Take a "Putt" over to Striker's Sports Bar in Pleasant Hill, IA

Join Clutch from 95 KGGO on Sunday afternoon's at Striker's Sports Bar in Pleasant Hill.(655 NE 56th Street) There is plenty of parking for your scoot and plenty of beer to quench your thirst after your leisurely Sunday "putt". We stopped in this last Sunday and had a few brews...the nice bar girls even gave us a couple "free" ones! Bonus! Plus Clutch and his crew were giving away free t-shirts and free tickets to the Bret Michaels' concert.
I also got a few pictures of some cool bikes that showed up at this enjoyable motorcycle event. I love seeing what people do to their rides, how they make them their own. Motorcycles are beautiful machines and events like this one are a great way to show them off.





Check out this biker chick and her ZZ Top inspired bike. I wonder if she likes a "Sharp Dressed Man" or maybe she really loves those Old Dirty Biker types! She was in luck because I heard a little ZZ Top playing and there were plenty of ODBs walking around.
Make sure you check out Striker's the next Sunday afternoon that you are out riding the roads in the Des Moines Metro. We need a fun place to all meet up on the weekends...it's great that Striker's wants to do something for us on Sunday afternoons. Let's help them make it a success!! Hope to see you there sometime this summer!

Deadly Tornado - Parkersburg, IA

Tragedy hit the town of Parkersburg, IA today in the form of a tornado. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Parkersburg. I stopped in this town many a time in my youth, since I grew up in Cedar Falls. Cherish everyday that you have because you never know when something like this can change your life completely.

Here is a link to WHO Channel 13 in Des Moines. There is raw video footage from Chopper 13 of the damage. http://www.whotv.com/global/story.asp?s=8378124

Rolling Thunder - The Ride to the Wall

Please remember all of our Fallen Heroes and POW/MIAs this Memorial Day Weekend. Here is a video from last years Rolling Thunder Rally in Washington , DC.



You are Not Forgotten...

The DAM Rally - Monroe City, Missouri

Even with gas prices the way that they are you should take a trip to Monroe City, Missouri for The DAM Rally going on June 20, 21, & 22. This rally is put on by the American Biker Charities organization. Visit The DAM Rally site for more information: http://www.thedamrally.com/home.html


While you are surfing around out there check out the American Biker Charities site too. http://www.americanbikercharities.org/index.html

Miss Sturgis 2008 - Not a Biker Chick

Miss Sturgis 2008 - Rachel Reilly. Non-biker....has never been to Sturgis...and doesn't know much about the biker lifestyle.

Very interesting....odd even....

Shouldn't Miss Sturgis be either a local Sturgis girl/woman or a chick that rides and regularly attends the rally? Does the Sturgis Committee only find beauty in spokes model types?

My question to all of you....Do you think that Miss Sturgis should be a Glam Girl that models for a living or a true blue biker chick that is a serious babe too?

Personally I was hoping Sasha Mullins would get the honor of Miss Sturgis 2008. She's the Essence of what Sturgis is. She is a true Windsister! If you'd like to read about her experience in the Miss Sturgis selection process go to her blog: http://downtheroadapeace.blogspot.com/

Well...that's all I have to say about that for now!

Have a great night!!

IHG xo

William Van Dyke

It's 5:20 am and I'm up doing my early morning Internet surfing before I get ready for work. I was googling something and found the website of William Van Dyke...Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist, Vietnam Veteran, Biker...and I think he should add to his website title Old Dirty Biker!! I thought I'd post a link to his site so that anyone interested could check him out. http://www.williamvandyke.com/index.html I'm sure some of you have heard of him but for those who never have, like myself...yes I bow my head in shame...here is your chance. Watch the Sturgis video clips...they are great! The clip of the Sturgis wedding made me a little teary eyed... So anyway...it's early and my head is still in a fog...need coffee!!

Have a great Tuesday everyone!

IHG

Are you a Real Biker?? Take the Quiz...I Dare Ya!

My results are below. Was there ever any doubt? NO! :)~

" You are 100% biker !"

You truly love the open road & live to ride !

2007 American Veterans Rally - Winter Park, Colorado

A good friend of mine sent me a link to this YouTube Video that some of his photos are featured in. There is a bit of a PSA from Remax toward the beginning but after that is a very touching tribute to our Troops and our Fallen Heroes. I'd like to thank Abel for sending me this video and I hope that you will take a few minutes to watch it and reflect on our freedoms, our Troops, and our Fallen Heroes.

God Bless America!

IHG

Twisted Choppers - Pure American Metal

Back in February at the Capital City Customs Swap Meet and Bike Show I happened upon Twisted Choppers. As I said in a previous post I was drawn to the bike that they call Mudshovel. I wanted to know more about these guys from Sioux Falls, SD and wanted to share their story and work with my loyal readers, so I contacted them.


