Looking at my blog I really didn't write any ride posts this summer. I had great thoughts of ride posts but never really got around to them. Between riding with Dan and learning to ride my own, the summer just got away from me. I do have photos to share so I decided to make a picture montage of the sights we saw this summer. The best trip was the Great River Road in Wisconsin. We also took a day trip to the National Motorcycle Museum with a group from Struther's Brothers. The last big hurrah of the summer was the Annual Abate Toy Run. The turn out this year was amazing and the weather was excellent! We made it to one Indianola Bike night and I threw in some pictures of our trip to the pumpkin patch just for fun.
I hope you all were able to make some amazing memories this summer on your motorcycles! I hope to get a few more rides in before that snow begins to fall.
Showing posts with label ABATE of Iowa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ABATE of Iowa. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Capital City Customs Swap Meet and Show
Finally something biker related enters my life like a warm breeze blowing through my hair. The Capital City Customs Swap Meet and Show was a much needed oasis from the 52+ inches of snow that we've had since December. As I walked through the doors of the 4H building I breathed in the smell of leather, I saw the beautiful motorcycles, and I spotted other bikers who needed this relief probably as much as I did. I've attended this show for a few years and I'd have to say I was most excited about it this year.
Dan and I spotted Big Swag at a table, signing autographs. Brett Wagner aka Big Swag is the host of the Speed Channels show Pass Time. He is also in a new movie called The Crazies which will be released on February 26th.
There were some great looking bikes as there always are every year.
I especially liked these two choppers by Siouxicide Choppers out of Sioux City, IA. Check out the tank on the one...Full...1/2...F&%k. Very original!
I talked to two of the nicest bikers I've probably ever met, Doug and Dave. They were at the show promoting their club, Mid Iowa Star Chapter 210. They both were so passionate about their club that for an instant I started thinking about becoming Iowa Star Girl. I erased that from my thoughts quickly but dang, those guys rocked! Seriously, if you are looking for an organization to join they are ranked right up there in my book. They both joked that they are a photography club with a motorcycle problem and they proved it with the great photos in the calendar I purchased from them. Anyway...can't say enough good things about those guys and the enthusiasm they both had about riding and their club! Thanks for making me smile! I was walking on cloud 9 at that point of the afternoon. I love when I find people with the same passion about motorcycling as I have. I walked a few steps down the aisle and stopped at the Abate of Iowa District 4 booth. As I'm walking away these ladies from Abate say to me, Are you Stephanie, Iowa Harley Girl? I was stunned for a minute. Yes...Yes I am. WOW!!! I've never actually had someone ask me if I was, so I was a little thrown off for a second. They thanked me for the great post I did on their toy run that I rode in a couple years back. I have to tell you that topped my day, so Thanks Ladies from Abate District 4.
This bike touched my heart. It's a tribute to all of the Men and Women from Iowa that have lost their lives serving our country.
The swap meet was bigger then I remembered it being in past years. Maybe because this year I was actually looking for the bottom covers for my passenger foot boards. No luck.
I'd like to thank Dan for tagging along with me. He doesn't enjoy this kind of stuff as much as I do. I bought some new stickers for my helmet, including one that says TROUBLE and one that says WHATEVER! I also purchased a POW-MIA t-shirt that I will proudly wear this summer. Support your local Vietnam Vet M/C. I was a little disappointed that I didn't see Possum from the Circle of Pride M/C. I wanted him to autograph my I RIDE video.
I had a great time and can't wait for the riding season to get here! I truly miss riding. I'm sure many of you out there agree. This has been the craziest winter I've seen in years. Thanks Capital City Customs Swap Meet and Show for helping this biker chick quench her motorcycle thirst!
Other upcoming events in Iowa...
B.A.D. Ride Chili Cook-Off @ Porky's Pub in Des Moines on February 27th. Go to BadRide for more information.
Bike Down to I Town is the 3rd Friday of each month from April to September. Go to Bike Down to I Town for more information.
Iowa Thunder Run is May 23. The ride begins in the Southridge Mall parking lot in Des Moines at 1pm.
The Freedom Rally in Algona, IA is July 1,2,3. For more information go to Abate of Iowa.
