Home is Where Your Harley Is...

Sadie spent a couple nights away from home.  J & S Custom Cycle tuned her up and put on the new hand grips that I bought from Kuryakyn.  Saturday morning I road two up with Dan to go and pick her up from the shop.  That was weird!!!  I don't think I've ridden on the back of his bike for a few years now.  It was enjoyable enough to be riding behind my man but after riding my own now it sure felt strange.  I think if I ever did decide to ride two up with him again I'd make him get a Geezer Glide.  DAMN, that passenger seat on the Street Glide is uncomfortable.  I was some kind of trooper riding on the back of that for all the years that I did. 

We got up to J & S and they pulled Sadie out.  I was so happy to see her.  After seeing my new grips,  Dan ordered himself a set for ZP and then we were off on our morning ride.  Holy Mother of Christmas, I don't know what they did to Sadie but she moves now.  I'm going to dig the grips but they are going to take some getting used to.  I do think I'm really going to like the Throttle Boss for that ride to Sturgis. 

After making our way out of town we found this road outside of Waukee that goes to Dallas Center that was so awesome!!  I wish all the roads around Iowa were that wonderful.  It was like butta!  The highway from Dallas Center to Grimes is horrid!  I hit a bump and was literally off my seat practically standing up.  I can't believe they didn't even have a "Bump" warning sign pointing it out.  Big hazard!  After our trip over the mile long bridge outside of Polk City I decided maybe we should head for home.  The sky was getting dark which meant we were in for another round of rain.  I swear, someone must have really peeved off Mother Nature because we've had more rain here then we did during the floods of 2008.  Insane! 

When I looked in the garage tonight to make sure the door was down I smiled because there was Sadie, back home in her space waiting for me to ride her again tomorrow!  All is perfect in the world again! 

Home Sweet Home!

It's Already May??

Holy Cow...I haven't blogged since March!  What is wrong with me?  Well the entire month of April I was busy with work.  Now I'm busy getting as much saddle time in as possible because I'm riding my own to Sturgis this year.  I'm getting super excited for the trip. 

Took a little spin up to J & S Custom Cycles Open House today.  Support your local Motorcycle Shops!  I scheduled a check up for Sadie and she'll be getting a new set of grips too.  Can't wait!  I noticed again today that her axillary head lights are not working again.  Need to fix that because those extra lights help so I'm seen a little better. 

If you are looking for motorcycle gear you need to check out Double D Cycles.   Double D Cycles is owned by my buddy Dean D-Day Bartosh!  Dean is working to provide as many MADE IN THE USA products as he possibly can.  Dean is a Biker so he understands the quality of gear that bikers demand.   He will do everything possible to bring you great products with the awesome service that you deserve.  You will also want to check out the Double D Cycles Blog. 





I recently received an awesome cell phone case for my iPhone.  The best part of it is that it's got the Harley Davidson logo on it!  I totally love it and it totally protects my phone.  Go to Fuse plus you and check out all of their Harley Davidson cell phone cases.  Make your phone look totally cool with HD!  I have the one shown below but there is a large variety for you to select from. 


Thanks to everyone that continues to follow my blog.  I apologize for not keeping up with it as much as I did previously.  My adult job has been taking up lots of my time so my blog has suffered because of it.  Plus would you spend any time inside on a beautiful day if you had a pretty motorcycle like this? 

NOPE!!!  GOTTA RIDE! 





The Devils Ride - Is it Real or is it Memorex?

So I said I wasn't going to watch Devil's Ride but guess what, I've been watching?  Ahhhh, Devil's Ride.   I've always been fascinated with motorcycle clubs so this show sucked me in just like Gangland always does.   I've read countless books about the Hell's Angels, the Boozefighters, the Outlaws, etc., etc., etc.  Bad Boy Bikers are just easy to want to know more about.  I secretly watch them at bike nights and motorcycle shows.(eek, now it's not a secret)  I find the whole brotherhood very intriguing. 

So back to the Devil's Ride. Oh Boy!  Really?  I realize that the Laffing Devils and the Sinister Mob are a motorcycle club.  I realize they are not 1%ers.  But it's like these guys have watched too many episodes of Sons of Anarchy but haven't taken notes on how the actual motorcycle club world really works.  I'm a girl and I even know a few things about motorcycle club protocol.  There are just so many things about this show that are so unbelievable.  There is no way in hell that Snubz would be on TV admitting he was a Rat because HELLO...the guys in Sin Mob will see the show when it airs.  The prospect that had his cut taken away, um...if another club tried to take your cut you better be dead or near death if they actually take it from you.  Oh and the scene where they were going to burn off Snubz tattoo, stop stealing scenes from SOA. 