Twisted Choppers is located in southwest Sioux Falls, SD and has 5 crew members: Jason Kangas, Kai Morrison, Joe Skinner, Dustin Olson, and Chad Lemme. Jason and Kai have been chopping for about 10 yrs. The guys grew up riding dirt bikes and admiring old hot rods. After high school they got their first bikes and began rebuilding them in their parent's garages. The parts that they would try to use never seemed to fit so they began making their own. Those parts turned into a portion of the business that they have today and it is also the main source of their income. If you need a frame, fenders, fuel tank, or various accessories, most likely Twisted Choppers will have what you need.

Jason Kangas

Kai Morrison


You may have seen the guys of Twisted Choppers on the Discovery and Speed Channels. They've been in a Michael Lichter documentary, on V Twin TV, and the Travel Channel. Their work has also been featured in several motorcycle publications in the US, Europe, and Japan. They thought it was a rush to see their work in Easyriders, Chopper Build, 100% Biker, Biker, and The Horse, to name just a few of the many they have been in. Mr. X Games, Shawn Palmer, even bought one of their bikes a few years back.



Rat style bikes are among their favorites. "The sole purpose of the bike is to have fun and ride the hell out of it. It's nice not having to worry about fancy paint jobs and a lot of chrome. Polishing and cleaning takes time away from riding." says Kai.


Mudshovel

Rat Chopper

Insane Pan



The guys at Twisted Choppers don't have any one builder that they admire or get inspiration from. They are into various styles and seeing new stuff really helps them get their creative juices flowing for the next chopper idea and build. Other builders have stopped into their Sioux Falls shop to help out and Kai has helped in other shops while on vacations, including a shop in Puerto Rico. These guys are so devoted to what they do that finding time for those vacations doesn't come often. They do get to ride in what they believe is the best place to ride in the United States, the Black Hills.


In the next year they will be displaying in various shows and if you make it to Sturgis 2008 you will find them at the Full Throttle Saloon. Make sure you look for them there. You will not be disappointed. They have some wicked rides and they are a really down to earth group of guys. Twisted Choppers strives to be different or unique and they provide high quality American made parts at affordable prices.

I would like to thank the guys at Twisted Choppers for taking the time to answer my questions for this story. Make sure you check out their website. http://www.twistedchoppers.com/index.asp

All pictures were taken from the Twisted Choppers website.

Hilarious Memory...

I'm searching for songs to put on my play list player and I typed in Paul Simon. 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover was one of the songs that populated on the website and it brought back this hilarious memory of me being about 7 or 8, standing in my Uncle's den, singing 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover to him. Oh wow...the power of music and the fact that I knew the words by heart...LOL!

Big Barn Bike Night!!!

Big Barn Harley Davidson in Des Moines is having a bike night on Saturday, May 10Th from 3-10 pm. There will be 2 bands - Faded Pearl from 3 - 5pm and from 6 - 10 pm Loose Neutral. There will be Beer and Food Vendors also.

Also happening that day is their Spring Open House.

Sounds like fun! Hopefully the weather will stay warmer with no rain and it will be a perfect night for a putt & a beer.

Cages(Cars, Trucks, anything on 4 wheels) LOOK FOR US!!!

Well...today is my sister's birthday so Margo, Sydney, and I went to Groovy Grounds, downtown Dyersville, for lunch. Sydney was an excellent little peanut and it was a very enjoyable lunch for the 3 of us. Margo decided she needed to go to Fareway for a few groceries. After our trip to the grocery store we were waiting at the stop sign for traffic to clear so that we could turn right. I had said to Margo that there was a motorcycle coming down the road so she should wait. We sat at the stop sign waiting for the motorcycle and the other cars to pass. Well obviously the person that was across the street waiting did not see the motorcycle and pulled out in front of him. My sister and I were both yelling Oh My God...Oh My God because we knew what was going to happen next. The motorcycle, which ended up actually being a Honda Scooter, hit the front quarter panel of the car that pulled in its path. In all this time of being a motorcycle enthusiast I have never seen an accident actually occur between a car and a motorcycle. Thank goodness there were other people there to help out. I was very shaken but tried to help this other woman calm the man, that was obviously very hurt. I pray he will be OK because he was not wearing a helmet and there was obvious trauma to his head. I'm hoping it looked worse then what it really is.

It's so important, that as motorcycle riders, we try to get the word out about cages looking for us and our fellow riders. The person that caused this accident stated that they did not see the motor scooter, that they were looking for cars. People do not see us. People do not take the time to look for us if they are not one of us.

I have no idea who this gentleman was that was hurt today but he will be in my prayers for sure. I don't wear my helmet a lot of the time but today really changed my mind. Wow...I'm still shaking. I sure hope he is OK.

