The Many Thoughts of HarleyGirl

From Annabelle to Victoria - An Interview with Ann "Boston" Nelson

2012-01-22T11:12:00.019-06:00

Women are moving to the front and riding their own motorcycles more and more each year. This is true for fellow blogger Ann "Boston" Nelson. Ann road for many years with her husband Daryl aka Caveman but after the loss of a loved one decided it was time for her to discover her dream of riding her own. Ann is someone I've looked up to for sometime and is one of the many women that encouraged me when I was learning to ride my own. A huge thank you to Ann for all the encouraging words she sent my way.

Meet Boston, aka Ann Nelson....

Give us a bio about yourself.
I was born and raised in southeastern Massachusetts. I grew up on Harleys and Indians with my Dad. I had a short lesson in bad marriages at age 22, and once that was taken care of, I met the love of my life, Daryl (Caveman). He had custody of his 3 kids when we met. I thought he would have to be pretty damned special if the court awarded him custody over the mother. Either that, or the mother was a complete whack job. Well, as it turns out, it was a combination of both! We were married the day after my divorce was final. I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl Victoria Ann the following March, and two years later we moved to Arizona with 4 kids and a cat. I started wanting to ride my own bike many years ago. But then I had Vicki and forgot for a while. When we moved to Arizona, we were riding all the time, and riding bitch got old real fast. I lost my Dad in 2005 to ALS (amyotropic lateral sclerosis), and then my Mom in 2009 to heart disease. Mom's death was the straw that broke the camel's back. I wanted to ride my own, and I wanted to do it now.

Was there something specific that drew you into the motorcycle lifestyle?
Yes, my Dad, and then my husband!

How long have you been riding?
I took the Basic Riders Course in October of 2009, so a little more than 2 years on my own. On the back, since I could walk.

What was your first motorcycle?
Well, I rode Annabelle, Daryl's 1988 Sportster for a while. Then he let me ride his 1999 Dyna and I was pissed off because he was riding a Cadillac while I was riding a 'Pinto'. Yep, that's what I called it. So Daryl talked to our neighbor and bought his Shovelhead. However, I never rode it. We traded it for a Snap-on tool box (a really big one). Then we found a '95 Street Glide. It was an ex-state police bike. I rode that for a while, but hated it. The wind took the fairing a few times, and I dropped it in the driveway once. Our friend Kevin had a beautiful Chevy Tahoe that I was in love with, and he wanted the bike, so we made the trade. I rode Daryl's Dyna to and from work for a while, and then I found my baby.

What do you currently ride?
Victoria is a beautiful purple '97 Road King with lots of chrome and big ol' ape hangers.

How do you feel when you are riding?
When I'm riding, I feel like I own the world. I feel young and free. No worries, just the wind. I love it.

Is there a motto that you live by?
Seek out your dreams, follow your heart, and live life to the fullest, because it's damned short.

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle and are a woman?
Sometimes, yes. There are some people who I go to college with that are afraid of me. My girlfriend told me someone asked her if she was really friends "with that scary biker chick"! Some people treat you like a piece of shit because you're a biker, whether you're a woman or not. I just chalk all that up to ignorance. A lot of women have approached me and asked how to go about learning to ride. I tell them all the same thing: Take the course. Don't have your boyfriend/husband teach you. Spend the $200, because it's so worth it. But I encourage them all to take the course, and to continue learning. I think more women should ride their own.

Do you feel you are a role model for the women of the motorcycle community?
If you ask my husband this question, his answer would definitely be yes. I guess maybe I could be, but only because I know how to ride, I'm not a complete asshole, and I show respect. I suppose some women riders don't know shit about it. But a lot of them do.

Why Harley Davidson?
Seriously? Is that a real question?? Because I can't afford a classic Indian. :)

Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you and why do they fall in this category in your life?
I can honestly say, I have very few true heroes. One is my Dad. He taught me many things, but above all, he taught me that life is short, and I should never have any regrets because when the end comes, you don't expect it.

My other hero is my husband. He has suffered through years of pain with hand, ankle, and shoulder injuries, and unknowingly walked around for more than 2 years with a broken neck. Through all the pain, all the doctors appointments, all the countless surgeries, he never once complained. And I mean not once. He has ridden for several hours, through rotten weather, while in agony and not complained. And he can't take painkillers, as he can't tolerate them. He has a strength of character that I haven't seen in another human being since my Dad.

Is there someone in the motorcycle community that you would like to hang with for a day and have never had the opportunity to before and why?
I pretty much hang with whoever I want, so I guess I would have to say, my Dad. I didn't get up to the front seat before Dad passed away. I would like to hang out with him for a day and ride with him. I'd like to hear his stories of riding when he was a young man. I'd just love to see the look on his face when he saw his baby girl riding that big ol' Road King. He'd love it!

Do you have a favorite rally or event?
Too Broke for Sturgis. This is Arizona ABATE's annual fundraiser. It's a weekend in July in northern Arizona, out of the heat of Phoenix. We've been going for a few years now, and when we get home each year, we're already planning for the next year.

Do you have a favorite place to ride and why?
I love taking the AZ-89 up to Prescott, AZ. It's a great road going up the mountain, with lots of twisties, hairpin turns, and great roads. Riding up to Prescott on the AZ-89 gives me a rush.

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
I think the wildest thing was seeing our friends t-bone a pickup truck and flying 120 feet without the bike. Yeah, that was wild. After many, many months of surgeries and rehab, they're fine, but none of us will ever be the same after that night.

What has your most memorable ride or trip been?
Ha! I think the first time I went out on the road. Our friend Lucky came over and I told him we were going to practice in the parking lot. And he said, "No you're not. We're going riding!" Well, they coaxed me into it. I had been riding in that old empty parking lot for two weeks already. It was time to hit the road. So we planned a short ride to a friend's house. Took a left from our street onto 71st Ave, and that went fine. Then we had to take a right onto Cactus; the main drag. Cactus Rd is a 5-lane road with the center lane serving as a turn lane. I swung real wide and ended up in oncoming traffic's turn lane...with a car coming at me. I got out of the way in time, but gave Lucky and Daryl the scare of their lives. :)

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Yes, assume nobody can see you. I ride through downtown Phoenix when I ride to work, and this assumption has saved my life countless times. I never assume anyone can see me or knows what I'm going to do.

Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
We just went on a group ride with more than 300 bikes this weekend. It was a clusterfuck. I enjoy riding alone, or with Daryl, or with some of our friends. But when you get more than 10 bikes, it starts to get complicated and ugly. I'm riding to enjoy myself, not to get complicated.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
On a bike? Probably the fact that I learned to nail that right turn! In life? There are many. I have a great husband, a beautiful family, awesome friends. This fall I will be the first in my family to obtain a bachelor's degree. And I could never have done that without the support of my family and friends.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
I guess that depends on who you ride with. I love to say, "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" but I'm just giving those Honda riders shit. There are some in our community that won't ride with anyone that doesn't ride a Harley. There are certain MC's that won't let you prospect unless you ride an American bike. I'm not really into that. You ride your ride, I'll ride mine.

Do you have any advice for women that are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle?
The same thing I told my best friend Missy (BFG): if you're thinking about doing it, do it. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't, or you shouldn't. Yes, you might get hurt. Yes, you might go down. But if you don't do it you will always regret not trying it. And take the basic riders course.

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
I would spend time with the kids, the grandkids, and Daryl. Making sure they all knew how much I love them.

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing?
Well, I don't really enjoy it, but I have a shit-load of homework and have for the last 3.5 years. I would love to have extra time to garden, and do some crafts. I really want to learn to weld. I have some crazy/artsy ideas, and I think I could make some serious money with my designs. That's definitely on my list.

If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
Not a fucking thing! I love who I am!

What do you think makes a "Biker"?
I get it. I get the 'respect' thing, and I know how to show it. I know the true meaning of 'brothers' and 'sisters' and I love them.

You belonged to BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse), tell us a little about that.
We joined BACA in 2008. BACA exists to empower children to not fear the world in which they live. BACA escorts these children to court so they will not be alone when they face their abusers. BACA is the only organization of it's kind. They really exist only for the children. Not the parents, not the guardians, not the courts, etc. It's all about the kids. And child abuse is an epidemic. We wanted to make a difference.

We left BACA in 2011, because we have a 13-yr-old daughter who needed us at home and I have school and the workload was getting crazy. We hope we can join BACA again someday when Vicki is grown and gone. We still do and always will support BACA's mission. If you want more information, go to www.bacaworld.org.

Tell us anything else you would like us to know about you.
Road name: Boston (they all tell me I have an accent, but I don't hear it!)

Just for FUN!

Do you have a favorite swear word?
Fuck.

What are you currently reading?
Romance and smut on my Kindle.

What music are you currently listening to?
Everything but rap.

Do you have any pets?
Rascal who is 12, and Boston's Good Golly Miss Molly (we call her Molly) who is 1.

Thank you Ann for doing the interview. You are one interesting and inspiring woman that rides her own! Check out Ann's blog, Random Thoughts.

Kuryakyn ISO Wings - LOVE THEM!

2012-01-07T15:56:00.006-06:00

Comfort on your motorcycle is so important, especially when you are taking a longer trip. The one thing about my motorcycle that I wasn't digging were the foot-pegs. I always have felt like my feet were just dangling out there and with any strong gust of wind would practically blow off. The foot boards used on touring bikes really don't work on Sportsters so it's been tough to find something that I liked and that really would make a significant difference.

I mentioned to Dan that I really wanted something different for my bike and wouldn't you know it, he did some research and found me these great Kuryakyn ISO Wings. I put them on Sadie today and WOW, what a difference. No more feeling like my feet were just dangling out there.

I was able to adjust them and they are just like mini foot boards. From the short ride that I took today, I can tell that they are going to add so much comfort and stability for me when I'm out on the road riding Sadie.

Forever Rotten

2012-01-04T21:00:00.003-06:00

Found this cool video over @ Kemosabe and the Lodge and had to share it.

HAPPY 2012!!! Biker Chicks RULE!!!!!

2012-01-01T11:40:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas from IHG!!!

2011-12-25T20:00:00.003-06:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

I'm ready for spring and Vintage Torquefest ,which is May 4th and 5th in Maquoketa, IOWA.

Found this great video of the Brian Setzer Orchestra. Enjoy!!!

Riding + Music + Friends = Love of Life An Interview with KT DID

2011-12-11T08:34:00.035-06:00

In 2007 I found KT DID's blog and I've been following along ever since. She is definitely a woman that I look up to in the motorcycle world. She rode her motorcycle from California to Sturgis...BY HERSELF! How awesome is that? AWESOME! In the next year I'm going to focus more of my interviews on female riders and I thought what better way to begin then interviewing KT! Meet KT DID, aka Kathy Hurwitz.

Give us a bio about yourself.
Fifth generation California kid. I grew up in Northern California. A place still close to my heart. Lived in Contra Costa County then moved into Alameda, a very diverse city and good for me to discover. Going back to Alameda always sets me into the basics of life. Small town, big politics and loads of historic boasting. The Bay is always a comfort zone for me so to speak, but I love Southern California too. For me, California is the perfect State loaded with National Parks, beaches and mountains all within hours from each other and even minutes. I am one of six kids and couldn't wait to move out of the house. I did just that right after high school. I hitchhiked to Tahoe making a Russian River stop on the way, then stayed and worked in South Tahoe where I met some life long friends. Got married, divorced and married again and halted. Woot!

Was there something specific that drew you into the motorcycle lifestyle?
Since I was a teenager, I have always loved motorcycles, riding on the back was only what I knew and was happy with it. But then I discovered Prings in San Leandro. Choppers and hot rods used to cruise the "strip" there. I would take my cousin's MG (he was in the Navy) and cruise it with one of my girlfriends. We would actually cruise it for hours and read our Easy Riders Magazine to figure how to build one. LOL... never did. High School was then over and we all went our separate ways. The ex had a '57 Panhead that I rode after taking the CHP Riders Course back in the 80's. We split up shortly after I got my license and the logistics of life sent it all on the back burner again. Wasn't until I retired that I became so bored with my everyday life that I actually decided to write a list of what I wanted to do the rest of my days. Motorcycling was the first. Captain's License was second and third was being a Pilot. I never got to the second or third.

How long have you been riding?
Riding my own really started in May of 2005.

What was your first motorcycle?
2005 Harley Davidson 883L Sportster...the worst choice for my first bike. I kept dumping it as it was too top heavy for me. I ended up keeping that in the garage while I skilled up on a Suzuki GZ250. I called it my "milk" bike. I went to the store on it to buy milk and it milked my confidence enough to get back on the Sportster. So, in essence the GZ was probably my first bike.

What do you currently ride?
2006 Harley Davidson Deluxe, 2010 Street Glide Trike, and just acquired a 2011 Nightster.

How many motorcycles have you owned and what were they?
5 and 2 scooters. 2005 883L Sportster, 2005 Suzuki GZ250, 2008 1200L Sportster, 2008 Ural Sahara, 2010 Street Glide Trike, and 2 BMS scooters, and now a 2011 Nightster.

How do you feel when you are riding?
The way I describe it this: close your eyes, and think of the best concert or song you have ever heard and totally get into that moment... to me that's how it feels. Like Music. Like my first concert. The Beatles. The best concert in my whole life ever. I will never forget the feeling of being in a crowd and getting into the motion of the whole arena thing. Wondrous! That's the ride for me.

Is there a motto that you live by?
I have a couple: "I don't care what you think of me, its none of my business anyway" and "Give To Ride, Ride And Give. I think it is important to give back in any way you can. Those peeps that say they do and in reality they don't, make me want to barf.

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle and are a woman?
I don't know what that "difference" would be. I do know people do stereotype me sometimes, but I don't get bothered with it cause I usually open my mouth and throw my 2 cents into it. I would do that normally in any part of my life though.

Do you feel you are a role model for the women of the motorcycle community?
No and I don't want to be. The "Diva" syndrome makes me want to barf. However, if I can share the zest for riding, that's different. This is why...I needed extra confidence to get back on my bike after dumping it. Threw me back a little in the beginning. But then I realized the more I talked about it and more I "shared" about it, the more confidence I gained in knowing others were out there patting my back and giving me that push forward. Some women told me not to say anything to others because it made women riders look stupid. But I needed to find out why I was dumping and what I was doing wrong... so I asked and talked about my weaknesses. When I was honest and open to peeps, I got honest help. I believe everyone needs a "you can do it" person in their life.. If I can be that person, I'm thrilled.

Why Harley Davidson?
It was never anything else for me. I have had the other 2 (Ural & Suzuki), but Harley is the "it" bike for me. I feel safe on it and they have been able to lower the bike for size for me. It was also the bike I wanted from way back. However, I am not a snob to it. I don't care what you ride, just ride if that is what you wish to do.

Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you and why do they fall in this category in your life?
Heroes: Veterans are my heroes. They show me the way with pride. These are the real "You can do it" peeps. Mentors: V-Twin Mama. She was the one I connected with on the Internet when I knew absolutely no one that rode. For months she held my hand through cyberspace and coached me up my driveway from hell. I will always be thankful to her. It was also through her website I got to meet one of my riding buddies, Gloria, also known as Map Girl. We have made a lifelong friendship through riding and that's joy to the soul for me.

Is there someone in the motorcycle community that you would like to hang with for a day and have never had the opportunity to before and why?
Nope. I think I have hung with and met some of the best peeps, and that includes my blogger peeps. I hope I continue to meet more riders and to single someone out over another would limit me. No limits.

Do you have a favorite rally or event?
It used to be Laughlin. Just because it was my first real ride and it was a meeting of girlz and we would all have a blast during the weekend. I ride it every year. However, last year put me in a different zone with all the lock downs. Don't know if I will go back. I say that every year though. LOL.

Do you have a favorite place to ride and why?
Northern California, Yosemite. Its my ride of moment. I ride to the Bay then ride over to 120 into the Gold Country and Yosemite. Its so amazing to see and its endless beauty is magical. I am making it a yearly jaunt.

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
I was riding through Yellowstone and couldn't find a place to stop at. So I pulled over to munch on a snack and then went into the bushes to visit motha nature. While there, I heard rustling through the bushes and I started to look around. I saw a sign on the ground that had a bear on it. Geezzz! I got up ran to the bike and realized I had food still out in the open. Crammed it down my throat like Lucy eating the candy off the conveyor belt and left. I realized my helmet was still unhooked and I started hysterically laughing. Had to pull over again I was laughing so hard I couldn't see. No one around, just G-d above cracking up with me. Stuff like that happens to me all the time and makes each adventure a long strange laughable trip.

What has your most memorable ride or trip been?
My solo ride to Sturgis 2010. Put me through the test of actually waking up and making deadlines. Each day was a song. At times I couldn't believe I was actually doing this solo. It was at those times, I felt like I could accomplish anything. It was great. I topped off every night with a Hostess cupcake...yum.

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Know your skill boundaries. Don't try and ride beyond them, no matter what. Don't listen to others egg you on when you "know" you shouldn't be crossing over that grey zone. Its a major rule of mine now. Stupidity kills. So does drinking and riding.

Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
I prefer riding solo. No rules. That's not to say I don't like to ride with others. There are a couple of peeps I love to ride with that are on my same time zone. We go away for short weekends and enjoy the sites. If I can't stop and see what the road brings and why I am riding to these spots, to me its senseless just to put the miles on. I don't count miles... I count the times I am out enjoying my time on the road and can't stand going to the same places over and over. So I avoid a lot of rides with friends that involve going to the same places. Solo is the best for me, but I love meeting up for lunches and music.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Learning to say No and not having any children.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
There is definitely a sense of community within the brands and types. Some bike groups only allow specific bikes, etc., but I never see a problem riding with other makers. In fact, a couple of my girlfriends ride sport bikes. They don't care who they ride with as long as they can ride. The way it should be.

Do you have any advice for women that are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle?
Do it. Take a safety class. At the end of the class you will know if you want to go on to purchasing and riding your own motorcycle. Its a minimal fee and worth every penny. Have a level head when you go into it. Check the leather ego at the door. Go into it with a huge smile. Its fun and the valuable information you receive in a class will always stay with you. Also, get online and check out some sites. WRN has a great site and there are plenty more to google. Do your research and don't be afraid to talk to riders when you have a chance. I can't tell you how many peeps I got to know and spread the word of riding just by talking to them at a gas station. I have learned a lot just by doing that.

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
Write a letter to my loved ones and say goodbye and ride out into the sunset....

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing?
I love to stay at home with my loved ones and nest. Even when I am done with riding for the day on the road, I just want to be in my room and nest it out and watch tv. That's my relaxing time.

If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
If I had a magic wand, I wouldn't mind a couple of extra inches on my 4'11" frame...LOL!

What do you think makes a "Biker"?
I wouldn't know. I don't consider myself a biker. I ride motorcycles. That's just another stereotype I would like crossed off the books.

Tell us about your photography business.
It's more of a hobby. I put a site up and peeps came to buy. It was pretty amazing. Nothing special, but all of a sudden it happened. It's still fun. If it becomes not fun... I won't do it anymore. But I have met some great photographers, and like riding, we have our own little community of advice and sharing.

Tell us anything else you would like us to know about you.
I am not rough and tough, but I have my opinions and can handle my own. I like a good conversation with peeps and can take on almost any topic, but when it becomes personal, racial, or belittling others because of religious beliefs or lifestyles, I stop and nip it in the bud. I won't feed hatred. I like to smile and love to laugh. Without laughter and love I'm no good.

Just for FUN!

Do you have a favorite swear word?
Ohhhhh Fuck ME!!!!!!! And then there is "Shit" The first one I say when I have done something really stupid, the second one I say at any given time.

What are you currently reading?
The History of Tuolumne County and A Columbia Diary 1853-1858. I like old books and shop for them at old book stores and such. There's beauty in having a solid book with pages to turn in my hands. In particular, old books with beautiful writing and drawings.

What music are you currently listening to?
Rock and roll is the majority of my Ipod. But I also listen to a lot of Frank and Dino. I will always love the old rock of the 60's and 70's though, that will never go out of me.

Do you have any pets?
Murray, The King Of All Dogdom. He's my 24/7 man of the house.

Thanks to KT DID for giving us a look into her world. Make sure you check out her blog and photo gallery.
KT DID - Lifes Ride as I See It
Photos by Kathy Hurwitz

Check this out!