Can anyone in San Diego tell me, are these guys for real?  I mean come on...there is no way.  These guys have to be actors.  There is no way that any motorcycle club member, that I know, would ever be on a show like this airing the club's business.  It's like the Discovery Channel lost American Chopper and had to create something else for bikers to watch.  How about this, Discovery Channel, bring back the biker build offs!  LOVED THEM!  There have to be bike builders out there that would be on the show. 

Yes, I'll continue to watch this show just because it's too difficult for me to look away.  But I sure don't believe any of it is real!  I'll be a Laffing Diva if they show up in Sturgis to sign autographs. 

Forever a Biker Chick - It's in Her Soul!

I always loved Harley Davidson motorcycles but didn't really know any women that road them.  I would see an occasional woman rider and think how cool it was.  I moved to Des Moines around 1999 .  A few years later my sister moved to town.  If you know the "Boom Girls", then you know that our hair is our thing.  Little M found a hair stylist named Kristen Herridge and we both in trusted our locks to her to cut, color, and style.  To say that Kristen is one totally cool chick is an understatement.  She is such a free spirit and so much fun to talk to.  Through conversations with Kristen, I found out that she road a Heritage Softail and had been riding since she was 15.  We'd talk about motorcycles non-stop when I'd visit the salon to have my hair glamorized.  I started hanging with her and her dad, Don, at Porky's bike nights.  One bike night we were sitting around talking about Sturgis and some how I got invited.  I was so stoked because it was something I'd always wanted to do. 

Before Sturgis, Kristen decided to sell her Heritage and purchase a Road King.  I had told Kristen how much I had always wanted to ride my own.  One evening Kristen told me to come over and we'd go up to this church parking lot, by her place, and she'd let me try to ride her Heritage.  I was excited and freaked out because I'd never ridden a motorcycle by myself.  I can't believe how much Kristen trusted me to ride her Heritage.  I remember her encouragement and patience because I did not understand the whole clutch thing.  Finally I got the hang of it and made some circles around the parking lot.  I was so excited and happy that I'd accomplished this step.  I had the riding part down, now I had to get this rather large motorcycle stopped.  Well, needless to say I dropped Kristen's Heritage.  I was so freaked out that I'd damaged her motorcycle but she just calmly walked over and said, "Take your hand off the throttle."  We got her bike picked back up again, Thank God for crash bars.  We inspected the bike and there was no damage.  I couldn't believe how calm she was about the whole thing.  I remember leaving that night with the hugest smile on my face.  Even with the less then desirable finish, I had ridden a motorcycle on my own.  I still smile whenever I drive by that parking lot.  Thanks Kristin for giving me that memory! 

Months later, Kristen had her new Road King and Dan had given his blessing for our travels to Sturgis for the 2004 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.  I'm not sure if Kristen realizes how special that trip was for me.  Even though I've gone since, the experience that Kristen and I had together, because of our kindred interest in motorcycling, can't be matched.  From Billy Lane, Rhett Rotten, and our Indian Larry sighting at the Full Throttle Saloon, to the wild nights at the Buffalo Chip.  And all the other cool trips we took through South Dakota, when we'd meet up with her dad, Don, and go riding.  It was a trip I'll never forget and we still conger up the memories now and then.  I always giggle when I think about her and I and our crazy times!  I'm smiling and laughing as I write this post!  Good Times!

Life kind of happens and a few years after Sturgis Kristen got hitched, opened her own salon called Blondies Beauty Parlor, and started a family.  Kristen sold the Road King but that Biker Spirit has never left her.  We still talk about motorcycles non-stop and laugh about all the good times we had.  I look forward to the day when Kristen gets back on two wheels, so that her and I can ride together again.  Thanks Kristen for all the encouragement you gave me along the way to my own ride.  You really put up with listening to me talk about riding my own for way too long.  I'm sure at some points in our conversations you were thinking, "would you do it already"!   I feel like if our paths hadn't crossed I would probably still be dreaming of my own motorcycle and never realized my dream!  You Rock Sister!

Chopper - Formally Known as a Honda Shadow

Yes Ladies and Gents...I'm not joking!!  This motorcycle was a red and white Honda Shadow.  Hard to believe but true!  This bike was at the Capital City Customs Motorcycle Swap Meet and Show and it was hands down my favorite.  Talk about re-purposing a motorcycle into one HOT ride!  Kudos to the builder!