Have a great week and if you are out riding, watch for them damn cages!!!!

IHG

Screw it, Let's Ride!

Don't you just love Harley's new slogan?? Screw it, Let's Ride! My feelings exactly. If life is getting you down because of the war, the housing market, the cost of gas prices...just hop on your scoot and go for a spin. The wind will blow all of those worries out of your head for a few hours! It's great therapy and the good thing is, you are outside enjoying life! http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/content/pages/2008_campaigns/screw_it/screw_it.jsp?locale=en_US&hbx_camp_id=hdredirect&urlvar=screwit

Screw it, Let's Ride! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!

Have a good one!

IHG

Is this Heaven? No it's Dyersville...

Actually when you drive/ride along the country roads on your way to Dyersville you feel like you are in heaven. I'm blogging tonight in Dyersville, IA at my sister and brother in law's house. I made the trip up to visit because I was missing my new niece and it's also my sister's birthday on Monday.(Happy Cinco de Margo!) It's pretty wild that a year ago her and I were partying and this weekend I watched my niece while her and Tim went on a date! Sydney and I had fun and she loved the song I made up for her to keep her from crying.

So what's up with this weather? It's been cold and rainy and less then desirable for long motorcycle trips. I actually believe it's been like this for many motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the USA. They actually had a blizzard in North Dakota. Everyone might need their parkas this year when they travel to Sturgis.

So I was mentioned on a Honda Blog as being one of the author's 100 Favorite Motorcycle blogs! I'm truly honored. Even if you are a Harley Lover check out this site http://www.honda-cb750.org/blog/ . We need to all stick together no matter what type of bike we decide to ride. We all have the same passion for 2 wheels and the wind in our hair and the feeling that it gives us each time we set out on the next journey. I was watching a motorcycle show one afternoon on the Speed channel and they were showing these sport bike trick riders and then they would talk to the people in the crowd to get their comments. There was this ODB who only road Harleys but who said that we all enjoy the same thing and should embrace each other and accept each other even if we don't ride the same bikes. It warmed my heart.

Final note for the evening...I guess since I stopped following the life of Billy Lane I had no idea that the Choppers Inc shop in Melbourne closed. I just read it on a new blog I discovered. http://www.mikeodom.name/ You can read more about Billy and what's going on with his life if you are interested. It's really too bad that a guy that had it all, lost it all because of something so stupid.

Well it's 11:30 0n a Saturday night and this chicks tired! Kinda sad huh? LOL

XO - IHG

What makes a great visit to the Harley Dealer?

As everyone is aware, that is into Harley Davidson Motorcycles, they are not cheap machines. Even a Sportster can run you around 10k and if you think about it that's a chunk of change to lie down for a bike when you could probably buy a Honda for 1/2 the price. Since you are paying a premium to live the dream, one wants an enjoyable and memorable experience when you finally decide to join the Harley family. The experience shouldn't just end once you've bought the bike. That experience should carry on for as long as you can ride your beautiful dream machine. As I've traveled this great country, I love to stop in Harley Dealerships and check them out. It's fun to see what's out there and if other dealerships are more rockin' then the one in your home town. I'm a huge fan of Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson in Littleton, Co. Here is why...you enter the dealership and there is someone there saying hello and welcoming you. It's always a great feeling to feel welcome and they always have made me feel that way. As you make your way throughout the dealership the staff is there to help you and to just carry on fun conversations. They make you feel at home, like they truly are happy to see you and they make you feel like you want to return each and every time you make it to Littleton. And I always do. Customer Service and just a great amount of Respect toward the Harley customer is important.

Recently I stopped into Metro Harley Davidson in Cedar Rapids, IA and Hawkeye Harley Davidson in Coralville, IA. The staff at Hawkeye definitely out shined the staff at Metro. I'm not going to rip on Metro but I think a customer service course of some sort is needed at that store or maybe hiring people that have a true passion for motorcycles. Our dealership here in Des Moines is Big Barn Harley Davidson. Last year the dealership had an ownership change and what a difference that made. You can just tell it when you walk in the place. And I think Keith and the rest of the ownership/management staff are turning their dealership into a great experience. I'm excited to see what they have in store this year. Last year there were bike-in movie nights and a bike night with a band and a beer garden. There is just so much opportunity to build a strong motorcycle community even if you don't belong to the HOG and I think that Keith and his crew know this. Another really great dealership in Iowa is Silver Eagle HD in Waterloo. Even though they are not my home dealership they send me a Christmas card each and every year! And I stop there every time I'm home(I grew up in Cedar Falls/Waterloo) just because it's a friendly place to visit.

I'd love to know what your favorite dealerships throughout the US are...even if they aren't Harley Dealerships and what makes a good dealership to you. You can either leave a comment on the blog or e-mail me at motorcyclesandskulls@yahoo.com. If I receive enough replies I'll list them in a future post.