Hello From IHG!!!

2011-12-03T11:50:00.003-06:00

I have a very awesome interview in the works with one of my favorite Biker Chicks, who many of you know pretty well! More to come!!!!!! :)

Happy Holidays to EVERYONE out there! Love you all and thank you for all your continued visits to my blog. I can't believe I'm going on 7+ years....that's what happens when you love something so much. I love, love, love motorcycles and the people in the culture! We are all one big amazing group of individuals.

I have a new favorite song and I found a very cool version of it on YouTube. Some of you may think Lady Gaga is a little out there but I love that she's not afraid to be what she wants to be. That's what makes her special and her song "You and I" is just freaking cool as all Heck!!! Enjoy!

Great Biker Quote

2011-11-16T00:03:00.003-06:00

I found this great quote on a motorcycle website called Passes and Canyons.

I was a motorcyclist before I even rode one. I’d buy the magazines and dream.

American Throttle - The Motorcycle Trivia Board Game

2011-11-13T11:28:00.010-06:00

Christmas is right around the corner and I'm sure a lot of you are thinking, "Gee I hope I don't get another Harley mug or shot glass this year! I hope this year I get American Throttle - The Motorcycle Trivia Board Game!!"

This game is based on a poker run across the United States, stopping at all the major rallies such as Sturgis, Laconia, Daytona, Four Corners and Laughlin. Watch the video below to see how to play this Made in the USA game that is manufactured at Delano Service/EOP Printers, Inc., Battle Creek, MI)

After watching that I know you are wondering how to order this great game!
Click here ------> to BUY IT!!

Steve “Shady” Schader and David Veal are the creators of this entertaining board game. Shady rides a Fat Boy and David is dreaming of a Yamaha V-Star 1100. They created a game that they personally play with their biker friends. They hope that after you play this game you will have as much fun and as many laughs as they do when they play it.

David Veal is Owner/Creative Director at Veal Creative
Steve (Shady) Schader is Owner/Creative Director at Eagleye Creative

Hazy Shade of Winter

2011-10-29T22:50:00.007-05:00

Wow...how fast did 2011 fly by. I feel like I worked through most of it, but I guess that's what life is all about. Gotta make a buck to pay the bills and put gas in the motorcycle, when you have time to finally ride it. I haven't graduated to riding to work everyday, you'd understand if the quickest route you had to go is Interstate 80. I think I'd have to say 10 consecutive Hail Marys each trip.

I rode so much more this year and even helped found the Des Moines Chapter of the Chrome Divas. Being asked to be one of the founding 4 was really a honor and one I never expected. Thanks to Janet who writes Biker Chick News for thinking of me when she decided to bring this to fruition. We went on our first ride together in September and it was an amazing experience. People really look when a group of women roll into a restaurant or gas station without men in tow. It's a GREAT feeling. I felt truly empowered and can't wait for more rides with my WindSisters!

Dan and I rode together a lot too. I think our best trip together was my first distance ride up to my folks, in the spring. It still brings a smile to my face knowing the big hurdle that I jumped with pushing myself to ride Interstate 35. That ride was a huge turning point with me deciding that I was going to keep Sadie because I truly love riding her. I know some of you know after my first year of riding I almost sold her which would have meant that I would have returned to backrest status with Dan. Once again though that fighter instinct in me forged through and I'm truly glad I kept my pretty chrome horse.(Dan told me that he wouldn't have let me sell her anyway. He knew that I'd eventually ride her like I had dreamed of doing so many times.)

It was fun meeting Dean, Karen, and Di this summer. I hope to hang with them again very soon.(DI, I'm crossing my fingers for Christmas) Next year I want to ride the Great River Road and I know we'll stay in Lacrosse again, so D-Day and Karen, LOOK OUT!

I did the craziest thing a couple weeks ago. I did my first 1/2 Marathon. If I do it again next year I'm definitely training for it. About mile 11 I was hating life but I made it in 3 hours and 36 minutes. I have a medal to prove it. Holy Horseradish that was an experience but one I'm so glad I had. I kept looking at the people cheering us on and thinking...I used to be those people and now I'm on the other side. I truly liked the side I was on this time better. My finish was emotional because almost 2 years to the day of the event I was admitted to the hospital and spent my month kicking Leukemia. Thank you Jesus for keeping me on earth. I still have a lot of things on my bucket list that I want to do!!!

A day after the 1/2 Marathon, Dan and I drove down to Nashville, TN just because we felt like Honky Tonking. What a fun place, I can't wait to return and spend more time. Hopefully my next visit I get to meet Ronman and Swag. We did hear some great music at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and The Stage. The Country Music Hall of Fame was amazing. The only issue I had with the trip was I didn't see Trace Adkins walking down Broadway...boo! Southern people are the friendliest people that I've ever met and I believe that us Northerners need to take a few lessons from them about hospitality. I was seriously impressed with the staff of 4 Rivers Harley Davidson outside of Paducah, KY. Nice folks selling pretty Harleys! I think the one sales guy thanked us 5 times for stopping by. Anyway...I loved the south and this Yankee will be back.

I seriously can't believe how fast this year has gone by. Monday is Halloween and Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner. 2012 will bring more and more political ads and politicians to Iowa. Hopefully the Troops will really be home for the Holidays and nothing more happens over there so they need to go back.(like that will happen) And may all my friends in warmer climates enjoy their all year riding weather and rub it in my face from time to time.

I'm going to close this post with one of my favorite chick groups from the 80's. I'm really not looking forward to the Hazy Shade of Winter but ya know...it comes every freaking year so whatcha ya gonna do except maybe move??

Sadie and Zippy Pickle Went on a DATE!

2011-10-09T17:34:00.003-05:00

They didn't take a long ride but boy did they have an amazing adventure!

Are You Superstitious??

2011-10-01T17:26:00.006-05:00

Are you superstitious? Do you have a certain routine thing that you do before you ride or while you ride? Do you have something that you carry with you on each ride? Is there a certain article of clothing that you have to wear each and every time you ride?

I would say I'm quite superstitious when it comes to riding. I have a bag of little treasures that I always carry with me on a ride, including 3 guitar picks(Sixx, Frehley, & Keifer), 3 Harley Davidson Poker Chips, 3 crosses, a Mother Mary relic, an Angel of Hope coin, a motorcycle pin, and a piece of chrome that my Dad gave me that says Harley Davidson on it.(I just noticed that the number 3 comes up 3 times here...oh my) I also have 3 "I'm an Old Dirty Biker" pins but those won't always be in there once I find 3 ODBs to give them too.

I also carry the piece of the broken turn signal that my Rider's Edge instructor gave me after I passed the course. This was a result of a mishap I had attempting one of the course skills in our practice. It reminds me that the front brake is only your friend when you use it correctly.

At the beginning of each motorcycle adventure I say 5 Hail Mary prayers in a row. Mary has a special meaning to me and praying to her is something I've always done.

I can't be the only one that does this stuff. Come on, don't be afraid!!! Share!!!

Respect and Dignity for The Fallen Heroes and Veterans of The Vietnam War

2011-09-25T12:56:00.004-05:00

On September 16th I went to view the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall at Resthaven Cemetery. I have not been to Washington, DC to see the actual Vietnam Memorial so I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by. Seeing the wall and the 58,000+ names took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the Vietnam Veterans that were there touching the wall, reflecting on what happened got to my heart. I respect our Military, Veterans, and Fallen Heroes so very much. It hurts my heart that the Veterans from the Vietnam War were treated the way that they were when they returned from their service. I always want to shake each one of their hands, hug them, and tell them "Welcome Home Soldier"! Below is a video that GuideOne Insurance made of the motorcycle escort that the Dignity Wall had to Resthaven Cemetery. Finally the Veterans and Fallen Heroes are getting the RESPECT and DIGNITY that they deserve. I'm also including a poem that my Vietnam Veteran friend Hondo wrote. Thank you Hondo for allowing me to publish this on my blog.

INSIDE THE WALL

At first there was no place for us to go
until someone put up that Black
Granite Wall. Now, everyday and night,
my Brothers and my Sisters wait to
see the many people from places afar
file in front of this Wall. Many
stopping briefly and many for hours and
some that come on a regular basis.
It was hard at first, not that it's
gotten any easier, but it seems that
many of the attitudes towards that war
that we were involved in have
changed. I can only pray that the ones
on the other side have learned
something and more Walls as this one,
needn't be built.

Several members of my unit and many that
I did not recognize have called me
to the Wall by touching my name that is
engraved upon it. The tears aren't
necessary but are hard even for me to
hold back. Don't feel guilty for not
being with me, my Brothers. This was my
destiny as it is yours, to be on
that side of the Wall. Touch the Wall,
my Brothers, so that we can share
in the memories that we had. I have
learned to put the bad memories aside
and remember only the pleasant times
that we had together. Tell our other
Brothers out there to come and visit me,
not to say Good Bye but to say
Hello and be together again, even for a
short time and to ease that pain of
loss that we all share.

Today, an irresistible and loving call
comes from the Wall. As I approach
I can see an elderly lady and as I get
closer I recognize her It's
Momma! As much as I have looked forward
to this day, I have also regretted
it because I didn't know what reaction I
would have.

Next to her, I suddenly see my wife and
immediately think how hard it must
of been for her to come to this place
and my mind floods with the pleasant
memories of 30 years past. There's a
young man in a military uniform
standing with his arm around her......My
God!......It's has to be my son.
Look at him trying to be the man without
a tear in his eye. I yearn to
tell him how proud I am, seeing him
standing tall, straight and proud in
his uniform.

Momma comes closer and touches the Wall
and I feel the soft and gentle
touch I had not felt in so many years.
Dad has crossed to this side of the
Wall and through our touch, I try to
convey to her that Dad is doing fine
and is no longer suffering or feeling
pain. I see my wife's courage
building as she sees Momma touch the
Wall and she approaches and lays her
hand on my waiting hand. All the
emotions, feelings and memories of three

decades past flash between our touch and
I tell her
that it's all right.

Carry on with your life and don't worry
about me. I can see as I look into
her eyes that she hears and understands
me and a big burden has been lifted
from her.

I watch as they lay flowers and other
memories of my past. My lucky charm
that was taken from me and sent to her
by my CO, a tattered and worn teddy
bear that I can barely remember having
as I grew up as a child and several
medals that I had earned and were
presented to my wife. One of them is
the
Combat Infantry Badge that I am very
proud of and I notice that my son is
also wearing this medal. I had earned
mine in the jungles of Vietnam and
he had probably earned his in the
deserts of Iraq.

I can tell that they are preparing to
leave and I try to take a mental
picture of them together, because I
don't know when I will see them again.
I wouldn't blame them if they were not
to return and can only thank them
that I was not forgotten. My wife and
Momma near the Wall for one final
touch and so many years of indecision,
fear and sorrow are let go. As they
turn to leave I feel my tears that had
not flowed for so many years, form
as if dew drops on the other side of the
Wall.

They slowly move away with only a glance
over their shoulder. My son
suddenly stops and slowly returns. He
stand straight and proud in front of
me and snaps a salute. Something makes
him move to the Wall and he puts
his hand upon the Wall and touches my
tears that had formed on the face of
the Wall and I can tell that he senses
my presence there and the pride and
the love that I have for him. He falls
to his knees and the tears flow
from his eyes and I try my best to
reassure him that it's all right and the

tears do not make him any less of a
man. As he moves back wiping the tears
from his eyes, he silently mouths, God
Bless you, Dad. God Bless, YOU,
Son. We WILL meet someday but in the
meanwhile, go on your way. There is
no hurry. There is no hurry at all.

As I see them walk off in the distance,
I yell out to THEM and EVERYONE
there today, as loud as I can, THANKS
FOR REMEMBERING and as others on this
side of the Wall join in, I notice that
the US Flag that so proudly flies
in front of us everyday, is flapping and
standing proudly straight out in
the wind today,
"THANK YOU ALL FOR REMEMBERING"

For he today, that sheds his blood with
me, shall be my brother.

Support your local Vietnam Veterans MC.

Love Ride by Sasha Mullins Buy It Today to Help a Child!!

2011-09-12T20:17:00.006-05:00

Sasha Mullins wrote this great song that you need to go download on your choice of MP3 320, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire. The proceeds go to The Love Ride Charity which help children's charities. It's only $1.

Love Ride by Sasha & Motoroadeo MMC

Love Ride - (c) 2011 Road Diva Music ASCAP

V1: riding all together now for a great cause
one big family rollin strong showing our support
parading cycles on a mission we're just a crew of wild hearts
helping our brothers and our sisters yeah we're givin all we got

C: on a love ride, join the love ride
love ride, come on join the love ride
love ride love, hearts are on the handlebars
love ride, come on join the love ride

V2: feel that gypsy spirit we put the rev in rebellious
the celebration's getting hotter come on let's roll to make a difference
and our hearts are on fire spirits riding high
kick stand up saves another and rock that throttle open wide

Chorus

B: love love love, we're riding high
love love love, we're rolling free
love love, love ride -- join the love

Outro: hey hey, love ride, join the love ride
love ride, come on join the love ride
love ride love, hearts are on the handlebars
love ride, come on join the love ride
ridin pack wild, smiles rollin miles, hey hey
come on join the love ride love ride love love ride love love ride love

If you can't get to the song by clicking on the word Buy you can go to the Motoroadeo MMC site.

Sons of Anarchy - Season 4

2011-09-05T19:57:00.002-05:00

The wait is almost over!!! Season 4 of Sons of Anarchy begins tomorrow night!

Motorcycle Gear - How Much Do You or Don't You Wear?

2011-08-29T20:01:00.007-05:00

As I travel the roads of Iowa I see many motorcycles on the road and their riders adorn a wide range of attire. The thing that really puzzles me is the helmet, shorts, and sandals/flip flops look.

I'm all for being an individual on your motorcycle and having your own look. The part that puzzles me is when a person values their noggin but doesn't value their skin, legs, or feet. I've actually tried to shift with sandals on and I don't see how you can do it without messing up your toes.

Honestly, I don't wear full gear. I wear a 1/2 helmet, protective eye wear, gloves, jeans, short or long sleeve shirt, depending on the season, and boots. In cooler weather I may wear my leather coat or a lighter weight jacket.

So what do you wear? Are you the helmet, shorts, and sandals/flip flops rider, are you in between like me, or do you wear full gear? Maybe you don't wear a helmet at all but you wear all the other stuff or not. I'd love your feedback on this topic.

Ride on and be safe!
IHG

R.I.P Jani Lane

2011-08-12T18:53:00.005-05:00

Back in the day I was a Hair Band freak! I loved Poison. I loved Bon Jovi. I loved Motely Crue. But the singer and band that I was ever so crazy about was Jani Lane and Warrant. Sadly I found out this morning that Jani passed away on Thursday. A bottle of vodka and prescription drugs by the bed side. Kind of sounds like the song by Bad Company called Shooting Star.

My all time favorite Warrant song has to be Mr. Rainmaker. Rest in Peace Jani Lane. I hope you are in a better place now, free from all your pain.

You Didn't Know Jack Shit Until Now!

2011-08-03T19:15:00.028-05:00

So Jack give us a bio about yourself.
I may talk the talk, but I WALK THE WALK! There are many things in this life that we are uncertain of but there is one thing that I know for sure, I’ve never screwed anyone! So when judgment day comes, I’ve got that going for me! I bring smiles across the miles. My sole purpose in life is to make people happier than they were before seeing me. I’m a comedian, writer, Ordained Minister and a roaster. I can teach anyone how to slaughter someone else, all in good fun of course. I am an event host and a master of ceremonies. In recent years I have hosted at Arizona Bike Week and had the great honor of hosting the World Famous, Broken Spoke Saloon in Downtown Sturgis for the 70th anniversary. I’ve performed 50 wedding ceremonies and sadly half that many funerals, many for people I have loved and lost. You never realize what is good in your life until you have lost something or someone great! More than anything I have ever been, I AM A BIKER! I just can’t shake it. For me, it’s not about the bike but that you ride. I love old American Iron though. My love is my 1947Knucklehead and can’t imagine life without it! That bike has opened more doors and caused introductions to people who have grown in to being truly amazing friends. That is why I love bikes. A complete stranger can walk up to you in a place that you have never before been and tell you about the bike he or she rides. You instantly have something in common, it is amazing and motorcycles cross all boundaries and barriers. I’m a Jersey boy living in the desert of Arizona. Like they say, you can take the boy out of Jersey, but you can’t take the Jersey out of the boy! What small amount of notoriety that I do have in this world, I believe it is because I have staked it all on being completely and totally honest, without fail, always! If I say it, bank on it as being the truth! My life so far has been one wild roller coaster ride with a great many ups and far too many downs! So I invite you in, take a look around and welcome to Jack Shit’s World. I hope you enjoy the ride.

When did you first discover motorcycles?
It is hard for me to remember the age as I was truly not much more than a toddler. Back in the day, when your dad got his paycheck, he went to the bank and cashed it. My father was truly a hero who put his life on the line every single day, he was a cop in Newark, N.J. and this was just after the riots. We were standing on line at the bank waiting for the next teller. I could feel a presence behind us and being a fidgety kid, I was looking around. I looked back and down and saw the biggest, blackest boots that went right on up to the knees of the person wearing them. I mean these things were spit shined. I looked up and kept looking up and up and up and at the top was a snarling face of the biggest, blackest man I’d ever seen in my brief time on earth. I stood there staring, he made my dad look like a boy he was so damn big! Suddenly, the biggest pair of hands I’d ever seen reached out and grabbed me! He picked me up and I was so scared that I could not even speak. He turned and began to walk out the door with me and I saw my dad look at me, then back to the teller. Why isn’t my dad helping me? I was carried right out to the street and as we went through the door I began to pound his back and kick and he said whoa buddy, take it easy! With that, he sat me on the seat of the first motorcycle I was ever close enough to touch! Instantly, I’d forgotten that a complete stranger just picked me up and pretty much just stole me! “Ya wanna hear it start boy”, he asked? Can I? With that, he fired up that bike and it forever changed me! I got to hit the horn, turn on the lights and rev the engine. He handed me the mic from the radio and said, “say STOP RIGHT THERE OR I’LL SHOOT”! I DID! Then he let me hit the “red” button and I could not get the smile off of my face. It was a feeling I would never forget, being the guy to turn the siren on, not the guy pulling over because he heard it! I’ll never forget that day as long as I live and I’ll never forget that motor officer who put me in the saddle of a life long passion! Later in life, as I recalled the memory to my dad just weeks before he passed away, he told me the officer’s name and told me that he had been shot and killed a few weeks after that day at the bank, while riding behind a van full of guys who had just robbed a bank. They opened the back doors and blew him away, he never knew it was coming. My dad told me that he never felt a thing, he was killed instantly, I sure hope that it was true!

What was your first motorcycle?
My first bike, I owned only briefly and hindsight being 20/20, I truly regret letting it go. It was a Triumph Bonneville and I got it when I was 16 and got rid of it when I was 16. It was then that I learned the wonderful lesson of, unless stopped, no one can see who is under a full face helmet. I rode that bike every chance I got even though I didn’t have a license. I hid it over at a friends house! My mother hates bikes now, imagine had she found out her lil’ boy was on one then! The first bike that I could “legally own” was like so many of us, a Honda CB 750 F, 4 cylinder, 4 carb deathtrap. I had that bike for a few years after I got my first Harley. Every once in a while, I would revert back to that lesson learned as a boy, nobody knows who is under the full face helmet and when I felt the need for speed, would take that scooter and run it like a mad man through the Pine Barrens of South Jersey!

What do you currently ride?
Right now I’m just a simple guy with just two bikes. I only recently acquired an incredibly low mile 1992 Harley FXRS Convertible. I’ve just returned from my first road trip on her. I put on a good 1000 miles running from Phx., AZ to Orange Co., California and I have to say that I now get it! I never understood the fascination and love that guys had for the FXR. I only wished that I had learned this lesson a long time ago! WHAT A BIKE! I’m taking it from a low ground pounding asphalt eating machine and turning it in to my “bagger”. I’ve recently acquired cop bags, cop seat, cop tank and cop fixed fairing. I wonder where my interest in that got started? Although I now love that FXRS, I do feel guilty each time I ride it because that means that I am leaving my true love, alone in the garage. My pride and joy and my everyday rider, right up until two weeks ago is my 1947 FL Knucklehead! In my opinion, one of the most bad ass machines to ever hit the street! Her style is absolutely timeless. She could have come out of a shop or garage at anytime between the 50’s and last week and her styling is timeless! The only other girl that my wife allows me to caress and fondle and pronounce my undying love for and believe me, that took a few years to become cool with her.

