"Bikers Got Culture!" "Poetry for the discerning biker!"
Though a serious poet "Wild Bill" Rogers takes the reader into the humorous side of a lifestyle that is as unique to America as the cowboy and a culture that is largely misunderstood.
Bikers Got Culture! contains over fifty poems and limericks of humor, wit, and a touch of the unnatural. The author speaks of a Biker Culture encompassing all walks of life from the lawful to the lawless and from the rich to the poor. "Wild Bill" takes the reader through an entertaining chronicle of the beginnings of what has become one of America's biggest icons using engaging characters, meter and rhyme, then introduces the reader to a sad sack affectionately given the handle of "Oilslick" a fast-talking, beer-drinking, oil-encrusted, bug be-speckled biker.
From the mountains of Alaska to the sands of Daytona Beach, this is "Poetry for the discerning biker!"
“Wild Bill” Rogers has been writing and riding most of his adult life. With his wife Terri he was the Co-Publisher and Editor of Midnight Sun Rider Magazine. His reporting, prose and poetry have been enjoyed throughout the U.S. in print and on the Internet.
Women are moving to the front and riding their own motorcycles more and more each year. This is true for fellow blogger Ann "Boston" Nelson. Ann road for many years with her husband Daryl aka Caveman but after the loss of a loved one decided it was time for her to discover her dream of riding her own. Ann is someone I've looked up to for sometime and is one of the many women that encouraged me when I was learning to ride my own. A huge thank you to Ann for all the encouraging words she sent my way.
Meet Boston, aka Ann Nelson....
Give us a bio about yourself. I was born and raised in southeastern Massachusetts. I grew up on Harleys and Indians with my Dad. I had a short lesson in bad marriages at age 22, and once that was taken care of, I met the love of my life, Daryl (Caveman). He had custody of his 3 kids when we met. I thought he would have to be pretty damned special if the court awarded him custody over the mother. Either that, or the mother was a complete whack job. Well, as it turns out, it was a combination of both! We were married the day after my divorce was final. I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl Victoria Ann the following March, and two years later we moved to Arizona with 4 kids and a cat. I started wanting to ride my own bike many years ago. But then I had Vicki and forgot for a while. When we moved to Arizona, we were riding all the time, and riding bitch got old real fast. I lost my Dad in 2005 to ALS (amyotropic lateral sclerosis), and then my Mom in 2009 to heart disease. Mom's death was the straw that broke the camel's back. I wanted to ride my own, and I wanted to do it now. Was there something specific that drew you into the motorcycle lifestyle? Yes, my Dad, and then my husband!
How long have you been riding? I took the Basic Riders Course in October of 2009, so a little more than 2 years on my own. On the back, since I could walk.
What was your first motorcycle? Well, I rode Annabelle, Daryl's 1988 Sportster for a while. Then he let me ride his 1999 Dyna and I was pissed off because he was riding a Cadillac while I was riding a 'Pinto'. Yep, that's what I called it. So Daryl talked to our neighbor and bought his Shovelhead. However, I never rode it. We traded it for a Snap-on tool box (a really big one). Then we found a '95 Street Glide. It was an ex-state police bike. I rode that for a while, but hated it. The wind took the fairing a few times, and I dropped it in the driveway once. Our friend Kevin had a beautiful Chevy Tahoe that I was in love with, and he wanted the bike, so we made the trade. I rode Daryl's Dyna to and from work for a while, and then I found my baby.
What do you currently ride? Victoria is a beautiful purple '97 Road King with lots of chrome and big ol' ape hangers.
How do you feel when you are riding? When I'm riding, I feel like I own the world. I feel young and free. No worries, just the wind. I love it.
Is there a motto that you live by? Seek out your dreams, follow your heart, and live life to the fullest, because it's damned short.
Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle and are a woman? Sometimes, yes. There are some people who I go to college with that are afraid of me. My girlfriend told me someone asked her if she was really friends "with that scary biker chick"! Some people treat you like a piece of shit because you're a biker, whether you're a woman or not. I just chalk all that up to ignorance. A lot of women have approached me and asked how to go about learning to ride. I tell them all the same thing: Take the course. Don't have your boyfriend/husband teach you. Spend the $200, because it's so worth it. But I encourage them all to take the course, and to continue learning. I think more women should ride their own.