I guess I just feel that since I'm supporting the Harley name by buying Harley merchandise and riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle I deserve an amazing top notch experience each and every time I walk into a dealership. I don't expect confetti or a balloon drop but I expect a greeting and a smile.

Have a great week!!!

XO!
IHG

Vote for Bikers Against Child Abuse in the Oprah Big Giveaway!!

Please go to the following link and vote for Bikers Against Child Abuse in the Oprah Big Giveaway!!

http://www.ktbs.com/layouts/Oprahs-Big-Give

Motorcycle Events of Interest

B.A.F. Spring Fling and Blessing of the Bikes - April 5th, 2008 at Party Town 1820 E Army Post Road in Des Moines, IA. The event begins at 3 pm and music starts at 5 pm.(Music by *Gilmore James McIntosh*Rukus*Calous*Second Side* There will be music, vendors, food and door prizes. B.A.F. is a great organization that helps bikers and families of bikers in need.

Fun Run / Bike Blessing - April 13th, 2008 at Flanagan's in Des Moines, IA. The ride starts at noon. Flanagan's is located at 2120 Ingersoll Ave. If you have questions about the event please contact Jodie Carlson @ 515.490.6316 or Abe @ 515.210.5668. Stop by the Abate web site for more details and directions. http://www.abateiowa.org/districts/d04/eventsched.html

Bike Down to I-Town - Bike Night in Indianola, IA. This event is a blast! It happens the 3rd Friday of each month from April - September. Visit the I-Town Bike night website at http://www.bikedowntoitown.com/. If you see me there make sure you stop me and say hello! I would love to meet the actual people who read my blog! :)

The Original Bike Blessing - Road Runners MC - Sunday May 4th, 2008 from Noon - 5pm. Blessing of the Bikes @ 2 pm. Admission is $10 a person * $18 a couple. There will be FREE BEER. This event is held in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. Visit http://www.roadrunnersmc.com/ for more information about this event.

Valhalla MC Nebraska Lost Brothers Poker Run - Saturday June 7th, 2008 Sign up from 11:00 am - 1:30 pm at Joe Bananas 1022 South 10th Street in Omaha, NE. $10 per hand and the top 2 hands will get a pay out. Last card will be drawn at Anchor Inn Freedom Park in Omaha, NE. Proceeds go to Juvenile Diabetes and Prosthetic Rehabilitation. Support Your Local Valhalla MC.


Four Seasons Festival Bike Night - Friday July 25, 2008 on the Square in Polk City, IA. This event is from 5 - 11 pm. This event includes a Street Dance, Food, and Beer. Live music by Free Style. Ride across the mile long bridge and help Polk City celebrate their first ever BIKE NIGHT!

The 6th Annual Sandhills Rally will be held in Johnstown, NE on July 11th - 13th. Visit http://www.sandhillsrally.com/ to get all the lowdown on this great event. This one looks like a really fun Rally!

J & P Cycles Cruise Night - May 20, June 17, July 22, Aug 19, and Sept 9. The evening begins at 5:15 pm. This event is held at J&P Cycles in Anamosa, IA. For more info go to http://www.jpcycles.com/.

I'm BACK!

Hi All...yes IHG is still alive and kick'n. I've been helping my sister and bro in law with their new bundle of joy! Sydney Allyson is one adorable little girlie! I'll post a pic or two soon! I have some info to get on here about some rallies and rides coming up in the near future. If you have anything you'd like to have me post online please send it to motorcyclesandskulls@yahoo.com.

Have a great night!!!

XO
IHG!



Sydney about 2 wks old. CUTE!

25 hours later...

Sydney Allyson Ketels was finally born this morning at 1:35 am. She weighs 7 lbs. 4 oz. and is 20 inches long! I can't wait to hold my new little niece! Congrats Margo and Tim!!! Welcome to the world little Sydney!!

Circle of Pride M/C 2008 Hog Wild Rodeo

This rally will be held May 15,16, & 17 in Conesville, IA. Ticket prices are $35 in Advance and $40 at the gate. There is also a $20 fee for RV and Camper passes. Entertainment includes the following: We Ain't Right Band, The Randall Zwarte Band; Hank Rotten & Allen Ross, Bag Lady Sue, Mudd Puppies, Jefferson County Green Band, Inch 75, The Untamed Shrews(comedians) and Dani Lynn Howe Band. Bob the Bull will be at the rally and there is a $100 Prize to the toughest man and woman who can ride Bob for 8 Seconds. The All Harley Outlaw Drags will be held with cash prizes. $1,000 for the Fastest Sportster and Big Twin and they are even letting the Foreign Bikes in on the deal with a $500 prize. There will be index racing and three Nitro Bikes featuring "The Flying Farmer" Allen Peterson. And to make it even better there will be tons of Vendors, Extreme Fighting featuring Dennis Reed, Ride in Bike Show, 100% payback poker run and Saturday night there will be a fireworks display. Oh my...I almost forgot the Famous "What?? T Shirt" Contest.