How many motorcycles have you owned and what were they?
In comparison to most guys these days, I guess not all that many. I had to count on my fingers, but I believe 6 is the correct answer on that one. I had the Bonnie, the CB, my rodeo queen softail custom, my knuck, my street glide and now my FXRS. I don’t think that I’ve missed any?

How do you feel when you are riding?
Like a porn star with a 74” monster love stick between his legs on a great day. On other days and other rides, I feel like a porn star with an 80” monster love stick between my legs!

Is there a motto that you live by?
L,L,H & R! Love, Loyalty, Honor and Respect! You have to give it to get it! They are each equally earned and never just given and that goes both ways! I am also a firm believer in always doing the right thing, no matter what the cost! For me, in the end, it is better TO BE JUDGED BY 12 THAN CARRIED BY 6!

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle?
I believe that for the most part, the days of being treated badly because of being a biker are over! I mean hell, who doesn’t either own and ride a bike or have a family member, a friend or know that “scary guy” who rides? The stigma of being a “scum bag” is over. I feel that in fact it is the opposite now! I believe that rather than be run off by us, more and more people are vying for our dollars! Everyone and every place from Hooters to Churches are hosting bike events these days. I really miss the days of people stepping out of your way, of people looking the other way and of people terrified to speak to you and who prayed that you didn’t speak to them. Now I just smile when someone who has no idea of anything “biker” walks straight across the parking lot to come and talk to you about “that awesome sickle” I’m riding. They walk away smiling and feeling a little bit bad ass because they just had the balls to walk over to the pack of big bad bikers and SURVIVED IT!

Why Harley Davidson?
I’m going to go out on a limb here and take a chance. I can only hope and pray that the motor company’s attorneys don’t come pounding down my door for saying it, but screw it, I’m going to do it anyway. Since I am not saying it for profit, I think I am well within my right to use the phrase without fear of being sued for trademark infringement; IF I HAVE TO EXPLAIN, YOU WOULDN’T UNDERSTAND! I am an American and I’m proud! When I can do it, I buy American and I ride American. I can’t always pull it off and it is harder and harder these days to do, but if I can, I spend the money I make in America on America!

Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you and why do they fall in this category in your life?
This may be the most difficult question asked yet? Growing up, my father was my hero. For me, it was not only because he truly was “a hero” but because he taught me those four letters that I mentioned above. He taught me every single value that I live with! He always put others above and before himself. He was shot in the chest and returned to work! He was shot in the head and returned to work! He loved being a cop and helping people. He devoted his life to helping people both on and off the job! These days, it may sound really corny but my hero is my girl. We each have our own nightmare to deal with these days but her shit is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. For the last 10 years she has been battling MS. Her philosophy is simple; Someone always has it worse than I do, so why bother complaining? She is the rock in the family. Hell, let me correct that, she is the rock for everyone in our lives. She puts everyone before herself, every single time, without fail! If each of us lived our lives the way that she does, the world would be a much better place. Did I mention that she has THE GREATEST ASS I’VE EVER SEEN? Oh, guess I just did!

Is there someone in the motorcycle community that you would like to hang with for a day and have never had the opportunity to before and why?
For this, I am blessed! Doing what I do, I get to be around everyone in our industry, in our lifestyle and who shares the same passion. I’ve been lucky enough to be around, spend time with or ride side by side with some of the greats and I cherish each and every one of those memories and by the grace of God, I’ll keep making them! If there was one person that I would have loved to hang with and never really had the chance, it would have been without question, INDIAN LARRY! The man’s story was just incredible! His passion and purity in the art that he created was in my own personal opinion beyond comparison! Everyone that I know, who had the fortune to know Larry said the same thing, he was one of a kind!

Do you have a favorite rally?
For me it was always Daytona. There was nothing like coming out of the deep freeze of the northeast and it getting warmer and warmer the closer you got to bike week! Getting that first wicked sunburn of the year within a day of arriving and not giving a shit was priceless. Now though, after having worked as the host of the BROKEN SPOKE SALOON in Sturgis, it is hard to even compare anything else to it. It truly is the Mecca of motorcycling! If only once in your life, you MUST make it to the Sturgis Rally. The people watching is insane, the partying mind blowing and the events are incredible as well but for me, the riding is just stellar! I offer you this advice though if you go, when you stop at a stop sign, keep your feet down on the ground for 3 seconds or THE MAN will eat you for lunch!

Do you have a favorite place to ride and why?
I think it would be easier to say that there is no place I have ever ridden that I didn’t like! I live in Arizona and I ride all year. Most riders here put their bikes away in the summer and only break them out late at night. We have day time temps of 120 and greater at times and let me tell you it can suck! If you have never taken out your nuts and placed them directly on to a hot frying pan than you may not understand. The roads, the mountains and the scenery here are just spectacular. Within a half day of riding from Phx., I can be in Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and have my toes dipped in the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. Since I began riding, I’ve never experienced all around riding as nice as it is here in Arizona.

What are your thoughts on women riding their own motorcycles?
I love it! Quite simply a woman on her own bike means less shit that she will ask me to carry on mine! Seriously though, I don’t see it as “women riders”, we are all just riding to me and for me, the more people who share my passion and my love of riding the better. You never see a bike parked outside of a shrink’s office do ya? Then again, you may if it is the shrink’s bike! At running the risk of sounding like a sexist pig, I think that it is incredibly sexy! The confidence that one must have to control a machine running 75 mph, inches off the ground with nothing to keep you safe but your leathers and your skills is very attractive to me! I’ve never been a fan of the “needy girl” but love a woman who stands, or rather rides, side by side with her man, not behind him, but as in life, confidently next to him. Even more, the woman who has the guts, the faith and the confidence in herself and her machine to take off on the road alone has earned my total respect!

Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak
non-riders out?
Yes there really is and there is a jeep wave and a corvette wave and disgustingly now, THE PRIUS wave! I understand the tradition and its roots. Back in the day, it was extremely rare to see another rider, much less another rider on a Harley. Early on in my “riding life”, I asked a then “old timer” about the wave and why and he clued me in to it! He told me it was so rare to see someone else riding and not pulled over on the side of the road having his bike towed or his ass in handcuffs, that they just gave each other a little “fuck yeah, he gets it” wave! He said there were times back then where riders would pull over or turn around just to bullshit with each other, check out each other’s ride and as he said it, “fire up a doob man”! The wave still exists, but for me, why bother? There are so many bikes on the road these days, especially here in AZ., that I would be riding with one hand on the throttle and the other waving like a beauty queen on a damn parade float all damn day!

What do you think of helmet laws?
I am appalled by them! I am at my core, against any law that takes away any American’s right to choose what is best for them. Can a helmet save your life? YES! Can a helmet take your life? YES! It all depends on the circumstance. If I get started on laws, rights and or government, I am going to have a lot of people yelling “hell yeah” or “asshole” at their computer screens, so it’s best to just move on! Momma always said, the fastest way to ruin a party is to discuss politics or religion!

Do loud pipes really save lives?
THEY SURE AS HELL DO and don’t let anyone ever tell you differently! If I have to choose between annoying someone at a sidewalk café enjoying their HALF CAF, DECAF, MOCHA, CHOCA, LATTE and being sideswiped by some teenager who is paying more attention to the sexting pics she is sending back and forth with her pimple faced boyfriend, I will choose saving my life and MAKING MY PRESENCE KNOWN each and every single time! Even the driver who is paying attention to every single aspect of driving may not see a bike in his/her blind spot, but they sure as hell will hear it! There is a way to run even straight pipes on a big ass stroker motor and not be a total asshole, just shift early and keep the rpm’s down and everyone is happy. I must admit one guilty pleasure though and I don’t care if each and every single person reading this thinks I am a total putz! I love going through a tunnel and downshifting and letting them rpm’s rev way up! It gives me an extra special tingle in my happy place!

You have a blog called Jack Shit's World? How did it get it's name? Why did you decide to start blogging?
A good friend of mine, the promoter who gave me my start in stand up comedy took the time to sit down with me one night and bust my balls relentlessly. He loved my comedy and loved my writing. He told me, that to be successful in this day and age, one must have a multi level, multi media plan of attack to get out there and let the world know, it’s time to stop and take a look at you! I listened intently as he gave me in great detail the plan of not only what to do, but exactly how to do it! The longer the talk went on, the more informative it was and the faster the Jack and Cokes went down. I was intrigued with both his knowledge and the success that he had. I ONLY WISH I COULD REMEMBER A DAMN THING HE SAID THAT NIGHT! I do recall something about a booger! He later reminded me that I would not be a booger, I would be a blogger, who knew? Sometimes, I think it is the same thing! As I have done most of my life, I have taken great advice and completely ignored it. Every now and again, I would have a few minutes and being a writer at heart, I would just sit down behind the keys and let it fly. Each time that I did it, I would get rave reviews from people. Often times, the kind words from people would come from people in the know. I would once again get my balls busted about blogging. To be totally honest, I had no idea what a blog even was and when it was explained to me, all I could think of was why in the world would anyone ever read some else’s blog? I DON’T GET IT, was usually the response that I would give. Right after hosting the 70th annual Sturgis rally at the Broken Spoke last year, I sat down one night and wrote about it. I posted it on face book in the “notes” section. I could not believe the response that it got! I had a friend on face book and her name was Lisa Ballard. Lisa had recently become the West Coast Editor for Cycle Source Magazine. Every now and again, she would send me a message with the kindest, most encouraging words and I will never forget them. Each time, she would more or less tell me, “you have to start blogging man”! Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know…. But, one question, what the hell is a blog? She was so kind that she told me that she would design it, host it, take care of it and all I had to do was write it and provide the content, she would take care of the rest! I am not a taker, I am a giver and to be honest, I didn’t want to owe anyone for something that I could take care of myself. My dear friend, George the Painter from the Horse Back Street Choppers mag., had a blog, so I took a look at his. I went on to blogger and found a template and it was pretty damn easy to make one. I made a promise to myself that I would genuinely work at it to the best of my ability, grudgingly! The deal that I made with myself was that if in one year’s time, if I had 20 or 25 followers, I can’t remember the number now and 1000 page views I would continue on with it. As I sit here doing this interview, that silly blog has 149 followers and just shy of 35 thousand page views and it is viewed now in 77 countries around the world and it has only been 7 months! Looks like I am stuck with it now!

So Jack Shit is your road name. How did you get it?
It sure the hell is and it is the only name I go by. In what seems like a past life now, I use to run with a “group” of fine gentlemen. I was at the time one of the youngest guys to have come around and the older guys said that I would never make it, I would never last 6 months and regardless of what I thought, I would never be anything. By definition, Jack Shit means NOTHING! When someone says, you don’t know Jack Shit, it means that you know nothing! So because my name was Jack, my nickname went from Meoff, to Shit, Jack Shit to be exact. For the record, I proved them all wrong and lasted just shy of a decade! I may not be “them” anymore, but for the record, I’m still Shit, Jack Shit to be exact!

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
I guess that I would have to ask you exactly what that question means? On a bike? On a ride? On the way to work? Each and every single time I get on a bike it is an adventure. So let me answer each of those and hopefully one of them will be correct. On a bike; one night in a bar, a great friend of mine, an older biker was telling a tale of how he had received oral sex while riding! I immediately slammed my drink down on the bar and called bullshit! He said no man, really, it’s not that hard, you just need a sissy bar and a flexible girl. I said “c’mon man”? He put his drink down, grabbed his “flexible girl” and we all walked to the parking lot. By God, it is possible and as I turned and looked at my bike thought, oh my, I have both! We had just moved to that town and knew nothing about it so we promptly finished our drinks and took off down the road. We rode a few miles and found a dark, straight road and stripped off all non essential clothing and you know what? IT IS POSSIBLE! On a side note, the next time we drove down that road that we kept going back and forth on until we got it right was in the day light and that little building we kept passing was the police dept. On a ride? This is going to sound like I am a mad man but to hell with it, I’ll tell you anyway. One night while leading a pack of about 35 or so bikes side by side going through the pine barrens of Jersey, I SAW THE JERSEY DEVIL HOP AND FLY ACROSS THE ROAD! I was not the only one! The truly crazy part is up until that moment, I only thought the Jersey Devil was a hockey team. It wasn’t until watching the History channel one night and saw a special on this thing did I realize what in the hell it was that I saw. THE KNOWLEDGE DID NOT HELP ME SLEEP! On the way to work? I was running late one day and running up a four lane divided highway. It was pretty cold so I was wearing gauntlet gloves. I was of course running late, as usual and I was flying up the left lane, splitting lanes and cutting real close to cars and passing between cars and the concrete divider when the car in front of me drove over a newspaper in the road. That newspaper flew up and covered my face and the more I grabbed at it with those leather gloves, the more my fingers would just slip right off it, I could not grab it. It had to be on my face for 15 seconds and it was quite possibly, the longest and most horrifying 15 seconds of my life! As I pulled the paper off, the cars in front of me had come to a dead stop! I squeezed between them, smashed the mirror off of a pick up truck with my shoulder and just kept on going. I stopped at a gas station about 3 miles up the road, checked my bike, my shoulder and my underwear, all were okay! I looked up to the big man in the sky, gave him a wink and rode off to work where I was promptly yelled at for being late and told, hope you have a good excuse! Boy do I!

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Always carry two bandannas, duct tape and NEVER, EVER SPEAK TO THE POLICE! Most importantly I’ve learned over the years that 15 grand and 15 miles doesn’t make you a biker!

Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
I love to ride with a group! If not for the motivation of the group, I would never get anywhere. I would be riding around in circles. I’m not sure what it is that I love so much about it. I’ve always said that “it is never the destination but the journey” and I am all about sharing that journey with the people that mean the most to me! What I won’t do unless I have no choice is to ride with a group that I don’t really know. For example, a poker run. I won’t just slip in side by side next to someone that I don’t know if they have been riding 20 weeks or 20 years! If I am going to die on a bike because of some incredibly stupid move, I WILL BE THE ONE TO MAKE THAT MOVE!

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Now that is one hell of a question! I am my own worst critic and I think that there is nothing that I do well. So when you ask this, I stop and think and all that comes to mind right now is that I didn’t get any piss on the rim of the toilet bowl today, so perhaps in my wife’s eyes, that was a great accomplishment! I believe that we are put on earth to help each other and I try to never turn my back on anyone. It may not be my greatest accomplishment but I will share this. About 4 months or so ago, I had posted up on my blog. I had an idea when I began to write what I was going to talk about but as usual, the writing went off the deep end. It went some place far and away from the original idea. I never read what I write, I spell check it and post it for fear of editing it. I usually sit down to write late at night. This night was no different. I wrote and posted the piece. I couldn’t sleep that night and at about 5 am heard my phone signal that I had a message. When I looked at the message I was stone blown away! The message was from a woman in the U.K. and what she wrote in the message I will never forget. She had told me that she was very sick and had been for a long time. Her child was murdered by some sick fuck and she was at the end of her rope! She had spoken to one of her friends earlier that evening and her friend had sensed how bad she was feeling but had no idea that later that night, she had planned to take her own life. She wrote how she had written the note already to explain to her family why she could not keep up the fight any longer, why she just wasn’t willing to fight any more! She wrote about how she had dumped out the bottle of pills on to the table she had placed next to the tub. She laid out in great detail to me how she had planned to fill the tub only half way so that when she slit her wrists her family would not have to clean up a horrible mess! I had chills as I read the message as I thought it was someone saying goodbye, openly and honestly to a virtual stranger. What blew me away was how it ended. She told me that it was my blog post that had stopped her in her tracks! How her friend had sent it to her, that she had never seen it nor heard of me before. She told me how she read and then re-read the post, over and over again. It was because of something that I had written that had kept her from taking her own life and finding new strength to carry on! It may not be my greatest accomplishment, but it is one that I am most proud of and I will never forget that message as long as I live. We never know how one action, one gesture or one silly blog post can affect someone else. So be careful in your actions and in your deeds, a butterfly farting in Russia could cause a tsunami in Fiji! Hey, ya never know right?

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
I believe that in the times we live in, there are divisions in each and every community. We, each and every single one of us, need to accept people for who they are and stop judging each other. Life is far too short for silly bullshit like this! In my circle, the chopper circle, times have changed dramatically. You don’t have to have a Harley Chopper to be “cool” any longer. If you take any stock bike from any country of origin and chop that thing up and turn it in to your own personal style, with your father’s and grandfather’s tools that have been handed down to you or if you bought a small welder from Harbor Freight, then you are kick ass in my book! If you fire up a torch to mold metal or pound away on a piece of steel to turn it in to something from your mind’s eye, who is anyone to judge you? To say that they are more “cool” than you because they went and purchased a new 35k dollar “chopper”, while you worked extra shifts or on Sunday’s to earn enough money to finance the repair of that old engine or for parts is the biggest crock of shit! I am sick of judgmental assholes who try and push their hang ups or hatred on to others! Take that shit and shove it straight up your ass, you won’t be hanging out with me anytime soon or any longer for that matter! First it was if you didn’t ride a Harley then you weren’t “cool”. Then it was if you rode a sportster, a “girls bike” then you weren’t cool. I ask, who are these people that think they are the “keepers of cool”?

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
These are great questions! It is funny that you mention this because my next tattoo will run around my collar bone, across my chest and it will be backwards. It will read CARPE DIEM! Latin for seize the day! The reason that I will have it done backwards is so that each day, when I wake up and look in the mirror, it will forever remind me that each and every day we receive is a gift and that is why they call it the PRESENT! I write all about this, all the time! My wife, who I have been with for 25 years now, suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. Today she can see, today she can walk and tomorrow she may wake up and not be able to. Over the last 10 or so years, we have learned to live each and every single day to the fullest. To love without abandon or second thought. To give as deeply as we can to anyone who deserves it, to anyone who needs it! I try to PAY IT FORWARD always. What would I do if it were my last day? I’d do what I did yesterday and did today and what I will do tomorrow if God willing there is one! Live each day like there will be no tomorrow and you will never look back with regret!

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing?
I masturbate! I masturbate with reckless abandon! Well you asked, right? I write. I love to write. For me it doesn’t matter if it is comedy for myself or material for others. I’ve been a published poet for all that is worth. That and 11 dollars might get you a coffee at Starbucks. I just began to write recently for Cycle Source Magazine and I am really excited about that! I find peace in working with plants, I always have. NO, NOT THOSE KIND OF PLANTS! When I travel, I will find small “baby plants” or saplings or clippings and I will take them home and transplant them. I love to give them as gifts. What better than giving a living gift? I like to dick around with bikes but will never claim to be any type of mechanic or builder, I only wish I had that type of skill. I just simply love to entertain people. Nothing on earth makes me as happy as when I realize that the smile on the face of the person across from me is there, because I PUT IT THERE!

Do you have a favorite swear word?
FUCK NO I DON’T, I LOVE THEM ALL! Here is some JackShitLosophy for you. For me, this is an issue all the time in stand up comedy. You are supposed to have two acts. One is your tonight show, clean act that you could perform anywhere and the other is your night club act. Well, the problem is, I don’t have an act! I just get up on stage and tell the truth and nothing but the truth. If the word fuck is used in telling that true story then who am I to change history? Here is another bit of that same philosophy. I don’t believe that there are “swear words”, “dirty words” or the usual “bad words”. What I believe is that there are UGLY WORDS! I truly believe that me saying ass raping goat fucker on stage will do far less damage to a person than telling someone that they are fat, or ugly or useless. Those are hurtful words, if there were such a thing as “bad words”, it would be those type of words.

What are you currently reading?
I realized about 8 years ago that I have wasted far too much time and far too many brain cells to ever again read a work of fiction. I only read things that would bore most morticians and accountants. I read psych books and such. I try my damndest to understand the human condition. My favorite book though, by far is a book that I read until it ends, then flip back to page one and begin it again. I’ve been doing it for 5 years now and it is the ART OF WAR. Everyone should read it, learn it and live it! It doesn’t matter if you are a florist or a General, there are life lessons to be learned no matter who we are or what we do.

