| Bayles' Boof on the Upper Green and more from June 6th & 7th... |
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| Memorial Weekend on the Ocoee and Upper Green |
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Riding
the Drought in WNC: Hendersonville & Asheville
Making the best of a dry weekend with
no water even in the green I rode my bike to see some
sights. First I visited an old graveyard at Friendship
Baptist near Saluda; I visited the graves of a few
of friends from my childhood. After paying my respects
I took a scenic ride to Asheville and the Wedge Brewery.
Wedge Brewing ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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Hendersonville
Bike Night and Green River Runs ...
The last weekend of July featured an unusually long
release from the Tuxedo powerhouse. My friends and
I spend a long day on the Green River playing. Saturday
night featured the first ever bike night in Hendersonville.
Sunday GRCMMCC hosted a local jam session on the river.
More awaits you ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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Riding
to the Florida Keys for my Brother's Wedding
Article, Photos, and Video by FastFred Ruddock
The excuse for this long ride was my brother’s wedding
in Key West. Most sane individuals might naturally wonder
why anyone would visit the keys on mid-summer. The distance
from my house to Key West is just over 771 miles. I broke
the trip down into two days and spent some time with my
friends Rick and Jeani Jessen in Daytona. The curse of technology
required me to work remotely Thursday morning in Daytona
and Thursday afternoon in Miami; the scenery sure beat the
home office but this was an unexpected delay ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Kayaking
the Upper Green and Roll Practice
Article and photos by FastFred Ruddock, June 20,
2008
Friday morning Randall and I ran the Upper Green
in Henderson County, NC. The Upper has two class III+
rapids: Bayless Boof and Pinball. This was Randall's
first descent of the Upper Green, first day using
hand paddles and second day in a new boat ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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Pigeon
River: Kayaking the Dirty Bird June 14, 2008
Photos, video, article by FastFred Ruddock
Rick Lamb and Scott Sarrells met me in the Green
River Cove and we rode to the Walters Plant located
at 1251 Waterville Road at the state line. Shortly
after arrival the siren sounded and the water began
to flow. Rita and Tim met us at the put in. There
were ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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State
Party Scenic Ride of the Western Carolinas
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock,
June 7, 2008
A small yet dedicated group of riders departed
at 10:00 AM Saturday from the ABATE of SC State Party
for a scenic ride. Bad Bob came along and even took
a few of the photos. Our first stop was Cowpens Battlefield
complete with live musket fire ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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Upper
Green River Kayaking Photos and Video
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock,
June 8, 2008
See videos of the Upper Green's Three Notable
Features The upper green becomes much more technical
at 60%. Bayless Boof is likely best run through the
upper hole at 60%. Wanda's Hole has no green water
on the left side at 60%. Pinball adds a few hidden
... Full
Story and Photos >>
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Running
the Upper and Lower Green at 60% in WNC
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock,
May 31, 2008
See videos of the Upper Green's Three Notable
Features The upper green becomes much more technical
at 60%. Bayless Boof is likely best run through the
upper hole at 60%. Wanda's Hole has no green water
on the left side at 60%. Pinball adds a few hidden
... Full Story
and Photos >>
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Tracy
Miles Fundraiser and a Ride to Savannah
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, February 23,
2008
The Tracy Miles Fundraiser and Chili Cook Off took place
Saturday afternoon in Ridgeland South Carolina. Many folks
entered the chili contest and there was plenty to eat.
Savannah Georgia is just a short ride from Ridgeland South
Carolina. Around mid afternoon a ride was taken to Moon
River Brewing Company located at 21 W Bay St. in Savannah.
Eight beers of Moon River Brewing Company currently currently
on tap including Wild Wacky Wit, Savannah Fest, Swamp
Fox IPA, Captain's Porter, Dixie Crystal, Claire De Lune,
. ... Full Story and
Photos >> |
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Biker
Scavenger Hunt on Opening Day of the Legislature
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock,
January 8, 2008
ABATE owned the day; bikers greatly out numbered
all other citizens and paid lobbyists combined. Roughly
200 Bikers answered the threats made by paid lobbyists
and safety nannies calling for a tougher helmet law.
We left no doubt in the minds of the legislators ...
