Sambetti's Bar and Grill
1430 2nd Ave
Des Moines, IA
Features
Darts
Pool
Games
Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon: Lunch - 2:00am
Tue: Lunch - 2:00am
Wed: Lunch - 2:00am
Thu: Lunch - 2:00am
Fri: Lunch - 2:00am
Sat: Lunch - 2:00am
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Sambetti's
Sambetti's Bar and Grill
1430 2nd Ave
Des Moines, IA
Features
Darts
Pool
Games
Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon: Lunch - 2:00am
Tue: Lunch - 2:00am
Wed: Lunch - 2:00am
Thu: Lunch - 2:00am
Fri: Lunch - 2:00am
Sat: Lunch - 2:00am
Saturday, October 20, 2012
A Book You Need to Read! Bean're Motorcycle Nomad
Who is Bean're? You honestly don't know? Well he's the Motorcycle Nomad! He's the Mayor of Fun! And he's got an amazing book that tells his story of how he's been living the nomad life on a motorcycle. Bean're is definitely full of character and someone that has brought that character to the motorcycle community for many years.
Even if you know Bean're you will enjoy this book. And if you don't know Bean're, after reading this book, you will want to go to the next rally and meet him. This book is an easy read and a page turner. I've read so much about Bean're's current adventures that it was very interesting to learn about Bean're as a kid and Bean're during his Marine days. He's also been sober since 1988 and Bean're proves each day of his life that you can have a blast in life without drinking or drugging! Congrats on that Bean're!
One of the best chapters of the book is Chapter Seven called Friends. Bean're has so many friends that he's made throughout his life and it was great getting their perspective of Bean're and how he's made a mark in their lives. Betsy Huelskamp wrote, " In much the same way that there was "Something About Mary," there is most definitely SOMETHING about Bean're. Exactly what the something is has yet to be defined, but it is a quality that sets him apart from the rest. Bean're is not like the others. He recognizes this about himself to such an extent, that if he had to fit in, and be like the others, I think it would actually cause him mental duress!" Cody Marks wrote, " Bean're is envied from cubicles to service centers all over the world." Woody, the owner of the Infamous Buffalo Chip probably said it best, " I suspect in every one's life there are one or two times we just have to ask ourselves, "What the heck is that?" or just "Who was that masked man?" Or, in this case it was a less earth-shattering, "Who is that guy wearing the top hat and that funny suit?"
Intrigued yet? I know you are!
Bean're has had so many adventures that I'm sure it was difficult picking out what ones he wanted to share in this book. There is a story about his trip to Alaska and what he had to do to get over the border of Canada to even make it to Alaska. Bean're hasn't just ridden in North America, this guy has gone global. He's ridden in Europe, Morocco, and Australia. Because I've never been to any of those countries it was so enjoyable reading about his adventures. So many times in our lives we plan everything, not Bean're. He makes it to the destination and travels without a schedule. He just takes it all in and experiences the journey as it comes his way. I think Bean're explains it best, "The travels are the answer. The quest is the answer. Just out there searching - it's not what I'm going to find, it's the fact that I keep searching. That is where I'm getting my happiness, to be able to meet the people that I'm meeting...Being able to let life guide me. Rather than saying okay, I'm gong to go here now, I say ok, I'm going to get on my bike and go in a certain direction. But I might not end up that way, I might end up riding 180 degrees in the opposite direction. That is the beauty of it, life calls me that way."
Have I convinced you to buy this book yet? If you love the motorcycle life and you enjoy reading and learning about the people in it, you have to buy this book. You will enjoy and sometimes laugh out loud, reading the interesting stories about Bean're and his life. And there are so many amazing photos of the places he's been and the people he has met. I do have to say...I was a tiny bit disappointed that the photo of Bean're and me didn't make the pages of his book but I'll let it slide! Ha ha!
though PayPal by sending the payment to worldoridr@aol.com . The price of each book is 20 dollars and is shipped free (in the lower 48 States). In Canada the price is $24 and in Europe the price is $30.
If you are planning a trip to the Sturgis Rally in 2013 you might want to stay at The Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground because rumour has it that Bean're will be the Mayor of Fun at the Chip again this year!