What’s in your CD player?
I’ve had the very same cd in my truck cd player since I pulled out of the parking lot of the Broken Spoke Saloon in Sturgis last August. We had the great pleasure of having Dallas Moore and the Snatch Wranglers perform for our guests there. I did a little barter with Mrs. Dallas Moore. I gave her an I know Jack Shit tank and she gave me some cd’s. I have never taken it out since I put it in and hit play! Dallas Moore rules!

Jack will be in Sturgis as the Host at the Broken Spoke Campground, August 4 - 14th. If you are going you have to check him out. I'm sure you can tell he's one of a kind and it will be a freaking fabulous time at the Broken Spoke Campground!

If you want a I know Jack Shit t-shirt you can buy them on the Jack Shit's World blog. Flat Wooley even has one!! All the proceeds from the Jack Shit t-shirts goes to help pay for Jack's wife's medication.(pic far right)

She's Chasing Her Dreams from Sturgis to the OTT Rally

2011-07-26T20:05:00.012-05:00

Iron Cowgirl Missy and her band are Chasing their Dreams to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally August 5th through the 14th. They will once again be playing at The Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground nightly Aug 5th - Aug 13th at Bikini Beach and the Kinison Showcase Stages. On Aug 9th they will be playing during Facebook Fan Fest and Aug 10th they will be playing at the Biker Belles Ride Reception.

After Sturgis Bike Week is over Missy is heading back to Michigan until her and the band take off again for another adventure. Missy will be riding down the road to The OTT Rally in Nacogdoches, TX. The OTT Rally(the oldest town in Texas) runs from September 15 - 18. This is a very special event for Missy because she will not only be preforming but she'll be riding in the The Ride for Teal. This is a ride to raise awareness, educate and raise funds for OVARIAN CANCER Research. If you want to participate in the Ride for Teal on September 15th click on the TEAL LINK for details.

Make sure you introduce yourself to Missy when you see her at Sturgis or the OTT Rally! She loves nothing more then playing her music for BIKERS because Missy is a Biker!!!

IronCowgirlMissy

Vintage Torque Fest - You Better Be There in 2012

2011-07-16T07:52:00.001-05:00

What's Been Up With IHG and What's She Thinking These Days?

2011-07-13T19:39:00.012-05:00

It's been a month or so since I've really blogged anything about me, myself, and I. I've been busy with work. Seems that Snoopy continues to dig Des Moines and wants to keep us all busy so he can eat the primo kibble. It's a good thing and I thank God I have a job.

Dan and I rode up to my parents' place over the 4th. It was my first weekend trip to somewhere away from central Iowa. I had been plotting this trip for weeks, trying to figure out which route I'd take to get to Highway 20. Well we left early on Sunday morning and as I was riding over Interstate 35 I thought to myself, hmmmmmm...should I ride Interstate 35 to Highway 20. I battled with myself for a couple seconds and then I was putting my turn signal on so that I could turn around and head back to Interstate 35. I stopped in the driveway of the Iowa DOT in Ankeny and Dan pulled up along side me. He was like...what's up? I smiled at him and said...I think I'm up for Interstate 35. He said...REALLY? I smiled back...Yep, let's do it! Dan led us onto the Interstate and before long I was passing him and leading us down the road. It felt so awesome riding 70 -75 mph. I was so digging myself. Yes my friends, I've kicked the fear to the curb and I'm finally enjoying myself and my beautiful chrome horse Sadie. We were one with the road and I was in a state of pure bliss! I've noticed that people look at you a little different when you are a chick and they realize you are riding your own motorcycle. It's a cool feeling, especially when you know the guy looking at you is thinking...damn, I'm a freaking wimp compared to that little momma. he he he! On Highway 20 there is a bridge that goes over the Iowa River. Every time I've gone over that river since I bought Sadie I always think, I can't wait until I'm riding over this on my bike. Dan knew my thoughts on this so when we were getting ready to ride over the bridge he pulls up along side me and I'm smiling like a Cheshire Cat. I even let out a Yippeeeeeeeeee! It's those little moments I tell you that make me truly love life.

The ride home wasn't too shabby either. I even road in a brief shot of rain. It was a great trip. I almost got my little niece Sydney to sit on Sadie but she only wanted to look. I felt special too because my Mom told me she was really proud of me and my riding. I always wonder what my Mom and Dad think since I didn't grow up in a biker household. Guess they've always accepted me for me and this is ME!

The Indian Larry MC Owners' son, Aidan Jack Seeger; age 6, needs your help. He is in need of a bone marrow transplant. He has been diagnosed with a rare brain disease called Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). If you want to see if you are a match for Aidan or any other person that needs bone marrow please go to the National Marrow Donor site and register for your kit.

I wish I could be a donor but after my bought with Leukemia I can't so please do it for me by becoming a donor. My Prayers are being sent to the Seeger family and to adorable Aiden. I pray that this little cutie finds a donor that can help bring him back to Great health.

So the other day I was driving passed one of the local malls and there were these young men protesting Guantanamo. I don't care, protest whatever you want to but don't freaking stand on the American Flag. Do not disrespect our American Flag in anyway at all. People have died for that flag and for you so that you can stand on the corner and protest Guantanamo. Ok...I need to step away from this topic because it's making me mad yet again.

I'm feeling the need for a little Zepplin so please take the time to enjoy a little Misty Mountain Hop with Robert and the Boys. Robert Plant...Mmmmm...mmmmmmmmmmm...MMMMmmmm!

Keep on a Smiling and Keep on a Riding!
IHG

Rally TV - The Show You Watch Before You Go Anywhere

2011-06-21T18:54:00.003-05:00

Have you checked out Rally TV? Sara Liberte, Chris Callen and the crew from Cycle Source Magazine are bringing you exciting motorcycle news on Rally TV. You should also check out Rally TV Online , their website that keeps you in the know about rally events.

Here is a sample of what you can find on Rally TV. You can see what you missed at Laconia this year.

RIDE 4 REASON "STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE"

2011-06-17T20:36:00.005-05:00

On February 3, 2011 2 members of Paul "Spider" Webb & Caryn "Toots" Webb's family were victims of domestic violence. Monica Hudson & Nicole Cervantez were murdered along with Michael Tucker by Monica's boyfriend in Lake City, Florida. Nicole was 6 months pregnant.

Spider and Toots did not realize how much of an epidemic domestic violence was in this country until this happened to their family. We all have members of our families that could become a victim of domestic violence. The laws in every state are different except for one thing, none of them are tough enough or not always applied as they should be.

Because of this tragedy Spider and Toots have organized Ride 4 Reason...Stop Domestic Violence. The ride is taking place from Wednesday, July 13th and will conclude Saturday, July 16th. The ride leaves Montezuma, IA where Spider and Toots reside and will make overnight stops at Wayne Fitzgerald Camp Ground in southern Illinois, Jimbo's in Chattanooga, TN, and Soggy Bottom Camp Ground in Macon, GA. The ride will arrive in Lake City, FL on Saturday. The riders will ride to the house where the murders occurred and hold a candle light vigil. At the conclusion of the vigil the riders will ride past the Columbia County Correction Institute where they are holding the man responsible for these crimes. Saturday evening there will be music, speakers, honored guests and more in Lake City.

The route that Spider, Toots, and the other riders joining them will travel Interstate 80 East - 74 South - 155 South - 55 South - 64 East - 57 South - 24 South - 75 South - US 90 into Lake City, FL.

If you have any questions, concerns, want to make donations, want to help promote this event or want to join the ride please contact Caryn Webb (Toots) @ 641-990-7826 or cawebb66@yahoo.com or Paul Webb (Spider) @ 641-990-7827 or jlwebbman42@yahoo.com .

95 KGGO T-shirt Giveaway

2011-06-13T18:23:00.005-05:00

I love 95 KGGO. They play classic rock and let me say...this station ROCKS! Well I bought a KGGO t-shirt a while back loving the logo on the front. When I got it home I noticed it had a LOGO on the back too. I'm not really a logo on the back kinda girl so I decided to give it away. No gimmicks, nothing to vote on, nothing to guess...just giving it away. It's a size large and has never been worn. It's a freaking cool t-shirt!!!! If you would like to be in the drawing to get this shirt please leave a comment. I will announce the winner of the shirt next Monday.

She's a Highway Prophet - Jasmine Cain

2011-06-05T10:25:00.003-05:00

If you follow my blog regularly you know I'm a huge fan of Jasmine Cain. She recently released her latest CD "Highway Prophet". You can find her tunes, including many from the new CD on ReverbNation. My personal favorite is "1995". Seriously, this girl knows how to rock and she's pulled it out from the depths of her rocker soul on this new CD. Check out the song "Runaway" and some great photos from photo shoots and gigs that she's played. One thing about Jasmine is she loves her fans and is one of the nicest rockers you will ever meet. If you make it to a rally where she'll be playing make sure you check her and her band out. You will not be disappointed.

High on the HOG - The MeanStreet Riders

2011-06-02T18:15:00.008-05:00

The debut LP by the MeanStreet Riders is due out this summer and I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy to listen to and review.

The MeanStreet Riders are a group of musicians that also love to ride. The members of the band are Shannon Wallace, Dowlin Mayfield, Eric Lampley, Greg Torres, Kevin LaCour, and Fritz Froeschner. They decided to form their band in 2008 when they were riding Highway 129 "Deals Gap" aka "The Dragon". The song "129" tells about leaving a love behind and riding the "129". It's definately a song that any rider out there can relate to. When we saddle up and roll down the highway, hopefully we can leave all the bad stuff behind for a brief time.

The MeanSreet Riders sound alot like the Eagles. I also heard a little Molly Hatchet influence and there was a bluesy Allman Brothers feel too. I would recommend this CD as a travel enhancement for your next ride since the songs are very motorcycle and riding related. It would also be a great cd to add into your next party music rotation. After listening to the cd multiple times I found myself singing along. The song "High on the Hog" is very catchy and it's how I feel every time I ride Sadie. I really feel like I don't need anything else while I'm rolling down those back roads and I truly feel "High on the Hog". The MeanStreet Riders put their love of motorcycles and the open road to music. Their CD will bring out your own memories of past rides and rallies. It will remind you of people that you met along the way and the ones that have influenced your life. It will create excitement in your soul and it will make you feel excitement for your next great ride!

I wish The MeanStreet Riders great success with their new LP. Music and Motorcycles, a combination that sings to your soul. I really love their motto - Remember Life’s too short for traffic so Rock N Roll on the open Road!! I also like that they stand for FREEDOM and our Freedom as Riders!

Visit The MeanStreet Riders website where you can listen to clips of their CD for yourself. The First 10,000 visitors that sign up on their site receive a private screening of their Rockementary.

A Funny Photo from Torque Fest

2011-05-23T21:11:00.001-05:00

Garage Girls Contest

2011-05-15T05:59:00.007-05:00

They Need your votes to win The Garage Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover, Carlisle Edition brought to you by GEICO powersports.

The final four have been chosen by staff at Garage-Girls and Carlisle Summer Bike Fest.

The rest is up to the public. Who most deserves to win the Ultimate Biker Makeover?
Contestants (guys and girls) were invited to submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com by May 10, 2011. Submissions were narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls and Carlisle Events. It is now up to the public to vote online at Garage Girls for who they feel most deserves the Ultimate Biker Makeover. Two winners will be selected for the Rider Makeover, including all-new gear and accessories with one grand-prize winner, who will win the Ultimate Biker Makeover. (Accessories for his or her motorcycle as well) Voting ends and winners will be announced Wednesday June 15th 2011. Winners must be present at the Carlisle Bike Fest on Saturday, July 23rd, 2011 to collect their prizes.

For more information, rules, eligibility and submission procedures, visit www.Garage-Girls.com or www.CarlisleEvents.com.
If interested in getting your company involved please contact Sara Liberte at sara@garage-girls.com

For more information, visit Garage Girls or Carlisle Events. To contact Sara Liberte e-mail sara@garage-girls.com

Viking Dave - Road Grits Cafe

2011-04-27T20:01:00.019-05:00

I interview people that I believe others would love to learn more about. I’m a big fan of the blog Road Grits Café and one day about a month or so ago I thought to myself, you need to interview this guy! Dave’s blog is more then just a look at motorcycling, it’s about life and how he lives it. He’s made me look at the world in a very different way. Here is a look into the always intriguing world of Viking “Road Grits Café” Dave from sunny California.

So Dave give us a bio about yourself.
Legal crack dealer. (CoffeeShop Owner) As for the rest of my bio?, I don't talk too much about it because most people don't believe where, who and what I have done in the past. They can't even wrap their heads around it so I leave it alone.

When did you first discover motorcycles?
Funny enough, the obsession started with a book as a kid. “The Mouse and the Motorcycle.” I loved the idea of a mouse riding a toy motorcycle around my house. I started collecting toy motorcycles. I would even leave the toy motorcycles on the floor at night in hopes that a mouse would start riding it around. I kept a flashlight by the bed just in case so I could catch a mouse riding one of my toy bikes. That is pretty much what lit the fuse...then Evel Knievel cemented the obsession.

What was your first motorcycle?
My first real motorcycle was a Yamaha Seca 550 . My parents wouldn't let me have a motorcycle so worked my ass off trying to save up enough to buy a bike behind their backs. My Dad saw how much effort I was putting into the dream and one Saturday woke me up and said “Let's take a drive.” He drove me to the bike shop, helped me look for the bike and then co-signed, against my mother's wishes. Then he drove off and said, “See you at home.” The was the most terrifying and exhilarating ride of my life. I'll never forget it. I have been riding since that day in search of that first time thrill. I do find it every once in awhile.

What do you currently ride?
I currently ride a 08 Harley-Davidson FLHX.(her name is Tramp) I am in love with this bike, more so than any other bike I have ever owned.

How many motorcycles have you owned and what were they?
I have owned Kawasaki's, Honda's, Suzuki's, Yamaha's, Harley's...a few, but I'm not a bike pimp like Doug is from “40 on 2”

How do you feel when you are riding?
What a loaded question! Frightfully aware and free. I'm not passing through the scenery, I'm a part of it. No one can catch me. No one can talk to me. No one can call me. No one can bitch at me. Time has no meaning because it's about 'right now' and that's it. At the time, I'm that dude that is doing what most men wish they could be doing. I'm actually living what I dream about when I can't ride. How many folks get to live a dream...I'm a lucky bastard because I get to do it all the time. I'm the shit! If you don't like it?...pffftttt, not my problem.

Is there a motto that you live by?
A whole bunch of them, but there are two I think about everyday; 1) “If a problem is in your control...then simply fix it. If a problem is out of your control, or can't be fixed, then leave the damned thing alone...in either case, there is no excuse for worry or stress because there is a solution. Sometimes the solution is simply to move ahead.” (think about it...it makes sense.) 2) “Treat people as you expect to be treated.” I live by that one. I also like, “A truly wise man knows when to be a complete dumb shit.”

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle?
Definitely! Sometimes I'm a rock star and at other times I'm a dirtbag...it's all in the perspective of the person who is looking at me. I get a lot of free shit, free rooms, free food, free drinks, free “stuff” just because of the naive “biker stereo-type” people have, as a result of Hollywood. It ain't my problem if people are crazy enough to believe that shit. (Yeah... all that shit happens, but it's extremely rare and it's not the norm.) On the other side of the coin, I get denied a lot, get kicked out of places, get laughed at, get insulted and undermined. None of this do I really give a whoring rat's ass about. “It is what it is...now have a nice day.” The only person I really need to impress is me...if I can do that, then others will be impressed by default. It's that easy.

Why Harley Davidson?
Sturgis 07. Up until then I never rode long distance. A couple of hundred miles a day was what I would do all the years prior to that. I took 12 days and rode to Sturgis on a Honda VTX. I ran into problems out on the road but could never find a Honda shop that was open. Another brother, on a Harley, had mechanical problems. We found a Harley dealership on the way and he was in and out. I was impressed and decided that if I was going to do 1k days, I would need that kind of support behind me. That is the real reason. The rest of Harley's legendary reputation?...well, I'm helping write the next chapter of that history...it's a cool gig. I want to be a part of that history somehow. I need to be a part of it.

Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you?
My hero? Hands down, is my Father. You will never meet a more honest, hard working, common sense, down to earth man. I suspect I will never fill those shoes because we are different people, but that doesn't mean I have to stop trying. I'll keep trying until the eternal dirt nap. After him? Well, anyone who has a passion and pursues that dream, against all odds, is a mentor and a hero as far as I'm concerned. You, yourself, are a hero to me for simply chasing after your dream. I know countless people who deserve my admiration.

Is there someone in the motorcycle community that you would like to hang with for a
day and have never had the opportunity to before and why?
Hmmm...already met the folks that most people would like to meet, and met a lot of people most folks only dream of meeting. I have run into musicians, politicians, movie stars, outlaws...most of them while out road tramping. Right now, the people I want to meet most are people like yourself. All the blogging brothers and sisters are really the only ones I care to meet and hang out with.

Do you have a favorite rally?
No, not really. Possibly Sturgis, but the rally isn't why I like it. Why is it your favorite? The whole ride there and back is where that Rally really stands out in my mind. The adventure and hanging out on the way there and back is golden. The rally itself?...just another party.

Do you have a favorite place to ride and why?
I really dig riding around Utah, Nevada and Arizona. There is such a variety of scenery and most of the time you can see for 20 miles in any direction. It makes you feel small and the world then becomes much bigger. Wanna' find out how significant, yet insignificant, you really are? Hit the high desert, you'll find out. It really put your head someplace else...and it's a good thing.

What are your thoughts on women riding their own motorcycles?
I think it’s AWESOME! Women who ride have advanced the whole motorcycle thing to the next level. I can't stand bimbos or airheads, (contrary to what my wife thinks.) They annoy the crap out of me. I'm not exaggerating when I say this; “I have never met a woman rider (one that rides her own) that is a bimbo or an airhead...seriously. This is what is so cool about women riders. They are smart, confident and strong willed people, who love a good time and who are looking for exactly the same thing I am...whatever that is. Airheads and bimbos can't ride...they just don't have the mentality for it. If you ride you have to take care of things yourself.” I love riding even more, just for this reason. Over the past 5 years I have noticed more and more women riding their own. It has breathed new life into my passion for riding.

Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak
non-riders out?
I'm assuming that you mean the whole “throwing the sign” thing. All that is, is an acknowledgement, that you and the other bike are taking the same risk, and share the same passion. It's just a silent respect. That's it. I have no patience for people getting their panties in a bunch because someone, on another bike, doesn't wave at them. Grow a pair...geeez.

What do you think of helmet laws?
The helmet has saved my life three times, that I know of for sure. I have hit the asphalt cheese grater many, many times. However...I still believe it should be a riders choice. I'm all about choice. Darth Vader would force everyone to wear a helmet for the greater good. If you are not about choice...then you are on the wrong side as far as I'm concerned.

Do loud pipes really save lives?
Hell yeah it does! Studies have proven it. I have experienced the saving grace of the loud pipe on countless close calls. Now you can go too loud with the pipes...that's just being an asshole. The bike community needs to understand respect for all. You give a little, and take a little. This goes for those loud pipes also.

You have a blog called Road Grits Cafe? How did it get it's name? Why did you
decide to start blogging?
Well, I just wanted to hook up with other moto-heads. I wanted to find folks that felt the same way I did about riding. It is a huge part of my life. It has saved me, literally, from myself. I wanted to find people who wanted to ride, not just bar hop or ride sixty miles to get a burger. I knew if I started blogging, that those people would find me, and they have. The most amazing, interesting and funny people I have ever met has been from the blog. I feel I have made friends for life with some of them. A few of them I would do anything for. As for the name? I dunno...it just sounded good I guess. Grit, Roads, Cafes...it just seemed to fit what I was doing at the time.

Do you have a road name and if so how did you get it?
The funny thing is, I have never met a true biker who gave himself his road name. Mine is “Viking Dave”, or more well known as VD. I would have picked something different myself, but like I said, you don't get to pick it. I was on my way back from Sturgis when it happened. We were sitting in a parking lot of a motel, getting ripped, when the subject of ancestry came up. I told the brothers my ancestors were from Denmark. Instantly, a brother yelled out, “Viking Dave! I knew it...you look like a damned Dane”. Then another one laughed and said, “V.D. For short.” Then the jokes started flying about how my personality was infectious, and how poor Becki has to sleep with VD...and it went on and on. Since then it has just stuck with me...and there is no antibiotic for the “VD” I contracted. I just laugh now and have learned to accept it. At least it's not “crash”, or “diesel”. (“Crash” got his name from crashing. “Diesel” got his from putting diesel in his tank. Glad I got one that wasn't a result of being stupid.)

