this issue as a PDF here

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OCTOBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
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PAGES 5 & 21 - LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
PAGE 8 - RIDE AND EVENTS CALENDAR
PAGE2 9-10 - 2013 H-D ROAD KING ROAD TEST
PAGE 12 - SOUND H-D ROUND UP
PAGE 14 - ROADSIGNS
PAGES 16-17 - STURGIS 2012 PT. 1
PAGES 18-19 UNION HOME RIDE
PAGE 20 BOOK REVIEW
PAGES 22-24 AHDRA NITRO DRAGS
PAGE 26 HARLEY HAR HAR
PAGE 27 BIKER BUDDIES
PAGES 28-29 - BIKER FRIENDLY
PAGE 30 - BIKER POETRY
PAGES 32-33 - CONFESSIONS OF A NEWBIE
ON THE COVER: “The Crypt”
ARTIST: Chris Nielsen - To See More of Chris’s artwork
visit: www.pentoolart.com
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Quick Throttle Northwest
P.O. Box 2241
Port Orchard, WA. 98366
360-769-0408 - 360-769-0441
E-Mail: [email protected]
Publisher
Mike Dalgaard
Senior Editor
Jan Dalgaard
Editor
Diana Olmstead
Copyright Enforcement & Licensing:
Ed Engle
Features Editor
Janga
Advertising
Diana Olmstead
Art Director
Steven
Writers
Mike Dalgaard, Diana Olmstead,
Chris Dalgaard, Janga, Jan Dalgaard,
Easywriter, Chas. Bogle, Gary Mraz,
Gary Gardner, Ray Seidel, Randy Twells,
Lisa Dalgaard, BlackJack
Webmaster
Chrome Horse Promotions
http://chrome-horse.net
OCTOBER 2012
As I am writing this we are in our 61st straight day of no rain. Yes, I know that technically
that’s not true, as we had 1/10th of an inch on day 50, but lets face it folks, in the NW that
mist hardly counts as rain. TV weathermen are wimps and we all know it. The weather
has been weird, wild, and wacky and in late June and early July it was all happening
each day. More Thunderstorms in that period than in the previous 18 summers that I
have been up here followed by intense heat, then unseasonably cold weather, and on to
this long, almost record setting dry spell. Bottom line is that it dramatically affected the
ride season and contributed to what many say was a very disappointing season overall.
When I say that many found this season disappointing, it’s because many did, and told
us that. With Oyster Run just days away thus ending the season, it’s time for a review
and some updates.
What the aforementioned weather did was to
keep attendance at events in the early part of
the season down. If the weather on the day of
an event looked dicey, people stayed home.
The threat of bad weather has a tendency to do
that, and when the weather prior to an event
was as wacky as ours was, the threat is taken
more seriously and more people stay home.
This affected turnout at the Children’s Ride,
BBB at the Triple X, Seaside and more. Overall
this happened all over the country as drought,
storms and ultra high temps dampened
attendance and diluted profits as well as
donations at charity events. One of the very
few events to dodge this bullet was the ABATE
Spring Opener that managed to significantly
increase turnout over 2011. This weather
pattern was further misery added to soaring
fuel prices, a slowly recovering economy, and
the general malaise and gloom and doom that
comes with the run up to each Presidential
election. Bottom line is that virtually every
major event that we have numbers on from all
over the country was down. Negative? Sorry
but those are the facts.
Adding to the lower numbers was the still
unfathomable practice of slamming dozens of
major events into two weekends in July, neatly
ignoring over a dozen other useable weekends,
and thus making sure that an already shrinking
pie is divided into even smaller pieces. This is
just plain STUPID, and yet each year sees more
and more events added to the second and third
weekends in July. The topper was that so many
of these promoters and organizers then turned
around and complained that their events were
down! Hello? Now rumors abound that at least
two huge events, including the Hell’s Canyon
Run, are considering a move to mid July. If
this is true then they need to rethink this.
Granted June weather hurt them but adding
to the mid July glut is simply not the answer to
the perceived problem.
The number one question we got all summer
from riders was, why are all these promoters
and organizers continuing to do this? Many
riders mentioned that there were several
events they wanted to go to but when they
are all bunched together you can only make
one or two of them thus diluting attendance.
Many wondered why the first two weekends
in August are virtually ignored. The answer to
that is what we have come to call the “Sturgis
Myth” – everyone goes to Sturgis so there will
be no one here to attend our event. We will
have more on the “Sturgis Myth” in follow up
letters over the coming months, but for now
the short answer is that the numbers simply
don’t bear out that contention.
Despite the disappointing turnout at many
events, riders and their friends as well as other
event attendees opened up their wallets and
their hearts as they always do and raised a
ton of money for a wide variety of charitable
causes and programs. Even on a gloomy day
the Sun was shinning for kids, vets, pets,
Cancer and heart care as well as many others
that depend on the well known charity of
bikers and their friends and families.
What about business and bike sales? Well
again we saw other factors step in and skew
those numbers when Harley and Victory both
decided to introduce their 2013 models 6-8
weeks later than last year. Consequently in
July, August and very early September, bike
sales nationally were down by 7% as dealers
had far less bikes to sell. Locally the average
drop seemed nearer 5%. Meanwhile in late
spring the long established Doyle’s H-D in
Eugene, Oregon answered the question “I
don’t promote, I don’t advertise and I don’t do
many events so what can go wrong?” by selling
out to Latus Motors of Gladstone, OR a nano
second prior to going out of business. We lost
some other shops as well, along with one of
our faves when Renegade Classics in Everett
closed its doors at the end of September. All
in all some 14 shops closed between April and
September. That’s always tough to watch. In
addition, the ABATE Fall Swap meet was
canceled at the last minute due to a dearth
of vendors. ABATE very correctly made this
decision rather then field a sub-standard event
and disappoint its loyal Swap Meet followers.
Hopefully we will see it back next year, but
meanwhile kudos to them for making a tough
call even though it cost them some money in
lost deposits and paid ads with us.
On the event front, the much ballyhooed “Run
to the Cascades” in September was shut down
by state and local police in Oregon based on
an expected confrontation between two rival
clubs. Concerns over public safety will trump
business every time. The closure preceded
the much anticipated Fog Hat concert that
was shut down as well. As we went to print
the financial losses and fallout have yet to be
fully determined. Critics say this will lead to
more and more events going “No Colors” as
have happened all over California and in many
other areas as well. Based on the shooting at
the Nugget last year in NV, this year’s “Street
CONTINUED ON PAGE 21
OCTOBER 2012
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OCTOBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
9
IF YOU DON’T SEE YOUR EVENT,
IT’S BECAUSE YOU DID NOT NOTIFY US!
CONTACT US DIRECTLY WITH DETAILS OF
YOUR EVENT: [email protected] or mail to:
Quick Throttle NW, Box 2241, Port Orchard, WA. 98366 or
Fax To: 360 769 0441
by the10th of each month. PLEASE NOTE: We do
NOT update this calendar on line between issues.