Lucky 2013

Wow...can't believe it's already January 15th.  Happy New Year to All!  Thanks for stopping back in to check out what's on my mind.  One thing that is on my mind is that I hope this year isn't as tragic for the United States.  With Hurricane Sandy and the Sandy Hook tragedy and all the other stuff in between, our Nation needs a huge amount of healing!  I know a great way to get there...Get on your bike and RIDE! 

I'm very excited because the Des Moines Chrome Divas are up to 10 members!  I can't wait for spring to get here so that we can get some saddle time in!  I'm also super excited because a group of us are attending Sturgis this year.  I hate to wish time away but I'm so looking forward to the trip.  We are staying at the Legendary Buffalo Chip so I know for a fact we will have a freaking amazingly memorable time.  The other night I was reminiscing with my friend and hair stylist, Kristin, about the year we stayed at the Chip.  OMG we had a blast!  If any of you IHG followers are going to be at Sturgis this year, let me know and maybe we can meet up for a cocktail! 

I've been watching TruTV and the Full Throttle Saloon show.  I've watched it the last 3 seasons and I'm thinking I might be over watching it.  While it's really fun to see Sturgis, I'm not sure that I care about all the behind the scenes drama.  Don't get me wrong, when I go to Sturgis this year I'll be visiting the Full Throttle, it's a great place to party.  There is superb people watching.  When I first visited the FTS in 2004, the bike builders where in full glory.  I saw Billy Lane and Indian Larry at FTS.  I really kind of miss that whole scene, minus the OCC.  I miss Russell Mitchell and Aaron Greene.  I really miss Billy Lane and of course Indian Larry.  Indian Larry was one in a million! 

Well that's all I have for today!  Again...Happy Lucky 2013!!! 

Good Bye 2012

Wow...I can't believe 2012 has almost drawn to a close.  I'm excited for the New Year!  I look forward to many more rides with the Chrome Divas of Des Moines.  I'm excited for the trip to Sturgis in 2013!  I hope that I will have more time to blog during the new year.  With my job and life itself, it was difficult to find the time this year. 

2013 is going to be a great year!   Lucky 13! 

Thank you to everyone that has stopped by in 2012 and read my blog.  Thank you to all of the individuals that participated in being interviewed this year.  I appreciate each and everyone of you! 

Good Bye 2012 and Hello 2013! 

Aaron Lewis, Please Play Sturgis 2013

I've been checking out the Buffalo Chip website religiously to see if they've posted any new bands that will be playing the 2013 Rally but they haven't added any yet.  This seems like a good sign to me that maybe I can get the Chip to get Aaron Lewis to play the rally this year!!  My ultimate Sturgis concert would be Shooter Jennings, Kid Rock, and Aaron Lewis, especially if they all play the same night! 

Aaron Lewis, if you see this post, PLEASE PLAY THE STURGIS RALLY THIS YEAR!!!!! 

R.I.P. Brad Clikeman

Brad Clikeman...I didn't even know you and your death has really affected me.  I don't know how many times I've ridden through the same intersection that you were hit going through and praying to God that the cars in the turn lane saw me!  I attended your vigil because you enjoyed the same thing that I enjoy!  Riding!  Your friends' mentioned at your vigil how much you loved to ride and how amazing you were.  I wish I would have known you!  I could truly feel the love that night.  The brotherhood of the Ruff Ryders and the others in attendance was palpable. 

I truly hope the night of your vigil that all the cars that had to stop for your crew, went home and tried to find out what was going on at the corner of Merle Hay and Meredith Drive.  I hope that going forward they will think twice about looking before they hurry through that intersection and any other intersection in Des Moines. 

Rest In Peace Brad Clikeman! 

This Chrome Diva is Sturgis Dreaming!

Is it just me or do others agree that time flies by so much faster the older you get!?  I can't believe it's time to put stabilizer in Sadie's gas tank for the long cold winter.  This was a great riding season for me.  I challenged myself on more then one occasion by going outside my comfort zone.  Next year is going to be even better!  I'm so excited because a group of us are going to Sturgis next year and will be staying at the Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground.  I stayed there in 2004 and actually said I'd probably never stay there again but I regress!  I'm going with a few newbies and I really think that they need to experience the rally via the Chip!  It's truly an experience one will never forget!  The real excitement for me will be rolling into Sturgis on Sadie.  I can't wait to boast that I road my own to the Mother of All Rallies! 