Do you feel you are a role model for the women of the motorcycle community? If you ask my husband this question, his answer would definitely be yes. I guess maybe I could be, but only because I know how to ride, I'm not a complete asshole, and I show respect. I suppose some women riders don't know shit about it. But a lot of them do. Why Harley Davidson? Seriously? Is that a real question?? Because I can't afford a classic Indian. :)
Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you and why do they fall in this category in your life? I can honestly say, I have very few true heroes. One is my Dad. He taught me many things, but above all, he taught me that life is short, and I should never have any regrets because when the end comes, you don't expect it.
My other hero is my husband. He has suffered through years of pain with hand, ankle, and shoulder injuries, and unknowingly walked around for more than 2 years with a broken neck. Through all the pain, all the doctors appointments, all the countless surgeries, he never once complained. And I mean not once. He has ridden for several hours, through rotten weather, while in agony and not complained. And he can't take painkillers, as he can't tolerate them. He has a strength of character that I haven't seen in another human being since my Dad. 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 pretty much hang with whoever I want, so I guess I would have to say, my Dad. I didn't get up to the front seat before Dad passed away. I would like to hang out with him for a day and ride with him. I'd like to hear his stories of riding when he was a young man. I'd just love to see the look on his face when he saw his baby girl riding that big ol' Road King. He'd love it!
Do you have a favorite rally or event? Too Broke for Sturgis. This is Arizona ABATE's annual fundraiser. It's a weekend in July in northern Arizona, out of the heat of Phoenix. We've been going for a few years now, and when we get home each year, we're already planning for the next year. Do you have a favorite place to ride and why? I love taking the AZ-89 up to Prescott, AZ. It's a great road going up the mountain, with lots of twisties, hairpin turns, and great roads. Riding up to Prescott on the AZ-89 gives me a rush.
What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road? I think the wildest thing was seeing our friends t-bone a pickup truck and flying 120 feet without the bike. Yeah, that was wild. After many, many months of surgeries and rehab, they're fine, but none of us will ever be the same after that night.
What has your most memorable ride or trip been? Ha! I think the first time I went out on the road. Our friend Lucky came over and I told him we were going to practice in the parking lot. And he said, "No you're not. We're going riding!" Well, they coaxed me into it. I had been riding in that old empty parking lot for two weeks already. It was time to hit the road. So we planned a short ride to a friend's house. Took a left from our street onto 71st Ave, and that went fine. Then we had to take a right onto Cactus; the main drag. Cactus Rd is a 5-lane road with the center lane serving as a turn lane. I swung real wide and ended up in oncoming traffic's turn lane...with a car coming at me. I got out of the way in time, but gave Lucky and Daryl the scare of their lives. :) Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most? Yes, assume nobody can see you. I ride through downtown Phoenix when I ride to work, and this assumption has saved my life countless times. I never assume anyone can see me or knows what I'm going to do.
Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider? We just went on a group ride with more than 300 bikes this weekend. It was a clusterfuck. I enjoy riding alone, or with Daryl, or with some of our friends. But when you get more than 10 bikes, it starts to get complicated and ugly. I'm riding to enjoy myself, not to get complicated.
What has your greatest accomplishment been? On a bike? Probably the fact that I learned to nail that right turn! In life? There are many. I have a great husband, a beautiful family, awesome friends. This fall I will be the first in my family to obtain a bachelor's degree. And I could never have done that without the support of my family and friends.
Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride? I guess that depends on who you ride with. I love to say, "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" but I'm just giving those Honda riders shit. There are some in our community that won't ride with anyone that doesn't ride a Harley. There are certain MC's that won't let you prospect unless you ride an American bike. I'm not really into that. You ride your ride, I'll ride mine.
Do you have any advice for women that are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle? The same thing I told my best friend Missy (BFG): if you're thinking about doing it, do it. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't, or you shouldn't. Yes, you might get hurt. Yes, you might go down. But if you don't do it you will always regret not trying it. And take the basic riders course. If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do? I would spend time with the kids, the grandkids, and Daryl. Making sure they all knew how much I love them.
