Rest In Peace Tommy Fryed

 

Very sad to hear that Tommy Fryed of the Fryed Brothers Band passed away from heart failure on Wednesday, October 30th.  My prayers go out to all of Tommy's family and friends.  Ride Tommy Ride!

 

GET ON - A Guide To Riding Motorcycles For Women Who Think Too Much by Janet H. Green

If you have been rolling the thought of riding your own motorcycle around in your head and still haven't decided if you should or not, you need to buy this e-book.  As a woman I totally over think everything.  Well most everything.  When I was trying to make the decision if I was going to ride my own or continue to ride two-up I wish I would have had this book as my guide.

Get On - A Guide to Riding Motorcycles For Women Who Think Too Much by Janet H Green is truly wonderful.  Janet sprinkles in a bit of humor and a lot of truth in her e-book.  This veteran rider of over 10 years, covers pretty much everything that rolls through a woman's mind when she is trying to make this important decision.  A decision that ultimately will change her life forever if she decides to go for it and ride her own.

So many people try to talk you out of riding because it's oh so dangerous.  Janet says it best in the "What Will (Insert Name Here) Think?" chapter, "Motorcycles are not dangerous.  In fact, in this whole entire book there is only one guarantee I can make, and that is this:  You can approach a motorcycle, walk all around it, run your hand over it's leather seat, even check your teeth for lipstick in the reflection of its chrome air cleaner - and it will not harm you.  No, motorcycles are not dangerous.  Bad riding habits are dangerous.  The motorcycle is merely a machine.  The danger comes when you are uneducated in and unprepared for its proper and safe usage."  

This book will totally empower any woman that has been giving riding a second, third, and maybe fourth thought.  It will guide her to decide that maybe riding her own just isn't for her because there is oh so much involved.  I have a feeling though that the women who buy and read this book, especially the "Why, Indeed?" chapter, will get the push they need to at least take the MSF motorcycle class to see if it's really a dream that is worth pursuing further. 

Janet covers it all in this book, from the must haves to finally learning to ride.  The section about which motorcycle to purchase, when you are just getting started, offers great tips on what to look for and think of when you are trying to decide.    

I think the best part of this book is the truthful nature of it.  Janet tells you exactly what you need to hear about riding your own.  She shares great knowledge from her years of riding.  She gives the reader great thoughts to ponder on the reader's journey to riding her own.  This is definitely a must read for all women that are thinking about learning to ride a motorcycle, even if they don't think too much! 

For your copy of Get On - A Guide to Riding Motorcycles For Women Who Think Too Much by Janet H Green click on this link - GET ON!!   or go to www.janetgreenbooks.com. 

Thoughts on Sturgis 2013

It's been almost a month since the Sturgis Rally.  It wasn't the best Sturgis trip I've had to date but it had it's fun moments.  One thing I learned on this trip is trust your gut because it is pretty spot on most of the time.  I'm not going to go into any detail about that comment but l will say, if you think someone you are going on a trip with may not play well with others, go with your gut!  Looking back now I should have realized that following the truckload of kybos through the scenic view in Chamberlain was a sign of things to come. 

I had a couple emotional moments on the trip since this was the first time I road my own to Sturgis.  The first is when we crossed into South Dakota.  I felt a huge sense of accomplishment and pride in myself for arriving there.  The next emotional moment was when I exited into Sturgis and made my journey to Lazalle Street so I could turn right and head on out to the Buffalo Chip.  I had to fight back tears a couple times.   Riding your motorcycle down Main Street is a seriously cool feeling.  I got Goosebumps!

I forgot how loud the Buffalo Chip was and while it was awesome to be there for all of the concerts I believe that the next trip I make will not include a stay at the Chip.  Next time I'd actually like to stay in Sturgis.  Maybe in someone's yard.  I didn't mind tent camping at all but with all the noise at the Chip, a good nights sleep was not possible.  The best concert, hands down, was Halestorm.  Rob Zombie was also amazing but I felt like he could have played much longer.  I finally have a musical respect for ZZ Top.  Billy Gibbons is seriously cool and I bet it would be fun hanging with him and listening to his countless stories.  Old Guys Rule.  Speaking of Old Guys...met this gnarly ODB named Woody and his son Cory before Halestorm.  They were from Davenport, Ia.  Imagine that, we have to go to South Dakota to meet other Iowans.  We hung out with them during the evenings for the length of their stay at the Chip.  I spent about a hour one afternoon talking to Woody and it was one of the best moments of the trip.  I love listening to people talk about their experiences in life.  I truly hope that I run into Woody and Cory again on the road.  It sucks because I didn't get their last name.  Boo! 

