Sunday, April 25, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Ride the Wind
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Josh Kurpius Part 1 & 2 Photographer and Biker Extraordinaire
Josh Kurpius Part 2
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
I'm a Biker Girl on a Steel Horse I Ride!

Wow...thanks to everyone that posted a comment on my last blog entry! This is a very special event in my life and I'm glad your sharing it with me!! I said at the end of the last post, come back for the rest of the story and I got to thinking about that...the rest of the story???...huh? The story is just beginning isn't it. This is the beginning of my big dream.
I took Sadie for her first spin tonight and wouldn't you know it, forgot the camera. Dan and I went to a parking lot and I actually road her, feet up on the pegs. It was a great feeling and for not riding on my own for 3 yrs, I was pretty darn proud of myself. This is going to be a very fun journey for me and I hope you continue to ride with me through it.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Is This a Dream?? No, It's The Answer to One! IHG and Her Motorcycle Become a Reality!
My folks came on Easter and I told them the great news and asked if we could borrow the pick-up and trailer to go and get my Harley. They of course agreed and wanted to go along to share the experience with me. They have always joked that the Zippy Pickle is their grandchild and now they have another.

The week dragged on but finally Friday night came and Dan and I started out to my parent's place in NE Iowa. About 7 miles outside of Albion, IA, Dan's car overheats and we had to pull over. The car cools down enough to make it to Albion. We park it and call my folks to pick us up. A broken down car was not going to keep me from making my dream a reality. Long story short...the Caddy got towed to a station and is being nursed back to health so Dan can drive it another 100,000 miles. :)
Saturday morning we were up early and on the road to Wisconsin. 4 hours later we were turning into the neighborhood that my new baby currently called home. When I exited the truck I saw her immediately and immediately knew I had made the right choice. She was perfect...beautiful...everything I'd always hoped for when I'd finally be able to purchase a bike of my own. I could tell Angie, the previous owner, was a little sad that she was selling her beloved Harley to someone else. She told me that she was very happy it was being purchased by another female. She won't be without a motorcycle long because she purchased a new one. I could tell though that she loved this bike. It was spotless, it looked like it had just rolled off the showroom floor. Dan took her for a spin and came back to let me know she ran like a dream. And man oh man when you flip that ignition switch those pipes rumble like no other. She sounds amazing!
I talked to Angie for quite a while. I found out my bike has done the Tail of the Dragon. Angie also rode her as a Road Captain of the Milwaukee Chapter HOG. There are stickers on her windshield that show these two accomplishments and I've decided to leave them there because those are part of her history. One wild thing is that Angie is from Ankeny, IA which is a suburb of Des Moines and about 5 miles from where I currently live.

Angie and I were standing there watching the guys strap my bike into the trailer and I said to her..."You know, I'm having a really hard time not crying right now because my dream is coming true." She looked at me and said..."I'm having a hard time too because I'm really going to miss this bike." I gave her a hug and then we had to look away from each other before we both broke down and cried.

We finally were ready to get back on the road and we said our good-byes to Angie. She stood in her garage and watched us drive away. I'm not sure if she was crying but boy I was. This is something I've wanted for years and it finally was real. I finally had a motorcycle of my very own.
I'd like you all to meet my new beautiful baby, Sadie! I'm so happy that I feel like I'm walking on sunshine.

Come back in a day or two for the rest of the story! :)
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
FOR SALE 2003 Suzuki GZ250 --SOLD
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
Women Rider's Month Dinner Ride at Route 65

In honor of Women Rider's Month in May the Route 65 Harley-Davidson Shop in Indianola, Iowa would like to invite all women riders and the guys who love them to ride with us on a Dinner Ride on May 25th. Join members of LOH (Ladies of Harley), the Motor Maids, other women riders and men who support women riders for a fun evening ride. The ride will leave from the Route 65 Harley-Davidson Shop parking lot at 6:00 p.m. sharp. Come early to socialize with other riders. The Dinner Ride destination will be announced as we get closer to May. Please call Route 65 Harley-Davidson Shop at 515-962-2160 if you have any questions.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Bikers Inner Circle - Internet Show