When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing? Well, I don't really enjoy it, but I have a shit-load of homework and have for the last 3.5 years. I would love to have extra time to garden, and do some crafts. I really want to learn to weld. I have some crazy/artsy ideas, and I think I could make some serious money with my designs. That's definitely on my list.
If you could change anything about yourself what would it be? Not a fucking thing! I love who I am!
What do you think makes a "Biker"? I get it. I get the 'respect' thing, and I know how to show it. I know the true meaning of 'brothers' and 'sisters' and I love them.
You belonged to BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse), tell us a little about that. We joined BACA in 2008. BACA exists to empower children to not fear the world in which they live. BACA escorts these children to court so they will not be alone when they face their abusers. BACA is the only organization of it's kind. They really exist only for the children. Not the parents, not the guardians, not the courts, etc. It's all about the kids. And child abuse is an epidemic. We wanted to make a difference.
We left BACA in 2011, because we have a 13-yr-old daughter who needed us at home and I have school and the workload was getting crazy. We hope we can join BACA again someday when Vicki is grown and gone. We still do and always will support BACA's mission. If you want more information, go to www.bacaworld.org.
Tell us anything else you would like us to know about you. Road name: Boston (they all tell me I have an accent, but I don't hear it!) Just for FUN!
Do you have a favorite swear word? Fuck.
What are you currently reading? Romance and smut on my Kindle.
What music are you currently listening to? Everything but rap.
Do you have any pets? Rascal who is 12, and Boston's Good Golly Miss Molly (we call her Molly) who is 1.
Thank you Ann for doing the interview. You are one interesting and inspiring woman that rides her own! Check out Ann's blog, Random Thoughts.
Comfort on your motorcycle is so important, especially when you are taking a longer trip. The one thing about my motorcycle that I wasn't digging were the foot-pegs. I always have felt like my feet were just dangling out there and with any strong gust of wind would practically blow off. The foot boards used on touring bikes really don't work on Sportsters so it's been tough to find something that I liked and that really would make a significant difference. I mentioned to Dan that I really wanted something different for my bike and wouldn't you know it, he did some research and found me these great Kuryakyn ISO Wings. I put them on Sadie today and WOW, what a difference. No more feeling like my feet were just dangling out there. I was able to adjust them and they are just like mini foot boards. From the short ride that I took today, I can tell that they are going to add so much comfort and stability for me when I'm out on the road riding Sadie.
In 2007 I found KT DID's blog and I've been following along ever since. She is definitely a woman that I look up to in the motorcycle world. She rode her motorcycle from California to Sturgis...BY HERSELF! How awesome is that? AWESOME! In the next year I'm going to focus more of my interviews on female riders and I thought what better way to begin then interviewing KT! Meet KT DID, aka Kathy Hurwitz.
Give us a bio about yourself. Fifth generation California kid. I grew up in Northern California. A place still close to my heart. Lived in Contra Costa County then moved into Alameda, a very diverse city and good for me to discover. Going back to Alameda always sets me into the basics of life. Small town, big politics and loads of historic boasting. The Bay is always a comfort zone for me so to speak, but I love Southern California too. For me, California is the perfect State loaded with National Parks, beaches and mountains all within hours from each other and even minutes. I am one of six kids and couldn't wait to move out of the house. I did just that right after high school. I hitchhiked to Tahoe making a Russian River stop on the way, then stayed and worked in South Tahoe where I met some life long friends. Got married, divorced and married again and halted. Woot!
Was there something specific that drew you into the motorcycle lifestyle? Since I was a teenager, I have always loved motorcycles, riding on the back was only what I knew and was happy with it. But then I discovered Prings in San Leandro. Choppers and hot rods used to cruise the "strip" there. I would take my cousin's MG (he was in the Navy) and cruise it with one of my girlfriends. We would actually cruise it for hours and read our Easy Riders Magazine to figure how to build one. LOL... never did. High School was then over and we all went our separate ways. The ex had a '57 Panhead that I rode after taking the CHP Riders Course back in the 80's. We split up shortly after I got my license and the logistics of life sent it all on the back burner again. Wasn't until I retired that I became so bored with my everyday life that I actually decided to write a list of what I wanted to do the rest of my days. Motorcycling was the first. Captain's License was second and third was being a Pilot. I never got to the second or third.