.. Sunday, October 14, 2012
Dean Bartosh - Two Wheels Move His Soul
I got to know Dean from his blog. It has been one of my favorite blogs for sometime because this self proclaimed "Soul Rider" really gets what riding is all about. Dean is one of the bloggers I always wanted to meet and I was fortunate enough to meet him and his lovely lady Karen, a few years back. A big thanks to Dean for doing this interview. I'd also like to thank Dean for all he is doing to bring motorcycle awareness to the "cage" drivers!
Give us a bio about yourself.
How long have you been riding?
I've been riding on and off for 30 years; the last 9 continually though.
What was your first motorcycle?
My first bike was a Rupp minibike that I bought from a friend for $50.00 when I was 11 years old. It had a pull-cord start and barely enough power to motor me down the alley but I still felt like the "king of the road".
What do you currently ride?
I currently ride a 2003 Harley Wide Glide.
How do you feel when you are riding?
Free but I don't really know why. I'm not any more free than I am when I drive my truck and I've got to
pay a lot more attention to what's going on. But when I'm riding I still feel like my soul goes to another place; hence my favorite term "soul riding".
Is there a motto that you live by?
I live by the Dr. Seuss school of thought. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind
don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
Why Harley Davidson?
Is there any other make? Besides, I'm too old for a crotch-rocket and not old enough for a Gold Wing.
Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle? Absolutely! There's been times that I've been treated differently because I'm wearing my leathers versus the times when I have to wear a tie. I've had plenty of times when folks won't give me the time of day because I've just climbed off my Harley wearing black leather.
Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak non-riders out?
Of course there's a wave! Most of the time I just give other riders a nod but if someone wants to wave, I'll throw my hand out there. Sometimes just to mix it up, I'll give someone the old school raised fist of defiance.
What do you think of helmet laws?
Helmet laws suck! Let those who ride decide.
Do loud pipes really save lives?
They've definitely saved my life a few times. I've had a few times where someone was starting to veer into
my lane until I gave the throttle a quick twist to rev the engine and alert them of my presence.
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 always wanted to hang with Indian Larry but sadly will never get to because of his untimely death. I used to watch him years ago when he was on "The Biker Build-Off" on TV and used to think, "Now there's a
guy who understands old school brotherhood." I've heard from people that he was truly a brother of the road and would do anything for anybody. I'm sorry that I missed my chance.
Do you have a favorite rally or event?
Not really because I'm not much for large crowds. I did enjoy hanging at the campground this year when I was in Sturgis though. Met a lot of people and made some great new friends.
Do you have a favorite place to ride and why? Currently my favorite place is to ride is the "Great River Road" which runs down the western side of Wisconsin along the Mississippi River. We get a lot of bikers from out of state who come here to ride the "River Road". I feel lucky to live in such a beautiful place.
What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
Not too much really. I really think that I lead a pretty boring life. If you like exciting unexpected surprises, don't hang with me.
What has your most memorable ride or trip been?
Probably my trip to Sturgis this year. Over 700 miles of road each way by myself. Lots of time to think and reflect on life.
Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
I've learned to have a little faith in mankind. There are times that I think the whole world is going to shit and then I meet some really great people on the road. There's hope for us yet.
Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
I'm more of a lone rider. I prefer being alone with my thoughts and letting my mind wander. If I'm with other riders, I get too concerned about the difference in our riding styles and trying to stay together. If I'm alone, I'm accountable to nobody but myself and can go whatever way the wind blows.
What has your greatest accomplishment been?
My greatest accomplishment has got to be raising two girls without strangling either one of them during their teen years.
Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
Sure there is. Harley riders won't talk to Honda riders, BMW riders won't wave to Harley riders and so on and so forth. Personally, I don't understand it. I'll talk or wave to anyone on two wheels. We all have something in common. We should be using that to advance our common causes; not to divide us.
If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
I'd have LOADS of sex.
When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing? I'm into reading, writing and photography. I'm also a pretty big political junky so I watch a lot of news shows.
If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
Nothing really. I'm pretty happy with who I've turned out to be. There are lots of things that I've done that I would go back and change if I could though.
What do you think makes a "Biker"?
Oh boy. The question that gets overly debated more than any other motorcycle topic. Without trying to explain it for an hour, I guess it's anyone who feels the "need" to ride.
What are your thoughts on women riding their own motorcycles?
