Wow...is this song All American or What? Love, Love, Love it!!!
Give me a Yeeeeeeeee Haw!!!!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Chipp's Harley Davidson - Osceola, Iowa
Last weekend Dan and I were itching to get out of town so we pointed the cage south and ended up in Osceola, IA. The first place we stopped was the Harley Dealership, of course...DUH! This is about the 3rd time I've been to Chipp's Harley Davidson Shop and I really like the place. They have a friendly staff and a nice shop. Jim Anderson is one friendly sales guy. He is great to chat with and I've always felt that he treats me with respect each time I've been in his department. In my conversation with Jim, I found out that Chipp's is part of C & C Cycles in Chariton, IA and C & C also owns Fat Baggers Inc.
I'd like to thank Jim at Chipp's for another enjoyable experience at Chipp's HD Shop. It truly pays to have good customer service and to not dismiss someone just because they aren't ready to buy at that moment. There is a reason I continue to visit Chipp's HD Shop in Osceola and I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about...I feel a sense of RESPECT!
If you are ever motoring down I - 35 and see the sign for Osceola you have to stop at Chipp's. Chipp's Harley-Davidson Shop is located at the intersection of Interstate 35 and State Highway 34.
Visit the C & C Cycles site: http://www.cc-cycle.com/default.asp
Visit the Fat Bagger, Inc site: http://www.fatbaggers.com/
Monday, February 23, 2009
Fabulous Blog Award
This award was presented to me by Ann @ http://annnelson.blogspot.com . I am honored to accept it! Thank you, Ann , for this Fabulous Blog Award!Here are the rules to receiving this award:
1. You must pass it on to 5 other Fabulous bloggers in a post.
2. You must list 5 of your Fabulous addictions in the post.
3. You must copy and paste the rules and instructions below in the post.
Instructions:
In your post receiving this award, make sure you include the person that gave you the award and link it back to them.
Here are my addictions:
1. Motorcycles
2. Riding
3. Skulls
4. Old Dirty Bikers
5. The Internet
Here are the 5 blogs that I think are Fabulous:
http://asimplegirlincali.blogspot.com/ (One Big Harley Family)
http://eternalbiker.blogspot.com/ (Musings of a Contemplative Biker)
http://keeptherubbersidedown.net/ (Keep the Rubber Side Down)
http://realrick.blogspot.com/ (Revolutionary Revelations and Reactions )
http://www.bikerchicknews.com/ (Biker Chick News)
I actually love everyone's blog! You all ROCK!!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
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
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
Monday, February 16, 2009
Biker Humor
A little 80 year old lady had always wanted to join a local bikers club. One day she goes up and knocks on a biker's door. A big, hairy, bearded biker with tattoos all over his arms answers. She proclaims, "I want to join your club."
The guy was quite amused, but says she needs to meet certain biker requirements in order to join he explains. The biker asks; "Do you have a motorcycle?"
The little old lady replies, "Yep, my bike's parked over there" and points to a flamed black Harley chopper in the driveway.
The biker asks, "Do you drink?"
The little old lady replies, "Yep, drink like a fish. I'll drink everyone in your club under the table."
The biker asks, "Do you smoke?"
The little old lady replies, "Yep, smoke like a chimney. At least 2 packs of cigarettes and three joints a day and a couple more in the evening, while I'm shooting pool."
The biker is very impressed and asks, "Last question, have you ever been picked up by the fuzz?"
The little old lady thinks for a minute and says, "Nope, but I've been swung around by my nipples a few times.
The guy was quite amused, but says she needs to meet certain biker requirements in order to join he explains. The biker asks; "Do you have a motorcycle?"
The little old lady replies, "Yep, my bike's parked over there" and points to a flamed black Harley chopper in the driveway.
The biker asks, "Do you drink?"
The little old lady replies, "Yep, drink like a fish. I'll drink everyone in your club under the table."
The biker asks, "Do you smoke?"
The little old lady replies, "Yep, smoke like a chimney. At least 2 packs of cigarettes and three joints a day and a couple more in the evening, while I'm shooting pool."
The biker is very impressed and asks, "Last question, have you ever been picked up by the fuzz?"
The little old lady thinks for a minute and says, "Nope, but I've been swung around by my nipples a few times.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Capital City Custom Cycle Show
Last weekend was the annual Capital City Custom Cycle Show. Thank you Tim, Margo, and Sydney for accompanying me to the show and for paying the $8 a piece to get in. You can tell by the line of motorcycles in the photo below that a little melting snow and sandy roads weren't going to keep the hardy Iowa Bikers from riding their scoots on this 50 degree day!
