you can help! This ride is entirely donation funded, and we need more help to keep moving along!! We've made it over halfway across the country, but we still have a long ways to go. You don't need to give much for it to help; anything is appreciated! Do it yourself or pass this along to others. (in fact, doing both would be best...)

-Carl

P.S. If you weren't aware of this previously, all proceeds in excess of ride expenses are being donated to the State of Colorado Chapter of M.A.D.D.

http://www.nightridersinc.com/Donations.html

MonkeyBikeWorks.com = ManTheseBikesDon'tWork.com

2005-08-20T03:57:00.000-06:00

You idiots should get a REAL bike.

got diesel?

2005-08-20T03:39:00.000-06:00

100mph and still getting 42mpg.

"Lake Wilson"

2005-08-20T03:34:00.000-06:00

"It probably won't rain in Hastings, Nebraska.
I won't need the rain fly."

Geneseo, Illinois

2005-08-19T10:53:00.000-06:00

Waking up, getting going, and repairing bikes at a campground in Geneseo, Illinois.

We're a bit off schedule, and last night we went down to 3 working bikes, but today we're leaving with a few more working again.

More Photos from the trip

More photos

2005-08-17T21:05:00.000-06:00

Shooting the pack

For more photos visit:
flickr NightRiders photo set

Some more photos of the trip

2005-08-17T19:39:00.000-06:00

Brad said farewell to Martinito in his own quiet way. Though so often inspired to hysterical and infantile tears of joy by the little rooster's antics, his eyes were dry that day. Martinito squawked and pecked at the ground. Brad watched. A sombre moment for both.

on the road

2005-08-17T14:21:00.000-06:00

I'm writing this while we're driving, so hopefully it will get up. We just left Hasting, NE

leaving Denver, sunset at our backs

taking a nap

Gayle and Carl taking a break

Some of the food is looking a bit off

fixing bikes, fixing bikes, fixing bikes...

This is it!

2005-08-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

Well, here we are, the morning of the big start, I'm just awaiting the arrival of my ride down to the warehouse so I can get suited up. This will be an interesting ride, seens how they are now using my truck to pull the trailer....oh, joy.

Almost Ready To Go

2005-08-14T06:01:00.000-06:00

Finishing up getting the bikes together, from M50 bike graveyard, to 90cc road warriors.

Gary has a bike with some issues

Garth tests out the work.

Guy and Garth, the Denver Crew at the end of their last night, well 5am this morning

Getting the Bikes Ready

2005-08-11T19:41:00.000-06:00

How do we fix a bike anyway? So many bikes, so little time.

Look this cool

2005-08-06T05:42:00.000-06:00

I can see my face now.

Denver NightRiders get all the babes.

P.S.
I am the NightRider Jacuzzi Champion

What kind of car would I drive? Inside Joke

2005-08-06T05:36:00.000-06:00

Why do you think I drive a Ford Explorer? I didn't tell you I drive a Ford Explorer. I don't drive a Ford Explorer. I don't even know what a Ford Explorer is. I've never seen one. What kind of car would I drive? What kind of car would I drive? What kind of car would I drive? What kind of car would I drive? What kind of car would I drive? Ok, I do drive a Ford Explorer.

Kudos

2005-08-05T16:19:00.000-06:00

I think that comment I made in the movie trailer about one of the characteristics of NightRiders drivers being juvenile is ringing truer than ever right about now...thanks Garth and Guy!

If you haven't seen the movie trailer yet, do.

I look cool too!

2005-08-05T14:58:00.000-06:00

My appearance in the movie is cooler because you can see my face!

I don't like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches

2005-08-05T09:29:00.000-06:00

Look, I found myself in the video and I look so cool!

P.S. Donate or sponsor us because I don't like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

More thoughts...this time from Carl

2005-07-29T12:52:00.000-06:00

I thought I'd chime in also and give my two cents, share my opinion, relay my thoughts and convey my feelings all in one short posting/comment...

Yeah, so we're getting ready for the ride. We've got some major components in order: our route, who's going, about how long it will take, etc. Now, all we have left to do is figure out how we're gonna pay for it!

All I know is, we've got a great idea that we've been honing for over 4 years now. We know how to do it, and we know how to get people to try it; we're just excited to take it around the country, get other people's reactions about it and spread the concept. So wish us luck (I have a feeling we're gonna need it)!

Carl Grodnik
Founder, COO
NightRiders, Incorporated

Our Dedicated Ride Site is Launched

2005-07-29T04:13:00.000-06:00

So.... I have decided to make another entry at the conclusion of another shift here at NightRiders. That's right, in this business everyone works on the front lines, even the CEO.

Anyhow, I am pleased to announce that we have launched our dedicated site for the "Ride to End Drunk Driving" at www.NightRidersInc.com/NRRide.html. Here you will find anything you need to know about this adventure. While there are several things we are still working on, the key elements are in place. As is mentioned frequently throughout the site, this ride will not succeed without the help we continue to get from all of our supporters. We have added a donations page to this website to make it very easy to sponsor the NightRiders Team with a cash contribution. Thanks again for your support and for continuing to spread the word about this great adventure we are about to embark upon.

Our planned departure date is August 15, 2005 ...... Only 17 short days from today. Stay tuned into this site. I am certain that it will only get more exciting as departure day draws near.

- Gary Calnan

Welcome to our Ride Blog

2005-07-27T03:14:00.000-06:00

Hello,

Welcome to the NightRiders: Ride to End Drunk Driving blog. All of us on the NR Team are new to blogging but we feel it is ideally suited for the adventure we are about to embark on.

With only three weeks remaining before our departure it is becoming apparent that this journey will be anything but smooth. Our only hope is that it will have some impact by "Spreading the Concept" of the designated driver on demand industry and serve as great material for the documentary/reality TV series we are shooting. I figure that the more tumultuous the better. I expect this to be a true adventure.

If our effort intrigues you, check out the movie trailer on our main website http://www.NightRidersInc.com/Movies/ and check back often. As the story unfolds we will continue to update this blog.

Gary Calnan
Founder, CEO
NightRiders, Incorporated