I think it's great! Women should be able to enjoy the freedom of the open road just like us guys do. Not to mention, I think women look pretty damn hot on their own bike.
You belong to ABATE , tell us a little about that.
ABATE is a motorcycle rights organization that fights for our freedoms of the road. I've been a very active member for a few years now and have been recently appointed to the position of Public Relations Director for the state of Wisconsin. The organization promotes motorcycle rights and awareness by holding awareness rallies and putting public service announcements on the radio. We work a lot with our elected officials to pass pieces of legislation which promote freedom of the road.
Tell us about Biker Weddings.
I have been a legally ordained independent minister authorized to perform all standard services including marriage and baptism since 2001. I realize that us bikers are sometimes a little out of the "norm" and want something a little different for the ceremony. Biker Weddings is my attempt to serve those needs to the motorcycling public. People are used to seeing me in jeans and black leather so it's a bit of a shock the first time they see me in a white-collared minister's shirt.
Do you have a favorite swear words?
I try not to swear because I think over-using swear words shows a lack of intelligence. It's like you don't have a very good vocabulary or know what else to say so you just throw "fuck" into the middle of a sentence. That's not to say that I haven't thrown a few out there during times of frustration.
What are you currently reading?
Earlier this year I read "Harley-Davison and Philosophy: Full-Throttle Aristotle". It definitely wasn't a light read so I wouldn't recommend it for just anybody. It had some pretty heavy philosophical concepts and how they related to the biker world. I just finished reading "Killing Lincoln" by Bill O'Reilly. It was full of a lot of really cool stories about the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln that I definitely never learned in history class. I'm currently reading "The Reagan Diaries". President Regan kept a diary for the eight years that he was in office. Pretty interesting stuff if you're a political junky like me.
What music are you currently listening to?
I don't listen to too much modern stuff. I enjoy the rock from the late '70's as well as the "hair bands" from the mid '80's. I've also started listening to a lot of country music over the past handful of years.
Do you have any pets?
In our house we currently have a guinea pig, a sun conure parrot, eight zebra finches and a fish tank.
Dean hasn't posted anything in a while but he has a great blog called Musings of a Contemplative Biker. Check it out.
Give us a bio about yourself.
Born and raised in Wisconsin. I came from a family where my dad was a cop and my mom was the church
secretary. It was just me and an older sister who I constantly fought with but defended against all outsiders. I went to college to become a federal law officer and landed a job on the sheriff's department when I
graduated. When I suddenly became a single dad and had to raise two little girls by myself, the sheriff's department and I had to part our ways. I landed in the manufacturing field where I've held several
administrative and managerial positions for the past 20 years.
I've been riding on and off for 30 years; the last 9 continually though.
What was your first motorcycle?
My first bike was a Rupp minibike that I bought from a friend for $50.00 when I was 11 years old. It had a pull-cord start and barely enough power to motor me down the alley but I still felt like the "king of the road".
What do you currently ride?
I currently ride a 2003 Harley Wide Glide.
How do you feel when you are riding?
Free but I don't really know why. I'm not any more free than I am when I drive my truck and I've got to
pay a lot more attention to what's going on. But when I'm riding I still feel like my soul goes to another place; hence my favorite term "soul riding".
Is there a motto that you live by?
I live by the Dr. Seuss school of thought. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind
don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
Why Harley Davidson?
Is there any other make? Besides, I'm too old for a crotch-rocket and not old enough for a Gold Wing.
Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle? Absolutely! There's been times that I've been treated differently because I'm wearing my leathers versus the times when I have to wear a tie. I've had plenty of times when folks won't give me the time of day because I've just climbed off my Harley wearing black leather.
Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak non-riders out?
Of course there's a wave! Most of the time I just give other riders a nod but if someone wants to wave, I'll throw my hand out there. Sometimes just to mix it up, I'll give someone the old school raised fist of defiance.
What do you think of helmet laws?
Helmet laws suck! Let those who ride decide.
Do loud pipes really save lives?
They've definitely saved my life a few times. I've had a few times where someone was starting to veer into
my lane until I gave the throttle a quick twist to rev the engine and alert them of my presence.
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 always wanted to hang with Indian Larry but sadly will never get to because of his untimely death. I used to watch him years ago when he was on "The Biker Build-Off" on TV and used to think, "Now there's a
guy who understands old school brotherhood." I've heard from people that he was truly a brother of the road and would do anything for anybody. I'm sorry that I missed my chance.