This rally is located 3 miles north of Columbus Junction, IA on Hwy 70. To order tickets by Mail send Money Order or Certified Check with a SASE to Circle of Pride M/C, PO Box 87, Columbus Jct., IA 52738 no later then 5/9/2008. You can also buy tickets at various locations - visit the Circle of Pride website at http://www.circleofpridemc.com/ to find these locations and if you love XXX rally photos...holy wow! LOL!!

This rally is a wild one so if you are easily offended you should probably stay home!

Garage Party and a Few Other Thoughts...

I'm always up for anything having to do with motorcycles. Well a couple weeks ago I got this invite to the Garage Party for Women Only at Big Barn Harley Davidson. I thought I'd check it out and I'm glad that I went. There were about 45 women there from various backgrounds and with various motorcycle experience. It was good to find out that there are a few women out there just like me...motorcycle license but no motorcycle...and they are still riding 2 up. The evening began with introductions. We met the staff and met one another. After filling out a couple questionares we were put in groups and sent down on the floor of the Big Barn to our various stations. There were 4 Stations in all. The group I was with began with motorcycles. A few members of the sales staff told the group about the different families of Harley Davidson motorcycles. There are 5 in all: Sportster, Dyna, Softail, VRSC, and Touring. They of course spent all their time talking to us by the Sportsters which they told us was considered the starter Harley Davidson. One of the sales staff did say though that you should buy the bike that makes you feel the most comfortable instead of thinking that you should begin with a Sportster. After they told us everything that they knew about motorcycles they let us walk around and check out the bikes. I think the 2008 motorcycles are some of the best looking rides that HD has come out with. I love the new custom paint options and new bikes that they have created. The Rocker and the Softail Cross Bones are wicked looking scoots. After about 5 minutes of letting us wander around the bikes we were sent on to Station 2. This station was back in the service department where you drop off your bike for service. We all got the opportunity to learn how to lift a fallen bike. That was something I really needed to learn. We didn't learn that in the motorcycle safety course for some reason. I thought that they should have taken us into the shop were they actually work on the bikes. They may not have because of safety but it would have been interesting to me. Sometimes I wonder though if I'm not normal and I'm the only chick that might care about seeing that. After a quick break with refreshments and Harley Davidson trivia for prizes we were sent back down for the final two stations. Station 3 was Parts and Accessories. We learned how to remove a bike seat and got to see the new LED tail lamp. Station 4 was Motorclothes and our final station of the evening. We got to see the latest in leather, boots, and helmets. We all got together one final time and filled out another questionare and they drew a name for a door prize. We also received schwag bags which were minus really any schwag. Well we got a pen. All in all it was something that I would recommend to any woman out there that is interested in the sport of motorcycle riding. For a first timer it would be a real learning experience. For a more seasoned gal that has riden 2 up for a lot of years, there are interesting things to learn and it's fun meeting new people.

I did leave the Big Barn a little sad. My Crimson Denim Street Bob dream bike had been sold. It better not be to the guy I put a hex on. It better have been to an amazing chick rider that will love her just as much as I would have. When I noticed that she was gone I said to the P & A guy that my bike was gone and he was so understanding of my broken heart that he told me they could get another Crimson Denim Street Bob and he could help me make her even prettier just for me. How sweet was that! :) Ok...so here is hoping that in 2009 or 2010 they are still making that bike. Well by then they will probably have come up with something even more rock'n!

My father will love this! Hey Dad...remember that Literature Text book you bought way back when I attended Wartburg for a term? Well I've decided to finally read it. LMAO!

My final thought for the day...I'm so excited because my new little Niece Sydney is going to be born any day now! I can't wait to hold her!

Please continue to keep our Troops in your prayers!! God Bless America!

Have a great night!

IHG! :)

This cracked me up!!

I was goofing around on the internet today and found a site that gives you your Outlaw 1%er biker name. Mine is Bitch of the Sons of Santa! OMG that is too funny!! Kind of goes along with the Old Dirty Biker thing. Cracking me up!! You should go and try it...

http://www.ratbike.org/motorcycho/outlawname.php

A book in my life has been closed...

I wasn't going to post this but I just have to. Suicide is a crazy thing. Something that is so selfish. I understand that people hurt...I hurt! I just can't understand why someone would believe life is so bad that they would have to end it...they leave behind people who love them so much and it's just such a selfish act. I guess I shouldn't judge because I've never been that low that I've even remotely had those thoughts. Anyway...the entry below has brought closer to something I've wondered about for a very long time.