Newton Professional Firefighters' Fun Run for Blank Children's Hospital is July 24th starting at the Izaak Walton League. For more information contact the Newton Fire Department.
Dan and I spotted Big Swag at a table, signing autographs. Brett Wagner aka Big Swag is the host of the Speed Channels show Pass Time. He is also in a new movie called The Crazies which will be released on February 26th.
There were some great looking bikes as there always are every year.
I especially liked these two choppers by Siouxicide Choppers out of Sioux City, IA. Check out the tank on the one...Full...1/2...F&%k. Very original!
I talked to two of the nicest bikers I've probably ever met, Doug and Dave. They were at the show promoting their club, Mid Iowa Star Chapter 210. They both were so passionate about their club that for an instant I started thinking about becoming Iowa Star Girl. I erased that from my thoughts quickly but dang, those guys rocked! Seriously, if you are looking for an organization to join they are ranked right up there in my book. They both joked that they are a photography club with a motorcycle problem and they proved it with the great photos in the calendar I purchased from them. Anyway...can't say enough good things about those guys and the enthusiasm they both had about riding and their club! Thanks for making me smile! I was walking on cloud 9 at that point of the afternoon. I love when I find people with the same passion about motorcycling as I have. I walked a few steps down the aisle and stopped at the Abate of Iowa District 4 booth. As I'm walking away these ladies from Abate say to me, Are you Stephanie, Iowa Harley Girl? I was stunned for a minute. Yes...Yes I am. WOW!!! I've never actually had someone ask me if I was, so I was a little thrown off for a second. They thanked me for the great post I did on their toy run that I rode in a couple years back. I have to tell you that topped my day, so Thanks Ladies from Abate District 4.
This bike touched my heart. It's a tribute to all of the Men and Women from Iowa that have lost their lives serving our country.
The swap meet was bigger then I remembered it being in past years. Maybe because this year I was actually looking for the bottom covers for my passenger foot boards. No luck.
I'd like to thank Dan for tagging along with me. He doesn't enjoy this kind of stuff as much as I do. I bought some new stickers for my helmet, including one that says TROUBLE and one that says WHATEVER! I also purchased a POW-MIA t-shirt that I will proudly wear this summer. Support your local Vietnam Vet M/C. I was a little disappointed that I didn't see Possum from the Circle of Pride M/C. I wanted him to autograph my I RIDE video.
I had a great time and can't wait for the riding season to get here! I truly miss riding. I'm sure many of you out there agree. This has been the craziest winter I've seen in years. Thanks Capital City Customs Swap Meet and Show for helping this biker chick quench her motorcycle thirst!
Other upcoming events in Iowa...
B.A.D. Ride Chili Cook-Off @ Porky's Pub in Des Moines on February 27th. Go to BadRide for more information.
Bike Down to I Town is the 3rd Friday of each month from April to September. Go to Bike Down to I Town for more information.
Iowa Thunder Run is May 23. The ride begins in the Southridge Mall parking lot in Des Moines at 1pm.
The Freedom Rally in Algona, IA is July 1,2,3. For more information go to Abate of Iowa.
Newton Professional Firefighters' Fun Run for Blank Children's Hospital is July 24th starting at the Izaak Walton League. For more information contact the Newton Fire Department.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Iowa Thunder Run 2009
When I saw on the Biker Chick News blog that May 17th was the Iowa Thunder Run I put it on my calendar as something Dan and I must do! I really didn't know what to expect since we have never ridden on this ride before. We left Johnston at a little after noon and made our way to Southridge Mall. You couldn't miss where the bikers were to meet in the mall parking lot. It was a sea of black leather dotted with American Flags. This was unlike the Abate Toy Run we had attended last October. The feeling was much more somber. The bikers in attendance seemed to be reflecting on who we were honoring today. I stood for a few minutes and watched as Vets hugged each other and shook hands. I felt sadness in my heart knowing that some of their Brothers and Sisters did not make it home alive.
Please keep our Men and Women serving all over the world in your thoughts and prayers. If you meet a Soldier or a Vet make sure you thank them! And never forget "Freedom is Not Free". God Bless America!