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
Wow...I can't think of just one. You name it, I have probably seen it or have experienced it. Seriously...nothing comes to mind. I have seen people killed, truck fires, car fires, accidents, stopped people from bleeding to death, beat downs, kicked while I was sleeping, been shot at, run out of gas in the middle of no-where, broke down in the middle of no-where, pelted with ping-pong ball sized hail, nearly swept away in a flash flood, caught in a dirt-devil (mini tornado) that almost killed me, crashed in the middle of no-where, seen a bus load of women pressing their shirtless tits against the bus windows as I rode along side. I have never been robbed and never been arrested. I'm a good boy.

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Definitely yes! “People are not what they appear to be. Don't assume, it makes you a sucker.” A couple of others are: “There are no guarantees in this life, and when it comes right down to it, you are always alone...be at peace with that and everything works out.” and “Shit is going to happen...what makes it a horrible memory, or a treasured one, is simply a case of how you deal with it at the time.”

Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
I love both. On shorter runs I dig the group thing. Long distance I like to do solo. I love being alone out there. It's awesome. Besides, it's hard to find someone who can ride the trail all day, doing 700 to 1000 miles a day. I can't handle whiners...they bum the trip. More riders means higher odds for mechanical failure, medical problems and the such. WillyD is the only soulrider I know of who can do long distance. That is a tough dude and I never have heard him complain out on the road. He keeps his machine in top mechanical condition so I don't worry about a breakdown. Most of all, I trust his riding skills.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Being a Dad. Nothing is better. I don't feel like I have been a great Dad, but both my kids know they can come talk to me about anything, anywhere at anytime. They know they will get an honest, truthful, uncensored answer from me.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
Yes, there certainly is...no doubt. I don't have time for that bullshit and I don't have time for people who are shallow enough to subscribe to that mentality. I can ride with rat bikes, crotch rockets, M/C's, blah, blah, blah...it's all the same. I can ride with any group and fit in...simply because I know who I am. Yeah, I tease people and they tease me back, but it's all in good humor. When it comes right down to it, if you ride on two and you treat people with respect, then you are my friend. Simple.

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
I would call my kids and tell them to drop everything and meet me. While they are driving to me, Hmmm...I would grab my wife and have crazy, porn sex for most of the day while I was waiting. I would say goodbye to people who matter most after that. After visiting with my kids, I would head out to Big Sur and rip off the reaper by riding my bike off the Bixbie Bridge. No one is allowed to cry...but you can laugh with me, because you know I'll be laughing. I'm going someplace good no doubt. Think I'm kidding?

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing?
Seriously, no joke, I'm thinking about riding. Thinking about what I'm going to do to make riding more fun. Where I'm going to go next. And I love to sit in the garage and dink and maintain the glide. That is the reason for the blog. I get to write down what I think about. Lately, I have been learning guitar, I dig sketching, writing stories, programming (yeah, nerdy Dave can program.)...mostly I just listen to people and drink coffee. Heh.

Do you have a favorite swear word?
I don't have a favorite cuss word. They all have a place, and a time, for appropriate usage. I don't trust people who are afraid to cuss because they feel it is improper...screw that, but I also don't trust people who constantly feel the need to use cuss words in every sentence. Both of those situations materialize a person who is trying to hide a weakness of one type or another. It also shows me a person who is really more interested in their own comfort, than the comfort of the people around them...I don't have time for that “Shit” either. If I want to make a point, I'll break one out. I treat cuss words like I do handguns. Keep them concealed until you need to fire a round off in celebration or to kill. Did that answer your question?

What are you currently reading?
Your questions here girl! Uh....”The Original Wild Ones – Tales of the Boozefighters M/C”, “Guitar Basics” and “PHP-MYSQL Programming”

What’s in your CD player?
“Black Label Society – Order of the Black” I like all sorts of music, but enjoy rock from the 60's and 70's the most. It's gotta' have soul and depth in all cases.

So WOW...I know you want to know even more, huh? I do!! Make sure you visit "Road Grits Cafe" regularly to read the clever posts by Viking Dave! Thanks so much for the interview Dave! You totally inspire me to get out and live!

Specialist Donald Nichols

2011-04-21T21:23:00.007-05:00
I received the below e-mail tonight from Silver Eagle Harley Davidson in Waterloo, Ia. This young soldier was from the same area that I grew up in. While I did not know him I appreciate the sacrifice that he and his family have given to our country. God Bless Spc. Donnie Nichols and his family!

Per Bob Buckridge a Silver Eagle H.O.G. Member's Request we are Forwarding his Message...

Today an airplane taxied into the Waterloo airport. Its cargo was that of a hero, Spc "Donnie" Nichols.
He was one of our own.
Born in Waterloo, graduated from and worked in Waverly, lived in Shell Rock.
This soldier paid the ultimate price for us, the ultimate sacrifice... his life for our FREEDOMS.

His body was escorted by a fellow soldier, who also is his brother.
His mother and father waited his arrival. No longer will they enjoy their sons company. Also waiting was his fiancé, who will never experience the wedding she has been dreaming of.
They have all sacrificed a tremendous amount.
This family has a small request, they have asked the AMVET Riders, and other persons who ride, to HONOR this fallen soldier by riding our motorcycles in the procession, and lead the hearse that will carry his body.
Today some accomplished the first part of this mission. Saturday we are asking you, and others you invite, to ride with us and accomplish the families small request.

It will be cold, as today was, a small trivial sacrifice.
Should you accept this mission here is the plan.

Meet at AMVETS Post 49 Cedar Falls on bikes ready to leave no later than 7:30 a.m.
We will ride as a group to Waverly and meet up with other riding groups.
Here we will be briefed as to our service.
I believe we will escort the hearse containing the soldiers body to WSR High School for the funeral and then escort again to the cemetery.
If you are an AMVET Rider, please wear your vest or uniform, if you have one.
Please feel free to forward.
If you do not ride your presence at the high school or along the route with flags or just reverence will display appreciation for his service and sacrifice.

And the Winner Is...

2011-04-18T21:07:00.004-05:00
Recycle Billy! Congratulations to Billy for winning my best beard contest! Thanks to Billy, Caveman, McGyver, and Ronman for being such great sports and entering my contest!

The Journey Continues...

2011-04-10T17:38:00.004-05:00

Last March when I picked up Sadie it was a dream finally realized. When I finally got on her to ride it was scary for me to say the least. It had been quite a few years since I had taken the Rider’s Edge course and a Sportster is much heavier then a Buell Blast. I had also ridden for so many years with Dan that I was feeling a little separation anxiety. Plus to top it all off I had this weird mind set that you beat Leukemia and now you want to ride your own motorcycle. What the heck lady?? I didn’t get very many miles in last year. I went on some short trips but Dan pretty much had to prod me to do it. By the end of the season I was seriously thinking I had made a huge mistake. I considered selling her and forever continue to be a backrest for Dan.

As the winter loomed on this year I would look at Sadie and would feel a tug at my heart. I felt anxious for spring. I was ready to give it another try. My head was back in the right place and I felt better then ever. Come on spring!!

The first chance I got I rolled Sadie out of the garage and started her up. Damn she sounded beautiful. Her pipes rumbling loud and her lights shining bright, before I knew what hit me I was strapping on my helmet and gloves and riding her around the neighborhood. It felt so wonderful. There wasn’t the same apprehension as last year. A few days later I did another trip around the neighborhood and thought to myself as I was stopped at a stop sign, this isn’t enough, I need to take a little spin further away. I rode my ritual route without Dan this year. It felt amazing, my soul had life again. I loved the feeling that I was getting. I was finally back. The new and improved super fantastic Stephanie has her renewed sense of self once again.

Today I rode out to Jester Park. It was so much fun. I can’t wait for my next ride. I hope to share more journeys with you this year. Last year I was pretty darn quiet and didn’t really say much about riding my own. Thanks to all the females out there, that I admire so much, that gave me words of encouragement.(and thanks to you gentlemen too that told me to hang in there) It helped me out a lot. I’m glad I have ME back, because I was desperately missing myself very much!

It’s finally riding season!!! Get out there and enjoy yourself. Be safe and here is hoping I meet you along my continued journey on two wheels !

Iron Cowgirl Missy

2011-04-09T05:30:00.018-05:00
Iron Cowgirl Missy is an amazing Windsister! This cancer survivor and survivor of a broken soul is determined to deal with whatever life throws her way. She started chasing her dreams while growing up on a farm outside of Monroe, MI. Today home is Jackson, MI where she lives with her children. My interview with Missy has only scratched the surface of this amazing woman. I hope that after you have read about her here, you take the time to visit her websites and listen to her music. What a soul this woman has. She’s an inspiration to me because even with what life threw her way she never gave up and she continues Chasing Her Dreams!

Was there something specific that drew you into the motorcycle lifestyle?
Yes, my mother making me ride on back.(laugh). Love of the freedom of the open road, and the people who also lead a biker lifestyle. So real, so down to earth.

How long have you been riding?
30 years. For my eighth birthday, my mother bought me a Honda-50.

Does your current motorcycle have a name?
"Mr. Bones" (2008 H-D Deluxe)

What is it about Bikers that you like because you seem to gravitate to playing a lot of biker events?
I am one (laugh) I am part of a true family, and proud to be accepted for who I am. I love to ride, and other bikers can relate to the songs, the stories, my music of real life situations, over coming life challenges, and the therapy of the open road.
If you have read my story, Iron Cowgirl Missy, Who is She, you'll see that after riding around the country for 15,000 miles, I ended up in Sturgis, SD., for the Annual Black Hills Rally. I found peace, surrounded by so many people who were enjoying life, having fun with strangers and not one bit judgmental of anyone.

Where is the best place in the country to ride?
Oh I don't know, our Country is so beautiful it's hard to say. My home state of Michigan is beautiful riding, especially the Upper Peninsula. The Smoky Mountains are beautiful in Tennessee, and the Black Hills of Sturgis, SD. offer a lot to see as well. So many places to ride, I can't pick a 'best' place. As long as I'm riding it's all good (smile)

What is your favorite Rally?
I enjoy Sturgis Bike Week, Black Hills Bike Rally in Sturgis, SD., for the fact that it is the largest rally in the world, and so many people and friends from all over the world attend.

What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on the road?
Tried to out run a tornado in Chicago.

Do you feel that women are finally breaking the glass ceiling in the motorcycle world?
I have never witnessed a glass ceiling, I grew up with women riding so I just assumed that those who didn't ride, chose not to.

Do you feel like Men take you seriously when it comes to your love and passion for the motorcycle lifestyle?
Men that ride, Yes of course, because we relate to the motorcycle lifestyle because I live it.

Do you feel you are a role model for the women of the motorcycle community?
I'm just country girl who loves to ride motorcycles and play music. If you find something that you love to do, then pursue it with all your heart. I'm a good mother, I take care of my family and home, I work very hard, I believe in Karma, and I pay it forward when I can.

Do you have any advice for girls and women if they are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle?
Yep, go take a class, and if you have a friend that rides, maybe get some good pointers. And… "Ride On Sista" .

If you made it to the Sturgis rally last year and hung out at the Legendary Buffalo Chip you may have had the chance to hear Missy and her band Iron Cowgirl.

What role does music play in your life?
Aside from being a mother to my children, music is my life.

You are a celebrity in the motorcycle world. Were you discovered like an actress would be or did you just put yourself out there and immediately begin sharing your passion with the world?
(Laugh) Maybe not a celebrity, just a chick who loves to ride and play music. I'm chasing my dreams and there are many out there who can relate to my story and the freedom of the open road. I just put myself out there by sharing my music, which comes so deep from my soul.

When did you know you wanted to be a singer/songwriter?
When I was a teenager, I would record myself singing Kansas, Dust in the wind, and to the poems I would write. A boom box, a tape and rewind.(laugh)

Where was the first venue that you played?
The first venue I played was Waterloo Horseman's Campground as a child with a wash tub bass.---The First PAYING gig was Duffy's Tavern in Jackson, Michigan.

Did you sing your own songs at first or did you do covers or both?
Both.

Where will you be appearing in 2011?
So far we have announced three shows. May 10th in Hot Springs, Va. at WCHG 107.1 radio station for interview and performance. August 5-14th at The Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, SD., for their 30th Anniversary and the 71st Annual Black Hills Bike Rally . September 16 & 17 in Nacogdoches, Texas for The OTT Bike RALLY ("Oldest Town in Texas")

What would you describe your musical style as?
I would consider it to be Southern Rock/Rock/Lazy Blues.

What instruments do you play?
Grew up playing a wash tub bass, then moved to the guitar, and a little piano

If someone wants to listen to your music again and again do you have a CD they can purchase and where would they go to do that?
Currently, we are working on our album, which will be released very soon. For now, if someone would like to listen to our music, then they can go to our website where a music player has some of our demo songs.

Who are your musical influences and why?
Gosh, this is a tough one, because my music was influenced by a broken heart. I'd have to say, for male & female, Susan Tedeschi & Bob Seger, and so many more, gosh, I love all music.

Is there anyone in particular that you would love to jam with or maybe you have already...if so who was it?
I would love to jam with Susan Tedeschi or Bob Seger. I had the privilege of jamming with the Doobie Brothers last year in Sturgis, SD., at the Legendary Buffalo Chip and their energy is amazing.

When you are not riding, traveling to rallies and events, or promoting your music what do you like to do?
Cook, clean and do homework with the kids.(Laugh)(smile) I ride a Tennessee Walker (horse), and enjoy camping with him, seeing all my horse friends, playing around a campfire and being out in the woods on a trail somewhere. I've ridden my horse across the State of Michigan four times, and belong to the MTRA Michigan Trail Rider Association. I like to have family time, go to the movies, take care of my home, shooting trap, 4-wheeling, hunting, and the list could go on and on.(laugh)

Is there a motto that you live by?
"It is what it is" & "Life Is Good".

In 2012 Missy will be participating in Freedom Ride. Missy and Iron Cowgirl will be touring the United States, her on her bike and her band following in their bus. They are planning on playing in 38 States. Check out Freedom Ride 2012 for more details.

I have to say that Missy has inspired me to continue chasing my dreams and I hope she has added some inspiration to your life too!

Vote for Your Favorite BEARD!!!

2011-04-02T08:08:00.006-05:00
I dig a good beard on a guy. I've been known to just walk up to a biker and let him know that I truly admire the beard he has sprouting from his face. I'd like to thank the 4 men that bravely sent in their photos to my 1st Annual, and maybe only, Best Beard Contest. The winner will receive the American Throttle Board game. May the best BEARD win! To vote, please go to the comment section of this post and let me know who you think has the best beard. Voting ends on April 16th.
Biker # 1 Big Daddy Caveman

Biker # 2 Recycle Billy

Biker #3 McGyver

Biker #4 Ronman

Who Won the $50 J & P Gift Card??

2011-03-15T21:14:00.005-05:00
WOOLEYBUGGER

Thanks to everyone that visited my blog and entered. Thank you to J & P Cycles for asking me to be a part of this giveaway!!

WIN A $50 Gift Card to J&P Cycles

2011-03-03T19:08:00.007-06:00

As you all know Daytona Bike Week started today and runs through the 13th. To promote their HUGE Superstore in Daytona and their online catalog, J & P Cycles has offered me a $50 gift card to give away to a lucky reader of my blog. What you need to do is leave a comment on this post from March 4th - March 14th, 2011 and tell me how you would spend this $50 gift card if you win it. I will pick a winner at random and after March 14th announce the winner. At this time I will need you to contact me so that I can get your information and let J & P Cycles know where to send the gift card. Is that easy or what?? Enter!! Enter!! Enter!!

NO CAGES! Ride the WIND!!!

2011-02-28T19:00:00.002-06:00

Do you have a GREAT Beard? Enter IHG's Best Beard Contest

2011-02-12T12:38:00.007-06:00

I love beards. Big full Santa Claus beards. Because of this beard obsession I was thinking, why not have a beard contest and give away a great prize to the winner. If you think you have a rock'n beard, send your photo to motorcyclesandskulls@yahoo.com by March 31, 2011. I will post your photo on my blog and have reader's vote on who they think has the best beard. The winner will receive the American Throttle Board Game as a prize.

Entries must be from within the United States.

2011 Louisville Polar Plunge - Bean're Needs Your Donations

2011-02-07T21:03:00.004-06:00

On February 26th Bean're is going to take the PLUNGE! He is participating in the 2011 Louisville Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics. Your contribution will help provide life-changing sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

My First Motorcycle

2011-02-06T08:07:00.004-06:00
Hi All...I've been toying with this idea of writing a book about what it felt like to own your first motorcycle. There is such a passion that goes into riding and the feelings it gives to ones soul. When I was actually able to realize my riding dream and got my Harley it was like no other feeling I have ever felt. I would love to learn about other peoples experiences and share them with the world. If you would like to contribute your story please contact me @ motorcyclesandskulls@yahoo.com.

Bean're and Little Biker Cutie Axl

2011-02-05T18:35:00.001-06:00
Found this cute video that Bean're took of his little biker buddie Axl.

Who The F%&K is Roadside Marty??

2011-01-23T07:50:00.039-06:00
Roadside Marty was born and raised in Florida where his father owned a motorcycle shop behind their house in the 70's. At 15, Roadside owned his first street bike, a Kawasaki 1500 Enduro. This 41 year old Army Veteran and father of an eighteen year old son, works as a water specialist for a public utility. He credits his father, uncle, and older brother for introducing him to motorcycles. In his lifetime he's owned 14. His first Harley was a 72 Sportster which he still owns.

Because of his passion for motorcycles, Roadside started Flat Broke Customs and has been building motorcycles with this father ever since. I happened upon the Flat Broke blog one day and after reading post after post I had to find out Who the F%&K Roadside Marty was. If you regularly read Cycle Source Magazine you may already know of Roadside, if not here you go...

What are you riding now?
’00 FXDX; ’93 FXR; ’65 Pan; ’79 FLH

Tell me about Flat Broke Customs .
Flat Broke Customs came about as a way for me to be known on my own as opposed to whose son I was, not that I’m embarrassed by that, but I wanted to make my own mark, and since I wasn’t born wealthy most of my bikes made me “flat broke” building them!

Do you have a favorite bike that you built or do you fall in love with all of them?
I guess they all have a special place. Each time I see or remember them, it reminds me of where I was at that time in my life.

What is the stupidest comment that you’ve received from a non-rider?
“You’re gonna kill yourself on that thing!”

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle?
Not as much now as 10 years ago, people are more accepting, I guess.

Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you?
My father is truly my hero because he taught me so many things . . . a strong work ethic as well being a man who does what’s right, even when it’s not that easy! My brothers and close friends who have stood by me through good and bad times have helped me become the man I am today.

Is there someone in the motorcycle community that you would like to hang with for a day and have never had the opportunity to before and why?
Willie G. Davidson, because the man and his family have created a product that I have given a large part of my life to, and to talk with him about some of his accomplishments.

What is your favorite rally?
That’s a tough one . . . but I have to say Daytona – so many friends and chicks, not to mention I’m a born and bred Florida boy! (If you are going to Daytona Bike week you can find Marty at Willie's Tropical Chopper Show.)

What are your thoughts on women riding their own motorcycles?
Having grown up riding behind my mom on her own bike, I think it’s cool as hell to see women riding, not to mention I think it’s sexy too – turns me on!

Do you have a favorite part of the U.S. that you enjoy riding?
There are too many to have a favorite, very tough question! I would love to one day ride around Europe.

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
Edited by IHG...if you want to know this e-mail IHG @ motorcyclesandskulls@yahoo.com.
How did you get the name Roadside?
Picked up a chick at a bar to go for a ride and pulled over in a parking lot and got busy . . . True Story.

You also have a blog called Flat Broke. Why did you decide to start it?
A few people I respect and admire suggested it; I’m glad I did, it’s actually kind of fun! (Parental warning...Flat Broke is definitely an Adult Blog!)

