NO CAGES! Ride the WIND!!!

Do you have a GREAT Beard? Enter IHG's Best Beard Contest

I love beards. Big full Santa Claus beards. Because of this beard obsession I was thinking, why not have a beard contest and give away a great prize to the winner. If you think you have a rock'n beard, send your photo to motorcyclesandskulls@yahoo.com by March 31, 2011. I will post your photo on my blog and have reader's vote on who they think has the best beard. The winner will receive the American Throttle Board Game as a prize.

Entries must be from within the United States.

2011 Louisville Polar Plunge - Bean're Needs Your Donations

On February 26th Bean're is going to take the PLUNGE! He is participating in the 2011 Louisville Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics. Your contribution will help provide life-changing sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

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.

Bean're and Little Biker Cutie Axl

Found this cute video that Bean're took of his little biker buddie Axl.

Who The F%&K is Roadside Marty??

Roadside Marty was born and raised in Florida where his father owned a motorcycle shop behind their house in the 70's. At 15, Roadside owned his first street bike, a Kawasaki 1500 Enduro. This 41 year old Army Veteran and father of an eighteen year old son, works as a water specialist for a public utility. He credits his father, uncle, and older brother for introducing him to motorcycles. In his lifetime he's owned 14. His first Harley was a 72 Sportster which he still owns.

Because of his passion for motorcycles, Roadside started Flat Broke Customs and has been building motorcycles with this father ever since. I happened upon the Flat Broke blog one day and after reading post after post I had to find out Who the F%&K Roadside Marty was. If you regularly read Cycle Source Magazine you may already know of Roadside, if not here you go...

What are you riding now?
’00 FXDX; ’93 FXR; ’65 Pan; ’79 FLH

Tell me about Flat Broke Customs .
Flat Broke Customs came about as a way for me to be known on my own as opposed to whose son I was, not that I’m embarrassed by that, but I wanted to make my own mark, and since I wasn’t born wealthy most of my bikes made me “flat broke” building them!

Do you have a favorite bike that you built or do you fall in love with all of them?
I guess they all have a special place. Each time I see or remember them, it reminds me of where I was at that time in my life.

What is the stupidest comment that you’ve received from a non-rider?
“You’re gonna kill yourself on that thing!”

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle?
Not as much now as 10 years ago, people are more accepting, I guess.

Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you?
My father is truly my hero because he taught me so many things . . . a strong work ethic as well being a man who does what’s right, even when it’s not that easy! My brothers and close friends who have stood by me through good and bad times have helped me become the man I am today.

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?
Willie G. Davidson, because the man and his family have created a product that I have given a large part of my life to, and to talk with him about some of his accomplishments.



What is your favorite rally?
That’s a tough one . . . but I have to say Daytona – so many friends and chicks, not to mention I’m a born and bred Florida boy! (If you are going to Daytona Bike week you can find Marty at Willie's Tropical Chopper Show.)

What are your thoughts on women riding their own motorcycles?
Having grown up riding behind my mom on her own bike, I think it’s cool as hell to see women riding, not to mention I think it’s sexy too – turns me on!

Do you have a favorite part of the U.S. that you enjoy riding?
There are too many to have a favorite, very tough question! I would love to one day ride around Europe.

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
Edited by IHG...if you want to know this e-mail IHG @ motorcyclesandskulls@yahoo.com.

How did you get the name Roadside?
Picked up a chick at a bar to go for a ride and pulled over in a parking lot and got busy . . . True Story.

You also have a blog called Flat Broke. Why did you decide to start it?
A few people I respect and admire suggested it; I’m glad I did, it’s actually kind of fun! (Parental warning...Flat Broke is definitely an Adult Blog!)

There is another contributor to the Flat Broke blog named Alvarez . . . who is he?
That would be Scott Alvarez, my tattoo artist – really cool guy.



Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Stay Calm!!! Sooner or later a solution to whatever problem you have will show itself.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Raising my son and watching him grow into a fine, young man.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
Not as much as in years past, but there will always be people who feel that way, that’s just the way it is. Personally, I don’t care what you ride as long as you ride because 2 wheels beats 4 wheels any day, in my book!

Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak non-riders out?
For as long as I’ve been riding on the street (26! years now) 98% of the riders I pass wave and so do I. F%&k being a hardass, loosen up and wave back!