In 2011, Janet Green from Biker Chick News, contacted me and wanted to know if I'd be interested in joining with her and 2 other individuals to created a chapter of the Chrome Divas.  I jumped at the chance and am really glad that I did.  Right now the Des Moines Chapter is still in the growing stages but we do have 8 members.  For me it's been really awesome meeting other women in the Des Moines motorcycle community.  I enjoy seeing them each month when we meet for dinner at Sambetti's.  I've also enjoyed riding with a group of women.  I'm so used to riding with the boys that it's freaking fun to roll into a gas station or a restaurant parking lot and everyone is looking at us thinking, "WOW, that's a group of women riders!"  I love how well we've all meshed with each other and how much we laugh about things together!  I have to say...We are a GREAT group of Biker Chicks! 

Don't forget to VOTE on Tuesday, if you didn't have the opportunity to vote early!  Your vote does make a difference!   November 10th is the Marine Corps Birthday and November 11th is Veteran's Day.   

 

Sambetti's

I'd like to give a GREAT BIG shout out to Sambetti's Bar and Grill for sponsoring the Des Moines Chapter of the Chrome Divas!  Sambetti's has that hometown bar feeling in the heart of the city of Des Moines.  I love going there because the staff is so friendly and the food is really good! 

Sambetti's Bar and Grill
1430 2nd Ave
Des Moines, IA

Features
Darts
Pool
Games

Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon: Lunch - 2:00am
Tue: Lunch - 2:00am
Wed: Lunch - 2:00am
Thu: Lunch - 2:00am
Fri: Lunch - 2:00am
Sat: Lunch - 2:00am

A Book You Need to Read! Bean're Motorcycle Nomad

Who is Bean're?  You honestly don't know?  Well he's the Motorcycle Nomad!  He's the Mayor of Fun!  And he's got an amazing book that tells his story of how he's been living the nomad life on a motorcycle.  Bean're is definitely full of character and someone that has brought that character to the motorcycle community for many years.   

Even if you know Bean're you will enjoy this book.  And if you don't know Bean're, after reading this book, you will want to go to the next rally and meet him.  This book is an easy read and a page turner.  I've read so much about Bean're's current adventures that it was very interesting to learn about Bean're as a kid and Bean're during his Marine days.  He's also been sober since 1988 and Bean're proves each day of his life that you can have a blast in life without drinking or drugging!  Congrats on that Bean're!  

One of the best chapters of the book is Chapter Seven called Friends.  Bean're has so many friends that he's made throughout his life and it was great getting their perspective of Bean're and how he's made a mark in their lives.  Betsy Huelskamp wrote, " In much the same way that there was "Something About Mary," there is most definitely SOMETHING about Bean're.  Exactly what the something is has yet to be defined, but it is a quality that sets him apart from the rest.  Bean're is not like the others.  He recognizes this about himself to such an extent, that if he had to fit in, and be like the others, I think it would actually cause him mental duress!"  Cody Marks wrote, " Bean're is envied from cubicles to service centers all over the world."  Woody, the owner of the Infamous Buffalo Chip probably said it best, " I suspect in every one's life there are one or two times we just have to ask ourselves, "What the heck is that?" or just "Who was that masked man?"  Or, in this case it was a less earth-shattering, "Who is that guy wearing the top hat and that funny suit?"  

Intrigued yet?  I know you are!

Bean're has had so many adventures that I'm sure it was difficult picking out what ones he wanted to share in this book.  There is a story about his trip to Alaska and what he had to do to get over the border of Canada to even make it to Alaska.  Bean're hasn't just ridden in North America, this guy has gone global.  He's ridden in Europe, Morocco, and Australia.  Because I've never been to any of those countries it was so enjoyable reading about his adventures.  So many times in our lives we plan everything, not Bean're.  He makes it to the destination and travels without a schedule.  He just takes it all in and experiences the journey as it comes his way.  I think Bean're explains it best, "The travels are the answer.  The quest is the answer.  Just out there searching - it's not what I'm going to find, it's the fact that I keep searching.  That is where I'm getting my happiness, to be able to meet the people that I'm meeting...Being able to let life guide me.  Rather than saying okay, I'm gong to go here now, I say ok, I'm going to get on my bike and go in a certain direction.  But I might not end up that way, I might end up riding 180 degrees in the opposite direction.  That is the beauty of it, life calls me that way."