Check out the Iowa Thunder site http://home.att.net/~iowathunder/ . Next years ride is on May 23rd.
At 1 pm the Des Moines Police Department alerted us that they were going to begin their escort of us down SE 14th Street. Engines roared to life. It sounded like Thunder in the mall parking lot. It's hard to tell how many motorcycles moved into formation, I would guess 350 or more. We were toward the back of the pack and it was an incredible sight seeing all of those bikes a few miles ahead. Going through all of the stop lights didn't have as much luster as it did on the toy run because my thoughts kept going to the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. I kept thanking them in my head for what they do so that we could even be riding today. I thought of all the Vets from all the wars. I thought of all who have died, never to see their families and friends again. We were all letting them know in our own way that it was not in vain! Even with the way the world is changing there are still people out there, like me, that hold our Country, Our Military in the highest regard!
As soon as the ride began it ended. We pulled into a parking lot near the War Memorials by the Capital. There were more hugs and handshakes. And then we all headed into the Memorial site.
The haunting sounds of a Bagpiper played as we gathered at the Iowa Vietnam Memorial. We said the Pledge of Allegiance and sang the Star Spangled Banner. Two Vietnam Veterans...Rabbi and Moose spoke to the crowd about Honoring our Military and thanked everyone that does special things for the Veterans.
Moose read an Essay called 1/2 Man 1/2 Boy. It really touched me and I'm including it in my post.
The average age of the military man is 19 years. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances, is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's, but he has never collected unemployment either.
He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.
He is 10 to 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. He has trouble spelling; thus letter writing is a pain for him. He can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and re-assemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.
He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.
He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march.
He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient.
He has two sets of fatigues; he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.
He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes and fix his own hurts.
If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.
He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands.
He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.
He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all.
He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.
He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.
He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away ' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat or even stop talking.
In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.
He has asked nothing in return except our friendship and understanding.
Remember him always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood.
And now we even have women over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to war when our nation calls us to do so.
As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot. . .
A short lull, a little shade and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.
Rabbi sang a song called "The Wall", which he wrote. I couldn't find his song but found the one below on myspace and thought if you were interested you could listen to it. It was written by a Vet named Danny Barnes. "That Black Wall"
As we stood and listened to Rabbi sing his song it began to rain. I thought to myself once, this is going to be a cold trip home but then I thought...you know...A Soldier fighting for our country has gone through far worse then riding home in the rain. The conclusion of the Thunder Run was the Bagpiper playing Amazing Grace. Yes, it brought tears to my eyes. It does everytime. I'm so glad that we attended this Tribute to our Troops. I really learned a lot today from Rabbi and Moose. We need to continue helping our Soldiers and Vets on an ongoing basis. We can never forget what they sacificed for us. Thank you to each and every one of them from the bottom of my heart!
Please keep our Men and Women serving all over the world in your thoughts and prayers. If you meet a Soldier or a Vet make sure you thank them! And never forget "Freedom is Not Free". God Bless America!
Check out the Iowa Thunder site http://home.att.net/~iowathunder/ . Next years ride is on May 23rd.
Monday, October 13, 2008
ABATE Toy Ride
All summer long I've planned on going to certain motorcycle events and because something has come up I haven't been able to. Well, Sunday was the ABATE Toy Ride and I kept telling Dan...we are doing this...don't make plans...no one is stopping us from going to this. My wish came true and we were able to go! YAY! Dan shined up the Glide and we headed over to meet Monique and RJ...our new riding buddies! They have actually been our friends for a few years but it wasn't until recently that RJ and Monique crossed over to the wild side. I say this because they've always been bikers...just bikers on bicycles. And instead of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally they are used to going on RAGBRAI. Which, if you have ever gone on this 7 day bicycle ride across Iowa, it sometimes is wilder then Sturgis.
It was a beautiful day for a ride on Sunday. After picking up Monique and RJ we made our way to I - 235 and headed east to the Capital. Because of my shear excitement about being able to go on this toy ride I got us there plenty early so we road around a little while and then headed back to the parking lot that is east of the Capital. As you can tell we were still pretty early.