What do you think of helmet laws?
A matter of choice without question!! If you feel safer with one, then wear it; if not, then that should be your choice! I wear one only when I’m riding where it’s required or when it’s really cold.

Do loud pipes really save lives?
I believe they do in certain situations because I have seen it first-hand, but dumbasses that rev them up just to get attention at a red light need their ass kicked; I mean, c’mon, grow the f%&k up!

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
Make sure the people I love have all of my worldly possessions to make their lives easier or more enjoyable, or both. Whether they sell it, keep it or ride it, just enjoy life and remember me every once in a while!

Do you have a favorite swear word?
Absolutely . . . . PUSSY!!

What activities do you enjoy when you are not riding or building?
I actually really enjoy going to the movies, always have.

What are you currently reading?
The Johnny Cash Story, In His Words – very interesting man.

What’s in your CD player?
Declaration of Independence by Rebel Son, I f%&king love those guys! And some early Social Distortion, David Allen Coe, Johnny Cash, and Misfits.

What else do we need to know about Roadside Marty?
If you see me at a rally, party or on the road, say hello. I love to meet motorcycle people because they’re my people, and if I see you and don’t say hi, it’s because I didn’t know you wanted me to!

I want to thank Stephanie for interviewing me. This has been a lot of fun!


You'll have to check out the February issue of Cycle Source Magazine. Roadside Marty's motorcycle beauty, Purple Haze, is featured on the cover. Marty's buddy & editor of Cycle Source, Chris Cullen, wrote a great article about Marty & Purple Haze. The Chick Magnet is another build that Marty takes great pride in. I'm looking forward to seeing what Roadside builds in 2011. Thanks for the interview Roadside! You are one "f%&k'n cool builder and biker!

If you want to follow Roadside Marty here are the links to his blogs.
Flat Broke
Flat Broke Chops and Rods

Cycle Source Commercial

Garage Girls Gear

It's official, Garage-Girls gear is now available online! Be sure to visit Garage-Girls and support the Garage Lifestyle, you'll find T's, Tanks, Stickers and more.

Sinister - The Bad Boy or Girl Wheel

Well folks it's 2011 and you might have some Christmas Cash burning a hole in your pocket. What better way to spend it then by adding some bling to your favorite form of transportation. If that bling is new wheels for your chrome horse then you will want to check out Sinister Wheel.

Their gallery of wheels is certainly impressive.
The Bad Boy Series
The Black Series
Billet Daddy
Big Daddy


Sinister Wheel has also created a very cool IDASH that will keep your IPOD secure and easily accessible for your longest rides.

If you have facebook you can find Sinister Wheel and "LIKE" them! Or if you are more into Twitter you can follow them there.

If you live in the freezer like I do during the winter months you are probably checking out sites just like Sinister Wheel. I sure have been and I'm dreaming of riding again in a few months. Happy 2011 to you all! Hope to see you on the road this year!

I Believe in Santa!

I'm not ashamed to admit that I still believe in Santa. There was a brief point in my life when I didn't and tried to throw a wrench in my sister's belief of Santa. What a mean older sister I was telling her that Santa was a fake and I remember doing everything I could after that to correct my wrong. I mean really, what's the harm in believing in a cute old bearded jolly man in a red suit. It brings warmth and great memories remembering waking up Christmas morning to all kinds of great presents that Santa had left for us. Santa brings joy and smiles to me when I see him. I also feel that there is a little Santa in others and they are sent out by him to spread joy and smiles during Christmas and all the year through. Life in America has been a little challenged these days and we are all struggling to make ends meet. Even with that, you can still let your inner Santa come through by helping those less fortunate then you. And I think I say this every year, slow down a little and enjoy the season. Be kind to others and it will come back to you. And whatever you do, always believe in Santa, he's out there watching to see if you are being naughty or nice.

Merry Christmas!

Definition of the name Harley

My supervisor is having a baby in a few days and she has yet to reveal Baby D's name. All this baby stuff got me wondering what the definition of the name Harley is for both a boy and a girl.

The girl's name Harley, ha(r)-ley, is pronounced HAR-lee. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Harley is "hare meadow". Notable in modern times as a female name due to actress Harley Jane Kozak. The name of a great motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson.