Once upon a time their was a 17 yr old naive girl that met a 21 yr old bad boy. They had a relationship full of drama but the girl stayed with the bad boy for about 5 yrs. One evening in the Central High School parking lot the naive girl now 21 and the bad boy now 26 sat and talked about the future. The bad boy told the naive girl that it would never work because her parent's disliked him so greatly. That was the last time the naive girl ever saw the bad boy. She thought of him from time to time wondering what ever became of his life. He had always been in trouble and she hoped by him moving to Texas he could get his life together. One day the not so naive 39 yr old woman found his cousin's name on Classmates.com and thought she would e-mail him. She asked how the bad boy was doing. A few nights later the not so naive woman visits Classmates.com and finds a response from bad boy's cousin. What she would read in that reply would hit her like a ton of bricks. She was in complete shock. The bad boy had commit suicide in 2004. Finally the book can be closed because now she knows what happened to him and she won't need to wonder anymore.

2008 Capital City Customs Swap Meet & Show

The 4-H Hall at the Iowa State Fairgrounds was packed with bikers enjoying the sites of the 2008 Capital City Customs Swap Meet & Show. Upon arrival at the venue I couldn't believe the line of people waiting to get in. There was excitement on their faces even though there was that February chill in the air. When you entered the hall you were hit with the sites and sounds of a full blown bike show. There were vendors, dealers, custom bikes, babes, beers, and food. It was like a mini rally of sorts minus a band. You could feel the energy of the attendies as you pushed your way through the aisles.

The first booth that caught my eye was the TwisteD Choppers booth. This group of builders were from Sioux Falls, SD. These cool looking tattooed builders had some wicked looking rides.





I immediately was drawn to this rusty chopper. I love bikes that are raw...they have such character. One of the spokesmen from TwisteD Choppers told me that when they want to give the bike a boost of color they take it outside and let it sit in the rain for a day or two. I thought that was so awesome! I would have to say of all the chopper dealers that were at the show, TwisteD Choppers had some of the coolest bikes there.

Another builder that caught my eye was Z Co. Their style reminded me a lot of Exile Cycles with the industrial look of their bikes.


I can't imagine sitting on this seat on a long run but it really is wicked looking.

I headed on over to the area where the bike show entries were. Below are the rides that caught my eye.









There were a number of motorcycle clubs present at the event selling their support gear and socializing with the crowd of event goers. I had to laugh at how far away they put the Iron Warriors from the 1%ers.


I headed past the Outlaw bikers to the swap meet. If you were looking for a part for your scoot there were boxes and boxes of items to look through.



What bike event wouldn't be complete without a few biker babes showing their stuff. I got a couple pictures of the girls for you guys out there that follow my blog. I apologize for not taking too much time in getting anything good since it's not really an area of interest for me. LOL!



This was definately a welcome event for a bitterly cold February day. I was on motorcycle overload the entire time I was there. I marveled at all of the people in attendance. It's great to be around so many like minded people who are enjoying a great event like this Swap Meet and Customs Show.





We need more events such as this in Iowa because it was proven today...Iowans love their motorcycles and there are a heck of a lot of bikers in Iowa!

Spring is almost here!!! I'm sooooooo ready!

:)
IHG

Thank you Guardian Angel

So I've always felt like I have a Guardian Angel that watches over me and keeps me out of harms way in life. I've always thought that my Guardian Angel is my Godmother Celia Boom. I never knew her because she passed away when I was very young but for some reason I've always thought it is her. She definately stepped in this evening on my way home from work and helped me so I didn't get in an accident with the car in front of me. I was watching my speed because the road I was on was snow packed and in places there were patches of ice. I crested this hill and was slowing to stop and the car in front of me began to slide out of control...thank god I'm pretty good at winter driving and I pumped my brakes and counter steered my car and got around the car in front of me instead of hitting it. My heart was pounding a million miles a hour and I waited for the car that started the whole thing to go by me so I could get back in the lane to turn. As the car passed the lady in it and I looked at each other with that Thank God we didn't crash look and we went on our ways home, driving even slower then we had before. Instantly I was like...thanks Celia for saving me yet again. Can I say it again??? I'm so ready for SPRING!

Goodnight!

XO - IHG

VOTE FOR SASHA MULLINS - MISS STURGIS 2008

I found out about Sasha Mullins when I was searching for books about Biker Chicks. I found her BikerLady book and discovered one amazing chick. I'm a follower of her blog Down the Road a Peace and am so excited because her new book Chrome Cowgirl's Guide to Motorcycle Life is coming out in July of this year! I was reading her blog tonight and saw that she is entered in the Miss Sturgis 2008 contest. Go vote for this crazy cool chick at www.misssturgis.com. Best of luck to Sasha! She should be Miss Sturgis 2008. She is a biker chick, an amazing writer, singer, and fabulous soul! She has inspired me to follow my dreams and I thank her for it!