There is another contributor to the Flat Broke blog named Alvarez . . . who is he?
That would be Scott Alvarez, my tattoo artist – really cool guy.

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Stay Calm!!! Sooner or later a solution to whatever problem you have will show itself.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Raising my son and watching him grow into a fine, young man.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
Not as much as in years past, but there will always be people who feel that way, that’s just the way it is. Personally, I don’t care what you ride as long as you ride because 2 wheels beats 4 wheels any day, in my book!

Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak non-riders out?
For as long as I’ve been riding on the street (26! years now) 98% of the riders I pass wave and so do I. F%&k being a hardass, loosen up and wave back!

What do you think of helmet laws?
A matter of choice without question!! If you feel safer with one, then wear it; if not, then that should be your choice! I wear one only when I’m riding where it’s required or when it’s really cold.

Do loud pipes really save lives?
I believe they do in certain situations because I have seen it first-hand, but dumbasses that rev them up just to get attention at a red light need their ass kicked; I mean, c’mon, grow the f%&k up!

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
Make sure the people I love have all of my worldly possessions to make their lives easier or more enjoyable, or both. Whether they sell it, keep it or ride it, just enjoy life and remember me every once in a while!

Do you have a favorite swear word?
Absolutely . . . . PUSSY!!

What activities do you enjoy when you are not riding or building?
I actually really enjoy going to the movies, always have.

What are you currently reading?
The Johnny Cash Story, In His Words – very interesting man.

What’s in your CD player?
Declaration of Independence by Rebel Son, I f%&king love those guys! And some early Social Distortion, David Allen Coe, Johnny Cash, and Misfits.

What else do we need to know about Roadside Marty?
If you see me at a rally, party or on the road, say hello. I love to meet motorcycle people because they’re my people, and if I see you and don’t say hi, it’s because I didn’t know you wanted me to!

I want to thank Stephanie for interviewing me. This has been a lot of fun!

You'll have to check out the February issue of Cycle Source Magazine. Roadside Marty's motorcycle beauty, Purple Haze, is featured on the cover. Marty's buddy & editor of Cycle Source, Chris Cullen, wrote a great article about Marty & Purple Haze. The Chick Magnet is another build that Marty takes great pride in. I'm looking forward to seeing what Roadside builds in 2011. Thanks for the interview Roadside! You are one "f%&k'n cool builder and biker!

If you want to follow Roadside Marty here are the links to his blogs.
Flat Broke
Flat Broke Chops and Rods

Cycle Source Commercial

2011-01-17T18:36:00.002-06:00

Garage Girls Gear

2011-01-13T21:20:00.004-06:00

It's official, Garage-Girls gear is now available online! Be sure to visit Garage-Girls and support the Garage Lifestyle, you'll find T's, Tanks, Stickers and more.

Sinister - The Bad Boy or Girl Wheel

2011-01-08T08:53:00.015-06:00

Well folks it's 2011 and you might have some Christmas Cash burning a hole in your pocket. What better way to spend it then by adding some bling to your favorite form of transportation. If that bling is new wheels for your chrome horse then you will want to check out Sinister Wheel.

Their gallery of wheels is certainly impressive.
The Bad Boy Series
The Black Series
Billet Daddy
Big Daddy

Sinister Wheel has also created a very cool IDASH that will keep your IPOD secure and easily accessible for your longest rides.

If you have facebook you can find Sinister Wheel and "LIKE" them! Or if you are more into Twitter you can follow them there.

If you live in the freezer like I do during the winter months you are probably checking out sites just like Sinister Wheel. I sure have been and I'm dreaming of riding again in a few months. Happy 2011 to you all! Hope to see you on the road this year!

I Believe in Santa!

2010-12-11T10:47:00.002-06:00

I'm not ashamed to admit that I still believe in Santa. There was a brief point in my life when I didn't and tried to throw a wrench in my sister's belief of Santa. What a mean older sister I was telling her that Santa was a fake and I remember doing everything I could after that to correct my wrong. I mean really, what's the harm in believing in a cute old bearded jolly man in a red suit. It brings warmth and great memories remembering waking up Christmas morning to all kinds of great presents that Santa had left for us. Santa brings joy and smiles to me when I see him. I also feel that there is a little Santa in others and they are sent out by him to spread joy and smiles during Christmas and all the year through. Life in America has been a little challenged these days and we are all struggling to make ends meet. Even with that, you can still let your inner Santa come through by helping those less fortunate then you. And I think I say this every year, slow down a little and enjoy the season. Be kind to others and it will come back to you. And whatever you do, always believe in Santa, he's out there watching to see if you are being naughty or nice.

Merry Christmas!

Definition of the name Harley

2010-12-05T05:57:00.004-06:00
My supervisor is having a baby in a few days and she has yet to reveal Baby D's name. All this baby stuff got me wondering what the definition of the name Harley is for both a boy and a girl.

The girl's name Harley, ha(r)-ley, is pronounced HAR-lee. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Harley is "hare meadow". Notable in modern times as a female name due to actress Harley Jane Kozak. The name of a great motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson.

The boy's name Harley, ha(r)-ley, is pronounced HAR-lee. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Harley is "hare meadow; the long field". May also possibly mean "rocky meadow" or "eagle meadow". Familiar as the name of a great motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson.

American Throttle - The Motorcycle Trivia Board Game

2010-11-26T15:39:00.009-06:00

This is the perfect gift for any motorcycle lover! American Throttle - The Motorcycle Trivia Board Game is based on a poker run across the United States, stopping at all the major rallies such as Sturgis, Laconia, Daytona, Four Corners and Laughlin. This is the perfect game to quench your motorcycle thirst during the long, cold winters that a lot of us experience every year. I know, I know...some of you are lucky and live in climates that allow riding pretty much all year. You do have parties and it would be a great addition to a night out with the crew.(it's a drinking game!!)
Here is a video explaining the game and how it's played.

After watching that I know you want to buy one of these to check out on your own. Sounds like fun, huh??!! To get your American Throttle Game <----click on that link and it will take you to the Buy It page on the American Throttle - The Motorcycle Trivia Board Game website.

The creators of this game are David Veal and Steve Schader. David came up with the idea after watching all of the biker build off shows that used to be on TV. He pitched the idea to Steve and the rest is HISTORY.

If you do end up buying this game, come back to my site and leave a comment letting others know what you thought of it. It really does look like a lot of fun!

Thank You for My Freedom!

2010-11-17T22:45:00.005-06:00

We shouldn't just remember our Veterans, Fallen Heroes, and Active Military a few times a year. We need to remember them each and every day because they gave/give us our FREEDOM!

Silver Eagle Harley Davidson - Waterloo, IA

2010-10-31T17:41:00.006-05:00
My expectations are very high when it comes to customer service. I think the reason for that was the 13 years of my life that I spent working retail. This weekend, on a trip to NE Iowa, I stopped at Silver Eagle Harley Davidson in Waterloo. I have to say this is one of my favorite Harley dealerships in Iowa. Josh and Jim in the parts area didn't hesitate to approach me to see if I needed any help. That meant a lot being a female because there have been various times I've been ignored, in that department, in other dealerships. The ladies in MotorClothes are always friendly and when I made my purchase,I felt so good that I even donated a dollar to a local charity. Thank you Silver Eagle Harley Davidson for being such a welcoming place to visit.

We Had Joy, We Had Motorcycle Fun!!

2010-10-24T21:30:00.012-05:00
Looking at my blog I really didn't write any ride posts this summer. I had great thoughts of ride posts but never really got around to them. Between riding with Dan and learning to ride my own, the summer just got away from me. I do have photos to share so I decided to make a picture montage of the sights we saw this summer. The best trip was the Great River Road in Wisconsin. We also took a day trip to the National Motorcycle Museum with a group from Struther's Brothers. The last big hurrah of the summer was the Annual Abate Toy Run. The turn out this year was amazing and the weather was excellent! We made it to one Indianola Bike night and I threw in some pictures of our trip to the pumpkin patch just for fun.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com
I hope you all were able to make some amazing memories this summer on your motorcycles! I hope to get a few more rides in before that snow begins to fall.

Renegade Wheels @ MaleStandard.com

2010-10-19T07:12:00.006-05:00
You might be interested in checking out this story about Chuck Frederick, owner of Renegade Wheels. The article, A Rebel with a Cause: The Man Behind Renegade Wheels, gives you a look into the life of the man behind these American Made Wheels. While you are over there reading, you might want to check out the rest of MaleStandard.com.

JewelryHype! Excellent Jewels at Excellent Prices

2010-10-11T20:23:00.015-05:00
JewelryHype has quality jewelry at bargain prices. Check out their Bike Chain Jewelry,Stainless Steel Bracelets, and Mens Biker Rings.

They also have a beautiful selection of jewelry for women. I've bought many pieces from JewelryHype and I'm always delighted when I receive the items that I've ordered. I've never been disappointed. I love their rings and pendants. If you want a real bargain they also have HYPE!Specials.

I'm always skeptical when it comes to ordering items online. You never really know what you are going to get. And it's usually a hassle to return items if you do not care for them. I have never been disappointed with anything I've received and have never wanted to return a thing. If I were disappointed with something I received, JewelryHype offers free return shipping within 15 days of your purchase.

JewelryHype! Excellent Jewels at Excellent Prices!!

I'm Just Like You - Only Prettier!

2010-10-08T23:49:00.003-05:00
Which ones are Prettier??...Well the Rebel Girls of course!

Steve McQueen - He Loved the Fast Machines

2010-09-27T20:32:00.008-05:00
A few years back I went to an exhibit, at a museum, called Art of the Motorcycle. One of the motorcycles belonged to Steve McQueen and I was completely mesmerized. I got chill bumps immediately and could feel his spirit there as I admired his Indian motorcycle. I kept thinking...I have to touch this...I have to touch this motorcycle. When the docent wasn't looking I reached up and touched the throttle. A few weeks back during our trip to the National Motorcycle Museum I rounded the corner and there was the motorcycle I had touched. Once again I felt his spirit there in the room. I'd like to give a little tribute here to Steve McQueen. He was an All American Rebel, a freebird, and he loved those fast machines!

Extreme Motorcycle Bling

2010-09-26T21:14:00.006-05:00
These motorcycles on display at the National Motorcycle Museum had the most bling of any motorcycle I've ever seen. Holy Bedazzler Batman!

She's Living Her Life NOW - An Interview with Karen Allen

2010-09-18T22:01:00.024-05:00
Karen Allen is one amazing woman! This 50 year old mother, wife, daughter, sister works full time at the local school district in her town. She rides her own and lives everyday with Follicular Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

I had submitted my story to Garage Girls and Karen read it and posted a comment. Through correspondence via e-mail and Facebook we have become friends and have shared our thoughts and struggles dealing with our cancers. Karen is one strong woman and I'm so excited that she agreed to do this interview so that you can get to know her too. She is a huge inspiration and has helped me deal with my fears of moving to the front.

How long have you been riding a motorcycle?
Sixteen months.

What was your first motorcycle?
2006 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Custom, black on black, with really nice adds.

What do you ride now?
2008 Harley-Davidson Street Glide 96” with Stage 1. Dyno’d with Screamin' Eagle Pro EFI Super Tuner. That said, I wouldn’t mind more.

What made you decide to ride?
I remembered how much I enjoyed being a passenger. I like the wind in my face. I thought that I might enjoy riding, but never really thought I’d own my own bike.

How do you feel when you are riding?
I feel happy. Also, I feel free, plugged in, focused, and calm. I like the intensity. I get respite on my bike. I sort out a lot of stuff. My friend Jenn calls her bike Therapy and I get that.

I always want to ride and never want to get off the bike. I want to go. Luckily, I have a few friends that feel the same way.

Is there a motto that you live by?
No, I don’t know that I have a motto, but I recently heard Rene say that life isn’t like a savings account; the more you spend the more interest you gain. I like that idea. A positive, hopeful attitude is helpful in every aspect of my lfe.

You recently embarked on an amazing journey on your motorcycle. Can you tell me about your trip and why you took on this amazing journey?
It was an amazing journey! The Conga III Breast Cancer ride was envisioned by Flo Fuhr and members of the Delphi Forum, Women Who Ride met in Cheyenne, Wyoming, while fund raising for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The National Breast Cancer Foundation's mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and by providing mammograms for those in need. Conga-lines came from Vancouver Island, Saskatchewan, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Idaho and many other places. I think we may have had around 40 riders. Memories were made as riders took time to see the sights as they rode to Cheyenne. Many of the riders had known each other for years, as online friends and were just meeting face-to-face for the first time. There was instant camaraderie and it was a really great reunion! We had a couple days to relax and enjoy ourselves. The local Harley-Davidson dealership sponsored a party that was really fun. They really support the cause well. We also had an excellent day ride to Estes Park, Nederland, Peak to Peak and then down into Denver. Our fundraising goal was $14,000, and I heard a few weeks ago it was up to $36,600.

I was in Flo’s group from Vancouver Island. We rode through Yellowstone National Park and spent a couple nights in Shell, Wyoming. Shell, a tiny town of 50, must be the “Heart-Home of the Conga”, as those who live there, poured their hearts into the Conga cause. The citizens of Shell rolled out the pink carpet and hosted a great afternoon gathering to raise awareness and money. Just about $4000 dollars was raised in this community. I love those I met and because of the people, one of my favorite parts of the Conga. I hope to go back soon!

I went on the ride to share time with my friends from Canada and for the experience. It was a trip of a lifetime and a true journey, as it encompassed more than riding a motorcycle from point A to point B. I rode with Flo’s group from Vancouver Island to Cheyenne and rode much of my trip home alone. The road time was very good. Lots of fun, but at every stop on the road, it soon became evident that people wanted to hear our story, share theirs’ and to participate by donating. The ride became much bigger than a simple trip to Cheyenne. We heard touching stories of survivorship, elation, grief, baldness, wigs, Locks of Love, mastectomy, prostrate, cure and so on. We were encouraged and thanked by so many people. I loved it when we’d hear from passing motorists, “Conga!” The ride was excellent, but it was the people I loved most.

I know that there were men that traveled on the Conga ride but the majority of the riders were women. Is there something special about riding with a group of windsisters?
Yes, we had a handful of Cabana Boys who served us sisters very well. They cheerfully granted our every wish to be all around great men. And they looked so hawt in pink!

It is pretty spectacular to ride with women. There is a sisterhood. I haven’t ridden very long and have ridden with just a few other women, but never in a mostly female group. I’d say I felt that the feelings of empowerment were intensified. At one point, we were a group of women and one man, zooming across the wide open flats of Wyoming in very strong, gusting winds. Each passing truck blew us around. It was uncomfortable and cold, yet all I could think of was how awesome life was! I was out there gritting my teeth, praying there’d be fewer trucks and no crazy antelope, and giving thanks. When we arrived at our destination, there were no sour words, only glee and celebration that we rode through some tough windy conditions. I was really impressed with these ladies, as all didn’t have full dressers; they were strong women.

What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on the road?
The morning we left Superior, I had two 8-inch long magnetic breast cancer ribbon decals on top of my gas tank. They were a little stiff from the cold. At about 75 mph, the one on the right started lifting up. I’d slap it down and all would be ok until I’d throttle up. I started playing with my speed and watching this magnet lift up. I wondered if it would fly off. The whole thing tickled me and I started to giggle. Throttle up, slow down. Repeat. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I realized Flo, who was right behind me, was probably wondering what the hell I was doing. That got me laughing. Then, I goosed the throttle and the magnet lifted up and the whole thing peeled off at about 85 mph. It flew right on up over my shoulder. Zing! All I could hope was that Flo saw it coming. OMG, I really started laughing, then I started laughing because I was laughing, and it was soooo creepy loud within my visor that I laughed even harder. At some point, I was sort of doubled-over the gas tank just howling. Tears were streaming and it was a huge release! Course, I had one more decal to go, so that made me laugh even harder. It was insane. Yep, I throttled up and let ‘er rip. I’ll never forget how wonderful it felt to be so in the moment, hysterically laughing at myself, riding at about 80 mph on a sunny Montana morning. It was beautiful! Crazy, I know! (Flo lived to tell the story of ducking and diving because pink shit was flying off my bike.)

Out of all the places you've ridden do you have a favorite?
I have two roads that I really enjoyed not only for the road, but for who I was with. On the Conga, I really enjoyed the ride from Three Forks to West Yellowstone, Montana. We had just spent a really wonderful afternoon with Robin and Lonnie of Helena, who treated us to a private opening of their store, The Leather Store (bliss) and then had us over to their home for a BBQ before sending us down the road. It was great. That area is my old stomping ground and I’ve been on that road quite a few times, but never before on a motorcycle. It was a sunny, stormy, dramatic vista sort of day. Beautiful. The other ride is in Washington from Colfax to Pasco, via Dusty and Dayton. A beautiful, warm, sunny day with big, huge, sweeping curves in wheat country. That day was spent with special and new friends.

Do you have any mentors or people that inspire you and if so who and why?
My dear friend Flo has mentored me well. She is a loving, matter of fact person who really wants the best for her friends. She helped me locate my first bike, then rode it to a parking lot so I could learn how to go from 100’ circles to 16’ slow cone weave in a couple hours. She has given me more than I can ever say, as my riding keeps giving to me. I love her lots!

Besides Flo, professional trainers have been instrumental in helping me develop skills for safer riding. They are Mike of MSF, and Ed, Curt and Zsolt of Northwest Motorcycle School. Also, the people who have helped me the most here in Wenatchee are Dave and Bob. All are superior riders and I learn from each and every ride. They are the best and yeah, I love those guys, too!

Do you have any advice for girls and women if they are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle?
I’m no trainer, but I think women may have an advantage when learning to ride over men, as we will learn to finesse rather than to muscle around our machines. We also learn differently. Typically we learn from a place of caution and are not out to prove anything except that we can learn to ride and will ride well. IMO, rank beginners should take the MSF course without their man. Go alone or with girlfriends. This stage of the ride is all about doing things at your own comfortable rate. Buy a bike that fits you, not a brand name or color, because you will most likely learn enough on this bike to know you want specific things in your next bike. You might consider getting a larger cc bike to start on. My 1100cc was a big first bike, but as Jenn suggested: I was in charge of the throttle and the brake. I felt the power offered by that bike was an added safety factor. It had power to get me out of a situation if I needed it. Everyone knows emergency braking is an important skill, but having enough power can also add to your list of evasive actions, but only if you have it available (in the correct gear, too). Be sure to get the Ride Like a Pro DVD and practice. Practice, practice, practice your slow speed drills and emergency braking. Learn how to correctly emergency brake. Take any and all advanced rider courses you can find. Every class will teach you one more excellent skill, for in an emergency, you’ll react according to your training. Last, ride at every opportunity.

What life lessons have you learned since you were diagnosed with Lymphoma?
I think the biggest change has been how I spend time with hopes that I don’t waste it. I’ve learned to talk to people that may have intimidated me before my diagnosis… I’m talking about those with full on tats, piercings, nasty looking bikes, etc. I didn’t realize how frequently I judged people before I knew what was in their hearts. I am more independent and stronger. I parent differently, as I talk more about what dreams are made of. I feel that I need to hurry up and live my life now that living is good, because God did give us the gift of life so we should be experiencing it and giving to others (not on the TV, etc). So, given the opportunity to ride or do just about anything else, and I go riding.

Do you feel like a stronger woman because of all you have been through?
Absolutely. Without cancer, I would not have gone on the Conga, because the idea of riding home alone would have been too much. That fear would have kept me home.

What does your family think of you riding?
I think it is probably a mixed bag of pride, fear, glee ... They don’t fully understand, but see what it does for me. My mom and my daughters probably are my biggest boosters, my spouse is still just shaking his head. I think he’s wondering what next? I have talked about learning to fly. Wouldn’t a jet be something awesome?

Tell me anything else that you would like to tell me about your life journey since being diagnosed with NHL.
Doctors say that you can live with cancer. I believe cancer can live with me, but it better behave. Some may have heard the adage “I have cancer, it doesn’t have me”, and that is true. Many scientists believe we can now start viewing and treating some cancers much like chronic health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Many people live well while they have cancer living with them.

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing?
I lead a pretty quiet life these days. I enjoy cooking, reading, my family and friends, shopping for black leather and motorcycle things. What else is there?

Just for fun...

Do you have a favorite swear word?
Oh, nice try, girlie. You’ll have to ride with me to hear me use it. Let’s go!