The boy's name Harley, ha(r)-ley, is pronounced HAR-lee. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Harley is "hare meadow; the long field". May also possibly mean "rocky meadow" or "eagle meadow". Familiar as the name of a great motorcycle, the Harley-Davidson.

American Throttle - The Motorcycle Trivia Board Game

This is the perfect gift for any motorcycle lover! American Throttle - The Motorcycle Trivia Board Game is based on a poker run across the United States, stopping at all the major rallies such as Sturgis, Laconia, Daytona, Four Corners and Laughlin. This is the perfect game to quench your motorcycle thirst during the long, cold winters that a lot of us experience every year. I know, I know...some of you are lucky and live in climates that allow riding pretty much all year. You do have parties and it would be a great addition to a night out with the crew.(it's a drinking game!!)
Here is a video explaining the game and how it's played.

After watching that I know you want to buy one of these to check out on your own. Sounds like fun, huh??!! To get your American Throttle Game <----click on that link and it will take you to the Buy It page on the American Throttle - The Motorcycle Trivia Board Game website.

The creators of this game are David Veal and Steve Schader. David came up with the idea after watching all of the biker build off shows that used to be on TV. He pitched the idea to Steve and the rest is HISTORY.

If you do end up buying this game, come back to my site and leave a comment letting others know what you thought of it. It really does look like a lot of fun!

Thank You for My Freedom!

We shouldn't just remember our Veterans, Fallen Heroes, and Active Military a few times a year. We need to remember them each and every day because they gave/give us our FREEDOM!

Silver Eagle Harley Davidson - Waterloo, IA

My expectations are very high when it comes to customer service. I think the reason for that was the 13 years of my life that I spent working retail. This weekend, on a trip to NE Iowa, I stopped at Silver Eagle Harley Davidson in Waterloo. I have to say this is one of my favorite Harley dealerships in Iowa. Josh and Jim in the parts area didn't hesitate to approach me to see if I needed any help. That meant a lot being a female because there have been various times I've been ignored, in that department, in other dealerships. The ladies in MotorClothes are always friendly and when I made my purchase,I felt so good that I even donated a dollar to a local charity. Thank you Silver Eagle Harley Davidson for being such a welcoming place to visit.

We Had Joy, We Had Motorcycle Fun!!

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.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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.

Renegade Wheels @ MaleStandard.com

You might be interested in checking out this story about Chuck Frederick, owner of Renegade Wheels. The article, A Rebel with a Cause: The Man Behind Renegade Wheels, gives you a look into the life of the man behind these American Made Wheels. While you are over there reading, you might want to check out the rest of MaleStandard.com.

JewelryHype! Excellent Jewels at Excellent Prices

JewelryHype has quality jewelry at bargain prices. Check out their Bike Chain Jewelry,Stainless Steel Bracelets, and Mens Biker Rings.

They also have a beautiful selection of jewelry for women. I've bought many pieces from JewelryHype and I'm always delighted when I receive the items that I've ordered. I've never been disappointed. I love their rings and pendants. If you want a real bargain they also have HYPE!Specials.


I'm always skeptical when it comes to ordering items online. You never really know what you are going to get. And it's usually a hassle to return items if you do not care for them. I have never been disappointed with anything I've received and have never wanted to return a thing. If I were disappointed with something I received, JewelryHype offers free return shipping within 15 days of your purchase.

JewelryHype! Excellent Jewels at Excellent Prices!!

I'm Just Like You - Only Prettier!

Which ones are Prettier??...Well the Rebel Girls of course!

Steve McQueen - He Loved the Fast Machines

A few years back I went to an exhibit, at a museum, called Art of the Motorcycle. One of the motorcycles belonged to Steve McQueen and I was completely mesmerized. I got chill bumps immediately and could feel his spirit there as I admired his Indian motorcycle. I kept thinking...I have to touch this...I have to touch this motorcycle. When the docent wasn't looking I reached up and touched the throttle. A few weeks back during our trip to the National Motorcycle Museum I rounded the corner and there was the motorcycle I had touched. Once again I felt his spirit there in the room. I'd like to give a little tribute here to Steve McQueen. He was an All American Rebel, a freebird, and he loved those fast machines!

Extreme Motorcycle Bling

These motorcycles on display at the National Motorcycle Museum had the most bling of any motorcycle I've ever seen. Holy Bedazzler Batman!