How long have you been riding? Riding my own really started in May of 2005.
What was your first motorcycle? 2005 Harley Davidson 883L Sportster...the worst choice for my first bike. I kept dumping it as it was too top heavy for me. I ended up keeping that in the garage while I skilled up on a Suzuki GZ250. I called it my "milk" bike. I went to the store on it to buy milk and it milked my confidence enough to get back on the Sportster. So, in essence the GZ was probably my first bike.
What do you currently ride? 2006 Harley Davidson Deluxe, 2010 Street Glide Trike, and just acquired a 2011 Nightster.
How many motorcycles have you owned and what were they? 5 and 2 scooters. 2005 883L Sportster, 2005 Suzuki GZ250, 2008 1200L Sportster, 2008 Ural Sahara, 2010 Street Glide Trike, and 2 BMS scooters, and now a 2011 Nightster.
How do you feel when you are riding? The way I describe it this: close your eyes, and think of the best concert or song you have ever heard and totally get into that moment... to me that's how it feels. Like Music. Like my first concert. The Beatles. The best concert in my whole life ever. I will never forget the feeling of being in a crowd and getting into the motion of the whole arena thing. Wondrous! That's the ride for me.
Is there a motto that you live by? I have a couple: "I don't care what you think of me, its none of my business anyway" and "Give To Ride, Ride And Give. I think it is important to give back in any way you can. Those peeps that say they do and in reality they don't, make me want to barf.
Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle and are a woman? I don't know what that "difference" would be. I do know people do stereotype me sometimes, but I don't get bothered with it cause I usually open my mouth and throw my 2 cents into it. I would do that normally in any part of my life though.
Do you feel you are a role model for the women of the motorcycle community? No and I don't want to be. The "Diva" syndrome makes me want to barf. However, if I can share the zest for riding, that's different. This is why...I needed extra confidence to get back on my bike after dumping it. Threw me back a little in the beginning. But then I realized the more I talked about it and more I "shared" about it, the more confidence I gained in knowing others were out there patting my back and giving me that push forward. Some women told me not to say anything to others because it made women riders look stupid. But I needed to find out why I was dumping and what I was doing wrong... so I asked and talked about my weaknesses. When I was honest and open to peeps, I got honest help. I believe everyone needs a "you can do it" person in their life.. If I can be that person, I'm thrilled.
Why Harley Davidson? It was never anything else for me. I have had the other 2 (Ural & Suzuki), but Harley is the "it" bike for me. I feel safe on it and they have been able to lower the bike for size for me. It was also the bike I wanted from way back. However, I am not a snob to it. I don't care what you ride, just ride if that is what you wish to do.
Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you and why do they fall in this category in your life? Heroes: Veterans are my heroes. They show me the way with pride. These are the real "You can do it" peeps. Mentors: V-Twin Mama. She was the one I connected with on the Internet when I knew absolutely no one that rode. For months she held my hand through cyberspace and coached me up my driveway from hell. I will always be thankful to her. It was also through her website I got to meet one of my riding buddies, Gloria, also known as Map Girl. We have made a lifelong friendship through riding and that's joy to the soul for me.
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? Nope. I think I have hung with and met some of the best peeps, and that includes my blogger peeps. I hope I continue to meet more riders and to single someone out over another would limit me. No limits.
Do you have a favorite rally or event? It used to be Laughlin. Just because it was my first real ride and it was a meeting of girlz and we would all have a blast during the weekend. I ride it every year. However, last year put me in a different zone with all the lock downs. Don't know if I will go back. I say that every year though. LOL.
Do you have a favorite place to ride and why? Northern California, Yosemite. Its my ride of moment. I ride to the Bay then ride over to 120 into the Gold Country and Yosemite. Its so amazing to see and its endless beauty is magical. I am making it a yearly jaunt.