One of the reasons I love Facebook so much is all the new things I've discovered. I ran across Charlie Brechtel and his Bikers Inner Circle Internet Show. He's got everything on this site; music, biker babes,and great interviews with people associated with the culture. There are also great articles about anything from the great barn find to what Billy Lane is doing in prison. It's a one stop shop filled with biker culture.
I would say the section of the site that I enjoyed most are all the live interviews. I love learning new things about the biker world and it's great seeing interviews with people that I admire so much. I encourage you to check out Bikers Inner Circle to watch the many videos that Charlie and his crew have posted.
If you've been around the rallies I'm sure you've probably seen and heard the Charlie Brechtel Band. If not check them out. Great tunes related to the culture that we all love so much!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Cycle Source Indian Larry Commemorative Issue
Indian Larry, a motorcycle ICON that left us way too soon!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Think! Look, Look, and Look Again for Motorcycles
Friday, March 12, 2010
More Jason Aldean - The Backstage Experience on Video!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Road Trips and Guitar Picks - Wide Open with Jason Aldean

So back to heading to Ames. We get there and stand in line at Will Call. I started talking to this guy in front of me, Dan Woessner, and he ended up being an agency manager at Country Financial. He introduced Dan and me to all of the other Country Financial people in the group and weird enough they had all heard of the blogger, IowaHarleyGirl. Thanks to Dan and the other Country Financial team members for letting us tag along with them to get into the venue. Once we were inside I met Jay, who had e-mailed and invited me to the event. He was introducing me to people and they too had all heard of this blogger, Harley Girl. I was beaming, for sure!
The backstage experience was great. They had food and drinks. The room was all decorated for the event with Jason's Billboards. I autographed a sign that is going all over the US with the concert which I thought was pretty cool. Finally we all lined up to meet Jason and have our photo taken with him. I do have to say he is one good looking young man. WOW! I was star struck and all I remember was saying to him, I can't believe I'm actually meeting you...I can't believe I'm actually standing here beside you. After the photos, Jason and two members of his band sang an acoustic version of Big Green Tractor. Then he answered questions. He's a cool guy. Wish I had photos but they weren't allowed. It was very intimate though. An experience I will never forget.



After the meet and greet Dan and I headed upstairs to our seats. They were awesome. Luke Bryan opened the show. He was really really good! I knew a couple of his songs and he swayed me over to being a fan. There was a quick set change and then there he was, Jason Aldean! The boy can rock in a country sorta way!! I always love it when the artist you are seeing loves up the crowd and he really did. His band is amazing too. I couldn't stop dancing once he hit the stage. And he made my knees weak when he said "yeah momma" in the song Johnny Cash! His songs really have that down home twangy country feel that I love. It was a great concert!

I can't thank Country Financial enough for this amazing experience. Thank you so much for finding my blog and asking me to promote this event. I had a blast! This was something I really needed after my whole experience last year. It really made me appreciate what was going on all the more! Thanks to Jason Aldean for taking the time to meet us and share an intimate moment with us. I think it would take a lot to do something like that. We all think we know a star because we've read about them and know things about them but they are coming into the venue not knowing a single thing about any of us. I'm sure it's as surreal for them as it is for us. Anyway...getting a little too deep on this post. :)

If you have a chance to see Jason Aldean or Jewel on the Road Trips and Guitar Picks tour...do it! It's an experience you will love!!!!
Sunday, March 07, 2010
Bikers are Animals - A Children's Book on Motorcycling

Press Release - Take a Fun Ride with this Exciting New Children’s Book about Motorcycles and Animals!
Bikers are Animals - A Children’s Book on Motorcycling is released by author Paul Jamiol.
In this new book, cartoonist and motorcycle enthusiast Paul Jamiol introduces children to the world of motorcycling. Meet Thor and Trash, two tough bears that love to ride their motorcycles everywhere. Together they founded the “Bears Motorcycle Club.” They also share their love of motorcycling with other riding animals. Youngsters will meet an eagle named Talon, an elephant named Slick and even a squirrel named Akorn! There are many other animal riders as well. Jamiol introduces the characters of this motorcycle-riding menagerie with a short description of their personalities and their likes and dislikes, followed by a colorful portrait of each character on his or her bike.
Children will enjoy meeting the unusual cartoon characters in Bikers are Animals while they learn about the joys of motorcycling. There is a section on motorcycle safety, and Jamiol even includes a section of line drawings at the end of the book so kids might use their imagination to color some of their favorite Bikers are Animals characters. This reading adventure is for all kids who love animals and who could imagine them having fun in a world of motorcycles.
Author Paul Jamiol, an avid motorcyclist, has been cartooning and illustrating for the past 40 plus years. He has been recognized for his work locally, nationally and internationally. His cartoons and illustrations have been featured in numerous motorcycle magazines and mainstream newspapers.

