Spring...Finally!!!

You really couldn't tell it's spring because of today's cold and rainy weather but thankfully it is!  That was one cold and snowy winter.  I definitely had PMS aka Parked Motorcycle Syndrome.  Sadie was a little temperamental again this year and didn't want to start.  I guess I need to invest in that trickle charger since Zippy Pickle can't share.  I finally did get her started though and have taken her on a couple rides around town.  What a great feeling!  A girl and her motorcycle, such a beautiful sight!

Last fall I lost one of my riding gloves.  I don't know how but it vanished.  Maybe there is a glove gremlin like there is a sock gremlin.  Hopefully it will show back up eventually since one could always use a back up pair.  Well on my way to visit my sister I stopped at my favorite Harley Dealer in Waterloo, Silver Eagle, and purchased a very awesome new pair of riding gloves.  It kind of freaked me out that I really liked them because they have a pink bar and shield and pink stitching.  Let me tell you they are awesome.  They just pull on and I don't have to fight with the Velcro strap like I did my other pair.  They will take a little breaking in but so far I'm really liking how they fit and feel.  Plus I love the smell of new leather!  At $55.00 for the pair I better take better care of these.

Check out this cool tank that Harley Davidson has come out with for the 2014 Sportster.  It's great to see that Harley Davidson is making a few more tanks with the female rider in mind.  I like how they took the paisleys and created skulls with them to add a little more of an edgy look.  A guy I know that works for the Harley Dealer in Iowa City posted this photo one day a few months back and asked people what they thought of it.  Of course some guy had to say something extremely derogatory and negative about it.  It really got under my skin. (Can't ya tell?)  I applaud Harley Davidson for realizing that 1 in 4 motorcycle riders are female.  Having options that aren't 100% geared to males is refreshing.  Mr. Derogatory and Negative is just going to have to get a grip and accept that we are here to stay and we may want a kick ass tank that sets us apart.      

With it being spring, cages have forgotten that we are out on the road.  We've already had a few motorcycle versus cage accidents this riding season, here in Des Moines.  There was also one death caused by a drunk driver.  The rider will be buried tomorrow in Des Moines.  He was injured about a month ago, coming back from a memorial ride for a young man that lost his life to cancer.   He passed the beginning of last week. Prayers to his family and friends.   

Please be careful out there my rider friends!  Have a safe and adventurous riding season!  

The Feeling of Empowerment

Well, I finally did it.  I finally road out of my comfort zone of central Iowa.  My journey started on Sunday.  The roads were wet but I kept telling myself, as we motored down interstate 35, that this was a great learning experience.  Further down the way the road became dry.  It stayed dry until out of no where this crazy thick rainy fog began.  Spent about a hour at Boondocks and then ventured on down the road.  Where were we heading...Duluth, MN.  400 miles later, Sunday evening, I was pulling my bike into the parking lot of a Radisson hotel in downtown Duluth.  I felt accomplished and empowered.  I had finally done something that I dreamed of for many years.  I road tripped on my own motorcycle.  On Sunday's journey I motored through Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.  I have to say I couldn't really tell that I left Iowa until I made it up to Duluth and saw the beautiful Lake Superior.  Corn, Corn, Corn...Corn....more Corn.  HA!

I've had a great time riding these past few days.  I only freaked myself out twice on the entire trip.  Once was on this wicked steep hill in Duluth.  I need to work on that skill!  I kinda broke the law and ran a red light to make the hill.  Oops!  The other was in this tiny town looking for a gas station.  I didn't dump my bike but there was a quick moment when I thought I was going to.  I'm sure the guys that were watching were like...Holy Hell...get that lady off that motorcycle.  Good learning experiences all the same.  Keep your head about ya!

Tonight I'm chilling at Boom's B & B before taking off tomorrow for home.  In all I'll have about 800 miles under my belt from this adventure.  I'm pretty damn proud of myself!

My words to anyone, especially any woman that is thinking about riding her own, do it and keep doing it until you accomplish your goal of getting on two wheels.  It is truly the best experience I've ever had.  It makes me feel strong.  It makes me feel free!  This trip has helped me clear that stress out of me that has been building for weeks.  Bottom line...I needed this trip to prove to myself that I CAN RIDE!!!  I needed to prove to myself that I am IHG!



BTW...this is my 500th Post!