I could smell the leather as I entered the 4-H building at the Iowa State Fair Grounds. And there were Bikers everywhere I looked! You know I was in heaven. I took a few photos of the show. As I looked at the pictures, I kind of noticed a theme of the bikes that I'm drawn to. I was excited because I ran into the guys from Twisted Choppers. They came down from Sioux Falls, SD to show their choppers in the show again this year. I did a story on them after last years show and I was impressed that they actually remembered who I was. We chatted for a few minutes and then I was on my way to take some photos. Hope you enjoy the bikes that I was drawn to. I'm kind of a peanut tank, bobber lover. LOL
Had to give a little nod to the Victory Motorcycles since they are built in Spirit Lake, IA. 2009 is Victory's 10 Year Anniversary.
I know it's hard to tell but that is Big Swag(on the right) from the Speed Channel show Pass Time.
Love the Vintage Cycles...
Do you notice a theme?
Check out the rake on this Iowa Hawkeye themed Choppa! Holy lotta control you'd need to have to handle that bad boy.
A cool looking motorcycle with custom paint by Custom Paint Specialists of Des Moines, IA.
Love this little Indian! I think they may have just put an Indian sticker on this little bike but it's still cute. Does anyone know, did Indian make a little mini bike back in the day?
Check out this Cowboy inspired motorcycle. What got my attention was the saddle seat. Ride 'em Chrome Cowboy! Yee Haw!
It was hard to drag me away but Tim, Margo, and Sydney finally got me to leave the 4-H building with all the leather, bikes, and Old Dirty Bikers. As we made our way back the Suburban my thoughts wandered to another year of riding and how I can't freaking wait for Spring!
IHG xo
I could smell the leather as I entered the 4-H building at the Iowa State Fair Grounds. And there were Bikers everywhere I looked! You know I was in heaven. I took a few photos of the show. As I looked at the pictures, I kind of noticed a theme of the bikes that I'm drawn to. I was excited because I ran into the guys from Twisted Choppers. They came down from Sioux Falls, SD to show their choppers in the show again this year. I did a story on them after last years show and I was impressed that they actually remembered who I was. We chatted for a few minutes and then I was on my way to take some photos. Hope you enjoy the bikes that I was drawn to. I'm kind of a peanut tank, bobber lover. LOL
Had to give a little nod to the Victory Motorcycles since they are built in Spirit Lake, IA. 2009 is Victory's 10 Year Anniversary.
I know it's hard to tell but that is Big Swag(on the right) from the Speed Channel show Pass Time.
Love the Vintage Cycles...
Do you notice a theme?
Check out the rake on this Iowa Hawkeye themed Choppa! Holy lotta control you'd need to have to handle that bad boy.
A cool looking motorcycle with custom paint by Custom Paint Specialists of Des Moines, IA.
Love this little Indian! I think they may have just put an Indian sticker on this little bike but it's still cute. Does anyone know, did Indian make a little mini bike back in the day?
Check out this Cowboy inspired motorcycle. What got my attention was the saddle seat. Ride 'em Chrome Cowboy! Yee Haw!
It was hard to drag me away but Tim, Margo, and Sydney finally got me to leave the 4-H building with all the leather, bikes, and Old Dirty Bikers. As we made our way back the Suburban my thoughts wandered to another year of riding and how I can't freaking wait for Spring!
IHG xo
Friday, February 13, 2009
Go check out Garage-Girls.com and tell me what you see??!!!!
Ok so I'm Toot, Toot, Tooting my own horn...HONK! HONK! TOOT! TOOT!
Sara Liberte was so happy with the interview and story that I posted about her that she has posted one of my stories on the Garage-Girls site!
http://www.garage-girls.com/blog/machine/index.php
Thank you, Sara!!! This truly means so much to me!
Sara Liberte was so happy with the interview and story that I posted about her that she has posted one of my stories on the Garage-Girls site!
http://www.garage-girls.com/blog/machine/index.php
Thank you, Sara!!! This truly means so much to me!
Saturday, February 07, 2009
From My Harley Desk Calendar...
Every day when I arrive at work I tear off a page from my HD desk calendar. On February 3rd the quote that I read really struck me.
Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see. - William Newton Clarke
Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see. - William Newton Clarke
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