BIKERS are ANIMALS is a great gift for any young child.
This one-of-a-kind, original children's book from Paul Jamiol retails for $14.95.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Holy Cow...I'm going backstage!!!!
Dan asked me if the girl in this video is going to be at the concert. I told him probaby not and he made a sad man face. LOL
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Support The SEALs: Drop the Unfair and Outrageous Charges NOW!
Click on link Navy SEAL's Trial Postponed
If you are interested in following this story please go to Support The Seals.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Jason Aldean - March 10th Ames, IA
Monday, February 22, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Christina Shook - Photographer and Author of Chicks on Bikes

Please give me a bio about yourself....
Hmm a bio…
Well, I live in San Francisco Bay Area. I’m a professional photographer shooting lifestyle photography (my website www.cshook.com) I have an MFA from San Francisco Art Institute. Two little girls 3 and 8 who are the light of my life and a darling supportive husband who is a sound designer for video games. 2 cats, 3 motorcycles.
When did you realize you had a passion for photography?
I got a camera in college and was a journalism major. I quickly found that taking the photos was vastly more fun than the writing aspect.
Are there any photographers that you draw influence from?
Diane Arbus, Joel Peter Witkin, Willliam Eggleston, Weegee, Iriving Penn… oh so many…
When were you first introduced to the motorcycle lifestyle?
When I moved to SF and finally bought my own motorcycle I was instantly biker chick. I wanted to ride all the time and I did. I didn’t have a car for 8 years.
How long have you been riding?
17 years. Yikes that must make me old!
What was your first motorcycle?
A Honda Nighthawk that had electrical problems and I had to push start it 80% of the time. Fortunately I lived on a hill and San Francisco is hilly.
What motorcycle do you currently ride?
1979 BMW R100S, Ducati ST4, Suzuki Bandit 1200
Why did you decide to do a book on women in the motorcycle world?
When I first moved to SF I didn’t know many women. They seemed harder to meet than men. I was studying photography and I love riding my bike. So combining all three interests, I starting shooting women bikers and haven’t stopped since. I feel compelled to photograph the real women bikers I see in part because the media has so absurdly represented us.
What process did you go through when you decided to write Chicks On Bikes?
It started as a documentary project for school. The class ended but I kept meeting and photographing women bikers. I did a portfolio piece after graduating to show art directors of magazines and I wrote little vignettes to go with them. It got a great response particularly with the words.
Tell me about Chicks on Bikes...
Chicks on Bikes is about real women bikers. It embraces and ponders the relationship between women and our machines. Racers, clubs, sisterhood, mechanics, journeys of mind and body, risk… what all these issues mean to women bikers. It’s a photobook at heart with a lot of words. And I hope I’ve captured the spirit of these wonderful women who ride.

If someone would like to purchase your book where can they find it?
One place only! Go to this link, Chicks on Bikes and I’ll send you a signed copy with love.
Is your work strictly based on the motorcycle lifestyle or do you have other areas that you include in your body of work?
I’m exploring the world of scooters for my next book. It’s a fascinating and distinct culture all of its own. I'll have to get a scooter.
Do you feel that women are finally breaking the glass ceiling in the motorcycle world?
Yes I do. I am particularly proud of what women racers are doing.
Do you feel you are a role model for the women of the motorcycle community?
Only in my avid support for all women motorcyclist to come together and promote the joy and freedom of riding to be acceptable for all women. I think that support of one another is vital. Just like what you're doing Stephanie. There are so many amazing women who have blazed fearless trails in the world of motorcycling.
Who are your role models?
Those women riding in the early days really move me. Like those Hotchkiss ladies riding cross country in 1915. Now that took spirit and guts and a great sense of adventure.
I just read Lois on the Loose and I have to take my hat off to Lois Pryce too.
Do you have any advice for girls and women if they are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle?
Take a motorcycle safety class and do what feels right for you. Get a bike that fits you and good riding gear.
Do you have any big projects in the works for the future?
I’m still having a great time with Chicks On Bikes. Its opened up so many paths and I’ve met even more amazing people since publishing it.
I’m organizing a mothers day ride here in Nor Cal and would like to try and get others to take their moms for a ride too. Share the passion and the thrill.
What are your other passions beyond motorcycles?
My kids are #1 with me. Also love yoga, leaning to play piano. I’ve been into Twitter and blogging:
Follow me on Twitter: cshookup
My blog: http://cshook.wordpress.com/
Is there a motto that you live by?
You mostly regret the things you didn’t do.
If you could change anything about yourself or your life what would it be?
I’d like to live in San Francisco and not the pretty but boring suburb I live in. I’d like to be independently wealthy. And somehow find more time to ride : )
Honestly I feel very fortunate to have work I love, a supportive loving husband, smart happy kids, good heath and live in gorgeous northern California.
Thank you Christina for taking the time for this interview! You are truly a woman that other biker chicks can look up to.
Soldier Gets His Dream Bike
Monday, February 15, 2010
Capital City Customs Swap Meet and Show
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.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Samantha Morgan Storm - A Motorcycle ICON!
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Garage Girls - Ultimate Makeover Carlisle Edition
Hurry Up, send in your submissions to win The Garage Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover, Carlisle Edition brought to you by GEICO powersports.
Just a reminder to send in your submissions for your chance to win the Garage-Girls Ultimate Biker Makeover. Deadline is May 10th 2010.

