We're a 2 Harley Family Now!

Life is GRAND!

FOR SALE 2003 Suzuki GZ250 --SOLD

(image not actual motorcycle)
Ready to Ride

Excellent condition

Less than 5k miles

New front brake pads (Spring 2010)

New battery (Spring 2010)

Installed luggage rack (removable)

Well cared for and well maintained

Winterized and stored each year

$1050 Firm

This has been SOLD!!

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.

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!

Cycle Source Indian Larry Commemorative Issue

On August 30, 2004 the world lost an innovator of custom motorcycles. January of this year, Cycle Source Magazine released a commemorative issue dedicated to Indian Larry. If you haven't bought a copy of this you need to find one. If you are an Indian Larry fan like I am this will make you miss him all the more. Below is a video that I found featuring some of the people from Larry's life that helped Cycle Source with the content of the magazine.



Indian Larry, a motorcycle ICON that left us way too soon!

Think! Look, Look, and Look Again for Motorcycles

It's motorcycle season again in the Midwest! It's time to keep your eyes peeled for Motorcycles. Look, Look, and Look again!!

More Jason Aldean - The Backstage Experience on Video!

Here is a video of the backstage experience. TOO COOL!

Road Trips and Guitar Picks - Wide Open with Jason Aldean

Wednesday night Dan and I jumped in the Caddy and pointed it toward Ames. Our destination was Hilton Coliseum for an amazing evening with one of my favorite country singers, Jason Aldean. When Jason came onto the country scene a few years back with the song Hicktown, I was instantly into his music. He was someone I always wanted to see perform live. Well as luck would have it Jay Verner from Country Financial was cruising blogs one day and ran across mine. I opened my e-mail one day and saw this e-mail with the subject line Road Trips and Guitar Picks. I get lots of e-mails from people asking for this and that and offering this and the other thing, so I don't always open e-mails, they usually get deleted. I'm so glad that I opened this one. Jay asked if I'd be interested in attending Jason's March 10th show in Ames. I was instantly excited. I e-mailed him back and asked if this was for real and he responded back that it was. Well I took the bait and said of course I wanted to see Jason Aldean and what sweetened the pot was the fact that I would be going backstage to meet him too! Holy WOW! So all this explains the blog posts I made about Jason Aldean and the videos I posted. It was part of the deal and I certainly was more then happy to promote Jason, Country Financial, and the Road Trips and Guitar Picks site.


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!!!!

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.

Holy Cow...I'm going backstage!!!!

I'm so excited! I'm going to see Jason Aldean on Wednesday and I'm going backstage to meet him!!! OMG!!!! I've gone to my share of concerts and I've never made it backstage!!! Jason is out on the Road Trips and Guitar Picks Tour and he'll be in Ames on March 10th.

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

Support The SEALs: Drop the Unfair and Outrageous Charges NOW!

This is going to blow your mind! It sure did mine! Please watch both videos. Thanks!!!



Click on link Navy SEAL's Trial Postponed

If you are interested in following this story please go to Support The Seals.

Jason Aldean - March 10th Ames, IA

I'm seriously excited because I might have the chance to see one of my favorite country singers in concert on March 10th. Jason Aldean is on his Road Trips and Guitar Picks Tour presented by Country Financial and he's stopping in Ames, IA at Hilton Coliseum!! Living here in Iowa I'm a countrified city girl!

Sara Liberte at the V Twin Expo

Christina Shook - Photographer and Author of Chicks on Bikes

Christina Shook is one incredible biker chick! She has created an amazing new book called Chicks on Bikes. I hope you enjoy getting to know Christina as much as I have. You've also got to check out Chicks on Bikes and purchase your copy today!


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

Wow...this is quite a story. I hope you take the time and watch this one!

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.

Samantha Morgan Storm - A Motorcycle ICON!

Although Samantha Morgan Storm is no longer with us, she will always be an ICON for Biker Chicks everywhere!

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

Absolutely Nothing to Do with Motorcycles but

It's time for NASCAR!!!!! The one thing I love about the end of the football season is the beginning of NASCAR!!!

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??)

I RIDE - This is America This is Biker Culture - Get On * Hold Tight * Shut Up

Back in April of 2009, Daron Ker and Water Buffalo Pictures released I Ride The Movie. The documentary style movie is about the Most Dangerous Biker Band in the World, The Fryed Brothers Band. Harry and Tommy Fryed began their band nearly 3 decades ago. The movie follows their lives on the road showing them at the Easyrider Show, their own anniversary party, RIP's BAD Ride, The Circle of Pride Rally in Conesville, IA, and Sturgis.

Harry, Tommy, and the rest of the band tell their wild and crazy road stories. One of the best is told by Harry. It involves Tommy's legs being run over and a hippy bitch on his back. His animated spirit draws you in. You also see into Harry and Tommy's lives growing up and find out that their older brother Mark is the one that got them interested in riding motorcycles.

Throughout the film you really get a good sense of what the motorcycle lifestyle is really all about for the band and the people involved in their lives.

There are various outtakes of other bikers thoughts of the lifestyle, including the Hessians MC, Ghost Mountain Riders MC, Dave Nicols, Rhett Rotten, Miss Easyrider, and Charlie Brecthal. Pat Simmons, Willie Nelson, & Sonny Barger also make appearances in the flick.

You'll laugh at the Cunnilingus Yodel, sung by Steve "Beatnik" Werner. There is also plenty of Fryed music throughout the movie. You learn how the song I Ride came about. The story will tug at your heart.

I really loved this life look at the Fryed Brothers Band and the motorcycle lifestyle. I recommend this film to anyone who thinks they live or actually do live the biker life. You will laugh and you just might get a tear in your eye. I give I Ride 5 Chrome Stars. I do love those ODBs ya know!!!