What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road? I was riding through Yellowstone and couldn't find a place to stop at. So I pulled over to munch on a snack and then went into the bushes to visit motha nature. While there, I heard rustling through the bushes and I started to look around. I saw a sign on the ground that had a bear on it. Geezzz! I got up ran to the bike and realized I had food still out in the open. Crammed it down my throat like Lucy eating the candy off the conveyor belt and left. I realized my helmet was still unhooked and I started hysterically laughing. Had to pull over again I was laughing so hard I couldn't see. No one around, just G-d above cracking up with me. Stuff like that happens to me all the time and makes each adventure a long strange laughable trip.
What has your most memorable ride or trip been? My solo ride to Sturgis 2010. Put me through the test of actually waking up and making deadlines. Each day was a song. At times I couldn't believe I was actually doing this solo. It was at those times, I felt like I could accomplish anything. It was great. I topped off every night with a Hostess cupcake...yum.
Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most? Know your skill boundaries. Don't try and ride beyond them, no matter what. Don't listen to others egg you on when you "know" you shouldn't be crossing over that grey zone. Its a major rule of mine now. Stupidity kills. So does drinking and riding.
Do you like riding with a group or are you more of a lone rider? I prefer riding solo. No rules. That's not to say I don't like to ride with others. There are a couple of peeps I love to ride with that are on my same time zone. We go away for short weekends and enjoy the sites. If I can't stop and see what the road brings and why I am riding to these spots, to me its senseless just to put the miles on. I don't count miles... I count the times I am out enjoying my time on the road and can't stand going to the same places over and over. So I avoid a lot of rides with friends that involve going to the same places. Solo is the best for me, but I love meeting up for lunches and music.
What has your greatest accomplishment been? Learning to say No and not having any children.
Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride? There is definitely a sense of community within the brands and types. Some bike groups only allow specific bikes, etc., but I never see a problem riding with other makers. In fact, a couple of my girlfriends ride sport bikes. They don't care who they ride with as long as they can ride. The way it should be.
Do you have any advice for women that are thinking about moving to the front of the motorcycle? Do it. Take a safety class. At the end of the class you will know if you want to go on to purchasing and riding your own motorcycle. Its a minimal fee and worth every penny. Have a level head when you go into it. Check the leather ego at the door. Go into it with a huge smile. Its fun and the valuable information you receive in a class will always stay with you. Also, get online and check out some sites. WRN has a great site and there are plenty more to google. Do your research and don't be afraid to talk to riders when you have a chance. I can't tell you how many peeps I got to know and spread the word of riding just by talking to them at a gas station. I have learned a lot just by doing that.
If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do? Write a letter to my loved ones and say goodbye and ride out into the sunset....
When you are not riding what do you enjoy doing? I love to stay at home with my loved ones and nest. Even when I am done with riding for the day on the road, I just want to be in my room and nest it out and watch tv. That's my relaxing time.
If you could change anything about yourself what would it be? If I had a magic wand, I wouldn't mind a couple of extra inches on my 4'11" frame...LOL!
What do you think makes a "Biker"? I wouldn't know. I don't consider myself a biker. I ride motorcycles. That's just another stereotype I would like crossed off the books.
Tell us about your photography business. It's more of a hobby. I put a site up and peeps came to buy. It was pretty amazing. Nothing special, but all of a sudden it happened. It's still fun. If it becomes not fun... I won't do it anymore. But I have met some great photographers, and like riding, we have our own little community of advice and sharing.
Tell us anything else you would like us to know about you. I am not rough and tough, but I have my opinions and can handle my own. I like a good conversation with peeps and can take on almost any topic, but when it becomes personal, racial, or belittling others because of religious beliefs or lifestyles, I stop and nip it in the bud. I won't feed hatred. I like to smile and love to laugh. Without laughter and love I'm no good.
Just for FUN!
Do you have a favorite swear word? Ohhhhh Fuck ME!!!!!!! And then there is "Shit" The first one I say when I have done something really stupid, the second one I say at any given time.
What are you currently reading? The History of Tuolumne County and A Columbia Diary 1853-1858. I like old books and shop for them at old book stores and such. There's beauty in having a solid book with pages to turn in my hands. In particular, old books with beautiful writing and drawings.