Contestants (guys and girls) must submit a 600 words or less essay – describing why they are most in need of a biker makeover as well as a photo to bikermakeover@garage-girls.com by May 10, 2010. Submissions will be narrowed down to the final four by selected judges from Garage-Girls and Carlisle Events. Once the final 4 are chosen, the public will then be allowed to vote online at Garage Girls for who they feel most deserves the Ultimate Biker Makeover. Two winners will be selected for the Rider Makeover, including all-new gear and accessories with one grand-prize winner, who will win the Ultimate Biker Makeover. (Accessories for his or her motorcycle as well) Winners must be present at the Carlisle Bike Fest on Saturday, July 24th, 2010 to collect their prizes.

For more information, rules, eligibility and submission procedures, visit Garage Girls or CarlisleEvents.
If interested in getting your company involved please contact Sara Liberte at sara@garage-girls.com
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Absolutely Nothing to Do with Motorcycles but
This is a really old song but it gets you in the mood!!! I LOVE NASCAR! Boogity, Boogity, Boogity...Let's Go Racing Boys!(what's he going to say once Danica starts racing??)
Sunday, January 31, 2010
I RIDE - This is America This is Biker Culture - Get On * Hold Tight * Shut Up


Thank you for the Blog Award

Saturday, January 30, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Brotherhood of United Bikers

We Are The Brotherhood Of United Bikers.
Our Aim Is To Ride Together No Matter What Type Of Iron You Ride.
We Respect All That Appreciate Running free,
And In The Wind.
We Are All About Motorcycles,Freedom,Brotherhood And Helping Our community.
The Brotherhood Of United Bikers Does Not Compete With Any Other Club, But We Will Be There To Assist Our Fellow Bikers In Need.
We Ride To Promote A Brotherhood And Have A Good Time.
The Brotherhood Of United Bikers Are Open To Both Men & Women Who Enjoy Riding.
Our Member's Are Hard Working Men & Women,With Family's And Responsibilities..
We Are Put Here To Help,Improve And Support The Communities In Which we Live In.
Sounds like a really amazing motorcycle club to belong to, huh? Recently I did an interview with Frank, the President of the Ionia, IA chapter. Check out what he had to say about his club.
What is your motorcycle club called?
Brotherhood of United Bikers
When was the first chapter started?
The first chapter began in 2005 in Suffolk, NY.
Why did the founding club begin their organization?
It started as a car club with a strong motorcycle division that broke off to begin a motorcycle club.
How many chapters are in Iowa?
There are currently two chapters. I am the President of the Ionia Chapter in Northeast Iowa. The other chapter is in the southern Iowa town of Chariton.
Tell me about the club and what you stand for?
Each chapter has its own agenda, we have by laws and standards to up hold, but we have the autonomy to take our chapters in the direction that best meets our lives. Our motto really tells it all.
Do you have any events for charity?
In 2010 the Ionia Chapter is working with town officials on a bike night, a toy run and a cancer awareness ride.
Does it matter what kind of motorcycle you ride?
All Iron is Welcome .
Are females allowed to join your club?
Yes, there is a NY chapter who has a female VP.
Do you prospect a potential member?
Yes, for 6 months and they must attend events.
Do you wear a vest and patch?
Yes, one back patch that shows our county or city and state.
I see you are the President of the Ionia Chapter. Why did you decide to join the Brotherhood of United Bikers?
I had become friends with a couple of the chapter presidents, and after awhile felt it was a club I wanted to be part of.
How long have you been riding?
Just over 30 years.
What motorcycle do you ride?
Have had many bikes 2 Harleys, 6 Kawasakis,and now i ride a 2003 Shadow Spirit and a 1100 xs Yamaha.
If someone wants to join the Brotherhood of United Bikers how do they go about it?
They can email me (forever.brotherhood@yahoo.com) or go to Brotherhood of United Bikers
The Iowa chapters are new to the club and are looking for growth in the upcoming year. There are over 36 chapters and we are international with chapters in Canada and the UK.
A big thank you to Frank for taking the time to share what this M/C is all about.