OCTOBER
OCT 6
OR* 9TH ANNUAL GRANTS PASS TOY RUN.
1pm. Parade with Santa, BBQ, potluck, auction.
Contests, awards, prizes. Fruitdale Grange, 1440
Parkdale Dr, Grants Pass. Info: Spanky 541 659 8715
[email protected]
OCT 6
WA* “COME RIDE WITH ME” A BREAST
CANCER FUND-RAISER POKER RUN. 830am.
$20 prereg, $30 day of. Incl long-sleeve T-shirt. Capt
Jacks B&G, Sumner. Info Beth 253 403 3038 www.
multicare.org/home/motorcycle-ride
OCT 6
WA* JR’S HIDEAWAY MOTORCYCLE SWAP
MEET. Free admission, all ages. Jr’s Hideaway, 22540
NE State Rt 3, Belfair. More info: 360 275 4547 or
www.hideaway-jrs.com (See Ad Pg 16)
OCT 6
WA* COLUMBIA MOTORCYCLE’S 68TH
ANNIVERSARY BBQ. 9am-3pm. Columbia HarleyDavidson, 1314 NE 102nd ST, Vancouver, WA. 360
695 8831
OCT 6
WA* FILL THE CUPS RIDE TO BENEFIT
BREAST CANCER. Reg 830-1030am. $20. All
welcome. Rattlesnake Mountain Harley-Davidson,
3305 W. 19th Ave, Kennewick, WA 99338. 509
735 1117 www.rattlesnakemountainhd.com info:
[email protected]
OCT 13
WA* BASH TURKEY RUN. Leaves 10am. $20. food
donations welcome. Providing turkey dinner for 500
needy families. 50/50, prizes. Starts BASH Office, 118
141 St Ct s, Tacoma, ends The Right Spot B&G. info:
253 536 6480 or 253 380 6534
OCT 19
WA* NORTHWEST H-D LADIES GARAGE
PARTY. 6-8pm. First 25 to RSVP receive good
bags. RSVP Tina, 360 705 8515, Northwest HarleyDavidson, 8000 Freedom Lane NE, Lacey, WA.
www.nwharley.com (See Ad Pg 7)
OCT 19-21
CA* AMERICAN HEAT MOTORCYCLE
RALLY. Street party, stunt shows, entertainment,
vendors, much more. Benefits local charities. Info:
www.road-shows.com/american_heat.php
OCT 24
WA* DOWNTOWN HARLEY-DAVIDSON COED TECH NITE. Master techs answer questions
about your bike, etc. 25 spots only. RSVP to cbacon@
downtownharley.com. 3715 East Valley Rd, Renton,
WA, 425-988-2100, www.downtownharley.com (See
Ad Pg 2)
OCT 27
WA* SOUND H-D CHILLY COOK-OFF
CONTEST. 12-2pm. Sound Harley-Davidson, 16212
Smokey Point Blvd, Marysville, WA, 360 454 5000,
soundharley.com
OCT 27
WA*
DOWNTOWN
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
HARLEY HALLOWWEN PARTY. 12-3pm.
Pumpking carving contest. Winner gets gift card. 3715
East Valley Rd, Renton, WA, 425-988-2100, www.
downtownharley.com (See Ad Pg 2)
OCT 27
WA* JR’S HIDEAWAY HALLOWEEN PARTY.
Live music & costume contest. Jr’s Hideaway, 22540
NE State Rt 3, Belfair. More info: 360 275 4547 or
www.hideaway-jrs.com (See Ad Pg 16)
10
OCT 27
WA* MANCHESTER PUB HALLOWEEN
PARTY. Live music & costume contest. Manchester
Pub, 2350 Colchester Dr. E, Manchester, WA, 360 871
2205, manchesterpub.com (See Ad Pg 25)
OCT 27
WA* JUNCTION ANNUAL HALLOWEEN
PARTY. Live Music by EXIT 88. Costume Party &
Prizes. The Junction Sports Bar & Grill, 21000 Old
Hwy 99 SW, Grand Mound WA, 360 273 7586, www.
meetatthejunction.com (See Ad Pg 25)
OCT 27
WA*NIGHTMARE BALL AT THE QUINAULT.
$15 per ticket. 9pm-1am.Costume contest, $3,500
in prize giveaways. Blacklight dancing, food & fun.
Special room rates, book now. Quinault Beach Resort
& Casino, 78 St. Rt 115, Ocean Shores, WA, 1 888 461
2214, www.quinaultbeachresort.com (See Ad Inside
Back Cover)
OCT 28
WA* NW CLASSIC MC 3RD ANNUAL
HALLOWEEN SWAP MEET AT THE HUMANE
SOCIETY. 9am. $5. Spokane Humane Society,
6607 N. Havana St, Spokane. Info: Bootmaker
509 294 1249 or Grover 509 939 9911 www.
nwclassicmotorcycleclub.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 8
WA* WING-DING TO SUPPORT TOY RUN FOR
WEEKLY EVENTS
MONDAY
First Mondays meetings
COMBAT VETERANS UNITED
Info: Mothergoose 1 509 460
0015, Yakima
HARRISON MEDICAL CTR. 6-9PM. Free hot
wings, 50/50, prizes, band. Donate new unwrapped
toy. By NK ABATE. Romeo’s B&G, 6812 Kitsap
Way, Bremerton. Info: 360 307 9736
NOV 10
WA* SOUND H-D ANNUAL LADIES NIGHT.
6-9PM. Holiday fashion show, prizes, more. Sound
Harley-Davidson, 16212 Smokey Point Blvd,
Marysville, WA, 360 454 5000, soundharley.com
NOV 15
WA* WING-DING TO SUPPORT TOY RUN FOR
HARRISON MEDICAL CTR. 6-9PM. Free hot
wings, prizes, 50/50, band. Donate new unwrapped
toy. NK ABATE. JR’s Hideaway, 22540 NE State Rt
3, Belfair. Info: 360 307 9736
DECEMBER
Dec 8
WA* SOUND H-D FREE SANTA PICTURES.
11am-3pm.