What music are you currently listening to? Rock and roll is the majority of my Ipod. But I also listen to a lot of Frank and Dino. I will always love the old rock of the 60's and 70's though, that will never go out of me.
Do you have any pets? Murray, The King Of All Dogdom. He's my 24/7 man of the house.
I have a very awesome interview in the works with one of my favorite Biker Chicks, who many of you know pretty well! More to come!!!!!! :)
Happy Holidays to EVERYONE out there! Love you all and thank you for all your continued visits to my blog. I can't believe I'm going on 7+ years....that's what happens when you love something so much. I love, love, love motorcycles and the people in the culture! We are all one big amazing group of individuals.
I have a new favorite song and I found a very cool version of it on YouTube. Some of you may think Lady Gaga is a little out there but I love that she's not afraid to be what she wants to be. That's what makes her special and her song "You and I" is just freaking cool as all Heck!!! Enjoy!
Christmas is right around the corner and I'm sure a lot of you are thinking, "Gee I hope I don't get another Harley mug or shot glass this year! I hope this year I getAmerican Throttle - The Motorcycle Trivia Board Game!!" This 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. Watch the video below to see how to play this Made in the USA game that is manufactured at Delano Service/EOP Printers, Inc., Battle Creek, MI)
After watching that I know you are wondering how to order this great game! Click here ------> to BUY IT!!
Steve “Shady” Schader and David Veal are the creators of this entertaining board game. Shady rides a Fat Boy and David is dreaming of a Yamaha V-Star 1100. They created a game that they personally play with their biker friends. They hope that after you play this game you will have as much fun and as many laughs as they do when they play it. David Veal is Owner/Creative Director at Veal Creative Steve (Shady) Schader is Owner/Creative Director at Eagleye Creative
Wow...how fast did 2011 fly by. I feel like I worked through most of it, but I guess that's what life is all about. Gotta make a buck to pay the bills and put gas in the motorcycle, when you have time to finally ride it. I haven't graduated to riding to work everyday, you'd understand if the quickest route you had to go is Interstate 80. I think I'd have to say 10 consecutive Hail Marys each trip.
I rode so much more this year and even helped found the Des Moines Chapter of the Chrome Divas. Being asked to be one of the founding 4 was really a honor and one I never expected. Thanks to Janet who writes Biker Chick News for thinking of me when she decided to bring this to fruition. We went on our first ride together in September and it was an amazing experience. People really look when a group of women roll into a restaurant or gas station without men in tow. It's a GREAT feeling. I felt truly empowered and can't wait for more rides with my WindSisters!
Dan and I rode together a lot too. I think our best trip together was my first distance ride up to my folks, in the spring. It still brings a smile to my face knowing the big hurdle that I jumped with pushing myself to ride Interstate 35. That ride was a huge turning point with me deciding that I was going to keep Sadie because I truly love riding her. I know some of you know after my first year of riding I almost sold her which would have meant that I would have returned to backrest status with Dan. Once again though that fighter instinct in me forged through and I'm truly glad I kept my pretty chrome horse.(Dan told me that he wouldn't have let me sell her anyway. He knew that I'd eventually ride her like I had dreamed of doing so many times.)
It was fun meeting Dean, Karen, and Di this summer. I hope to hang with them again very soon.(DI, I'm crossing my fingers for Christmas) Next year I want to ride the Great River Road and I know we'll stay in Lacrosse again, so D-Day and Karen, LOOK OUT!
I did the craziest thing a couple weeks ago. I did my first 1/2 Marathon. If I do it again next year I'm definitely training for it. About mile 11 I was hating life but I made it in 3 hours and 36 minutes. I have a medal to prove it. Holy Horseradish that was an experience but one I'm so glad I had. I kept looking at the people cheering us on and thinking...I used to be those people and now I'm on the other side. I truly liked the side I was on this time better. My finish was emotional because almost 2 years to the day of the event I was admitted to the hospital and spent my month kicking Leukemia. Thank you Jesus for keeping me on earth. I still have a lot of things on my bucket list that I want to do!!!