A Look into the Life of IHG - One or Two Questions at a Time

How do you feel when you are riding?
At first I'm really excited.  Right before getting on the road I get nervous.  Once I start rolling and get the 5 Hail Marys said, I'm as good as gold.  I usually catch myself smiling and I think to myself how cool it is to be riding my own motorcycle.  As the ride progresses I am amazed at how I feel one with the world.  Only a dog or another biker would understand.  It's an incredible feeling that everyone should experience at least once. 

Is there a motto that you live by?
Get to know someone before you decide what kind of person they are.  The reason I say this is because there is a person I worked for that judged me because I was a "Harley Chick".  She had everyone believing I was this hard, mean person.  I always wondered why some people were stand-offish to me.  One day someone said to me that another woman in my area commented to her..."Wow, Stephanie is nothing like "Blah Blah" made her out to be.  She's a very friendly and kind person."  Treat everyone with the respect that you expect and you'll make it far in life!

A Look into the Life of IHG - One or Two Questions at a Time

How long have you been riding? 
About 5 or so years ago I took the "Rider's Edge" motorcycle safety class at Zylstra HD in Ames, IA.  I finally got my very own motorcycle about 3 years ago.  After beating "Hairy Cell" Leukemia, I decided that I needed to realize one of my dreams.  After I bought my motorcycle there was a point when I almost sold it because I kept thinking, Holy Shit...you survived the Big C and now you are going to risk your life on a motorcycle with all the crazy cage drivers out there that don't freaking see you??  Well, I've gotten over that whole mind trip and am totally loving the ride now.  It's the best feeling on earth to be rolling down the highway with the biggest smile on your face and bugs in your teeth!  :)~

What was your first motorcycle?
The first and only motorcycle that I've owned so far is my awesome 2005 Sportster Custom!  Her name is Sadie and I love her!  I don't have children, so Sadie is like my child.  A few weeks ago I took her to J and S Custom Cycle in Des Moines for a tune up and I literally was sad to leave her there.  I couldn't wait until she was back home in her parking space waiting for me to ride her again!  I go back and forth on if I will ever get a different motorcycle and at this point I'm not really sure.  Sadie and I have been through a lot together over these 3 years and we are finally comfortable with each other so I think we are going to stick together for a few more years or maybe even a lifetime.  Who knows....I know I'll cry if I ever do say good-bye to her. 


 I saw these guys at Vintage Torque Fest and loved them!  If you haven't heard of the Koffin Kats you need to check out their kick'n tunes!

Sadie and Zippy Pickle Went on a DATE!

They didn't take a long ride but boy did they have an amazing adventure!

Viking Dave - Road Grits Cafe

I interview people that I believe others would love to learn more about. I’m a big fan of the blog Road Grits Café and one day about a month or so ago I thought to myself, you need to interview this guy! Dave’s blog is more then just a look at motorcycling, it’s about life and how he lives it. He’s made me look at the world in a very different way. Here is a look into the always intriguing world of Viking “Road Grits Café” Dave from sunny California.



So Dave give us a bio about yourself.
Legal crack dealer. (CoffeeShop Owner) As for the rest of my bio?, I don't talk too much about it because most people don't believe where, who and what I have done in the past. They can't even wrap their heads around it so I leave it alone.

When did you first discover motorcycles?
Funny enough, the obsession started with a book as a kid. “The Mouse and the Motorcycle.” I loved the idea of a mouse riding a toy motorcycle around my house. I started collecting toy motorcycles. I would even leave the toy motorcycles on the floor at night in hopes that a mouse would start riding it around. I kept a flashlight by the bed just in case so I could catch a mouse riding one of my toy bikes. That is pretty much what lit the fuse...then Evel Knievel cemented the obsession.

What was your first motorcycle?
My first real motorcycle was a Yamaha Seca 550 . My parents wouldn't let me have a motorcycle so worked my ass off trying to save up enough to buy a bike behind their backs. My Dad saw how much effort I was putting into the dream and one Saturday woke me up and said “Let's take a drive.” He drove me to the bike shop, helped me look for the bike and then co-signed, against my mother's wishes. Then he drove off and said, “See you at home.” The was the most terrifying and exhilarating ride of my life. I'll never forget it. I have been riding since that day in search of that first time thrill. I do find it every once in awhile.

What do you currently ride?
I currently ride a 08 Harley-Davidson FLHX.(her name is Tramp) I am in love with this bike, more so than any other bike I have ever owned.