Dan's friend Jeff and his woman Meredith were the only non bikers on the trip.  They drove the truck and camper out to the Buffalo Chip for the other folks that were with our group.  It still cracks me up that they were the only people on the trip to get INK.  And the rest of us call ourselves bikers.  HA!  Jeff and Meredith were really fun to hang with and it was cool that we got to use the truck a few days so that we could hang with both of them. 

Sturgis has changed since the last time I was there.  The Broken Spoke Saloon is no longer downtown.  It is now Easyrider Saloon.  Loved the new building they built and the multi levels of outdoor decks was awesome.  Great people watching.  I did notice this trip that there wasn't as much nudity as usual, especially at the Chip.  Maybe it's because it was colder at night.  I think the guys were very disappointed.  Has Gunner's always been on Lazalle?  For some reason I thought it used to be on Main Street??

It's probably weird but I didn't do any riding while I was there.  It was just an accomplishment for me that I got there.  I spent most of my time hanging out at the Chip or going places in the truck so we could hang with Jeff and Meredith and drink.  Yes drink...I needed many cocktails on this trip!  My next Sturgis trip will be so much different.  I look forward to another journey to the motorcycle mecca.  Maybe 2015.  That trip will include more time downtown Sturgis and actually doing some riding in the great state of South Dakota. 

As I waved good bye to the Chip and road through Sturgis to the interstate, I felt sad.  I always feel sad leaving Sturgis.  I love the rally and the people that travel from all over to enjoy the same thing that I enjoy.  On the journey home I reflected a lot on my life and how lucky I am to have been able to take this trip.  How strong I really am as a woman to ride my own motorcycle.  And how much I am thankful for the freedom that I have to ride freely in our great land. 

I love you Sturgis, South Dakota! 

Toby Keith and the Concerned Biker

One of the concerts I attended at The Chip was Toby Keith.  I've liked a lot of his music and really dig the fact that he's so All American!  He loves our military and I think that's awesome!  Well the last 2 songs he sang were American Soldier and Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.  Well with my lack of sleep and not so lacking consumption of multiple cocktails I found myself crying when he sang American Soldier.  Out of the blue this nice old dirty biker walked over and asked if I was ok and if I had lost someone in a war?  I told him no, that I just don't take my freedom lightly and that this song always makes me cry.  He gave me a little squeeze and walked away.  I thought that was very cool that he cared enough to ask!  There are some super awesome bikers in this world and it was my honor to hang with them again this year at Sturgis!

God Bless Our Troops, Vets, Military Families, and Our Fallen Heros!  And God Bless Our Great Land!!  

Don't Tread on Me!

Journey to Sturgis

Here is a photo from the beginning of the journey to Sturgis.  I'm the 2nd rider.  

Big Sky Country - The Legendary Buffalo Chip

Good Bye, Sturgis! Until Next Time!

Heading for home today.  I always feel some sadness when I leave Sturgis and this time is no different.  I do have to say...after 5 days in a tent at the Chip, I can't wait to sleep in a bed!  

R. Lee Ermey for Victory Motorcycle

Thank You Broken Spoke

The View From Easyrider Saloon

The Four Presidents

God Bless America and God Bless the Chip

Ride Em Chrome Cowgirl!!

Cool Looking Biker Chick...Downtown Sturgis.

The Roar of Dirty Thunder at ZZ Top

Halestorm was amazing!  Lzzy Hale is fabulous live!! That Chick can freaking sing!!!  AMAZING!  ZZ Top was so Rock'n!  I love Billy Gibbons!  You can ride into the concert grounds on your bike and when the crowd digs the tunes and the band, the roar of dirty thunder is insane cool!  

 

It's A Hot Sunday Morning

Last Night At The Chip

IHG Is At The Chip

We made it!!!!

On the Road to Sturgis

4 Wet Chrome Horses

Taking a break in Sioux Falls.