A day after the 1/2 Marathon, Dan and I drove down to Nashville, TN just because we felt like Honky Tonking. What a fun place, I can't wait to return and spend more time. Hopefully my next visit I get to meet Ronman and Swag. We did hear some great music at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and The Stage. The Country Music Hall of Fame was amazing. The only issue I had with the trip was I didn't see Trace Adkins walking down Broadway...boo! Southern people are the friendliest people that I've ever met and I believe that us Northerners need to take a few lessons from them about hospitality. I was seriously impressed with the staff of 4 Rivers Harley Davidson outside of Paducah, KY. Nice folks selling pretty Harleys! I think the one sales guy thanked us 5 times for stopping by. Anyway...I loved the south and this Yankee will be back.
I seriously can't believe how fast this year has gone by. Monday is Halloween and Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner. 2012 will bring more and more political ads and politicians to Iowa. Hopefully the Troops will really be home for the Holidays and nothing more happens over there so they need to go back.(like that will happen) And may all my friends in warmer climates enjoy their all year riding weather and rub it in my face from time to time.
I'm going to close this post with one of my favorite chick groups from the 80's. I'm really not looking forward to the Hazy Shade of Winter but ya know...it comes every freaking year so whatcha ya gonna do except maybe move??
Are you superstitious? Do you have a certain routine thing that you do before you ride or while you ride? Do you have something that you carry with you on each ride? Is there a certain article of clothing that you have to wear each and every time you ride?
I would say I'm quite superstitious when it comes to riding. I have a bag of little treasures that I always carry with me on a ride, including 3 guitar picks(Sixx, Frehley, & Keifer), 3 Harley Davidson Poker Chips, 3 crosses, a Mother Mary relic, an Angel of Hope coin, a motorcycle pin, and a piece of chrome that my Dad gave me that says Harley Davidson on it.(I just noticed that the number 3 comes up 3 times here...oh my) I also have 3 "I'm an Old Dirty Biker" pins but those won't always be in there once I find 3 ODBs to give them too.
I also carry the piece of the broken turn signal that my Rider's Edge instructor gave me after I passed the course. This was a result of a mishap I had attempting one of the course skills in our practice. It reminds me that the front brake is only your friend when you use it correctly.
At the beginning of each motorcycle adventure I say 5 Hail Mary prayers in a row. Mary has a special meaning to me and praying to her is something I've always done.
I can't be the only one that does this stuff. Come on, don't be afraid!!! Share!!!
On September 16th I went to view the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall at Resthaven Cemetery. I have not been to Washington, DC to see the actual Vietnam Memorial so I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by. Seeing the wall and the 58,000+ names took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the Vietnam Veterans that were there touching the wall, reflecting on what happened got to my heart. I respect our Military, Veterans, and Fallen Heroes so very much. It hurts my heart that the Veterans from the Vietnam War were treated the way that they were when they returned from their service. I always want to shake each one of their hands, hug them, and tell them "Welcome Home Soldier"! Below is a video that GuideOne Insurance made of the motorcycle escort that the Dignity Wall had to Resthaven Cemetery. Finally the Veterans and Fallen Heroes are getting the RESPECT and DIGNITY that they deserve. I'm also including a poem that my Vietnam Veteran friend Hondo wrote. Thank you Hondo for allowing me to publish this on my blog.
INSIDE THE WALL
At first there was no place for us to go until someone put up that Black Granite Wall. Now, everyday and night, my Brothers and my Sisters wait to see the many people from places afar file in front of this Wall. Many stopping briefly and many for hours and some that come on a regular basis. It was hard at first, not that it's gotten any easier, but it seems that many of the attitudes towards that war that we were involved in have changed. I can only pray that the ones on the other side have learned something and more Walls as this one, needn't be built.
Several members of my unit and many that I did not recognize have called me to the Wall by touching my name that is engraved upon it. The tears aren't necessary but are hard even for me to hold back. Don't feel guilty for not being with me, my Brothers. This was my destiny as it is yours, to be on that side of the Wall. Touch the Wall, my Brothers, so that we can share in the memories that we had. I have learned to put the bad memories aside and remember only the pleasant times that we had together. Tell our other Brothers out there to come and visit me, not to say Good Bye but to say Hello and be together again, even for a short time and to ease that pain of loss that we all share.