Best of luck Sasha!!!

:)IHG

More Snow....ARGH!

Wow...it just keeps snowing. We've had snow here in Iowa since November. It's the most snow I've seen in years. It's coming down pretty steady tonight. I measured the snow in the drive and it was about 3 inches. ICK! Tomorrow morning should be a treat getting to work. Our Iowa winters sux worse every year! I think it's because I'm getting older, have to drive in the crap and don't ever get a snow day like we did when I was a kid. I also think it's because there is this pretty Street Glide sitting in the garage freezing to death and wishing she was on the road. Poor Zippy Pickle is probably as sad as I am and hoping for spring!!

One good thing happening this weekend is a motorcycle show and swap meet at the fairgrounds. I can't wait. Chrome, paint, sexy bikes, vendors and hopefully cool swap meet finds. I'm hoping to get some pictures to put on here and show people that motorcycles really do exist in Iowa.

Well...that's all for now. Hope everyone is doing well out there and wishing for spring as much as I am!

Goodnight! IHG :)

Crimson Dreaming!

Well it's Thursday night...I'm sitting here refreshing my e-bay auction and thinking about spring. It's getting so close. Pretty soon Zippy Pickle will be out of the garage and zipping down the road happy again! And I'll be happy again. Went to Big Barn last Saturday. Had the urge to look at the pretty bikes and continue dreaming. I'm still in love with the Crimson Red Street Bob that is back by the parts department. Sat on her...got off of her...watched some guy looking at her and put a hex on him so he'd leave her alone. I kept thinking to myself...dude...it's a chick color...walk away! Walked around the dealership again...sat on the Nightster...I seriously love that bike but it's not practical for what I want. Sat on a Sporty again and very much decided that I would hate it after a couple days...too little. Looked at the over priced clothing and then made my way back to her again. I stood for a moment checking her out...walking around her. Gosh she's so pretty...I would look so awesome riding her. She would look great with all the rockin' accessories I'd prettier her up with. I sat on her again...lifted her up. Imagined myself one with her and the road. I want that bike so bad. Someday I'll be on my own...the wind blowing through my hair. I'll be one with the road rather then one with the one on the road. Did you get that? I did...LOL! So anyway...It's Thursday night and I'm dreaming of that Crimson beauty yet again and wishing she was in my garage!

Think Spring! Don't forget to say a prayer for our Troops, Vets, and Fallen Heroes!

Goodnight!
XO - IHG

Tuesday Ramblings...

Wow...did you see the moon tonight? It was amazing!

What happened to the Packers? I'm still scratching my head wondering why the Giants beat them. Guess that the Pack didn't listen to the Tim McGraw song "How Bad Do You Want It" before they went out on the field. I'm not really too excited about the Super Bowl...I mean seriously...do you think the Giants can really beat the Patriots? Ummmmmm....NO!

Heath Ledger dead at 28. How sad is that? What is with the Hollywood crowd? Will Britney be next?

I'm officially over Winter and ready for Spring!! It's 13 degrees and supposed to snow yet again. Enough already!!

It sounds like the Army Wives on Lifetime will be back on in the Spring! Can't wait! It was such a great show last year!

Ok...I'm rambled out! Night!!

XO - IHG

Random Stuff

It's January 12th, 2008. Have you broken your resolutions yet? My biggest resolution besides getting back to the gym is to treat everyone with respect and kindness. I don't think it's fair to judge someone until you get to know them...at that point you can decide if you want them in your life or would rather not go there with them. I've met some really awesome people through the years by living that way. I have such a variety of friends that I'm never bored! LOL

We spent Christmas Day in Dyersville with my sister and her husband and the families. Since we live in South/Central Iowa we usually have warmer weather then Northeast Iowa. Wow did they get the snow this year. I took a couple pictures of some cool snow drifts in front of my sister's place. It's snow art!





Dyersville doesn't just have the Field of Dreams. It also has the Basilica and this amazing shrine to Mary and Jesus just randomly on the end of a street. Tim, Margo, Dan, and I went driving around looking at Christmas lights on Christmas Eve. I took a picture of the Shrine. It's very beautiful. If you drive around on the country roads in this part of NE Iowa you will see these Shrines on the edge of the road. It kind of makes the saying "Is this Heaven? No it's Iowa!" really make you feel like you are in God's Country. People knock Iowa all the time but honestly it's a great state. I will admit that there is a lot of corn during the summer and empty sad looking fields in the winter but the borders on the East and West sides of the state are amazing. Rolling hills and breathtaking views. And a great place to ride your motorcycle!