Full Story
and Photos >>
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Northern Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway with Fall Colors
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock,
October 14, 2007
A Sunday ride home from the Biker Republic's
TEA Party in Northern Virginia. The first stop along
the scenic ride on US-11 the site of a Post-Appomattox
tragedy. The next stops were Northern and Southern
monuments at the large New Market Battlefield; I-81
splits ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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Kings
Mountain Battle 227th Anniversary
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock,
October 2007
Several bikers among other interested citizens
attended the 227th anniversary of the Battle at Kings
Mountain. Backwoods militia reenactors such as Rick
pictured below gave hands on history lessons in an
entertaining manner. I met Mark a fellow ABATE ...
Full
Story and Photos >>
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A
Biker with a Kayak on the Green River
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock,
September 2007
Now I finally have time to pursue a few personal
goals and do some exploring. Along those lines I purchased
a used Pyranha Burn M kayak to reach places otherwise
unreachable. While spending a little time on the river
I witnessed a four foot snake ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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Jones'
Gap Waterfall and hike
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock,
September 2007
A side trip to Jones' Gap State Park in Greenville
County gave me a chance to reflect and exercise. Based
upon the name I wonder if any of my kin discovered
this place back in the day. The drought has a big
impact upon what you see in these photos. Once the
weather ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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GRCMMCC
Propane Tank Upgrade
Photos and articles by FastFred Ruddock,
September 2007
The old GROW Cafe was a stop along this trip and
chore. Old timers know the GROM as a grass roots organization
formed by hippies in the late 70's as well as a fun
bar the hippies closed down after the violence offended
their outlook on life. If you know about ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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A
Sunday ride from WNC through Columbia
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, September
2007
The day after Brewgrass I stepped outside into
the Cathedral where I spent a couple of hours. I found
a bat in the edge of the river that appeared to be
agitated. I took a few photos of the bat and left
it alone. Afterwards I rode to the Tuxedo Hydro Station
to see ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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Celebrating
victory in the mountains of WNC
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, September
2007
September 13th was a lucky day as my most recent
helmet ticket was dismissed by the Assistant District
Attorney. I had an enjoyable ride to Lanrum for cheap
gas and a scenic ride through Tryon, Saluda, Hendersonville
to Asheville. I saw some old friends and ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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WNC
Architectural Sights in Asheville and Hendersonville
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, September
2007
A pleasant ride to Asheville to run errands and
photograph a few buildings leads to leaky dam. After
shooting photos of the city hall and courthouse I
stopped by French Broad Brewing for another half-gallon
of their fine Oktoberfest Lager. A quick ride to the
frig ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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North
West SC ABATE Meeting, August 2007
Article and photos by FastFred Ruddock
The NWSC ABATE of SC chapter conducted an efficient
and orderly meeting. Every member of the chapter
was given the opportunity to speak during the
round table session at the end of the meeting.
NWSC organized a poker run and raised $1,400
for Joey Mathis... Full
Story and Photos >>
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Labor
Day Weekend in WNC: Asheville and Big Bradley
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, September
2007
While it was raining all weekend on the coast
the mountains were pleasant and cool. Saturday was
spent riding and seeing a few sights in and around
Asheville. Saturday afternoon several legislative
warriors rode to GRCMMCC and we discussed ... Full
Story and Photos >>
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NWSC
ABATE Chapter Meeting, August 12, 2007
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
NWSC ABATE is still growing by leaps and bounds.
I arrived at the August 12th meeting and was greeted
by a parking lot full of motorcycles and many smiling
faces inside. These folks are on task to recruit and
fundraise for grassroots' efforts in the High-country
... Full Story and
Photos >>
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Asheville
Brews Cruise Excursion, August 11, 2007
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Saturday evening the beer lovers present at our legislative
retreat took a fun excursion to Asheville to take
part in the Asheville Brews Cruise. We visited three
local breweries and a beer specialty store. FU provided
fun activity sheets for all participants between ...
Full Story and Photos
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Quadruple
Header Motorcycle Run
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, July 27-29,
2007
What a long strange trip as I rode the Carolinas meeting
with Biker Ezine readers and ABATE members at four events.
The first event was the Pickens Dice Run; Many motorcycles
filled the parking lot by 7 PM in spite of light rain.
The second event the same ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Pickens
County ABATE Dice Run
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, July 27, 2007
The Pickens County ABATE Twilight Dice Run took place
Friday, July 27, 2007 at Knucklehedz Food & Spiritz.