Sound
Harley-Davidson,
16212
Smokey Point Blvd, Marysville, WA, 360 454 5000,
soundharley.com
Dec 1
WA* 35th ANNUAL OLYMPIA TOY RUN. $10
or new unwrapped toy. Gates open at 10am. Parade
starts at 1pm. Bike staging off I-5, Exit 108, Sears
parking lot, South Sound Center, Lacey Wa. 100%
of proceeds benefit the Salvation Army “Toy n’ Joy”
Shop. Info: www.olytoyrun.com (See Ad Pg 11)
UNCLE SAM’S AMERICAN
B&G
Tacos all day, band
16003 Pacific Ave
Spanaway, WA 253 507 7808
TUESDAY
BLUE MT BACA
1st Thursday 630pm
Sheri’s, Pendleton, OR
541 310 8355
Taco Tuesday
NASHVILLE’S
114 Railroad Ave, Kent
253 852 0909
THUNDER THURSDAYS
Cruisers Biker B & G
Post Falls, ID (starts Apr 26)
www.cruisersstateline.com
BIKERS AGAINST CHILD
ABUSE (BACA)
Puget Sound Chapter meets 2nd
Tues, each month
King County Chapter meets 3rd
Tues, each month
Lake Washington Chapter meets
2nd Tues, each month
Info: 253 228 6687 bearcat@
bacakc.com
Legend Harley-Davidson,
9625 Provost Rd NW
Silverdale, WA. 360 698 3700.
www.legendharleysilverdale.com
THURSDAY
Taco Thursdays
NASHVILLE’S
114 Railroad Ave, Kent
253 852 0909
Every 3rd Thurs. 7pm
B.A.C.A. Apple Valley Chapter
The Red Lion, Wenatchee.
[email protected]
B.A.C.A. Blue MT CH.
1st Thursday
630pm Sheri’s, Pendleton, OR
541 310 8355 blackjack@
bacabmc.com
Taco Thursdays
MANCHESTER PUB
2350 Colchester Dr. E,
Manchester, WA
360 871 2205
THURSDAY BIKE NIGHTS
Rock the Dock – Tacoma
Waterfront
Begins Thursday, June 21st –
SATURDAYS 12-4
SOUTH SOUND HOG BBQ,
band, more.
Northwest Harley-Davidson,
8000 Freedom Lane NW,
Lacey, WA. 1 800 694 6447.
www.nwharley.com
BIKER FRIENDLY
CHURCHES
SUNDAY
Midnight Cry Biker Church 5pm
Assoc of Christian Crusader
Ministry
210 Ave B, Snohomish, WA 360
563 0471
midnightcrychurch.com
NEW LIFE CHURCH
27405 216th Ave, SE
Maple Valley, WA 425 432 8
CITI POINT CHURCH
830 N. 16 st, Mount Vernon, WA
AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS
post 141. 14096 SR 525, Langley,
WA 630pm MTG info: Frank 425
422 1710
GOSPEL OUTREACH
MINISTRY
Joseph, Oregon
541 398 1142
SAT & SUN
CHRISTIAN FAITH CENTERS
253 943 2400
33645 20th Ave S, Federal Way
13000 21st DR. SE, Everett
6575 Kimball Dr, Gig Harbor
BIKERS FIGHTING CANCER
N.Sound Chapter meets 2nd Sat
S. Sound Chapter meets 2nd Sun
www.bikersfightingcancer.org
SINISTER SATURDAYS
Legend Harley-Davidson,
9625 Provost Rd NW,
Silverdale, WA. 360 698 3700.
www.legendharleysilverdale.com
2nd SATURDAYS 10am-2pm
Hot Dogs & Chili
Columbia Harley-Davidson,
1314 NE 102nd ST, Vancouver,
WA.
360 695 8831
FAITH BIBLE FELLOWSHIP
2139 Fern Street
Walla Walla, WA 98362
509-529-1281
Check your local dealers—Many have
BBQs, Mystery Rides, Bands, Etc.
OCTOBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
11
By Art Hall
Photos by Art Hall and Roger Heffley
It’s all about finding the happy medium in just about
everything we do. With regards to motorcycling
for me, the happy medium is somewhere between
a bone shaking rigid and an over the top reverse
geared Goldwing that would be a car if it had
two more wheels. Last month I did a review of a
2012 Street Glide (SG) and this month got a 2013
Road King (RK) Anniversary edition FLHRAE,
(how’s that for an acronym?) Both had the 103
c.i. engine and the new (since 2009), frame which
gave them comparable handling characteristics,
but that’s where the similarities end. One of these
is the compromise for me. I will try to stay focused
on the RK but unfortunately most of what I say
will have some slight or direct comparison to the
SG (FLHX). So I go to the corporate fleet center
and find they have reserved Number 3 - Of 1750
for my test bike, seems like they would have kept
such a low number for that “special” customer.
You can get a serialization plaque that displays
your Anniversary Edition production number as
an optional feature.
The first thing I do is a little walk about the bike to
get some visual impression of general appearance.
I must say this is one good looking bike with the
special Anniversary Vintage Bronze (Root Beer
Brown) paint job, two-toned with Anniversary
Vintage Black (black is black) having some
metalflake mixed in both colors and set off with
orange & gold pinstriping. By the way - this seems
to be the only color available. There is a rather
prominent badge on the gas tank cast in bronze
12
with the bar and shield inset; most people seem
to like it. The big “Hiawatha” headlamp splashes
a lot of chrome on the front end and has the
nostalgic look of yesteryear. The motor company
chose to use the hard saddlebags rather than
leather, OK but I have an issue with the ancient
latching mechanism on these bags. Interesting
note is that of all the available locations i.e. air
cleaner, points cover, etc, to mention engine size
none were used making me wonder if it was an old
96”. But fear not, it was that great, new engine the
‘torquey’ 103. Lastly something I appreciate is a
large enough windshield to in fact shield me from
the wind and this one had the large detachable RK
unit. The two tone seat is a two-up design and has
that deep contour which gives a nice comfortable
feel with some support, and is accessorized with
baroque brads.
So I get into this contoured puff pillow of a saddle
and it feels right. When I grab the handlebars
something seems different. I find that the FLHRAE
is fitted with wide set handlebars. Well wide set
doesn’t set well with me as it is uncomfortable
on three fronts. Not trusting my own “feel” for
the ergonomics I check the specs and do some
measuring to find out the reason for my “feeling”.
first the grip seems to poke the heel of my left
hand in an uncomfortable fashion - reason - it is
1/8 of an inch shorter than my SG. Wow, only
1/8 of an inch proving size does matter! Why,
you might ask don’t I just move my hand up on
the grip? Good question and the answer is that I
then find my thumb knuckle rubbing the switch
housing which hurts a boo boo I have on the
knuckle. It’s just too short for my hand anyway.
Next I don’t like pulling the clutch lever because
I either pinch the pads on my fingertips or have
a chafing from the lever. Hmmm ... so I measure
again and find the lever is about half the radius
of the SG or 1/4” verses 1/2” which changes the
contour. The 1/2” SG lever is far more rounded
and fits the grip comfortably while the RK is
flatter with a bit of a sharp uncomfortable edge.
Lastly the wide bars are in fact about 1 & 1/4 inch
wider and require me to move just that much more
forward to feel less than relaxing. All this sluething
done, it proves that there is in fact a measurable
difference that confirms my suspicions. While
we are talking measurements I notice that the
handlebars are about 1/4” askew, which is not
really noticeable, unless you notice it. I don’t think
there is an adjustment for that. One other obvious
misalignment is the highway light and turn signal
on the left side being quite crooked to the tune
of 9/16 of an inch, noticeable even if you don’t
notice it. That however I am sure is adjustable and
probably just got overlooked in the setup.