How many motorcycles have you owned and what were they?
I have owned Kawasaki's, Honda's, Suzuki's, Yamaha's, Harley's...a few, but I'm not a bike pimp like Doug is from “40 on 2”

How do you feel when you are riding?
What a loaded question! Frightfully aware and free. I'm not passing through the scenery, I'm a part of it. No one can catch me. No one can talk to me. No one can call me. No one can bitch at me. Time has no meaning because it's about 'right now' and that's it. At the time, I'm that dude that is doing what most men wish they could be doing. I'm actually living what I dream about when I can't ride. How many folks get to live a dream...I'm a lucky bastard because I get to do it all the time. I'm the shit! If you don't like it?...pffftttt, not my problem.


Is there a motto that you live by?
A whole bunch of them, but there are two I think about everyday; 1) “If a problem is in your control...then simply fix it. If a problem is out of your control, or can't be fixed, then leave the damned thing alone...in either case, there is no excuse for worry or stress because there is a solution. Sometimes the solution is simply to move ahead.” (think about it...it makes sense.) 2) “Treat people as you expect to be treated.” I live by that one. I also like, “A truly wise man knows when to be a complete dumb shit.”

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle?
Definitely! Sometimes I'm a rock star and at other times I'm a dirtbag...it's all in the perspective of the person who is looking at me. I get a lot of free shit, free rooms, free food, free drinks, free “stuff” just because of the naive “biker stereo-type” people have, as a result of Hollywood. It ain't my problem if people are crazy enough to believe that shit. (Yeah... all that shit happens, but it's extremely rare and it's not the norm.) On the other side of the coin, I get denied a lot, get kicked out of places, get laughed at, get insulted and undermined. None of this do I really give a whoring rat's ass about. “It is what it is...now have a nice day.” The only person I really need to impress is me...if I can do that, then others will be impressed by default. It's that easy.

Why Harley Davidson?
Sturgis 07. Up until then I never rode long distance. A couple of hundred miles a day was what I would do all the years prior to that. I took 12 days and rode to Sturgis on a Honda VTX. I ran into problems out on the road but could never find a Honda shop that was open. Another brother, on a Harley, had mechanical problems. We found a Harley dealership on the way and he was in and out. I was impressed and decided that if I was going to do 1k days, I would need that kind of support behind me. That is the real reason. The rest of Harley's legendary reputation?...well, I'm helping write the next chapter of that history...it's a cool gig. I want to be a part of that history somehow. I need to be a part of it.


Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you?
My hero? Hands down, is my Father. You will never meet a more honest, hard working, common sense, down to earth man. I suspect I will never fill those shoes because we are different people, but that doesn't mean I have to stop trying. I'll keep trying until the eternal dirt nap. After him? Well, anyone who has a passion and pursues that dream, against all odds, is a mentor and a hero as far as I'm concerned. You, yourself, are a hero to me for simply chasing after your dream. I know countless people who deserve my admiration.

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?
Hmmm...already met the folks that most people would like to meet, and met a lot of people most folks only dream of meeting. I have run into musicians, politicians, movie stars, outlaws...most of them while out road tramping. Right now, the people I want to meet most are people like yourself. All the blogging brothers and sisters are really the only ones I care to meet and hang out with.

Do you have a favorite rally?
No, not really. Possibly Sturgis, but the rally isn't why I like it. Why is it your favorite? The whole ride there and back is where that Rally really stands out in my mind. The adventure and hanging out on the way there and back is golden. The rally itself?...just another party.

Do you have a favorite place to ride and why?
I really dig riding around Utah, Nevada and Arizona. There is such a variety of scenery and most of the time you can see for 20 miles in any direction. It makes you feel small and the world then becomes much bigger. Wanna' find out how significant, yet insignificant, you really are? Hit the high desert, you'll find out. It really put your head someplace else...and it's a good thing.


What are your thoughts on women riding their own motorcycles?
I think it’s AWESOME! Women who ride have advanced the whole motorcycle thing to the next level. I can't stand bimbos or airheads, (contrary to what my wife thinks.) They annoy the crap out of me. I'm not exaggerating when I say this; “I have never met a woman rider (one that rides her own) that is a bimbo or an airhead...seriously. This is what is so cool about women riders. They are smart, confident and strong willed people, who love a good time and who are looking for exactly the same thing I am...whatever that is. Airheads and bimbos can't ride...they just don't have the mentality for it. If you ride you have to take care of things yourself.” I love riding even more, just for this reason. Over the past 5 years I have noticed more and more women riding their own. It has breathed new life into my passion for riding.

Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak
non-riders out?
I'm assuming that you mean the whole “throwing the sign” thing. All that is, is an acknowledgement, that you and the other bike are taking the same risk, and share the same passion. It's just a silent respect. That's it. I have no patience for people getting their panties in a bunch because someone, on another bike, doesn't wave at them. Grow a pair...geeez.