I had a great time visiting with the local biker rights
activists. ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Buncombe
County CBA Camp Out at Riders Roost
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, July 28, 2007
Inclement weather Saturday morning apparently kept at
attendance low this year. However it never rained at Riders
Roost during the camp out. The water in the creek was
quite warm compared to the Green River. There is a nice
swimming hole under the ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Antique
Bikes on Main in Chesnee
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, July 29, 2007
The bonus stop was at Chesnee to see the antique bikes
on Main Street. I met many of my friends while I was there.
Several mentioned I did not post this event in the ezine
as a possible appearance. The bikes and the company were
above expectations. Several ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Campbell's
Covered Bridge
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock, July 27, 2007
Cambell's Covered Bridge is loacted near the Cherokee
Foothills Scenic Highway SC-11. I stop for a short visit
at Campbell's Bridge enroute to the Pickens County ABATE
Dice Run. Cambell's Bridge was constructed in 1909 and
restored in 1964 and again ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Mcgalliard
Park: Waterfall and Mill
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
A nice side trip along the same route taken by the Overmountain
Men who dealt the British a major defeat at Kings Mountain.
This park has facilities and was but a short walk with
plenty of sidewalks and other nice features. This location
is not off the beaten ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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East
Cooper ABATE Hose and Heels Night Tour Photos
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
The third annual Hose and Heels Night Tour was well attended
by bikers from across the country! Bikers as far away
as Ohio came to take part in this night run. Ron and all
the members of East Cooper ABATE did a great job and worked
very hard to keep the ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Haunted
Bridge in Asheville to Poinsett Bridge
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Friday the 13th was spent in the mountains looking for
ghosts with a few old friends and a couple of new ones.
Mark Lyons of the Asheville Brews Cruise provided the
transportation. Helen did not show herself at the haunted
bridge near Tunnel Road ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Another
Wild Weekend Ride in Western NC
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Sunday I rode to the local ABATE meeting in Inman near
Lake Bowen. This meeting was well attended by many ABATE
members despite being only the second meeting. All but
three members were NWSC chapter members. Since the meeting
this chapter ...
Full Story and Photos >> |
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10th
Annual Hot Springs Motorcycle Weekend
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
10th Annual Hot Springs Motorcycle Weekend was another
flawless production by Buncombe CBA. James did an excellent
job leading the security volunteers. This year people
games were added for Friday evening in addition to the
bike games on Saturday ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Northwest
SC ABATE in Spartanburg County
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Michael Crew and Spartanburg area bikers gathered at Friendz
near Lake Bowen for the first official meeting of the
Northwestern chapter of ABATE of SC. Over a dozen bikers
arrived before 2:00 PM; Michael arrived minutes after
2:00 PM. Spartanburg has ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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North
Charleston Candidate Debate and a Swamp!
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
I began the evening with a hike in a swamp and ended the
evening in a political swamp. Mayor Summey debated Douglas.
I was not planning to vote for Summey until I heard the
debate. Summey appears to respect our state and federal
constitutions far more ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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ABATE
Membership Drive at South of the Border
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
ABATE members from across the state and beyond came to
South of the Border to share brotherhood and seek new
members. A grand time was had by all present. Pedro and
strange looking "Mexicans" made us feel right
at home in Dillon South Carolina. Don Ard ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Charlotte
NCOM Convention 2007
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
CBA/ABATE of NC hosted the National Coalition of Motorcyclists
Convention in Charlotte. I met Roach near Columbia and
we continued north on I-77 to Charlotte. Roach choose
to wear a helmet though one clearly not DOT or FMVSS218
complaint; I chose ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Kings
Mountain Battlefield
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
I took a side trip to the holiest of holy sites in the
United States. The blood of patriots and tories stained
this location and created our nation. One third of British
army lead by Cornwallis was destroyed at Kings Mountain.
This set the stage for the Battle of Cowpens ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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SC
May Motorcycle Awareness Rally 2007
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
The weather was perfect for our Motorcycle Awareness Rally
on May 6, 2006. Our dear friend and Treasurer Bad Bob
was able to attend the rally although he is still confined
to a wheelchair; Bob is the victim of a right of way accident.
While he was not at fault ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Graveyard
Fields along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Graveyard Fields are unlike any landscape one would expect
to find along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are plenty
of trails to hike and the thin air makes for quite a workout.