3 Chrome Horses Ready for Sturgis

Halestorm

Halestorm is playing at the Chip on the 4th!  I can't wait!!!  Lzzy Hale can sing LIVE!  Wow!!  Here is my favorite Halestorm tune.  Here's to US Jen, Meredith, Dan, Craig, Matt, and Jeff!  Can't wait to Journey to Sturgis with Ya! 

Sturgis!!!

On Friday, Aug 2 I will be making a journey that I've always dreamed of.  I'm so excited that Sadie and I will be riding to the grandest rally in the country, Sturgis!  I look forward to the ride, hanging with the group I'm riding out with, and all the great people that I will meet along this great journey.  This will be my 4th Sturgis Rally and while the other 3 were amazing and unforgettable, I believe this one is the one that will mean the most to me. 

I'm staying at the Buffalo Chip Campground this year.  I look forward to seeing the Mayor of Fun, Bean're, who is going to attempt to break a Guinness Book World Record by riding a mini bike from Louisville, KY to Sturgis, SD.  Crazy!! 


I'm also super excited about seeing Jasmine Cain again!  I totally love her music and she's such an awesome, fun chick.  She'll be playing downtown at the EasyRider Saloon.  Her shows are always amazing!! 


I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!  I'm about to lose control and I know I LOVE it! 

See you at the Rally!

Home is Where Your Harley Is...

Sadie spent a couple nights away from home.  J & S Custom Cycle tuned her up and put on the new hand grips that I bought from Kuryakyn.  Saturday morning I road two up with Dan to go and pick her up from the shop.  That was weird!!!  I don't think I've ridden on the back of his bike for a few years now.  It was enjoyable enough to be riding behind my man but after riding my own now it sure felt strange.  I think if I ever did decide to ride two up with him again I'd make him get a Geezer Glide.  DAMN, that passenger seat on the Street Glide is uncomfortable.  I was some kind of trooper riding on the back of that for all the years that I did. 

We got up to J & S and they pulled Sadie out.  I was so happy to see her.  After seeing my new grips,  Dan ordered himself a set for ZP and then we were off on our morning ride.  Holy Mother of Christmas, I don't know what they did to Sadie but she moves now.  I'm going to dig the grips but they are going to take some getting used to.  I do think I'm really going to like the Throttle Boss for that ride to Sturgis. 

After making our way out of town we found this road outside of Waukee that goes to Dallas Center that was so awesome!!  I wish all the roads around Iowa were that wonderful.  It was like butta!  The highway from Dallas Center to Grimes is horrid!  I hit a bump and was literally off my seat practically standing up.  I can't believe they didn't even have a "Bump" warning sign pointing it out.  Big hazard!  After our trip over the mile long bridge outside of Polk City I decided maybe we should head for home.  The sky was getting dark which meant we were in for another round of rain.  I swear, someone must have really peeved off Mother Nature because we've had more rain here then we did during the floods of 2008.  Insane! 

When I looked in the garage tonight to make sure the door was down I smiled because there was Sadie, back home in her space waiting for me to ride her again tomorrow!  All is perfect in the world again! 

Home Sweet Home!

It's Already May??

Holy Cow...I haven't blogged since March!  What is wrong with me?  Well the entire month of April I was busy with work.  Now I'm busy getting as much saddle time in as possible because I'm riding my own to Sturgis this year.  I'm getting super excited for the trip. 

Took a little spin up to J & S Custom Cycles Open House today.  Support your local Motorcycle Shops!  I scheduled a check up for Sadie and she'll be getting a new set of grips too.  Can't wait!  I noticed again today that her axillary head lights are not working again.  Need to fix that because those extra lights help so I'm seen a little better. 

If you are looking for motorcycle gear you need to check out Double D Cycles.   Double D Cycles is owned by my buddy Dean D-Day Bartosh!  Dean is working to provide as many MADE IN THE USA products as he possibly can.  Dean is a Biker so he understands the quality of gear that bikers demand.   He will do everything possible to bring you great products with the awesome service that you deserve.  You will also want to check out the Double D Cycles Blog. 





I recently received an awesome cell phone case for my iPhone.  The best part of it is that it's got the Harley Davidson logo on it!  I totally love it and it totally protects my phone.  Go to Fuse plus you and check out all of their Harley Davidson cell phone cases.  Make your phone look totally cool with HD!  I have the one shown below but there is a large variety for you to select from. 