What do you think of helmet laws?
The helmet has saved my life three times, that I know of for sure. I have hit the asphalt cheese grater many, many times. However...I still believe it should be a riders choice. I'm all about choice. Darth Vader would force everyone to wear a helmet for the greater good. If you are not about choice...then you are on the wrong side as far as I'm concerned.

Do loud pipes really save lives?
Hell yeah it does! Studies have proven it. I have experienced the saving grace of the loud pipe on countless close calls. Now you can go too loud with the pipes...that's just being an asshole. The bike community needs to understand respect for all. You give a little, and take a little. This goes for those loud pipes also.

You have a blog called Road Grits Cafe? How did it get it's name? Why did you
decide to start blogging?
Well, I just wanted to hook up with other moto-heads. I wanted to find folks that felt the same way I did about riding. It is a huge part of my life. It has saved me, literally, from myself. I wanted to find people who wanted to ride, not just bar hop or ride sixty miles to get a burger. I knew if I started blogging, that those people would find me, and they have. The most amazing, interesting and funny people I have ever met has been from the blog. I feel I have made friends for life with some of them. A few of them I would do anything for. As for the name? I dunno...it just sounded good I guess. Grit, Roads, Cafes...it just seemed to fit what I was doing at the time.

Do you have a road name and if so how did you get it?
The funny thing is, I have never met a true biker who gave himself his road name. Mine is “Viking Dave”, or more well known as VD. I would have picked something different myself, but like I said, you don't get to pick it. I was on my way back from Sturgis when it happened. We were sitting in a parking lot of a motel, getting ripped, when the subject of ancestry came up. I told the brothers my ancestors were from Denmark. Instantly, a brother yelled out, “Viking Dave! I knew it...you look like a damned Dane”. Then another one laughed and said, “V.D. For short.” Then the jokes started flying about how my personality was infectious, and how poor Becki has to sleep with VD...and it went on and on. Since then it has just stuck with me...and there is no antibiotic for the “VD” I contracted. I just laugh now and have learned to accept it. At least it's not “crash”, or “diesel”. (“Crash” got his name from crashing. “Diesel” got his from putting diesel in his tank. Glad I got one that wasn't a result of being stupid.)

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
Wow...I can't think of just one. You name it, I have probably seen it or have experienced it. Seriously...nothing comes to mind. I have seen people killed, truck fires, car fires, accidents, stopped people from bleeding to death, beat downs, kicked while I was sleeping, been shot at, run out of gas in the middle of no-where, broke down in the middle of no-where, pelted with ping-pong ball sized hail, nearly swept away in a flash flood, caught in a dirt-devil (mini tornado) that almost killed me, crashed in the middle of no-where, seen a bus load of women pressing their shirtless tits against the bus windows as I rode along side. I have never been robbed and never been arrested. I'm a good boy.


Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Definitely yes! “People are not what they appear to be. Don't assume, it makes you a sucker.” A couple of others are: “There are no guarantees in this life, and when it comes right down to it, you are always alone...be at peace with that and everything works out.” and “Shit is going to happen...what makes it a horrible memory, or a treasured one, is simply a case of how you deal with it at the time.”

Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
I love both. On shorter runs I dig the group thing. Long distance I like to do solo. I love being alone out there. It's awesome. Besides, it's hard to find someone who can ride the trail all day, doing 700 to 1000 miles a day. I can't handle whiners...they bum the trip. More riders means higher odds for mechanical failure, medical problems and the such. WillyD is the only soulrider I know of who can do long distance. That is a tough dude and I never have heard him complain out on the road. He keeps his machine in top mechanical condition so I don't worry about a breakdown. Most of all, I trust his riding skills.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Being a Dad. Nothing is better. I don't feel like I have been a great Dad, but both my kids know they can come talk to me about anything, anywhere at anytime. They know they will get an honest, truthful, uncensored answer from me.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
Yes, there certainly is...no doubt. I don't have time for that bullshit and I don't have time for people who are shallow enough to subscribe to that mentality. I can ride with rat bikes, crotch rockets, M/C's, blah, blah, blah...it's all the same. I can ride with any group and fit in...simply because I know who I am. Yeah, I tease people and they tease me back, but it's all in good humor. When it comes right down to it, if you ride on two and you treat people with respect, then you are my friend. Simple.