I love Rat Bikes and this one was one of the coolest I saw on Sunday. Thanks to the nice biker that told me I could post it. I'm bad...I forgot to get his name but he did say he enters "Bone Rattler" in Rat Bike shows.
As the time goes by more and more people begin showing up. I decide to walk around and get some pictures and chat it up with some people that I know.
Yes...there is a Santa and Mrs. Claus. And Mrs. Claus wears leather chaps, with fringe. COOL!
I even ran into a reindeer and an elf.
You see so many cool things when you just walk around and look. I was like a kid in a big parking lot candy store. One fun find after another.
This is one of my favorite pictures that I took on Sunday. I want this to be me. I want to always be a cool biker chick until I can't swing my leg over that scoot anymore. You go Biker Momma!
And this is in no way making fun of the Iowa State Patrol but the photo cracks me up a little. These two Iowa State Patrol walking among a whole lotta bikers! Do you see the humor? Come on...you have to see the humor!
I mean, check out all the people that showed up for this event.
I know you are all wondering if we actually went on a ride. Yes we did! At one o'clock on the money the parking lot of steel horses sprung to life as people got in line to ride out of the Capital parking lot and down SE 14th Street. I had no idea what to expect but boy was I in for an amazing surprise!
SE 14th Street had a Des Moines police officer at every intersection so that we could blow through every red light. I know Dan was loving it because he has this red light bad karma thing that follows him so I know he was like, yes...yes...yes! I had chill bumps the entire ride. There were people along the way that were waving and honking. It was the coolest feeling and it was all in the name of helping kids! What better way to spend your Sunday afternoon...riding and donating a toy so that a little child can have a brighter Christmas. Awesome!
I'm really glad that Monique and RJ joined us for this event. I know we all really enjoyed it. The riding season is drawing to an end here in Iowa but I know there will be many more weekends of fun ahead of us!
Happy Riding! IHG :)
It was a beautiful day for a ride on Sunday. After picking up Monique and RJ we made our way to I - 235 and headed east to the Capital. Because of my shear excitement about being able to go on this toy ride I got us there plenty early so we road around a little while and then headed back to the parking lot that is east of the Capital. As you can tell we were still pretty early.
I love Rat Bikes and this one was one of the coolest I saw on Sunday. Thanks to the nice biker that told me I could post it. I'm bad...I forgot to get his name but he did say he enters "Bone Rattler" in Rat Bike shows.
As the time goes by more and more people begin showing up. I decide to walk around and get some pictures and chat it up with some people that I know.
Yes...there is a Santa and Mrs. Claus. And Mrs. Claus wears leather chaps, with fringe. COOL!
I even ran into a reindeer and an elf.
You see so many cool things when you just walk around and look. I was like a kid in a big parking lot candy store. One fun find after another.
This is one of my favorite pictures that I took on Sunday. I want this to be me. I want to always be a cool biker chick until I can't swing my leg over that scoot anymore. You go Biker Momma!
And this is in no way making fun of the Iowa State Patrol but the photo cracks me up a little. These two Iowa State Patrol walking among a whole lotta bikers! Do you see the humor? Come on...you have to see the humor!
I mean, check out all the people that showed up for this event.
I know you are all wondering if we actually went on a ride. Yes we did! At one o'clock on the money the parking lot of steel horses sprung to life as people got in line to ride out of the Capital parking lot and down SE 14th Street. I had no idea what to expect but boy was I in for an amazing surprise!
SE 14th Street had a Des Moines police officer at every intersection so that we could blow through every red light. I know Dan was loving it because he has this red light bad karma thing that follows him so I know he was like, yes...yes...yes! I had chill bumps the entire ride. There were people along the way that were waving and honking. It was the coolest feeling and it was all in the name of helping kids! What better way to spend your Sunday afternoon...riding and donating a toy so that a little child can have a brighter Christmas. Awesome!
I'm really glad that Monique and RJ joined us for this event. I know we all really enjoyed it. The riding season is drawing to an end here in Iowa but I know there will be many more weekends of fun ahead of us!
Happy Riding! IHG :)
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