Ready? Lets fire it up and get on the road. Again
mentioning the frame, new since 2009, giving
superb handling at slow speeds and confidence
inspiring handling at highway speeds. Matched
with the bigger 103” engine that has more
horsepower and noticeably more torque, the new
touring bikes are in fact smooth and strong for
really good rideability. I know the touring bikes
have adjustable air suspension but I have never
really adjusted mine. I say this because I noticed
that the freeway ride was obviously softer than
my experience has been previously. The sharp
jolts usually encountered on rough roads was
much smoother which may have something to do
with the adjustability of the shocks - or was there
OCTOBER 2012
some engineering change I didn’t uncover in my
research? Even with the wrongly re-engineered
clutch levers there has been some improvement
in lessening the pull effort and it seems to engage
more smoothly that the 2012 SG. That’s for go - for
stop it’s the great 4 piston Brembo’s with ABS. The
system may have saved my bacon at a blind alley
intersection.
Now that we are moving I look for the gauges of
which there are few, designed for the minimalist.
We don’t really need an air temperature gauge
that is inaccurate, or an oil pressure gauge to tell
we are pushing zero at an idle or even a voltmeter
that I have never really gotten the hang of over
the old active ammeter. There is a gas gauge in
the left side gas cap which I only use as a rough
reference to my tanks actual fullness, or emptiness,
depending on your perspective. It’s been around in
this configuration on different models for a long
time so I guess it has it’s usefulness. There is also a
digital readout bar that contains extra information,
one being the remaining miles you should have per
the amount of gas calculated to be in the tank. I
liked that feature better as it seemed more accurate
or at least definitive as a number that I can relate to.
Push the button on the dashboard and the readout
changes to an odometer with a couple of trip
counters also. All this is located in such a way as
to be distracting when under way - in that you need
to take you eyes off the road to view it, form over
function here. Or maybe I’m just not supposed to
try that...I do however miss the tachometer capable
of handling the performance of an Indycar. I like
to know, in numbers, what my engine is doing in
any given gear. Again not necessary but an added
item I find useful. All this kinda compares to the
OCTOBER 2012
SG as I had mentioned I might do earlier. I miss
my radio which is something I didn’t think could
happen for all the years I rode without one. Lastly
I miss my big ‘ole shadetree batwing faring that
puts all those semi-useful gauges in the line of
sight while riding. This bike had cruise control - again like with the
SG I didn’t use it so I cannot attest to it’s operation.
The Dunlop multi-tread tires were a nice skinny
whitewall that would be easy to keep clean and the
wheels were chrome plated spokes. The six-speed
transmission seemed to be smoother and easier to
shift, maybe just my perception but that becomes
the realty doesn’t it? Back to the Hiawatha
headlamp - it really puts out the light along with
the light bar highway lamp that actually project a
beam you can easily see where you are going in the
darkest of night.
Put all these features together and you have a very
useful, smooth riding, great looking motorcycle
that may fit your needs and size. Myself I prefer
the Street Glide for all the reasons given which is
why there are different models to choose from. I
must admit that I wanted nothing to do with the
SG when it first came out as it was too popular
and seemed faddish. Then I got to ride one for a
few weeks and canceled my order for an Electra
Glide Standard.
Look we’re all different. Some want Softails. Some
wanted to bridge the gap between Softail and
Touring, hence the Road King. Then some still
wanted a more pure tourer, but with more badass
looks than the touring line, hence the Street Glide.
I suggest you try them all before you make your
decision as even though they may look the same,
they don’t all act the same.
13
YeeHaw! Sound H-D’s 6 Year
Anniversary Round-Up!
Written by Diana Olmstead
On Saturday September 8th, Sound H-D celebrated their 6th Anniversary
with an old fashioned western round-up!
Everything about this event was great – the weather was fantastic, the
western theme was unique, fun and a huge hit as the dealership was
packed inside and out all day long with well over 1,000 riders attending!
The HWY 9 Band was on stage rocking country tunes throughout the
day. There were Western cut-outs for people to take their pictures in.
A mechanical bull had been set up in the parking lot which was a riot
to watch! They had a contest to see who could stay on the bucking
bull the longest. The winner stayed on for 1 minute and 30 seconds
and won a $500 Gift Card to Sound H-D. They also had a Best In the
West Mustache Contest. The customers cast their votes and they chose
a winner, Rodney who won a $250 Gift Card to Sound H-D. Next up
was the Biggest Belt Buckle Contest, which went to a cute little boy who
also also won a $250 Gift Card.
In addition to the contests, Sound H-D gave away over $5,000 in prizes
– leather jackets, iron rider bags, gift cards to local stores & restaurants,
and an array of really cool things.
All of the food was free - Wild West BBQ loaded riders up with pulled
pork sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad and lemonade.
Kettle Corn was there handing out bags and many different types of
beverages too.
Sound H-D’s 6th Anniversary was a huge success! If you haven’t checked
out Sound H-D in Marysville, WA now is the time. It’s a gorgeous
dealership featuring a water tower that is a tribute to the original
Harley-Davidson factory, an indoor/outdoor fireplace, café with Wi-Fi
and a 30,000 sq ft showroom filled with Harley’s, Parts, Motorclothes
and a Service Dept.
Patriot Ride - Sunday, Sept. 9th
The day after the Sound Anniversary Party an estimated 300 riders
converged in the Sound H-D parking lot to take part in the Annual
Patriot Ride put on by Puget Sound HOG Chapter. The ride was free,
and it was to honor the men and women who protect our way of life
and to show appreciation for Fire Fighters, Law Enforcement Officers,
EMS Personnel and members of the Armed Forces both active and
retired… and to remember the events of September 11th, 2001.
The scenic ride started at Sound H-D making its way through Arlington,
Lake Stevens, Marysville and then returned to Sound H-D for a BBQ.
The ride went off without a hitch due to the dedication of Evan Adolf,
who was the ringleader of this event and a Puget Sound HOG member
and Captain of the Snohomish County Fire District 7. In addition to
Evan, numerous Puget Sound HOG Chapter members pitched in to
handle various tasks. To insure that the route was safe they received
assistance from local law enforcement agencies and fire districts.
This Patriot Ride was deeply touching; you could see the mixture
of emotions on the riders faces as tears trickled down the cheeks of
many. 14
OCTOBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
15
You know, you’d think there was
an election coming up wouldn’t
you? I mean with all the signs
along the sides of the highway, the
endless commercials on TV (and
it’s only September as I write this,
it’s gonna get worse), and all the
“vote for me” postcards showing
up in the mailbox. Yep, it’s a sure
sign its fall.
You wouldn’t know it was fall by the weather
though. I actually have nothing to complain
about in that department —and that’s a first!
We all love to complain about the weather
here in the Northwest. It’s the state pastime.
But you know, I don’t think I’ll ever complain
about the weather again – or at least not as
loud.