Today, an irresistible and loving call comes from the Wall. As I approach I can see an elderly lady and as I get closer I recognize her It's Momma! As much as I have looked forward to this day, I have also regretted it because I didn't know what reaction I would have.
Next to her, I suddenly see my wife and immediately think how hard it must of been for her to come to this place and my mind floods with the pleasant memories of 30 years past. There's a young man in a military uniform standing with his arm around her......My God!......It's has to be my son. Look at him trying to be the man without a tear in his eye. I yearn to tell him how proud I am, seeing him standing tall, straight and proud in his uniform.
Momma comes closer and touches the Wall and I feel the soft and gentle touch I had not felt in so many years. Dad has crossed to this side of the Wall and through our touch, I try to convey to her that Dad is doing fine and is no longer suffering or feeling pain. I see my wife's courage building as she sees Momma touch the Wall and she approaches and lays her hand on my waiting hand. All the emotions, feelings and memories of three
decades past flash between our touch and I tell her that it's all right.
Carry on with your life and don't worry about me. I can see as I look into her eyes that she hears and understands me and a big burden has been lifted from her.
I watch as they lay flowers and other memories of my past. My lucky charm that was taken from me and sent to her by my CO, a tattered and worn teddy bear that I can barely remember having as I grew up as a child and several medals that I had earned and were presented to my wife. One of them is the Combat Infantry Badge that I am very proud of and I notice that my son is also wearing this medal. I had earned mine in the jungles of Vietnam and he had probably earned his in the deserts of Iraq.
I can tell that they are preparing to leave and I try to take a mental picture of them together, because I don't know when I will see them again. I wouldn't blame them if they were not to return and can only thank them that I was not forgotten. My wife and Momma near the Wall for one final touch and so many years of indecision, fear and sorrow are let go. As they turn to leave I feel my tears that had not flowed for so many years, form as if dew drops on the other side of the Wall.
They slowly move away with only a glance over their shoulder. My son suddenly stops and slowly returns. He stand straight and proud in front of me and snaps a salute. Something makes him move to the Wall and he puts his hand upon the Wall and touches my tears that had formed on the face of the Wall and I can tell that he senses my presence there and the pride and the love that I have for him. He falls to his knees and the tears flow from his eyes and I try my best to reassure him that it's all right and the
tears do not make him any less of a man. As he moves back wiping the tears from his eyes, he silently mouths, God Bless you, Dad. God Bless, YOU, Son. We WILL meet someday but in the meanwhile, go on your way. There is no hurry. There is no hurry at all.
As I see them walk off in the distance, I yell out to THEM and EVERYONE there today, as loud as I can, THANKS FOR REMEMBERING and as others on this side of the Wall join in, I notice that the US Flag that so proudly flies in front of us everyday, is flapping and standing proudly straight out in the wind today, "THANK YOU ALL FOR REMEMBERING"
For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall be my brother.
Sasha Mullins wrote this great song that you need to go download on your choice of MP3 320, FLAC, or just about any other format you could possibly desire. The proceeds go to The Love Ride Charity which help children's charities. It's only $1.
Love Ride - (c) 2011 Road Diva Music ASCAP
V1: riding all together now for a great cause one big family rollin strong showing our support parading cycles on a mission we're just a crew of wild hearts helping our brothers and our sisters yeah we're givin all we got
C: on a love ride, join the love ride love ride, come on join the love ride love ride love, hearts are on the handlebars love ride, come on join the love ride
V2: feel that gypsy spirit we put the rev in rebellious the celebration's getting hotter come on let's roll to make a difference and our hearts are on fire spirits riding high kick stand up saves another and rock that throttle open wide
Chorus
B: love love love, we're riding high love love love, we're rolling free love love, love ride -- join the love
Outro: hey hey, love ride, join the love ride love ride, come on join the love ride love ride love, hearts are on the handlebars love ride, come on join the love ride ridin pack wild, smiles rollin miles, hey hey come on join the love ride love ride love love ride love love ride love
If you can't get to the song by clicking on the word Buy you can go to the Motoroadeo MMC site.
