Forever a Biker Chick - It's in Her Soul!

I always loved Harley Davidson motorcycles but didn't really know any women that road them.  I would see an occasional woman rider and think how cool it was.  I moved to Des Moines around 1999 .  A few years later my sister moved to town.  If you know the "Boom Girls", then you know that our hair is our thing.  Little M found a hair stylist named Kristen Herridge and we both in trusted our locks to her to cut, color, and style.  To say that Kristen is one totally cool chick is an understatement.  She is such a free spirit and so much fun to talk to.  Through conversations with Kristen, I found out that she road a Heritage Softail and had been riding since she was 15.  We'd talk about motorcycles non-stop when I'd visit the salon to have my hair glamorized.  I started hanging with her and her dad, Don, at Porky's bike nights.  One bike night we were sitting around talking about Sturgis and some how I got invited.  I was so stoked because it was something I'd always wanted to do. 

Before Sturgis, Kristen decided to sell her Heritage and purchase a Road King.  I had told Kristen how much I had always wanted to ride my own.  One evening Kristen told me to come over and we'd go up to this church parking lot, by her place, and she'd let me try to ride her Heritage.  I was excited and freaked out because I'd never ridden a motorcycle by myself.  I can't believe how much Kristen trusted me to ride her Heritage.  I remember her encouragement and patience because I did not understand the whole clutch thing.  Finally I got the hang of it and made some circles around the parking lot.  I was so excited and happy that I'd accomplished this step.  I had the riding part down, now I had to get this rather large motorcycle stopped.  Well, needless to say I dropped Kristen's Heritage.  I was so freaked out that I'd damaged her motorcycle but she just calmly walked over and said, "Take your hand off the throttle."  We got her bike picked back up again, Thank God for crash bars.  We inspected the bike and there was no damage.  I couldn't believe how calm she was about the whole thing.  I remember leaving that night with the hugest smile on my face.  Even with the less then desirable finish, I had ridden a motorcycle on my own.  I still smile whenever I drive by that parking lot.  Thanks Kristin for giving me that memory! 

Months later, Kristen had her new Road King and Dan had given his blessing for our travels to Sturgis for the 2004 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  I'm not sure if Kristen realizes how special that trip was for me.  Even though I've gone since, the experience that Kristen and I had together, because of our kindred interest in motorcycling, can't be matched.  From Billy Lane, Rhett Rotten, and our Indian Larry sighting at the Full Throttle Saloon, to the wild nights at the Buffalo Chip.  And all the other cool trips we took through South Dakota, when we'd meet up with her dad, Don, and go riding.  It was a trip I'll never forget and we still conger up the memories now and then.  I always giggle when I think about her and I and our crazy times!  I'm smiling and laughing as I write this post!  Good Times!

Life kind of happens and a few years after Sturgis Kristen got hitched, opened her own salon called Blondies Beauty Parlor, and started a family.  Kristen sold the Road King but that Biker Spirit has never left her.  We still talk about motorcycles non-stop and laugh about all the good times we had.  I look forward to the day when Kristen gets back on two wheels, so that her and I can ride together again.  Thanks Kristen for all the encouragement you gave me along the way to my own ride.  You really put up with listening to me talk about riding my own for way too long.  I'm sure at some points in our conversations you were thinking, "would you do it already"!   I feel like if our paths hadn't crossed I would probably still be dreaming of my own motorcycle and never realized my dream!  You Rock Sister!

Bean're - The Mayor of FUN!

The first time I saw a photo of Bean're I was like...What a cool looking Biker! Last summer I saw Bean're at the Broken Spoke during Sturgis Bike Week. He definitely stands out from all the rest and I decided to get in touch with him and see if he'd answer a few questions for my blog. I love meeting and learning about interesting people. Hands down, Bean're is one interesting and cool person! He joined the Marine Corp in 1981 to help pay for a new Harley. With each year that passes Bean're finds himself riding more and more. He does have a home in the mountians of Tennessee but he finds himself on the road most of the year. He loves meeting people in places he's never been.