What changed my mind? Comparing what we
have—at times as crummy as it is—with what
is worse. We actually have it pretty good here.
I realized this last month. When I go to the
gym, I generally start my workout by doing
a half hour on some aerobic torture device
while watching CNN. Watching the news
gets my heart rate up and the machine makes
it go even higher. In theory this is supposed
to burn fat, however my fat apparently loves
going along for the ride and never leaves.
Early in August, hurricane Isaac was heading
straight for Louisiana, and I’d watch the CNN
graphic showing the spinning storm heading
right for the Mississippi delta, as I climbed an
endless stairway or spun away on an elliptical
machine. Seeing that storm approach really
hit home for me since earlier this year I
stood at the end of the road there at the foot
of the Mississippi— the end of Louisiana
Highway 23. That storm ran aground right
there and powered right up that road through
Plaquemies Parish towards New Orleans, just
like I did on my bike.
16
It hit home because I drove that road—down
from New Orleans and back up. It was an eerie
place. It suffered from massive devastation by
hurricane Katrina seven years ago. It was like
driving through 40 miles of abandoned waste
land and it still hadn’t recovered, though there
were some limited signs of life. The humidity
and heat were oppressive in May, and I was
hot and sticky. It wasn’t exactly fun, but I have
a thing for “end of the road” places. I drove
down to this one and passed hardly any cars
the entire way on a four lane divided concrete
paved road. Between the devastation, the
sparse population, and the heat and humidity,
it felt almost like driving through a postapocalyptic world, and I honestly couldn’t
wait to get out of there.
I watched as the CNN anchors stood on
places I’d stood at or ridden by, only now they
were knee deep in water. They were being
blown to kingdom come, with sideways rain
under dark ominous skies. Later in the day I
watched as they tried to evacuate a nursing
home I’d driven past, using small rowboats.
I saw what was left of homes and trailers
floating in the water, and I thanked God I
didn’t have that here.
Meanwhile our weather here was glorious, as
it has been all summer, and I thought I’d treat
myself to a weekend getaway on the scoot.
The day that storm hit Louisiana, I headed
up one of my favorite roads, WA-9 between
Bothell and up to Sedro Wooley, and then
turned east on to WA-20, the North Cascades
Highway overt to Winthrop. The sun was
out, it was warm, the air was fresh, and the
scenery was indescribable.
As I was enjoying the road, leaning into the
curves, feeling the rumble of the motor and
the sun on my bare arms, I was picturing
another road—LA-23. Nothing can compare,
not the scenery, not the curves, and least
of all, not the weather. I mean, as bad as it
gets here sometimes with 100 days of rain
and little sun, and years with no summer,
at least we don’t get monster storms roaring
up out of the ocean! No 90 mph gusts, and
rain measured in feet not inches. Our houses
are not in danger of being blown off their
foundations and out to sea. No oppressive
heat and humidity. Yeah, I may grumble a
bit about our weather, but after watching that
storm roar up a road I’d ridden on—well I
won’t complain anymore. At least about the
weather.
I will complain about politics though. It is
fall and election season after all. And while
we can’t do anything about the weather, we
can do something about politics. We can
tune it out, or we can participate and try to
change the wrongs we see. I know a lot of
folks complain their vote doesn’t count or that
politicians ignore them, that nothing changes.
Well, in some cases they are right—but unlike
some places, we can, and indeed I think we
have a duty to participate. There are some
countries where you can’t participate in the
process. Here, we can participate, we do have
a voice, and while it’s sometimes bad, more
often than not, it’s like driving over the North
Cascades highway on a sunny day, and that
beats driving up the Mississippi delta any day,
hurricane or not. Think about that. It could
be a lot worse, and we are fortunate to live
where we can participate and have a voice in
politics.
So I’ll ask again—are you registered to vote?
You can’t participate if you don’t vote and
you can’t vote if you aren’t registered. Have
you moved and updated your registration?
If not, you need to so you can vote this year.
You have a scant few days left to do so.
The deadline for registration or changing your
registration is October 8th. The Washington
Secretary of State’s office has made it
very easy to both register and change your
registration. You can do so online: http://
www.sos.wa.gov/
No excuses, no complaining, just do it.
Gary can be reached at [email protected]
and you can read his blog at http://grgardner.
livejournal.com
OCTOBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
17
STORY AND PHOTOS BY GEORGE CHILDRESS
There is really only one king of
motorcycle rallies and great American
road trips. Hail Sturgis!
The 72 year old Sturgis Black Hills
Rally and Races has always been
a destination where you can bring
your highest expectations and never
be disappointed because it offers
something for everyone. This is no
doubt one of the reasons why this
year’s rally had an increase of over
thirty thousand riders this year.
Some riders love the people watching
mayhem on main street, getting a
tattoo, doing burnouts, body shots
at One Eyed Jacks, shopping over
700 vendors, watching the fights at
the Knuckle Saloon, viewing custom
bikes, and listening to the music at the
multitude of concert venues. Many
still enjoy the rally for the reason that
it originated in the first place, the
Jackpine Gypsy racing events and the
exhilaration of riding the Black Hills. This is why I rode up to South Dakota
a week early this year, to immerse
myself in all the area could offer.
My usual Sturgis Rally go-fast game
plan is one that consists of riding from
Phoenix to Denver the first day and
18
arriving the next. On the way back I
take the long way via super-scenic
byways and undivided highways.
This may include a route through
Canada, the Pacific Coast Highway,
Yellowstone, Sierra Nevada’s, the
Rockies or any place where black
colored roads on a map can be found.
Custer City was my base camp for
exploration during this first week. Besides Hill City and Keystone, this
is one of the best launching pads
for exploring lakes and caves, Iron
Mountain Road, Wildlife Loop Road,
the Needles Highway, Crazy Horse
and Mt. Rushmore. If you really want
to get off the grid in this area then try
a gravel road:
• Make a 1.7 mile detour from
Highway 87 that takes you 6023 feet
to the top of Mount Coolidge and its
historic firetower, providing 360 views
of the surrounding peaks including the
famous Mt. Rushmore.
• Just north of Custer, turn east off
of Hwy 89 on Willow Creek Road
until it dead ends to visit historic
Meeker Ranch which features rustic
1887 buildings in a majestic meadow
setting. When the road ends walk .7
miles and watch for elk.
OCTOBER 2012
• Lakota Lake located just off Iron
Mountain Road is the perfect spot to
enjoy a shaded picnic break.