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
I would call my kids and tell them to drop everything and meet me. While they are driving to me, Hmmm...I would grab my wife and have crazy, porn sex for most of the day while I was waiting. I would say goodbye to people who matter most after that. After visiting with my kids, I would head out to Big Sur and rip off the reaper by riding my bike off the Bixbie Bridge. No one is allowed to cry...but you can laugh with me, because you know I'll be laughing. I'm going someplace good no doubt. Think I'm kidding?

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing?
Seriously, no joke, I'm thinking about riding. Thinking about what I'm going to do to make riding more fun. Where I'm going to go next. And I love to sit in the garage and dink and maintain the glide. That is the reason for the blog. I get to write down what I think about. Lately, I have been learning guitar, I dig sketching, writing stories, programming (yeah, nerdy Dave can program.)...mostly I just listen to people and drink coffee. Heh.

Do you have a favorite swear word?
I don't have a favorite cuss word. They all have a place, and a time, for appropriate usage. I don't trust people who are afraid to cuss because they feel it is improper...screw that, but I also don't trust people who constantly feel the need to use cuss words in every sentence. Both of those situations materialize a person who is trying to hide a weakness of one type or another. It also shows me a person who is really more interested in their own comfort, than the comfort of the people around them...I don't have time for that “Shit” either. If I want to make a point, I'll break one out. I treat cuss words like I do handguns. Keep them concealed until you need to fire a round off in celebration or to kill. Did that answer your question?

What are you currently reading?
Your questions here girl! Uh....”The Original Wild Ones – Tales of the Boozefighters M/C”, “Guitar Basics” and “PHP-MYSQL Programming”

What’s in your CD player?
“Black Label Society – Order of the Black” I like all sorts of music, but enjoy rock from the 60's and 70's the most. It's gotta' have soul and depth in all cases.


So WOW...I know you want to know even more, huh? I do!! Make sure you visit "Road Grits Cafe" regularly to read the clever posts by Viking Dave! Thanks so much for the interview Dave! You totally inspire me to get out and live!

My First Motorcycle

Hi All...I've been toying with this idea of writing a book about what it felt like to own your first motorcycle. There is such a passion that goes into riding and the feelings it gives to ones soul. When I was actually able to realize my riding dream and got my Harley it was like no other feeling I have ever felt. I would love to learn about other peoples experiences and share them with the world. If you would like to contribute your story please contact me @ motorcyclesandskulls@yahoo.com.

IowaHarleyGirl wants to know...

When was the first time you heard the calling?


My very first memory of noticing motorcycles was when I was in junior high. There was a motorcycle run in CF/Waterloo that was going down University Avenue. I begged my Mom to pull into a parking lot so that we could watch them go by. I remember my feelings of wanting to go with them. Wishing that someone would let me hop on the back. Dreams really do come true! :)

Have a great weekend!
IHG xo

Spring Time in Iowa

I don't think we are riding today!

Mike Destefano - Franny's Last Ride

Dan's iPOD is full of podcasts. We listen to a lot of them when we are driving. Today we were driving to my parent's place up North and he started playing podcasts from a site called The Moth. This story is so moving that I had to share it with all of you. Hopefully one of the links below will work for you. Make sure you have some Kleenex too because if you are anything like me you will be deeply moved.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/themothpodcast/~3/CabTJi5LxLY/moth-podcast-mike-destefano.mp3

or

http://huffduffer.com/norelpref/2757

A Little Motorcycle Humor...

Now and then people e-mail me stuff that cracks me up. Found this in my e-mails today and had to share...

I am working from home today, and I do have to work, but I look outside and its a lovely bright morning. What often happens on such days is I might take a walk to the garage, usually one of the bikes is awake, the conversation goes something like this.

bike “working from home today again huh'
me: yep
bike: need some 'thinking time'
me: thinking time?
bike “thinking time, you haul me out of the garage, ride me for a couple of hours and think about the work you need to do”
me: that a good idea?
bike: sure it is you get to think and I get to go on the road, don't be such a pussy.
me: OK I'll get my gear
bike to herself as I walk away “ that little bike whore is so easy”

Then my wife gets home in the evening and says “you are working late...you been out on that bike again!!”

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

Need I say more...

This is my favorite David Mann print...

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

It was a little chilly today for a ride but damn did it feel good! If I don't get to ride for a few days I get really anxious and boy oh boy was I feeling anxious! This is my look during the winter months if we take the Zippy Pickle for a ride in the snow white tundra called Iowa. I know...probably should wear the full face but I don't like being all closed in like that. This works just fine for me and no one ever messes with us because I look like a bank robber. HA!

Bring it on Winter...I'm ready for you. NOT!