What music are you listening to?
Lately, it has been Dave Matthew’s last CD, Gillian Welch’s Revival and Tom Waits. Lots of radio! Currently, I’m listening to The Rolling Stones, You Can't Always Get What U… want?! (irony) .

What are you reading?
Anam Cara by John O’Donohue, Ivan Doig’s latest, and a stack of magazines…

Cherry or Mango?
Mango!

Last thoughts: When it comes to motorcycles, many women toy with the idea of learning to ride, yet shy off with thoughts that it's way too scary. I get it, but want to encourage women to step out of their comfort zone and try it out. Remember what it felt like to learn to drive a car? Was it scary and thrilling? Remember the first time you experienced horsepower, independence, and autonomy? Recapture the romance! Take the MSF course, get involved. The fastest growing demographic in the world of motorcycling is the numbers of female riders and it isn’t by accident; it’s by good training and desire to be strong, independent, and empowered,

Hey,….. check this out, this is what I’m talking about: Women Riders

A huge THANK YOU to Karen for sharing her story! I hope her words inspire you to live your life now!!

On October 9th I will be walking the Leukemia Lymphoma Light the Night walk. I'm not just walking for me but I'll be walking for Karen too! If you would like to donate to help to find a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma please visit my team page, Ain't Buy'n What Hairy's Cell'n and make a donation!

Stealth Rider on SPEED - New Orleans

2010-09-18T21:30:00.004-05:00
In this week’s episode Jason visits New Orleans. Watch Jason and the Crew doing their insane stunts around the city which include the Lower 9th Ward/Levy Katrina Ground Zero, House Foundation Lower 9th Ward, Mardis Gras World, LaFayette Cemetary, Bourbon Street, and Canal Street.

Watch Stealth Rider every Wednesday 8P ET/PT on SPEED!

You Really Hate Harley That Much??

2010-09-18T07:47:00.005-05:00
During my recent visit to the motorcycle museum in Anamosa, IA, I found this very sad looking motorcycle. Story goes that this Honda Dealer hated Harley Davidson motorcycles so much that he decided to crush this one into a cube. RIP poor Harley! I think HATE is such a BAD thing.

Stealth Rider on SPEED - check it out!

2010-09-09T20:19:00.004-05:00
In this week's episode Jason Britton and his team visit Houston's Enron Building, Sabine Street Bridge, George R Brown Convention Center, Jones Plaza, and Downtown Skyline. These are 3 crazy guys. Talk about talent on 2 wheels. Amazing!

Bird - Arm - Splat

2010-09-08T04:46:00.005-05:00

If you have been a motorcyclist for a long enough period of time you are bound to get hit by something, maybe a rock or a bug. On our ride the other day something happened that I still keep replaying in my mind. This bird tangled with my arm and I think my arm won! Yes, I feel bad because I'm not one to kill birds and animals. Monique and RJ said it was a sight to be seen. Feathers flying every which way and then splat. I'm sorry Mr. Bird but you should have stayed out of my air space!

What kinds of things have you tangled with on the road?

Check out Stealth Rider on SPEED!!

2010-08-31T18:05:00.006-05:00
Check out this footage from the Speed Channel show Stealth Rider. Jason Britton ROCKS his Bike in Las Vegas.

Keep the Rubber Side Down - An Interview with Rick Slark

2010-08-29T09:27:00.018-05:00
A few of us in the Harley community follow a guy named Rick Slark who writes a blog called Keep the Rubber Side Down. We also follow each other on Facebook and the banter about Harley Riders vs Riders of other motorcycles has been quite comical at times. We all give Rick a very hard time that he actually has Harley envy. I thought it would be interesting to get to know Rick a little more so he agreed to do an interview.

Rick is from Columbus, OH and currently resides with his wife Michelle in Springfield, OH. Rick has two sons, Jonathan and Ethan and an Alaskan Malamute named Dakota. Rick's passions include writing, touring on a motorcycle, cigars, and starting small businesses. He also attempts to follow Christ which he does some days better than others.

When did you first discover motorcycles?

My childhood friend got a Honda 50cc as a gift and we rode it up and down the sidewalks in our neighborhood. I think that was the beginning of the madness.

What was your first motorcycle?

A friend was moving into a tiny apartment and had no storage so he gave me his 1975 Kawasaki H1-500. I love that bike and hope to add one to my stable of motorcycles one day.

How many motorcycles have you owned over the years?

Not many. I tend to fall in love with them so I keep them for long periods of time. They are like my friends. I know many people buy and sell motorcycles quite often, but I have never been that guy. I guess I am too much of a romantic.

What are you riding now and why?

Currently we have four bikes, 1985 Honda Nighthawk 450, 2003 Yamaha V-Star 1100, 1996 Triumph Daytona 1200, and a 1000 BMW R1100RT.

Most of the time I ride the BMW. My friends call me a super slabber because my style of riding is more long distance riding. The RT is the perfect long distance bike and therefore the one I ride the most.

Why did you decide to begin blogging about motorcycles?

For me it began as an outlet, a place to write down what I was thinking about at the time. I wanted to document some of my cycling experiences, the skills I had learned, and what's more, my mistakes. From there it just evolved and continues to do so.

What is your site called? Why and how did you decide on the title of your blog?

The site is called "Keep the Rubber Side Down" and I chose it because I think this phrase speaks to the camaraderie of the motorcycling community and secondly, because one of the main purposes of the site is to offer stories and tips that will help make one a better rider.

"Keep the Rubber Side Down" is a phrase often used by motorcyclists to encourage one another to be safe while on the road. It is also a great metaphor to be used as we journey down the road called LIFE!

Do you have any other blogs?

Yes, I have Rick's Ramblings.

What types of subjects do you enjoy blogging about?

At Keep the Rubber Side Down I strictly deal with issues pertaining to motorcycling. My readers are not there to read my views on other subjects. I reserve Rick's Ramblings to deal with other topics that interest me such as spirituality, books, humor, etc.

Do you do freelance work for other motorcycle publications or websites?

Yes, I have written for our local paper and a few online magazines, but honestly, keeping my two sites fresh, and working on my book, takes up most of my writing time.

Do you do any creative writing?

I always have a pen and pad on me. I write everywhere I am. I am always listening for something that will spark my creativity.

You use video submissions from time to time. What do you use to do those?

I use a Flip HD camera. Easy to use and fabulous video.

How many states have you traveled?
I have visited most of them, but a couple years ago I decided to ride my motorcycle in every state. To date I am up to 31 states.

What is your favorite state to ride in?

As I mentioned, I haven't been in all of them, so I can't definitively answer that, but I love riding in Tennessee and along the east coast.

How does riding enrich your life?

Big question. Riding, especially long distances, affords me the time to move beyond the surface things that normally clutter my brain. It is the time I am able to connect to that which is important and meaningful in my life.

Do you enjoy attending rallies?

I tend to avoid rallies and riding in large groups. I am most able to enjoy the very essence of my riding style when I ride alone or perhaps with one or two others, but I far prefer to be alone.

What do you think makes a "Biker"?

I despise this term.

Be honest...do you really dislike Harley Davidson Motorcycles as much as you seem to?

Let me just say, I don't believe they warrant the following they have. I simply don't get it. It is not the motorcycles as much as the few riders who make me want to hurl my Cheerios. I love all motorcycles whether they are new, old, big, small, rusted or shiny, and yes; American or foreign. It seems to me some HD folks give off the vibe that if you aren't riding a HD you are a second class citizen and I think that takes away some of the joy of cycling for those riders who can't afford a Harley. Especially when the majority of those riders learned to ride on another brand.

I always ask a couple of fun questions like the guy on "In the Actors Studio" does.

What music are you currently listening to?

Moon Dance by Van Morrison. Music does not play a crucial role in my life.

What are you currently reading?

I am always reading something, be it "Newsweek", or a Triumph service manual. I am a task reader and very seldom read for entertainment. Here is a list of books I am reading now.

They Say I Say - A book about formal writing.
The Oath by Frank Peretti
The Devil Can Ride
The Treasury of Religious Verse

Thanks to Rick for answering the questions that he did. Enjoyed getting to know a non HD rider a little more and it's always good to learn someone elses perspective on motorcycling.

Check out Rick's blogs:
Keep the Rubber Side Down
Rick's Ramblings

3rd Annual 100 Mile Benefit/Poker Run - Saturday, August 21

2010-08-17T18:44:00.004-05:00
3rd ANNUAL 100 MILE BENEFIT/POKER RUN SATURDAY,AUGUST 21,2010 This years benefit is for Randy Stevenson also known as: “Rambo” or “Randy Dandy”. Randy has terminal cancer.

Poker Run- Sign in starts at 10:30 am at courthouse square in Montezuma,IA. $5.00 per hand or $10.00 for 3 hands with payouts to highest and lowest hand. Last bike out at 11:30 am Last bike in at 5:00pm(100 mile) 1st stop Delta Junction intersection of HWY 92 & HWY 21, 2nd stop Wildlife Bar-n-Grill Fremont,IA, 3rd stop All In The Family Raceway Oskaloosa,IA, 4th stop Scooters New Sharon,IA, 5th stop and final County Seat Montezuma,IA.

Dinner and Street Dance-In front of and hosted by County Seat in Montezuma,IA $10.00 per person-includes dinner and dance,$15.00 per couple. Food will be served from 6:30-8:00pm. Band CPR will be playing from 8:00pm-Midnight. Several raffles throughout the night.

Lodging- Camping available for free or you can choose the following: Camping at Diamond Lake for a fee (payable to DNR), Cozy Country Inn-call for reservations at 641-623-5505.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!!!

Donations accepted for Randy Stevenson at Montezuma State Bank. For more information call(641)-623-5766

Contact:Caryn Webb (Toots) at 641-990-7826 or email caw@zumatel.net.

Pee Wee Herman at Sturgis

2010-08-12T21:05:00.002-05:00
This is GREAT!

Cartoonist Paul Jamiol Starts Bikers are Animals Blog

2010-08-12T18:36:00.005-05:00

Paul Jamiol has started a new Bikers are Animals blog on his children's books. He invites all to feel free to stop by anytime and post. The blog will be mostly about the books, the characters, art, motorcycles and both current and future projects that Paul is working on. He loves both art and motorcycles and hopes to share a lot of that with visitors. Please join him at the blog when you get a chance and feel free to comment, follow or just lurk.

Update: The second book, Bikers are Animals 2 - The Rest of the Crew, is right on schedule for it's September release. Pre-reviews are really positve.

Contact: Paul Jamiol
617-327-1431
pjamiol@rcn.com
bikersareanimals

America to Argentina - 20 Countries and 25,000 Miles

2010-08-08T05:48:00.004-05:00

On August 15th Bill Dwyer sets off for an eight month trip that takes him from America to Argentina, spanning over 20 countries and 25,000 miles. Without a cellphone, and infrequent internet access he will no longer always be "connected" or "on the grid." He travels alone, but brings along a virtual audience for the ride through documenting his journey on YouTube.

As a software developer, Bill grew weary of his corporate job. He sold most of his belongings and traded his cubical for the open road. Food, gas and shelter will be his only concerns. No more timelines to follow or deadlines to meet, only serendipity creates the destiny of his road map.

Perceptions of Mexico and Latin American countries as a seething breeding ground of violence have been widespread. Bill believes that people and the world around us are not as dangerous as we sometimes are lead to believe. The success of his journey should prove to be a reminder that among a seemingly hostile world there is still some good out there.

Bill is an avid adventure motorcyclist and blogger for 3 years. He has built up an audience from all walks of life and continues to entertain, educate and inspire them to take the plunge and seek out adventures of their own.

Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill - Waterloo, IA

2010-08-01T22:20:00.004-05:00

Last weekend Dan and I took a ride to no particular place and ended up in Waterloo, IA at the Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill. People I know have said great things about the place so I thought, might as well check it out. Located downtown Waterloo at 228 East 4th Street the Screaming Eagle is a great place to get a burger and brew. It's very much a biker friendly bar but there were more non bikers there when we arrived. The food was good and the waitress we had made sure we had everything we needed. Might have to head back some Thursday night because they boast a big bike night that begins at 6pm with Live Music and lots of Cold Beer!

If you are out riding with no particular place to go, head to Waterloo, IA and check out the Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill.

Sturgis - I Truly Love that Rally!

2010-07-29T22:09:00.005-05:00
Well, it's just around the corner and many of you will be heading out soon to the best rally in the United States! To all of you that are rolling to South Dakota in a few days...Ride Safe, Ride Free, and ENJOY!

How To Pick Up a Motorcycle

2010-07-22T23:04:00.005-05:00

Cult of the Cafe Racer

2010-07-13T21:32:00.001-05:00

Let's Ride Sonny Barger's Guide to Motorcycling

2010-07-08T19:12:00.014-05:00

The opportunity to review this book came at the best time. Being I'm a newbie rider I truly learned a lot from Sonny Barger's wisdom. One might think that Mr. Barger would have a ride it like you stole it mentality but he really gave very sensible advice in this book. He was very truthful and didn't sugar coat the risks involved with riding.

In the introduction of the book Sonny writes...Back in the 1970's people used to say: "Ride Hard, die young, and leave a good-looking corpse." People said a lot of stupid things back then. I'm in my seventies today, and that saying seems even more idiotic to me now then it did back then. I've got a better plan: ride smart, live long, and die of old age.

This book has page after page of useful information. Each chapter takes you on the journey that you may take when you finally decide to ride and helps you figure out what type of motorcycle you should consider for your first bike. Sonny covers different parts of a motorcycle and the fundamentals of riding. There is great information on evaluating a used motorcycle and when to walk away from purchasing the motorcycle you are looking at. This book covers just about everything you possibly need to know and things you would never think about as a new rider.

Chapter Six is about Advanced Riding Techniques. I read that chapter a couple times and plan to read it a few more. When you are a new rider there is so much to remember and at times you find yourself getting caught up in the moment, so reading that chapter again and again will remind me of all the things I need to remember to do when I'm out there on the road. Even seasoned riders would benefit from reading the Advanced Riding Techniques chapter.

What I really liked where the bullet points at the end of the chapters that summed up some of the knowledge you should have taken away from what you just read.

What You Should Know
The engine gives the motorcycle its character.
Horsepower might win races, but on the street torque is king.
The more comfortable your bike, the more you enjoy riding.
Helmets not only protect your head, but they make riding more comfortable.
Everyone else on the road has the potential to kill you at any time.
Avoid financing if you can help it because it makes buying a motorcycle much more expensive.
Don't worry about what everyone else thinks; pick the bike you like.
You need to prepare your body and your bike for the rigors of a long trip.
I would especially recommend Let's Ride: Sonny Barger's Guide to Motorcycling How to Ride the Right Way for Life to anyone considering getting on two wheels or anyone that has just purchased and is learning how to ride on two wheels. I have to admit, I was truly shocked at times on how totally sensible and safe Sonny Barger is in his thinking. He is definitely an ICON of the motorcycling world and he offers so much of his knowledge in this book. You will also laugh at the humor he throws in throughout the book. I enjoyed his straight forward way of looking at things. As I said at the beginning of this post, he doesn't sugar coat a thing about riding. Motorcycling is fun but it should be taken seriously and respected and Sonny reconfirms this in each chapter.
If you need more convincing that you should purchase a copy of this book, visit these blogs for further reviews: Biker Chick News and Road Captain USA .
If you are attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally you can meet Sonny Barger and get a signed copy of this book. He will be at the Local 81 Bike Shop on Aug 9 from 10am to 3pm and on Aug 10 he will be at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum from 1pm to 4pm.

The GoldWing Wing Ding 32 Has Begun

2010-06-29T18:06:00.005-05:00

As I drove home tonight I noticed that there were quite a few GoldWings traveling the streets of Des Moines. Then it dawned on me, the GoldWing Wing Ding started today! WELCOME to Des Moines, WINGERS! Glad to have you in the Capital City! They will be in Des Moines from June 30 to July 3.

I'm excited because I'm hoping to go watch the Light Parade Thursday night and the Parade through Des Moines on Friday night! Fun, Fun, Fun!!! I love a good parade and when it is all motorcycles that's even better!

Check out their site - Gold Wing Wing Ding

Thanks Lady Godiva @ Motorcycle Everything and Everything Else

2010-06-27T11:27:00.004-05:00
I'd like to thank mtaJudy aka Lady Godiva for doing a 4 part post about me on her blog. It's so great to have people like her on my side. If you've never checked out her blog or website before, please make sure you visit both!!

Motorcycle Everything and Everything Else

Motorcycle Travel America

Rolling Thunder 2010 - A Marine's Vigil

2010-06-21T21:50:00.001-05:00

It Was Time for a Little Change...

2010-06-19T10:33:00.004-05:00
So I gave myself a new look today. I'm digging it and the great part is the background is orange! Anyway...change is good!!!

I wish you all a wonderful weekend. I hope you fill your unwritten pages with many memories!!

Make Them the Next FreeCreditScore.com Band - Jasmine Cain Band

2010-06-15T20:16:00.003-05:00
Go vote for Jasmine Cain to be the next FreeCreditScore Band at FreeCreditScoreBand.com.

video removed by FreeCreditScore site.

Rippin-Kitten on the set of Sons of Anarchy

2010-06-14T14:19:00.004-05:00

If you are an SOA fan you will enjoy the story that Rippin Kitten has posted on her site. She was lucky enough to get a live, in-person interview with Kurt Sutter. She's included great photos of Kurt, the sets, and there are a couple videos too. Make sure you check it out!

A Singing Heart and a Permagrin - IHG and Sadie

2010-06-05T07:33:00.006-05:00
Sitting here drinking some coffee and watching it rain yet again. Glad I took a little putt on Sadie last night. Sadie you ask...how is it going with that?? Well I'm the type of person that if I haven't mastered something I start getting down about it. I've taken her on a few short trips. Nothing too extreme yet. Not sure why I had it in my head that I'd be riding cross country by now. Thank goodness for some pep talks from Di Green and LadyR. It's good to hear from women on riding their own and what they went through to get to superstar biker status. I've always had respect for bikers but now that I'm actually working on this riding my own thing that respect has grown a million percent. I can see why people like riding out in the middle of nowhere with no other traffic. Cage drivers that don't ride are poopstains!

There have been moments as I've been riding that have made my heart sing and have given me permagrin. The first was when I was shifting gears and getting out of 1st for the first time. FUN!!! I kept saying to myself...you are shifting gears woman...go...go...go! The second was my first biker wave. Dan said he laughed out loud when he saw me drop the wave to a fellow biker. He told me that he instantly thought...My chicks a biker now! I know, I know...don't write comments that I'm not a biker yet...that I need many more miles in the saddle. It is my philosophy that being a biker is in your soul. It's not something that you can just get. If I have to explain...blah, blah, blah.

So that's the latest on me and my pretty chrome horse, Sadie.

Freedom Rock - Ray "Bubba" Sorensen

2010-06-04T17:55:00.005-05:00
Ray "Bubba" Sorensen was just voted Hottest Husband in Redbook magazine but he is best known for his amazing tribute to our Fallen Heroes, Vets, and Troops. A few weeks ago he was on Fox and Friends. If you missed it you are in luck...you can watch it right here! Thanks to Ray Sorensen for painting this rock every year in honor of all who have served so that we can enjoy our FREEDOM!!

Well I had to replace the video that was on here from Fox and Friends because the owner of the video made it private. Here is a video of Ray painting the 2009 tribute to our Vets.

Diamond Posse - 5 Amazing Women Honoring Veterans

2010-06-03T17:51:00.003-05:00
Ok...you have called me IPG...I'm here to say these women are more Patriotic then I can ever be! These are 5 amazing women!!!! Thank you so much for all you have done for our Vets!!!! Good Bless each of you!!!

Diamond Posse

Marisa Miller - Start Something

2010-06-01T21:49:00.000-05:00

Dixie Olin and Her Art For Bikers

2010-05-20T19:47:00.017-05:00
You meet the coolest people when you take a leap of faith and ask them if they'd be interested in sharing who they are through an interview. Dixie Olin loves Bikers and loves to paint Bikers. How cool is that!?! Meet Dixie Olin, Biker Artist!

I am a Michigan artist living in Grand Rapids with my youngest daughter Devin and my significant other(such a weird term) Fred Houseman. Maybe we could just list Fred as the best man I've ever known.