Last weekend we had some pretty nice weather for January. It got up in the 40's so Dan just couldn't stop himself. He was on the Zippy Pickle in a flash and took her for a scoot. I was a little jealous because I was going to go run an errand but I figured I'd let him have his time and enjoy the moment. I can only imagine the feeling of being on the open road alone with just your thoughts and the wind in your face. It must be amazing for sure! Someday it will be me and I won't have to ride b#$@h anymore.





Hope you are all having a great New Year and that you are enjoying each and every moment. One really cool thing...I've been nominated for a Blogger Award by the Biker Chick that writes Biker Chick News! I've put a link so that you can all check out her great blog! Thanks again to everyone that follows my blog! I've met some great people because of it and have read some great blogs that they've created. I think it's great how close knit the biker community is. I feel most at peace when I'm with a group of bikers. I always try to be myself and bikers take you for who you are. Have a fabulous weekend!!!

:) IHG

Happy New Year!

Ok...Can you believe this...I'm 39 and my folks are in their 60's. They got home at 2:15 am and I was asleep by 11:30. How funny is that? WOW!

Last year was a rough year for Dan and Me and I'm hoping that 2008 will be much better! I'm thinking positive that it will be!!

Last night I was watching Dick Clark's New Year's Rock'n Eve and I have to say...Dick made me cry. I wish this dear man would face the truth that he needs to just hand it over to Ryan and call it a day. It was so depressing seeing someone that I grew up with so...I don't even know how to describe it. It just made me sad. You want to remember things a certain way and when they change it can be depressing.

I'm super excited because my new Niece will be here in a few months! Little "Pinky" Ketels will be born in March! I can't wait to introduce her to the happy shiny world of Harley Davidson! LOL!

Wishing everyone that follows my blog a very Happy and Healthy New Year! Maybe this year we'll run into each other out on the road. Hopefully not literally but you knew that right!??!! LOL

XO - Stephanie aka IHG

Need I say more...

This is my favorite David Mann print...

Amen to this quote....

I found this quote on East Side Girls' blog and I stole it!

No presents this year!
All these silly, shiny things
Don’t say “I love you”

Her family...like mine...agreed to opt out of gift giving. What is gift giving anyway...it's not the real meaning of Christmas. At least it's not to me and I'm not just saying that because I'm broke...I've truly always felt that way!

Merry Christmas to you all. May you and yours have a wonderful time together, sharing the love of the season!

:)

Merry Christmas

Cut and past the link below into your web browser and get ready to smile! This is the cutest thing I've ever seen!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1509819767

America's Legendary Daredevil...

has passed on. Evel Knievel died today at age 69.

Alive Day Memories

I just watched a documentary called Alive Day Memories. It's a must see. James Gandolfini interviews 10 Soldiers that became disabled because of the Iraq war. It made me love our Troops all the more. We need to stand by them and support them forever because they have given such a huge sacrifice for us and our country. The show will rip your heart out but I feel everyone should watch it.

Snowmen Love to Ride Too!

I was driving home today from my Sunday grocery run and found this awesome holiday decoration. It's a motorcycle riding Snowman! Too Cute!!!

Love this song!

Take Me There Video

Take Me There lyrics - Rascal Flatts lyrics

Rascal Flatts Music Videos

Music Video Codes by VideoCure

Saturday Morning Walk

Saturday morning it was cold and crisp outside. Great weather for an early morning walk. I drove down and parked my car near the entrance to the trail in Johnston. The first amazing thing that I saw were two military choppers,chinooks is what I think they are called, coming in from the East. Camp Dodge is located in Johnston so there is always a lot of military activity going on all the time. I stood frozen watching the choppers approach, looking up at them as they flew directly over me. Not sure if they saw me but I raised my arm and waved. I knew that this was going to be a great morning walk. Wish I would have remembered I had my camera phone so I could have got a picture as they flew over.


I placed my earpieces in my ears and cranked my favorite walking tunes. I love listening to this pod cast called Podrunner. It's upbeat and sets me in motion for my power walk. The trail that I take has amazing sites that you wouldn't think you'd be seeing in the city. One house along the way has two goats that always make me laugh. There are a couple more homes that have horses which are beautiful creatures. Sometimes I stop and just watch them for a few minutes.


Months before I'd noticed that the city was lengthening the trail to go under Interstate 80. It was finally completed so I decided to see where the new trail went. It wrapped around and took me right to the Interstate. I stood for a long time and watched the cars, SUVs, and Semi trucks pass by. It's so much fun having new adventures along the way. I'm a little sad though because my trail walking will be coming to an end once the snow appears. The trail is closed during the winter months.

While I was walking back to my car I looked down and noticed how long my shadow looked. I've always wished I was taller and my shadow definitely was on Saturday.

I'm so excited!!!!!

I sold two more t-shirts!!! Thank you so much to the 3rd ODB Shopper! Things are looking up for this girl.