Thanks to everyone that continues to follow my blog.  I apologize for not keeping up with it as much as I did previously.  My adult job has been taking up lots of my time so my blog has suffered because of it.  Plus would you spend any time inside on a beautiful day if you had a pretty motorcycle like this? 

NOPE!!!  GOTTA RIDE! 





The Devils Ride - Is it Real or is it Memorex?

So I said I wasn't going to watch Devil's Ride but guess what, I've been watching?  Ahhhh, Devil's Ride.   I've always been fascinated with motorcycle clubs so this show sucked me in just like Gangland always does.   I've read countless books about the Hell's Angels, the Boozefighters, the Outlaws, etc., etc., etc.  Bad Boy Bikers are just easy to want to know more about.  I secretly watch them at bike nights and motorcycle shows.(eek, now it's not a secret)  I find the whole brotherhood very intriguing. 

So back to the Devil's Ride. Oh Boy!  Really?  I realize that the Laffing Devils and the Sinister Mob are a motorcycle club.  I realize they are not 1%ers.  But it's like these guys have watched too many episodes of Sons of Anarchy but haven't taken notes on how the actual motorcycle club world really works.  I'm a girl and I even know a few things about motorcycle club protocol.  There are just so many things about this show that are so unbelievable.  There is no way in hell that Snubz would be on TV admitting he was a Rat because HELLO...the guys in Sin Mob will see the show when it airs.  The prospect that had his cut taken away, um...if another club tried to take your cut you better be dead or near death if they actually take it from you.  Oh and the scene where they were going to burn off Snubz tattoo, stop stealing scenes from SOA. 

Can anyone in San Diego tell me, are these guys for real?  I mean come on...there is no way.  These guys have to be actors.  There is no way that any motorcycle club member, that I know, would ever be on a show like this airing the club's business.  It's like the Discovery Channel lost American Chopper and had to create something else for bikers to watch.  How about this, Discovery Channel, bring back the biker build offs!  LOVED THEM!  There have to be bike builders out there that would be on the show. 

Yes, I'll continue to watch this show just because it's too difficult for me to look away.  But I sure don't believe any of it is real!  I'll be a Laffing Diva if they show up in Sturgis to sign autographs. 

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!

Chopper - Formally Known as a Honda Shadow

Yes Ladies and Gents...I'm not joking!!  This motorcycle was a red and white Honda Shadow.  Hard to believe but true!  This bike was at the Capital City Customs Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show and it was hands down my favorite.  Talk about re-purposing a motorcycle into one HOT ride!  Kudos to the builder!

Lucky 2013

Wow...can't believe it's already January 15th.  Happy New Year to All!  Thanks for stopping back in to check out what's on my mind.  One thing that is on my mind is that I hope this year isn't as tragic for the United States.  With Hurricane Sandy and the Sandy Hook tragedy and all the other stuff in between, our Nation needs a huge amount of healing!  I know a great way to get there...Get on your bike and RIDE! 

I'm very excited because the Des Moines Chrome Divas are up to 10 members!  I can't wait for spring to get here so that we can get some saddle time in!  I'm also super excited because a group of us are attending Sturgis this year.  I hate to wish time away but I'm so looking forward to the trip.  We are staying at the Legendary Buffalo Chip so I know for a fact we will have a freaking amazingly memorable time.  The other night I was reminiscing with my friend and hair stylist, Kristin, about the year we stayed at the Chip.  OMG we had a blast!  If any of you IHG followers are going to be at Sturgis this year, let me know and maybe we can meet up for a cocktail! 

I've been watching TruTV and the Full Throttle Saloon show.  I've watched it the last 3 seasons and I'm thinking I might be over watching it.  While it's really fun to see Sturgis, I'm not sure that I care about all the behind the scenes drama.  Don't get me wrong, when I go to Sturgis this year I'll be visiting the Full Throttle, it's a great place to party.  There is superb people watching.  When I first visited the FTS in 2004, the bike builders where in full glory.  I saw Billy Lane and Indian Larry at FTS.  I really kind of miss that whole scene, minus the OCC.  I miss Russell Mitchell and Aaron Greene.  I really miss Billy Lane and of course Indian Larry.  Indian Larry was one in a million! 

Well that's all I have for today!  Again...Happy Lucky 2013!!!