Do you have a favorite rally or event?
Not really because I'm not much for large crowds. I did enjoy hanging at the campground this year when I was in Sturgis though. Met a lot of people and made some great new friends.
Do you have a favorite place to ride and why? Currently my favorite place is to ride is the "Great River Road" which runs down the western side of Wisconsin along the Mississippi River. We get a lot of bikers from out of state who come here to ride the "River Road". I feel lucky to live in such a beautiful place.
What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
Not too much really. I really think that I lead a pretty boring life. If you like exciting unexpected surprises, don't hang with me.
What has your most memorable ride or trip been?
Probably my trip to Sturgis this year. Over 700 miles of road each way by myself. Lots of time to think and reflect on life.
Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
I've learned to have a little faith in mankind. There are times that I think the whole world is going to shit and then I meet some really great people on the road. There's hope for us yet.
Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
I'm more of a lone rider. I prefer being alone with my thoughts and letting my mind wander. If I'm with other riders, I get too concerned about the difference in our riding styles and trying to stay together. If I'm alone, I'm accountable to nobody but myself and can go whatever way the wind blows.
What has your greatest accomplishment been?
My greatest accomplishment has got to be raising two girls without strangling either one of them during their teen years.
Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
Sure there is. Harley riders won't talk to Honda riders, BMW riders won't wave to Harley riders and so on and so forth. Personally, I don't understand it. I'll talk or wave to anyone on two wheels. We all have something in common. We should be using that to advance our common causes; not to divide us.
If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
I'd have LOADS of sex.
When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing? I'm into reading, writing and photography. I'm also a pretty big political junky so I watch a lot of news shows.
If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
Nothing really. I'm pretty happy with who I've turned out to be. There are lots of things that I've done that I would go back and change if I could though.
What do you think makes a "Biker"?
Oh boy. The question that gets overly debated more than any other motorcycle topic. Without trying to explain it for an hour, I guess it's anyone who feels the "need" to ride.
What are your thoughts on women riding their own motorcycles?
I think it's great! Women should be able to enjoy the freedom of the open road just like us guys do. Not to mention, I think women look pretty damn hot on their own bike.
You belong to ABATE , tell us a little about that.
ABATE is a motorcycle rights organization that fights for our freedoms of the road. I've been a very active member for a few years now and have been recently appointed to the position of Public Relations Director for the state of Wisconsin. The organization promotes motorcycle rights and awareness by holding awareness rallies and putting public service announcements on the radio. We work a lot with our elected officials to pass pieces of legislation which promote freedom of the road.
Tell us about Biker Weddings.
I have been a legally ordained independent minister authorized to perform all standard services including marriage and baptism since 2001. I realize that us bikers are sometimes a little out of the "norm" and want something a little different for the ceremony. Biker Weddings is my attempt to serve those needs to the motorcycling public. People are used to seeing me in jeans and black leather so it's a bit of a shock the first time they see me in a white-collared minister's shirt.
Do you have a favorite swear words?
I try not to swear because I think over-using swear words shows a lack of intelligence. It's like you don't have a very good vocabulary or know what else to say so you just throw "fuck" into the middle of a sentence. That's not to say that I haven't thrown a few out there during times of frustration.
What are you currently reading?
Earlier this year I read "Harley-Davison and Philosophy: Full-Throttle Aristotle". It definitely wasn't a light read so I wouldn't recommend it for just anybody. It had some pretty heavy philosophical concepts and how they related to the biker world. I just finished reading "Killing Lincoln" by Bill O'Reilly. It was full of a lot of really cool stories about the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln that I definitely never learned in history class. I'm currently reading "The Reagan Diaries". President Regan kept a diary for the eight years that he was in office. Pretty interesting stuff if you're a political junky like me.
What music are you currently listening to?
I don't listen to too much modern stuff. I enjoy the rock from the late '70's as well as the "hair bands" from the mid '80's. I've also started listening to a lot of country music over the past handful of years.
Do you have any pets?
In our house we currently have a guinea pig, a sun conure parrot, eight zebra finches and a fish tank.
Dean hasn't posted anything in a while but he has a great blog called Musings of a Contemplative Biker. Check it out.
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