If riding over dirt roads and
maneuvering the Black Hills
pigtail bridges, hairpin curves and
numerous tunnels aren’t producing
enough adrenaline, thrill seekers and
try a ride in an aerial chopper. I took
several while I was there including
one that flew over the main street
of Sturgis, another over the The
Badlands, and one that covered
most the south central Black Hills. This flight takes you over Crazy
Horse Monument, Sylvan Lake, the
crest of Harney Peak, Mt Rushmore
and the unique formations of the
Needles and Cathedral Spires. (See
www.coptertours.com)
While flying and riding the hills
I saw plenty of wildlife including
deer, antelope, bighorn sheep
and bison. But when I got back
to Sturgis the real wildlife was at
Glencoe Campground resort which
is exclusively open for the rally,
having no other season. Here they
feature what can only be described
as the Sturgis version of Mardi
Gras on steroids. It’s a nightly
parade on Titty Alley with plenty of
spirited adult activity that goes well
beyond body painting. Be sure to get
yourself a day pass next year and let
the good time roll.
The only thing crazier than what
happens on private property in
surrounding campgrounds is the
legendary weather in Sturgis. This
year featured finer-than-fox-hair
short-sleeve weather until the last
two days. At this point hail pounded
Lead while everyone ducked into
their favorite watering hole in
Sturgis on Friday and Saturday due
to rain. The wind picked up before
the storms to the extent that many
people returned to their tent only to
find that it had blown away.
I personally was blown away by the
people that I came in contact with at
Sturgis that were from all over the
U.S. and the world. Not only the
riders, but staff was brought in from
places like the Czech Republic and
Philippines.
One recently retired machinist
from London paid $4000 to fly
over with his Harley. He had been
riding throughout the east coast,
down to Florida, over to Sturgis
and eventually would end up at the
Grand Canyon. Another group
from Australia rented bikes for 3
OCTOBER 2012
weeks and planned to hit many of
the major national parks in the West
in addition to their layover in the
motorcycle meca of Sturgis.
But no matter where you are from
or where you are headed next, like
clockwork most people seem to
head to Wyoming on Wednesday. The lure of Devils Tower is far too
great too resist, not to mention Ham
‘n Jam in Hulett or the Stone House
Saloon located near Belle Fourche
(the geographic center of the US)
that is also only open during Sturgis
bike week. Wyoming Wednesday
plus day trips to the Badlands and
Wall Drug as well as Custer State
Park is a must-do while attending
the rally.
Don’t neglect to take the scenic
Spearfish Canyon a few times, for
many this is their favorite rally ride. You can set your cruise control at
35 mph and enjoy 20 miles of bliss
along side a stream full of ponderosa
and spruce pines.
I you don’t have a complete ride
itinerary planned, no worries, there
are plenty of organized rides like
the Mayor’s Ride from Sturgis, the
Legends Ride and Biker Belles rides
in Deadwood and others to fit the
bill.
When you have had enough riding,
partying and shopping and just feel
the need to be amused for awhile,
then there is nothing better than
racing. Sturgis has motocross, hill
climbs, mini-sprint cars, short track
and half mile races, even drags. So
smoke “em if you got “em friends.
Sturgis is almost a metaphor for life
itself: You aren’t here for a long
time, but you’re here for a good
time. Trying to do it all in one week
is like drinking through a fire hose,
so it pays to extend your stay by
coming early or staying late. Pick
your poison but you can depend on
the rally to make you want to return
yearly like one man I met who had
attended 37 so far.
If you also cannot kick the Sturgis
habit and won’t even pretend to try,
then here are some future dates that
you can count on:
August 5-11, 2013
August 4-10, 2014
August 3-9, 2015 (75th Anniversary)
19
20
OCTOBER 2012
Beginning on Friday, Sept. 7th and ending Sunday,
Sept. 9th a brand new event, The Union Ride &
Charity Rally began its 3 day poker run. That’s
right, 3 days to hit 5 stops and have a shot at
winning a brand New 2012 H-D Street Bob, hear
great music, eat well, see the 9-11 Tribute Girders,
and take a leisurely, fun filled ride from Tacoma,
over the bridge and through all the beauty that
abounds on the Kitsap Peninsula, ending up at
the Clearwater casino, all for 25 bucks. ($35.00
w/passenger) This ride was different, fun and a
real bargain. We loved the leisurely 3 day concept.
You could also choose to do it in 2 days or a few
hours on Sunday. Lots of options, lots of choices,
and not totally at the mercy of the weather.
The event was primarily sponsored by Destination H-D in
Tacoma that donated the Street Bob, and Legend H-D in
Silverdale that ran the custom bike show. That show by the
way, had some very serious entries including my fave, a H-D
Springer done up in retro with a military theme and custom
paint job. Outta sight! Sponsors also included the Building
and Construction Trades, Suquamish Clearwater Casino,
and the Sheet Metal Workers International Assoc. CoSponsors included IBEW Local 46, Alliance Pacific Ins, &
Sunrise Dental. All proceeds from the event benefitted local
charities including Seattle Children’s Hospital, Northwest
Harvest, Helmets to Hardhats, and Apprenticeship & Non
Traditional Employment for Women. Lots of additional
info can be found on the Union Home website at: www.
unionhomebenefit.com
On Sunday, the Clearwater was really rockin’ with great
60’s tunes by the Weatherheads, and over 500 riders, union
members, their families and a host of supporters enjoying
the day. The lucky winner of the new Street Bob was Rick
Herrick. The bike show winners included Lester Walters,
Dan Friedel, Lanette Duchesneau & Clayton Alayon.
Information and dates on next year’s ride will be released
on October 31st and we will add it to our calendar at the
appropriate time. MD
OCTOBER 2012
21
By Famous Jake
Years ago, back in the seventies,
I was reading at my desk while on
light duty in the office while awaiting
medical clearance to return to field work
following an injury. I got called before the
corporate board - not for slacking, which
was expected, but because someone was
offended by the nature of my reading
material. It was an anthology of female
poets but it had been given a racy title
to pump up sales, something like “The
Brazen Hussies”. I mean who would buy
a book called “Maladjusted Manhaters
Venting Venom”, even off the discount
rack. This led to an assumption I was
exposing coworkers to objectionable
pornography, and I had the last laugh
passing around this feminist tome for
their scrutiny. All approved and I came
off looking like the kind of neo-modern
guy they just loved. I tell this story
because it’s funny, dammit, and it pretty
well sums up my qualifications to review
a book of poetry. I read a lot, sometimes
I read poetry, and sometimes I take crap
for it. Just a misunderstood sensitive
kinda guy, blowin’ by you on a sleek
black machine at midnight. Hope that’s
good enough as I agreed to comment on
Laurence P. Scerri’s recently published
volume of biker poetry entitled Asphalt
Range.
I’ll start by saying I reject much
of the poetry I encounter for being dense
and outdated, no matter the authors
legendary status. Most of the rest is
excruciatingly self involved and whiney.
No one cares about your broken heart
or fear of your own imagined death.
Too much is an exercise in obfuscation
for those who prefer not to encumber
themselves with punctuation or sentence
structure. Frankly, a lot of the poetry
I see in biker mags is moronic and
maudlin. But once in a while someone
has something to say worth hearing and
expresses that creative spark poetically.