Have I convinced you to buy this book yet?  If you love the motorcycle life and you enjoy reading and learning about the people in it, you have to buy this book.  You will enjoy and sometimes laugh out loud, reading the interesting stories about Bean're and his life.  And there are so many amazing photos of the places he's been and the people he has met.  I do have to say...I was a tiny bit disappointed that the photo of Bean're and me didn't make the pages of his book but I'll let it slide!  Ha ha! 

You can get your signed copy of Bean're's book, "Bean're Motorcycle Nomad" written by Timothy Remus

though PayPal by sending the payment to worldoridr@aol.com .  The price of each book is 20 dollars and is shipped free (in the lower 48 States).  In Canada the price is $24 and  in Europe the price is $30.

If you are planning a trip to the Sturgis Rally in 2013 you might want to stay at The Legendary Buffalo Chip Campground because rumour has it that Bean're will be the Mayor of Fun at the Chip again this year! 

..       

Dean Bartosh - Two Wheels Move His Soul

I got to know Dean from his blog.  It has been one of my favorite blogs for sometime because this self proclaimed "Soul Rider" really gets what riding is all about.  Dean is one of the bloggers I always wanted to meet and I was fortunate enough to meet him and his lovely lady Karen, a few years back.  A big thanks to Dean for doing this interview.  I'd also like to thank Dean for all he is doing to bring motorcycle awareness to the "cage" drivers! 

Give us a bio about yourself.

Born and raised in Wisconsin. I came from a family where my dad was a cop and my mom was the church

secretary. It was just me and an older sister who I constantly fought with but defended against all outsiders. I went to college to become a federal law officer and landed a job on the sheriff's department when I

graduated. When I suddenly became a single dad and had to raise two little girls by myself, the sheriff's department and I had to part our ways. I landed in the manufacturing field where I've held several

administrative and managerial positions for the past 20 years.

How long have you been riding?
I've been riding on and off for 30 years; the last 9 continually though.

What was your first motorcycle?
My first bike was a Rupp minibike that I bought from a friend for $50.00 when I was 11 years old. It had a pull-cord start and barely enough power to motor me down the alley but I still felt like the "king of the road".

What do you currently ride?
I currently ride a 2003 Harley Wide Glide.

How do you feel when you are riding?
Free but I don't really know why.  I'm not any more free than I am when I drive my truck and I've got to
pay a lot more attention to what's going on. But when I'm riding I still feel like my soul goes to another place; hence my favorite term "soul riding".

Is there a motto that you live by?
I live by the Dr. Seuss school of thought. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind
don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Why Harley Davidson?
Is there any other make? Besides, I'm too old for a crotch-rocket and not old enough for a Gold Wing.

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle?  Absolutely! There's been times that I've been treated differently because I'm wearing my leathers versus the times when I have to wear a tie. I've had plenty of times when folks won't give me the time of day because I've just climbed off my Harley wearing black leather.

Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak non-riders out?
Of course there's a wave! Most of the time I just give other riders a nod but if someone wants to wave, I'll throw my hand out there. Sometimes just to mix it up, I'll give someone the old school raised fist of defiance.

What do you think of helmet laws?
Helmet laws suck! Let those who ride decide.

Do loud pipes really save lives?
They've definitely saved my life a few times. I've had a few times where someone was starting to veer into
my lane until I gave the throttle a quick twist to rev the engine and alert them of my presence.

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?
I always wanted to hang with Indian Larry but sadly will never get to because of his untimely death. I used to watch him years ago when he was on "The Biker Build-Off" on TV and used to think, "Now there's a
guy who understands old school brotherhood." I've heard from people that he was truly a brother of the road and would do anything for anybody. I'm sorry that I missed my chance.

Do you have a favorite rally or event?
Not really because I'm not much for large crowds. I did enjoy hanging at the campground this year when I was in Sturgis though. Met a lot of people and made some great new friends.

Do you have a favorite place to ride and why? Currently my favorite place is to ride is the "Great River Road" which runs down the western side of Wisconsin along the Mississippi River. We get a lot of bikers from out of state who come here to ride the "River Road". I feel lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
Not too much really. I really think that I lead a pretty boring life. If you like exciting unexpected surprises, don't hang with me.

What has your most memorable ride or trip been?
Probably my trip to Sturgis this year. Over 700 miles of road each way by myself. Lots of time to think and reflect on life.

Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
I've learned to have a little faith in mankind. There are times that I think the whole world is going to shit and then I meet some really great people on the road. There's hope for us yet.

Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider?
I'm more of a lone rider. I prefer being alone with my thoughts and letting my mind wander. If I'm with other riders, I get too concerned about the difference in our riding styles and trying to stay together. If I'm alone, I'm accountable to nobody but myself and can go whatever way the wind blows.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
My greatest accomplishment has got to be raising two girls without strangling either one of them during their teen years.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
Sure there is. Harley riders won't talk to Honda riders, BMW riders won't wave to Harley riders and so on and so forth. Personally, I don't understand it. I'll talk or wave to anyone on two wheels. We all have something in common. We should be using that to advance our common causes; not to divide us.

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
I'd have LOADS of sex.

When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing? I'm into reading, writing and photography. I'm also a pretty big political junky so I watch a lot of news shows.

If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
Nothing really. I'm pretty happy with who I've turned out to be. There are lots of things that I've done that I would go back and change if I could though.

What do you think makes a "Biker"?
Oh boy. The question that gets overly debated more than any other motorcycle topic. Without trying to explain it for an hour, I guess it's anyone who feels the "need" to ride.

What are your thoughts on women riding their own motorcycles?
I think it's great! Women should be able to enjoy the freedom of the open road just like us guys do. Not to mention, I think women look pretty damn hot on their own bike.

You belong to ABATE , tell us a little about that.
ABATE is a motorcycle rights organization that fights for our freedoms of the road. I've been a very active member for a few years now and have been recently appointed to the position of Public Relations Director for the state of Wisconsin. The organization promotes motorcycle rights and awareness by holding awareness rallies and putting public service announcements on the radio. We work a lot with our elected officials to pass pieces of legislation which promote freedom of the road.

Tell us about Biker Weddings.
I have been a legally ordained independent minister authorized to perform all standard services including marriage and baptism since 2001. I realize that us bikers are sometimes a little out of the "norm" and want something a little different for the ceremony. Biker Weddings is my attempt to serve those needs to the motorcycling public. People are used to seeing me in jeans and black leather so it's a bit of a shock the first time they see me in a white-collared minister's shirt.

Do you have a favorite swear words?
I try not to swear because I think over-using swear words shows a lack of intelligence. It's like you don't have a very good vocabulary or know what else to say so you just throw "fuck" into the middle of a sentence. That's not to say that I haven't thrown a few out there during times of frustration.

What are you currently reading?
Earlier this year I read "Harley-Davison and Philosophy: Full-Throttle Aristotle". It definitely wasn't a light read so I wouldn't recommend it for just anybody. It had some pretty heavy philosophical concepts and how they related to the biker world. I just finished reading "Killing Lincoln" by Bill O'Reilly. It was full of a lot of really cool stories about the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln that I definitely never learned in history class. I'm currently reading "The Reagan Diaries". President Regan kept a diary for the eight years that he was in office. Pretty interesting stuff if you're a political junky like me.

What music are you currently listening to?
I don't listen to too much modern stuff. I enjoy the rock from the late '70's as well as the "hair bands" from the mid '80's. I've also started listening to a lot of country music over the past handful of years.

Do you have any pets?
In our house we currently have a guinea pig, a sun conure parrot, eight zebra finches and a fish tank.

Dean hasn't posted anything in a while but he has a great blog called Musings of a Contemplative Biker.  Check it out. 

Opie

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

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle and are a woman?
People are usually shocked when I tell them I ride a Harley.  I usually get the line..."Wow, you don't look like a biker."  I always want to ask what they think a biker should look like but I don't.  I don't necessarily think I'm treated differently by other bikers.  I'm treated differently by some narrow minded Yupsters but who cares!

The one thing that I thought was pretty awesome was when my Mom told me that she was proud of me for learning how to ride my own motorcycle.  It always feels good when your folks are proud of you!! 

Do you have a favorite rally or event?

My all time favorite biker event was bike night at Porky's on Douglas Ave in Des Moines.  It was the best bike night in town.  I was crushed when they tore it down to build a grocery store that they still haven't built yet.  There is just a big empty lot where Porky's once stood.  It makes me sad whenever I go by it. 

The only rally that I've attended is Sturgis.(2004, 2008, 2009)  I'm hoping in the next year or two to ride my own there!  I think that will probably be one of the greatest times of my life.  Something I've dreamt for many years.  Each time I've been to Sturgis I've cried when we leave.  It seriously has felt like home to me each year I've went.  You have to experience it to understand.