The waterfalls in my opinion are not the most spectacular
but they are nearly ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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New
Landrum ABATE of SC Chapter
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
This weekend I rode to Landrum to meet with Michael "High
Roller" Crew. Michael and Lee are forming a new ABATE
of SC Chapter called N. West S.C. If you live in Landrum
or the Lake Bowen area please consider contacting them
and getting involved. Michael can ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Bad
Bob's Benefit Mystery Run
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Bad Bob's Mystery Run seemed much like a Polar Run. I
began the day with snow in North Carolina. In spite of
the cold weather many bikers came out to ride in support
of Bob. Thumper and his friends did an excellent job organizing
and executing this ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Big
Bradley Water Fall Spring 2007
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
This ride was interesting. I took a ride to Lake Lure
to drop off some new ABATE newsletters but along the way
a local cop pulled me at the lake. He asked me why I thought
I had been stopped. My answer of course was no. He then
told me I had to wear a helmet ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Early
Spring Sights in Columbia
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Spring sights along the Congaree River in Columbia. The
river walk is worth a trip; soon the area will be developed
and the current natural feel will be lost forever. The
bust plug downtown is different to say the least. Columbia
is far more progressive than Charleston ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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CBA
Strategic Planning & Slider Gilmore
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
CBA/ABATE of NC held a Strategic Planning Meeting and
Slider Gilmore's Accident Scene Management on the same
day. Cliff, Missy, and I attended this double header event.
Randy Norris the President of CBA did a fine job teaching
everyone about strategic ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Senator
Cleary Attends Horry Chapter Meeting
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Our Horry chapter of ABATE of SC invited Senator Cleary
to come speak and answer questions concerning the SC Gang
Bill. It was a tough crowd by the good senator did his
best to answer our questions and took notes to ask Senator
Knotts and others for answers he did not have. JT did
an excellent job maintaining order ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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March
ABATE Legislative Meeting Photos
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
ABATE of South Carolina held a legislative meeting in
Columbia during the first week of Daytona Bike Week and
many South Carolina bikers still came to work as a team
to defend their rights. Legislative Team members such
as Frankie, Jeff, Barbie, Ralph, ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Upstate
SC and Western NC Biker Rights Trip
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
The ride up to the hills Friday evening was rather cool
under the clear skies. However traffic problems were encountered
near Columbia. I stopped in Columbia for a meal as it
was apparent I’d miss the 7:30 pm gathering for
a meal with members of Buncombe County ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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East
Cooper ABATE Oyster Roast 2007
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
East Cooper ABATE held yet another fine Oyster Roast.
The free entry bike show was interesting to say the least.
Many friends attended from across the state including
Georgetown and Columbia. Members of the Thunder Guards
and Road Gliders ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Coastal
Area ABATE Meeting, February 11, 2007
Photos and articles by FastFred Ruddock
Concerned members of ABATE of South Carolina as the State
Coordinator to come speak to their concerns. Oddly enough
they did not have any concerns by the time I arrived but
we had a meeting that could not be beat and many friendships
were patched up or ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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BBQ
Benefit for Bad Bob Archer, February 10, 2007
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
Bad Bob Archer's friends came out in force to show their
support. Deadhead Rob and his beautiful daughter worked
hard to make this benefit a success. I have no idea how
many of Bob's friends attended but it must have been a
lot since plates were $7 each ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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Legislative
Meeting and Bad Bob Hospital Visit
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
I found Bad Bob in high spirits despite his serious
injuries prior to our legislative meeting. Bob would have
been much happier at our legislative meeting than the
hospital if he had the choice. The ABATE of SC Legislative
meeting was very professional and well organized ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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East
Cooper ABATE Xmas Party in January
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
East Cooper ABATE held their annual Christmas party on
January 27, 2007. This year I arrived at the party late
due to my brother's going away party at the Ice House
in Summerville. My brother's National Guard unit is deploying
to Afghanistan soon. The crowd ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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West
Virginia Bikers Attend ABATE Legislative Seminar
Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock
The bikers of ABATE of West Virginia once again organized
a legislative seminar as a primer for the opening of their
legislative session. Leaders of the motorcyclists' rights
were invited from national and state organizations. This
year I was one of the lucky recipients of an invitation
to come speak to the bikers of West Virginia. They further
request that I speak on the topic of civil disobedience
and the Constitution. I felt this was quite appropriate
since the seminar was scheduled for Martin Luther King's
weekend. Additional heavy hitters such as Terry Cook of
AMA and Hawk the leader of ... Full
Story and Photos >> |
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