I do not currently own a motorcycle. I am working on developing a custom bike with some of the builders I have met, still a dream, but I know it will happen.

I first rode with my ex-husband, he had an old yellow 80's AMF Harley, "Old Yeller" We had a lot of good times with that bike, although I don't miss the little black streak I had down the back of everything I rode in because the darn thing leaked oil on the chain without fail. I have had the chance to ride with other people over the last few years, always loved it. Some of the best times I had were on the back of a friends Screaming Eagle Road King, that thing could fly! Great trips to the UP of Michigan and out to Sturgis, I have had the chance to meet many great people and see some beautiful country during those times.

My website is Art For Bikers.

I studied painting with a variety of wonderful instructors, but have no "formal training". I worked toward learning to paint portraits with the thought that bikers are so "tribal" :) The leather, the patches and chains, more interesting faces than you would ever see at a fashion show, a treasure of subject matter, not to mention the challenge of painting chrome on a lot of black on black! Life had other ideas, I became a mom and ended up riding less and painting a lot of kids portraits! Good times, but now the kids are grown and it's time for mom to have some fun.

When did I start painting bikers? I don't know exactly when, but "The General" was one of the first portraits I did, he is the most recognized rider in this state. That portrait and one called "Presence of Order" both images were from photos from our biggest "Blessing of the Bikes" in Baldwin, MI. If you look at the chrome in " Presence of Order" and compare it to the chrome I paint now, I believe you can see some growth in the process.

People can view my work at various bike events, my website will be adding a calendar I am always at the Blessing in Baldwin, but not to paint, to take photos. Prints of my work as well as some originals can be seen at Teazer's Bar in Grand Rapids. I am always at ChopperFest in Martin, MI in July. At the spring and fall custom bike shows in Otsego, MI with Davidson Express. The MDA Black and Blue Ball for West Michigan, Fox 17 Ride for Babies, and will be at The Ride to Hell and Back this year in Hell, MI

"Hanging with Friends" is my most popular image. I think it is because it doesn't matter what you ride and the fact it is about friends and friendship, hanging out together, sticking together when times are tough. Faithfulness, love of country represented by the flag on one of the jackets. It reminds me of a run with good friends, the first run of spring and good, good times. I don't have a favorite painting, they are all my favorites and each new one brings new excitement, new friends. Everyone is so passionate about what they ride, and their own experience, it carries over to the work and makes it for wonderful paintings.

I can not think of a motto I live by, but I have always told my daughters that they make me rich and they still do.

I have had many great teachers as well as support from family and friends. After my divorce someone said to me "If you were a responsible mom you would quit this painting thing and get a factory job with health insurance." My girls cried and told me that they would eat peanut butter and jelly, but that I had to paint, it was who I was. I have had many side jobs from bartender to landscaper but I never quit painting. It is still what I want to do when I grow up!:)

Mentors and people who inspire? My mom, she encouraged me to paint, she would get me paint by numbers when I was a kid and then I would get in trouble for painting under the sheets with a flashlight at night. I would start a painting and could not stop until it was done. She took me to her art classes when I was 8 or 9 and they would give me paint just to keep me out of their hair!:0) She wall papered a wall downstairs with Saturday Evening Post Magazine covers, they were all Norman Rockwell paintings. From the floor to the ceiling I could look at all those wonderful paintings of regular people as well as the famous, I think you can see his influence in my work, at least I would be honored if you could!

What makes a biker? LOL I've heard "regular" friends who call their parents Mr. and Mrs. a biker friend calls them mom and dad. I have a love of bikers in general, they are like my family. There have been times I have felt very alone in the universe, my bikers friends said, we don't care if you have a bike to ride anymore, we love you just the way you are. I have many paintings that are from The Blessing of the Bikes in Baldwin, MI, that is just one example of bikers getting together and raising money for people who are in need. That event raises enough money to feed 3 county food banks for the year. The bikers just showed up to be blessed and then they take a little putt around the neighborhood and ask nothing in return.

Everyone want to know a crazy story from being on the road, the really crazy ones I can't tell! A cute one is from an painting I did of a man and his granddaughter on his bike. I finished it and quite often the name of the painting is one of the hardest things. I thought about Grandpa's girl, but how boring! I called the gal and asked if they had special names for each other......"Oh yes, he is Poppa Harley"......so cute I thought........."and she is Dammit!" I was pleasantly surprised, she told me that he calls her Dammit and he has her picture and name tattooed on his arm!:) So the image is now called Poppa Harley and Dammit.

I am always looking for the next painting. Commissions are very welcome. People can find me through the web-site. I can work with their photos or take them for the painting. I can change backgrounds, put you in Vegas or in front of the Mackinaw Bridge. I can usually look at a photo and tell if it will work for a painting. It is hard to give a price, each piece is one of a kind, but I can look at the photo and start a conversation about price, I will let you know what it is before I start the piece. It makes a future heirloom! A down payment starts the process and you can make payments. My daughter came up with ArtForBikers..........capturing the ride you can't forget!

Thank you so much Dixie for sharing your art and thoughts with us. You definitely have a love for Bikers!

Ain't Buyin What Hairy's Cell'n - My Light the Night Team

2010-05-18T18:07:00.003-05:00

I know it's pretty far away but I've created a team for the Light the Night Walk to Fight Leukemia and Lymphoma. On October 9th my team and I will be walking in support of finding a cure for blood cancers. As many of you know I fought Hairy Cell Leukemia and kicked it's butt! I've created my team, Ain't Buyin What Hairy's Cell'n. If you would like to donate please visit my team page and donate! I appreciate your support!!!
Welcome to our Team's Homepage

Giving You Some Swag

2010-05-09T15:29:00.017-05:00
As you all know I'm very fond of motorcycles...DUH! I could look at photos of motorcycles for hours. One day I found Swag's Rant on another blogger's favorite blog list and I was instantly in motorcycle photo heaven. I kept thinking to myself...damn, this guy takes great photos of motorcycles plus he writes interesting articles too. Well as time passed I started to follow Swag on Twitter and we became Twitter peeps, so I got up the nerve to ask Swag if he'd be interested in doing an interview. He agreed and also told me I'm the first person to interview him so I'm pretty darn stoked about that. Hope you enjoy getting to know Swag. He's a cool cat from down yonder in Tennessee.

First off I have to know how you got the name Swag...
Swag comes from the music industry... it's what they call the freebies you get from labels and artists, etc.... (tshirts, comp cd's and other junk) One of my riding buddies heard me talking about getting some swag from someone one day and thought it would be funny to call me Swag Boy. Swag stuck and although it really makes no sense whatsoever to the bike community and nobody gets it... that's who Ive become. haha!

Give me a bio about you.

I was born in Kansas City, Missouri but grew up in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago where sports, photography, music, hot rods and of course motorcycles were my obsessions. My college years found me back in the Kansas City area and that's when the arts (music, photography, design) moved to the forefront of my life. I supported myself (and not very well I might add) by playing music through the late 1980's with a bunch of bands you've never heard of (haha) which eventually landed me in Nashville, Tennessee where I had very brief stints as guitarist with a couple Contemporary Christian artists in the early 1990's. Long story short, I eventually landed a full-time photography/design gig with a prominent music industry company in late 1994 and have been in that field since. Of course all along my path there have been motorcycles and hot rods so naturally, I sort of fell into side gigs doing photography and design in the regional bike and hot rod cultures.

When were you first aware of your interest in motorcycles?

When I was about 3 years old my aunt came for a visit to our house with her new boyfriend. I remember the distinct sound I heard when they rode up on a Harley-Davidson touring bike and it made such an impact on me that I still vividly recall even some of the details of that bike... like the rail that ran around the back of the seat and the white grips. I also remember how most in my family looked down on the "hoodlum biker" that had stolen my aunt’s heart. It's funny how even at that age I was aware of peoples preconceived notions of bikers... and I’m glad that my parents were not like that. They welcomed this guy and as for me... I could barely contain my excitement over that bike and I thought the guy was cool. BTW... as it turns out, he was a good guy... and he started what was a lifelong love of motorcycles for me. I often think about that when kids approach me today and want to see my bike. I always make time for them just like my aunt’s boyfriend did for me.

What was the first bike that you owned? What do you currently ride?

When I was 6, and after a long time of pleading my case, my dad finally convinced my mother that I wasn’t going to kill myself on 2 wheels and she let him spring for a used Sears mini-bike for me. It was the one with the lawn mower engine on it with the rope pull. It wasn’t much but man I loved it!

I currently have four bikes. A 2006 Electra Glide Standard for when I’m feeling may age, a 2001 Suzuki SV650S for when I feel sporty, a 1993 Honda CR250R for when I feel like I’m young again, and a 1984 Kawasaki 550LTD that my dad and I bobbed just for the heck of it.

Tell us about Biker Swag Design and Photography Services.

BikerSwag is the calling card for my motorcycle related work. I do all kinds of biker-related photography as well as web and print design for motorcycle related companies and events.

How long have you been in this industry?

I started considering the motorcycle industry a viable source of work in 2005.

Do you have a favorite photo shoot?

That’s a tough one because they are all fun. One of the most memorable ones though was a few years back when a local company sent me to Las Vegas to shoot guitarist Ace Frehley of KISS. This was back during the bands reunion and when the WWF was still rockin’. KISS was playing a couple songs for Monday Nitro which was the WWF’s big televised event and the shoot was scheduled in the KISS dressing room backstage before the event. It was all so surreal… haha! Here I was in Las Vegas (whacky town), at the WWF’s Monday Nitro (walking around in the midst of larger than life wrestlers like Hulk Hogan) shooting Ace Frehley (of a band that performs in Goth Makeup)! Can’t get much more bizarre than that!

Of course, any time there are motorcycles involved its tons of fun for me too. Like when I shot local builder Browder Ledbetter’s custom Triumph in front of a Nashville landmark for one of our state magazines. A beautiful bike!

Do you work mainly in the Tennessee area or do you travel to other parts of the country?

Most of my photography work is this area but I have design clients across the country thanks to the digital age. There are some clients I have never met face to face. The whole process of concept to completed project is done via email and file transfer.

What has been your greatest accomplishment or are there many?

I’m still working on that one… ha!

Could you tell me about your websites and what people can find there?

The one that would be of most interest to your readers would be Biker Swag which showcases some of my recent work in the motorcycle industry, both photography and design. And there is a blog related to it which I call Swag’s Rant. It’s sort of my personal outlet for all things two-wheel related and includes my thoughts as well as product reviews and interviews.

Do you have any mentors or people that you look up to?

I have been blessed to have more than a few people in the photography/design fields that have been very unselfish with me… especially in the beginning when I was real green… that helped get me pointed in the right direction.

Someone more famous whose photo work I admire is Jeff Cochran of Speed King Photo. His images are just fantastic and capture the emotion of the moment… the kind of images I look at and say, “man, I wish I had shot that!”

What cameras do you use to shoot your amazing photos?

Well, I’m definitely a Canon snob… haha. I’m currently using a Canon 7D DSLR with a variety of lenses for the critical stuff but most of the images you see on my RANT are shot with a very small Canon SD1000 point-and-shoot. I love that camera because it fits in my pocket and does a great job for the web stuff. I process all images with Adobe Photoshop as well.

Do you have any big projects in the works for the future?

Yes, I recently became the Art Director for an upstart Hot Rod magazine called Grease Monkey. It caters to the Rat Rod and Rat Bike crowd and is really cool.

What is your favorite rally or do you have more then one favorite?

Honestly, I’ve never been much of a rally kind of guy. Large crowds usually just piss me off so I tend to avoid them… haha!

Where is the best place in the country to ride?

One day I want to ride the west coast line but last year a couple friends and I rode the Blueridge Parkway to Blowing Rock, NC and it was awesome. Of course most people in and around Tennessee would probably say the Tail of the Dragon, which I’ve ridden a few times.

Do you have any mottos that you live by?

No real mottos but having integrity is a biggie for me. I try to treat everyone from clients to friends with respect and total honesty. I despise people whose word I can’t trust.

What are your other passions beyond motorcycles and photography?

I kind of alluded to it earlier but music is a big deal in my life. I started playing guitar at the age of 8 and have never stopped. For a while it was my source of income.

How does riding enrich your life?

Oh man... beyond words. Its such a soul cleansing thing for me and definitely contributes to my sanity!

What do you think makes a "Biker"?

I know a lot of people are funny about the word biker but to me, anybody who rides and has a passion for two wheels is a biker on some level. And I’m for sure not a brand snob. (Note what’s in my garage.) The old saying that “I don’t care what you ride, if you ride you are my friend” would apply to me.

Are there any motorcycle publications that you would recommend?

I have subscribed to a bunch of mags in the past but the only one that has survived my subscription list is Cycle World. Honestly I mostly just read great blogs on-line like yours. There is a list on my RANT of my favorites.

What have you been published in?

I write a monthly column for Thunder Roads Tennessee and have been published in several of their sister publications including Kentucky, Alabama, Florida… I’ve also been published in The Horse Backstreet Choppers and Road Bike and on the music side of things everything from Guitar Player to Guitar World to Revolver to SPIN and even USA Today.

Where does the design aspect come into your business?

There is always some design aspect when framing a photo but beyond that I’ve been blessed to create several websites for clients in the motorcycle world as well as print design for others. Print Ad Services

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you out on the road?

Nothing all that wild but I did ride through a hail storm with little visibility in the mountains of East Tennessee one time… not interested in doing that again.

What is the most important lesson you've learned out on the road?

Riding is almost a spiritual thing for me… so I often learn a lot about myself when riding. Introspection comes easy when it’s just God, my motorcycle and me.

What is your favorite swear word?

Haha… I usually don’t use them but cut me off on my bike and all bets are off!

What music are you currently listening to?

Anything guitar-oriented is cool for me… but I just got the new Slash self titled CD and it is the best thing he has ever done. There are a bunch of guest vocalists including the great Lemmy Kilmeister, Myles Kennedy, Ozzy, Iggy Pop, Chris Cornell and even Fergie. It’s fantastic. Also on the iPod right now is the new Scorpions, The Dixie Dregs and Joe Satriani Live.

What are you currently reading?

I just picked up a copy of a great book called “Inbound Marketing” by Brian Halligan and Dharmesh Shah. Always trying to gain the marketing edge!

Thanks for the great interview, Swag! Looking forward to many more of Swag's Rants and those amazing Biker Swag photos!!

21st Century Easyriders

2010-05-08T15:01:00.001-05:00

Somebody Pinch Me!

2010-05-02T15:13:00.010-05:00
Dan and I left on the Glide and were a few blocks down the road when Dan pointed at the speedometer and tachometer. Nothing, nada, zip going on there. We headed back home and after finding that it's not a fuse but possibly the sensor we decided to take Sadie to a parking lot so that I could get some practice in. Here are some pictures from my 2nd time out on her. Dan said I had permagrin on my face the entire time. A few more times of this and I'll be out on the road!

A huge thanks to Dan for his patience with me and the great tips he's given me. It's all clicking and I'm owning it! I'm giddy like a kid at Christmas...the sunshine just keeps on a shining down on me! :)

Live Your Life Now by IHG on Garage Girls.com

2010-04-28T18:08:00.006-05:00

You'll have to go on over and visit the Garage Girls site and read my post in The Body section. It's called Live Your Life Now. I wrote it to inspire people to live like there is no tomorrow!

If you can't get to Garage Girls you can read it here too...

My life has been a yo-yo ride of weight loss and gain. I've lived like I'm indestructible and never really cared about my health. I was the person who would sit and watch the Biggest Loser while eating a Big Mac and large fries. Simply put, I was a mess!
In the spring of 2009, as I was thinking of our Sturgis trip in the fall, I decided to try P90X and change my eating habits. I worked hard at it and was seeing results. Weight was dropping off me. I was excited with the lighter me that went to Sturgis that year. I had lost about 20lbs. When we got back from the trip I posted photos from Sturgis on my blog and on Facebook. People kept asking who the skinny girl was. I thought nothing of the comments because I had been working out a lot before the trip. About a month after Sturgis my vision began getting blurry. It got to the point that I was having difficulty seeing so I decided to have my eyes checked. The eye doctor at Lenscrafters was very concerned and told me that I needed to see my family doctor that Monday. He told me that he believed something was wrong with my health. I went to the doctor and he sent me to an eye specialist. The specialist told me that he felt I needed to have blood tests and he also wanted me to see another eye specialist. That specialist also thought I needed to have blood tests. I made another appointment with my family doctor to have blood tests. My husband Dan drove me to the doctor because by then I wasn't able to see well enough to drive. I went in and had the blood tests while Dan waited in the car. As I was returning to the car a nurse came out after me. She said I needed to come back and see the doctor. I walked to the car and told Dan I needed to go back in. He went in with me to wait for the doctor. The nurse told me that my hemoglobin level was so low they were surprised I could even walk. The doctor told me he was sending me right over to John Stoddard Cancer Center because he believed that I had Leukemia.
The ride to the hospital was the longest of my life. I was crying, I was dumbfounded. How was this happening to me? I met with the Oncologist and his nurse, that my doctor referred me to. I was admitted to the hospital that day. That day I received 9 blood transfusions and I also received platelets. A few days after being admitted my Oncologist finally came in and diagnosed me with having Hairy Cell Leukemia. I was moved to the Oncology floor of Methodist Medical Center and spent 29 days of my life there. I underwent 7 straight days of chemotherapy.
During my stay I had a lot of time to think. I thought of how I haven't lived my life to the fullest. I thought of how unhappy I've been throughout my life with how I look and never being "thin" enough. I thought of all the times I've sat and watched when I should have been out there living.
The day I went home was so scary. A person really becomes attached to the health care providers that they see everyday. I swear I took my temperature every 1/2 hour. Day by day I became stronger and would make myself walk around the block. When you are not active you lose allot of strength. I needed to get that strength back so I decided to begin working out again. I lost 40lbs because of Leukemia. 40lbs that I needed to lose but having Leukemia wasn't really how I wanted to lose it. I turned it into a positive though, this was going to be one of the good things that I got out of all of this. I vowed to get healthy. Dan and I purchased a treadmill and I started walking on it daily. One day Dan was showing me some Pod-runner Pod-casts. One of the pod-casts caught my eye, it was called Intervals 1st Day to 5k. At that moment I decided to train for a 5k run. It was slow going at first. I've never been a runner. I was always the slowest kid in school when it came to the Presidential fitness 1 mile run test. The first week I was able to run a mile in 18 minutes. When I got to week 5 I was at 13 minute miles. I made it to week 10 and am now able to run a 5k on the treadmill in 40 minutes. What a huge accomplishment for me. I'm feeling the best I've ever felt. I'm on my way to being a healthy, sexy, strong woman. The woman that has always been inside me but took 41 years to find. No one is stopping me now. Currently I'm working on the Pod-runner Pod-cast Gateway to 8k.
This bump in the road opened my eyes to life. We don't realize how much we take life for granted. A person needs to be in the mindset that one can't put things off until tomorrow because tomorrow may not come. DO IT NOW! Become the best person you can be. Don't wait like I did because a disease like Leukemia smacked you in the face. I was lucky. I got a second chance. Take your first chance and run with it. Live your life NOW!

Route 65 Harley Shop Bike Blessing May 1

2010-04-25T06:19:00.003-05:00

Ride the Wind

2010-04-24T06:03:00.003-05:00
When I read the news that Bret Michaels had a brain hemorrhage I seriously freaked. I am a true blue product of the 80's. It was big hair and hairbands for me. I remember the first time I heard the song...Talk Dirty to Me. Ironically I've been listening to Flesh and Blood during drive time to and from work. I've seen Poison in concert a few times. I'm a FAN and think Bret Michaels is a Hot Hottie Hot man! I'm not ready to let this one go yet. It sounds like he's recovering and that is good to hear. One of my all time favorite songs from Posion is Ride the Wind. Enjoy and then get out there and RIDE THE WIND!!!

Josh Kurpius Part 1 & 2 Photographer and Biker Extraordinaire

2010-04-21T21:00:00.006-05:00
I found out about Josh Kurpius from the HD Dark Customs Blog. This guy blows my mind and he's living the life! WOW! You can also check out the blog that he works on with his 2 friends called Kemosabe and the Lodge. Enjoy...I sure did!

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Josh Kurpius Part 2