How long have you been riding and what was your first motorcycle?My first motorcycle was actually a mini bike. It had chopper forks and a sissy bar with a Brigs and Stratton 3 1/2 horse power motor. I loved riding it (I was in my pre teen years) but I still remember when the cute girl up the street from me got on the back and we roared down the alley. Their is no feeling like that. In 1981 I just turned 18 and was already in the Marine Corp, when not being able to afford a Harley, I bought a 1972 CB500 Honda with a custom painted tank that said "Cherry Bomb".

How many different motorcycles have you had over the years?
I have owned probably about 15 bikes in my time. I owned 5 before I finally got my first truck. I have only owned one running car which was a Granada that I had while I lived in the Virgin Islands.

What do you ride now?
My current ride is a 1997 police Road King which I chopped out with a 10 inch over stock front end and cut the frame out to drop the seat. It has a bass boat purple flake paint job.


What is the wildest thing that has happened to you out on the road?
I have had many wild adventures. Some I can't print and others I would never repeat but it’s been a great ride. My current bike has over 200,000 miles. I usually have some sort of adventure from mild to wild on every ride.

You have been given the title "The Mayor of Fun." How did you get this title?
Easyriders photographer and good friend Michael Lichter asked an old girl friend of mine how she had been. She said she was having the time of her life. He said “Of course you are. You are with Bean're! He is the Mayor of fun!" It stuck.


You seem to live the gypsy life...what is it like?
Gypsy life is a blessing and a curse. I love going where I want and doing what I want and not getting caught up in everyday drama. When I miss holidays because I am on the road or I can't have a relationship because I travel so I wonder if I will be alone all my life. It can be a little depressing to say the least.

What other things do you enjoy doing when you are not riding or attending rallies/bike events?
My other hobby is snowboarding. I will be going to Colorado in a couple days for 8 days, staying with a friend who works in Vail and can get me big discounted tickets.

You've traveled to and ridden motorcycles in many different countries. What have those experiences been like?
I have been to Europe twice and Australia with my bike. I was in Morocco (Africa) on 9/11. I always love meeting new people whether it is some small town in the Midwest of some big city in another country, these are my most valuable possessions and I can never lose them or have them taken away.

Do you have a favorite rally or motorcycle event?
Sturgis is probably my favorite although there are many that are great both big and small.


Your Top Hat and Zoot Suits I'm sure get you a lot of attention. I recognized you right away last year at Sturgis because you don't blend in. Have you always dressed with such flair and when did you start?
To me being a biker is about expression and individuality. The hat I loved and it fit me perfect when I got it 20 years ago. The suits were a joke and they just kept getting wilder and wilder. I like attention- lol. I always tried to stand out even in the Marine Corp. I hate blending in!


What is the most important lesson you've learned out on the road?
I am not sure about my most important lesson but I have had my drunken wrecks and I guess drinking and drugs don't work for me on motorcycle. That’s why I chose bikes and left drugs and alcohol behind 20 years ago.

How does riding enrich your life?
When I ride it is like I am meditating. No mater if it’s around the block or across the country. It clears my head and I can focus.

Are there any mottos that you live by?
Semper Fidelis (always faithful) is one I try to live by.
What goes around comes around - which means to me it's all about Karma and I don't have to enforce it. It will take care of itself. Live to ride and ride to live because motorcycles should not be put on a trailer. There are probably others but those come to mind first.

Do you have any mentors or people you look up to and if so who are they and why?
Brother Speed is my mentor. I met him in 85 or 86. He is a true legend. He has more history then anyone I know. He helped me rebuild my first Harley and in the 6 months it took he also taught me the ropes of being a gypsy.

What has been your greatest accomplishment or are there many?
My biggest accomplishment is being clean and sober for 20 years. Without that, none of my other accomplishments would even be possible.

Any big plans in 2009?
2009 will be a year of self discovery for me. It has already begun and I am embracing it and moving to the next level.

Are you still writing your book? If so when will it be published and available to purchase?
Hopefully I will get some work done on my book this year. I am doing many things for myself and that fits right in there. I don't have a publisher but I am not worried. I have some options.


Favorite swear word?
I don't think I have a favorite swear word; I use them all from time to time.

What music are you currently listening to?
I have been listening to some old T bone Walker Blues.

What are you currently reading?
The current book I am reading is the NA basic text.

I'd like to thank Bean're for doing this interview! It was great learning some more about this totally cool Biker.

Check out Bean're on his myspace page - www.myspace.com/beanre1