I followed the work of a certain San
Francisco hippie till he ran out of words
and killed himself. I have somewhere
a couple slim pamphlets of verse sold
by a bent old man in the parking lot at
a rodeo. His is a fascinating story of
life on a homestead at the closing of
the frontier era and all the changes that
he’s witnessed since. It didn’t matter
that “he learnt” to spell in a one room
schoolhouse and it showed. That was
rather the point, actually. And that brings
22
me to the current question: what’s up
with this dude who calls himself the
American Biker Poet and repeatedly
cites his status as Poet Laureate of the
Connecticut Cruise News? Say wha’? I
don’t think we get that out here. Hell, I’m
at least that famous and I freely admit
to making it all up so okay, impress me.
Well he did. He’s a guy you know
if you’ve been riding a Harley a while
or hang with those who have. For thirty
years he’s ridden and lived the story of
an American Biker life. Not a guy who
rides a motorcycle, but a capital “B” biker
who interprets the world and shapes his
life according to certain principles and
protocols. A man of bedrock values
recognizable anywhere in the heartland:
faith, family, friendship, but one who
sees himself as somehow being just out
of step with the mainstream culture of
the country he loves. He’s had lots of
time to consider what it all means with
a screamin’ demon freedom machine
between his knees, the wind pushing
and pulling by turns, and an equal
amount of road ahead and behind. One
day he started writing it all down and
you will recognize the people he shared
his journey with and to whom he pays
homage. The crusty old-timer with a
kind word for the wide-eyed kid staring
speechless at his scoot. The brothers you
rode with then and now, and the ones
who are no longer with us, the women
who came and went and the ones who
stayed. He has carefully cultivated a
certain look calculated to project a
particular image, but is sensitive to being
stereotyped. Hey, I didn’t say he always
made sense, only that he tries to make
sense of the world around him by riding
and writing about it.
I don’t know if this is great literature.
I nodded through English class the same
as you. Shakespeare was a playwright,
not a professor and his work was
intended to entertain English peasants.
Laurence P Scerri - oughta call em
Scary Larry - intends to share something
familiar with those who have been there
and inform those who have insurance
and aluminum siding but know they’ve
missed something in life. Get yourself a
copy and spend a little time with some
old friends you haven’t met yet. If you
read between the lines and ride between
the ditches on the Asphalt Range,
you just might get a chance to wave at
yourself going the other way.
OCTOBER 2012
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
Vibrations” is no colors for the first time in its long history. By the way,
this was not the promoter’s choice but rather a mandate from the Cities
of Reno, Carson, and Virginia cities, as part of the permitting process.
I expect we may see more of this in Oregon next year as a result of
the Run to the Cascades shutdown. In Washington our clubs are all
friendly and well-mannered so we simply don’t have these problems.
Lets all work to keep it that way.
Meanwhile on the ‘Government front’ our state law enforcement still
has not embraced enforcing the “No Hand Held Cell Phone Law.” We
continue to see one moron after another whizzing by us in their 6,000
lb road tanks with a cell glued to an ear or in their laps texting a friend
asking him how his bowel movement was that morning. C’mon guys,
write some tickets. Tell you what. You up the ticket count on this law
and we will campaign for a moratorium on donut-cop jokes. Deal?
Also in the “questionable” Government hopper is the decision by
the Washington State Dept. of Licensing to shift ALL testing for
motorcycle endorsements to local riding schools all over the state,
thus “outsourcing” the way a significant number of new riders get
their endorsements. Testing fees will be charged and the fees are not
fixed but are determined by the schools. Now I can see an upside to
this as many more people might be inclined to just take a full course
which includes an end test, but I can also see some downsides, such
as a perceived conflict of interest if you fail your test and are then
“encouraged” to spend money on a course. Sort of the Fox and the hen
house routine. We are looking into this and will be talking to several
schools to get their take, and bring the results to you in a future article
or as part of my monthly letter. Finally not to be outdone, the Feds
have mandated that we all buy some of the new 15% ethanol based
fuel that is hitting the market around the country as we speak. I am not
sure how the Feds plan to enforce this but as we all know the current
approval rating of our Congress is 9% and here is just one more reason
to dislike the lazy, do-nothing-worthwhile, ideologically challenged
morons who keep getting elected. I don’t know about your bike but my
bikes HATE anything with Ethanol in it, and I simply avoid it by using
brands without it. Many techs will echo that especially with Harleys.
Despite my churning out so many words on this rant, we have not
even scratched the surface of all the ups and downs this season went
through. Yes, there were some high points, such as the all new “Red
Horse Rally” in Ellensburg that was a rousing success despite being
hampered by one of the most destructive and pervasive fires the state
of Washington has seen in many years. Ditto another new, and we
hope ongoing event, The Union Rally and Ride that we cover in this
issue. All the undaunted North westerners who rode out, despite the
weather, fires, and other challenges, reported having a great time and a
long season of memories to cherish. October looks to be a great riding
month with more good weather predicted so let’s get out there and
enjoy it while we can.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! We will see you here next month!
MD
OCTOBER 2012
23
24
OCTOBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
25
For a COMPLETE LIST of Class winners & more please visit: www.ahdra.com
To See More of Lillian and Mark’s work please go to: www.westcoastactionphotos.com
26
OCTOBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
27
HOW TO SIMULATE
BEING IN THE NAVY
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
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Buy a dumpster, paint it gray inside and out. Live in it for 6 months.
Repaint your entire house every month.
Renovate your bathroom. Build a wall across the middle of your
bathtub and move the shower head to chest level.
Put lube oil in your humidifier, and set it on high.
Once a month, take all major appliances apart and reassemble
them.
Raise the thresholds and lower the headers of all your doors so
you either trip or bang your head every time you pass through
them.
Disassemble and inspect your lawnmower every week.
Raise your bed to within 6 inches of the ceiling so you can’t turn
over without getting out, then getting back in.
Sleep on a shelf in your closet. Every 3 hours have your spouse
shine a light in your eyes and say, “Sorry, wrong rack.”
Have your neighbor collect all your mail for a
month, read all your magazines, and lose every 5th
item before giving it to you.
Watch no TV except for movies played in the middle
of the night. Have your family vote on which movie
to watch, then show a different one—the same one
every night.
When your children are in bed asleep, run into
their room with a megaphone shouting, “Now
general quarters! All hands man your battle
stations!”
Post a menu on the kitchen door informing your
family they’re having steak for dinner. Make them
wait in line for an hour, then tell them you are out
of steak and give them hot dogs. Repeat daily.
Make your family turn out all lights and go to bed
at 10pm. Then have an 18-wheeler crash into your
house.
Next time there is a thunderstorm, find the biggest
horse you can. Put a two-inch mattress on his back,
strap yourself to it and turn him loose in a barn for
six hours. Then get up and go to work.
Make coffee using 18 scoops of budget-priced
coffee grounds per pot, and let it simmer for 5
hours before serving.
Have someone under the age of ten give you a haircut with
sheep shears.
OCTOBER 2012
BLAZE
GOT
SHEEP?
STEVIE
Great Pyrenees,
Maremma Sheepdog mix
Herd guard dog job wanted:
Weight at 4 months old is 50
pounds and expected to more
than double as an adult. Calm,
confident pup, excels at being
sweet and endearing. Has
beautiful outdoor coat. Looking
for a home with folks who have
OCTOBER 2012
knowledge and experience with
this breed, and lots of kibble.
Got frisbee? Take a look at
Stevie’s friends. Dogs with
oodles of potential at this no-kill
shelter. Check website. info:
S.P.O.T. (Saving Pets One at a Time)
Po Box 211
Burlington, WA 98233
Phone 360 336 5388
e-mail:
[email protected]
BORDER COLLIE,
LAB MIX
I YEAR OLD
Blaze is just over the puppy stage,
and ready to be an attentive,
loving companion to her person.
She’s a great looking, intelligent,
active girl, with no fussy coat to
worry about. She has been spayed,
microchipped, has vacs, and comes
with a free training session. Blaze
is being cared for at Happy Paws
Farm, a no-kill shelter, dedicated
to saving dogs and cats that have
been abused or are in some other
way in need of care. The kind folks
there also run a pet food bank
for low-income pet owners, help
with spay/neuter, vet care, and
provide other help and education
where they can. They do it all
on donations, and with volunteer
helpers. They also accept car
donations. There is a tremendous
need for pet care in this area, so
any help is appreciated. It’s all tax
deductable. To meet Blaze
email [email protected]
HUMANE SOCIETY
AT HAPPYPAWS FARM
Arlington, WA
Phone 360 652 5844
www.saveourdogs.com
Mail: 8304 Wayne Ave
Stanwood, WA 98292
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30
OCTOBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
31
KISMET
QUAKING ASPENS
“Zoom, Zoom,” the engine called to me
I said, “How do you do?”
The signal winked a time or three
My mind was in a stew.
The road was bound around with sound
that echoed off the trees
they stood there wound into the ground
trembling in their knees
By Missy Mapp
Chrome and paint shone so bright
A voice that roared so loud
The racy-looking lines, the light
All drew me from the crowd.
Closer then and closer I
Was drawn to destiny
One bike brought a heavy sigh
This beauty was for me.
My shaking hand touched the bar
Cold metal chilled the bone
I knew if this thing went too far
I’d need to float a loan.
Threw my leg across the seat
Sat there being scared
Felt the engine running sweet
And wondered if I dared.
By Missy Mapp
Motorcycle under me
was making time unreal
a modern steed to set me free
a charger made of steel
I wound past a bracken moor
wind pulling at my ears
my heart pounded with the roar
as I went through the gears
Sun and shadow played a game
leaves whispered as I passed
eyes and heart soared into flame
a soul come home at last
The road was bound around in sound
that echoed off the trees
they stood drowned, bound to the ground
and trembled in their knees.
Headlight gleamed a wicked leer
My throat was choked with fright
The muffler whispered in my ear
“Hey, babe, let’s ride tonight.”
What could I do? I nearly flipped
What would people say?
Just then the throttle fairly ripped
And I was borne away.
32
OCTOBER 2012
OCTOBER 2012
33
I never rode before, never cared,
ignored motorcycles, not a biker kind
of guy. 53 years old. But I had room
in my life for a hobby.
A guy at my office told me he was in
the process of buying a Harley and
I could tell that he was really excited
about it but trying not to show it. He
showed it to me and I was impressed. I
never really looked at one before.
A few other guys at my office had
Harley’s and I started asking them how
a guy would find out if motorcycling
was for him. My friend CA suggested
I looking into a 750 cc cruiser of
some kind as a “proof of concept”
bike. You know, about $3000, and see
if you like it. If not, then get rid of
it. If you like it, then maybe in two
years get your dream bike, etc...
I pondered this for a few months. One
Sunday I was looking at Craigslist
and saw one close by and called
the guy. Before I knew what was
happening, I was on my way over and
putting cash in this guys hand and
closing the deal. It was amazing. I asked him for one last favor, could
he ride the bike to my house because I
didn’t know how to ride the bike. He
laughed and said yes.
I had an endorsement on my license
already from a scooter I bought a few
years before and I had all the protective
gear, but my MSF had expired and
that was required by the military (I
am active duty). I talked about how to
ride at work and came home and rode
it around my neighborhood. Not a
very good rider, poor coordination,
but I was able to ride!
Took the MSF course two days later,
registered the bike, and voila! I was
a rider!
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I rode everywhere. Loved it. Started
reading biker magazines, started
studying Harley’s to decide what my
dream bike was (you always need
to know what your next bike will be
right?). And what gorgeous bikes they
were! Harley’s are jewelry for men!
Talked to the guy at my office, turns
out he chose a used Heritage Softail
2008 Vivid Black. Looked at all of the
Harleys and decided that the Heritage
was my dream bike to get someday.
Well someday came on quick, because
after a month I wanted a bigger bike! A
reliable bike with a warranty. Wanted
to take roadtrips...can you see where
this is going? Telling my friends and
family, I really want a Harley! And
they can’t believe it, this isn’t the “me”
they knew...
Well, one Tuesday I go visit a
Harley dealership just to look at the
bikes. I’m upstairs looking at the
used bikes, gorgeous. The sales guy
is showing me a 2010 Heritage and
asks me if I’d like to test drive? I say,
sure. I drive one and I decide I will get
one right now. Amazing. So we are
looking at the 2010 again and the guy
says, “you know, for only about $2000
more you could get a new one with
a 2 year warranty...Would you care
to go downstairs and look at the new
bikes?” I think about it for, like, one
second and say, “Sure, let’s go take a
look.”
OCTOBER 2012
Well, 90 minutes later I left with ownership papers of
my dream bike. A 2012 Heritage Softail, Vivid Black,
with Big Shot Staggered Vance and Hines pipes, ABS
and security system, 4 year warranty, a lot of extras.
Sold my 750cc in a day.
Put 6000 miles on the new Heritage in 3 months. Went
to Sturgis for a week! We rode 1,000 miles on the
roads in the Black Hills and Rapid City and Sturgis
areas. Got to demo ride 5 other Harley models there,
awesome!
About some of the pics: got the haircut a few weeks
ago at a breast cancer fundraiser head shaving event,
and now complete the biker transition ha ha. The girl
kissing my head is a lady who had me bring her back
a tshirt from Sturgis (Monica). The gang with me at
the Profile view of Mt Rushmore were my crew from
work at Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base
where I work…They are all experienced Harley riders
retired Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps officers
and took me under their wings at Sturgis. PS: a Newbie discovery that bikers do that cool lower
45 degree wave to each other with their left hands…no
one ever talks about that. And when you are two-up
you have the lady wave because you are now way to
cool to wave. Love this stuff!
Cheers!
John Kennedy
OCTOBER 2012
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